Walk   1353  

Wednesday 8^th January    5 miles     Easy/Moderate      Pub Lunch

Meet               The King's Head, Birdwood, Huntley,   GL19 3EF  Grid 737188     9.30 to order food at 9.45

Contact         Hugh    01452 780460 or Fran on 01684 491698 the week before

Directions     To Gloucester, then A40 west, direction Ross on Wye, for 5 miles, pub is on the left (south) side of the A40

Details           We walk part of the Gloucestershire Way, to Huntley Church and return via Solomon's Tump. Footpaths, minor roads and tracks, some stiles. Mainly flat with some gentle slopes, could be muddy in places.

 

On a warm, balmy, sunny …… winters??  day, 18 walkers, eager to continue their New Year fitness resolutions, gathered in the car park of The King’s Head at Birdwood, near Huntley. After suggesting that coffee would be taken at Huntley Church, a mere one and a half miles away, we set off in the opposite direction. Leaving the busy A40 behind us, we walked on to a section of the Gloucestershire Way and were rewarded with panoramic views towards the Severn Valley and the ill-defined misty outlines of the distant Cotswold Hills. The footpaths lead us past silent, leafless woods, but closer observation revealed buds forming early in the unseasonably warm weather. Fields were saturated underfoot, water literally oozing out of each footprint, but the many sheep we encountered seemed to take it all in their stride. Ascending the foothills of May Hill, we halted for coffee at Huntley Church. The adjacent primary school decided that the influx of strangers in the churchyard, was a cause for celebration and sent all forty-odd pupils out to play. Walkers, unlike a certain member of the Royal Family, were perspiring in the heat and disrobing was the order of the day. Exiting through the rear of the churchyard, past some magnificent pine trees, we headed for Solomon’s Trump, passing the ‘stony-faced ‘character guarding the entrance to a garden centre. Whilst the rest of the group turned right to traverse the lower slopes of the tump, one member was so determined to see the views from the summit that it took half the group and a local with a dog, to persuade him to turn back onto the right track. After skirting the edge of Huntley Village, the final stage of the walk provided an opportunity to strengthen those flabby leg muscles as we walked across fields layered in thick mud. Well, the pre-walk description carried a warning, “could be muddy in places”.  Lunch (£8 for two courses!) was very welcome and provided a fitting end to a well-organised, ‘stylish’ walk for which, many thanks go to Fran and Hugh. (Our thanks also go to Steve for his usual  entertaining report, and to Terry and Shirley for their photos - SF)

Wait your turn      (Photo by Terry)

Walk   1354  

Thursday 9^th January   6 miles  Energetic           Pub lunch

Meet               Kemerton  GL20 7HP     Grid    946 371             9.00 for 9.15     

Contact         Mike & Jenny    01684 772194       week before

Directions     B4080 Tewkesbury to Bredon.  Carry on through Bredon to Kemerton .  Park in side road just after The Crown.

Details           Meet at 9am  on the corner.   We walk over Bredon Hill to the Tower for coffee then to the Star at Ashton for lunch 12.30pm . Mainly on good paths and tracks. 2 or 3 stiles. After lunch return by Bus to Kemerton.   Astons Coaches run bus 540 (Evesham to Tewkesbury)  2.04pm and 3.04pm from Ashton (20 mins) 

or the more energetic can do walk 2 back to Kemerton.

Walk 2            4 miles Moderate    After lunch at The Star we walk back through the villages. Not much ascent but more stiles and more mud.   We aim to be back in Kemerton by 4pm.   Total walk 10 miles

There is the option for people to only do the afternoon walk.  Park at Kemerton as above and catch the 540  bus to Ashton to join us for lunch.   Bus at Kemerton 12noon opposite The Crown  arrives Ashton 12.19pm. 

