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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. Members are urged to continue
with appropriate measures to minimise covid transmission.
NB 3. Numbers on walks are as always
at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may
depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as
well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB 4. Where two walks
are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not
book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before.
This is so that members are not denied a place on any walk by early
second walk bookers.bookers.
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.
Morning prayers
(Bob W)
Where's Hilcot? (Bob W)
A field of alpacas (Margaret)
Spring at Cockleford Farm (Terry)
Starting
from the Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park on a chilly, but sunny,
morning, fifteen of us looped north onto the Gloucester Way and
headed towards Walton Cardiff. We then walked south on the paths to
the east of Wheatpieces and enjoyed the singing of the skylarks over
the fields of broad beans as we approached Treddington. During a
coffee break at Treddington church our view of the world slipped
back a hundred million years when we looked at the Ichthyosaur
fossil in the church porch. The return paths brought us back via the
southern end of the nature reserve.
This was a ‘third time lucky’ for this walk as two previous plans
had been cancelled, partly because of the natural flooding of the
nature reserve, but this time the paths were dry. Several of us were
surprised that we were walking for the first time on pleasant paths
close to home. (Thanks to Richard and Eileen for designing and
leading this walk and to Jon W for the
report - SF)
Noel led all 16 of us to the bus stop near the Yew Tree for our short journey in the sunshine to Ashton under Hill, where we alighted at the foot of Cotton Lane to begin our modest ascent to Great Hill.
The bluebells along the lane were a foretaste of what was to come. Refreshments were taken at the hilltop before our traverse above Grafton to the Yellow Brick Road, where we looped round via Cobbler’s Quarry to the delightful Beckford Coppice, awash with bluebells in their prime, and a few kingcups (marsh marigolds) as we crossed the stream.
We were back into Conderton by 1pm for our excellent lunches in the garden of the Yew Tree.
Report from Mike B, photos by John W, Sylvia, Margaret and Terry & Website “Stub”.
2. Over the Top into
the Blue Yonder
4. Are they really "kingcups"?
port
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.
A group of 14 gathered for this FisherPrice walk from the Memorial Hall, Lechlade, on a rather dull, breezy morning.
With Half Price leading we soon approached the river over Ha'penny Bridge, crossing the dry waterside fields and soon arriving at the Roundhouse - built for the Severn/Thames canal, not the Roundheads.
A little further we passed near to the 11thC St John Baptist Church - alas there was no time to visit it.
Later the route took us near a large old parsonage and nearby a short stop at St Mary's Church, Buscot, before a coffee stop by the weir. Afterwards, going over the lock, then walking on the east bank of the Thames, closely following the river as it meanders through the meadows, we enjoyed a good view as we climbed the wooden bridge. A little further upstream St John's Bridge was a few steps away from our lunch stop at the Trout Inn.
As we were all seated together waiting for lunch to appear, Steve recited to his captive audience, relating to this area, "In A Summer Evening Churchyard" - a poem by Shelley, while we all listened in awe, with an empty belly.
Well-satisfied by a good lunch, we again set off to complete the six-mile walk across the fields back to Ha'penny Bridge and the carpark.
Our thanks to team, FisherPrice, for an entertaining walk.
Report by Margaret; photos Margaret M & Sylvia; website “Stub”
2. Looking for ‘Dominator’ Tractors?
3. To what is
this Memorial? (Old Father Thames - SF)
4. Half-Price pleased with the Walk?
Walk 1478
Wednesday 4 May 4.5 miles
approx Moderate
Lunch: own arrangements – Beefeater and Toby Carvery nearby.
Meet By St Mary’s Church, Great
Witcombe GL3 4TS Grid 910148; limited parking, so please share cars
where possible and park according to signage. 9.45 for a 10.00
start.
Contact Shirley and Andrea 01684 275665 or email
schanning55@hotmail.co.uk
Directions M5 S to J11A, A417 to A46 junction
direction Painswick. At first (Crosshands) roundabout by Toby carvery and
Shell petrol station turn left and follow signs to Great Witcombe.
