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WALKS
PROGRAMME No 146 JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
2018
Due to the unpredictability of numbers attending each
walk it will be
appreciated if members advise the leaders by the dates shown. The
leaders may wish to limit the numbers, which they feel, are manageable,
taking into consideration car parking, lunch arrangements and the
number of obstacles en route which could slow the walk. Additionally by
leaving your telephone number you can be contacted in the event of
cancellations etc.
A walk number that is underlined
has been
altered since its original posting or is a new inclusion
Earlier walk programmes have now been removed from the web
pages to
save space, but copies including the reviews going back to 2001 may be
obtained from Stan
Walking
Group Mobile phone numbers are : 0754 6069085 and 0752 2958435
-
Please note that the phones will only be operative on the
morning
of a walk to enable members who are running late, are lost or delayed,
to contact the walk leader. If one number does not work, try
the
other !
Just a brief reminder – if you are leading a walk, you need to make
sure that you have
a
Leader’s Pack containing First Aid, Phone and Safety Jackets.
They are held by Richard Hart and Anne Trott. It may be that
one
of both of those people are on your walk so they will bring it with
them but if not, you must obtain it.
The phone needs to be turned on
before you leave home so that you know about any delayed or lost
walkers, and then kept on during the walk. Don’t forget to
switch
off afterwards and return the Pack to its owner.
If your walk involves roads or lanes with traffic, then you and your
backmarker need to wear a yellow safety jacket.
And
finally: The committee thinks that in future all walkers
should
carry either on their person or in their rucksack, some form of
identity with important details such as emergency contact numbers and
Doctor’s details. You will find an example attached with this
programme. Please adopt and use it.
After
the success of the Winchcombe Way project we have a new challenge for
2018 – The Cheltenham Circular Footpath – a 25 mile walk around the
outskirts of Cheltenham. This was originally designed with
the
help of Bob Price and the Rotary Club in Cheltenham and was for several
years a sponsored challenge which several Walking Group members
completed in either one or two parts. Now it’s your
chance!
Bob has divided the walk up into 7 sections, which are circular routes,
and the first is in January. Will you take up the challenge?
JULY
2018
Walk
1238 Cheltenham Challenge 4
Date
Tuesday 3rd
July. 7 miles.
Energetic. Pub Lunch
Meet.
Hewletts Reservoir. Grid. 975223.
0915 for 0930
Contact. Bob and Kath Price. 01242 232527. week before.
Directions.
In Cheltenham, take the Harp Hill Road
from Junction of Hales Road and
Priors Road on the B 4075 .
Details
We follow the Cheltenham Challenge Route via Ham and Colgate Farm to
the A40, then join the Cotswold Way climbing to Upper Colgate Farm then
returning to Hewletts via Northfield Farm. 2 long hills and several
stiles.
Please visit www.thehewlett.co.uk to choose your meal and give the order to Bob when you book on the walk.
Note from Richard on 2/7/18
I’ve just heard from Bob - because of the low numbers and the fact that
some people have withdrawn because of the heat he is going to cancel Tuesday and
do the walk later in the year. Sensible I think. However, he and I
are going to do a walk-over of another section of the walk (at low level – no
hills) instead. You are welcome to join us if you would like
Report
Walk
1239
Date
Thursday 5th July 4.75 miles
Easy Pub lunch
Meet
White Hart Inn,
Maisemore GL2 8HY Grid
814213 9.40 to order
Contact Hugh 01452 780460 the week before
Details
We follow a bridle path on the north side of the River Leadon valley to
Murrells End, then a gentle climb to the top of Overton Hill, before
crossing the A417 and following footpaths back to the start. No stiles
but some mud if wet.
Ten
of us joined our walk leader Hugh at the White Hart Inn at Maisemore,
with sun cream and hats a-plenty. We headed North West (so I am told…)
walking bridle paths along the valley of the River Leaden, up to
Murrell’s End where we had our shady coffee stop, watched over by
several swallows on the phone lines above. Despite the hot dry spell,
the one little boggy bit en route managed to make a mess of Kate’s
shoes; this, and Betty’s melted chocolate biscuit, were the only down
sides of this lovely summer walk. We had extensive views from paths
which ran alongside fields of ripening wheat and barley and we stopped
in the shade to admire Hartpury College horses performing in the
distance before striding out (slowly and with frequent water stops in
the shady bits – it was a very hot day…), to the top of Overton Hill,
where 3 horses were greatly surprised as Hugh emerged from what must
have appeared to them to be a hedge, having cut a swathe through the
recently overgrown footpath for the rest of us. Butterflies abounded,
and we missed our naturalists as technology failed to identify wayside
plants, but a swift email brought satisfaction – thank you Pamela, for
being on call! Downhill to the welcome sight of Maisemore pond where we
disturbed a languishing grey heron, who took off from his perch when he
saw us coming, eager as we were to get back to the pub for a
well-earned drink and lunch. Tip of the day – put a water bottle in the
freezer the night before a hot walk. Frequent sips of iced water were
very refreshing on this hottest of days … (Thanks to Shirley for
the report and one of the photos, and to Stuart for the other three -
SF)
Ray Mears foraging for broad beans? (photo by Stuart)
Shirley looks up recipes for bean and thistle soup (photo by Stuart)
Leave the shade? You're joking! (photo by Stuart)
Wading through ripe oilseed (photo by Shirley)
Stroll
Date
Tuesday 10th July Eckington
Meet
Eckington Wharf picnic place Grid
923423 for a 10.30 start
Contact Mike & Jenny 01684 772194 the week before
Details A stroll around the village.
