TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

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NB   1.   Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with them on all walks and strolls.
NB   2.   Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
NB   3.   Members should always carry hand sanitizer and a face covering.
NB   4     In future unless a walk leader specifies 'picnic en route' then lunches will be own arrangements be that pub, home or picnic until such time as the hospitality industry achieves some new-normal status.

Thursday 5th August        4 miles   Easy     picnic at end if fine
Meet  Kempsey Common       Grid 866483        9.45 for 10.00
Contact Richard & Eileen   01684 274197 the week before
Directions A38N. Before Kempsey take 2nd lane on R (Bestmans Lane) just past Hartland Plant Centre. Follow lane over m’way to car park.
Details We walk around Kempsey Common and along quiet lanes through Green Street.. Wonderful views. No stiles.

17 of us met today for this short walk in a little-known area. It was cloudy but warm and the rain wasn’t due until noon.
From the car park at the foot of Kempsey Common we walked slowly uphill through meadow grass and bracken, past sheep and ponies to the top where we stopped for a short break and to admire the view of the Malverns and Worcester.
We then took to quiet lanes through Green Street and Napleton, past fields of wheat ready for harvest and blackberries ripening in the hedgerows, to return to the cars.
And just as we got back, the rain started. (Thanks to Richard and Eileen for all their efforts - SF)

The Harry Green Reserve, Pershore
Meet The Tiddesley Wood car park on Belford Bridge Road (WR10 2AD) for 10.30am start
Contact Andrea & Bob 01684 294676 the week before
Details Our stroll takes us around the Tiddesley woods, one of Worcestershire’s nature reserves, via way-marked paths. It is under 2 miles long and there are some ups and downs. Lunch is picnic or own arrangements

Six of us met at the Harry Green Nature Reserve at Tiddesley Wood near Pershore. We were fortunate to have perfect summer weather: sunny, some cloud, no wind and not too hot. We had a stroll of a mile and a half through the diverse woodland. There were wild flowers at the side of the main tracks and quite a lot of insects, particularly butterflies. We marveled at the bizarre shapes that the once pollarded trees had grown into with some having up to a dozen trunks with arches and holes through them. We eventually had some lunch at a farm shop cafe after discovering that two local pubs were closed on Tuesdays. Thank you to Bob and Andrea for a very pleasant morning. (Thanks to Bob for his evocative photos - SF)

Wednesday 11 August
Meet Terry and Margaret's house 2.30 for 3.00pm
Margaret and Terry are again holding a garden party on the above date and hope you will be able to attend to enjoy tea/coffee and cakes.
Numbers will be limited so please let Margaret know, preferably by email to mrmorris@sky.com , as soon as possible for your names to go into the hat.
Prizes for a charity raffle will be welcome.

Margaret and Terry’s garden was at its summer best on the 11th August when 37 members of the Walking Group, along with one guest and one dog arrived for our Garden Party. The weather was warm, but not too hot. A wide range of home-made cakes was on display (but quickly consumed) and there were raffle prizes in abundance. We were pleased to see a much-recovered Mary Tanner, and also Steve Channing and the real Jane Fisher.
After the consumption of tea and cakes, Sylvia and Richard made a presentation to Graham and Betty for their outstanding contribution to the group. Terry had produced a collage for the pair, including pictures of some of the members they had led over 28 years they had been members. Graham and Betty were founder members, officers, photographers and authors of many articles on the group’s activities, and continue to be amongst the most prolific walk leaders. They have provided inspiration to the group during the dark days of the pandemic. Terry called out the numbers for host of generously donated raffle prizes. The magnificent sum of £300 was raised for Midlands Air Ambulance, a worthy outcome from a day that gave much delight to us all, as we looked forward to even better times ahead. (Thanks to Mike B for his report and photos - SF)Anyone for cake?

Thursday 12 August     Moderate/Energetic     6.5 miles      Picnic en route
Meet              Winchcombe Library C.P.,   GL54 5PZ   (C.P. £1)      10 a.m. start
Contact Graham and Betty      01684 594331    the week before
Directions B4077 Tewkesbury/Stow Rd turn right to Greet for Winchcombe, because of Gretton roadworks.
Details From Library, walk to Sudeley Castle gates, past row of almshouses, and keeping Castle on our left walk S.E. to Spoonley Wood and remains of Roman villa.   Then gradual climb for 1 mile to Roel Gate, left onto quiet road, before turn left on return path to Winchcombe, affording a vista of Cotswold views, Winchcombe shining like a jewel below. Lunch will be en route, with a promise of Tea at the Castle cafe if open.

18 of us set off from the Library Car park through Winchcombe to the Sudeley Castle gates. After a steady climb we turned away from Spoonley Wood towards Park Estate lands, with its new gates and Private notices. A stretch along the Salt Way led to our lunch spot with good views to Cleeve Hill and The Malverns. An excellent walk led by Betty and Graham concluded with refreshments at Sudeley’s Café. (Thanks to Sonia for the report and Margaret M for the pics - SF)

Wednesday 18 August     Moderate   5.1 miles      lunch own arrangements
Meet   On Twyning Village Green opposite Goodiers Lane 9.45 a.m
Contact        Sonia        01684 298409 week before
Directions A 38 North, follow signs on right to Twyning village into High St and park outside Village Inn.
Details We walk from Twyning to Strensham on fields, tracks and lanes.
Apart from one gradual, short, uphill climb it is mostly flat with views to the Cotswolds and Malverns. 4 stiles. There will be 2 coffee/drinks and snacks stops ,especially if a hot day.