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.
Three stiles and there are likely to be muddy / boggy patches, so sticks
and boots recommended
Driving
to today's walk in the rain one was tempted to turn back, what a
mistake that would have been and to miss a great (Witcombe) walk.
16 of us gathered at the delightful little church. We set off in
sunshine and dry weather quickly crossing the reservoirs, built in
1860s to provide water to Gloucester. From there we ascended to the
Roman Villa and what a view the owners must have had as did we. This
villa excavated in 1818 exposed mosaics and plasterworks that once
exposed to the elements were largely destroyed.
By now the sun was shining and we entered and ascended Coopers Hill
Wood with glorious bluebells and carpets of white flowers of wild
garlic lit by dappled sunlight thro the trees. Enough to take your
mind off the climb. We continued upwards and along the Cotswold way.
Stopping at a glorious viewpoint for our little break.
We continued upwards until at a fork our leader was tempted with a
downwards option. This turned out to be a dead-end, so it was back,
upwards and onwards to re-join the Cotswold way and then into the
beech trees of Witcombe Wood.
Soon it was a downwards (yay!) path thro a meadow and surprisingly
quickly we were back at the cars and then onwards to the local
beefeater to wait and wait a bit more for our food, cheap tho.
So a glorious walk, led by our ever cheerful leader Shirley.Thanks.
(Thanks also to Calvyn for the report and Bob W for the photos - SF)
Looking across the 'Wide Coombe' ie
Whitcombe.
On the Cotswold Way (with bluebells)
Walk 1479
Thursday 5 May 5 miles
Moderate Lunch own arrangements
Meet St Peters Church car park Little
Rissington GL54 2NA Grid SP189200 9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact John
07811164417 the week before
Directions From Tewkesbury A46 to Teddington Hands
roundabout; third exit B4077 to Toddington, straight across roundabout at
Toddington, follow road through Ford village and onto Stow on the Wold.
Turn right and right again at traffic lights onto A429. Continue on the
A429 for a mile or so and bear off to the left towards Burford.
After 2 miles or so turn right towards Little Rissington. The Church
is up a lane on the right on the 90 degree bend in the village. Follow
lane until you cannot go much further and turn left towards church. There
is a small sign low down on this left turn. See attached Map. We have
permission from the Vicar to use the Car Park and she has asked for a
donation for doing so. (It would cost £5.00 to park in Bourton on the
Water for 3 hours).
Details A circular walk from Little Rissington around
lakes and through Bourton on the Water (for coffee stop and loos). Mainly
footpaths, some roads, flat, one hill at the end. No stiles.
With
our boots on, the team, 11 of us, gathered in the spring sunshine at
St Peter's Church, Little Rizzington, as the locals call it.
We respectfully visited the 12th century church with its RAF window
and churchyard in which are buried 76 pilots, lost mainly in war,
but also in peacetime at the local Flying Training School; a heavy
toll.
John then led us in increasingly warm sunshine
down into the Dickler valley, turning up to Bourton on the Water to
join the Windrush. Here, George spotted a pair of rainbow
trout, one of which was sheltering in an eddy behind a rock.
We, too, were in need of a rest and, merging into the ebb and flow
of tourists from around the world, settled down by the river to
enjoy our mid-morning break.
Leaving civilization behind, we found ourselves
passing a nature reserve when a shout rang out: snake!...and amongst
the long grass lay a 12ft Boa Constrictor (?) in wait, or else a
very good look-a-like sculpture. After that scare, we were
ready for anything, even a newly built Iron Age Roundhouse.
Local pupils had had a real live history lesson here, applying
wattle and daub to the hazelwood (?) structure to cement the walls.
