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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
NB
1. Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A
membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with
them on all walks and strolls.
NB 2. Members should consider carrying hand
sanitizer and a face covering. If lunching indoors, members are
asked to have had a negative lateral flow test in the previous 24
hours.
NB 3. Numbers on walks are as always
at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may
depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as
well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB 4. Where two walks
are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not
book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before.
This is so that members are not denied a place on a walk by early
second walk bookers.
Walk
1458
Wednesday 2 February 5 miles Easy (but some
ascent) Lunch own arrangements.
Meet Layby outside The Deer
Park WR10 3DN Grid 945410 9.45 for
10.00 start.
Contact Mike and Jenny
01684 772194 the week before.
Directions From B4080 Bredon - Eckington road turn
right towards Great Comberton. In about 1 ¼ miles turn right to the Deer
Park. Layby is on the right.
Details Easy walking on firm tracks, no stiles but some
cattle grids. Three ascents (and descents) which will be taken slowly. We
walk to Bredons Norton for the coffee stop in our garden. Make a loop
around the village and return the same way. The walk will be
modified if there is ice on the road and it is slippery.
Today’s
walk was a gentle one for a February morning. It was not too
cold but overcast at the start and as the sun came out the 17 of us
warmed up to the point of removing coats.
We started by the Deer Park just above Eckington and climbed to
Woolass Hall and from here followed the lower slopes of the hill to
Bredons Norton passing fields of deer and sheep in front of splendid
views of the Malverns.
After coffee in Mike and Jenny’s lovely garden, where Mike gave us
some of the history of the village, we returned the way we had come
after a short detour around the village.
Thanks to Mike and Jenny for some invigorating exercise on this fine
morning.
Thanks also to Richard H for the report and
Bob W for the pics - SF
Walk
1459
Thursday 3 February 5.5 miles
Moderate Pub lunch
Meet Hunters Inn Buckbury GL20
6AR Grid 846338 9.30 for 9.45
start
Contact Terry & Margaret 01684
772278 the week before
Directions From Tewkesbury Mythe on A438 turn right on
B4211 pub on left in 1/2 m
Please park at far end of car park.
Details The walk is over fields and quiet lanes to
Bushley and Bushley Green; some good views, maybe muddy in places, a few
stiles.
Menu choices are required when booking in the previous week please.
Buckbury,
with its countryside 'far from the madding crowd', appealed to
Margaret and Terry, as it would to 17 other members, including Rose, a
U3A member 'on loan' from Bishop's Cleeve.
As we steadily
climbed uphill to The Rampings, the landscape to the west rolled out
behind us until we entered the edge of Sarn Hill Wood. Sarn is a
Welsh word from before the days of King Offa meaning causeway, marking
the higher ancient trackway people used when the Severn pathway was
flooded.
Out of the wood
we emerged upon a scene as if from the 1950s: Bushley Green, a
woodland clearing with bushes, had been further cleared into a cricket
pitch. Here, we sat in front of the pavilion taking coffee and
snacks and imagining the sound of leather on willow.
Nearby, we
passed an attractive bus shelter, repainted with characters out of the
1950s, waiting for a service which, regretfully, belongs to the
previous century. Beyond lay the Vale of the Severn, with the
abbey tower of St Mary's in the near distance, opening up to us in the
developing sunshine as we descended into Bushley village.
At the furthest
point on the walk, St Peter's church, we gently climbed via 'Five
Oaks' and field boundaries giving us blue-sky vistas of the Vale.
Our thanks go
to Margaret and Terry for taking us into this lesser walked area with
its magnificent views, while adding some 'good old days' touches of
poignancy. A splendid lunch at “The Hunters” followed,
brightened up with the welcome return of
STAN & MARY. (Report by Tony Saxton pics by Terry and
Margaret)
Walk 1460
Wednesday 9 February 5.5 miles
Moderate Pre-ordered pub Lunch
Meet Gardeners Arms, Alderton, GL20
8NL Grid
999333 for 9.45 start
Contact Sally and
Margaret 01684 274440 by 1
February
Directions A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout,
B4077 towards Toddington, turn left to Alderton. Pub is in centre of
village, on the right.
