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WALKS
PROGRAMME No 144 MARCH, APRIL & MAY
2018
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 !
Just a brief reminder – if you are leading a walk, you need to make
sure that you have
a
Leader’s Pack containing First Aid, Phone and Safety Jackets.
They are held by Richard Hart and Anne Trott. It may be that
one
of both of those people are on your walk so they will bring it with
them but if not, you must obtain it.
The phone needs to be turned on
before you leave home so that you know about any delayed or lost
walkers, and then kept on during the walk. Don’t forget to
switch
off afterwards and return the Pack to its owner.
If your walk involves roads or lanes with traffic, then you and your
backmarker need to wear a yellow safety jacket.
And
finally: The committee thinks that in future all walkers
should
carry either on their person or in their rucksack, some form of
identity with important details such as emergency contact numbers and
Doctor’s details. You will find an example attached with this
programme. Please adopt and use it.
After
the success of the Winchcombe Way project we have a new challenge for
2018 – The Cheltenham Circular Footpath – a 25 mile walk around the
outskirts of Cheltenham. This was originally designed with
the
help of Bob Price and the Rotary Club in Cheltenham and was for several
years a sponsored challenge which several Walking Group members
completed in either one or two parts. Now it’s your
chance!
Bob has divided the walk up into 7 sections, which are circular routes,
and the first is in January. Will you take up the challenge?
MARCH
2018
Walk
1213
Date
Thursday 8th
March 5
miles
Easy
Pub Lunch
Meet Yew
Tree Inn, Chaceley Stock, GL19 4EQ, Grid864298, 09.45 for 10.00
Contact Hugh 01452 780460 the week
before.
Directions
From Tewkesbury A438 towards Ledbury,
then B4211
towards Corse and Gloucester, turn left on minor roads following signs
to Chaceley, then Chaceley Stock. Pub is at the end of the road at the
river.
Details A mixture of country lanes,
bridlepaths and footpaths. Long gentle uphill to Cold Elm and back.
Some mud, NO stiles.
Hugh
told us that there was mud on our route today - we noted this, and the
26 of us set off up the lane towards Chaceley, and yes, the fields on
either side of the track did look a little damp! When we left
the
lane however, and took to the green lane that heads up towards Cold
Elm, we soon discovered that there was indeed lots of mud to be
navigated on our way. Like many bridleways, the track had
been
truly mashed into a gloopy porridge right to the very edges where to
make our way we had to compete with brambles! At one point
poor
Gill lost her boot in the morass, but somehow she got it back and made
it through, as we all did, with, as ever, a good deal of banter and
laughter, and even had some bright sunny spells too! As
always
Hugh lead us with care and consideration over this new and (at this
time of the year at least) challenging route - many thanks to him yet
again. Food at the Yew tree was very good and served promptly
and
pleasantly.
Along green lanes
Relax a bit
Huge sympathy for Gill as
she looses her boot
Not all mud - blue skies
and bright sunshine
Stroll
Date
Tuesday 13th
March
Laverton and Buckland
Meet Buckland
Church Grid
082360
Stroll starts at
10.30
Contact
Eileen leave message on 07510978597 or
Richard.hart13@btinternet.com
Directions
B4632 from Toddington and turn right signed Buckland. Church
is
at top of village. Share cars if poss as parking is limited.
Details
We walk to Laverton to explore this village and return to look at
Buckland Church. Easy paths with a shortened version
available.
With
most people heading towards the Cheltenham Races, 24 Strollers met at
Buckland Church for the first Walking Group Stroll of the
year.
As a helicopter clattered up from the grounds of Buckland Manor, we
walked through this pretty village with immaculate gardens, and took
the path towards Laverton.
After admiring the listed phone box
library, the old school house and some very expensive properties, we
looped around the lane and took the path back again to Buckland for a
visit to the church where Noel told us about the tiles and Shepherds’
pews.
With 2 new Strollers and many old hands, we enjoyed a
gentle amble in good weather. (Thanks to Eileen for leading,
and
to Richard for the report and photo - SF)
All set to go
Walk
1214
Date
Wednesday 14th
March 5
miles
Moderate/Energetic
Pub lunch
Meet
Star Inn, Ashton-under-Hill, WR11
7SN Grid
997378 9.30 for
10.00 start
Contact Margaret and
Sally
01684
274440 the week before
Directions A46 towards
Evesham. Take left turn to Ashton-under-Hill at
Sedgeberrow. Pub on left of main street in village, parking
behind.
