Clapham Common-Wandsworth Com., River Walk and Battersea Park - 7.5 mi (12 kms)
Details
Join us for a walk/hike from Clapham Common (Northern line) to Battersea Park, where the first Sub-Tropical gardens in the country were planted in 1863. It is an opportunity to train for longer hikes. The ground is relatively flat, though you need to walk easily at a normal pace.
We shall walk through two nice commons: Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common, then walk along the Thames to Battersea Park.
Walk length 7.5 miles/12 km approx. linear. The end time may vary, depending on pace and weather.
On our way to Battersea Park, we shall see:
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, HEADQUARTER OF THE CLAPHAM SECT
This Georgian church built in 1776 or earlier, is grade II listed. It is famous for the Clapham Sect or Clapham Saints for their supporters. William Wilberforce was a prominent member. The slavery abolition act was passed in 1833. The Clapham Sect was brought to screen with the 2006 film 'Amazing Grace'.
RICH CLAPHAM, POOR BATTERSEA, LIFE IN THE VICTORIAN AGE
Clapham was well off and wealthy people lived on the North side near the Common, and they liked owned most of the factories and breweries in downhill Battersea. When the railway reached Battersea and a station was built in 1863, it was named after the affluent Clapham village. Since a campaign has been led to renaming Clapham Junction Battersea Junction.
For the working class people of Battersea life was grim and dock strikes and riots were common. From 1880 onwards, Battersea became a hotspot for social politics.
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENS
In the age of Darwin and exploration of the natural world, weird and colourful exotic plants became a must-have and in 1863, Battersea sub-tropical gardens were created. John Gibson, Battersea Park's first superintendent had been sent earlier to India in 1835 by the Duke of Devonshire who wanted wild orchids.
The gardens were destroyed during WW2, to provide allotments to feed the population. In 2004, a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped restore the gardens to their former glory. Plants are covered with fleece and straw, and flowers kept in greenhouses during the winter. https://www.batterseapark.org
At the end of the walk, we'll have optional drinks at the Asparagus pub on Falcon Road, near Clapham Junction station (5 min. walk). Buses 344, 345 and 49 in front of the pub go towards Vauxhall (Victoria line), South Kensington or Clapham Common.
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, appropriate clothing (warm in winter, hat in summer...). It is also recommended to carry bottled water and some snacks.
By attending the event you accept our policy.
Dog Walks:
We welcome dogs. Please, check the dog policy of the parks visited.
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-Stress-Relief-and-Social and https://www.meetup.com/London-Nature-Walks-and-Socials