TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

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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.

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 should consider carrying hand sanitizer and a face covering. Members are urged to continue with appropriate measures to minimise covid transmission.
NB   3.    Numbers on walks are as always at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB     4.    Where two walks are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before. This is so that members are not denied a place on any walk by early second walk bookers.

Programme 212 October, November 2025

October 2025

Wednesday 1st October      5 miles       Moderate /Energetic     Lunch own
Meet              at Shortwood Car Park Standish   GL6 6PP     SO 831 085
                     (Haresfield Beacon NT) (pay & display)                             10 am start.

Thirteen of us turned up at the Beacon Car Park almost outnumbered by dog walkers, to be welcomed by Meg on a dry and moderately sunny day.
     Leading us out of Standish Wood we successfully negotiated two of the Cotswolds most difficult stiles. In between, there were magnificent views of Painswick Church and Beacon. A pity we weren't tall enough to see them over the trees!
     Negotiating our way steeply down through lovely beechwoods, we joined the Cotswold Way for views between the trees towards May Hill and the north west of Gloucestershire. On our way we passed the remains of an old well, benevolently installed there for travellers by the farmer or landlord of the time. Shortly afterwards, we passed a stone sculpture of two chairs pointing in opposite directions, representing the two opposing sides, (King and Parliament), during the siege of Gloucester 1643.
     Reaching the Beacon, we sank down on the grass for a welcome rest, eventually standing up to take in the magnificent views of the Severn Vale. Then, Meg led us on to yet more views from the toposcope, before finally reaching the car park.
     Our thanks go to Meg for leading us on a walk with so much to see, and especially for doing so when not in the best of health. Many thanks too for our photographers, Calvin and ***** for reminding us how fortunate we are to walk in such an area as this.
(Thanks go to Noel for the report and to Calvyn for his photos - SF)

Wednesday 8 October      4.5 miles    Easy          Lunch - Own arrangements
Meet           Upton-on-Severn Free C.P. opposite Upton Parish Church, Old Street   WR8 0JF
                   10 a.m. start
This was an easy walk for the 23 participants along a distance of 4.5 miles wide of Upton-on-Severn. We followed the bridle path at the bottom of Tunnel Hill and eventually picked up the towpath along the River Severn; this led to the Ham and back to Upton town. .Though this was a route that Betty and Graham frequented during Covid (we, too, waved to their friends), a local tried to ‘direct’ us along the right of way. The weather was balmy for the time of year and blue skies emerged later for us to enjoy the autumnal tints. There were beautiful reflections in the comparatively still waters of the river, though these were later ruffled by energetic gravel extraction operations on the far side. Birdlife abounded with swans and flights of Canada Geese overhead, while lovely views of the Malvern Hills beckoned us. Thank you Betty and Graham for another memorable walk. (Thanks also to Angela for her report and Margaret for the photos - SF)

Thursday 9 October 5miles ENERGETIC Pub Lunch 2pm approx!
Meet Cam Long Down free car park GL11 5HH ST 767 994 10.00 Start

This walk was led by Noel, ably supported by Phil. Twelve of us, on this cool and somewhat dull autumn morning, set off around the southern edge of Cam Peak, then across fields and through woods to begin the short but steep climb to Uley Bury where we stopped for coffee and a well-earned rest. There were views all around this interesting part of the Cotswolds which we rarely visit. We carried on until we met a somewhat steeper, short, stepped climb onto Cam Long Down, which was more wooded until we reached the end of the ridge, with more distant views to the Severn and May Hill. We descended to the foot of Cam Peak, and went around the other side of it to return to the Car Park. The Old Fox provided a good lunch, with a range of ciders and beers including the popular zero alcohol Clear Head.
Photos taken by Sylvia and Phil.

Tuesday 14 October Bredon Village 10.30 start.
Meet Bredon car park, GL20 7LX first one after the bridge, on the left.

Ten strollers met in the car park in Bredon on a cool, damp and dull October morning. We strolled down the main road towards Tewkesbury, passing the 18th century Alms Houses with its curious laundry room housed in a separate building in what is now the front garden. The alms houses, originally built for poor widows are still in use, the residents paying enough rent to keep the houses in good repair.

We passed the milestone obelisk (1808) and skirted the Glebeland field, still owned by the church despite an attempt to sell it on for building land and down the track to the Tithe Barn. This impressive barn was built in the late 14th century and, though badly damaged by fire in 1980, was well restored and is in the care of the National Trust. Its enormous pitched roof uses local Cotswold stone tiles – Noel regaled us with a poem about these tiles of which there were many sizes and shapes, each type having a special name. We also heard of a romantic encounter when, some years ago, Tewkesbury Choral Society was invited to take part in Songs of Praise which was filmed here along with members of The Archers.

