In 1815 George Wilson undertook a great feat of walking 1000 miles around Blackheath Common in 20 days. We will follow part of the route he took and consider what the Heath was like then.  The walk will be led by Paul Browning who writes the blog, runner500.wordpress.com.   Meeting point to be announced.

AFTER THE EVENT we said ....

This is a most extraordinary story. Paul led us round the walker's route and we learnt how this was the fashionable sport of the times. Bets were placed, money lost and made.  The walkers did not become wealthy and were often tripped and clubbed to prevent them completing the challenge.  The crowds that came to watch and their unruly behaviour led to the decline of the sport.  So Blackheath became a popular venue for other sports.  We enjoyed hearing tales of this time and also looked at the new storyboards about the Heath as we walked.  Sad to say the Tea Hut was too busy to cater for our coffee break, but we did retire to the pub for our lunch break. 

George Wilson Pedestrian