Four assembled at Sydenham Hill station and set off almost immediately into a pretty wooded hillside where they soon came across number 5 who had taken a bus to near the Horniman and back walked the route to meet the others. The woods were very pretty in the evening light and we were not disappointed in terms of signs of spring -- the woods were well dotted with patches of wood anemones....more open than I had expected in the evening....though some were visibly shivering in the cool breezy air....Since the back walker had noted the Cox bridge still closed, we opted for the "alternate route" passing the folly which avoids the need to use the closed bridge....Leaving the woods, we then made a circuit of the Horniman Gardens which we had almost entirely to ourselves, save for a fox, what a peaceful joy! After admiring the flowers and the views, we headed on to Dulwich Park which we explored in the growing dusk....Although there were a few more people about, it was still fairly empty by comparison to times past and provided for a quiet relaxed promenade....Leaving the park, we all headed to the pub for post walk refreshments before heading our mostly separate ways home....A fine evening out in cool windy conditions .

As forwarded to me:

"Four walkers (4) emerged from the train and met on the platform before proceeding to the exit. A fifth who had been deputised to help with the track and trace was expected but not a sign of whom was to be seen. After waiting for a minute the four proceeded up the hill and then into the long stretch of the wood. As they approached the disused train track they surmised correctly that the bridge that was down on last year’s walk was still down. So they deviated from the path a bit further on to a parallel track. This proved to be lovely and somewhat preferred diversion taking them past a folly.

A local collie caught up with the walkers bearing a ball and tempted a susceptible walker into a game of catch. The owner eventually caught up with the walkers and remarked on the collie’s record of success with the gullible ones.

The walkers emerged from the woods and made their way to the Horniman Garden. There a bold fox emerged across their path and approached a set of picnickers seated on the grass, hot on the scent of something. The walkers naturally took the opportunity to snap multiple pictures while the picnickers sought to placate the fox with some strawberries - to little effect. The walkers moved on and only on the exit noticed a sign to not feed the foxes.

Then it was down the hill, across the road and on to Dulwich Park with its American Garden. Passing the lake in the park a group of ducks approached expectantly hoping to be fed but instead were met with empty hands. Finally out the other gate the walkers proceeded to Dulwich and the reliable Crown and Greyhound pub where refreshments were had before heading to the train." dry

plus 1 other evening walk regular, who arrived half an hour late and did some version of the walk, but never intersected with the group

5

Lovely walk but the footbridge may still be closed for repairs. It was still in April and the Council and Woodland Trust were 'discussing' how the repairs should be done. Not a problem, just continue straight down to Lordship Lane at the old Harvester and then walk up(ie turn right) if you want the Horniman Loop.

5 off an earlier train (which left time for a good distanced chat), 5 off the posted one, plus 1 joining in Horniman Park, having left home late and trained it to Forest Hill instead and walked up the hill from the other side. As per below comment, the footbridge in the wood is still very firmly closed, so we had a bit more road walking than normally on this walk, but the wood itself and the views from Horniman's compensated for that. Fluffy clouds with a pink tinge, anyone?

Most, maybe even all (some were inside, some out), frequented the Crown & Greyhound at the end, and from there dispersed to the various Dulwich Stations some time after 9 o'clock. A very enjoyable evening out.

11 hot for an evening

13 met at Sydenham Hill at about the posted time (the Victoria train was a few minutes late), and then bumped into 1 other, then 1 more other in Sydenham Woods, who had bused it to the Horniman Gallery from home/work and reverse-walked the route until they met us. A 16th walker had missed the train, eagerly cut out the loop through Horniman Park as a means of catching us up, but inadvertendly had overtaken us by doing that, so was awaiting us at the Dulwich Picture Gallery when we got there. All (seemingly) had booked tickets, and conveniently one of the hourly free guided tours through the current exhibition was about to start, so most went on that.

The rest admired the pavilion (it looks more interesting in reality than on the pictures you may have seen in the press) and then sat in the garden with a drink from the pop-up cocktail bar. As dusk descended, and with no sign yet of the free tour attendees re-emerging, 5 went on to the trusted Rocca Italian Restaurant.

Splendid evening.

Weather: perfect Attendees: 16 Of that number also on yesterday's Wanstead Park walk: 3

So, 25 different walkers over 2 consecutive evenings. Of those, current regular Wednesday day walkers: 1

Pavilion Friday Lates tickets are sold out, but ... "Once advance registration has sold out there will still be spaces available on the door - just turn up! Once we reach capacity a queuing system will be in operation so please arrive early to avoid disappointment." No chance of arriving early if you're doing the walk first, but you might still be lucky enough to get in - just don't count on it.

After a long period of closure for refurbishment, the Crown & Greyhound pub in Dulwich Village recently re-opened. It appears to be a rather more upmarket establishment than previously, but might be a welcome watering-hole towards the end of the walk.

9 walkers were up for this walk, in dry but overcast conditions.

The woods and the park didn't disappoint, the pavilion at the gallery was interesting to look at and provided for an interesting drinks provision, even if the waiting time for service was much too long. The pre-booked ticket wasn't really needed, as anyone w/o one could register on the spot and get in.

5 went on to have dinner at Rocca, a very-good-value-for-money Italian.

Hard rain had begun while we were at dinner, so it was a hurried dash for the train afterwards.

Nice walk through woods and parks that I hadn't even known existed in this far away part of town... The heavy rainfall of the last two days made for some mud in the woods, and unfortunately also meant that we didn't have clear far views in this dry but humid weather, but nevertheless we could identify most of London's skyline from the heights of Horniman Park.

Dulwich Park was particularly nice, in my mind, and we (all 3 of us) then decided to check out the recommended pub in Dulwich Village, only to find it boarded up for an (eternal) refurb!

Never mind: with three other restos to choose from on that stretch of road, we settled for Rocca (also in South Ken), an inspired choice, as it turned out.

Recommended.