Throughout
our stroll today we were entertained by a peal of 5040 changes of
Ambleside Alliance Major performed by the Vale of Evesham ringers on
the bells of Holy Trinity Church, Eckington. We thought it
might have been done for us – but probably not.
13 of us enjoyed
this gentle stroll around the village today. Jenny and Mike took
us around streets not easily seen from the main road and told us about
the history of the bridge, showed us where a Roman soldier had fallen
and read us a poem by the war memorial.
We didn’t have the
blazing sun of previous days but clouds made it a little sticky.
Ringing bells in ancient times used to be used to drive away thunder
and lightning. We hope it didn’t scare off the rain!
Many thanks to Mike and \Jenny for a delightful morning. (Thanks also to Richard for the report and photos\ - SF)
By Eckington Bridge
Eileen greets a new stroller
Hidden Worcestershire
Shall we buy it?
Walk
1240
Date
Thursday 12th July 6
miles
Moderate
Pub Lunch
Meet
The Fox Inn, Little Barrington.
OX18 4TB
Grid 192131 9.45 for 10.00
Contact
Calvyn and Steve
01684 296684 The week
before.
Directions B4077 to Stow.
A424 Stow to Burford, but after Wyck Hill turn right
onto minor roads signposted Rissingtons and The
Barringtons. Follow road signs to the Barringtons passing
Rissington Airfield. Drive through Great Barrington towards Little
Barrington and the River Windrush. The Fox Inn is just over the bridge
on the left.
Details This walk has more bridges
than Venice and more stiles than Versaci. It is a
circular route around the Windrush Valley. The walk
passes through the Barringtons, Windrush village and the edge of the
Sherborne Park Estate. It is a series of gentle rises and descents
along a mixture of lanes, tracks, paths and field walking. It is likely
to be damp and muddy in places.
This
was the fourth time Calvyn and Steve were to embark upon this walk.
Originally scheduled for earlier in the year, floods and mud had
resulted in it being rescheduled for today, when bright sun,
temperatures in the high 20's, dust and hard ground prevailed.
Unfortunately the pub landlord had become suspicious of their earlier
visits (long haired hippy type and a Welshman, aka Compo and Clegg), to
suss out the area, and he insisted on money up front when ordering
food !
Once
Steve had worked out which way up his money tin went, both
leaders donned high viz and Steve his old schoolmasters whistle !
Twenty of us set off under cloud, but this rapidly cleared to
uninterrupted sunshine. We crossed the River Windrush for the first
time, shocked at the water quality, opaque and grey, an unexpected sign
of poor water quality. We duly noted the straw fox that adorned the
ridge of a thatched barn and a motoring hedgehog in concrete, atop a
masonry gate post. We stopped again to admire the Barrington
Estate and learn of its history from Steve, before heading on through
beautiful Cotswold countryside. Our accompanying
botanist/ornithologist/naturalist, Pamela, patiently fielding questions
from all sides. How fortunate we are to walk with such a knowledgeable
and patient lady - three cheers !
Wending our way onwards
we crossed a tributary of the Windrush, bright clear and sparkling in
the sun, as one day the Windrush itself might be ? However the zenith
of Steve and Calvyn's organisational skills was marked overhead by the
Red Arrows trailing red, white and blue smoke. A fabulous
Cotswolds walk in valley and on ridge, it was enjoyed by
all. For Ian and Kathy, presently away in Spain, it
was awwwsome! (Thanks to Stuart for the wonderful report ant to
our trio of photographers - SF)
The peasants are at the gates! ( Photo by Terry)
Flax? (Photo by Terry)
A bit of shade ( Photo by Calvyn)
Through fields of gold ( Photo by Pamela)
Walk
1241
Date
Wednesday 18th July 4.8 miles Easy/Moderate Own arrangements,
Meet Newent Lakeside car park (fee 80p) Grid 722261, 09.45 for 10.00am,
Contact Lesley 01452 84062 week before
Details
The walk begins from above to the disused canal, through fields and
occasional tarmac, towards the tiny arboretum and 'home'. A
couple of difficult stiles.
Eight
set off, including a member of Newent U3a, towards the canal. Despite
discussing canals in general, the second section, with head high
nettles and mighty thistles etc., drew forth a muttered comment of "the
jungle". However, after scrambling over a fallen willow tree and not
falling into what water there may have been, the 'moderate' part of the
easy ( no stiles ) walk was declared over!