On rising this morning leaden skies greeted us with the forecasters promising more of the same and a “feels like” best of 17 degrees with a stiff “Nor’westester”. However, as our leader for the day, Sonia, strode purposefully across Twyning Village Green, blue sky appeared as if by magic leaving the 14 walkers with the dilemma of whether to dress for the gloom or the warm August sunshine; chacun à son goût - almost “chacune” as the ladies outnumbered the men 10 to 4.
Sonia treated us to a little history before leaving Twyning, pausing briefly by a restored, enlarged Tudor house former home of the school mistress, Miss Hudman , whose name is emblazoned on a close-by close.
We headed north across meadows crossing under the M5 before turning west to arrive at Upper Strensham where Sonia told us of the village’s most famous son, Samuel Butler, a 17th c. poet and satirist educated at Kings School, Worcester.
We returned via impressive horse exercising grounds with lovely views of the Malverns as the weather continued to improve, with a very pleasant 23 degrees by lunchtime, Many thanks to Sonia for a very interesting walk in an area new to most of us. (Thanks to Terry for the report and Margaret M for the photos - SF)

Ready for the off

Thursday 26th August Mod//Energetic (Steady pace) 3.75 miles Pub lunch outdoors
Meet Yew Tree Inn Conderton GL20 7PP 10.00 start
Contact Noel 01684 772526 Please choose food from online lunch menu and tell Noel by Sunday 22 August AT THE LATEST.
Directions From Tewkesbury take Bredon Road; straight on to Kemerton, Overbury and Conderton. Park in lane up to the left.
Details Walk east above Conderton Manor; up Yellow Brick Road to Shalden Fm; return down to Pigeon Lane, a picture postcard view of Overbury and a challenging, traditional stone stile (or easier route for the faint-hearted). 5 stiles 2 stone/3 wooden.

When 15 of us met at Conderton we were very pleased to see the sun shining. It had been gloomy for days. Noel introduced us to Anita, a welcome new member joining us for the first time.
To get from Conderton to the top of Bredon Hill requires a bit of a climb so we took it easy, eventually joining the ‘yellow brick road’ as we went, enjoying the marvellous views.
We saw more interesting crops than usual, green manure and linseed. What we noticed was very little wildlife in the area, a buzzard was heard above and a dead pheasant on the path, but almost nothing else.
Bredon hill is known for its wild life but on this walk it was sadly absent.
As it was a short walk of 3.5 miles we were able to have a longish coffee break!
We descended the hill admiring the view of Overbury Church framed by trees.
It was good to be back sharing a lunch in The Yew Tree pub garden.
Thank you to Noel for this enjoyable walk with, as usual, interesting information along the way.
(Thanks to Andrea for the report and Terry for the pics - SF)

Wednesday 1 September     4   miles        Energetic
Meet        Layby under Hollybush Hill    HR8 1EU    Grid SO 764377    10am start
Contact        Mike and Jenny    01684 772194   the week before
Directions    A438 towards Hollybush. After the little church take first road (lane) on your right towards The Gullet In ½ mile park in large layby on the left, behind grass verge.
Details     We climb up Hollybush Hill to explore the Midsummer Hill Fort. After the summit of Midsummer Hill we descend the easy way to Hollybush carpark and return via the Obelisk and Gullet Quarry. Good paths and tracks, one stile.

18 of us turned up at the lay-by ready and able for what was likely to be a tough but short walk.
I volunteered to write the report and then immediately forgot to take notes, so this is an approximation of where we spent the next couple of hours.
First it was a climb thro the woods to attack and scale the ramparts of the Iron Age fort atop of Midsummer Hill, pondering to discuss who/what might be held within the pillow mound.
We had our first coffee break on the summit of Midsummer Hill.
Then it was down and up to the monument.
This monument to members of the Somers Cocks, erected in 1812 was our second resting spot.
From there it was down thro gullet woods the the gullet itself. A very enticing but dangerous pond formed from quarrying. A few remember the quarry being operational in the 1970s.
From there a short distance back to the cars.

We were lucky with the weather and the views.
A different route to our usual route to the monument and thanks to Mike and Jenny for taking the time and trouble to explore a different option.    (Thanks to Calvyn for the report and \mike B for the photos - SF)

Wednesday 8 September        4.2 miles    Easy
Meet        St Lawrence Church car park Sandhurst Grid 828234    GL2 9NP
Contact    Hugh   07969 724827   or 01452 780460 the week before.
Directions    A38 south, Sandhurst is signed to the right just after Norton garden centre. Turn right at both road junctions in the village.
Details    An easy walk along a surprisingly remote part of the Severn Way despite being so close to Gloucester city. One gentle hill, footpaths and country lanes, up to five stiles, depending upon how many farm gates are locked.