On this overcast day 19 enthusiastic, but bleary eyed walkers, congregated early in Kemerton ready to tackle the planned 10 mile walk.  We commenced a steady climb up Bredon Hill. This is the same track that Christians use to this day, to carry a wooden cross at Easter time. On the way up we passed the King and Queen stones. According to legend, if you walk between these stones all your illnesses will be cured.   The route was extremely muddy and a number of walkers slipped and fell.  Thankfully there were no serious injuries, so we didn’t need to walk back between the stones! Coffee break was spent sheltering in the leeward side of Bredon Tower, looking towards the Malvern Hills, which were bathed in sunshine. A few ventured down an escarpment to view the unusual bolder formation, known as the Elephant Rock. We then commenced the walk across the hilltop, through arable land, passing the isolated Lalu Farm, eventually joining the Wychavon Way, which took us down towards Ashton-under-Hill. A few more walkers tumbled as we slid down the treacherous muddy slope on the way to lunch.

 On arrival,  muddy clothes were deposited outside the pub and everyone reached for their stylish blue plastic overboots. After a well earned lunch our leader took a head count of those who wished to continue this adventurous journey. Surprisingly 13 were keen to walk on, the remaining 6 took a leisurely bus ride back to the cars. Therefore, at half time there were 9 falls and 6 submissions!

The afternoon walk took us to Ashton village churchyard, which is reputedly the only church in England dedicated to St Barbara, who is alleged to afford protection from lightening strikes - luckily not needed.  We continued through farmland, the unspoilt village of Grafton and a wood well known for bluebells, where we spotted many clumps of snowdrops. We then headed to Conderton and followed the road to Kemerton, through Overbury. Those with Smart phones checked their apps to see that we had actually walked nearer to 12.5 miles!  We were all pleased with our achievement. Our sincere thanks go to Mike and Jenny for a well organised, fun filled, splendid walk.  (Our thanks also go to Stuart for his graphic and engaging report, and to Graham for his usual excellent photos - SF)

Walk   1355  

Wednesday 15^th       January 5 miles   Easy/ Moderate        Pub Lunch

Meet               Hunters Inn Buckbury GL20 6AR  Grid  846338   9.45 for 10.00

Contact         Terry & Margaret 01684 772278   the  week before

Directions     From Mythe on A438 R on B4211 pub on L please park at far end

Details           A mixture of lanes and fields through the Rampings and Forthampton

Fairly flattish terrain, some stiles.

Please note: We require the food order to us by Saturday 11th Jan.

 http://www.huntersinn.co.uk/lunch-time-menu

 A motley crew of 24 met at Hunters Inn, Buckbury to start our walk at 10.00. The pub was not open at this time of the morning, so having ordered our lunches in advance, we were on our way without delay.  Rain was forecast for later in the day and thankfully we arrived back slightly ahead of it. There were no hills as such - the challenges of the day being mud and stiles, mud and stiles and you’ve guessed it, mud and stiles. Nevertheless, it was a very interesting area and so close to the Tewkesbury flood plain, an area Kath and I had never walked before. The route maximised on the village of Forthampton, its church and interesting houses and commanding position overlooking the Severn. The village signs emphasised the rural nature of the location. Hunters Inn accommodated us well, with a good variety of food being chosen. Thankyou Terry and Margaret for embracing our fitness training on the walk - highly preferable to going to the gym and a very social occasion. (Thanks go to Bob P for his report and to Shirley and Graham for the photos - SF)

Slipping and sliding     (Photo by Shirley)

A rare sighting of our ace photographer      (Photo by Shirley)

Busy lot   (Photo by Graham)

Always the rugged individualist!    (Photo by Graham)

 Walk   1356  

Thursday 16^th January    8.75 miles   Energetic          Picnic

Meet               Park on the road by Wormington Church. Grid 039364.   9.30 start

Contact         Ian or Kathy  01684 290542, the week before

Directions     From Tewkesbury take the A46, at Toddington  roundabout take the B4077 for nearly 4 miles, then left onto the B4078. After 2.5 miles right to Wormington.