A welcome break at St
Anne's church, Oxenhall, showed good views and the finial of a former
spire in the churchyard. This prompted a member to describe his annual
job of memorial headstone testing. A child died in 2000 after a
tombstone tumbled onto him and so these important safety checks are now
carried out.
Then it was down a leafy lane to eventually reach the tiny Millennium arboretum, before lunch and home. (Hot and sunny weather)
Thanks to Hugh and Pete for the photos, and to Lesley, not only for leading, but for the report as well!
The old lock (Photo by Hugh)
Is there someone there? (Photo by Hugh)
At St Anne's (Photo by Hugh)
Walk
1242
Date
Thursday 19th July 5.5m Moderate/Energetic
Pub lunch
Meet
Main St. Elmley Castle
Grid 981411
9.30 for 10.00
Contact
Pamela & Mary
01386 725547 the week before
Directions
Eckington Road from Bredon, then right to Combertons and
Elmley or Bredon, Beckford, Ashton under hill, then
Elmley. Park in Main Street near pub.
Details
We walk from the pub through pastures, with views of the Malverns and
Bredon Hill, loop through to Great Comberton and return towards
Elmley. A final steep climb onto Bredon Hill (not
‘the Wall’) and a gentle downhill route back to the pub.
Twenty
cool, happy, relaxed chums arrived nice and early outside the Queen
Elizabeth ready for this weeks adventure. Given the expected
temperature the walk was reversed so that the hill came at the start
while it was still cool. (Hot and sunny weather)
The walk was
to Great Comberton following a figure of eight pattern. No attempt was
made on the summit, wise given the heat. A fair part of the walk was
through the wood of even hill which provided shade and the view to
Bricklehampton Hall, Pershore Abbey and beyond.
Brendon hill as always pleasant and never uninteresting.
As always I learn something new - a clattering of jackdaws.
(Collective noun for TUTA walkers anyone? )
As
always lots of laughs over 5 miles and 783 calories (apparently).
Thanks Mary and Pamela. for leading, (And to Calvyn for the
report also to Graham and Pamela for the photos - SF)
Refreshment? (photo By Pamela)
Cool! (photo By Graham)
Blue skies (photo By Graham)
waiting (photo By Graham)
Walk
1243
Date
Wednesday 25th July
6 miles
Mod/ Energetic
Lunch:To be decided
Meet Clanna Woods FC car park (very limited space) Grid 584024 9.45 for 10.00
Contact
Terry and Margaret
01684 772278
week before
Directions
A48. App 4m past Lydney turn R at Globe Inn,
Alvington.( GL15 6BA )A sp Hewelsfield and Brockweir.
After 1.5 miles Turn R at second crossroads , parking a short distance
on R.
Details An undulating walk through woods,
fields, tracks, quiet lanes passing little hamlets. Over a dozen stiles
and good views across the Severn, weather permitting
A
baker’s dozen set off in fairly hot conditions, on a walk that provided
quite a bit of shade. There were a few challenges ahead, and Tony
provided spare poles for any who wanted them. The first challenge
was a short steep climb out of Clay Wood access land onto a faintly
marked path, from whence the going became quite easy. We passed
by Aylesmore Court with it’s smart self-catering barn conversions, and
on to the pretty hamlet of Hewelsfield where we visited the church with
its circular churchyard. We soon approached the second challenge,
two fields of tinder-dry oilseed rape, complete with nettles. The
final challenge was to find a stile out of the rape into a field of
bracken. Margaret stalwartly disappeared into the tall crop to
find the overgrown stile, but in the absence of a tall flag as used by
Italian tour guides, she remained invisible (and barely audible).
Margaret was found by the search party and we fought our way through
the bracken, and breezed down the hill to our shady picnic spot.
It was plain sailing after that and we soon reached the picturesque
Clanna Ponds and the end of our walk. Many thanks to Terry and
Margaret who made several visits to the area to seek out the published
route. Let us hope that the wet Spring and hot Summer that
brought forth prickly and stinging vegetation will also lead to a good
blackberry harvest. (Thanks to Mike for the report and to Terry
for the photos - SF)
Jungle patrol (Photo by Terry)
Pretty, pretty! (Photo by Terry)
Not lost - just confused (Photo by Terry)
Skinny dip anyone? (Photo by Terry)
Walk
1244
Date
Thursday 26th July 5 miles Easy/Moderate Picnic at Hugh's house
Meet Apperley Village hall car park, GL19 4DP Grid 867286 10.00 start
Contact Hugh & Fran 01452 780460 the week before
Details This is the reverse of a walk we did in March 17 through
Deerhurst and Deerhurst Walton. Two gentle hills, footpaths and country
lanes, some stiles.
Picnic at Hugh's house near the Village hall; he will supply beer, wine
and soft drinks. Hopefully the weather will be good enough for the garden!
