London Wolves Walks

historical tours of London led by Geoff Castro

with the occasional  historic hostelry

An Independence Day Walk Around Clapham

( 4th July, 2026)

This year our wander takes us to gentrified Clapham, birthplace of the Clapham Sect and the anti-slave trade movement and also home to Clapham Rovers, who scored the first ever F.A. Cup goal in 1871 before going on to lift the trophy in 1880.

But fear not - this isn't just a history lesson in walking boots! The WWLSC walk prides itself on variety: Europe's busiest railway junction for train enthusiasts; blue plaques commemorating authors, architects and actors for the culture vultures; and, most importantly, numerous hostelries to quench thirst and satisfy appetites along the way. Although it is advertised as a walk, there will, as usual, be public transport options for those who wish to use them and finish the day with fewer blisters!

So dust off your sun hats, slap on your sun screen and head to "The London and South Western" (Wetherspoons) pub, 276 - 288 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LJ (200 metres from Clapham Junction railway station) on Saturday 4th July for a 12noon start, following the A.G.M.

See you there!

Geoff Castro (your friendly tour guide).

2025 Kingston-Upon-Thames Saturday 21st June 11:30 for 12

Geoff writes about  A Summer Solstice Stroll around Kingston upon Thames

This year, it is the turn of the “fortunate” people of Kingston Upon Thames to host the annual London Wolves walk and, on  this occasion, we have chosen the “longest” day of the year to enjoy it! Although a Roman settlement, Kingston gained its  importance as the site where many Anglo Saxon Kings were crowned and, until 1729, was the first crossing point on the River Thames upstream from London Bridge. More recently, it was chosen by Jerome K Jerome as the starting point of his comic novel ”Three Men In A Boat” and featured in a Doctor Who film and several episodes of “Primeval”. It is the burial place of “Nipper” the HMV dog and where Eric Clapton “started” his music career, busking on the streets of Kingston having grown up and studied in the area. What is good enough for Eric Clapton must surely be good enough for the Wolves faithful, although it is a pity that he did not have Robert Plant to accompany him!

As usual, the walk will visit a number of local landmarks and buildings of interest and there will be some ghostly tales, as well as a walk - or a river boat trip - on the Thames, depending on the mood of the participants. Public transport alternatives are available for those who prefer not to walk or sail!

The good news is that you do not have to be a druid, a Celt or even a sun worshipper to make this “Midsummer Night’s (and day) Dream” a reality! If interested, please meet at “The Kings Tun” (Wetherspoons), 153-157 Clarence Street, Kingston Upon Thames at 11-30 for a 12-00 start on Saturday 21st June 2025. The pub is located about 2 minutes walk from the bus and train stations

2024 Wimbledon pic Mark Feehan

2023 & earlier see archive website https://archive2019-24.londonwolves.com/index.html