Some Surrey Walking Club History
The Surrey Walking Club was formed in 1899 as a race walking club. Sunday walks were called
strolls and led by conductors. We have thought of changing the title but it seems a nice bit of history to keep.
The original
Sunday Strolls catered as training spins for the race walkers and for those just wanting a Sunday walk. As today they lasted
about 20 miles and included a pub stop (or two) for lunch. Early walks always started from the same place, the Swan and Sugar Loaf
public house in South Croydon so the routes were rather restricted. The route was generally along the road. All very different from
today when we walk all over the country and avoid the roads as far as possible.
The Club logo was originally the swastika
until it was appropriated by someone who was not a member and it had to be changed (in 1946).
Lady members were not admitted
until 1977, 78 years after the formation of the Club! Today both sexes are well represented on the Strolls.
The Surrey
Walking Club still promotes race walking and details can be found on the Club web site at www. surreywalkingclub.org.uk
