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.

Programme 178 for September/Ooctober 2022

September 2022

Annual Meeting Monday 5 September.
Meet Ashchurch Village Hall at 1.45 for 2.00pm
The walking group annual meeting is being reinstated post pandemic.
Many things are different after the pandemic; we need to review what we have done what we are doing and where we want to go in the future – please attend.
There should also be tea, coffee and cake.

Report on today’s Walkers AGM
On Monday 5th September, the day the summer drought decided enough was enough, members of the Walking group, in true rambler’s spirit, all drove to Ashchurch Village Hall for the Annual AGM of the Walking Group. Upon entering the healthy throng, I was met with the ambiguous question, “Have you been a broad/abroad?” I answered to the latter!
This had been the first AGM since 2019 and it was good to see so many faces both old and new. Chair Sylvia kicked off the meeting with her report where she reviewed the events of the past couple of years. She offered her thanks to those who had served on the committee and to those who had responded to organise walks once the restrictions of the pandemic were lifted. She also made an encouraging plea for more walks to be offered and for more walk leaders to offer walks. This became a recurring theme throughout the meeting.
Hugh reviewed the activities of the Walkers Group and Christine reviewed those of the Strollers or, as Hugh calls them, “The Lame, the Lazy and the Disinclined”.
Bob Mackintosh gave his treasurers report, highlighting the fact that whilst the group had made a healthy contribution to the u3a funds, the amount was less than previous years when the group was fully active because the number of walks had reduced.
The Officers made it known they were all willing to stand again and so we were spared the embarrassment of staring at our feet until someone volunteered themselves. The existing committee were re-elected unanimously with any hesitation. Thank you, committee!!!
This year’s ‘Walkers Christmas Lunch’ is planned for December 8th at the Gupshill Manor. Numbers are required by the end of September!!
In AOB we were asked about our individual membership of the Nat Trust as there are now problems for non-members using their carparks at some sites.
Further discussion took place with regard to the description of our walks. Was it better to just give the length rather than stress whether it was energetic or easy etc. It was acknowledged that the short walks offered by Andrea were a good idea and had initially proved popular. The question was raised as to whether longer walks were off putting. The absence of any specific conclusion seemed to suggest that if a variety of walks are offered people will decide for themselves whether they are up to a longer or shorter distance.
Leading walks was also discussed and Mike and Jenny came forward with an excellent offer to co-lead walks with ‘new leader’s’. I hope this idea proves a success as it seemed a positive step forward as well as being a generous offer.
The formalities of the meeting were concluded by Sylvia who offered her thanks to Hugh and Chris for putting together the Walks and Strolls programme, especially during the uncertain times in the midst of the pandemic.
She then gave a special thanks to that fountain of knowledge (both fact and fiction), Stan Fagg, for his tireless work in keeping the website up to date with the programme, reports and photos. A gift from the groups was presented in recognition for his undiluted years of service.
Stan then entertained with a presentation of photos from the walks over the past 12 months.
Finally, we all assembled around the tea and cake table where we gorged ourselves on the delicious home-made offerings, contributed by various members of the group. Thank you cake bakers!! What we all now need is a good healthy walk to help burn off some of those extra calories.
Ian

Walk    1502

Wednesday 7 September    Easy / Moderate    4.5 miles    Picnic Lunch
Meet        Bredons Norton Bus shelter Grid 930391 GL20 7HB    Start 10am
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 to Westmancote where we will have a coffee stop, then walk the new circular John Clarke Memorial Walk. We then go down to Kemerton and return to Bredons Norton on the lower path. Bring your own picnic to eat after the walk in our garden if the weather is suitable. About 500ft of ascent in total and two or three stiles.
Alternate Easy Walk   1 mile, 200ft ascent. Meet us at the top of Westmancote (where the rough track starts) at 10.45 to join us for our coffee stop and the John Clarke Memorial Walk. There is very limited road side parking.

Our walk today was a special one. We were meeting Pamela (who used to join us) to walk along the newly inaugurated John Clarke Walk on Bredon Hill.

John was Pamela’s late husband and was the Kemerton Trust’s Conservation Advisor, who did much valuable work with insects and rare plants on the hill above Kemerton. The area surrounding the walk has arable plant areas, grassland, wildflower meadows and woodland.

The weather was kind to the 20 walkers today. The promised thunderstorms did not materialise, and we stayed warm and dry. Starting from Bredons Norton, we crossed the hill to the Westmancote track to join the John Clarke Walk and, after circling it, we dropped down to a lower path to cross the fields back to Mike and Jenny’s house where we picnicked in their splendid garden.