The impatient squawking of a low flying Canada
Goose indicated it was time to move on, as John led us out of the
Dickler valley and up onto the promontory on which St Peter's is
sited. Our thanks go to John, and to his helpful co-leader
Sylvia, for leading us on this varied and interesting walk, taking
in reclaimed lakes and newly planted orchards and copses.
(THanks also to Noel for the report, and to Margaret and Terry for
the photos - SF)
The price of
freedom (Margaret)
Stroll
Tuesday 10 May
Meet Birlingham beside the
Church grid 933433 at 10.15 for 10.30 start
Contact Margaret 01684 772278
the week before
Directions From Tewkesbury on B4080 via Bredon and
Eckington, 1st right after Eckington bridge.
Details A gentle stroll on quiet lanes around this
little village.
We
were a bakers dozen all go and no dough.
The weather fine as we waited for the sun.
It is lilac time in shades of purple and mauve, with chestnuts
overhead of white and red.
Some old style cottages also a terrace of homes called The Row,
Then a footpath leading back to the Church, all aglow.
(Thanks to Margaret M for the poem and the photo - SF)
Walk 1480
Wednesday 11 May 5 miles Moderate
Picnic lunch by river after walk
Meet Eckington Bridge Car Park (free)
WR10 3DD Grid 923423 for 10am start
Contact Mike and Jenny
Barrett 01684 772194 the week
before
Directions In Bredon turn left on B4080 go
through Eckington Village to the Bridge.
Details We walk to Birlingham, cross the river at
Nafford and back across fields to Eckington Village. Mainly fairly flat
with one gentle climb. Three or four stiles.
11
Members met on a rainy day, just 3 dropped out. Despite the
rain, camaraderie much in evidence, for we were all glad to be
there. u3a is like an extended family, sharing highs and lows
of life. We welcomed a new Member, Jenny, making 3 Jenny B’s
now, which could be confusing. If Eckington Bridge
flooded today, as it can, we’d have to stay at Mike & Jenny’s as
Bredon Road was closed; fortunately, it didn’t. Setting off,
we crossed a glorious field of buttercups, and spotted several deer,
as we headed towards the hamlet of Birlingham, almost an island,
where the River Avon surrounds it on three sides. A visit to
Birlingham Church earlier in the year is worth a visit to see the
snowdrops and enjoy the teas. Heading on to Nafford, a very
dramatic view by the weir, especially after rain, where we enjoyed a
coffee stop. Nafford is also a good place to see a murmuration
of starlings before migration.
Some road walking ensued on our way to Eckington, a large village
with new housing developments springing up. Passing Eckington
Church, where war graves can be seen in the grounds, leaving one
last road to walk to Eckington Bridge, where rain stopped and the
sun shone. Most stayed to enjoy a picnic by the
riverside. Thanks to Mike & Jenny for today’s
walk. (Thanks also go to Betty for her erudite report
and to Andrea and Shirley for the photos - SF).
A bit damp by the lock (Shirley)
Bright smiles anyway (Andrea)
Drying out at the picnic (Shirley)
Here comes the sun - maybe? (Andrea)
Walk 1481
Thursday 12 May 6 miles Moderate /
Energetic Picnic lunch Meet
Soudley Ponds (free CP) Cinderford GL14 2UA
(near) Grid 664116 9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact Terry & Margaret 01684
772278 the week before
Directions A 40 Glos bypass to A48 via Minsterworth, R
at Texaco garage at Elton sp Cinderford. In Littledean R at mini
roundabout then next L to Sutton Bottom a narrow lane with passing places
for 1.1m. L into pondside parking in woodland.
Details A forest walk starting with an uphill section
which levels out to a viewpoint coffee stop. Mostly firm tracks, plenty of
undulating paths, no stiles, picnic en route and a more gentle waterside
finish and maybe with bluebells in the woods.