Details From the pub we head east up the road to pick up
the Winchcombe Way and circuit the hill in an anti-clockwise direction via
Dumbleton through woods and across fields. Could be very muddy in
places. 4 stiles.
NOTE: A pub lunch has been booked. We need to give the staff a list
of pre-ordered food a week in advance so please could you look at the
Gardeners Arms website Main Menu and let Sally have your choice when you
book on the walk by 1 February. We need to give a £5 deposit for each
person so please give this to Sally or Margaret before 1 February.
Thirteen of us assembled at Alderton for an anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Dumbleton Hill. The weather started off grey with some sunshine and a cool wind but deteriorated during the morning to poor visibility and a thick drizzle. We had our coffee stop in Dumbleton churchyard where there are some interesting graves. The latter stages of the walk crossed somewhat muddy fields but were not too bad considering the recent rain. Afterwards eight of us had lunch at the Gardeners Arms in Alderton. Thank you to Sally and Margaret for leading the walk (Pics & report supplied by Hugh - SF)
Now there's a lovely sight (Terry)
Walk
1461
Thursday 10 February 5 miles
Moderate/Energetic Lunch own arrangements.
Meet Roadside parking at The Wyche,
Malvern, meeting opposite Public Toilets
Grid 769437 Nearest post code WR14 4EQ. 9.45
for 10.00 start
Contact Betty & Graham 01684 594331 or email
graham.mealand@btinternet.com When booking please give your
telephone number in case of any change to arrangements.
Directions From Tewkesbury/Upton/Welland to A449 Ledbury
Road, turn right at British Camp car park onto B4232, then 2 miles to The
Wyche.
Details Walking the lower paths on the eastern side of
the Malverns northwards via St. Anne’s Well, up to Lady de Walden path,
around Worcestershire Beacon, and back down to The Wyche. Good
tracks/hard surfaces/no stiles, but recommend walking poles for wintry
conditions. Walk will be at a steady pace, with no deadlines for return,
but lunch at The Wyche Inn, or H20 Cafe nearby if required.
The
morning was bright and sunny but definitely "chilly" as 17 of us began
our walk from the pub at the Wyche. It was a
particularly clear day and even at this point we had spectacular views
over Malvern and to the east. Picking up the track to St Anne's Well,
we walked through woodland still wintry but with the trees beginning
to show a few catkins, the occasional blue flower of Alkanet and
clumps of snowdrops, all harbingers of spring. Our coffee stop
today at St Anne's Well was a bit more "upmarket" than usual with
tables chairs and toilets, what more could we ask for? The use
of this spring's water for it's healing properties, goes back to
medieval times although the Well House building was constucted in
1813. I believe that in those days it was even possible to
hire a donkey to take you up to the Beacon. Wow, now there's a
thought. From here we made the climb up to Lady de Walden's drive,
what would we have done without her, then round to the west side of
North Hill. From here the views to the north and west were
stunning. We spent some time trying to identify the more distant
hills, Sugar Loaf and Hay Bluff in the Black Mountains being amongst
the more obvious ones.
After a welcome second stop for coffee and Sylvia's treats, we skirted
round the eastern side of the Worcestershire Beacon before
descendng back to The Wyche.
Another "Grand day out" thanks to Betty and Graham sharing with us one
of their favourite walks on the Malvern hills. (Report by Jim
and photos from Graham - SF)
Walk 1462
Wednesday 16 February 5.25
miles Moderate
Pub lunch
Meet The Oak Inn
WR7 4NW Grid 943543 9.45am to order food.
Start 10.00am.
Contact Steve on 01684 295438 the week
before.
Directions B4080 from Tewkesbury to Bredon and
Eckington. Then A4104 to Pershore, then stay on the A4104, through
Pershore, passing Pershore Railway station. The road crosses the A422 and
becomes the B4082 to Upton Snodsbury. Turn left at the junction with the
A422 and The Oak Inn and car park is down a small dip on the left.
Details A Fisher-Price walk that is a mixture of field
and lane walking. The walk starts by heading towards Crowle, passing
Froxmore Court towards the side gardens of Huddington Court, described by
Nikolaus Pevsner as “the most picturesque house in Worcestershire”. The
route back leads across fields and passed woodlands leading downhill to a
stone track and return to The Oak.