Details We start with a steep climb (with
lots of view stops) up Bredon Hill. 5 good stiles. Good
tracks
round the hill via Wychavon Way. Descent more gentle but
could be
muddy, finishing down a lane to village. We will need to choose food
from the lunchtime menu on line at:
www.thestar-ashtonunderhill.co.uk
Please give your choice to Sally when booking for her to give list to
the pub.
Not too Springlike on
Bredon Hill when 20 U3A walkers set off in high
spirits from the Star Inn, Ashton-under-Hill, with Leaders Sally and
Margaret.
After recent snow the going was soft, but a promise of no
rain and a wind behind us, we began a steepish climb up Little Hill and
Great Hill stopping to catch our breath and enjoy the panoramic
views. Below the summit, we stopped for coffeesheltered by
trees,
when Ian spotted a swing which his boyish nature could not resist. From
here, we began a gradual descent from the heights, meeting a bit more
mud and trying not to slip, although Jenny G. fell elegantly, but soon
compensated by the sight and sounds of lambs all about us.
There
were many signs of Spring today - skylarks, buzzards, some of us lucky
to see roe deer on the hillsides, and although not sunny, a
bank
of primroses and daffodils provided a wealth of colour.
Back at the
Star Inn, basking in the warmth of the dining room where heads of deer
and antlers adorn the walls, we learnt that Mary M’s Great
Great
Grandfather once ran this Pub. A new member of the Walking
Group
joined us today, Jane, with more than a passing resemblance to Pamela
who joined us for the walk - good to see you, Pam. We hope to
see
Jane on many walks with us. Thanks to Sally and Margaret for
a
lovely walk on Bredon Hill. (Do read the poem, “Bredon Hill”
from
a Shropshire Lad, by A.E. Housman.) Many thanks to the talented family
of Betty and Graham for the report and photos -SF
Up the hill we go (photo by Graham)
A few stiles
(photo by Graham)
Time to chat (photo by
Graham)
All together now!
(photo by Graham)
Walk
1215
Date
Thursday 22nd March 6
miles
Moderate
Pub Lunch
Meet
The Fox Inn, Little Barrington. OX18
4TB Grid 192131 9.45
for 10.00
Contact Calvyn and Steve
01684 296684 The week before.
Directions
B4077 to Stow. A424 Stow to Burford, but after Wyck Hill turn
right onto minor roads signposted Rissingtons and The
Barringtons. Follow road signs to the Barringtons passing
Rissington Airfield. Drive through Great Barrington towards Little
Barrington and the River Windrush. The Fox Inn is just over the bridge
on the left.
Details
This walk has more bridges
than Venice and more stiles than Versaci. It is a circular
route
around the Windrush Valley. The walk passes through the Barringtons,
Windrush village and the edge of the Sherborne Park Estate. It is a
series of gentle rises and descents along a mixture of lanes, tracks,
paths and field walking. It is likely to be damp and muddy in places.
Because
the windrush valley was waterlogged when we did the prewalk I’m moving
the walk to higher ground.
We
shall now meet 9:30 at Cleeve Hill golf course to preorder at the club
house.
We
shall set off at 10, for a circular walk of about 6 miles.
Moderate.
With
the melting of our recent snow cover, we are all having to alter our
walks in order to avoid the worst of the muddy and wet terrain
underfoot. So, rather than using their intended route, Calvyn
and
Steve led the 18 of us from Cleeve Hill golf club, up over this lovely
limestone grassy hill with its spectacular views. It was a
dry
day with a bit of a cold wind, but not too bad for walking. We passed
the impressive Postlip Hall and climbed up a long steep hill through
lovely woodland. At the top we took a thankful rest for our coffee
break. Betty gave us the quote of the walk at this point by
asking " Where have you got the ladies, Calvyn" .... to which he could
not resist replying," Locked up in a cupboard at home"
There was
enough snow in patches for Calvyn to throw a well aimed snowball at
Steve. At one point we could have done with skis to traverse across a
strip of snow a foot deep. We made it to the top at length where we
enjoyed watching someone being lifted off his feet by a wind kite
skateboard.
