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A walk number that is underlined has been altered since its original posting or is a new inclusion
Earlier walk programmes have now been removed from the web pages to save space, but copies including the reviews going back to 2001 may be obtained from Stan
Walking Group Mobile phone numbers are : 0754 6069085 and 0752 2958435 - Please note that the phones will only be operative on the morning of a walk to enable members who are running late, are lost or delayed, to contact the walk leader. If one number does not work, try the other
NB
1. Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A
membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with
them on all walks and strolls.
NB 2. Members should consider carrying hand
sanitizer and a face covering. Members are urged to continue
with appropriate measures to minimise covid transmission.
NB 3. Numbers on walks are as always
at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may
depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as
well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB 4. Where two walks
are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not
book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before.
This is so that members are not denied a place on any walk by early
second walk bookers.
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Current Lunch Menu is on Facebook (web site out of date) but we have a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.
Report by Kath P, Photos by Bob W & Website by ‘Stub’
2. That is a bridge successfully crossed!
4. Avoiding that swamp, on the way to the Crown and Trumpet
The Walking Group held their Christmas
lunch at the Gupshill Manor on 8th December. It was the first one in 3
years and was well attended by 53 walkers including their partners. It
was quite a change to see everyone dressed up instead of the usual
waterproofs, boots or wellies!
Sylvia, the Walking Group Leader, thanked Calvyn for so ably and
kindly organising the event with competence as usual. The staff
at Gupshill were also thanked for the delicious meal and excellent
service.
Hugh was thanked for producing the walk programmes throughout
the year and keeping the members of the group up-to-date.
The walk leaders were given special mention because without them there
would have been no walks and it was hoped that they would continue to
keep up their great work.
Stan was thanked for continuing to upload the walk reports, photos and
programmes on the walk website.
In addition, Sylvia expressed the gratitude of the group, for the huge
task Calvyn, as the new u3a Webmaster, undertook to upload all the
Walking Group information onto the new Tewkesbury u3a website.
Bob was also thanked for taking care of the group’s money through the
year.
The Walking Group is looking forward to many walks in 2023, filled
with fun and appreciation of the beautiful countryside which it is
priviledged to enjoy.
Sylvia wished everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new
year.
Some of the folk at the lunch (From photos by Terry)
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.
A
group of 12 gathered by the old bridge at Pershore for this Fisher
Price walk.
Our route took us under the bridge and alongside the River Avon
through the water meadows on the Millenium Way towards Tiddesley
Woods. Our expectations were high whilst the temperature was
very low, snow lay frozen in patches crisp and uneven. On reaching
the Upton road we crossed and climbed gently into the woods on a
wide track. All was quiet in the woods, a few leaves on the trees
motionless and there was an atmospheric ambience in the wintry haze.
Having completed a circular tour of the wood we entered a grassy
field with picnic tables where we took our break. From here we could
see the distant tower of Pershore abbey through the mist. The group
then passed a field of 20 or more ponies as we approached the main
road once again. We retraced our steps alongside the Avon to the
start point.
A lovely winter walk with no fallers despite the frozen
ground.
Many thanks to Steve and Calvyn. (Thanks to Margaret for the
report and photos -SF)
Banks of the Avon
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.
As
the twenty three of us assembled in the layby, the forecast 90% rain
became 100%. Appropriately clad, or so we thought, we set off
towards Terry and Margaret's house, and I sensed for a moment they'd
had second thoughts and that we would play Scrabble instead. But a
snicket appeared, and this led us into the water (park). Water there
was aplenty, so we waded, paddled and wove our way across, and lo, a
shining light appeared. It was the the Fleet at Twyning. Not
fancying a swim, we turned and headed for Bredon, passing a heron
and a hundred healthy looking Canada Geese. Coffee was taken in St
Giles Church gateway, and we passed through Bredon to Kinsham, then
down Chapel Lane and through woodland, to meadows adjoining Carrant
Brook. Soon we were over the noisy M5, and onto the busy Hardwick
Bank Road and back to Bredons Hardwick. The rain had fizzled out
quite early on, and we finished in weak sunshine. Did I forget to
mention the stiles? Well, there were quite a few, short ones, tall
ones, narrow ones, all slippery, but we made it. An interesting
route, not far from home, but mainly on unfamiliar paths.
The icing on the cake, quite literally, was that we were all invited
to Terry and Margaret's house for coffee and a festive bite.
