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Previous programme No.159

Previous programme No.160
 
 
Previous programme Nos 161.162 163

WALKS PROGRAMMES  Nos 164 & 165  July & August
  2021 

 

 

Due to the unpredictability of numbers attending each walk it will be appreciated if members advise the leaders by the dates shown. The leaders may wish to limit the numbers, which they feel, are manageable, taking into consideration car parking, lunch arrangements and the number of obstacles en route which could slow the walk. Additionally by leaving your telephone number you can be contacted in the event of cancellations etc.

A walk number that is underlined has been altered since its original posting or is a new inclusion

Earlier walk programmes have now been removed from the web pages to save space, but copies including the reviews going back to 2001 may be obtained from Stan

 

Walking Group Mobile phone numbers are : 0754 6069085 and 0752 2958435  -  Please note that the phones will only be operative on the morning of a walk to enable members who are running late, are lost or delayed, to contact the walk leader.  If one number does not work, try the other !

 

 



NB   1.   Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with them on all walks and strolls.
NB   2.   Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
NB   3.   Members should always carry hand sanitizer and a face covering.
NB   4    Barry leads short walks of 2.5-3 miles on Thursday mornings for U3A members only. These short walks will be graded as "easy" and Barry will choose the walk to suit the participants. To book onto one of Barry's walks please ring him on 07751170833 (or 01242 522973) by the Tuesday before. Barry may decide to vary the day depending upon the weather forecast.
NB   5     In future unless a walk leader specifies 'picnic en route'� then lunches will be own arrangements be that pub, home or picnic until such time as the hospitality industry achieves some new-normal status.

 


 




WALKS PROGRAMME No 164    July  2021

Walk    1417     

Thursday  1 July       Moderate      5 Miles
Meet        (For roadside parking) WR13 6PL (Adjacent to Cafe H2O) Walwyn Rd, Upper Colwall,) known to most as' near Wyche Cutting’   9.45 for 10 start.
Contact    Graham & Betty     01684 594331    the week before
Directions    Take A438 from Tewkesbury over Mythe Bridge. Continue on A438 and take  B4208 right  to Welland. Here turn left  on A4104 to British Camp (WR136DW in case you're lost). You'll see on your right  Jubilee  Drive B4232 which take
s you to our walk start.
Details    This is a Walk of 'Convenience'� as there are toilets at both the start and at half way (British Camp Kiosk) where an ice cream also beckons.With no stiles we take the contour path on the eastern side of the Malvern Hills, stopping for coffee at a disused quarry. Just before halfway we see a magnificent view towards the Worcestershire Beacon so bring your camera.We return on another contour path on the West (unless we have any athletes in our group walking on the Hilltops)


It is a truth universally acknowledged that a u3a Walking Group in possession  of an early start must be in want of a toilet. Today’s walk, fondly known as ‘the two toilets walk’ or more recently ‘the walk of convenience’, has two such establishments – one at the start and one at the halfway point.  Indeed, it is possible for the incontinently inclined to ‘go’ three times – at the start, midway and the the end.  Like the little piggy on its way back from market, you can ‘wee, wee, wee all the way home’.
After the first flush of excitement of meeting in the largest group for a long time, 21 of us  followed Betty up to the Wyche Cutting and down the eastern side of the hills on a walk that we had not done for many years.  We took coffee in a quarry and learnt about the Malvern Festival from Betty as we neared Wynds Point where we turned for home after a picnic lunch.  Several members then took to the high path back  but others found that the steepness and  dryness  of the track made some of the descents somewhat  hazardous.
Thanks to Betty and Graham for taking us on this old favourite on a dry but slightly humid day.  We saw foxgloves in profusion, admired the splendid views  
and even caught a glimpse of the sun.   (Thanks also to Richard for the report and to the photographers, Margaret M, Terry and Graham, whose photo today tells us just what it is that makes the walking group so special! - SF)

 

A grand day out  (Graham)

Pick a rock        (Margaret)

Betty tells all       (Margaret)

No caption needed     (Terry)

 

Just a reminder from the webmaster that although we all enjoy the descriptive and entertaining reports from some of the group, a long and detailed report is not essential.  A short piece that tells us how many walkers took part, what the weather was like, and just a couple of words about the nature of the walk is ample.  _  SF

 


Walk    1418   

Thursday 8th July    5 miles     Easy          Lunch own arrangements
Meet    By Worcester Cathedral South door via Kings School entrance
Grid 850544  (toilets in Cath. might not be open but convenient bushes 20 mins
into walk)     9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact    Richard & Eileen  01684 274197  the week before
Directions    A38N.  There are two P&D car parks near the Cathedral. 
Details    We follow the river to the Diglis basin and then cross over to follow the west bank back to town.  Then, passing the Hive, we find the canal and return via a Civil War site.


