Four goodGym members and a dog went on a bear hunt! We gathered at Stephens house and gardens in very light drizzle. After a brief introduction we started out on our 13 km walk into the greenbelt. Our first stop was the oldest building in Finchley St Mary‘s Church dating back to the 12th century. It also has the grave of John Cartwright the father of the Parliamentary reform and Champion of universal suffrage. We then stopped again at Finchley way a green space being developed by the local community with occasional assistance from GoodGym. We hit the footpaths and bridleways across Dollis Brook and through Finchley golf club to Mill Hill. At one point the path was blocked by a fallen tree possibly push down by a bear. At this point Ciara burst into song!

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt, We’re going to catch a big one, I’m not scared What a beautiful day! Oh look! It’s a fallen tree. Can’t go over it, Can’t go under it, Can’t go around it, Got to go through it!

We then had an opportunity for a coffee stop at Finchley nurseries before setting off again and at this point we finally caught our bear, Well done John and Gus! See photo. The rain had stopped and we entered the Darlands nature reserve following a bubbling stream until we reached a lake full of ducks and ducklings. We then headed back to Stephen‘s house and gardens via Dollis Brook. Thanks to Ivy for coming all the way from Tower Hamlets.

Thanks for coming hope you enjoyed the nature, exercise and the bear hunt!