Our walk today started at Sandhurst Church. 15 of us set off in hot sunshine along the lane and then through fields of maize to reach the river Severn which looked brown and languid on this September morning. We passed through many pasture and hay fields dotted with old lakes where once sand was extracted – now wild life havens, fringed with old willows and Himalayan Balsam.
Just opposite the Boat Inn at Ashleworth, we turned right along the ancient lane which once led down to the old river crossing or ferry and made our way back to the church.
Many thanks to Hugh for this interesting walk.      (Thanks to Richard for the report) and Bob P for the photos - SF)

Tuesday 14 September    Eckington village
Meet        Eckington River Bridge Car Park (free) WR10 3DD   Grid 923423 for 10.30am start.
Contact    Jenny & Mike 01684 772194 the week before.
Directions    B4080 to Bredon, turn left in Bredon staying on the B4080, through Eckington village and on to the bridge.
Details    We walk beside the playing field and explore the East side of the village. We will call into the church if it is open. Distance will be about 2 miles. Lunch is picnic or own arrangements. N.B. There is a river side picnic area at the bridge car park.

   Report

Walk    1429

Thursday 16th September 11 miles Energetic Picnic en route (and lots of         water!)
Meet        Bromsberrow Village Hall HR8 1RU Grid 746336 at 9.15 a.m.
Contact    Graham & Betty Mealand 01684 594331 Bookings ASAP during w/e 4th             September.
Directions    Exit Jn 2 M50 towards Ledbury then turn right signed to Bromsberrow.
Details    ( Please read carefully) We’ve waited nearly 3 years for this memorable walk- The Malverns End to End”.
This is probably the longest walk of this year- first enjoyed in 1997, (2018 was our last experience) and now it could be YOUR turn!
Ideally we shall travel on a 25 seater coach from Bromsberrow Village Hall to the Walk Start ( 10am) at Lamb Bank West Malvern Rd- (WR14 4NE) BUT WE MUST have at least 20 walkers @ £6.50 each to cover the cost. (If numbers are less than this it will be necessary for cars to transport us to Lamb Bank but coach travel is preferable).
At a reasonably easy pace we’ll be leading a contour walk on lower paths which should take approx 6 hours, with picnic lunch at the British Camp Kiosk and an ice cream / cuppa. At 4pm much needed tea & cake aplenty will be available with the valued cooperation of the village hall for which there will be a charge of £5 as before, to be confirmed.
Please Book by September 4th latest so Coach & Catering arrangements can be made in good time, many thanks.


Virginia Woolf once wrote “All the months are crude experiments out of which the perfect September is made.”
It was on such a perfect day that 22 jovial but hesitant walkers in the car park of Bromsberrow (or should that be Bromesberrow) Village Hall. Our quest was to walk the 11 miles of the ‘Bare Hills’.
At the appointed hour of 9-30am our transport arrived. The bus appeared to resemble many of the assembled walking group. Although it had seen better days it was still fit for purpose.
We all took up our places on the bus, dutifully wearing our surgical masks. Looking down the bus it was a scene more reminiscent of the day trip scene in the film “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” than that of a happy bunch of ramblers out for a day’s stroll in the autumn sunshine.
We sped jauntily along the lanes and roads, through Ledbury and weaved our way up and over the hill to our starting point. The journey had taken 30 minutes. The return walk was planned to take 6 hours.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell reflected on the varying pace of travel in his poem “The Space In-Between”.
Between A and B there is a vast space.
But with eyes on the road and at a brisk pace,
You’ll never see it. It is warm and slow.
It finds the contours of the land, and goes
The same speed as you. If you make your goal
The destination then you’ll never know
how to travel well. Oh, so much misery
is heaped upon the world by those who move
quickly and think of only the end.
Another way is waiting. And all that
It requires is what you’ve already got:
Time, candour, and a sturdy pair of shoes.
Between A and B there is space. It is
Here. And now. It is your life. If you choose.

