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 179 for October/November/December 2022

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}

15 of us got the message and turned up at Saul Junction for a morning of messing about on the canal. Two unfortunately went to Kemerton.
Sonia gave an introductory talk, which just like school I wished I’d paid attention to now, but this was before I agreed to do the report. I recall things like the only place in the country where two canals meet (Stroud water and Gloucester and Sharpness), the longest village green, a long chestnut avenue and buildings of many a varied architectural styles.
It wasn’t long before we stopped to look at a gate keepers cottage with a grandeur much greater than its size. We then continued along the tow path until we reached the Church where we stopped for our little break. We then continued through part of the town with the as promised building of all shapes and styles. To do this we were unable to walk through the horse chestnut avenue. But we can’t do it all. We then come to the famous green and a lovely pond somewhat depleted.
Then it was into the was the grand parklands of Framton court with a lovely lake developed from gravel pits. From there into countryside and with only a minor blip in the leaders navigation we returned safely back to the car park.
We were fortunate with the weather, tho it is clear from the pond and the river frome that we passed that rain is needed.
Great walk, great village worthy of further investigation and a great leader.
Oh and the stables is good, food slowly served - still. (Thanks to Calvyn for the report, and also Margaret and Terry for their 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.

15 of us met at the Farmer’s Arms, Apperley. It was a bit like the ‘old days’ as we went in before the walk to choose and book our meals. Barry and I were pleased to see yet another reasonably sized group turning up for a shorter walk and we were also pleased to welcome two new members, Lynn and Tom, who were joining us after trying out a stroll first.

There have been many showers recently but today it was fair and windy with temperatures in the high teens and very pleasant. Barry led us from the pub around the local fields and along the nature reserve that borders the old Coombe canal. It was a flat walk and the only slight obstacle was a fair sized herd of horses which Barry sent on their way.

Thanks to Barry for this enjoyable 3 mile walk. (Report from Andrea and photos by Bob and Andrea.)

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.

Terry and Margaret made an excellent job of adjusting the arrangements and the route of this walk at short notice, because the road from Upton to Old Hills was closed. The early rain had stopped when 15 members met at The Old Bush Inn at Callow End. There was sunshine for the first part of the walk with good views across to the misty Malvern Hills. Stanbrook Abbey, now a hotel, and Worcester Cathedral were pointed out and Powick old asylum could be seen through the trees. We were expertly guided as we wended our way through beautiful countryside. Over green fields, the going was good, with autumn leaves and crunchy acorns often underfoot. A good looking herd of inquisitive Herefords(?) crossed their field to see us at coffee break and we in turn, at Deblins green, were fascinated by a mixed group of long haired curly horned sheep. Later a large puffball attracted our attention. We walked towards Madresfield with a bit of rough in the woods, pausing to rest at the top of Old Hills and admiring the wide views. Then after a short walk down we arrived back at the cars and had a good choice of food at either the pub or the adjacent coffee shop.
Thanks to Margaret and Terry for a very pleasant outing on this warm October day. (Thanks to Sue for her first report (may there be many more) and as ever, to Margaret and Terry for the photos - SF)

November 2022

Walk    1514

Thursday 3 November    7 miles    easy/moderate (see below) possible pub lunch.
Meet        Haw Bridge Layby, Grid 844278, GL19 4HJ        9.30 for 9.45a.m start
Contact    Ian or Kathy        01684 290542     the week before.
Directions    A38 south, turn right at second traffic lights onto B4213. Haw Bridge crosses the River Severn on the B4213. The layby is on the Tirley (far) side of the bridge on the right.
Details    Generally flat terrain. It is a mix of tracks, fields, lanes and riverbanks. It will take us through the villages of Hasfield and Ashleworth. Here we can visit the Tythe Barn. There are a few stiles. The walk is moderate by virtue of the distance, not the terrain.

I suspect that most of the 20 who gathered at Haw Bridge had already resigned themselves to a day of grey and rain. However, boots were hardly tied before blue skies arrived from the west heralding a bright sunny day, perfect for our walk.

From Haw Bridge Inn we walked across water meadows and ditches towards Hasfield. We were tested here when the contours rose by some fifty feet, the only "hill" on the walk. From here we walked through fields towards St Mary's church, a conveniently placed apple tree - proving too much for some of our folk to resist a bit of scrumping!

At the church we enjoyed our coffee break. Some distance from the church we had an impressive view of Hasfield Court, backed by the wooded ridge of Corse Grove. On to Ashleworth, an ancient settlement and until recently a crossing point of the Severn via the ferry from Ashleworth quay. Pigs in the paddock here had done what pigs do best and dug it up - they were suitably rewarded with a scrumped apple or two.