Thanks to Jenny and Mike for leading us today and for their hospitality. [Photos - Margaret and Terry, Report Richard and Website "Stub"]

Stroll

Tuesday 13 September    Coombe Hill Nature Reserve
Meet        Coombe Hill nature reserve car park GL19 4AS Grid 888273 for 10.30 start
Contact    Christine    01452 780460    the week before
Directions    A38 south to Coombe Hill; turn right at traffic lights immediately after Swan Inn. Very narrow metalled road; go to the end of the road and park in the gravel car park.
Details    We walk along the canal bank to the first footbridge. Then either return on the opposite bank of the canal or a longer loop across fields. We will have two leaders so the party can split if desired to follow both routes. Could be muddy if wet.
Lunch    The Swan Inn at Coombe Hill has a large car park and offers lunches.

Eleven of us met at the Coombe Hill Nature Reserve car park on a mainly cloudy but warm day. We walked very slowly along the canal banks and the board walk to the Grundon hide. Due to the drought, the water was well down. On a previous visit it has been level with the board walk, but not today! However, this also meant that the path was dry and not churned up by horses' hooves. Sadly, the hide was closed as it was being re-painted (creosoted?) and so we did not have the opportunity to observe any wildlife from this lookout.

We then strolled back to the cars along the opposite bank and rested for some time on a unique dragon-fly shaped bench at the end of the canal. On our outward part of the stroll, we saw a family of three near grown cygnets and a single parent swan. On our return we disturbed them. They almost flew away, but then settled back onto the water. See photo attached. Most of us then retired to the adjacent [appropriately named!] Swan Inn for lunch and/or drinks.

Walk    1503

Thursday 15 September    4.5 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        Eckington Wharf car park WR10 3DD Grid 923422 9.45am for 10.00 start
Contact    Rose     01684 301668 or 07971 672575 the week before
Directions    North from Bredon on the B4080 Pershore Road just before Eckington Bridge. Follow the brown and white tourist signs.
Details    The Eckington Circular walk, adding on a walk round the top of the village to make the walk about 4.5 miles. This is a mostly flat, easy walk starting off from Eckington Wharf Car Park, along the side of the Avon to Strensham Lock, then returning through the village of Eckington, over the railway bridge then around the upper part of the village, pub lunch at The Bell, coming back through the churchyard to the main road before returning to the Car Park. Please notify when booking if you wish to have lunch in the pub.

This was a pleasant, occasional sunny periods day as we, seventeen of us, gathered by the Avon at Eckington Wharf. After her welcome, Rose led us down river and under the main line railway bridge, after which we spotted a grey heron, still ...among the tall rushes. “How can I spend a peaceful morning fishing with all that chattering on the far bank?” she must have thought, and gracefully took off for calmer waters downstream.
    Eventually, we reached our coffee stop at the lock. As luck would have it, a boat arrived from Tewkesbury, allowing our photographer of the day, Bob, to show us what locks are there for.....a pity about the crosswind, which made it awkward for the skipper to steer serenely through the gate.
    Off we set, more at a stroll, up the lane and into the village, where Rose led us on one of those 'keep me in sight, or else!' routes, wending our way around 'the Eckington nobody knows', until we found ourselves entering the rear end of St Peter and St Paul's Churchyard. Along the wall were large numbers of painted stones created by children to remind us of how much we owe to all those in the health and care services during the Covid pandemic.
    Lunch was taken at the Bell Inn where, judging by the high volume of chatter, a convivial time was had by all. Many thanks to Rose for leading us so competently on her first walk and, we hope, with more to come. (Thanks also to Noel for his report and to Bob W for the photos - SF)

Walk     1504

Wednesday 21st September    6miles    moderate    Lunch see below
Meet        Speech House Hotel Gl16 7EL. Grid Reference 06020121
what 3 Words: cringes, irritate, wash.    9.45am for a 10.00am start
Contact    Steve 01684 295438 or stevejanefisher@aol.com the week before.
Directions    A38 to Longford Roundabout. A40 towards Highnam. A48 via Minsterworth and Westbury on Severn. Turn right onto A4151 to Cinderford. Turn left onto B4226 passing Dylke Hospital to Speech House. Car park is at the rear of the hotel.
Details    A Fisher-Price Walk. The walk uses well made (but bumpy) hard core paths through a section of the Forest of Dean. The walk passes Speech House Lake and continues to Mallards Pike Lake for coffee and toilets. Return is on similar paths, some following the old railway track bed from Lydney to Coleford. Lunch has not been pre-booked, but is a walk-in option at the hotel’s Orangery Restaurant, or people can make their own arrangements.
The walk is generally flat, with no stiles and one or two gentle slopes.