His wise thoughts seemed appropriate.
After a brief word from Betty and marching orders from Graham, we set off. Any hopes of a gentle introduction were quickly extinguished. The steepest part of the day confronted us from step one, and what a conversation stopper it proved. Still, we had many a mile to restore our breath and to ‘chew the cud’.
The summit of the Worcestershire Beacon was duly reached and to greet us, a hovering hawk. Was it a Kestrel or was it a Sparrow Hawk? Opinion was divided but, whatever it was, to see it balancing in the rising air was a pure delight. The bright, clear day offered us views across Herefordshire to Wales and the Black Mountains and Sugarloaf, whilst to the south, the distant pinnacle of the Eastnor Obelisk, a good 4 hours walk away, revealing itself through the dissolving morning mist.
In writing this report I wanted to use a literary description of the Malvern’s. Considering so many cultural and literary figures have been drawn to these hills, WH Auden, JRR Tolkein, CS Lewis and Elizabeth Barrett- Browning, I could not find one piece of flowery prose to add some quality to this …………..
From the Beacon it was onward to the Wyche cutting and our first coffee stop of the day, and then on to Sally’s Kiosk at the base of The British Camp for lunch. The second half of our walk should eat into the calories from that generous slice of Sally’s Chocolate Crunch!
Hugh, our Walks Programme Organiser, was able to join us and so it was now 23 who strode on towards Hollybush. On Hangman’s Hill, the tranquility of the day was disturbed by the whirly-bird, phutting engines of a helicopter. The National Grid appeared to be bringing electricity, at last, to the good people of Herefordshire.
At Hollybush we were ¾ of the way to our destination so a brief stop for the taking on of liquids, but not too long in case joints started to stiffen.
We soon passed through the last settlement on our route, White Leaved Oak. It’s noted for being the meeting point of 3 counties, but mostly remembered for its village notice board. On there is pinned a list of punishable offences, such as ‘Whistling during the hours of daylight’, ‘Having a beard longer than 4¾”, or ‘Being a Chelsea fan’! Offenders, it states, will “be punished with a period in the stocks”, conveniently located on the tiny village green.
Our walk was to conclude back at the village hall where the ladies from the local W.I. were preparing an afternoon tea. As we entered to Bromsberrow Estate grounds the pace noticeably quickened and shortly after 4pm we were being refreshed with cups of hot tea, plates full of freshly made sandwiches and home-made cakes……………..Oh the cake!!!
In 2017 Graham and Betty thought they had organised their last trek along the length of the hills. Forward to 2021, post Covid restrictions, and here we are again. What better way to restore our dented confidence and faith than by being in the outdoors for a day of walking and fellowship.
Thank you, Graham and Betty, for your organisation, enthusiasm, inspiration and energy, which provided us all with a wonderful day to remember. Long may it continue!!

Thanks to Ian for the report on this special walk, and to Graham and Calvyn for the photos - SF

Wednesday 22 September        5.6 miles    Moderate/Energetic
        Picnic en route weather permitting.
Meet             Winchcombe Back Lane car park (£1) GL54 5PZ    9.45 for 10 a.m. start.
Contact    Sally 01684 274440     the week before.
Directions    B4077 Tewkesbury to Stow road turn right at crossroads B4078 to Greet / Winchcombe, (avoiding roadworks in Gretton). Cross Gretton road into Back Lane. Car park on left.
Details    We walk via the Cotteswold Way up to Belas Knap, returning via Winchcombe Way. Steady climb up, good views over the valley, a few stiles on return route. Could be muddy after rain.

Thursday 23 September    4 miles    Easy    Pub lunch( for max 12)
Meet        The Swan, Birlingham WR10 3AQ, but park by the church 100 yards away as spaces are limited at the pub.        10:00a.m. start
Contact    Andrea and Bob    01684 294676    the week before.
Directions    Birlingham is off the Defford to Pershore Road, the A4104, turn right after the Cheltenham turn and follow the signs to the pub. The church is before the pub.
Details    This walk takes in part of Shakespeare's Avon Way by the river to Eckington Bridge where we will have a coffee stop. Then we walk back mostly through lanes and fields. Long trousers advised as there are nettles. Great views of Bredon Hill and big skies. Lots of lovely properties to admire! A flat walk with 4 sturdy stiles.
NB only 12 can eat at the pub so we can take lots of walkers but only 12 eaters.
First come first served.The pub is well known for its fish menu, but serves other food too.

Hoping for a repeat of the beautiful weather of the previous day, 12 walkers including a most welcome newcomer to Tewkesbury U3A, met in the attractive village of Birlingham, just outside Pershore. The walk took in part of Shakespeare's Avon Way by the river to Eckington Bridge where we crossed the water for a coffee stop and a group photo. Then we walked back, mostly through fields and lanes. All had complied with advice to wear long trousers so thought we were well prepared for nettles. However, these particular plants extended for a considerable way and viciously penetrated several pairs of leggings. The challenge was compared with jungle safari training, though all succeeded to negotiate the area in the end. There were, thankfully, a few dock leaves to provide relief.

After a rendezvous with friendly horses, restoration of a path through a wild flower meadow and a brief visit to see cyclamens in the churchyard, the sun broke out just in time for a delicious lunch at the local hostelry. Grateful thanks to our guides, Andrea and Bob, for this memorable and enjoyable walk. (Thanks to Angela for the report )

Wednesday 29 September 6 miles Moderate but approx. 20 stiles, a few requiring agility Lunch: picnic, the village pubs are closed at lunchtimes.
Meet Woolhope Parish Hall Car Park HR1 4QS Grid SO611358 10am start
Contact Mike and Jenny 01684 772194 the week before
Directions M50 to J3. B4221 towards Crow Hill then B4224 (Hereford) In Fownhope take road on right to Woolhope. Turn Left in Woolhope just before the Crown. Parish Hall is some distance uphill on the right, past all the houses. You will see the tennis courts. Journey takes about ¾ hour from Tewkesbury. You can alternatively go via Ledbury and the lanes from Much Marcle. Caution, some of these lanes are very narrow. You would then go past The Crown and turn right.

Details This is the Woolhope circular walk. A short loop North visiting Broadmoor Common and a longer loop South to Sollers Hope, Lower Buckenhill and Alford Mill.

Woolhope and Sollers Hope lie in the centre of what was once a huge dome or mountain, now eroded into a circle of hills surrounding the settlements.

