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Progamme 165_66_67

WALKS PROGRAMMES  Nos 168,169,170, 
  2021

Previous programme  Nos.171-172


Previous programme  No 172


 

 

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



 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.




 




April 2022


Stroll       

Tuesday 5 April *    Eckington village
Meet        Eckington River Bridge Car Park (free) WR10 3DD   Grid 923423 for 10.30 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.
* Please note that this is the first Tuesday in April: not the second as is usual

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”

1.       Artist’s Grave Stone

2.       Enraptured Art Students

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]


Walk     1473 

Wednesday 6 April     6 miles     Energetic        Lunch Garden Picnic
Meet         Bredons Norton Bus shelter Grid 930391  GL20 7HB    for  10.00  start   
Contact         Mike and Jenny       01684 772194        the week before
Directions    In Bredon take the B4080 towards Pershore and Eckington.   Take the 2nd road on the right (signposted Bredons Norton)  Carry on through village to traffic island, the bus shelter is to the right.  There is limited road side parking, mainly to the North of the church. 
Details We walk up to the Tower on Bredon Hill for coffee. We return a different way for picnic lunch in Northcroft Garden where we hope the Fritillaries will be in flower.  One thousand feet of ascent, one stile, a few gates

There were just 8 of us today on this blustery and rain-promised morning.  Jenny led us up through Norton Park and we slowly climbed up to the tower on the top of Bredon Hill.  Our stay there was short because we could see a broad belt of rain sweeping in from the west.  However, just as with the Israelites and the Red Sea, the water parted for us and veered north, deluging  the good people of Pershore and sparing us.
Our return was down by St Catherine’s Well and Woollas  Hall and despite the patches of sunshine we could see on the distant Malverns, the rain caught up with us in the final 15 minutes of our walk and we got a soaking.

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)

Spring lambs

Ahh - bless!

Handy logs

Very cheerful!


Walk    1474   

Thursday 7 April          6miles        Moderate      Optional Pub Lunch
Meet        The Hungry Horse, Seven Springs GL53 9NG  Grid 967170
9.45 for 10.00 start.
Contact    Sonia  01684 298409 the week before
Directions    M5 to J11A, take A417 to Air Balloon Roundabout, then follow A 436 to Seven Springs.
Details    We walk through the Churn Valley on fields, lanes and tracks,                       passing through Coberley and Cowley. One steady climb on to the Cotswold Way. 3 stiles.
N.B. Please park at rear of car park. Toilets may not be available at  the start of the walk.

12 members assembled at the Hungry Horse on a blustery but dry day. We headed off  for a short distance along the A436 before crossing the fields to Cobberley, normally a peaceful retreat from the main road, but not when the Junior School is taking its play break!
We continued south to Cowley Manor and enjoyed the attention of a friendly pack of alpacas. After our break in the shelter  of a hedge, with the wind gathering momentum, we followed the lane to the Green Dragon at Cockleford, having glimpsed the swift-flowing R. Churn en route.

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)


Walk    1475   

Wednesday 20 April      5 miles  Easy/Moderate   Lunch own arrangements
Meet        Tewkesbury  Nature Reserve car park   Grid 899319      for 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.


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)

Walk    1476   

Thursday 21 April    4.5 miles     Moderate/Energetic   Pub Lunch (indoors or in garden)
Meet        The Yew Tree Conderton      GL20 7PP     GR 964371  Arrive 9.30plus   Choose from menu 9.40ish   Catch 540 bus (BUS PASS) at 10.04 to Ashton
Contact    Noel    01684 772526   the week before
Directions    B4080 to and through Bredon, continuing straight on through Kemerton and Overbury to Conderton. Immediately after pub turn left up lane to park next to wall.  Please share cars.
Details     Cotton's Lane climbing up Beckford Hill; then along flat and downhill paths via Cobbler's Quarry and the bluebells of Beckford Coppice to pub.  Ascent approx 500ft.

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”.

1. Bathed in White

2. Over the Top into the Blue Yonder

3. Chased by a JCB?

4. Are they really "kingcups"?

5. At Last Bathed in Blue!

port


Walk      1477   

Thursday 28 April    6 miles          Moderate     Pub  Lunch
Meet          Lechlade  Memorial Hall/Pavilion, Oak Street GL7  3AY.  Grid  SU214999 for 10.00 start.
Contact     Calvyn 01684 296684  the week before .
Directions       M5 South to Junction 11A, A417 to Cirencester A417 to Fairford and Lechlade. In Lechlade head out on Oak Street (A361 to Burford) After approximately 500 yards the parking for the very new Memorial Hall is on your left.
Details    A Fisher-Price walk. A flat circular walk, through riverside meadows, one stile. Walk through town to gain access to the River Thames and riverside footpath at Ha’penny Bridge. The walk continues alongside the river   turning away from the river at a canal roundhouse and heading via fields and a section of road walking towards Buscot Wick and Buscot church. The river is crossed at Buscot Weir and we meander up the Thames Path towards lunch at the Trout Inn. After lunch it is a short distance to complete the riverside walk back to Ha’penny Bridge and thence back to the car park.

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”

1 Where is our audience?

2. Looking for ‘Dominator’ Tractors?

3. To what is this Memorial?      (Old Father Thames - SF)

4. Half-Price pleased with the Walk?

May 2022


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.

Latter day Romans

A wedding snap?

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)

Over there   (Margaret)

Going to church   (Margaret)

By the Windrush   (Terry)



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)

Just going on a stroll



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

Bluebells

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)

Buttercup time    (Margaret)

Sweety time     (Margaret)

Queen Anne's lace (Cow parsley)    (Terry)

Jungle patrol       (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
 

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 £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.
 

 


 

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