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Previous programme No.155
Previous programme No.158
Previous programme No.159
WALKS PROGRAMME No 160 DECEMBER 2020, & JANUARY 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 !
This programme has been together on the basis that when the current
lock down ends on 2 December we will be able to resume our walks on the
same basis as immediately prior to lock down. This may be a naive hope
but there is no other strategy that we have apart from giving up our
organised walks. The group leadership will of course review any revised
instructions which come from government and/or the Ramblers Association
as they become available and make any changes necessary.
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.
NOTICE
The group leadership have reviewed available instruction and regulation
now that the future "tiers" are known. We are in Tier 2 as is most of
southern England. At present our planned walks for December and January
are in Tier 2. We have checked the rules and, as we are affiliated to
the Ramblers Association, we may from December 3rd recommence our
covid-secure walks. In practice this means complying with the covid risk
assessments that were in place prior to the current lock down. Thus walk
leaders will need to complete a risk assessment as per walking group
guidelines prior to their walk. Walk leaders should, at least mentally,
check off each point in the risk assessment list. They must also keep a
record of who attended their walk and pass the list to Tony Barrett
after their walk. Walk leaders should also keep up to date with any
changes to the tier that their walk is in; e.g. your walk may be
Worcestershire which may be in or move to a different tier to our part
of Gloucestershire.
We have decided to continue to limit our walk numbers to a maximum of
twelve people per walk. We think that this number makes a reasonable
compromise between covid secure walk management and having a worthwhile
group walk.
We are aware that several keen and active members have decided to limit
their participation in group walks as part of their personal shield
ing
strategy. We hope that once effective vaccination is widespread we will
be able to return to full strength walks, hopefully after Easter.
In the meantime please book onto walks as you wish in the usual way.
(28/11/20)
December 2020
Walk 1388
Thursday 3 December 6.7 miles (5.15 if fort 2 is omitted) Energetic
Picnic
lunch
Meet Overbury. Grid 960378. GL20 7PB. 9:45 to start walking at 10:00.
Contact Geoff on 07974 677597 the week before
Directions B4080 through Bredon. 2 miles later turn
left in Overbury just after the old village shop. Park on the right
before the tarmac road up the hill to Lalu farm.
Details We climb the hill through Overbury Park to
Lalu farm, turn left and head for the tower (Parsons' Folly) a climb of
210m. Then head east along the top of the escarpment past the BT tower
to take a path which forks down to the left. Follow this to Elmley
fort. Retrace the path to the main path (a climb of 125m) and go
straight across along a line of Scots pines. After the last one turn
left then right to the 3rd fort, Conderton Camp, and finally Pigeon
Lane. Right here takes us back to the cars. The route can be reduced by
avoiding the 2nd fort. There are no stiles but many opening gates.
Geoff had to cancel his walk today due to the inclement weather.
He will reschedule in Jan/Feb.
Walk 1389
Wednesday 9 December 4.5 miles Moderate with a climb up and down
Meet Sudeley Castle Car Park. Winchcombe. GL54 5JD. 9:45 for 10::00 pm start.
Contact Andrea and Bob. 01684 294676 the week before
Directions In Winchcombe look for directions to
Sudeley Castle, follow side road down and follow up through the castle
gateway. Go along the drive for about 500yards and park on the green
area by the entrance to the castle. We are not going in.
Details We follow the Cotswold Way up the hill, on
the road, lanes and fields towards Cordean Hill. We then cut
across and come back down the Winchcombe Way. Might well be muddy.
Great views. 568 ft of ascent. 4 stiles on the way down.
There is an open air café in the car park at the start and end of the walk for refreshments. Open 10:45 am to 16:30 pm.
We did a walkover today. Sad to say Sudeley Cafe
is shut so no refreshments this time. The gate is also shut so
we need to park in the Lane outside the main entrance, lots of
roadside parking here. We have altered part of the walk to cater
for the new start. There is mud, a lot of it in places! But it
is doable and there is now only ONE stile. We recommend at least
one stick and boots.( From Andrea 3rd Dec )
Seven of us set off towards the higher climb out of Winchcombe on a
fairly mild day for December. We climbed past the cricket pitch with
several stiles set into the fencing for the fielders on to the ascent
of the hill. Pausing for breath we admired the sight of Winchcombe in
the distance. On reaching the road at the top Bob pointed out the
ancient stone stile, which has been recorded by Peter Stevenson, who is
making a record of such old stone stiles.