We were 15  today, walking in bright, hot sun around Worcester.  Starting from the Cathedral we crossed the Severn at the Diglis footbridge and followed the opposite bank back into town.   After a stop opposite The Hive, we threaded our way through the back streets to the Worcester and Birmingham canal which we followed back,  diverting just before the end to Fort Hill which overlooked the city and commemorated the last battle of the Civil War in 1651.  (Thanks to Richard and Eileen for leading the walk, and to Richard for both the report and his photos and to Stuart for the extra pic - SF)

Noel tells us about Elgar

On Fort Hill

Up and over

All of us (Nearly)  by Stuart




Stroll  (Cancelled due to low demand)     

Tuesday 13 July     1 mile stroll & simultaneous 2-3 mile easy walk
Meet         Ewe Pen Barn National Trust car park (GL54 3DT) Grid 158143   10.15 for 10.30 start
Contact    Christine  01452 780460 after 7 July or text to 07523847312 before
Directions    A40 East  from Cheltenham for about 15 miles, after roundabout junction with A429  look for Lodge Park NT right turn signs at crossroads. DO NOT  follow the Lodge Park sign, but but instead turn LEFT at crossroads. Entrance to car park 500m on right.
Free parking for NT and NT for Scotland members, otherwise pay and display £1 coins only accepted
Details    A choice of two simultaneous routes:- a short, flat circular stroll of 1 mile, initially through an avenue of beech trees on marked paths.
OR
A longer circular route of 2½ miles with views over Sherborne Brook and the valley beyond. Sculptures of rural and wild life along the route.


Report

Walk    1419   

Thursday 15 July    Easy    4 - 6 miles
Meet        A38 layby at The Leigh Grid 875256    09.45 for 10.00 start
Contact    Barry 01242 522973 or 07751170833 the week before
Directions    A38 south, past Coombe Hill. Layby is opposite the second right turn to The Leigh.
Details    A walk towards and around Barrow. The distance will be decided by Barry in accordance with the walkers wishes.


Thirteen of us assembled at the A38 layby south of Coombe Hill. The weather was fine and dry – a pleasant summer day. We walked east across several fields to the village of Barrow, which is on a back road between the Gloucester Old Spot and Staverton. Two of our number, being of military background, knew all about the impressive top-secret base in Barrow, but we can’t mention that. We headed on for coffee to Boddington Church, then back towards the A38 via a lane, a wood and several more fields, one of which was home to some bullocks, who were not best pleased to see us.
We walked along the A38 until the right turn to Leigh, which took us round that village then back to our starting layby, a total of around six miles. (Thanks  to Bob Mac for the report and to Margaret and Terry for the photos - SF)

I went to school there

Nice house

This way


   
Walk     1420   

Wednesday 21 July      Moderate/Energetic   8 miles  picnic lunch en route
Meet     Hinchwick Manor off the Stow Road.     Grid 145301 Meet 9.15 for 9.30 start
Contact     Mike & Jenny    01684 772194 the week before
Directions     B4077 Stow road, 3m after Ford, turn L.  In 1 m park on verge at Hinchwick.  Please share cars if you are willing, as parking space is limited.
Details     We walk through Snowshill Hill to Buckle Street and return via Coronation Plantation and Hornsleasow Farm.  Easy walking, mainly on tracks, only one stile but energetic due to the distance.  Allow 5 hours including lunch stop.


Already hot when 10 U3A members set off from Hinchwick, deep in Cotswold countryside, prompting Walk Leaders, Mike & Jenny, to change the walk to 6 miles instead of 8.    You could be excused thinking the locals unwelcoming, with no signpost to Hinchwick from the Stow Road, which delayed some.

It was in 2012, when Carl & Liz, who no longer walk with us, introduced us to this lovely part of the Cotswolds - I felt their presence throughout the walk today, and certainly miss their absence.

Climbing steadily uphill through shady woodland, emerging onto Cotswold uplands with long-ranging views all around, amidst a plethora of inviting tracks, plenty of wildlife was seen:  a buzzard with prey in its claws, red kites circling overhead, lizards in the grass, a multitude of moths and butterflies, shorn sheep, curious cows rushing towards us, and hum of hay-making in the fields.  We didn’t make it to Snowshill village, but could see the lavender fields in the distance, before gradually returning to Hinchwick along a deep-sided valley.

