WALK DETAILS MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2019 7.50PM
We follow the course of the Westbourne River and its culverted tributaries through Hyde Park and Knightsbridge towards the river. On the way I’ll explain a bit about the way the river has been used to feed wells for the monks of Westminster Abbey, by Queen Caroline to provide fountains and ornamental lakes to adorn the gardens of Kensington Place, and latterly to manage drainage and run-off from London’s growing suburbs. There will be plenty of time to chat and get to know your fellow walkers.
In order to maintain a reasonable start time, this walk takes place on the day before the full moon, which this month will be a supermoon – exceptionally large and bright.
Photo-opportunities: The highpoint will be moonrise from the Serpentine Bridge. Night time in the park is also exciting for wildlife watching. The park boasts several species of bats, little owls, and we might come across red foxes and, if the adventures of Peter Pan are to be believed, faeries.
Meeting Point: Lancaster Gate Tube Station at 7.50 for a prompt 8.00pm start.
Finish Point: The walk will take approximately 2 hours, ending at Chelsea Bridge with an option to cross the Thames (more lovely photo opportunities) to have a coffee at a late night pop-up café in Chelsea Bridge Wharf.
Requirements: Bring walking shoes, warm clothes and a torch. This walk is dog and wheelchair friendly, though does involve some low-lit stretches in the park. Dogs and their owners may have to sit outside the cafe at the end of the walk.
Walk leader: Wendy Shillam, a trained walk leader, will lead the walk
Tickets: Once checked and paid for you will receive an emailed receipt that is your ticket for the event. Please keep it safe.
Image: Arthur Rackham’s illustrations for the 1905 edition of Peter Pan by J M Barrie, Courtesy Kensington and Chelsea Public Library