On
a glorious sunny morning, twelve of us met in the nature reserve car
park at Soudley ponds. Our walk began with a long incline which
stretched both legs and lungs, first walking along
towering conifers then into the brighter deciduous beech
woods. Coffee at last at Blaise Bailey. This is a viewpoint, (
constructed I believe from a recycled railway bridge) that provided
both seating accommodation and a spectacular view over the
"Arlingham Loop" of the Severn Estuary. From here we walked through
more woodland often with a haze of fading bluebells, down to Soudley
ponds to enjoy a picnic by the lakeside.
After lunch we continued to Upper Soudley passing the
Zion Chapel, a reminder of the growth of the non conformist movement
in these parts during the 19th century. In the next stretch of
woodland our would be entomologists came to life as we came across a
section of path covered with an unusually large cluster of beetles,
whether Oil beetles or dung beetles, the verdict is still
out. Arriving back at Soudley ponds we took a stop for
tea and things at the Heritage centre before making a short walk
along the stream back to base. Possibly, with the freshness of early
summer we saw the Forest at it's best.
Thank you Margaret and Terry for a lovely walk (and not a boar in
sight). Report by Jim, and photos by Sylvia and Terry
website Stub.
Group starting with smiles (Sylvia)
Arlington
Loop - Severn viewpoint
Picnic
pondering Soudley ponds
Walk 1482
Thursday 19 May 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 with frequent views of Malverns.
Sixteen
of us met up at St Mary’s Church, Hanley Castle, on a cloudy/sunny
day for a relaxed walk accompanied by cuckoos calling, through
byways, spring flower meadows, leafy bower lanes, and criss-crossing
the route of the old Malvern railway line a couple of times.
On our way, we passed through a field containing many Southern Marsh
orchids, the bright pink colour showing well amongst the tall
buttercups, before a short climb to the top of Boynes Coppice and
Meadows Nature Reserve, where had a very good view of the Malvern
Hills.
We then descended via steps into the cutting of the old railway line
which led from Malvern to Upton, finally returned to St Mary’s via
the site of the long-gone Hanley Castle with surrounding moat built
in 1206 and used as a hunting lodge by King John, but which was
finally lost to decay in the early 16th century.
After the walk we drove to Upton upon Severn to have lunch at Ye Old
Anchor Inn, where we were joined by our long-time friends, Stan and
Mary.
Many thanks to Noel for leading us. (Thanks to Sue for her
first-and very successful report, and to our photographers Margaret
and Terry - SF)
Queen Anne's lace (Cow parsley) (Terry)
Walk 1483
Wednesday 25 May 6 miles Moderate
Lunch: see below
Meet Hanbury Hall N.T. car park
WR9 7EA Grid 945637 10.00 start
Contact Richard & Eileen 01684
274197 the week before
Directions M5 to exit 5 then left to Droitwich.
Follow signs to Hanbury Hall.
Details This walk follows the Hanbury Circuit and
visits the Worc/Brum canal, Piper’s Hill and Hanbury church. Non
N.T. members can use the car park but cannot use the N.T. toilets.
At the end of the walk you can either picnic in the
grounds, use the N.T. café, or go to Webbs Garden Centre just up the road.
Report
Walk 1484
Thursday 26 May 3.2 miles
Moderate Lunch own arrangements
Meet Hollybush car park, approximate
postcode HR8 1ET Grid 761369 What3Words:
///hypnotist.howler.crinkled for 10.00 start
Contact Calvyn 01684 296684 the
week before.
Directions A438 North towards Eastnor & Ledbury; the
car park is on right (unsigned) at the very crest of the hill at
Hollybush.
Details A Fisher-Price walk. The walk takes the form of
a figure-of-eight, made up of two short circular walks.
The walk to the south loops around Ragged Stone Hill passing through the
pretty village of White Leaved Oak. The northern loop circles Midsummer
Hill with its Iron-Age hill fort and dramatic vistas along the backbone of
the Malvern Hills. We hope the bluebells will be at their best, even if
they are not the walk leaders should be.
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 23rd May 2022