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 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.

Programme 174 for May/June 2022

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)

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)

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).

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.

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)

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.

On a somewhat cooler morning than recently, fifteen of us met at Hanbury Hall to be led by Richard and Eileen round the Hanbury Circle. We started off across the lovely flower filled meadow of the hall, then up through a large wheat field that was looking very healthy and down to the canal. Along the tow path there were beautiful flag iris and amazing gardens at the lock-keepers cottage, and we paused to watch a pair of swans with five cygnets who seemed disappointed that we had no food for them. We then headed off across fields up to the church for our coffee stop. We had time to admire the wide views before a short shower hurried us on. For Archers fans, the bells of the church are the sound of Ambridge bells. It was then a short distance back to the hall through a fine avenue of oak trees. We dispersed for lunch, some to picnic, others to local cafes. Thanks for a very pleasant walk. (Thanks to Margaret W for the report and to our trio of photographers, Margaret M, Terry and Richard W - SF)

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.

Ten of us met at the Hollybush Car Park for this cloudy but dry walk on familiar terrain in the Malvern Hills. (As an aside, would our walks have been allowed during lockdown if we had referred to them as “walk events”?) Described as a “figure-of-eight” walk, the walk consisted of two loops separated by a mid-point return to the car park for coffee in the adjacent meadow. This is quite a useful format, particularly for more difficult walks, because it means that people can choose to do less than the full mileage, for whatever reason. The southern loop took us round Ragged Stone Hill – it is always interesting to visit the intriguingly-named hamlet of White-Leaved Oak – while the northern loop took us to Midsummer Hill, where some of us enjoyed the view from the top. At the Eastnor Obelisk, we met a group of 20 or so young people from London, who were lost, but Betty’s local knowledge meant that we could point them in the right direction. On some recent walks, we have enjoyed walking among bluebells, buttercups and wild garlic. We had no such botanical delights this time, but we did walk through woodland with trees in their full summer leaf. Towards the end of the walk, though, we had the sad sight of a large area where diseased ash trees had been felled and were still being cleared.

Thanks to Calvyn for organizing and leading this enjoyable walk in the hills. (And thanks also to Bob W for the report and Shirley for the photos - SF)

June 2022

Thursday 9 June    5.25 miles     Moderate/Energetic     Picnic lunch
Meet             Mathon village hall    Grid 743453 . WR13 5NY 9.45 am for 10.00 start                (A donation of £1 per car for the village hall please.)
Contact       Jim and Margaret 01684 296773   The week before
Directions   From West Malvern take the road, Croft Bank which is at the junction of West Malvern Rd.(B4232 ) / De Walden Rd. /Westminster Bank. Follow Croft Bank for just over 1 mile to a junction with a signpost at Lane End. Turn right, the road to Mathon. The village hall is almost immediately on your RHS.
Details.       The walk is through pasture and wooded countryside , good views of the area from the top of Cockshot Hill and a stop at the ancient church in Cradley.

Fourteen of us met at Mathon village hall on a day with slowly deteriorating weather. The day had started with bright sunshine but by the time we started walking it was overcast and after about twenty minutes a gentle rain started. It rained lightly on and off for the rest of the walk but not enough to get us really wet. Our route took us behind Rowburrow Wood to near the top of Cockshot Hill where we had coffee with a splendid view to the northwest over Cradley. We walked through Lambridge Hill Wood down into Cradley where we had our picnic lunch in St James' churchyard. Some of us sheltered from the rain under the lychgate and some of us under the magnificent yew tree which must be at least 500 years old. A short walk back to Mathon concluded a very scenic walk - thank you Jim and Margaret. (Thanks also to Hugh for the report and to Margaret for her photos (an additional photo from Sylvia that I think you will like too) - SF)

Stroll

Tuesday 14 June    2 miles but can be shortened to suit individuals
Meet        St Nicholas church, Kemerton. GL20 7HY. Grid 945375. Park alongside in road. 10.15 for 10.30 start
Contact    Lesley 07917097286 the week before
Directions    Bredon Road, straight on to Kemerton, turn right after Crown Inn by war memorial.
Details    We walk south past Kemerton Court, around and past a managed orchard.
Almost returning to the church there is then a small loop around a tiny lake.

Lesley, our leader, gathered nine of us together at St Nicholas Church for today's stroll. In the fine sunshine Noel spoke of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children and the historical 'Father Christmas'; the church itself full of flags and Jubilee regalia.
In first gear, Lesley led us in a loop through dense woodland, opening out to reveal a lakeland scene on one side and Upper Court and gardens on the other. Then, along a winding wooded lane, the Old Manor with its milk churns to our left and the 'new' Court to our right complete with an Edward Rex VII post box embedded in the wall.
A long winding green track led us eventually into the newly created Kemerton Park; its long grasses, cattle half-hidden in the lush meadows, Bredon Hill laid back beyond cried out for a Constable to immortalize it.
The final 'stretch' took us through an orchard full of traditional apple trees, before returning down the lane to St Nicholas.
Thanks go to our leader Lesley for such a green and pleasant stroll and for the photographs too! (Thanks also to Noel for the report and to Lesley for the photos + SF)

Walk    1486

Wednesday 15 June    5 miles    Easy        Lunch – see below
Meet        Old Kennels car park, Cirencester GL7 1XU    Grid 014014     9.45am for 10am start
Contact    Hugh and Sue    01452 780460    the week before
Directions    M5/A417 to Cirencester. Follow A419 Stroud signs on ring road. At roundabout at end of dual carriageway take A419 Stroud road, 50m turn right by Caravan Club sign, straight on to the Old Kennels car park (second entrance). Share cars, £3 for 4 hours, pay by card or pay by phone or the paybyphone app (no cash).
Details    We walk through Cirencester park over the Bathhurst estate. Deer park, woods and farmland. Footpaths and estate roads, flat, no stiles.
Lunch own arrangements - could be picnic in the park, snack from the Beano wagon or many possibilities in Cirencester.