After lunching on the graveyard wall, many of us took time to look inside the church, which I have seen described as "a little gem" and so it turned out to be. Its Saxon origins are still visible in the "herringbone " north wall.

From here our return journey followed the riverbank with sheep grazing the extensive Severn flood plain to the west, passing the Red Lion at Wainlodes Hill and arriving back at Haw Bridge, still in sunshine.

Walk    1515

Wednesday 9 November    3 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        New Dawn Inn car park, Norton, GL2 9LR Grid 857242    9:45 for 10:00am start
Contact    Andrea and Bob 01684 294676 the week before.
Directions    Follow the A38 south towards Gloucester, the pub is about 7 miles along on the right.
Details    Following footpaths, one at least is ‘rugged’, we circle around the village of Norton visiting its attractive green. Continuing on tracks, lanes and footpaths we make our way back to the pub over a few stiles. An easy walk with 5 stiles and one short climb.

Eighteen of us gathered at the car park of New Dawn Inn in Norton on a bright November morning. Rain was predicted, but none came, which was just as well, as the earlier rain left it wet underfoot. We climbed through a wood near the start which brought us to a lovely view over the fields to the River Severn. Through the fields we came to Bishops Norton village which had a delightful duck pond, sadly without ducks. We then went over tracks and fields to Sandhurst Lane, emerging near Twigworth. A short stroll across three more fields brought us back to the New Dawn for lunch.

Walk    1516

Thursday 10 November          Energetic           4.5 miles    Pub lunch
Meet        Layby under Hollybush Hill    HR8 1EU Grid 764376     for 10.00am start
Contact    Mike and Jenny         01684 772194     the week before
Directions    A438 from Tewkesbury towards Hollybush. After the little church take first road (lane) on your right towards The Gullet. In ½ mile park in large layby on the left, behind grass verge.
Details    We climb at a slow pace up beside Gullet Quarry to Swinyard Hill, then along the ridge to our coffee stop below British Camp. We return on a lower path to climb Midsummer Hill before returning to the cars.   Good paths and tracks, one stile. We expect to be back at the cars just before 1pm in good time to get to the Pub for 1.15

Lunch At the Duke of York. Please look at Menu on the website and order when you book the walk

The group of 16 were invited to join a walk which was described as “energetic” - and so it proved to be. We met at the foot of Midsummer Hill at Hollybush Roughs to start at 10:00am. From there we took a track beside the disused Gullet quarry before taking the steep path on the western side of the now flooded quarry. We stopped to look for Peregrine Falcons which have previously nested on the cliff face of the quarry but there were none to be seen. From there, we ascended possibly the steepest paths that can be walked (rather than climbed) to reach the summit of Swinyard Hill.

From Swinyard Hill, we made the steady descent along the rocky path before making the relatively short ascent of Hangman’s Hill, where we walked along the sheep-grazed grass covered hill on Broad Down with the view of British Camp, Black Hill, Pinnacle Hill and Jubilee Hill in front of us.

It was unseasonably warm at around 14^oC and the weather was pleasantly dull, cloudy and windy. As such, the visibility was of at least 30 miles distance with 360-degree panoramic views. The Oak woods below the Hills in Eastnor Park were particularly colourful and leaf shedding had not begun. It is impossible to tire of the views from the Malvern Hills no matter what the season, the weather or time of day because it is always different and uplifting.

Making a brief descent we stopped for a break below British Camp overlooking the reservoir below. From there we turned around and took the footpath besides Clutter’s Cave and retraced our path to the summit of Swinyard Hill after which we took the steep path on the west side of the hill to join the track running along the eastern boundary of Eastnor Park. We continued along this track for about half a mile before taking the path to the left up to the summit of Midsummer Hill.

We then walked down the path in front of the concrete shelter into the clearing on the Eastern side of the hill before joining the steep footpath in the woods, which returned us to our parked cars at Hollybush Roughs. At 12:55. we went for lunch at The Duke of York pub at Berrow.

Although the distance covered of 4.5miles is not very far, only 10 per cent, or so, of the route was flat making it “an energetic walk”.

Under a sunny, cloudless autumn sky, 24 assembled in the Fox and Hounds car park in Bredon for a walk to Bredon’s Norton and Westmancote. Unfortunately, one of our number left their boots at home, so we were down to 23! We walked north out of Bredon, across a muddy, ploughed field then under the main railway line and up to Bredon’s Norton, where Mike and Jenny Barratt had very kindly offered their garden as a coffee stop. They even provided enough seating and some delicious apples from their trees. After that it was across the fields to Westmancote, where some of our number got delayed checking out a derelict miniature garden railway. Then across more fields and through some muddy woods back to The Fox and Hounds for a good lunch. A total of 5 miles.

Unfortunately, Rose was unwell, so Mike and Jenny thankfully stepped in and led the walk.