Details           Good paths and tracks. Some lane/road. Across farmland and through quiet villages. 1 longish steep hill (Ascent 130m). 3 stiles.

Fifteen of us met in the centre of Wormington village, the weather suprisingly dry. Not so
the surrounding fields which after  the recent rains  were now  completely saturated;  in racing parlance the going was definitely "soft".  We set off across waterlogged fields and lanes meeting the Isbourne way at the disused Wormington Mill, then on to Toddington Manor. The Manor is now owned by artist Damien Hirst and  for the past  decade has been covered in  scaffolding and plastic sheets,  which unfortunately hide a building which was influential in the design of the present  Houses of Parliament.
After a coffee stop we walked  on to the foot of Dumbleton Hill, luckily seeing  a couple of red kites in the distance, before tackling the steep climb to the top .  From here we walked down  to Dumbleton  passing the  impressive Dumbleton Hall , now the headquarters of  "Classic Hotels" and the Post  Office Fellowship of Remembrance , enjoying  its  pituresque location and the parkland estate  surrounding it.  We stopped  at Dumbleton church  to  have our picnic and take shelter from the  rapidly deteriorating weather.  I shouldn't think the church porchway has ever held so many hungry diners before, all very cosy and good humoured.
The  final stretch of our walk back to Wormington  was unfortunately  in  worsening weather and  back  into "mud".  But we can cope!  By this time we are experts , having dealt with mud in all its glory, mud of every hue and texture. How did that song go?
Thanks to Kathy and Ian for their planning and  their excellent leadership under difficult conditions  (Thanks to Jim for his great report, and to our staff photographer Graham for the pictures - SF)

Thursday 23^rd January       9 miles   Energetic         Pub lunch

Meet               Stanton Village Club  WR12 7NE   Grid  068 344       9.45 for 10.00 start

Contact         Betty & Graham    01684 594331  the week before

Directions     Tewks.-Stow Rd, TL Toddington roundabout, TR to Stanton in approx 2 miles,TL to Stanton Village Club

Details           Undulating walk through 3 beautiful Cotswold villages, Stanton, Snowshill, & Stanway, with lunch-time stop at Snowshill Arms Pub for a light lunch!  In case of inclement weather, the walk will be shortened if necessary,
omitting Stanway.

 Eighteen walkers met at Stanton Village Club, on a damp day, cheerfully preparing to walk nine miles through the inevitable mud. We began by climbing up through the pretty village of Stanton and into the countryside. After a short walk Betty pointed out the area of hillside that she had camped on, as a 16 year old. It was her first visit to the area, from her home in Birmingham, - and it began her love of the Cotswolds.

After continuing to climb we stopped to catch our breath, whilst enviously watching a pair of horse riders. We eventually reached the top of Shenberrow Hill and were able to appreciate the mist covered view. The coffee break was very welcome and Graham used the opportunity to take a photograph of the Camino pilgrims! As we headed towards our lunch stop, to be taken at The Snowshill Arms, we met a walker dressed in shirt, tie, tweed jacket and carrying a copy of the Times under his arm. We were surprised to find him already seated in the pub when we arrived.

Lunch was efficiently served and, thanks to our blue overshoes, boots did not have to be removed (thank you Sylvia). We set of in good spirits for the remaining 5 miles. Mud was the main highlight of the afternoon as we headed to Stanway and there, after admiring the gate house, we split into two groups. Some took The Cotswold way and others the road, back to Stanton. Thank you to Betty and Graham for a very enjoyable walk.

PS. The road walkers were back first, and no, we don’t expect the men to wear a shirt and tie next week.  [Thanks to Mary  M for the report and to  Graham.for the photos.   Website: “Stub")

The Camino Pilgrims

Descending into the mud

Resting by the mud = was this Betty's camp site?