Fourteen
of us met in the car park of Apperley Village Hall – mercifully only a
short drive from home. Many of us are getting a bit fed up with the
heatwave, so we were pleased to see clouds in the sky, and not too hot
a start to the walk, but the weather became hotter and more humid as
the morning went on. The walk took us mainly across fields and along
field margins, and the ground everywhere was hard, with cracks for our
poles to get stuck in. The harvest has been early this season (and
probably not too abundant) and there were many bales of straw creating
a vaguely Monet-esque look. The fields of beans were looking very sorry
for themselves, and were as much black as green. We had good views of
attractive Deerhurst Church, and enjoyed coming across a couple of
dozen newly-sheared alpacas. Fortunately, in view of the atmospheric
conditions, some stretches of the walk were under tree cover, there was
little climbing to do, and quite a few of the stiles were ex-stiles.
Thanks
to Hugh and Fran for another enjoyable walk – and to Christine and Hugh
for providing their comfortable garden for our picnic, and for the
bottles of lager and cans of ginger beer that they kindly gave us.
(Thanks also go to Bob for the report, and to Graham for the
photos - SF)
Nice hats! (Photo by Graham)
Take it easy (Photo by Graham)
All dried up (Photo by Graham)
Rehydration! (Photo by Graham)
AUGUST
2018
Walk
1245
Date
Wednesday 1st August
5 miles
Easy
Pub Lunch
Meet
The
Nightingale, Worcester WR7 4QS Grid
909532
9.30 for 10.00 start
Contact
Jennie & Isabel 01684
772216 week before
Directions
From Tewkesbury
B4080 turn right at junction onto A4104
through
Pershore. At Pinvin junction turn left onto A44 and
pub on right just after Sneachill Village
sign.
Details
Flat walk along footpaths
and tracks with good views especially
of
Spetchley Hall as we pass through
the Estate. 5 or 6 easy stiles and railway
footbridge.
Walk cancelled due to leaders indisposition. -
Walk
1246 The Isbourne Way part 1
Date
Wednesday 8th August 6.5 miles
Easy/Mod
Picnic
Meet
Toddington church car park Grid
035331 10.00 start
Contact Richard & Eileen 01684 274197 the week before
Directions From B4077, turn into Toddington village, drive through and follow signs.
Details
We take half the cars and drive to the quarry car park above Cleeve
golf club. The walk then starts from the river source at the
Washpools. We can picnic at the church at the end of the walk and
then take refreshment at the local pub or back at the golf club.
To
give added interest and a focus to our walking, Richard and Eileen have
organised a walk following The Isbourne Way tracking the River Isbourne
from its source on Cleeve Hill to its confluence with the Warwickshire
Avon at Evesham, a distance of some 14 miles, which they have split
into two sections.
This being a linear walk 19 of us met at
Toddington to do the first section and arranged car sharing to take 4
cars to the start of our walk at Cleeve Hill. After all the
intense heat of the last few weeks, we were delighted to have cooler
weather, which was perfect for walking. We descended to the wash
pool and after the only slight incline of the day, continued downward
passed Postlip Mill, the only remaining mill on our part of the route,
where the path had been well constructed. After our welcome break for
coffee we continued through the countryside briefly dipping in and out
of Winchcombe and Greet before returning to Toddington We were
very grateful for a wedding taking place at Toddington Church which
meant we could not lunch in the churchyard on return as originally
planned, so had our picnic lunch en route. What a life
saver!! It transpired that the total distance was 8.5 miles,
albeit without hills, so we all agreed we deserved our drink at Cleeve
Hill Golf Club. Thank you Richard and Eileen for a wonderful walk
with stunning scenery, excellent company and a great sense of
achievement. We look forward to the second half next month.
(Thanks to Kath for the report and Terry for the photos - SF)
Where it starts - the Washpool on Cleeve Hill (Photo by Terry)
Lovely old cottages (Photo by Terry)
Break tine (Photo by Terry)
Down the Hill (Photo by Terry)
Walk
1247
Date
Friday 10th August 2 miles. Easy. Picnic or cafe lunch.
Meet The Firs-Birthplace of Edward Elgar, now taken over by the National Trust.
Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire WR2
6RH Start 10.00
Contact
David 01684
292288 the week before.
Directions From Worcester bypass A4440 turn left on Bromyard road A44, take 1st
right, brown sign to Crown East. Birthplace is about a mile
on RHS.
Details: Free parking at
Birthplace. Meet at 10.00 for guided visit, including
video
of Elgar's
life and works, visit to Museum, Birthplace,
English Cottage Garden, study
and sound garden. If we are lucky there
might be a free concert! Walk will follow.
Entry is free to Birthplace for NT members, £7.50 for group members.