On a warm dry sunny day 15 of us assembled at the Speech House Car Park in the Forest of Dean. Our leader's were the Fisher-Price duo of Steve and Calvyn. We were joined by Steve C and his wife Shirley. Steve requires a mobility scooter so Shirley had fortunately booked an all terrain Tramper from the hotel. Unfortunately it had broken down the day before so could not used. Steve gamely went ahead using his own scooter and managed to complete the 6 mile route. The walk used hard core tracks with no stiles. We walked down to Mallard's Pike ponds were a coffee stop was taken in the sunshine. Mallard's Pike is named after a Mr Mallard who lived in a Toll House on the Turnpike or Toll road nearby. We then walked back along the old Railway Line which ran from Lydney to Coleford. During the walk we had to keep a careful watch out for cyclists using the same tracks. We crossed the Central Bridge. Most of the Railway Lines were used to move minerals around the Forest but one line is still in operation. It is a 4.5 miles long and runs from Lydney Junction to Parkend and is a Preserved Railway mainly run by volunteers. We arrived back at the Speech House for a pleasant lunch in the garden at 12.30. Thanks to Steve and Calvyn for leading an enjoyable walk in the sunshine. (Thanks to Justin for his report and Margaret for the photos - SF)

Walk     1505

Thursday, 22 September     5 miles   Moderate/Energetic    Pub Lunch
Meet         Wyche Inn, West Malvern WR14 4EQ Grid 768437    9.30 to order food for 10.00 a.m. start
Contact    Graham & Betty     01684 594331 or email graham.mealand@btinternet.com the week before.
Directions    A438 from Tewkesbury, in 2.5 miles right turn onto B4211 Upton, in approx. 4 miles turn left on A4104 Welland, continue on A4104, then Left on A449 for 5 miles to British Camp, then turn right on B4232 for 2miles to Wyche. Roadside parking near the Wyche Inn.
Details    From the Wyche Cutting, walk on east side of the Malvern Hills, stopping for coffee at a disused quarry, then on to the British Camp for public toilets. Returning over the tops, or a moderate path, back to the Wyche Inn for lunch. No stiles and good paths.

Sixteen folk began the walk from the Wyche Cutting, which was part of an Iron Age salt route, a narrow pass through the Malvern Hills, between the counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. In ideal weather, we stopped in a disused quarry for our first coffee stop, with scree as a backdrop.
We observed a dragonfly at rest, a dehydrated newt and several Belted Galloways which were confined by an electric fence, bravely tested by Noel. Some of the fencing was being removed by an ingenious machine which wound and stored the wires around rollers. These were loaded and guided by a couple of busy conservators. This organisation was established in 1884 to preserve and protect this wonderful area.
The next stop was at the British Camp toilets where our cyclist broke ranks and bought himself an icecream, whilst we looked on empty handed. However, returning over the hills, half the group enjoyed another stop in ‘Little Switzerland’ underneath a lonely pine, with lovely views in the distance.
Here, Noel narrated a short romantic story of Elgar’s love for Alice, who he eventually married in 1889. It was so evocative that you could almost hear Salut d’Amour among the trees behind us. Then we descended, to some excellent, varied meals served by the Wyche Inn.
Thank you to Betty and Graham for an enjoyable and well organised walk, to Noel and to Phil for the photos. ( Many thanks to Lesley for her report and to Jennie B for the photos - SF)

Walk    1506

Thursday 29 September       6 miles    Moderate    Picnic en route
Meet        Condicote Village Hall     GL54 1ES    Grid SP153282     for 10am start
Contact    Mike and Jenny    01684 772194    the week before
Directions    B4077 from Teddington Hands towards Stow.   About 4 miles after Ford turn Left at minor cross roads to Condicote and Hinchwick. Take 2nd road on the left, the new Village Hall is on the right just as you enter the village. We can park in the car park but can’t use the toilets as the Hall is used by a Nursery School. There will be no suitable comfort stop during the first 1.5 miles.
Details    We follow in the footsteps of the Romans along Ryknild Street to Hinchwick Manor. Up a wooded valley then a short climb out of the valley where we will have our picnic by the ruins of Cutsdean Lodge. We return on field paths across the high wold and along a track to Condicote. We can call at The Plough at Ford for suitable refreshments on our way home. One stile.