Thanks to them both for an enjoyable walk, and the generous
spread. (Thanks to Mike for the report, and to Margaret
and Terry for leading and their photos - SF)
It's a bit boggy (Margaret)
Opposite the Fleet (Terry)
Pressing on (Terry)
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 …
The
period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is a nadir of gloom
and despondency for many. Old Father Time gives us a
last kick in the backside as we reflect on the past year. The
Bacchanalian high of food, drink, music and company has disappeared
and the reality of normal life is back with us. Even more, the
dread of New Year’s resolutions to be made is a cloud on the
horizon.
Is there a vaccine for it? If so, will OAPs get it
first? Can the NHS help us? Will the Army have to be
called in? Never fear. Tewkesbury u3a has the
solution – The Pudding Buster!
This tradition, stretching back as far as can be remembered (or 1995
at least) is not about exercise. We are too busy chatting and
laughing to look at the scenery. The intention is not to reach
some summit or achieve some great distance. Our purpose is to enjoy
ourselves. And this we did.
There were 29 of us on this bright morning. After ordering our
lunches, our route took us from the Holybush car park, through White
Leafed Oak and onto the Bromsberrow estate where we made our
stop. From here we followed the old path around the side of
Chase End and Ragged Stone hills and back to the cars.
At the pub we had excellent food, funny hats and happy music with
Ian and Kathy. Thanks to Betty and Graham for organising
things so well. (Thanks also to Graham for his usual super
photos, and to Richard for the entertaining report - SF)
Bromsberrow Estate (All photos by Graham)
"If you want to get ahead . . . ."
Walk 1528 Thursday 5 January 3.5 miles Moderate Pub Lunch
Meet Public car park (free) 3 Church Rd, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2ET (behind Churchdown Club) for a 10.00am start
Contact Hugh 01452 780460 the week before
Directions A38 to Gloucester ring road, left to second roundabout, first left on B4063 towards Churchdown. First right by petrol station, go over A40 and railway bridges, turn left towards Church after about 800m.
Details A short walk but the first 1km is steadily uphill. We circumnavigate Churchdown Hill. A mixture of footpaths, fields, woods and a few suburban streets, 6-7 stiles, muddy paths if wet. Views over Gloucester for our coffee stop if the weather is good. Pub lunch at the Old Elm Inn across the road from the car park.
Eight
of us set off from central Churchdown and very soon joined a path
uphill where we continued to walk around Churchdown Hill, also known
as Chosen Hill. Hugh had warned of muddy paths. With
very wet ground in the fields and woods, the intrepid group coped
with the mud and a deep puddle at one of the seven styles.
Thanks to Lesley wearing wellies, a gate was opened to allow us
through the hazard. The weather was dry all morning and we had
interesting views over Gloucester and beyond.
Thank you to Hugh for a good walk and to Bob for the photos.
(Report by Sally.)
Walk 1529 Wednesday 11 January 4 miles Easy Pub lunch
Meet Old Chestnut Tree, Lower Moor WR10 2NZ Grid 979473 for 10.00am start
Contact Mike and Jenny 01684 772194 the week before
Directions At lights on entrance to Pershore, take A4104 North. At next traffic lights , turn right on B4083 (Wyre Road) signed A44 Worcester and Evesham. At next roundabout take new road to large roundabout on A44. Turn right towards Evesham. After two more roundabouts Turn right signed Lower Moor. The Old Chestnut Tree is a black and white building straight ahead when you reach the T junction. Car Park at the back, left hand side.
Details Flat walk with no stiles mainly on good paths and tracks. We walk to Fladbury for our coffee stop and return by a different route. Please look at the website and order your lunch with the leader when you book the walk.
Twenty of us met on a bright, sunny and mild morning. Indeed it was so bright, with the sun reflecting off the puddles, that we could hardly see at times. We went around the Lower Moor lakes on Shakespeare's Avon Way to Fladbury where we had our coffee stop beside Fladbury Mill weir. As we were leaving, it started to rain and the rest of the walk was somewhat wet. At Fladbury railway bridge we split into two parties of ten and walked either side of the railway line. The "adventurous" party benefited from a pleasant section through a community orchard before climbing two stiles and crossing the railway line on foot just after a train had passed. The "unadventurous" party went over the railway bridge and had no stiles at all. We had an adequate lunch at the pub which Jenny and Mike had persuaded to open up just for us. Thanks to Jenny and Mike. (Report from Hugh, photos by Margaret and Terry - SF)
Long shadows (Margaret)
Here we are (Margaret)
Relax a while (Terry)
A little light refreshment (Terry)
Walk 1530 Thursday 12 January 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 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.