Thanks to Mike & Jenny for a really good idea resurrecting this particular Cotswold gem.  (Thanks also to Betty for the report and to Mike B for  the photos - SF)

Already hot

Harvest has already started

Look! A red kite

Lovely Cotswold


Walk   1421  

Wednesday 28 July    Energetic  5.5 miles  Pub Lunch
Meet   Car park of The Royal William Inn  GL6 6TU Grid SO879127  9.45 for 10.00 Contact     Steve  01684 295438  the week before.
Directions   M5 to junction 11A onto A417. Turnoff at first junction and take the A46 towards Painswick. Look out for the pub on the right- hand side not far after passing the turning for Cranham. The car park is at the rear of the pub.
Details     A Fisher-Price roller-coaster walk that includes Painswick Beacon, Painswick, Painswick Stream and Damsells Mill.  A contrast of panoramic views over the Vale of Berkeley and beyond, Cotswold houses and cottages at their best, and a beautifully wooded ascent , following the bubbling Painswick Stream.
Lunch-  Before contacting Steve please go to the on-line menu and make your selection for lunch, and he will record your choice(s) when you phone. Steve has to send the pub a list beforehand.

 

 
Calvyn and Steve have done the pre-walk today (15/7/21)and it was beautiful.
Can walkers that need to contact Steve next week  ring  his mobile number (not his landline (ask any online walker- SF) as he is away.
The walk will be limited to 20 people on a first come basis, and when  ringing Steve you will also need to know what you have chosen from the pub's menu as he have to confirm numbers and menu choices by Monday 26th July.


A showery morning for 15 walkers, with waterproofs donned and removed at regular intervals. But it was an interesting route, some of which was unfamiliar to most of us. We followed the Cotswold Way over Painswick Beacon, with views to the Severn, the Malverns and Bredon. We had our snacks in the lobby of Painswick church, built in 1632 and one of the larger wool churches in the Cotswolds. The large number of box tombs suggested great wealth in past centuries. There are 99 yew trees in the churchyard. We somehow missed the blue plaque on the former home of 20th Century composer, CW Orr, who had put music to some of Houseman's poems. Our continuing route followed
Painswick Stream to Damsells Mill and Tocknells Court, then up a steep lane back to our starting point. Most of the group stayed to enjoy lunch at the Royal William, still only £10 for 2 meals, as it was several years ago. Thanks to Calvyn and Steve for arranging and leading such an interesting walk. (Thanks also to Mike B for the report and to Sylvia for the   photos - SF)

Top of the world Ma!

Babes in the wood

Lost?

Some lane walking

Walk    1422    Sorry!   -  Walk cancelled   
Thursday 29 July    Moderate/Energetic    5.5 miles   Picnic Lunch on Route
Meet        Hailes Abbey  GL54 5PB    Grid 051302        9-45am for 10am start.
Contact    Ian & Kathy    01684 290542 the week before
Directions    Leave Tewkesbury on A46. At Teddington Hands roundabout take B4077 to Toddington roundabout. Take B4632 towards Winchcombe and after a mile or so turning on the left to Hailes Abbey and Hayles Fruit Farm.
Details    Circular walk onto the escarpment. 4 or 5 stiles.


Report
 

 

 


 

 

 

Notes for Guidance
        Information for all members (revised July 2020) 
          
Group Leader        Walks Co-ordinator                  Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch           Hugh Bennett                              Tony Barrett
 01684 437462                          01452 780460     01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com     candhbennett@gmail.com  tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com


Walking Group mobile phones:  07546069085 and 07522958435
  

 Details of all walks and reports can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html
 

Walks are graded to give some idea of what to expect:

Stroll: A short walk at an easy pace with frequent stops. Warning is given about inclines or difficulties       

Easy:  Undemanding and mainly level with occasional gentle ascents or descents.  There        may be a few stiles.

Moderate:  Some uphill/downhill stretches – uneven walking – several stiles.

Energetic:  Some longer steep hills and rough ground  - may be many stiles.


Please book with the leader of the walk by the date given and arrive in good time before the start to boot-up and order lunch etc.  Be sure to cancel with the leader if you are subsequently unable to take part; one of the group phones will be turned on on the morning of the walk so that you can make contact in the event of a last minute delay or you become lost.
Wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing for the walk and do not over-estimate your abilities. 
An attendance fee of 50p is charged for each walk attended. 
Dogs are not allowed on walks.
Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
We usually stop for a 15-20 minute coffee-break after about an hour; so, as well as refreshments, something to sit on can be useful on wet ground.