After
a 6 mile trek and 2 long steep climbs, we were more than ready for our
delicious lunch at the golf club. Thanks go to Calvyn and Steve for a
super and fun walk. (And thenks too to Anne T for the report
and
to Graham for his super photos - SF)
The bridge over the
Isbourne (photo by Graham)
Cosidering alternative
transport
(photo by Graham)
Oh . . . behave
yourselves!
(photo by Graham)
Windswept
(photo by Graham)
Walk
1216 Circular Challenge 2
Date Wednesday 28th March 6.2 miles
Moderate/Energetic Pub Lunch
Meet
The Royal, Charlton
Kings GL53 8JH Grid 965204 9.15 for 9.30
Contact
Bob and Kath Price
01242 232527 the week before
Directions
Leave A40 on A435 Cheltenham
to Cirencester
Road. Left at first traffic lights, then immediately turn
right
into Horsefair Street. Keep going right on one-way system
round
church. Pub is on left, opposite west door of church.
Details
Meet at The Royal, take
cars to start of walk near Ham. Take Challenge route up
moderate
slope to Colgate Farm, then down to A40. Join Cotswold Way
north,
steep climb before descent to Hewletts Reservoir and rejoin Challenge
Route back to Ham.
Fourteen
of us met in Charlton King’s for the second in the series of Circular
Challenges, so named because each walk is circular and includes a
different section of the 25-mile Cheltenham Circular Footpath. Being
true U3A walkers, we were undaunted by the persistent drizzle which
greeted the day. Nor were we dispirited when our worthy leaders told us
that the walk had been extended from 6.2 miles to 7.2 miles to avoid
the need to drive from the pub to the set-off point. Having strolled
along for a while with the gradient gradually increasing, we faced the
challenge itself – a steep muddy climb up a hill (whose name I cannot
remember). We did not see many other hardy souls, but we were
overtaken by a couple riding skewbald cobs, and we saw a solitary brown
cow, with no sign of the rest of the herd who had churned up the
ground. We were spared March winds, but the drizzle persisted with
little respite until the final half hour or so, when there was even a
hint of sunshine, giving us the chance to dry out a bit before sitting
down for lunch. And what a good choice of pub – very smart, with good
service and food and, this being The Royal pub, a photograph of Her
Majesty looked over us as we ate.
Thanks to Bob and Kath for an
enjoyable walk – we look forward to the rest of the
challenges.
(Thanks to Bob W for the report and to Kath P for the photos - taken on
a phone under very demanding circumstances! SF)
In the wet
(photo by Kath P)
Still in the wet (photo by Kath P)
Walk
1217
Date
Thursday 29th
March 3.5
miles
Easy
Pub lunch
Meet Pheasant
Inn, Toddington
GL54
5DT Grid 048323
Gardeners Arms, Alderton Meet 9.30 to order
Contact Anne 01684
294859 the week before.
Directions After
ordering
food, we drive to Stanton cricket ground car park to start the walk.
Details Tracks,fields ,villages, lovely
views .Mud!
There
were 14 of us today for this walk of Anne's, starting from the lovely
and historic village of Stanton. Our original plan was to
make
our way along the base of the hill, through Laverton to Buckland, and
returning via the higher route back to our starting point.
Unfortunately, recent snow melt and heavy rain has caused the ground to
become saturated on the lower slope, so Anne wisely decided that a
'there and back' trek on the higher route would be more
sensible.
Amazingly enough, given yesterday's unrelenting rain and an unpromising
forecast, the majority of our walk was in bright
sunshine;
only the last few hundred yards were just a little damp - a very short
light shower just before we finished. The soil here is a thin
layer over a clay base, so you can imagine the fun that we had,
slipping and sliding through the constrictions between fields, climbing
hither and thither up the banks to avoid the stickier
patches.
Good fun none the less with lovely views over the Vale. Lunch
at
the Gardener's Arms was very good of course!
Thanks to Anne for leading us today.
Lots of kissing!
At Buckland church
Time for chatting too.
A few stiles
Look1 Sunshine
. . . (photo by Terry)
APRIL
2018
Walk
1218
Date
Wednesday 4th
April 6
miles
Moderate
Pub lunch
Meet
Beckford Inn
GL20
7AN.
Grid 981
353
9.30am to order food
Contact Mike &
Jenny 01684
772194 the week before
Directions
A46 from Tewkesbury, Pub is on the left
1.5 miles
after Teddington Hands roundabout.