Twenty-three souls met at the Oak at Upton
Snodsbury on a fine sunny morning: it was surprising after the
previous day’s heavy rain - and the forecast.
We started along the main road, but soon turned towards Bow-Wood ‘Stadium’ - just a field and a couple of goalposts, but it sounded impressive. We then negotiated a flooded lane, muddy gateways and waterlogged fields to reach Huddington Court, the highlight of the day.
The path took us through the gardens of this private Tudor house which were a mass of snowdrops. Photos were taken. From this we traversed some very muddy fields back to the flooded lane and the Oak. We were all glad to return as the slippery and heavy going made it a tiring walk.
Report Bob M, Photographs by Terry and Website Stub
Walk 1463
Thursday 17 February 4.5–5.5 miles
Moderate/Energetic Lunch own arrangements
Meet By Overbury Church
GL20 7NY Grid 957374 9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact Mike and Jenny 01684 772194
the week before
Directions B4080 to Bredon, carry on through Kemerton to
Overbury. 1st left. Park in road by church.
Details We climb up Bredon Hill hoping to see
snowdrops. Exact route will depend on the weather. There may be one
or two stiles.
The group gathered by the church in Overbury and set off in sunshine and blustery wind. Our route up Bredon Hill took us along the eastern edge of Overbury Wood and we sought patches of snowdrops adjacent to the path and within the woods. We enjoyed seeing red kites and the air was full of the song of skylarks. We soon reached Lalu Farm where the wind was gusting even more and, for shelter, we perched around the periphery of an old quarry for a drink and snacks. Once the escarpment path was reached, we headed west towards the tower, stopping by the inner wall of the iron age fort to enjoy the view. Our return from the tower was initially down the Kemerton path and then across to the road which descends through Overbury Park. With the sun shining, shelter from the wind and birds singing it felt like spring, but Storm Eunice was brewing.
Report Geoff (B) Photos Shirley & Sylvia: website ‘Stub’
Walk 1464
Wednesday 23 February 5 miles
Energetic Pub lunch
Meet Royal William Hotel
Cranham, car park at rear GL6 6TT Grid 879127 please park at
back of pub car park. 9:30 for 9:45 start.
Contact John and Sylvia
07811164417 the week before
Directions Take M5 south to J11a, then A417. Take A46
south at first roundabout. Pub is about 3 miles on the left of the A46.
Details Two long sections of woodland walking with
extensive views if weather is good; we cross a main road several times and
walk a short section of it twice. Long gradual up hill ascent near start
and 2 long uphill sections after the coffee stop. Six stiles, some muddy
stretches but nothing major. I will forward the menu for the Royal William
nearer to the day, so we can pre order food. Royal
William menu link
Ably
led by John and supported by George and Sylvia, 13 of us, including
new members Jean and Vince, set out through Buckholt Wood on what
proved to be a varied and interesting walk. Weather was dry until the
end when we felt a few spots. We crossed the Painswick Road and
entered occasionally muddy farmland near Prinknash Abbey. During our
coffee stop Sylvia told us a bit about the history of the abbey. Along
the Portway then through Kites Hill, we tramped along a muddy
bridleway through Pope's Wood eventually reaching Painswick Beacon,
and skirting the summit. It was a short hop back to the Royal William
where most of the party took lunch.(Report by Mike B and lovely pics
from Bob W - SF)
Fit for
anything
Walk 1465
Thursday 24 February 3.5 miles
Easy/Mod (a few stiles) Pub lunch in Upton (not in
Hanley Castle)
Meet Near pub/church
Hanley Castle WR8 0BL Grid 839420 9.45 for
10.00 start
Contact Noel 01684 772526 the week
before with on line lunch menu choice for Ye Old Anchor Inn Upton.
Choice of indoors or outdoors; park free opp church or pay car park
(nearer pub)
Directions From Upton B4211; 3rd on left to park
near church/pub; PLEASE SHARE CARS!
Details Undulating walk via Lodge Farm, Boynes Coppice
Meadow (coffee), criss-crossing old Malvern railway line in 'forgotten'
Worcestershire, return via site of Hanley Castle. One small hill;
total ascent 150ft of Malverns.