Today
is the day that our long dry spell came to an end. The 16 of us
that assembled in the car park of the "Firs" (Elgar's Birthplace)
opened our umbrellas for the first time in ages! An unusual walk
today - but then, David's walks are always out of the ordinary - we
combined a most interesting tour of Elgar's Cottage, watched a short
film about his life and achievements, and took a short walk around the
area. As the cottage is tiny, we were split up into small groups,
so the walk element of our visit became somewhat fragmented, but none
the less enjoyable for all that. The route is on a leaflet published by
the National Trust and though we had a good soaking towards the end of
it, our small party enjoyed it (and our super lunch at the Bell Inn
afterwards) Many thanks to David for arranging this unusual visit
- we'll look forward to your next suprise!
Brollies up
Film show
All is gathered in!
That's the stile!
Stroll
Date
Tuesday 14th August Bredon Villages
Meet
Car Park next to Bredon
Village
Hall
10.30 start
Contact Nick 01684 772147 the previous week
Details An easy stroll around Bredon and surrounding area.
There
were 27 of us on this warm and sunny day for Nick's tour around this
lovely village. We started by crossing the playing field, and Oh
my! the folk here are so well served with a wonderfuly kept set of
ammenities to suit all ages! Over the main road to Eckington we
went and, by way of footpaths through filds and woods we desended to
the Avon, where we took a short break on yet another public space that
Nick told us was the former quay for river traffic. Onward back
up to the church - lovely, and so well cared for - then on to the
tithe barn. Very dramatic, a huge space but perhaps not
originally a "Tithe" barn so much as a general storage barn so some
say. Our route now took us back to the car park past the Fox and
Hounds pub to which several of us retired to enjoy a good lunch and
merry companionship. Many thanks to Nick for his usual faultless
guidance and excellent commentary.
At the quay
Sunshine near the church
In the Tithe barn
Past the Fox and Hounds
Walk
1248 The Bath Skyline - a combined walk with Bath U3A
Date
The Bath Skyline - a combined walk with Bath U3A
Thursday
16th August 6 miles
Moderate Picnic lunch
Meet Landsdown Park & Ride BA1 9BJ then bus to Bath railway station 10.30 start
Contact Richard & Eileen 01684 274197 by the w/e before
Directions
Probably M5, M4, A46 and follow signs. Allow 1.5 hours to
P&R. Meet at train station. Don’t forget bus pass.
Details
A delightful walk around and above Bath, led by the Bath Walking Group
whom we met recently on our Slad walk.
Our
walk today was one with one of the Bath U3A Walking Groups.
We met them on our Slad Valley walk a while back and they invited us to
walk the Bath Skyline Walk with them.
11 of us joined 11 of them at
Bath Spa station where we quickly removed all the waterproof gear we
had put on because the threatened rain had passed and the sun was out.
The
start was gentle, along the Bath & Avon canal but as we then
ascended very steeply to the start of the trail, even more layers came
off because of the high humidity. Once there, the walk was
delightful – across Claverton Down and then around the University to
Bathampton Down – with splendid views of Bath with its terraces and
crescents. There were some difficult stretches through the woods
with slippery stones and tree roots and by the time we made our way
back down to the centre of town we were very weary after 8 miles.
However, a cream tea in a café overlooking the Abbey revived us before
returning to the P&R and the journey home.
Our thanks to
Roger Hurley from the Bath walkers for leading us so well. We
hope to invite them to Tewkesbury in the not too distant future.
(Thanks also to Richard for his report and to Terry for the photos - SF)
The assembled cast (Photo by Terry)
All the world's a stage! (Photo by Terry)
Exit left . . . (Photo by Terry)
And now our show is done (Photo by Terry)
Walk
1249
Date
Wednesday 22nd August 6 miles Moderate/Energetic Pub lunch
Meet
The Star Inn, Ashton-u-Hill. WR11 7SN G
997379 9.45 start
Contact Mary & Pamela . 01386 725547
Directions
B4080 from Tewks to Bredon, through Kemerton, Overbury and Beckford
then left for Ashton-u-Hill. Alternatively use A46 and to take
turn to Ashton-u-hill.
Details A walk from Ashton
under Hill to Dumbleton Hill starting on the Wychavon Way - woodland,
views of Bredon, Dumbleton Hall and village. A fairly steep climb
up Dumbleton Hill and one other short climb. Two stiles and
we have to cross the busy A46 (twice).
The pub is
not open until 11 am – so we need to pre-order food/.
www.thestar-ashtonunderhill.co.uk. Please give me your order by
Monday 20th. We aim to be back for 1 pm. Park in pub
car-park. Spaces also across the road.
21
of us assembled in the car park of The Star ready to enjoy the walk
from Ashton to Dumbleton Hill on a blissfully cool morning.
We crossed the A.46 without incident and tackled the steepish climb ahead realising that it was still quite humid.
However coffee/water break was ahead and the views were spectacular reminding some of us of The Blue Remembered Hills of Potter.
We
walked down in good spirits(Was there something in the coffee?) and
enjoyed the beautiful parkland of the Dumbleton Estate. Young pheasants
were beginning to show themselves and sheep were massing under the
trees.
We were in good time for lunch and eventually crossed back over an even busier A 46.
Excellent service from the Staff at the Pub and everyone soon tucked in.