Details
After ordering food we drive to Beckford Village Hall Car
Park to
start the walk at 10am. We walk through Beckford coppice
hoping
to see some early spring flowers. Then on to Shalden Farm and back down
to Pigeon Lane, Conderton and back to Beckford, going round the nature
reserve if there is time. Note: the route
may be
modified according to the weather on the day.
On
a day of real April showers, 16 of us walked up Bredon hill via Court
Farm up the Yellow Brick Road. It was lovely to have Liz with us
again and to see Carl, if only briefly. We have missed you both
very much.
On the way up to Cobblers Quarry and barn, we enjoyed the
sight of 16 roe deer. We were rewarded with our coffee break when
we reached the top and Shaldon Farm.
Spring is on its way.En route, one bluebell was almost out! Larks were singing overhead and hares were running around.
We
walked back through the lovely historic perry pear orchard to Conderton
and wandered around the beautiful nature reserve, covered in primroses
and purple and white violets.
We tucked in to a good lunch at the
Beckford Inn. Thank you Mike and Jenny for yet another super
walk. (Thanks also to Anne T for the report and to Shirley for the
photos - SF)
Lining up for the mud (photo by Shirley)
Resting (photo by Shirley)
Shelter from the wind (photo by Shirley)
Sitting on the fence (photo by Shirley)
Walk 1219
Date
Thursday 5th
April
4
miles
Easy
Pub lunch
Meet
Farmers Arms, Guiting
Power GL54
5TZ Grid
095248 9.30 for 10.00
Contact
Anne 01684
294859 the week before
Directions B4077 Stow road and turn right
just before Ford. Follow signs.
Details Mainly on the Donnington
Way. Roads and tracks, a few stiles and lovely
views.
Ten
of us assembled at the Farmers Arms in Guiting Power on a beautiful,
calm, sunny spring day which became quite warm with people taking off
layers of clothing - even down to shirtsleeves! There had been much
rain very recently and thus there would be much mud. Sensibly Anne had
chosen a route which was mainly on metaled minor roads and there were
only a few hundred yards which were were very muddy. Our route took us
SSW along a minor road almost to Hawling Lodge before nearly doubling
back on the Windrush Way, passing Cloud Hill and Tally Ho House to
briefly join the B4068 road, then on another minor road before joining
the Warden's Way back into Guiting Power. As we were early, we took the
time to relax in the sunshine in the churchyard, before good food
at the pub. (Thanks for the report Hugh, and for the photos
Bob! - SF)
Sunny skies (photo by Bob W)
Mind the puddle (photo by Bob W)
Say cheese ! (photo by Bob W)
Lunch in sight (photo by Bob W)
Stroll
Date
Tuesday 10th April
Cheltenham
Meet
Pitville Pump Rooms car park at the
back.
10.30 start
Contact Bob &
Kath 01242
232527 the week before to book on.
Directions
A435 into Cheltenham. Continue past race course r’bout and
turn
left into Western Approach Drive to access car park.
Details A gentle walk around Pitville
park and the surrounding area.
We
must be doing something right! Just as the 16 of us parked up in
the Pump Room car park, the drizzling rain that had been forecast
to last all morning, stopped, and we enjoyed dry conditions for
the rest of our stroll. And what an enjoyable and informative
excursion it turned out to be! We set off at first through
Pittville Park, past the boating lake where we saw the wonderful sight
of crested grebes doing part of their courtship dance. Then
following the path round, we left the park to enter the once mean
streets of St. Pauls. But what a change has come over these rows
of terraced cottages, They are now brightly painted and renovated
- very attractive and colourful. Bob and Kath then lead us into a
couple of the lovely squares of the substantial Regency houses that
Cheltenham is so famous for. At No 3 Wellington Square we came
upon a plaque on the wall, covered at present with a velvet
drape. The plaque celebrated the fact that this had been the home
of Forence Earengey - a remarkable Cheltenham lady who was not only a
leading light in women's suffrage in the town, but had also, through
great intelligence and hard work, risen from relatively humble
beginnings to become a considerable figure in the world of law.
The plaque, we learned, was due to be unveiled by the mayor at 3.00
pm. We couldn't wait though, there were so many other
lovely houses with spring breaking though in the gardens, blossom
and green buds all about us. A lovely wallk, thanks to Bob and
Kath for all their hard work to make it so interesting.