At the entrance to the Humblebee cottages we paused for coffee at some
socially distanced stones ,although we gathered from a local
driver that was not in order. At the bottom of the driveway there were
some very smart wooden gates, also with a new pedestrian gate. From
here going back to lower levels we encountered some very muddy parts,
especially near the gateways. However not deterred, Bob and Andrea
found an alternative way into the next field by crossing some water and
negotiating a fallen tree. After another extremely muddy gateway we
were most encouraged that no-one had slipped over! We descended the
lane on the end of the walk having enjoyed the company and fresh
air. (Thanks to Sonia for the report - SF)
Good to go (All photos by Graham)
High above Winchcombe
Now what did Mum say about sitting on wet stones?
Ski slope?
Walk 1390 (Change of venue)
Thursday 10 December 3.75 miles Moderate Lunch Own arrangements
Meet Market House, Ledbury, HR8 1DS 09.45 for 10.00 start
Contact Jennifer & Tony 01684
276960
the Sunday before
Directions In Ledbury park in the paying car park behind the swimming pool, and meet at Market House
Details We walk south out of Ledbury and climb up to
Conigree Woods, then over fields and lanes to Eastnor Village. The
return is past the church, over the ridge through fields following the
Geopath Way, descending through a rough sunken track to Ledbury. No
stiles but there are a number of steady climbs.
Thursday 10th December 2020 Grade: Easy. Length: 4 Miles
Venue: Gupshill Manor Car Park, GL20 5SY Start: 10am Lunch: Own arrangements
Leader: Tony & Jennifer Barrett Contact: 01684 276960 Contact: By Tuesday before
Directions: Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury.
Description of Walk: A gentle walk on paths and tracks through the
Southwick Park area returning through Lincoln Green. 2 stiles.We hope
you can join us on this last walk of 2020, at the end of a year no-one
will ever forget.
Nine of us met at Gupshill Manor car park on a greyish, cool day with
some sunny periods. The walk was a mixture of roads, pavements,
footpaths and bridle paths; amazingly, in view of all the rain,
it was not too muddy. The route took us via Southwick Park and Farm to
Redhouse Farm where we stopped to admire their beautiful and charming
alpaca herd. On our way back we passed through Southwick Farm again
where we saw, what in a thousand years time, will be of interest to
archaeologists - "primitive(?)early 21st century farm machinery" being
buried in an enormous briar patch which had just about consumed both a
large tractor and other items which were buried so well that they could
not be identified. The final part of the route took us to Lincoln Green
Lane and along parts of the Battle Trail. Thanks to Tony and Jennifer
for a late change of venue when their original Ledbury route proved
inadvisable. (Thanks to Hugh for the report and to Sylvia for the
photos - SF)
Ready for the fray ( All photos by Sylvia)
Wait at the gate
A little late sun
On the bridge - in wellies!
Walk 1391
Thursday 17 December 4.5 miles Easy/Moderate No lunch
Meet The Village Inn Twyning GL20 6DF Grid 904364 Meet at 10.00
Contact Sonia 01684 298409 the week before
Directions From Tewkesbury on A 38 north, right turn following the Twyning signs to the village green.
Details We shall take the footpaths past the trout lake, then walk across fields
to catch some views of the Cotswolds. We’ll return beside the Avon.
There is only one incline and one downhill slope. I will limit the
group to 8 as there are many stiles!
Eight of us met by the Fleet Inn in Twyning on a fine winter’s morning,
grateful that the rain had stopped but fully prepared to encounter mud.
And no sooner had we started than we had to pick our way through wet
mud for a couple of hundred yards. That was not the last of the mud
but, from then, the main hazards were a fair number of stiles, some of
them quite high. As we walked along the west bank of the River Avon,
with Tewkesbury Abbey ahead of us in the distance, we shared the winter
sunshine with a large number of Canada geese on the river and in a
riverside meadow. Our walk took us almost as far as the Mythe
Waterworks. After a stop for refreshments, we returned to Twyning by
way of the higher ground parallel to the river. From these paths, we
had fine views of the Cotswolds and the Malverns. On reaching Wood End
we decided to take the farm track and A38 route to Church End, in order
to avoid some particularly muddy fields. From Church End we made our
way back to Twyning on paths and tracks, passing the pools that are
thought to have provided fish for the monks of Winchcombe Abbey in
medieval times.