Many
thanks to Pamela and Mary for a lovely peaceful walk on one of our
local patches. (Thanks also to Sonia for the report,. and to the
ever faithful trio of Pamela, Graham and Terry for the photos - SF)
All in a row (Photo by Pamela)
Stepping out (Photo by Graham)
Under the spreading . . . (Photo by Graham)
As far as the eye can see (Photo by Terry)
Walk
1250
Date
Wednesday 29th August 4.5 miles
Easy
Pub lunch
Meet
Grid 784 061 Car Parking at
Eastington 9.45
for 10.00
Contact Stan 01684 293319 the week before
Directions M5 South to Jn 13 Left dir Stroud - Ist R/bout R and car park is immediately on left
Details
A level walk following the defunct Thames and Severn canal as far
as Ryeford and then return (either on same path or another T B
Decided!) Carvery lunch at the Fromebridge Mill.
20
walkers were gathered at the lay-by to start this canal walk on an
overcast, but warm day. It was a ‘there and back’ walk along the
Stroudwater Navigation canal, so we were warned not to look over our
shoulders as
we walked along!
We were by no means the only people using the
footpath, there was a constant stream of walkers, runners and bikes
‘coming through’. It is a popular place.
The first part of the
walk was along a non-navigable stretch, which meant that the water
lilies were in profusion and bulrushes and wild flowers decorated the
banks. After we went through the culvert under the railway bridge we
arrived beside a large lake, named the Ocean, formerly a fish pond.
Here the canal became navigable, and we were impressed to come across
the volunteers from the Cotswolds Canal Trust clearing the undergrowth,
and Cotswold Boatmobility, who organise boat rides for people with
motor and learning disabilities.
Stan told us much local history as
we went along, it would seem that this area had been very important in
WW2, there were even 12 pillboxes with gun emplacements to protect
vital factories in the area.
After
a break at Ryeford lock sitting
on an old barge, we turned back. At 11:30 we stopped and had a minute’s
silence to remember our friend Anne Scott, at the time of her
cremation. Then shortly after that Stan and Ken were interviewed by a
reporter from Radio Gloucester for her Sunday morning programme. The
rest of the walk was less eventful but equally enjoyable. Thank you
Stan for another informative and interesting walk in lovely
surroundings. (Thanks to Andrea for the report - but she has
bravfly neglected to say how she and Hugh survived a painful wasp
attack! SF)
At the Ocean
At St Cry's church
Our barge seat at Ryeford
Nutshell bridge
Walk
1251
Date
Thursday 30th August 6 miles Moderate/Energetic own arr for lunch
Meet
British Camp CP WR136DW . CP costs £4 or there is limited roadside
parking nearby. 9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact Betty & Graham Tel: 01684 594331 week before
Directions Welland , Little Malvern Priory. British Camp CP is located junc A449 & B4232
Details
We walk to Ledbury following the contours alongside the British Camp
via the Giants Cave and the Eastnor Park Obelisk (coffee stop)
From
Eastnor village our undulating route finally descends into Ledbury
where there are numerous tea shops & pubs near the Church.
Return:
The 44B First Bus service back to the British Camp picks up by the
Market House every hour from 13.44 to 17.43. (Remember Bus Passes)
Message from B&G -
We will be away a good deal in August, please leave messages on the
answer phone which we will pick up when we return on Sunday 26th
This
walk had a last minute change from that described in the programme, the
44B bus from Ledbury proving elusive yet again. 23 of us met at
the Wyche to pre-order food then walked northwards through woodland
towards St Anne's well. The weather was perfect , sunny but not too
hot, the trees begining to take on autumnal colours. Following the
contours round to North hill we eventually joined Lady de Walden's
Drive and then onto the highest point of our walk The Worcestershire
Beacon. Today the interest was not so much in the magnificent views but
in a group of intrepid characters intent on launching themselves into
space, suspended from the flimsy fabric of a Paraglider. Descent
back to the Wyche ended a very enjoyable walk with many thanks to Betty
and Graham. (Thanks also to Richard for the report, and to our trio of
photographers this week of Pamela, Graham and Terry - SF)
Great walking up here! (photo by Terry)
At St Ann's Well (photo by Pamela)
The assembled cast (photo by Graham)
Lovely views (photo by Graham)
SEPTEMBER
2018
Monday 3rd September
The walking Group Annual Meeting
Ashchurch Village Hall
2.00 p.m.
Reports – Election of Officers – Statistics
Tea and cakes – The previous year in pictures
Our
usual bunfest had a special significance this year, as our
long serving Leader, Ken, decided to hand on his cammander's baton to
another, and the universal and popular opinion was that our future
leader would be Sylvia (applause! applause!) We were all
sad, of course, that Ken was standing down from the office, but we were
at the same time universally appreciative of his outstanding
contribution to the group over the years and happy that he continues to
join us on our walks
Ken and presentation portrait
Walk
1252 Cheltenham Challenge 4
Date
Tuesday 4th September. 7 miles. Energetic. Pub Lunch
Meet. Hewletts Reservoir. Grid. 975223. 0915 for 0930
Contact. Bob and Kath . 01242 232527. week before.