SAFETY POLICY

Walkers

 
Carefully read the walk description to ensure that you are capable of walking the route at a moderate pace (about 2 miles per hour) without risk to health.  Remember that a short moderate walk may be more demanding than a longer easy one.

Dress sensibly.  Make sure that you have suitable clothing and footwear for the weather expected.  A walking pole or stick can be of great help.

Remember to carry any medications that you might need.  There will normally be a “coffee stop� so carry food, and water, especially on hot days.  It is sensible to carry a small first aid kit.  A whistle is a good way of attracting attention if you need help.

Follow instructions given by the leader.  Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight all the time.

Keep to the route indicated by the leader:  do not devise shorts cuts, etc.  If you wish to leave the walk, you must let the leader know.

Walk in single file on roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.

Be aware of the danger from ticks and hence tick-borne diseases, particularly in the summer months and near animals. Dress appropriately, e.g. long trousers rather than shorts; trousers tucked into boots, socks or gaiters.

Each walker is ultimately responsible for carrying out a personal risk assessment for every walk they undertake.

Carry identification in case of accident:  name, date of birth, emergency contact number, doctorâ€ââ€�¢s number, essential medications. (ICE Card)

Carry your U3A membership card which may be checked.
 
Leaders
 
    Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC.  Mention any steep     climbs and stiles.

    Aim to carry out a walk-over (with your co-leader) of your proposed route not more than     two weeks beforehand.

    Consider all the points in the national U3A walk leadersâ€ââ€�¢ risk assessment (attached below).     Take action as you consider necessary.

    Limit your walk to a maximum number that you think you can safely manage.

    Have a co-leader to act as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points during the walk. The back marker needs to know the planned route in case the party gets split.

    Liaise with Sylvia Murdoch to obtain the leader's pack (contains: phone & charger, first aid kit, hi-viz vests)

    Carry the walking group first aid kit; however remember that you may not be qualified to give medical advice. However there may well be a member with medical training and experience on the walk.

    Set a pace of about 2 miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea stops. Indicate on walk details if lunch is to be late. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more energetic members.

    Carry a map, the group mobile phone (as well as your own).  A GPS receiver is useful for pinpointing location. Switch on the group mobile phone before you leave home and keep it on until the walk is over.

    If your walk is along roads where traffic is expected, use the Group yellow vests for the leader and back-marker.  Walk in single file and face on-coming traffic except where visibility is obscured.
 
Ask for volunteers to write a report on and take photos of the walk and forward them to:     stanfagg@btinternet.com.
   
Having collected 50p from each walker, pass the money together with a note of date, walk number, number of walkers and total to Tony Barrett or Sylvia Murdoch.

General Information
 
Walkers on the email list will be sent full details of walks every other month.  If you require a paper copy of the walking programme, there is a charge of £4 p.a., payable at the Walking Group AGM or  the Enrolment Meeting.  This will be sent to you by post.

Reports on walks already done can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

We are affiliated to the Ramblers Association and the membership card may be used to obtain a 10%  discount on walking gear in most local outlets. Please contact Richard Hart or Tony Barrett if you need a copy of the card.

All walkers and leaders are covered by U3A third party insurance even in the case of negligence, although it is assumed that all will conduct themselves with common sense.
     Walk Details
    
Leaders, when sending details of their walks to the walks coordinator for inclusion in future programmes, need to supply the following details:

    Preferred date; length of the walk; grade, i.e. stroll/easy/moderate/energetic; lunch arrangements, e.g. pub, picnic etc
    Meeting Place with post code and/or grid reference; meet time and start time.
    Directions to the meeting place
    Details of the walk, e.g. outline of the route; type and state of ground; steep gradients;     number of stiles.
    Any special instructions or information.
.

 

 


Nearly all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution to save both space and bandwidth.  Should you want a copy of any of the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original file - just quote the walk number and the photo title.
 

 


 

To go to The Tewkesbury U3A main site click here; Tewkesbury U3A

 

 

Contacts:

 

Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462

E Mail  sylviamurdoch@outlook.com

 

Tony, (Administrator) 01684 276960 

E Mail  tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com

 

Hugh, (walks coordinator)  01452 780460

E Mail   candhbennett@gmail.com

 

 


Webmaster . . . Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com    Updated  15th July 2021