River Wandle Trail from Morden to Wandsworth & Battersea Walk/Hike 7.5 m

Come along to walk along the River Wandle that was saved from being driven underground like other sewer rivers. Now the Wandle is cleaner and protected as a nature reserve. We shall follow the river to the estuary where the Wandle joins the Thames and then walk along Battersea Reach.

Walk length 7.5 miles/12 km approx., Linear. The ground is relatively flat but you need to be reasonably fit and be able to walk at a normal pace.

The end time is an estimate. It may be earlier or later according to the pace and weather.

On the way, we shall see Morden Wetland and the disused Merton watermill.

MERTON ABBEY MILLS AND WILLIAM MORRIS

From 1600 to the early twentieth century, the textile industry flourished on the banks of the River Wandle. The quality of the water, a chalk stream suited the washing, dying and printing of textiles. Merton mills were established on the grounds of a former twelve-century Augustinian abbey that was dissolved under King Henry the Eight.

The present wheel dates from 1885. Two hundred years ago, there were nearly 100 mills on the River Wandle. Only four survive, including Grove Mill Carshalton, the Snuff Mill and Ravensbury Mill at Morden.

William Morris, the famous artist and textile designer was active at Merton Abbey Mills from 1881 to 1888. He paid and treated his workers well. The Liberty store in London later owned the site from 1904 to the 1970s. After being neglected, the watermill and workshops were restored in 1989 as a visitor centre and arts and crafts market.

https://www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk

We'll stop at Earlsfield for a warm-up drink and a toilets break (4 miles from Morden approx.)

At the end of the walk, there will be optional drinks at the Asparagus pub in Battersea, 8 min. from Clapham Junction Station, and 2min from the bus stop (345 to Clapham Common tube, Northern line).

WEATHER POLICY

The walk might be cancelled the day before or shortened on the day if bad weather is forecast. BBC weather https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Other unforeseen circumstances might also force us to cancel at short notice.

We apologise for the inconvenience it might cause.

WALKING POLICY

Personal Safety:

The organizer will ensure that you are comfortable during the activity (e.g. toilet break, gentle pace...). However, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and need to be fit for the walk. You should let the organizer know if you have a medical condition.

You need comfortable walking shoes preferably with ankle support, appropriate clothing (warm in winter, hat in summer...). It is also recommended to carry bottled water and some snacks.

Please let the organizer know if you need to drop off the walk, so we know you're well.

Dog Walks:

We welcome dogs. Please, check the dog policy of the parks visited.

By attending the event you accept our policy.

My number is Beatrice - 07581666250

Please update your RSVP if you cannot attend.

Meetup cost per person:

£5 payable cash on the day and before the walk starts.

If you wish to pay with PayPal, please send £5 to paypal.me/londonnaturewalks You must have a PayPal account (It's free to register). Upon payment, you'll be added as 'paid'.

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This meetup is organised in conjunction with https://www.meetup.com/London-Nature-Walks-and-Socials and https://www.meetup.com/Walking-Victorian-London