In Pittville Park
The mean streets
Outside No 3
Victorian letter box
Walk
1220
Date
Wednesday 11th
April
5 miles
Mod/Ener
Pub lunch
Meet The
Farmers Arms, Wellington Heath, HR8 1LS Grid 712403 9.30 to
order food
Contact
Tony & Jennifer 01684
276960 by
Sunday
before
Directions
Leave Ledbury on B4214 towards Bromyard, after ½ mile turn right signed
to Wellington Heath. At top of hill turn sharp right into Horse Road.
When the road divides take right fork to Farmers Arms.
Details
A walk along country roads, through woods, a vineyard and fields to
Coddington, then a steady steep climb onto Oyster Hill for views of
Malvern Hills, Clee Hills and into Wales. Returning through Hope End
with about 10 stiles.
So
it being spring 2018 this meant yet another grey day for 19 of us to
set off on another jolly walk. Just a few drops of rain as we gathered
- but that was all the rain we had, yay!
So all things
considered we had a pretty mud free and fortunately uneventful walk in
a pleasant area of valleys and woods oh and hills.
We set off at a
cracking pace only as we reached the top of the first hill to discover
that Tony thought he was keeping up with me, while I thought I was
keeping up with him.
After passing through some vineyards we came
eventually to Codington church for our coffee stop. A nice local lady
opened the portacabin loos for the ladies. Given the state of our
footwear we gave the kind offer to look around the church a miss.
So onwards and upwards to Oyster hill which in normal circumstances would have provided panoramic views. But not for us today.
There
being no more uphill left, we traveled downwards past the Hope End
estate. Once purchased by Edward Moulton-Barrett of Barrett-Browning
fame and no relation to our leader I assume seeing as which side of the
fence we were. The main house was recently a hotel but not any more.
We continued downwards past a very elegant stables and barn conversion to reach the pub.
I looked longingly at the very long playground slide but restrained myself, it being a bit wet.
The Farmers Arms turned out a very nice lunch.
So
thanks to Tony and Jenifer for a nice walk somewhere different and for
only mentioning three times how nice and sunny it had been on the
walkover previously. (Thanks go to Calvyn for his report and photo, and to
Graham for the other photos - SF)
A bit of a climb (Photo by Calvyn)
Whose garden is this? (Photo by Graham)
Bottoms up! (Photo by Graham)
The views from Oyster Hill (Photo by Graham)
Walk
1221
Date
Thursday 19th April
26th
6
miles Moderate/energetic. Pub lunch
Meet
Duke of York, Berrow, (on
A438) WR13
6JQ Grid. 782355 9.30 to order food then
drive to
Hollybush car park for 10.00 start.
Contact Jim &
Margaret 01684
296773 the week before
Directions
From Tewkesbury, over The Mythe bridge on the A438 towards
Eastnor. Pub is on left shortly before junction with B4208
Details
We walk along woodland on the east side of Ragged Stone hill and Chase
End hill then up onto Howler Heath. From White Leaved Oak we follow the
path round the bottom of Ragged stone hill back to
Hollybush CP
returning to the D of Y for lunch.
15
of us assembled at the Duke of York pub at Berrow on a beautiful warm
sunny day (what a change from the last few months) so that our
lunchtime food could be ordered. We then took several cars up to
Hollybush Car Park to start the walk. We walked along the woodland of
the Birtsmorton Estate with good views to the Cotswold Escarpment and a
carpet of bluebells in the woods. We took a slight detour for our
coffee stop in a sunny wooded glade filled with daffodils and wild
flowers before heading to the hamlet of White Leave Oak were a stop at
a roadside plant stall was made by several walkers. Finally we
walked around the base of Ragged Stone Hill before returning to the
Hollybush Car Park. What a joy to be able to walk in shirt sleeves and
one person also
wore shorts.
Back to the Duke of York for our enjoyable lunch which was served promptly. Plenty of food and good value.
Many
thanks to Jim and Margaret for arranging the walk. Lets hope the good
weather stays with us! (Thanks slso to Justin for
the report, and to Terry and Pamela for the photos - SF)
Bluebell woods (photo by Terry)
At Chase End (photo by Terry)
The always entertaining village notices at Whiteleaved Oak (photo by Terry)
Encouraging cyclists up the hill! (photo by Pamela)
Walk
1222
Date
Wednesday 25th April 5
miles Easy Pub lunch
Meet
High Orchard pub, 2, St Annes Way,
Gloucester GL2 5FZ
9.45 for 10.00
Contact Hugh &
Fran 01452 780460 the week
before (If you do not get a reply when you phone
Hugh to book on for this walk then try Fran on 01684 491698.)