Thus, fifteen of us found ourselves walking on a fresh, bright, autumnal day, as if in another world. This effect was emphasised by our coffee and lunch breaks in the respective churchyards, with the previous generations beneath us.

The peace and calm of such an environment, encircled by hills, led to an effect of being in a green, Nania-like land. Even the world beyond, with glimpses of May Hill, Capler's Camp and Hay Bluff, reinforced the feeling. Led by Mike and Jenny, and on such a day, this will be a hard act to beat. Thanks to you both. (Thanks also to Noel for the report - SF)

Thursday 30 September    3.5 miles    Easy    Pub lunch
Meet        Gupshill Manor Gloucester Road Tewkesbury 9.45 for 10am start
Contact    Justin        07790 721920    the week before
Directions    Half a mile south on the A38.
Details    We will walk via the Vyneyards to Lower Lode Lane then back via Tewkesbury Golf Course. Some Lane walking. A few stiles. The route may vary depending on conditions. ( Basically Walk Number 8 from U3A Local Walks Booklet)

Message from Justin:
Unfortunately Gupshill Manor are unable to accommodate us for lunch on this Thurday's walk so lunch will be own arrangements.
However there are plenty of eating establishments in Tewkesbury.

Wednesday 6 October 5m moderate pub lunch (Nepalese menu: taste the Himalayas without the effort

Meet The White Hart Inn Maisemore GL2 8HY Grid 816212 9.30 to order lunch for 10.00 start

Thanks to Noel for his interesting foray into Maisemore on a perfect Autumn morning. (Thanks to Terry and Margaret for the photos _SF)

Meet The Crown Inn, Cerney Wick Lane, Cerney Wick GL7 5QH Grid SUO77959 Car park at the rear of the pub 9.45am for 10.00am start

Details A Fisher-Price walk. Mostly walking on a mixture of field paths, a dismantled railway, a canal tow-path and some road walking around lakes that make up the Cotswold Water Park. It is a flat walk, with 5 stiles and a chance to see some 5 foot herons?

Apologies for this late notice. Could potential walkers for the Cerney Wick walk on October 7th note that they will need to look at the attached menu which we have had to put together, as they do not have the lunch menu on line. If possible make your choice before contacting me.
Many thanks,
Steve

Tuesday 12 October Priors Park Lunch not booked, but available in the normal way at The Gupshill

Meet Gupshill Manor Car Park – southern end away from the pub: also on bus route 41 for 10.30a.m. start.

Twelve of us arrived at an empty Croome NT car park on a mild but grey day after overnight rain. We entered the Croome estate via the public footpath by the church. The route took us north west across the estate, past Pirton Court to the tower folly by Rabbit Bank where we had our coffee stop. The return route went past the large Pirton Pool ornamental lake. On the way back we stopped at the interesting church of St Peter with its timber frame tower, before getting rained upon as we followed the road back to the car park which was now very full. Thank you to Sonia for a good walk. (Thanks also for the report Hugh, and for the photos Bob W)

Thursday 14 October 6.7 miles (5.15 if fort 2 is omitted) Energetic Picnic lunch

Meet Overbury. Grid 958373 GL20 7NY (in Church Row) 9:45 to start walking at 10:00.

Meet       Layby under Hollybush Hill HR8 1EU    Grid 764376 for 10.00 a.m. start
Contact   Mike and Jenny     01684 772194   the week before
Directions   A438 towards Hollybush. After the little church take first road (lane) on your right towards The Gullet. In ½ mile park in large layby on the left, behind grass verge. Details           We climb up beside Gullet Quarry to Swinyard Hill, along the ridge to British Camp. Returning on a lower path to Midsummer Hill and back to the cars. . Good paths and tracks, no stiles.

Wednesday 3 November    5 miles    Easy    Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Outside the Roses theatre, Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX 9.45 for 10.00a.m. start
Contact    Barry    01242 522973 or 07751170833     the week before
Directions    Off Tewkesbury High Street
Details          The two rivers walk out along the Severn, back along the Avon. Possibly some stiles and mud.

Thursday 4 November 5 miles Moderate/Energetic Poss. pub lunch
Meet        The Glasshouse, May Hill GL17 0NN Grid 709214 9.30 for 9.45 start
Contact    Terry and Margaret 01684 772278 the week before
Directions    From Gloucester bypass, then A40 towards Ross, through Huntley then take 2nd right after Huntley Church. The pub is approx a mile further on the right.
Please park just after the pub beside grass.
Details    The walk starts easy through Newent wood to Clifford's Mesne, then the long climb up to May hill. Some quiet lanes and tracks, a couple of stiles.
NB. If we cannot arrange a pub lunch it maybe a November picnic.

Wednesday 10 November   5.5 miles    Easy   Lunch own arrangements.
Meet        Outside Tewkesbury Library, Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX 9.15 for 9.30a.m. start (note early start time)
Contact    Sue 01684 298085 the week before
Directions    Off Tewkesbury High Street
Details    From Tewkesbury to Twyning and back. At Beaufort bridge we join Shakespeare’s Avon Way to Twyning. From the village we take field paths and tracks until we meet up with the river path again. Several stiles.