Six of us met at Cirencester, on a beautiful sunny morning for a walk round the Bathurst estate.
We set off along some new paths, but soon arrived at a wide grassy walk, where we reached a statue of Queen Anne. We then continued along tree-lined paths towards the polo field.
We were all enjoying the warm weather and the magnificent trees on the estate. After stopping for coffee we followed a path along the edge of fields full of barley, with good views across the valley to Stratton.   We then turned back into the main park, passing the Hexagon, and reached the Beano wagon, where we stopped for snacks and ice-cream. Walking finally back to the car park we admired the avenue of ancient limes, and noted all the new trees which are being planted for future generations. A lovely walk on a beautiful morning. (Report by Christine R)

Walk    1487

Thursday 16 June    8 miles    Moderate/Energetic          Picnic en route
Meet        By roadside along from Black Horse Pub, Naunton    GL54 3AD Grid119235    10.00 Start.
Contact    Graham & Betty 01684 594331 or graham.mealand@btinternet.com the week before.
Directions    B4077 Stow Rd then 1+ miles after Ford, turn right on Bourton Road and after 4 miles turn right onto B4068. After 1 mile turn right to Naunton.
Details    Gently undulating Cotswold countryside with 4 stiles. From Naunton we walk by the River Windrush and through the Slaughters (ice cream?) along the River Eye. Return to Naunton for a pint at the Black Horse?   (serving beer since 1870)

Ten hardy walkers met in Naunton to embark on a 8/9 mile walk. As it promised to be an extremely hot day a couple of men even wore shorts to reveal winter legs. In order to ‘warm up’ we started with an upward climb towards an impressive, newly built racing stable where it is said that Harry Redknapp’s horses are trained. This was followed by a shady, tree lined walk down towards the River Windrush. We progressed through picturesque Cotswold countryside, which attracts many overseas walkers. We chatted to folk from Canada, Holland, USA and even Peterborough! After a coffee break in the shade we walked through hay fields cut ready for baling and watched birds of prey in the clear blue sky. The Gloucester Way was joined to reach Lower Slaughter. After a welcome organic ice cream we progressed to Upper Slaughter, known as one of the ‘Thankful’ villages, as it did not lose any men in both World Wars. After lunch in the shade by the River Eye we joined Warden Way for our hot, homeward walk, encouraged by Betty's promise of a drink in the Black Horse Pub.

Thank you Graham and Betty for organising a splendid walk, with wonderful views and plenty of interesting plants to see, including spotted and bee orchids.
Report by Gillian - Pictures by Margaret M, Sylvia and Graham Many thanks to them all - SF

Walk    1488

Thursday 23 June 6.5 miles mod/energetic pub lunch in or outside approx 1.15pm
Meet        The Bear Inn (Elizabethan), Bisley GL6 7BD Grid 903060 09.10 (choose from menu) for 9.30 START!
Contact    Noel 01684 772526 the week before
Directions    B 4070 south from Birdlip. At Foston's Ash Pub left fork south for 3 miles or so along winding lane to Bisley. Looking at front of pub, its car park is behind, half right across the road.
Details    This was the late Anne Trott's last walkover. Ups and downs into and above various valleys: ancient, secluded, early industrial, 'holy', and forgotten. Ascent 700ft. Wysis Way to Oakridge; then Far Oakridge, Waterlane, Litteridge Wood, Hayhedge Lane. Going: generally good along paths, tracks and lanes.

Late News: Noel advises: "Owing to summer overgrowth, oil seed rape and nettles etc, I would advise only thick skinned members to wear shorts."

Walk    1489

Wednesday 29 June      5 miles Moderate/ Energetic    Lunch own arrangements*.
Meet        Bredon village car park   Grid 928369     10.00 start
Contact    Richard & Eileen   richard.hart13@btinternet.com the week before
Directions    1st turning on left after B4080 turn, if coming from Tewkesbury.
Details    We cross the fields to Westmancote and then climb to see the King and Queen stones, returning via the Kemerton lakes.
*There are picnic benches by the car park or a pub in the village for lunch.

Report

Walk    1490

Thursday 30 June 6.5 miles Mod / Energetic Picnic en route
Meet        Notgrove (west edge of village) GL54 3BT Grid 106201     9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact    Terry & Margaret 01684 772278 the week before
Directions    From Tewkesbury A4077 Toddington, right at Ford through Kineton/ Barton, right onto B4068, left on A436, right to Notgrove.
Details    An undulating walk from Notgrove to Cold Aston and Turkdean partly on the Macmillan and Diamond ways. Fields, tracks and lanes, a few stiles.

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.