Following
a robust weather forecast, the fifteen of us set out across country
expecting an onslaught from the astrological elements, earth, air,
water, maybe not fire. We certainly had plenty of wind, the sort
that requires the hat to be firmly planted. The earth and water were
hard to distinguish one from another; was it mud, slurry, or just a
deep puddle? But there was hardly any rain. The lane which runs
towards West Down was as high as it could be on this great hunk of
wold, rising up to 280M, yet seemed comparatively flat. We turned
right there to descend gently along a sheltered track to the pile of
logs for our coffee stop. From there we followed the lane to
Charlton Pool, and fields to Brockhampton. The Rhodes Memorial Hall
is named for a young son, who died in the Boer War. We dropped down
to the infant River Coln and were soon back at Sevenhampton Church
where we sheltered for our lunch.
Thanks to Ian and Kathy for an enjoyable and bracing walk.
(Thanks also to Mike for the report and to Gillian for the great
photos - SF)
Walk 1531 Wednesday 18 January 3.5 miles Easy Pub lunch
Meet The village green by the cricket ground at Frampton on Severn GL2 7EP. Park around the Green 10.15 for 10.30a.m. start
Contact Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to barryms1942@gmail.com
Directions M5 to J13; A419 northwest to A38, turn left (south west) for 1km, turn right onto B4071 to Frampton.
Details We walk around the lake and Frampton village. Pub lunch at the Bell by arrangement with Barry.
Report
Walk 1532 Thursday 19 January 5.2 miles Energetic lunch own arrangements
Meet By St Faith church, Church Row, Overbury, GL20 7NY for a 10.00 start.
Contact Rose 01684 301668 or email rosehawkins2002@yahoo.co.uk the week before
Directions Approx 10-15 mins drive from Tewkesbury. B4080 Bredon Road for 3 miles towards Bredon, straight onto Kemerton Road for 2 miles through Kemerton and on towards Overbury. Turn left into Church Row just after entering Overbury and park by the roadside near the church or either side of the houses.
Details We will walk up through Overbury, into Overbury Park and climb up a short, fairly steep slope, then wind our way along good paths up to the mid-line of the hill, before turning east towards Conderton. We then follow the track towards the top of the yellow brick road before we head back towards Pigeon Lane and Overbury. It may be muddy in places and slippery on some of the rocky paths if we have had rain or cold weather, otherwise the paths are generally good under foot, 670ft climb. Walking poles may be advisable for this walk. We will be stopping for a short refreshment break. There is one stone stile on this route that is fairly easy to get over. The walk should end around 12.45pm
Report
Walk 1533 Wednesday 25 January 4 miles Easy Lunch own arrangements
Meet The roadside by The Fleet Inn Twyning GL20 6FL for a 10.00 start
Contact Sonia 01684 298409 the week before
Directions Follow the A.38 north from Tewkesbury, through Shuthonger and take a right turn to Twyning, just after the 50 mph sign. Follow Fleet Inn signs via the High St.
Details This is a footpath walk taking in sights of Twyning you may not know. Mostly flat apart from a gradual ascent up to Hillend, several stiles.
Report
Walk 1534 Thursday 26 January Moderate 3.5 miles Pub lunch
Meet Dumbleton Cricket Club, Dairy Lane, Dumbleton, WR11 7TP for 10.00am start
Contact Calvyn 01684 296684 or webmaster@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk the week before. If using e-mail please include telephone contact number.
Directions From A46 after Teddington hands, turn right signed to Dumbleton. Once into village look for Dairy Lane on the right (sign for village hall). Go through gate to very end up the shingle road.
Details A Fisher-Price walk around Dumbleton Hill, the other outlier of the Cotswolds. Some stunning views of the vales and beyond. There is a steep ascent which can/will be muddy but worth the effort. After the walk we drive to Teddington Hands for lunch. Pre-orders to Calvyn and choose from lunch menu here: https://www.quality-inns.co.uk/pubs/teddington-hands/
Report
Notes for Guidance
Information for all members (revised July
2020)
Group Leader Walks
Co-ordinator
Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch
Hugh Bennett
Tony
Barrett
01684 437462
01452 780460 01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com
candhbennett@gmail.com
tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Walking
Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435
Details
of all walks and reports can be seen at
http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html
Nearly
all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution
to save both space and bandwidth. Should you want a copy of any
of the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original
file - just quote the walk number and the photo title.
To go to The Tewkesbury U3A main site click here; Tewkesbury U3A
Contacts:
Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462
E Mail sylviamurdoch@outlook.com
Tony, (Administrator) 01684 276960
E Mail tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com
Hugh, (walks coordinator) 01452 780460
E Mail candhbennett@gmail.com
Webmaster . . . Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com Updated 18th January 2023