Report

Walk    1443

Thursday 11 November 6.5 miles Easy/Moderate Pub Lunch en route
Meet        Stanton Village Club car park WR12 7NE Grid 068344 9.30 for 9.45a.m. start
Contact    Graham & Betty 01684 594331 or graham.mealand@btinternet.com  the week before.
Directions    A46/B4077 Tewksbury-Stow road, turn left at Toddington roundabout, turn right to ‘Stanton’, turn left to Stanton Village Club when entering village.
Details    Undulating walk through 2 Cotswold Villages, Stanton & Snowshill with Lunch stop at Snowshill Arms Pub three quarters of the way round. 2 miles mostly downhill after lunch takes us back to cars. (See Pub Lunch Menu online info@snowshillarms.co.uk ) Make your selection and Email or phone Graham & Betty and we will inform the pub.
If your circumstances change at the last moment please inform the pub direct (01386 852653)

Report

Walk    1444

Wednesday 17 November    5 Miles   Energetic   Lunch own arrangements.
Meet        Leamington Road Car Park Broadway WR127ET ( Pay and Display £4) 9.45a.m. for 10.a.m. start
Contact    Steve 01684 295438   the week before
Directions    A46 to Teddington Cross Hands, B4077 to Toddington, B4632 to Broadway. Continue up Broadway High Street to the roundabout, turn left onto Leamington Road. The car park is approximately 200 yards on the right, through a row of houses.
Details    A Fisher-Price walk leaving Broadway village via Bibsworth Covert, climbing steeply past Foxhill Manor and across the edge of the Cotswold Hills to the church of St. Nicholas, Saintbury. Return is via a tumulus, the edge of Broadway Golf Course and back to Broadway. 2-3 stiles, grassy uphill paths and a chance to cross the county border, twice. As the walk progresses the views and the path becomes increasingly breath-taking and panoramic.

Report

Walk    1445

Wednesday 24 November    4.75 miles Easy/Moderate    Lunch own arrangements
Meet         Ewe Pen Barn National Trust car park GL54 3DT Grid 158143   9.45 for 10.00a.m. start
Contact    Hugh    01452 780460 the week before
Directions    A40 East from Cheltenham for about 15 miles, after roundabout junction with A429 look for brown Lodge Park NT right turn signs at crossroads. DO NOT follow the Lodge Park sign, but instead turn LEFT at this crossroads. Entrance to car park 500m on right after trees.
Free parking for NT and NT for Scotland members, otherwise pay and display – coins only accepted. The car park is small, so share lifts wherever possible.
Details    We walk around the NT Sherborne estate and village. Footpaths and minor roads, sculptures in the woods, gentle inclines both up and down, some mud, no stiles.

Report

Walk    1446

Thursday 25 November     5.5 miles    Moderate    Golf Club lunch
Meet        Cleeve Hill Golf Club Car Park, GL52 3PW, Grid 987272 for 10.00a.m. start
Contact    Andrea and Bob    01684 294676    the week before
Directions    The Golf Club is at the summit of Cleeve Hill off the B4632 and well signposted.
Details    This is an old favourite walk over Cleeve Common, past Postlip Hall, and with views over Cheltenham. The walk involves quite a long climb, but there are no stiles.
The restaurant at the Golf Club is under new management and the food is     now more varied and of better quality.

Report

Walk    1447

Thursday 2 December 5miles Easy Lunch own arrangements.
Meet        Rear of Cheltenham Racecourse Park & Ride. GL50 4SH Grid 957242 9.45 for 10.00 start.
Contact    Bob and Kath 01242 232527 the week before.
Directions    A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout then A435 towards Cheltenham. Turn left at Racecourse Roundabout then left into the Car Park and park at the far end.
Details    The route will take us east from the car park, along the racecourse perimeter fence, before turning into Prestbury. Then by footpath, across fields to the Ellenborough Park Hotel, returning via the north side of the racecourse and the GWR station, passing the Grandstand on our return to the car park. No stiles.

Wednesday 8 December    4.5 miles   Moderate (a few stiles) Pub Lunch
Meet        7 Tuns Inn Car Park, Chedworth Village GL54 4AE   Grid SPO52121 9.45am to book meals for 10.00am start.
Contact    Calvyn 01684 296684 the week before.
Directions    From Cheltenham take the A40 to Northleach. At Northleach take the A429 towards Cirencester. The turning to Chedworth should be the 3rd on the right, remember you need to go to Chedworth village and not the Roman Villa.
Details    A Fisher-Price walk from the delightful Cotswold village of Chedworth through Chedworth Woods to Yanworth Mill. Along a lovely valley passing the Roman Villa and returning via the Macmillan Way to the inn. Delightful views and valleys, a real Cotswold winter tonic.

Report

Walk    1449

Thursday 16 December    Energetic    4 miles   lunch own arrangements
Meet        Hollybush Car Park   HR8 1ET(near)   Grid 758368     9.45am for 10.00 am start
Contact    Mike and Jenny        01684 772194   the week before
Directions    A438 from Tewkesbury. The car park is on the right at the top of the hill after you cross into Herefordshire. Easy to miss the entrance.
Details    We walk to Whiteleaved Oak and climb Chase End hill. Return the easy way to Whiteleaved Oak and climb Ragged Stone Hill. About 3 stiles.