Sorry
- due to flooding of the Severn River this walk will be re-scheduled
to a later date
Details The route will initially take us NE from the quarry towards Winchcombe, then turning SW back onto the main plateau to the masts. From the masts, on through Prestbury Hill Reserve to Huddlestone Hill Fort and back to the car park. No stiles.
On a very damp, breezy morning with cloud sitting on top of Cleeve Hill, 25 hardy souls gathered in the Quarry Car Park. It was difficult to recognize people in their full winter gear with hoods up but faces lit up with delight as we chatted. Due to the mist, Kath asked everyone to check behind regularly to ensure they were not getting too far ahead of those following. As a result, we stayed together as a group, amazingly keeping a good pace, with no stiles to hinder us – but sadly no views to enjoy.
We set off down towards Winchcombe before turning right on one of the many paths on to the top of Cleeve Hill, before our intrepid leader, Bob, headed off across the plateau in the direction of the masts. He was very relieved to see them eventually appearing out of the mist. Passing through the Prestbury Hill Reserve, where even the Belted Galloways were huddled together under the trees, we joined the Cotswold Way back to the golf club and quarry car park. People dispersed to the hostelry of their choice, so we look forward to receiving reports, since things have changed so much due to Covid.
Thanks to George who kindly counted us through gates and closed them behind us. Thanks to Bob for the photos, just to prove he did turn round to check we were still with him!
Kath P; Photos Bob P & Website ‘Stub’
Cleeve Cloud - the Home Stretch!
Lunch Own arrangements – there is a Beefeater across
the Tewkesbury Road, or perhaps shopping in Gloucester?
Eight of us met at the Plock Court sports complex in Gloucester for the first stroll of 2022 led by Lesley. The weather was sunny with a cold wind blowing. Surprisingly it was quite dry underfoot with hardly any mud; this was even more surprising after the recent floods, as this area floods quite often. Perhaps the flood mitigation measures adopted by Gloucester City Council, who have created a wetland nature area at one end of the area, have improved things. The stroll was about 1.25 miles, with the option to cut the walk short to about 0.75 miles (taken by three members), around a very large sports field and allotments, returning alongside a very clear and fast flowing stream. This stroll was particularly nostalgic for Chris as he had grown up in a nearby house and remembered playing in the stream as a boy. This was an excellent start to this year's strolls.
Thank you Lesley. Report by Hugh; photo by Lesley & Website “Stub”
Walk 1467
Reluctantly, due to injury of the leader, today's walk has to be cancelled and will be re-instated later in the year SF 3/03/22
Note: Lunch (own arrangements) may be possible at the Farmers
Arms, Apperley.
17 of us, led by Hugh, started off from Apperley Village Hall across a field towards a copse. The milder weather had brought out the blossom on the blackthorn and "pussy willows" were emerging too. Two pet Gloucester Old Spot pigs were having their breakfast, making a good photo opportunity for Sylvia.
The rain, which had been fairly light, began to need hoods up on the return from Deerhurst. At least, we were able to walk most of the route today, two weeks ago we would in some parts have been up to our waists in water! Thanks to Hugh for leading us on his local patch.
Report by Sonia Pics by Shirley and Sylvia; website “Stub”
1. Rain!
3. Sylvia’s Breakfast Companions
So
keen to be off they had assembled before 9 am.
Margaret, who i think i shall now call sat-nav Marg who without
reference to a map led us
expertly on this most glorious of sunny days.
We happy band negotiated stiles and hills and mud but
rewarded with green valleys
and more than enough daffodils to keep even a Welshman very happy.
we arrived safely back having walked thro a most glorious wooded
section littered with daffs.
I should
have written this in rhyme
In line with the poets of Dymock
But then I never really have the time
nor wanting to be a pillock.
(Many Thanks to Terry and Margaret for finding and leading this wonderful route, and thanks also to our scribe, poet and photographer Calvyn _ SF)
Please note that walkers will need to
choose their meal from the pub’s SNACK BAR menu beforehand and then
phone in their choice when booking on the walk . Suggest walkers share
cars as the inn emphasised that the car parking was linked to having a
meal.
Unfortunately
Steve has had to cancel this walk as he has tested positive for covid.