16 members and 2 guests turned up at Condicote. After a hot summer and above average temperatures in September there was quite a nip in the air today which reminded us Autumn had begun although on this grey morning there were still signs that the sun was doing its best to oblige. We set off from the village hall led by Jenny at a good pace. heading west down the narrow lane before turning north west to join the Roman Ryknild Street, a lane lined with tall dense, rounded trees, which Jenny identified as hornbeam. After stopping to admire Hinchwick Manor we had a coffee break in pleasant woodland heading wnw on good paths to lunch in an open field next to apparently abandoned farm buildings, the former Cutsdean Lodge. Away from the group the silence was noticeable, no M5, no motor bikes, lawn mowers, or barking dogs, just the faint twitter of the birds as a lone swallow passed by. As we made a gentle climb to the nearby ridge, one could look around 360 degrees and not a building in sight, just large open skies, and the accompaniment of a kite,the Cotswolds at their best.The wheat harvest had already been safely gathered in, making the enormous fields appear even bigger. Refreshment at the Plough, Ford in bright sunshine rounded off the day nicely. Many thanks to Jenny and Mike for a lovely walk, new to most of us. (Thanks to Terry for the report and to Margaret and BobW for the photos - SF)

October 2022

Wednesday 5 October    4 miles    Easy (mostly flat)    Pub Lunch
Meet        The Anchor Inn 69 Main Road, Kempsey. WR5 3NB 9:45 to choose meals for a 10:00 start.
Contact    Andrea on 01684 294676 the week before.
Directions    A half hour drive from Tewkesbury via the M5 coming off at the Worcester Junction 7 exit. Then follow the A4440 and the A38 to Kempsey.
Details    This is a joint walk with The Discovering Britain Group. We will explore the more historical parts of Kempsey including the site of the Bishops Palace where Edward 1st stayed in the 1200s. Cromwell was also known to be in Kempsey, and we will see Cobblers Cottage. In 1649 it was used as a hospital for his wounded soldiers.
We hope to explore the parts of the Roman Road left unploughed.

21 walkers gathered at the Anchor Pub at Kempsey, many being members of both the walking group and the Discovering Britain group, and there were 4 members from Discovering Britain. The idea was to have a walk around a place that also had an historic past and Kempsey more than fulfils that criteria. It is the oldest village in Worcestershire with a history that started around the Iron Age, when our ancestors forded the Severn river on their way to and from British camp. In the 1200s Kempsey played a part in the battle of Evesham and was involved again in the Civil war in the 1600s. Cromwell used a local cottage as a hospital for his wounded army. 3 members shared their earlier research with the group. Rain was forecast but didn’t arrive until we were safely under the yew trees at the church listening to Robina.
Kempsey has 28 listed houses and a beautiful church, and has many footpaths. It is a lovely place to visit and walk around. We all enjoyed good food afterwards at the Anchor.
Walk led by Andrea and Shirley. (Thanks to Andrea for the report, and to ever the dependable duo of Margaret and Terry for the photos - SF)

Tuesday 11 October        Tewkesbury Riverside
Meet        Back of Avon, Tewkesbury, in the Town Hall American garden at the rear of the town hall for a 10:30 start.
Contact    John & Jan    01684 294262 or 01452 780591    the week before
Directions    The Town Hall garden is entered from Back of Avon where there is some free parking but beware parking duration limit.
Details    The stroll will be on pavement so street shoes will be suitable. The route may well be suitable for a mobility scooter (please check when booking). The route takes in King John’s bridge and the riverside walk.

Wednesday 12 October    3.5 miles    Moderate    Pub lunch
Meet        Shutters Inn, Gotherington GL52 9EZ    Grid 959297    for 10am start
Contact    Mike and Jenny 01684 772194    the week before
Directions    From Tewkesbury A46 to Aston Cross. Right on B4078 to join A435 towards Cheltenham. Gotherington is third turn on the left. The Shutters is on the right near start of the village.
Details    We walk to Oxenton and back over Crane Hill. Two short steepish climbs of about 100 ft each which we will take slowly.   350ft total ascent in whole walk. Several stiles. No toilets available at the Pub before the walk. Please look at their menus online and give your order when you book the walk.

Ten of us met on a pleasant autumn day with sunshine and clouds. We went over the fields from Gotherington to Oxenton church where we had our coffee stop. We then climbed up to the Gloucestershire Way above Oxenton where we enjoyed the view before following it to Woolstone, meeting a friendly donkey on the way. Noel gave a short talk about the "Gloucestershire Poet" whose words appear on the Gloucestershire Way signs. The church in Woolstone has a leaning tower which has apparently been strengthened by experts from Pisa in Italy! A final short walk across the fields in a rain shower was followed by a good lunch at the Shutters Inn. Thanks to Mike and Jenny for a walk that though short in length was balanced out by a significant climb, great views and lots of interest. (Thanks to Hugh for the pictures and report - SF)