Directions
To Gloucester and then the A530 Gloucester Western Bypass. Pub is
across the road from Sainsbury’s, adjacent to Llanthony Priory.
The
ten of us had a dramatic start to our wlk today. Entering the car park
of the High Orchard pub by way of the 'out' route, we were confronted
by a bristling, heavily tattooed man in a singlet bent on our
removal. Our leader Hugh soon placated him however, and we were
booted up and walking up the road to join the canal in no time at
all. At this point the walls of the bridges are well decorated
with crude graffitee, but we quickly left this behind and met instead a
series of smart canalside developments , At length we reached
Hempstead Bridge and made our way up the quiet Rea Lane to join the
Severn Way heading north. Meeting a couple of horses in a field
here gave Kate an opportunity to make yet another animal chum who then
followed her for quite some while. A good deal of this route up
to Lower Parting is reclaimed waste disposal land, dotted with vent
tubes, but remarkably lush and home to a fine population of sheep and
lambs. After our short break the weather gods recalled that it
was April, so visited us with a series of showers and fine sunshine,
coat on, coat off, coat on, coat off, and so on! Still, nothing
too heavy until after our good and inexpensive lunch at the High
Orchard.
Many thanks to Hugh who so often takes us to these new and unexpected delights!
Starting on the Severn Way
Me and my chum!
Not all rain
Restored rubbish dump
Walk
1223
Date
Thursday 26th
April
6
miles
Moderate/Energetic
Pub Lunch
Meet
Daneway Inn, Daneway nr
Sapperton. GL7
6LN Grid 939034 9.30 to order
Contact Sonia
01684 298409 during the week before.
Directions
M5 South from Tewkesbury to Junc 11A. A 417 until last junction before
Cirencester signed Daglingworth. Will give additional local
directions on booking,as SAT /NAV takes you an interesting way!
Details
Various sections of ancient woodlands,one long gradual climb from
Sapperton. Field and lane walking with 3 interesting Nature Reserves,
and a long mostly level stretch of disused Thames and Severn Canal.
9 reasonable stiles.
Report
MAY
2018
Walk
1224
Date
Wednesday 2nd May 5
miles
Easy/Moderate Pub
lunch
Meet
Lammastide Inn,
Brookend GL13 9SF
Grid 684021 9.30
for 10.00 start.
Contact Richard &
Eileen Please note that Richard and Eileen’s number
is now 01684 274197 by Sunday before. Directions
M5 to Jn 13, then A38 to turning for Breadstone, Halmore and
Purton. Turn right and follow road to
Wanswell. Turn
right and right again and pub is on left.
Message from Richard 12/4/18 - If you are coming on the walk 1224 on 2nd May, you will need to pre-book
your food. The website for the pub menu is:
Please let me know your choice when you book on, and remember, my number is
now 01684 274194 or email me.
Report
Walk 1225 Cheltenham Challenge 3
In view of the mud around at the moment and the need to avoid another steep
climb, Bob has made some changes to the next Cheltenham Challenge
Walk:
Thursday 3rd May
Distance 5.3 miles
Moderate/Energetic Pub Lunch
The Grid Reference for the meeting
point at the car park on Daisy Bank Road is 950189 meet at
9.30
The car park is on Daisy Bank Road, off Leckhampton Hill
between Cheltenham and the Air Balloon.
The route will proceed to the end of Daisy Bank Rd then
ascend Leckhampton Hill and join the Cotswold Way with views across the Severn
Valley before descending to re-join Daisy Bank Road. We will then ascend
Leckhampton Hill Road before turning right and descending to Leckhampton Church
and onto Moat Farm. Then return to the start via Leckhampton
Village.
shall drive to The Royal at Charlton Kings for lunch.
Date
Thursday 3rd May 6.5
miles
Energetic
Pub lunch
Meet The
Royal, Charlton Kings GL53 8JH Grid 965204
9.15 for 9.30
Contact Bob &
Kath 01242
232527 the week before
Directions
Leave A40 on A435 Cheltenham to Cirencester Road. Left at
first
traffic lights, then immediately turn right into Horsefair Street.
