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Main Instructor:

Martin Christie

Hosted By:

Martin Christie

Walk Description:

Join us to celebrate the Summer Solstice at the top of Parliament Hill. Watch the sun rise over London on the longest day followed by a light morning picnic in the woods. Donations on the day will go towards our defibrillator project.

After watching the sun come up and listening to the bagpipes (the piper has been there in previous years!), we will head back to the start, stopping in a secluded woodland clearing for a light pastry breakfast.

Start: 4am at The Spaniards Inn. Note: only suitable if your car is pre-registered in the pub car park, otherwise we advise you park on Winnington Road. If you arrive after 4am, we will have already set off. We will head down the Spaniards Road past the entrance to Kenwood House and then stick to the main paths across the heath. You're welcome to catch up.

Who's welcome: everyone - regular WALX Hampstead walkers, friends, family, children and dogs! Online booking is requested for all WALX Hampstead walkers so we can inform everyone in the event of cancellation (see below).

Cost: there is no charge for the walk but we invite participants to donate on the day. All donations will go towards our project to purchase and provide an outdoor defibrillator at The Spaniards Inn.

What to bring: the breakfast picnic will be an informal affair: we're asking participants to bring a flask of tea or coffee (or anything else you fancy). You'll need a small back pack to carry this and may want to team up with others to share the load. We'll provide a selection of pastries, and juice for the kids. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please bring what you need.

Timings: we meet at 4am and head off towards Parliament Hill. Sunrise is at 4.43am. We'll head back just after 5am, stopping for a light breakfast, and be back at the start around 6am.

Cancellation: we will make a decision by 4pm on Wed 19 June if the weather is looking questionable for the morning - there's no point in watching the sun rise in pouring rain! All participants will be emailed via the booking system, so pre-booking is essential.

If you have any questions, or issues on the day, Martin can be reached on 07989 967459.

Location Notes:

Meet at rear of car park. Free car parking on site - just enter your car registration inside the pub. If car park is full, there is free on-street car parking on surrounding roads. If travelling by public transport, Spaniards Inn is a 1-mile walk from Hampstead Underground Station. The 210 bus stops by the pub, and runs from Archway tube station (12mins) or Golders Green tube station (7mins). Get in touch for more advice on location.