Thursday 13 October    6miles        Moderate        Pub Lunch
Meet        The Three Nuns Car Park, Collet’s Green Road, Powick WR2 4SB
Grid 817514     NB 9.30am to order food - basket meals, snacks/toilets for 9.45am start.
Contact    Calvyn    01684 296684    the week before.
Directions    Take the A38 north from Tewkesbury to a major roundabout on the outskirts of Worcester. First left onto A4440 towards Malvern. At next roundabout go left on A449 towards Malvern through Powick. Take a right hand turning, signposted Collet’s Green and follow this road (Old Malvern Road). Bear slightly right at the first junction and continue along the edge of Collets Green village. Turn left at the next junction ( Collet’s Green Road sign on right). Pub is approximately 300yards on the right-hand side.
Details    A Fisher-Price walk. A circular walk, mainly field walking with some smaller sections of lane/road walking. We walk to Bastonford and then over Carey’s Book to St Peters Church, Powick. We cross the main A449 and walk parallel to the River Teme and adjoining flood meadows before turning away from the river via Ham lane and returning to the 3 Nuns. Mostly flat with a couple of gentle slopes.

The Autumn mists had burned off before the 23 of us arrived at the Three Nuns, Collett's Green, to start our walk. Maybe due to Holy Orders, the pub would close at 2pm, so Calvyn and Steve set us off at 9.45am. Travelling anticlockwise and crossing the A449 road, we were told about the former Powick Hospital, aka lunatic asylum, where up to 1000 residents could be housed and where controversial experiments with LSD took place. The chimney and the remaining part of the 150 year old hospital could be seen, not far from our route. Walking mainly through fields bordered by trees starting to turn golden, we eventually reached our coffee stop at St Peter's church. We were shown the pits in the church tower made by Parliamentarian soldiers' small cannon during the Civil War. Not far away was Powick Bridge, the scene of a battle during that same war. We arrived back at the hostelry in good time for our simple but nourishing fare, in keeping with the pub's name.
Many thanks to Steve and Calvyn for leading us on their latest Fisher-Price walk. (Thanks to Mike for his report, and to Margaret for the photos - SF}

Thursday 20 October    6.5 miles    Moderate    Lunch own arrangements, suggest Speech House.
If you wish to share a car please meet at Gupshill Manor car park at 8:45.
Meet         New Fancy Car Park, Forest of Dean, park at higher end of car park, nearby post code GL15 4HR, Grid 627096        9:30 for 9:45 start
Contact     John 07811164417 or Sylvia 07498486263 the week before
Directions    South on A38 to Longford roundabout. Turn Right along A40 past Over Farm to next roundabout. Left onto A48 through Westbury on Severn and continue on to Texaco Garage on right. Turn Right here to Littledean. Turn Right in village through the village and up long hill. On bend take Left Turn ( straight on ) follow road to the Speech House. Turn Left here follow road for 2 miles, car park is on your left, park at the higher part of car park.
Details    Pleasant walk mostly wide paths through the forest. No stiles. Some long inclines, nothing steep.

Report

Walk    1512     Walk Cancelled - Unforeseen circumstances

Wednesday 26 October      5 miles     Moderate          Pub lunch
Meet        The Tardebigge, B97 6QL     Grid 001689 for 10.00 start
Contact    Richard & Eileen   Richard.hart13@btinternet.com by Sunday 23rd
Directions    M5 to Junction 5, A38 North for 3.7 miles then turn right to Finstall on B4184 (Homebase on corner). Follow this for 3 miles. Pub is just after road goes under bypass.Turn right for customer car park.
Details    We walk across country along good tracks and quiet lanes to join the Worcester-Birmingham canal which we follow, past its flight of locks to Tardebigge church and back to the pub. Full details of where to park and how to order food after you book on to the walk.

Report

Meet: Farmers Arms, Ledbury Road, Lower Apperley. GL19 4DR 10:15 for 10:30a.m start

Contact Barry on 0751170833 (evenings) or preferably by email on : barryms1942@gmail.com. If during the daytime please use email. Remember to leave phone number!

Directions A 38 south from Tewkesbury at the second set of traffic lights turn right, 2 miles approx, pub on left.

Thursday 27 October   5.5miles    Moderate    lunch own arrangements
Meet        Old Hills.     WR2 4TQ    Grid 828483        9.45 for 10.00 start
Contact    Terry & Margaret    01684 772278     the week before
Directions    From Upton on Severn, North on B4211 continue on B4424. The off road parking is on the left just before track to Old Hills.
Details    An anticlockwise walk over Old Hills, through Callow End and returning from near Madresfield, part on the Three choirs Way and quiet paths, fields and tracks. Some high stiles.

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 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.
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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.