(LOOP* between Harold Wood and Hornchurch Country Park)

Heading now southwards through the gently undulating green valley of the Ingrebourne river as it flows Thamesward and entering Hornchurch Country Park. Along the way – before the Windmill – is the Upminster Tithe Barn, not currently open to the public but worth a look at the outside of which we can make a short detour so to do.

We will go as far as the Discovery Centre at the beginning of Hornchurch Country Park, about 8 miles (including the extra bits). You can return home early from Upminster Bridge or Upminster on the District Line (before or after visiting the Windmill). Otherwise at the finish we catch a 252 bus from near the Hornchurch Park Discovery Centre to either Elm Park on the District Line or stay on further to Romford stn (whichever way you think will work out quicker, but it’s probably all ‘swings and roundabouts’ and I’ll probably get off for Elm Park on the District Line).

Upminster Windmill Open Day: Cost £6 (kids £2) and includes the sails turning at various times, and some Morris Dancing. You don’t HAVE to take part in the windmill part if you really don’t want to (especially if you’re Mr Trump!). I believe the grounds are free and it’s only the actual windmill that is chargeable, or there’s The Windmill pub on the way to the Windmill, funnily enough. Just to note that you have to be at least 1m high to visit the Windmill – I think we all just about qualify for that! (Presumably that’s to stop babies visiting??, so please leave your babies at home!) For more details on the Upminster Windmill Open Days, use our friend ‘Mr Google’ (other search engines are available, as they say).

Bring food and beverage, but refreshment opportunities en route and at the Windmill, and at the end.

Catch the 10.01am BST train from East Croydon Rail Stn (Platform 2) to arrive at Harold Wood precisely 1hr 14  mins later, hopefully anyway. Life is not that simple, of course, and you must  change at Farringdon onto the Elizabeth Line towards Shenfield, getting off at Harold Wood. I am aiming to be at East Croydon in the usual entrance foyer spot to meet up. (If there are any problems at my end, one of you will hear from me by phone.)

(no emails on the day, they won’t get picked up till Sunday!)

*LOOP means London Outer Orbital Path, a 150 mile long trail around the edge of London taking in woods, meadows, rivers, parkland and even the occasional road. We are nearing the end of this particular 3.5 year run later this year (at least that’s what I’m under the impression of!), but it’s never too late to join in!!!