Today’s walk was an old favourite. 21 of us, on an overcast but dry day, left Hollybush car park and walked through the woods towards White leafed Oak, passing the charred remains or the eponymous quercus on the way. Then it was over, or around, Chase End Hill depending on your level of fitness
After coffee, we again divided, with the energetic ones climbing Ragged Stone Hill and the wise ones going round the side.
Which ever way they went, everyone enjoyed a morning of good exercise ably led by Jenny and Mike. (THanks to Mike for the walk, report and Pictures)

Thursday 30 December    5miles     Easy/Moderate     Pub Lunch
Meet        Duke of York, Berrow. WR13 6JQ Grid 782355 9.45am for 10am start.
Contact    Graham & Betty Graham.Mealand@btinternet.com or 01684594331 by Thursday 9th December
Directions    A438 Tewkesbury/Ledbury Rd, D of Y on left.
Details    From the pub share cars to drive to Hollybush CP. A familiar trek via side of Ragged Stone & Chase End Hills across Bromsberrow Estate for Coffee stop, returning along woodland paths to CP.
Here’s your chance to book on our Annual Pudding Buster Walk (which we couldn’t enjoy last year).
More details about making menu choices from the D of Y Web will be circulated to those who book by December 9th.

Report

Walk    1451

Wednesday 5 January    5.5 Miles   Moderate    Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Gupshill Manor car park    GL20 5SY      for 9.45am start
Contact    Tony & Jennifer     01684 276960         by the Tuesday before
Directions    Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury
Details    Through Southwick Park and Hoo Lane to Deerhurst, returning along the River Severn and back through Tewkesbury Park. One stile and one very short climb.

Walk    1452

Thursday 6 January      5 miles Easy/Moderate   Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park   Grid 899319     10.00 start
Contact    Richard & Eileen         01684 274197 the week before
Directions    The car park is off the first roundabout on the Tewkesbury bypass from the Morrisons end.
Details    After leaving the Reserve we follow Rudgeway lane and cross fields to Tredington Church. The return route follows the Swilgate. Exact route depends on floods. 2 Stiles, quiet lanes and tracks, some mud.

Walk    1453

Thursday 13 January     6 miles    Moderate    Hotel lunch
Meet        Colwall Park Hotel car park WR13 6QG Grid 756424 by 9.45 am to order lunch. Leave at 10.00 am. Park at the hotel if eating, otherwise at the station or on the road.
Contact    Maggie 01684 773125 the week before Maximum number 20 on walk.
Directions    Over the Malverns on the A449 towards Ledbury. Take the first right, B4218, to Colwall. After nearly 3 miles turn right at the station sign. Hotel is on the left.
Details    A circular walk from Colwall Stone with views of the Malvern Hills above; a memorial garden, fields, woodland, a miniature rail track and the hazard of the footpath crossing a mainline railway. Mostly flat, 9 stiles, and a couple of fields could be muddy.

Walk    1454

Wednesday 19 January       4 miles   Easy Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Lane alongside The Crown Inn Kemerton Grid 946373 for 10.00 start
Contact    Sonia 01684 298409     the week before
Directions    Take B4080 from Tewkesbury through Bredon, then in Kemerton turn right
by the War Memorial.
Details    We walk along lanes, fields and tracks on the lower slopes of Bredon Hill.
It’s a mostly flat walk with 3 stiles around 3 pretty villages.

Walk    1455

Thursday 20 January    5 miles Moderate Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Beckford Village Hall Car Park GL20 7AA   Grid 974357   9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact    Mike and Jenny 01684 772194   the week before
Directions    A46 east passed Teddington Hands roundabout to left turn for Beckford
Details    We walk up the ‘yellow brick road’ to Shalden Farm and return via Conderton. 2 or 3 stiles

Walk    1456

Wednesday 26 January     5 miles Moderate   Lunch in the Orchard Tea Room.
Meet        Orchard Tea Room, Hayles Fruit Farm. GL54 5PB   Grid 050301   9.45am to order food. 10.00am start
Contact    Calvyn: 01684 296684   the week before.
Directions    A46 from Tewkesbury to Teddington Cross Hands Roundabout. B4077 to Toddington Roundabout. B4632 towards Winchcombe, passed Didbrook. Take left hand turn, signposted Hailes Abbey, drive passed the abbey up to Hayles Fruit Farm Shop.
Details    A Fisher-Price walk. This is an old favourite, but walking in reverse to normal. Initially, a short steep climb leads to ‘Cromwell’s Seat’ and Beckbury Camp. A flat field walking section to Stumps Cross, with impressive views across the valley. Descend past Pinky Dickens seat to Didbrook. A mixture of lane and field walking brings the walk back to Hailes Abbey and lunch at the Orchard Tea Room.
Please note that walkers not eating lunch MAY have to pay a £2.50 parking charge.