We were lucky to have had good weather for such an enjoyable walk. Many
thanks to Sonia for organizing and leading the walk, and for showing
three of us who live in Twyning paths that we had not been aware of
previously. (Thanks to Bob W for the report, and to Graham for
his photos - fine craftsmen both! - SF)
Up and over (All photos by Graham)
An Avon ready to flood soon
Winter sun for the walk
Squish!
Walk 1392
Wednesday 23
December 5 miles Easy/ Mod lunch
picnic/own arr. Meet:
Pershore
Bridge, Bridge Street, WR10 1AX
(closest) 9.45 for 10.00
Contact:
Terry and Margaret 01684 772278
the week
before
Directions: Located on the B4084 ¼ mile south of Pershore
Details: Walk on tracks and arable fields to
riverside path to Great Comberton. Some lane walking. Mainly flat.
Just four members braved the forecasted deluge to do this walk from
Pershore. The start being already underwater and the finish being
judged as too dangerous because of a muddy steep slope, we
decided to substitute the advertised walk with a flat stroll to Wype
Piddle. In light rain we walked via Pershore Market to rejoin the Avon
at the leisure park and followed the river eastwards to Wyre mill and
then to a pleasant Riverside park for coffee. The rain abated as we
continued as far as the pub in the centre of Wyre Piddle with its
pretty Tudor cottages. We returned from the Mill via a new boardwalk
across protected wetlands. We were fortunate to get back to the start
just before very heavy rain arrived.
Thanks to Terry and Margaret for leading the walk and providing the report and to Graham for his photos - SF
Wet (all photos by Graham)
Shut?
Dont!
Dry!
Walk 1392a
Extract
from a letter as of 27 Dec. from Hugh concerning the different rules
concerning Tier 3 regulations (Gloucestershire,) and tier 2
(Worcestershire)
" . . . The immediate effect of all of this is that Graham and Betty's
pudding buster walk on 30 December is only open to residents of
Worcestershire. The walks in the January programme are in both
counties. Thus it is up to walk leaders to query potential walkers
on their county of residence and only accept members who live in the
same county as the walk is in. Equally if a walk leader is leading
a walk in a different county from their residence then they cannot
lead it!"
Wednesday, 30th December 5 miles Moderate Picnic at the end, if required.
Meet
Golden Valley, near Malvern Hills. Grid 776371
10.00 start
Contact Graham & Betty 01684 594331 the week before,
Directions A438
Tewkesbury/Ledbury road, at B4208 crossroads T. Rt., in 1 mile T. Lt.
to Golden Valley, in 0.25 of a mile T. Rt. onto track, park near Mill
Pond.
Details Our Walking Group’s annual ‘Pudding Buster’walk
will be different this year, with no festive pub lunch to look
forward to because of Co-vid 19, but we guarantee the Malvern Hills are
as scenic as
ever.
We walk north-west across Hollybed and Castlemorton Commons towards the
Hills, with one short steepish ascent, followed by our coffee stop
below Swinyard Hill, and mostly downhill on the return.
We hope you can join us on this last walk of 2020, at the end of a year no-one will ever forget.
It was a wonderful day for a Walk Leader to wake up to- sunshine,
glistening snow clad hillsides, and a promise of laughter tramping over
commons towards the Malvern Hills with like - minded friends. We would
have been 13 in number (unlucky for us) but because of tier
changes, Worcestershire Tier 3, Gloucestershire Tier 4 following rising
numbers of Covid cases it was not possible for walkers to venture
outside their respective Counties.
Today, Margaret & Terry accompanied Graham & Betty on a
familiar Pudding Buster walk from the Golden Valley, across Hollybed
& Castlemorton commons onto the Malvern Hills. After a short climb
a coffee stop was enjoyed at the Rock, the spot Graham & Betty have
chosen to have their ashes scattered, with a view across the valley to
the Cotswolds though trees below are gradually obscuring the view.
In all the years Tewkesbury U3A Walking Group has been operating
nothing like this pandemic has stopped us in our tracks. Since lockdown
1, March 2020, we coped during good summer months, walking in small
groups, and when the new activity of zoom meetings began ( which proved
invaluable to all of us) the situation was more bearable (tho’ I’m
hopeless at quizzes!) As Winter approached, bad weather, another
Lockdown, and ever changing rules meant
became more difficult to deal with.