He and Calvyn hope to put it on again later in the year.
Report
Details From Great Witcombe church, we cross the reservoir and head up towards the Roman Villa and on to the Cotswold Way to enjoy some lovely views before heading back down past Witcombe Hall. 3 stiles and there are likely to be muddy / boggy patches, so sticks and boots recommended
Cancelled
due to unforseen family circumstances
That day had finally come - after nine years of hard work and refusing to accept my condition and reinvent myself - when I was asked if I would like to join others on a walk with the U3A walking group. Me, do something ‘normal’…cor not ‘arf! All sorts of things started going through my head: Please wake up and be one of my good days…I must behave myself…I must watch their ankles with my new mobility scooter…act sensibly (that was going to be hard)…do as I’m told (even harder)…relax (but if I did I would fall off of my scooter)…help…don’t panic Steve Shirley always carries a first aid kit.
That morning it was ‘brass monkey’ weather, but it didn’t matter because I was about to experience some kind of ‘normality.’ All my fears soon abated, because everyone was so friendly and attentive and I can’t thank Richard and Eileen enough for checking the route - twice – before the day, let alone having the faith in me not to cause any problems.
It was a truly wonderful experience being a member of the 17 strong pack and the walk was well planned, picturesque and interesting, particularly with Richard highlighting the symbolism of the war memorial in Gheluvelt Park. We were bitingly reminded by a flurry of sleet that it was still quite early on in the year. All along the way someone at some point from the group eased off to chat with me, so I really felt a part of the group and not just a dependent. After nine years of having limited mobility, when we had finished the 4½ miles my legs were not tired at all!
Report by Steve C; Photos Terry & Margaret & website “Stub”.
There were eight of us today. We looked at the site where a Roman centurion had been found, the war memorial, the churchyard, a number of thatched houses and popped into the cemetery to look at the 4 Commonwealth War Graves and the elegant gravestone of the artist Henry Key The weather was cool but dry.
Report and photos by Mike; website by “Stub”
3. Henry Key’s painting - A view of Bredon
4. Henry Key’s painting - The Young Artist
[Stan explains that there are two examples of Henry Keys’ work which he has attached - the "Young artist" painting is especially appreciated in America – Stan wishes to know if you can recognise the location of the painting of Bredon].
[The War Graves are of service men who died in or after WWI, some after the war of wounds sustained earlier. Most have information about their families which is often missing. If you wish the details, email presidentths@gmial.com]
Thanks to Jenny and Mike for some good exercise and the chance to see spring flowers and lambs. (Thanks to Richard for the report and to Sylvia for the photos - SF)
Cockleford Farm was a joy to behold, with the river and waterfall, surrounded by banks of daffodils. Then heading back north, we crossed the Cirencester road at Tomtit's Bottom before tackling the steep ascent to Upper Coberley across open arable farmland. Beautiful views of England's truly green and pleasant land in the sunshine, only marred by a nasty gale force westerly wind which almost blew us off our feet. Many thanks to Sonia for a superb walk. (Thanks also to Terry for the report and one of the pictures, and to Bob W and Margaret for the others - SF)
Morning prayers (Bob W)
Where's Hilcot? (Bob W)
A field of alpacas (Margaret)
Spring at Cockleford Farm
(Terry)
Report
Report
Please note that walkers will need to choose their meal from the pub’s menu beforehand and then phone in their choice when booking on the walk.
Report
Notes for Guidance
Information for all members (revised July
2020)
Group Leader Walks
Co-ordinator
Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch
Hugh Bennett
Tony
Barrett
01684 437462
01452 780460 01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com
candhbennett@gmail.com
tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Walking
Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435
Details
of all walks and reports can be seen at
http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html
Nearly
all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution
to save both space and bandwidth. Should you want a copy of any
of the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original
file - just quote the walk number and the photo title.
To go to The Tewkesbury U3A main site click here; Tewkesbury U3A
Contacts:
Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462
E Mail sylviamurdoch@outlook.com
Tony, (Administrator) 01684 276960
E Mail tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Hugh, (walks coordinator) 01452 780460
E Mail candhbennett@gmail.com
Webmaster . . . Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com Updated 10th March 2022