Stanway's superb gatehouse

Walk   1358 

Wednesday 29^th January     4.5 miles easy     Own arrangemen

Meet  Catch the 351 bus at 10.05 outside Boots in Tewkesbury to get off in Apperley.  Your leaders will join the bus a couple of stops later.

Contact   Richard & Eileen  01684 274197  the week before

Details    We walk down to Deerhurst and then follow the river back to Lower Lode lane and then into Tewkesbury.  The only hill is down.  Lots of eating places to choose from.

15 members of the walking group embraced the lovely weather that came today, with cold but glorious sunshine and no mud and no “slippers” to worry about.  After meeting at Boots Corner in Cheltenham, some coming by car and others using public transport; we wound our way up to Montpellier and followed a route that passed the lovely Georgian Houses and took in the beauty of The Park.  After coffee, we crossed Hatherley Park and then pressed on towards the railway station to pick of the Honeybourne path. We passed through the Churchill Memorial Gardens which first started off as a cemetery in May 1830.  At the far end of the gardens, towards Lower High Street, one can still find St Mary’s Mission built in 1831, now a Grade II listed building.  In 1965 the gardens were developed and named after Sir Winston Churchill, who died that year.  (Thanks to Ann D for her report  and to Bob P for his photos- SF)

In the Park  ( All photos by Bob P)

 
Walk   1359  

Thursday 30^th January   5 miles Energetic     Pub lunch

Meet               Winchcombe Library Car Park, (fee)  Back Lane. GR 023284.  Meet 9.30

Contact         Ian & Kathy      01684 290542, the week before.

Directions     Past Winchcombe school, straight over at X roads and turn left after library.

Details           The Sacred Tombs of Belas Knapp   Following the Cotswold Way for the first half of the walk, then fields and lanes. 8 stiles. Long steep hill at the start (Ascent 216m)

Kathy, minus Ian, whose Father was taken ill, led 23 U3A members to Belas Knap, assisted by Steve on the walk-over earlier.  In the car park someone introduced herself as new member, `Jane,  but Kathy hadn’t got a Jane on her list
Turned out, Winchcombe Walkers were meeting too.  A new U3A walker did arrive, Helen, so welcome, Helen.  Steve had a laugh when Betty paid her subs with a 20p; she mistook it for £1, the 20p was intended for the loo.
Leaving Winchcombe C.P. in mild weather, with promise of less mud, we made our way to the start of the climb to Belas Knap, an ascent in 3 stages.  Taking a breather, looking back provided a lovely view of Winchcombe. bathed in sun-shine, surrounded by misty hills.  Reaching Belas Knap, a Stone Age burial mound, 1,000 ft. above sea level, dating from 1400 B.C.,  resembling a hump-back whale, which when opened in 1863, 38 skeletons were found.  A welcome coffee stop here in the shelter of Belas Knap, but no time for a ‘nap’.  Rowena, who hadn’t walked with us much lately, came with her daughter and a friend, and as it was her daughter’s birthday today, we all  sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.
Leaving Belas Knap, we shortly saw the familiar masts on Cleeve Hill, ghostly in the mist on higher ground.  We soon began our descent from the heights back to Winchcombe C.P.  
Lunch, at the Canterbury Pub, Tewkesbury, provided excellent service, and we were pleasantly surprised to see Shirley and husband, Steve, were joining us for lunch.  Thank you Kathy for a very enjoyable walk, and thanks to all who 
supported her in Ian’s absence, and we wish Ian and his family well.    (Thanks to our star couple - Betty for the report and Graham for the photos - SF)

Off we  go!      (All photos by Graham)

