As the days are short, I opted for a slightly shorter walk and one that offered a number of opt out points for those needing to escape. It was also likely that a number of new members introduced by Marie may join us and I knew that they were concerned that they may not be able to do 10 miles.
The Big Fun Walk route is a favourite of the East End Girls and it's such a pretty walk in all seasons, taking us through a number of local and more well known parks. It can also be adapted, always a useful thing. This one ended up with a Christmas twist and ideas for building that in years to come, it might just turn into the Cocktail trail!!
Due to a mix up at the station because of two exits or entrances, we lost two potential new members straight away but thankfully they haven't written us off and hope to try out with us in 2012. Everythng else went smoothly and it was 7 who then gathered at East Finchley.
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| In shades of blue but very happy, the EEG in Highgate Wood |
After coffee, we lost Marie and Paula who needed to head back for a number of events so then there were 5.
The weather was amazingly warm and also dry so walking through Hampstead Heath was wonderful, so many people around with dogs and children - some in groups, other couples or families. Out onto pavements again and up by the Royal Free and onto Belsize Park and it was here by another Costa that we parted from Geraldine and Maggie.
Lindsey, Cajsa and I picked up the pace and headed up Primrose Hill only to find that our usual route down the grassy slope was barricaded off and might even be permanently, a new view point is being developed and hopefully a new board as well which is updated to take in all the new sites. The latest one is gathering momentum very quickly and although I cannot remember when the shard will be completed, it can't be long. I love the way the skyline changes, what a sign of growth and progress.
While walking through Regent's Park, our thoughts turned to cocktails and a repeat of last year. It was at this point that we also decided on a variation to our route so we headed off down Marylebone High Street and kept going as straight as we could crossing a pedestrianised Oxford Street, down Bond Street and New Bond Street enjoying window shopping. We passed a number of very possible places to drink if we'd been in something other then fleeces and muddy walking boots, something to think about for the future and found ourselves passing through beautifully decorated arcades, some of which we knew but others we'd never explored before. Well, that's all part of the fun of discovering your own city and walking makes it so much easier.
Food was needed as well as cocktails and we were now close to the Southbank where there are plenty of places to eat but most have long queues so we took a step back a block, heading for the Archduke which had served us well in Dec 2010 and that's where we stayed. Walk complete, food and drink available and an opportunity to lift a glass to all the East End Girls and wish everyone a fabulous Christmas.
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| Happy Christmas, see you all for more walking in 2012 |
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| Lindsey grapples with the ice |
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| Success |