Keep going right on one-way system round church.
Pub is on
left, opposite west door of church.
Details Across
fields to A40 and join Circular Challenge Route for a long uphill
section, where the final part is steep. The remainder of the route is
fairly level, before a final descent to the start.
Report
Stroll
Date
Tuesday 8th
May
Kemerton
Meet
In lane by Kemerton Church. 10.30
start.
Numbers are limited and you must book onto this Stroll.
Contact
Pamela
01386 725547 the week before
Directions To Bredon then Kemerton and
turn right at war memorial.
Details A chance to explore the Nature
Reserve.
Report
Walk 1226
Date
Thursday 10th May 6
miles
Mod/Ener
Picnic
Meet
Village Hall, Upper
Soudley GL14 2UA Grid
657104 9.45 for 10.00
Contact Margaret &
Terry 01684
772278 the week before
Directions
A38S to A48 to Elton Garage, then turn right to
Littledean.
Right at mini r’bout then left in 200 yds sp Soudley (2
miles).
At cross roads straight over and down over bridge to village hall.
Details
A different walk, mainly on forest tracks with plenty of
undulation and the odd view point. Also waterside picnic
spot. Maybe bluebells. No stiles.
Report
Walk
1227
Date
Wednesday 16th May 5
miles
Easy
Pub lunch
Meet
Free Public Car Park in Upton upon Severn - opposite Upton Parish
Church, St Peter & St Paul
WR80JQ.
Meet at 9.30
Contact Graham &
Betty 01684
594331 the week before
Directions A38 from Tewks, then left to
Upton. Left into and through town.
Details
A mainly level walk, with some gentle hills, starting along
the
old railway track to the cholera burial ground then past the
old
Mill House and the site of Hanley Castle- on the way to 12th Century
Hanley Castle Church of St Mary’s with both Saxon &
Norman
influences,with 15th Century almshouses close by, a
peaceful place for a coffee stop. Plenty of little known tracks during
the walk enjoying views of the Malverns.
Lunch will be at Ye Olde Anchor in Upton and their menu will be emailed
after booking, for your choices.
Report
Walk
1228
Date
Thursday 17th
May 5 miles
Mod/ Ener Café lunch/picnic/own arr.
Meet Winchcombe Station GR
027297 9.30 start
Contact Ian & Kathy 01684 290542
the week before.
Directions
Take A46 out of Tewkesbury. At Teddington roundabout straight on to
the
B4077 then right onto B4078 to
Greet and
Winchcombe. Station on the left, just through Greet.
Details We catch the 10.11 Steam Train to
Gotherington Halt. Cost of
train
journey £4 single. We then walk to join the Gloucestershire Way, past
Dixton Manor and up over Langley Hill to Winchcombe. We will not start
walking until about 10.25am and therefore do not anticipate finishing
until 1-30pm.
Report
Walk
1229
Date
Wednesday 23rd May
4.5 miles Easy
+ (Puffer
Style*)
Pub
lunch
Meet
Great Western Arms
Blockley. GL56
9DT Grid 166 351 9.45 for 10.00
Contact
Stan 01684
293319 the week before
Directions
A44 from Broadway up Fish Hill - Left turn after turn for
Chipping Campden. Right at Village T junction, immediate
left,
and pub is to left at next junction.
Details Walk
follows Diamond way to the A44 then north past Upton Wold farm to
Norcombe woods, A mix of open fields, tracks, woods
and
village streets. A
long incline to start
and a short steep slope near end will be taken in short plods with lots
of stops!
Report
Walk 1230
Date
Thursday 24th
May 6
miles
Energetic
Pub lunch
Meet
Butchers Arms, Mickleton. GL55 6SD
Grid
162434
9.30 for
10.00
Contact Steve &
Justin 01684 295438 week before.
Directions
A46 out of Tewkesbury. At Teddington roundabout straight on,
the
B 4077 to Toddington. Left at roundabout onto B4632 to
Broadway.
Keep on the B 4632 to
Mickleton. In the village
take a left turning by the Nisa Local Supermarket, past the
Three
Ways House Hotel ( Pudding Club) and the Butchers Arms is about 300
yards on the right.
Details From Mickleton we
climb up Bakers Hill, through Bakers Wood to Hidcote Boyce via a
section of the Heart of England Way. Through Hidcote Boyce we walk to
the top of Bakers Hill, before descending gently to Hidcote Bartram.