At the long barrow

Ready for the home run

Still smiling

Date  Wednesday 5th February   6.5 miles Moderate/Energetic    Pub lunch
Meet        Snowshill Arms  WR12  7JU                   9:30 for 9:45 start.
Parking for the first 4/5 vehicles at the pub. Additional spaces at village car park.
(when you book, the pub lunch menu will be forwarded to you for pre-ordering)
Contact    Stuart & Gillian   07971387040    the week before
Directions    Take A438 from Tewkesbury towards Ashchurch. Cross the M5 motorway and pick-up the A 46. At the Teddington roundabout take the B4077 to Toddington. Continue towards Stow, pass the Stanway turning, then take the Snowshill turning on the left.
Details    It is a circular walk - starting downhill from Snowshill to West End, Broadway, returning along the Cotswold Way, via Littleworth Wood (Should be relatively firm underfoot)

Today’s walk, efficiently led by Stuart & Gillian, was inspired by Carl, who has handed over some of his favourite routes to our group.  With help from Graham & Betty, Stuart & Gillian had walked over Carl’s route, but found the “going” a bit heavy on account of the very wet winter we’ve been having.  They persevered, made a few changes, so the ups became downs and the downs became ups (or something like that).  So today, in brilliant sunshine, the twenty two of us set out on the concrete and mud track and a grassy slope towards Great Brockhampton Farm, trying to avoid the emerging snowdrops in the woodland.  We turned left here and had a wonderful view of Snowshill Manor bathed in sunshine.  We went through Littleworth Wood where a party of Cotswold Wardens were coppicing and fencing the hazel stools.  We continued northwards on the Cotswold Way, pausing for the usual SF)
 coffee break and urgently required comfort stops until we met the bridleway down to Buckland.  We turned left here to make an upward loop via Carl’s favoured seat and viewpoint to cross the Cotswold Way and follow the track on the east side of what I shall call Laverton Hill Wood (not as muddy as it was on B&G’s walk 3 weeks ago).  When we again reached Gt. Brockhampton Farm we had completed a figure of eight.  Here the group split into the “upenders” who went back up the lane and past the golden sheep to finish the walk more graciously and the “downenders” who dropped back down the steep grassy slope and over the emerging snowdrops into Snowshill village.  It turns out that both routes measured 5.95 miles, with around 1040ft of total ascent and the upenders won by a short head.  Hearty lunches were served promptly in the Snowshill Arms, washed down with good ale and cider.  A beautiful sunny, windless day, the lull before the forecast gales, but a taste of Spring to come.  (Thanks to our leaders, and to Mike B for the report and the photos from Graham and Shirley - SF)

Date  Wednesday 12th February    4 miles Easy      Own arrangement for lunch
Meet        Layby where Corndean Lane meets B4362  Grid 018277 GL54 5NH  10.00 start
Contact    Barry     01242 522973   the week before.
Directions    3 km below golf club turn on way down into Winchcombe.
Details    Around Winchcombe and Sudeley.

NB  If you are thinking of doing Barry’s walk be advised that lunch will now be taken at the Golf Club afterwards.  No pre-booking of food needed but Barry needs to know numbers.

We had wonderful sunny weather for our walk today, bright sunshine under clear blue skies!  There was a cold wind however, so the ten of us that set off up Corndean Lane were well wrapped up in scarves and gloves.  This was a walk of the 'Ways' - in our four miles we managed to travel along the Cotswold, Warden, Gloucestershire, Winchcombe and Windrush Ways !  Our route took us to the south and east of Winchcombe and through the grounds of Sudeley Castle.  there was a vast collection of vehicles that we were told was connected  to the filming of Phillipa Gregory's book 'The Spanish Princess' .  Yes, the skies were blue, but underfoot the local clay paths and meadows were squishy and very muddy at the gateways.  Ever the gentleman, John, rushing to assist Jan through a gate, slipped full length into the mud where he wallowed for a while before regaining his feet.  This however, was the last adventure that we had on this lovely bracing walk. Lunch at the Golf Club was excellent as usual,  Many thanks go to Barry for his usual genial and effective leadership.