We continued along the track and around the Church of St Giles, built on the site of a Saxon religious house before returning to the main road taking in the Old Rectory dating from about 1430, and possibly built as a summer palace for the Bishops of Worcester. Following a fire in 2006, this fine old house was completely rebuilt, incorporating modern styles and technology.

Thank you to Lesley and Noel such an interesting stroll around a village which is normally driven through or viewed from the M5 which runs close by. (Report by Christine, photo from Lesley)

Thursday 16th October 3.7 miles Easy Lunch Croome Café
Meet Croome Park car park WR8 9DW for 10.00 start

Twenty of us met at the Croome National Trust car park on a brighter grey day than we have been having recently. There had even been some sunshine as well as a little drizzle. However the weather kept fine for us but it was noticeable that the ground was still very hard due to the lack of rain. We were fortunate to have Barry with us to keep order in his role as NT guide, complete with radio, fleece jacket and lanyard pass. We walked around the boundaries of the estate, viewing the various architectural follies around the grounds. Barry and Sonia were able to give us some interesting background to aspects of the estate and its wildlife as well as an anecdote of a royal visit at the "carriage splash". Thank you Sonia and Barry. Thanks also to Angela for the report and Sylvia for the photos - SF

Thursday 23rd October,    4 miles       moderate,          optional cafe lunch at
                    Vegetable Matters Farm Shop/cafe GL55 6NJ    after the walk.
Meet          Ebrington village free car park, behind the Ebrington Arms GL55 6FB    SO185 400
                   for 10 am start.

Linda led 16 of us on her walk starting from the up-market, Cotswold village of Ebrington. Despite the forecast of poor weather, luckily it remained dry and chilly, with the sun making occasional attempts to penetrate the cloud cover. The undulating countryside and views were wonderful as the path led us through the immaculate Fox Cote Estate and past magnificent mansion house. Sadly, the American owners, the Wexham family, only reside there in October to shoot pheasant, which are bred on the estate in great numbers which we saw running around the fields.
We had an excellent light lunch in the Vegetable Matters Farm shop/café which was very busy.
A big thank you to Linda for an enjoyable walk in an area which was new to most of the walkers.
(Thanks also to Sylvia for her report and photos, and to Megaret for the other pictures - SF)

Thursday 30 October 2025 - 6+ miles - Moderate/Energetic Pub Lunch
Meet: The Star Inn, Ashton under Hill WR11 7SN 9.30 for 9.45am start

On a pleasant morning, but with rain forecast for later in the day, fifteen walkers met at The Star Inn in Ashton under Hill and were lead by Stuart and Gillian on the climb out of the village towards to top of Beckford Hill. The first part of the walk was quite steep, mainly over open ground occupied by sheep, muddy in places but easily passable (and with a few stops en route, ostensibly to have a photos taken but also to regain our breath!).
Once the main ‘ascent’ had been achieved, the walk then followed the ridge in the direction of Beckford, along part of the Wychavon Way, and with lovely views to the south-east across the vale towards Dumbleton and the Cotswolds in the far distance. The walk then took us through some woodland before descending the ridge via the ‘the yellow brick road’ (but with no vocal accompaniment from either Judy Garland, Elton John or any of the walkers!) towards Grafton, before turning north-east again to follow the paths back towards Ashton under Hill. The rain held off and many of the walkers then enjoyed a convivial lunch at The Star Inn.
Many thanks to Stuart and Gillian for organising what was a very enjoyable walk and lunch. (Thanks go to Andrew for his report, also to Margaret and Gillian for their photos - SF)

November 2025

Thursday 6 November       4 miles      Moderate        Pub Lunch   1pm
Meet           The Shutters Inn Gotherington GL52 9EZ   SO 959 296   ///enough.sizes.melons.
Time            9.45 for 10am start

Report

Monday 10 November       U3A Open Meeting

Walk 1725

Thursday 13 November      4 miles.      Easy         Optional Café lunch
Meet              Bredon Jubilee car park GL20 7LX (nearest): SO 927369
                      /// skills.blocking.reverted         Time             10.00 am to start walking

Wednesday19 November    5.5 miles Moderate/Energetic      Lunch own
Meet       Hill Close, Westmancote, GL20 7EW    SO 937 373….///.nags.outsmart.bless
Time              9.45 for a 10.00am start

Thursday 20 November     3 miles     Easy     Optional stop at Stables Café
Meet:            On The Green near the car park at Watery Lane, , Frampton on Severn,
                      Gloucester   GL2 7DY       SO 747 075     beak.rejected.splash
Time:            10.30am start

Wednesday 26 November     4.2 miles    Easy     Lunch own arrangements
Meet          St Lawrence Church car park, Sandhurst, GL2 9NP Grid 828234
                   ///newsprint.wash.crystals             Time         10.00am start

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.

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.

Programme 212 October, November 2025

October 2025

November 2025

Updated 4th November 2025