Walk    1457

Thursday 27 January   4.6 miles    Moderate/Energetic      Pub Lunch
Meet        The New Inn Willersey WR12 7PJ GR 107394 Arrive 9.20 Choose from menu 9.30 Start 9.50
Contact    Noel 01684 772526 the week before
Directions    A44 Broadway Bypass, turn left onto B4632 for 1km, pub on left corner entering village 'High Street'
Details    'Winter in Willersey' : Willersey War Memorial (Dam Busters), up to below Foxhill Manor, up to entrance (Farncombe House), edge of golf club path, down to Willersey via Saintbury Churchyard (one short part steep). Note: lunch can be semi-outdoors OR indoors. i.e. individual choice.

Notes for Guidance
        Information for all members (revised July 2020)
Group Leader        Walks Co-ordinator                  Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch        Hugh Bennett                              Tony Barrett
01684 437462                          01452 780460    01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com     candhbennett@gmail.com tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com

Walking Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435

Details of all walks and reports can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

Walks are graded to give some idea of what to expect:

Stroll: A short walk at an easy pace with frequent stops. Warning is given about inclines or difficulties

Easy: Undemanding and mainly level with occasional gentle ascents or descents. There may be a few stiles.

Moderate: Some uphill/downhill stretches “ uneven walking“ several stiles.

Energetic: Some longer steep hills and rough ground - may be many stiles.

Please book with the leader of the walk by the date given and arrive in good time before the start to boot-up and order lunch etc. Be sure to cancel with the leader if you are subsequently unable to take part; one of the group phones will be turned on on the morning of the walk so that you can make contact in the event of a last minute delay or you become lost.
Wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing for the walk and do not over-estimate your abilities.
An attendance fee of 50p is charged for each walk attended.
Dogs are not allowed on walks.
Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
We usually stop for a 15-20 minute coffee-break after about an hour; so, as well as refreshments, something to sit on can be useful on wet ground.

SAFETY POLICY

Walkers

Carefully read the walk description to ensure that you are capable of walking the route at a moderate pace (about 2 miles per hour) without risk to health. Remember that a short moderate walk may be more demanding than a longer easy one.

Dress sensibly. Make sure that you have suitable clothing and footwear for the weather expected. A walking pole or stick can be of great help.

Remember to carry any medications that you might need. There will normally be a coffee stop so carry food, and water, especially on hot days. It is sensible to carry a small first aid kit. A whistle is a good way of attracting attention if you need help.

Follow instructions given by the leader. Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight all the time.

Keep to the route indicated by the leader: do not devise shorts cuts, etc. If you wish to leave the walk, you must let the leader know.

Walk in single file on roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.

Be aware of the danger from ticks and hence tick-borne diseases, particularly in the summer months and near animals. Dress appropriately, e.g. long trousers rather than shorts; trousers tucked into boots, socks or gaiters.

Each walker is ultimately responsible for carrying out a personal risk assessment for every walk they undertake.

Carry identification in case of accident: name, date of birth, emergency contact number, doctor's number, essential medications. (ICE Card)

Carry your U3A membership card which may be checked.

Leaders

    Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC. Mention any steep     climbs and stiles.

    Aim to carry out a walk-over (with your co-leader) of your proposed route not more than     two weeks beforehand.

    Consider all the points in the national U3A walk leaders risk assessment (attached below).     Take action as you consider necessary.

    Limit your walk to a maximum number that you think you can safely manage.

    Have a co-leader to act as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points during the walk. The back marker needs to know the planned route in case the party gets split.

    Liaise with Sylvia Murdoch to obtain the leader's pack (contains: phone & charger, first aid kit, hi-viz vests)

    Carry the walking group first aid kit; however remember that you may not be qualified to give medical advice. However there may well be a member with medical training and experience on the walk.

    Set a pace of about 2 miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea stops. Indicate on walk details if lunch is to be late. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more energetic members.

    Carry a map, the group mobile phone (as well as your own). A GPS receiver is useful for pinpointing location. Switch on the group mobile phone before you leave home and keep it on until the walk is over.

    If your walk is along roads where traffic is expected, use the Group yellow vests for the leader and back-marker. Walk in single file and face on-coming traffic except where visibility is obscured.

Ask for volunteers to write a report on and take photos of the walk and forward them to:     stanfagg@btinternet.com.

Having collected 50p from each walker, pass the money together with a note of date, walk number, number of walkers and total to Tony Barrett or Sylvia Murdoch.

General Information

Walkers on the email list will be sent full details of walks every other month. If you require a paper copy of the walking programme, there is a charge of Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£4 p.a., payable at the Walking Group AGM or the Enrolment Meeting. This will be sent to you by post.

Reports on walks already done can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

We are affiliated to the Ramblers Association and the membership card may be used to obtain a 10% discount on walking gear in most local outlets. Please contact Richard Hart or Tony Barrett if you need a copy of the card.

All walkers and leaders are covered by U3A third party insurance even in the case of negligence, although it is assumed that all will conduct themselves with common sense.

Walk Details

Leaders, when sending details of their walks to the walks coordinator for inclusion in future programmes, need to supply the following details:
    Preferred date; length of the walk; grade, i.e. stroll/easy/moderate/energetic; lunch arrangements, e.g. pub, picnic etc
    Meeting Place with post code and/or grid reference; meet time and start time.
    Directions to the meeting place
    Details of the walk, e.g. outline of the route; type and state of ground; steep gradients;     number of stiles.
    Any special instructions or information.
.

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.