Directions. In Cheltenham, take the Harp Hill Road from Junction of Hales Road and
Priors Road on the B 4075 .
Details
We follow the Cheltenham Challenge Route via Ham and Colgate Farm to
the A40, then join the Cotswold Way climbing to Upper Colgate Farm then
returning to Hewletts via Northfield Farm. 2 long hills and several
stiles.
Please visit www.thehewlett.co.uk to choose your meal and give the order to Bob when you book on the walk.
There
were 10 of us today on this 4th Stage of the Cheltenham
Challenge. Bob had been out on the hill for several hours the day
before clearing paths and cutting brambles and we were glad of his hard
work on this warm, dry morning.
Our route took us south from the
Hewlett reservoir to the tiny hamlet of Ham and then zig-zagged and
climbed across fields above Charlton Kings to Colgate Farm and the edge
of Dowdeswell Wood. From here we followed the Cotswold Way until
we descended to our cars over a series of difficult stiles
(including one notorious double whichThe
Hewlett Arms must have been glad to see us because we were the only
ones in there. The food and welcome was good and we felt we had earned
it.
had the short-of-leg struggling). We saw lots of horses and cows
today, who all ignored us, except one beast who bellowed loudly but
kept her distance
.Thanks to Bob and Kath for leading this walk
so well. (Thanks to Richard for the report, and to Bob for the
photos - SF)
up we go (photos by Bob P)
a bit of a rest
great style!
autumn sun
Stroll
Date
Our aim is to walk along
the former railway embankment and to visit
the
Cholera Burial Ground, followed by a stroll to the site of the former
Cholera Hospital where we may receive some local advice. After
the walk, there is the opportunity to eat at the Muggery with its
unique atmosphere. We hope you will voluntarily join us
there. It would be appreciated if those coming by car
offered lifts. Please use toilet facilities before arrival. The
walk is gently uphill on rural footpaths and downhill [the latter
mainly on a pavement]. There is one very short climb up a stone
stairway to the embankment. It is a genuine 2 hour stroll max.
John’s
Stroll today was in Upton upon Severn and as ever, it had an historical
theme. We walked from the car park to join the old track of the
Tewkesbury to Malvern railway, whose demise was not due to Dr Beaching
but to simple economics. Out next stop was the old Cholera burial
ground built for the 50 town’s people who died in the great epidemic
of 1832.
Then, with some trepidation, we made our
say up Cut Throat Lane, but were relieve at the top to be met by Betty
& Graham Mealand who welcomed us into their garden to view the
ancient meadow behind which once cotained a Health Barn, where Cholera
sufferers were treated.
Now the drizzle had turned into annoying
rain as we made our way back to the cars, ironically, past the modern
Health Barn which is the Upton Surgery. Many then retired to The
Muggery for lunch.
Many thanks to John and Jan for another interesting and well organised Stroll (Thanks to Richard for the report - SF)
on the line
nice walking
damp at the burial ground
wet in Graham's garden
Walk
1253
Date
Thursday 13th September 6 miles
Moderate Pub lunch
Meet
Courtyard of Dog and Partridge B49
5BB. Alcester. Grid 088
572. 9.30 for 9.45
Contact Mike & Jenny 01684 772194 the week before
Directions
A46 / A435 (Arrow) R at 1st Rbout into Evesham
St. (Alcester). 1st R Newport Drive,
2nd L
Bleachfield St. Dog and Partridge is on the
left. Park in Bleachfield St. FREE car park
just past the pub on the left ( or limited street parking.)
Details
Primrose Hill and Oversley Wood. Easy walking on roads,
tracks and woodland paths, (might be muddy in places.) One stile,
several small ups and downs, one longer up hill in the wood. 406
ft ascent in total.The route can be shortened if it is wet.
Lunch can be ordered when you book. The gate to the pub yard
should be unlocked so we can use the toilets on the right in the yard.
Sixteen
of us met in Alcester town centre on a beautiful, sunny early Autumn
morning; it had been quite cold (10degC) on the way there, but quickly
warmed-up as the morning went on. This was a new area for most. The
walk went south of the town and, after crossing the River Arrow and the
A46, became a circular walk around Primrose Hill to within sight of
Oversley Castle (a Victorian house with attached crenelated tower
folly). We then joined part of the Arden Way before traversing Oversley
Wood, which is a remnant of native English forest, and then back to
Alcester. Wildlife of note seen included a grass snake and maybe a
deer. This was a very scenic and attractive walk on a lovely
day. (Many thanks to Mike and Jenny for leading this new
and interesting route, to Hugh for his report and to Graham for the
photos - SF)
The long and winding road (Phots by Graham)
Oversley Wood
Is this the jungle?
Where next?