14 of us assembled outside St. James' Church in Badsey High St, which was a new area to most of us. The High St showed a prosperous area in the past due to its market gardens with several large houses. The Stone House was notable from the 14th Century, with stone on the lower half and black and white on top.

After the previous amount of rain, we were not surprised to encounter some very muddy paths! As we walked towards Murcot, we crossed over the Badsey Brook, which was in full spate. Most of the walk was over pasture fields, where we could see old water pipes sticking up where vegetables had been produced.

We drove a short distance to The Round of Gras on the Bretforton Road for our lunch. Not the season for asparagus [“Uniquely called The Round of Gras since 1968 and the original home of the famous Asparagus auction”]. Nevertheless, everyone tucked into their chosen dish with great satisfaction.

Barry has notified the following changes:
The walk has been shortened and will only be 3 miles long;
When you book the walk please let Barry know if you will want the pub lunch;
Preferably contact Barry by email on barryms1942@gmail.com
Please leave a contact phone number.

16 fellow walkers arrived at The Old Spot Pub and Barry led us out into the sunshine which was on the Boddington Estate. A flat walk as promised with views to the hills around. A stop off at Boddington Church for coffee. That was when the rain caught up with us but a short walk back to the pub did not dampen our spirits.

Walk    1520

Thursday 24 November    4.75 miles    Moderate    NT cafe lunch
Meet        Chedworth Roman Villa NT car park GL54 3LJJ Grid 055136 on the road car park (free) leading up to the villa; no NT membership required    9.45 for a 10.00a.m. start
Contact    Hugh     01452 780460     the week before
Directions    From Cheltenham follow A40 to Northleach roundabout (intersection of A40 and A429), then go south on the A429, turning right off the A429 just past Northleach to follow signs to ‘Roman Villa’. Or go cross country with satnav using postcode. Do not follow signs for Chedworth village.
Details    We go alongside and through Chedworth Woods, returning along the Monarch’s Way on the high ground above Chedworth village. Mainly level with some mainly gentle up inclines and one steeper downhill. Could be muddy in places if wet. Note the NT cafe is due to stay open until 27 November.

With rain threatening to arrive around midday, Hugh and his 12 followers set off smartly beside Chedworth's hazel coppice. Then along tracks through the Stowell estate, crossing through Chedworth Woods and a few arable fields where the stony soil reduced mud pickup substantially. We followed tha Monarch's Way for much of the walk, in places slippery, and returned close to the outskirts of Chedworth village. We had passed over the railway tunnel so had to descend through the dark and slippery bridge, arriving very shortly at the cars, having experienced only a little rain. Nine of us stayed for a light lunch in the NT restaurant beside the site of the Roman villa whilst the remainder headed for the pub in Withington.

Thanks to Hugh for leading the walk. (And thanks also to Mike for the report and Margaret & Terry for the photos - SF)

Walk     1521

Wednesday 30 November    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.

On a rather murky but dry late November morning, fifteen of us set off from New Fancy Car Park in the Forest of Dean, ably led by John and Sylvia. Having walked along the main road, we then proceeded along the forest paths to Cannop Ponds. This site was originally home to the Severn and Wye Railway which was constructed to allow the exploitation of the mineral resources of the Forest of Dean. The ponds were created to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks.

We walked downhill through the forest where the green of the fir trees contrasted strikingly with the brown bracken covering much of the forest floor and the yellow of leaves yet to fall. Although we saw no wild boar, the evidence was apparent in the churned-up areas along the grass edges and further into the woods. A kingfisher was spotted as we approached the ponds, and many ducks were enjoying an autumn swim. As the ponds were reached the path became very soft with the wet clay soil, much of it covered with the fallen leaves. A glimmer of sunlight was short-lived as we began the upward walk to make our return to the car park. Lunch was taken at Speech House Hotel which rounded off an enjoyable 6.3-mile walk.

Report by Libby [a very welcome new member; thanks!] photos by Margaret & Website by ‘Stub’

December 2022

Walk    1522

Thursday 1 December          5 miles           Energetic          Pub lunch
Meet        Star Inn, Ashton-under-Hill.   WR11 7SN    Grid 997377   for 10:00am start
Contact    Mike and Jenny      01684 772194        the week before
Directions    Tewkesbury – Teddington hands roundabout – A46 to Evesham. Take turn left signed Ashton.   Turn right at Church. Park behind Pub.
Details    We climb at a slow pace up Great Hill (but not to the Tower). We go down through the Long Plantation and return on a lower path above Ashton wood. Several stiles, may be muddy in places. We expect to be back at The Star for lunch before 1.30pm.
Current Lunch Menu is on Facebook (web site out of date) but we have a copy, 2 meals £15. Please order your lunch when you book the walk.