Return to Mickleton is via a descent near Kiftsgate Court and the path
leads back to the village whilst passing through the churchyard. The
walk consists mainly of field footpaths with some lane walking.
Approximately 3 stiles and lots of kissing (gates). Stunning views over
the Vale of Evesham, and some interesting First World War connections.
Report
Walk
1231
Date
Wednesday 30th
May
4/5 miles
Easy
Pub lunch
Meet
Gupshill
Manor
Tewkesbury
9.30 for 10.00
Contact
Barry 01242
522973
the week before
Directions A38 out of Tewkes on right
just after Aldi.
Details A gentle walk around Tewkesbury
and its outskirts.
Report
Walk
1232
Date
Thursday 31st
May
6
miles
Energetic Pub
Lunch
Meet
Black Horse Pub
Cranham GL4
8HP Grid
896130
9.30 for 10.00
Contact
Andrea & Sonia
01684 294676 during the week before.
Directions
Take M 5 South as far as 11A Junc. Keep
on A 46 lane
and follow through two roundabouts,signposted Painswick. Turn left to
Cranham on Buckholt Rd. The lane to the Pub is at the bottom of the
hill on the rt.
Details
We walk through Buckholt Wood to pick up
the
Cotswold Way to reach the Painswick Beacon where there are lovely
views. We walk on the Wysis Way into Paradise and back
through
attractive valleys to Cranham Common. It is an energetic walk
as
we climb 950 ft in total. There are about 6 stiles.
Report
Thanks
to all walk leaders for your hard work.
.
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.
NOTICE
BOARD
The
Walking Group has a mobile
phone to be used before and during walks for emergency contact — see
paper programme for number.
We
are affiliated to the Ramblers
Association and the membership card
above may be used to obtain a 10 percent discount on walking gear in
most local outlets.
If
you require a paper copy of
the walking programme, there is a charge of £3
p.a., payable at the Walking Group AGM or at the U3A enrolment meeting.
If you have internet access, then all information can be obtained by
email, free of charge.
Walks are graded to give some
idea of what to expect:
Stroll:
A short
walk at an easy pace with frequent stops.
Easy:
Undemanding and mainly level with occasional gentle ascents or
descents. There may be a few stiles.
Moderate:
Some
uphill/downhill stretches - unlevel 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 later unable to take part. 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.
Walk
Talk
The
Ordnance Survey has a service now that enables you, for an annual
subscription of £19.99, to download and print off extracts from the OS
maps that we use for our walks - anywhere in Britain! - no
more
having to fold and unfold vast sheets of paper in the wind and rain -
bliss! (Stop Press! There is now an "App" for smart phones
that
does all kinds of amazing stuff!) A real bargain - for a free
trial go to - http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps/
SAFETY
POLICY
WALKERS
a)
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. Attention should be paid to the
EASY/MODERATE/DIFFICULT grading as well as to any references to steep
climbs, stiles, etc.
b)
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.
c)
Remember to carry any
medications that you might need. Carry food, and water, especially on
hot days.
d)
Follow instructions
given by the leader. Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight
all the time.
e)
Keep to the route
indicated by the leader: do not devise shorts cuts, etc.
f)
Walk in single file on
roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.
LEADERS
g)
Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC. Mention any steep
climbs and stiles.
h)
Limit your walk to a
maximum numbers that you think you can safely manage, given the nature
of your walk.
i)
Have a co-leader to act
as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points
during the walk
j)
Carry a first aid kit or
ensure that someone else in the group has one.
k)
Set a pace of about 2
miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea
stops. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient
time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more
energetic members.
l)
Carry a map, the group
mobile phone and GPS receiver to make emergency calls and give exact
locations.
To
download a copy of the
Leader's Walk Plan Form (In Adobe Acrobat Format ie PDF) — Click on the
following link FORM
To
go to further advice for
leaders - Click on the following link
Advice
To
go to The Tewkesbury U3A
main site click here; Tewkesbury
U3A
Contacts:
Ken,
(Group Leader) 01684
772564
E Mail / kennethflude@btinternet.com
Tony,
(Administrator) 01684 276960
E Mail tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Richard,
(walks
coordinator) 01452 780505
E Mail / richard.hart13@btinternet.com
Webmaster
. . .
Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com
Updated 26th April
2018
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