Date 

Thursday 13th February    11 miles Energetic , ( Including an option for walkers     to join us at the British Camp at 11.30 if a shorter Moderate 4.5 mile walk is preferred ).     Café lunch
Meet        Eastnor Village, near the Castle Gates, HR8 IRL  GR 73193711  for a 9.30 start.
Contact    Betty & Graham    01684594331 the week before
Directions    A438 from Tewkesbury to Eastnor
Details    We walk through the Eastnor Estate to the Obelisk en route to Clutters Cave & the British Camp (here we may meet Moderate Walkers at 11.30,Car Park fee)  We then  take the middle high level route to the Wyche for an H2O Cafe snack lunch by 12.30. ( Please Note - if you want a Baked Potato lunch please order when you book your walk place.)
After lunch we return on the lower path to BC,  for a kiosk cuppa , leaving the Moderate 4.5 mile walkers before returning to Eastnor by 4pm. If the weather is against us we can shorten the walk accordingly

Sandwiched between storms Ciara and Dennis the omens were not particularly favourable for our walk. Torrential rain during the night had left plenty of water about, particularly close to our meeting point at Eastnor. Here  a small lake had formed accross the road which  required both  caution and a degree of optimism to drive through . However, no sooner had we booted up than the sun appeared and lifted our spirits. We began our walk, 13 of us, going through  Eastnor  estate, first over the bridge with the flooded stream  running through the alders, then up the long trek to the Obelisk.  From here we took the track above Gullet Wood  then up onto the ridge of Swinyard hill,  stopping for coffee just before the cave.  Walking the path round the base of British Camp, we arrived  at the car park where we were joined by another 9 walkers  completing our group. Taking the middle route along the ridge from Black hill to the Wyche, we had   good views to the west looking  over Colwall to Cradley in the distance. Lunch at the  Wyche Inn , (blue bags essential), provided a welcome break before undertaking the return journey.  One party took the lower paths back to British Camp, whilst on the higher path the wind was now getting into top gear, claiming  my hat, gone with the wind for ever.  The two groups met again at British Camp and after yet more refreshments followed by our goodbyes to the "9", we retraced our route past  the Obelisk and down into Eastnor.  In the late aftenoon sunshine we arrived back at base, where technology anounced that we had walked 12.1 miles in the day.  But then, our legs already knew that!
Many thanks to Betty and Graham for organising a challenging and enjoyable walk.  (Thanks also to Jim for the report and to Graham for his photos - SF)

At the obelisk   (All photos by Graham)

Date  Wednesday 19th February   4 miles    Easy               Pub lunch
Meet        The Crown Inn Kemerton       Grid    945372     9.45 to order food, 10.15 start
Contact    Noel    01684 772526  by Saturday before
Directions    First stop past Bredon on B 4080.  Park in side road.
Details    Across fields to Overbury; across pasture and field for coffee stop and water fowl at Kemerton Church Lake. Return via Kemerton ‘Park’ and the newish traditional English orchard.
NB.  two fence ‘stiles’ needing strong hands/wrists.

Walk postponed due to flooded roads

Report

Date  Thursday 27th February        4.75 miles         Easy       Pub lunch
Meet        White Hart Maisemore    GL2 8HY    grid 817214    9.30 for  10.00 start
Contact    Hugh  01452 780460 or Fran 01684 491698 the week before
Directions    To Gloucester, A40 west to Over roundabout then 1 mile north on A417 (or on A417 from North, via Corse Lawn)
Details    The "Maisemore circular walk" - A very gentle walk on rising ground to Overton and Spring Hill; a steep downhill, then back along the river bank.

Walk cancelled - route under water!

Date  Wednesday 4th March   5 miles  Moderate/Energetic      Pub lunch
Meet        The Plough, Ford  GL54 5RU  Grid 087293   9.30 for 10.00 start.
Contact    Pamela & Mary      01386 725547   week before.
Directions    B4077 from Teddington Hands roundabout to Ford
Details    2 steep climbs, through Temple Guiting, tracks, bridleways and footpaths.  Lovely views.