Walk
1254
Date
Wednesday 19th September 5.5 miles
Moderate Picnic
Meet
Ken and June’s house,
Pamington GL20
8LS 9.45 start
Contact Ken & June 01684 772564 the week before
Directions From Tewkes take A46, turn right at Aston Cross onto B4079 – half mile to house
Details We walk to Oxenton, Teddington back to Pamington
Tracks and up Oxenton Hill and down to Teddington back to Pamington
Report
Walk
1255
Date
Thursday 20th September 6 miles. moderate/ energetic Pub lunc
Meet Carpenters Arms, Miserden GL6 7JA Grid 937088 9.30 to order food
Contact Jim & Margaret 01684 296773 the week before
Directions
From Birdlip take the A4070 towards Stroud taking the left turn at
Fostons Ash and then shortly the first turning left sign posted to
Miserden. Follow signposts to Miserden.
Details
From Miserden we pass a couple of small lakes then up to Winstone, on
to Syde and Caudle Green before returning to the Carpenters Arms.
Woodland walks with good views from Syde and Caudle
Green.
One or two steepish bits.
Report
Walk
1256 The Isbourne Way part 2
Date
Wednesday 26th September 7.5
miles Moderate
Picnic
Meet
Evesham Viaduct Meadow car park (£4) WR11
4SU Grid 033432 Meet at 9.30
Contact Richard & Eileen 0106841 274197 the week before
Directions Do not take Evesham by pass. Car park entrance is on left after crossing river.
Details
After meeting we will take half of the cars to the starting point at
Toddington Church and walk back to Evesham.
Report
Walk
1257
Date
Thursday 27th
September 4 miles
Easy
Café Lunch
Meet
Far Peak Climbing Centre GL54 3JL
Grid 113145 9.45 for 10.15am
start.
Contact Steve 01684 295438 the week before.
Directions A40 to Northleach turn on to the A429 towards Cirencester. One mile south of
Northleach
turn left to join a road signposted Ablington and Bibury. Follow
this road for about 300 yards and then turn right
onto a long driveway that leads to the Far Peak Climbing Centre, park
up near the small industrial units.
Details
A circular walk around and through Northleach, with a visit
to Hampnett Church.
A mixture of field and road
walking. Only 1 stile, mostly flat with 2 small climbs around Hampnett,
separated by a coffee break. Lunch will be taken in the Hayloft Café
and a range of toasties, jacket potatoes and drinks will be
available.
Report
Thanks
to all walk leaders for your hard work.
.
Nearly
all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution to
save both space and bandwidth. Should you want a copy of any
of
the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original file -
just quote the walk number and the photo title.
NOTICE
BOARD
The
Walking Group has a mobile
phone to be used before and during walks for emergency contact — see
paper programme for number.
We
are affiliated to the Ramblers
Association and the membership card
above may be used to obtain a 10 percent discount on walking gear in
most local outlets.
If
you require a paper copy of
the walking programme, there is a charge of £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
The
Ordnance Survey has a service now that enables you, for an annual
subscription of £19.99, to download and print off extracts from the OS
maps that we use for our walks - anywhere in Britain! - no
more
having to fold and unfold vast sheets of paper in the wind and rain -
bliss! (Stop Press! There is now an "App" for smart phones
that
does all kinds of amazing stuff!) A real bargain - for a free
trial go to - http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps/
SAFETY
POLICY
WALKERS
a)
Carefully read the walk
description to ensure that you are capable
of walking the route at a moderate pace (about 2 miles per hour)
without risk to health. Attention should be paid to the
EASY/MODERATE/DIFFICULT grading as well as to any references to steep
climbs, stiles, etc.
b)
Dress sensibly. Make
sure that you have suitable clothing and
footwear for the weather expected. A walking pole or stick can be of
great help.
c)
Remember to carry any
medications that you might need. Carry food, and water, especially on
hot days.
d)
Follow instructions
given by the leader. Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight
all the time.
e)
Keep to the route
indicated by the leader: do not devise shorts cuts, etc.
f)
Walk in single file on
roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.
LEADERS
g)
Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC. Mention any steep
climbs and stiles.
h)
Limit your walk to a
maximum numbers that you think you can safely manage, given the nature
of your walk.
i)
Have a co-leader to act
as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points
during the walk
j)
Carry a first aid kit or
ensure that someone else in the group has one.
k)
Set a pace of about 2
miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea
stops. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient
time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more
energetic members.
l)
Carry a map, the group
mobile phone and GPS receiver to make emergency calls and give exact
locations.
To
download a copy of the
Leader's Walk Plan Form (In Adobe Acrobat Format ie PDF) — Click on the
following link FORM
To
go to further advice for
leaders - Click on the following link
Advice
To
go to The Tewkesbury U3A
main site click here; Tewkesbury
U3A
Contacts:
Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462
E Mail /
Tony,
(Administrator) 01684 276960
E Mail tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Richard,
(walks
coordinator) 01684 274197
E Mail / richard.hart13@btinternet.com
Webmaster
. . .
Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com
Updated 13 th September
2018
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