16 of us met this morning at The Star, Ashton under Hill, on what was a foggy morning. Mike and Jenny had wisely made a change to the planned walk due to conditions under foot, but still promising good views. We had a steady climb starting up Cotton Lane, past the farm and eventually following the contour path around Beckford Hill. Sadly, the promised views were still left to the imagination. We turned down the Yellow Brick Road for a short way, turning back across the fields dropping down to the village of Grafton, and then through the hamlet of Paris, returning through the churchyard of St Barbara's Church. Still in the fog!! Thanks to Mike and Jenny for their sensible leading, of a walk during which we all enjoyed the company. (Thanks to Tony for the report and to Mike and Calvyn for their photos - SF)

Walk    1523

Wednesday 7 December    3 miles    Easy    lunch own arrangements
Meet        Broadway Short stay car park WR12 7AH (4 hrs £3)    for 10:30a.m start
Contact    Barry on email. barryms1942@gmail.com
Directions    A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout, then B4077 and B4632 to Broadway
Details    An easy walk around Broadway, but boots will be needed as it may well be muddy in the fields. A chance afterwards to explore the many attractive shops in the High Street around Broadway. A Christmas shopping walk!

What a perfect day for our walk around Broadway! Very cold and crisp, but lovely in the glorious sunshine with beautiful scenery to add to the splendour. 10 of us enjoyed a walk along the High Street before turning into Kennel Lane and out into the countryside. A complete circle took us around the village with an unscheduled stop for lunch at the Crown and Trumpet Inn, as we approached our starting point. A perfect way to spend a day.

Christmas Lunch

Thursday 8 December

Meet Gupshill Manor 12.00 noon for 12.30pm

Booking You should have already booked, paid and ordered through Calvyn

Contact Calvyn on 01684 296684 with any queries

Walk    1524

Wednesday 14 December    5 Miles   Moderate     Lunch Own arrangements
Meet        Pershore Bridges Picnic Place      Grid SO953451   WR10 1AT 10.00am start.
Contact    Steve   01684 295438 or stevejanefisher@aol.com the week before.
Directions    From Tewkesbury take the B4080 via Bredon and Eckington to Pershore. Follow the B4084 towards Evesham, the Bridges Picnic Place and car park is on the left by the bridge.
Details A Fisher-Price Walk. A circular walk, mostly flat, initially alongside the River Avon with some moderate climbs into Tiddesley Wood. Lovely views over the Avon valley and nearby Pershore Abbey. Mostly field and wood walking with a small section of road walking as the route returns to the river and back to the car park.

Report

Walk    1525    This walk has been postponed to 12 January. Ian and Kathy have decided that the approach roads could be too dangerous.

Thursday 15 December    Easy/Moderate 6 miles Picnic en route
Meet        Sevenhampton Church Grid 033216 Cotswolds OS Map OL45. Post Code GL54 5SW. Parking is limited so a good idea to share transport. 9-45am for 10am start
Contact    Ian or Kathy Barber 01684 290542 the week before.
Directions    Take the A40 out of Cheltenham. 3 miles out of Charlton Kings, left onto the A436 and then 1st left towards Brockhampton. Don't take the 1st turning into Sevenhampton. There is an alternative route via Winchcombe if your happy with narrow, twisty roads.
Details    Generally flat terrain. It is a mix of Tracks, Fields, Lanes and Woodland. There is the odd stile.

Report

Walk    1526

Wednesday 21 December       Moderate    6 miles lunch own arrangements
Meet        Bredons Hardwick (layby) GL20 7EE Grid 912351 9.45 for 10a.m. start
Contact    Terry & Margaret    01684 772278     week before
Directions    From Tewkesbury on B4080 towards Bredon please park in layby on right on reaching the village.
Details    A walk over fields beside the R Avon (if the tide is out) to Bredon and on towards Kinsham via Kemerton lake and later beside the Carrent brook. A fairly flat route a railway crossing and a number of stiles.

Report

Walk    1527

Thursday 29 December      5 miles     Easy/ Moderate      Pub Lunch Our Annual Pudding Buster ! !
Meet        Duke of York, Berrow    WR13 6JQ     Grid 782355     9.30 for 10 am start.
Contact    Graham & Betty graham.mealand@btinternet.com or     01684594331 by Monday, 19th December please
Directions    A438 Tewkesbury/Ledbury Rd , Duke of York pub on left.
Details    After booking in for lunch at 9.30 share cars to drive to Hollybush car park for a 10 o’clock walk start. A familiar & festive trek via side of Ragged Stone & Chase End Hills across Bromsberrow Estate for Coffee stop, returning along woodland paths to car park; there might be music in the air back at the pub …

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.