For those of you going on Wednesday's walk here is a message about road closure  from Mary:
------------------------------

"For all those booked on to the walk on Wednesday, please note the following road closure, discovered as I went to do a final walk through today, Sunday. It is on the B4007 starting just beyond the turning to Stanway. It goes all the way up the hill. As we are meeting at The Plough for 9.30am we should have no problems getting to the start of the walk, but we will need to find alternative routes home. I tried a few this morning and the best route would be to Snowshill and then Broadway and then home. Most of you will know the way from Broadway.
An alternative route is via Winchcombe but the roads are very narrow, muddy, have large pot holes caused by flood damage, and numerous passing places.
If the road closure is going to cause you problems, and you want to cancel please let me know as soon as possible. Please use email if you can or 01684 850433. If you still intend to come you do not have to contact me.
See you Wednesday Mary"

After a couple of cancelled walks everyone was pleased to meet up and raring to go. 21 of us set off and were soon taking on the first of the promised steep climbs.
As always we were rewarded with views at the summit and able to catch our breath. Apart from a stretch of lane walking it felt as we were away from habitation and traffic noise.
Coffee was enjoyed in the sunshine on several grassy hillocks.
        We were shortly met by the interesting challenge of a collapsed elder tree leaning at an angle across the path! Should we attempt limbo under or mountaineering over?
Helpers were on hand to assist and all were safely over. On the edge of Temple Guiting we had a wonderful view of the honey-coloured Cotswold stone church of St. Mary’s.
Just up the hill we saw the immaculate ‘grassy’ tennis court, which reminded us we’d been this way before.
        Luckily we arrived back at The Plough before the rain and were soon enjoying an excellent selection of food.
Many thanks to Mary for leading us and checking out the route for our journey.  (Thanks also to Sonia for the report and to Graham for the photos - SF)

Date  Tuesday 10th March       
Meet        Ledbury Market House       10.30 start
Contact    Eileen    01684 274197   the week before
Details    We walk along the old railway track and return through town. 

21 of us defied the Virus and met in Ledbury for the first Stroll of the year.  The weather was warmish and dry as we set off down the road to find the track of the old Gloucester-Hereford railway line (The Daffodil Line) which we followed to the end of the town.

Our return path took us up the High Street of this thriving town, back to the ancient Market House, where we went our separate ways for lunch or further exploration.

It was good to meet so many of our Strolling friends for the start of this new year.  We all enjoyed a happy morning.

No-one sneezed!  Thanks go to Richard and Eileen for leading today's stroll, and to Richard for the report and photos - SF

Date  Thurs March  12th         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 the western  side of Ragged Stone hill and down the valley by White leaved Oak.  Up to High lift and Howler heath before descending to walk back to base through the woodlands on the Bromsberrow estate.

On a blustery, but sunny, spring morning, 22 sanitised walkers set out from Hollybush, heading for a steady climb over a root-strewn path leading over a rise on the western side of Ragged Stone Hill and then down to the curiously named hamlet of Whiteleaved Oak and the infamous noticeboard adjacent to a pair of stocks. The notice board blithely displayed a list of miscreants the hamlet would like to incarcerate, including Chelsea F.C. supporters, people who peer into the nearby cottages and not surprisingly anyone hailing from Pontefract. Leaving Whiteleaved Oak behind, we then proceeded to walk down a steep valley with a scattering of daffodils and a small stream at the bottom, before starting the ascent of the hill giving access to Howler’s Heath. As the path took the group upwards, the number of daffodils increased, until we came to an enclosed field, which, to quote Wordsworth, “All at once we saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils.” A truly amazing and uplifting sight for us all. We finally gained the top of the valley and, after a few more steps, we were on the summit of Howler’s Heath, the fulfilment of a personal goal for Graham. Whilst having a coffee stop, we enjoyed panoramic views of the Cotswolds to the Brecon Beacons, a selection of all that is best in the countryside. This was topped off by a display of effortless flight control by a nearby kite. The path lead downhill onto a rutted farm track to a junction where daffodils and white violets lined the verges. Turning off the single-track road, we crossed over the classical English parkland of the Bromsberrow Estate, beside a large lake that mirrored the beautiful, natural surroundings. The route now took us back towards Hollybush, but not until we had skirted woods of tall beech trees, quite a few bearing evidence of the destructive power of February’s storms. A last treat was in store, as we stepped off the path and sat or stood, in a traditional and rare, cherry orchard whilst Noel gave the group a faultless recitation of A. E. Houseman’s poem to his first love, entitled , The Loveliest of Trees, the cherry now. An exceptional walk came to a very satisfactory conclusion with a grand lunch at the Duke of York pub. Many thanks go to Jim and Margaret for a wonderful walk.  (Thanks also go to Steve for his wonderful graphic report and to Graham for his usual super photos - SF)

