TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

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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. These walks are not shown in any detail in the following programme.

NB 5. Mike and Jenny have arranged a series of walks in April for groups of 6

They have not included directions for most of these walks as they think members know where they are but if anyone is unsure they can give directions when you book. Details are shown below.

It has been decided that from 12^th April the number of participants, on our U3A walks, can be increased to groups of 12 and then up to 18 in May but always at the discretion of walk leaders. By the end of April, I assume we will all have had the second dose of the vaccine and therefore will feel more secure. Walk leaders will advise us whether or not their walks will include a picnic lunch stop or an outdoor pub lunch. Otherwise it will be our own arrangements.

We will all have to regain our confidence to feel safe in groups, despite adhering to social distancing. The above will, of course, depend on Government regulations which we hope will proceed as planned as long as Covid-19 results continue to improve.

All being well, from June we will be almost back to some kind of normality which perhaps will be a little different, so we will have to adapt.

Details We walk to Woollas Hall, then up to the Tower on Bredon Hill for coffee. We return to Bredons Norton for a picnic lunch in Northcroft Garden. 1000ft of ascent, no stiles, a few gates and cattle grids. The walk can be shortened to 4 or 5 miles if the weather is not good.

Six of us met in Bredon’s Norton for this familiar walk up Bredon Hill. Over the last few days, we have had all sorts of weather: warm sunshine, strong winds, wintry showers, hailstones, even snow. And the last time that we did this particular walk, we had to cope with a thunderstorm! But today the weather was much more benign - uninteresting even. We set off, feeling happy that our walking days are beginning to feel a bit more normal. We passed Woollass Hall on our way up Bredon Hill. We had little wind to bother us, but it became a bit stronger nearer the top of the hill, and we found a sheltered spot for our coffee stop. There were a few other walkers near the tower, mainly in small groups like us. The descent back to Bredon’s Norton via Sundial Farm was fairly uneventful, but we did see a red kite, a not uncommon sight these days. And there were spring flowers to enjoy: celandines, violets, cowslips, primroses, ground ivy and the promise of bluebells to come. The walk was rounded off with a picnic in the garden of Jenny and Mike, where the fritillaries were particularly lovely.

Thanks to Jenny and Mike for organizing and leading this walk at a time when many of us are feeling hesitant about returning to walking in groups. (Thanks also to Bob W for both the report and photos _ SF)

Stroll

Tuesday 13 April Lunch: picnic/own arrangements

Meet Pershore Bridge, Bridge Street car park (WR10 1AX) closest 10.15am for 10.30am start

Details 3.1 miles Pavements through Pershore then Riverside Track to the outskirts of Wyre Piddle then return via tarmac footpath/boardwalk. This could be shortened to 1.6 miles by joining the stroll at the Market car park (pay and display)

12 happy members gathered in beautiful sunshine at Pershore Bridge for the first Stroll of the season. Terry and Margaret led us through Pershore and then along the Avon Waterneadows, crossing the river Piddle, to the former Wyre Mill, before returning via read beds and boardwalks.

The sky was blue and nature was at her most bountiful in trees, flowers and birds, including nesting swans. A perfect morning, we all agreed thanks to our leaders. (Thanks to Eileen for the report, and to Christine for the photo - SF)

Walk 1399

Wednesday 14th April Energetic 4.5 miles total.

Details We walk over Midsummer hill to the Obelisk, down to the Gullet and return over Hollybush Hill to the Car Park, 3.5 Miles and 800ft ascent. We cross the road and climb Ragged stone Hill and return a different way. 1 mile 200ft ascent. This second part can be done before or after the picnic or not at all. One stile on each part, a few gates.

"1. We walk beside Midsummer Hill to the Obelisk, down to the Gullet, and return over Hollybush Hill to the Car Park, 3.5 miles and 700ft. of climb.
2. The optional second part of the walk can be done before or after the picnic lunch. We cross the road and wend our way around to Winter Coombe (on Harvey's map) where there are two stiles. This little extension adds less than a mile."

6 of us met up at Hollybush Common for a walk ably lead by Mike and Jenny . We had all arrived by 9.45 so we were able to make a prompt start. One of the party was a new member, Mo from Cheltenham. We set off making our way up to the Obelisk were we had a coffee stop. A herd of deer was espied near Eastnor Castle as were wild daffodils. Due to ideal walking weather conditions and half term holidays, we encountered quite a few groups of walkers on this trip. We then made our way down the Gullet to the Quarry before we climbed up Hollybush Hill where a short stop was taken. We ascended again to the top of Midsummer Hill where we were rewarded with good views. On top of the hill is an Iron Age Fort which was given to the National Trust in 1923 in memory of Captain Reginald Somers Cock MC who was killed in WW1. His name also appears on the Obelisk. We then made our way back down the hill to our cars. A pleasant picnic was taken in a grass area near the Car Park before we departed. (Thanks to Justin for the report and to Ann for the photos - SF)

Walk 1400

Wednesday 21 April Moderate 6 miles

Directions Drive to the top of Overbury and turn right up Pigeon Lane. There is a small bumpy layby on the left at the top of the hill just before the cottages.

Details We walk up to the Belt, along to Lalu Farm. Cross to the other side and walk round Great Hill for our Picnic. We return to Pigeon Lane. 750 ft ascent Two stiles, This walk can be shortened to 4.5 miles with no picnic, if we have poor weather.

Walk 1401

Wednesday 28April Moderate 5 miles

Details We walk along the Cotswold Way towards Broadway, returning via Burhill Hill Fort, Buckland and Laverton. 780ft ascent. A few stiles and gates. Several short cuts available.

Directions From Tewkesbury take B4080 to Eckington Bridge, carpark on right.

Details After crossing the bridge the route goes to Great Comberton as described in Local Walks booklet No.2

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 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ uneven walking Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 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 Ã¢â‚¬Å“coffee stopÃ¢â‚¬ï¿½ 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, doctorÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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 leadersÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ 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 Ã‚Â£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.
.