After we have received our Covid vaccinations, we hope 2021 will soon
allow us all to walk together again across the 3 Counties where we are
privileged to live, to enjoy some of the most glorious countryside in
England.
Happy New Year Everyone, Betty & Graham
Many thanks to Betty and Graham for all their tireless work for the group throughout this confused and resricted year - better times are coming! _ SF
. . . A spot to come back to
Tier 3 folk
Snow in the mountains?
Top of the world?
Message from the committee . . . "As you will know by now Gloucestershire has moved to Tier 4 and
Worcestershire has moved to Tier 3.
In consequence Sylvia, Tony and I have conferred and believe that the
only thing we can do now is to suspend the walk programme until such
time as Gloucestershire emerges from Tier 4."
- Hugh (31/12/20)
January 2021 (Happy New Year?)
26th January 2021 - The Corvid crisis shows no sign of easing anytime in the near future, and as a consequence our
walk programme has been suspended till the present lockdown is lifted.
Walks will be relaunched as soon as the restrictions are lifted and
will comply with government guidelines.
Walk 1393
Wednesday 6 January 8.5 miles. Energetic. Picnic Lunch, ideally en route.
Meet Sevenhampton Church GR 033217 9.30am start
Contact Ian and Kathy 01684 290542 the week before.
Directions Take the A40 out of Cheltenham through
Charlton Kings. At the Traffic lights signed posted Stow on the Wold,
turn left, then after about 400m left again towards Syreford. Right
towards Sevenhampton, but ignore the sign for Sevenhampton village
only, carry on another 400m until the next turning on the right sign
posted Sevenhampton Church. Park on the side of the road.
Details A rectangular walk. We head west towards the
village of Whittington and then north to the abandoned Wontley Farm on
the Cotswold Way. We then turn east following track and road,
before heading south at Charlton Pool to Sevenhampton Church via
Brockhampton. During the first mile of this walk there are about 10
stiles, and then none. You have been warned
Report
Walk 1394
Wednesday 13 January 4.6
miles Moderate (ascent 200
ft) Picnic lunch by lake or own arrangements
Meet Kemerton
Church GR 945368 10.00
for 1015 start
Contact Noel 01684 772526 the
week before
Directions Bredon Road to Kemerton; 1st R after Crown Inn; Church is 500 m on L.
Details Kemerton Lake and village, climb to Upper
Westmancote, down to Lower W., Kemerton 'Park', Lower Mill (John
Moore's home), Lake (picnic) or return to nearby cars.
N.B. Climb can be avoided, making this an EASY walk. Please ring Noel beforehand.
2 stiles (one normal, one tallish step)
Report
Walk 1395
Thursday 14 January 5 miles Easy lunch picnic/own arrangements
Meet Eckington Bridge CP Grid 924424 9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact Terry and Margaret 01684 772278 the week before
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
Report
Walk 1396
Thursday 21 January 6 miles Energetic
Meet Meet at Bredons Norton
Bus Shelter GL20 7HB Grid
930391 9.45am for 10.00am start.
Contact Mike & Jenny 01684 772194 the week before
Directions B4080 Tewkesbury to Bredon. After
crossing the railway bridge turn L on B4080 towards Pershore and
Eckington. Take the 2nd road on the right (signposted
Bredons Norton) Carry on through village to traffic island. The
bus shelter is opposite. There is limited roadside parking,
mainly to the north of the church.
Details We walk up Bredon Hill from Bredon’s Norton,
returning via Sundial Farm and Westmancote. Up to 4 stiles and a
number of gates.
Total ascent, 300m (1000ft). About 3 hours walking time including stops.
NB. The route may be varied according to weather and underfoot conditions.
Report
Walk 1397
Wednesday 27 January 5 miles Moderate
Meet Apperley village hall car
park GL19 4DP Grid 867286 9.45am for 10.00am start
Contact Hugh 01452 780460 the week before
Directions A38 south then B4312, second turning right
after 2 miles to Apperley, village hall is 400m on the right
Details A walk mainly on the higher ground around
Deerhurst and Apperley, fields, footpaths and country lanes. At least 6
stiles, some mud, part of the route will depend upon if there is any
flooding around Deerhurst.
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, doctor’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 leaders’ 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 26th January 2021