Link to 2006-2008

Link to 2009-2011

Link to 2012

Link to 2013

Link to garden party photos & report

Link to 2014

Date  Wednesday  18th March  6 miles Moderate (567ft ascent)        picnic
Meet    Broadway.  Childswickham  Rd Car Park    090 376     meet 9.30 for 9.45 start to catch 10.18 bus round the corner.  Remember bus passes.
Contact    Mike & Jenny   01684 772194      week before
Directions    From Tewkesbury on A46 turn rt. to Childswickham,  just after turning to Aston Somerville.    Continue through Childswickham to Broadway.  Car and Coach Park is on the left just before road junction.   (Charges.  Over 4h  £4)
Details    We catch the 10.18 am bus service 606 to Chipping Campden and walk back to Broadway along the Cotswold way.  A short moderately steep climb to Dover’s Hill, then gently uphill to the highest point at Broadway tower where we will stop for our picnic. From here there is a steep descent to Broadway.  If anyone did not want to stop for a picnic they could find their own way down.  (Only 3 stiles.)

Report

Walk 1369     Thursday   19 March  5 miles     Easy    Pub lunch

Meet              White Hart Maisemore    GL2 8HY    grid 817214    9.30 for 10.00 start

Contact         Hugh 01452 780460 or Fran 01684 491698 the week before

Directions     To Gloucester, A40 west to Over roundabout then 1 mile north on A417 (or on A417 from North, via Corse Lawn)

Details           The "Maisemore circular walk" - A  gentle walk on rising ground to Overton and Spring Hill.

Notice from Hugh 9/3/20  , I have walked the route and in consequence I raise the difficulty to "Moderate" due to: (a) the state of the ground and (b) that due to flooding I have had to substitute a hilly section for a flooded flat section.

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Date  Wednesday 25th March     5 miles  Easy   pub lunch
Meet        Swan Inn Staunton  GL19 3QA  Grid 793297  9.30 for 10.00
Contact    Margaret & Terry     01684 772278   week before
Directions    From B4211 Corse Lawn take B4213 to Staunton Swan pub at roundabout
Please car share if possible
Details    A walk in a northerly direction from the Swan partly on the Three Choirs way to Lowband,  Staunton Mill also a small part of the Whitmore way. some stiles.

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Date  Thursday 26th March      6 miles    Moderate      Pub Lunchl
Meet        The Hungry Horse, Seven Springs GL53 9NG    Grid 967170  9.45 for 10.00
Contact    Sonia     01684 298409    week before
Directions     M 5 to Junc 11A, A 417 to Air Balloon R’bout, then follow A.436 to Seven Springs.
Details    We walk through the Churn valley on fields, lanes and tracks, passing  through Coberley and Cowley. One steady climb on to Cotswold Way. 3 stiles.
 N.B. Please park at rear of car park. Toilets not available at start.

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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  £4 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  

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:

Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462

Tony, (Administrator) 01684 276960  

Hugh, (walks coordinator)  01452 780460

Webmaster . . . Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com    Updated  29th June  2020

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