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 181 for January, February 2023

*** Happy New Year ***

January 2023

Meet Public car park (free) 3 Church Rd, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2ET (behind Churchdown Club) for a 10.00am start

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.

To: Members wanting to book onto this walk:

I will be away from home until 30 December. If you would like to book onto this walk please either email me or phone my mobile:

candhbennett@gmail.com or 07969724827

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.)

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)

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

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)

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.

Ten of us met Barry in the car park of a pub called The Bell which adjoins the Village Green at Frampton on Severn.
We set off across the Green then walked past Frampton Court and its lake, then through the estate and fields then back through Frampton Village. The scenery was very picturesque.
As we’d expected it was cold, but the sky was blue and the sun shone, added to which although there had previously been lots of rain the ground was frosty and firm – so no muddy shoes!!
We finished back at the pub for an excellent meal after the very pleasant walk.
(Thanks go to Gill M for the report and to Margaret and Terry for the photos - SF)

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

The sun must have warmed the ground because the path down towards Pigeon Lane from the Scotts Pines was muddy. We soon turned left and stopped to examine the old barn whose roof had recently collapsed. Continuing across the field we turned downhill at the top of the Yellow Brick Road. 2 noisy jays could be heard competing with the buzz of conversation. Rose led us west towards the path that leads down to the Yew Tree and then onto Pigeon Lane. Near the top of Overbury we turned left down towards the cricket pitch and then right towards the church, over a stone stile and back onto the road just above the cars in Church Row, arriving at 12:45 after 5.5 miles. (Thanks go to Geoff for the report and to Calvyn for the photos - SF)

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.

U3A Walk 1533- 25 January 2023
Today’s walk took us from The Fleet Inn through some residential housing, at the end of which Sonia pointed out, is the site where a black and white cottage originally stood. This cottage was owned by Miss Hudman, a local schoolmistress, whose name has been given to one of the nearby streets. The cottage was demolished and a new house was constructed with a beamed “old style” frontage so as to be in keeping. We then walked up to Hillend via a wood which had been denoted to the village by a local family in memory of their grandfather. The wood contains 2000 trees of about 10 years old, but currently the site is subject to a Planning Appeal against a proposed development of 55 houses. There has been a strong campaign by the villagers against this development. Unfortunately, it was a very misty day and so the 13 walkers could not see what would have been great views when we reached Hillend. As we walked through all the fields on our way there was evidence of great activity by moles, in spite of the still frozen ground. A few calves were under cover and further on there were some chickens and cockerels, and half a dozen alpacas. To the right of us we saw Twyning Manor which was built in around 1860 for Captain James Stocker. The building was converted into apartments about 30 years ago. Then, as we skirted the edge of Church End, we came across two fishing lakes, said to have belonged to the Monks from Twyning Church. When we ended our circular walk back at the Fleet Inn, some of us stayed for lunch. Many thanks to Sonia for leading us (And thanks also to Sue for her most informative report - SF).

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/

On a good January day, 16 Members met for a Fisher-Price walk (Steve & Calvyn) around Dumbleton Hill and estate of the great hall of Dumbleton. Dumbleton Hall became a Post Office Rest Home, then a hotel; in mid-1990s U3A Walking Group enjoyed Christmas lunch for 80 walkers, and walk before lunch, customary then. Fisher-Price walks include jokes from Calvyn, and information of an area and its inhabitants from Steve, en route, amid great camaraderie.
Dumbleton Hill today, afforded fine views of surrounding hills, Bredon, Oxenton, Langley, Nottingham etc.., plus welcome coffee break sitting on logs, reminding how lucky we are with such lovely places to walk in. Spotting several red kites above, wheeling on the thermals, made an impressive sight. Geoff Bryant, soon to be leader of the Photography Group, took great photos of these incredible birds.
In Dumbleton Village, with a fine Church, Steve pointed out the grave of Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, (known as Paddy), who was famous for his 2nd World War exploits, for his capture of an important German General on the Island of Crete. A film was made of this event, called “Ill met by moonlight” starring Dirk Bogarde. Amazingly, this German General and Paddy were reunited in the 1970’s, and actually got on well. I first heard of Paddy in the 1970’s, when he published a book called “Time of Gifts” which was about his youthful experience of walking from England to the far reaches of Eastern Europe.
Today ended very well with a good pub lunch at Teddington hands. Thanks to Calvyn & Steve (alias Fisher-Price) and also thanks go to Betty for the wonderful report and not forgetting the oh so dependable duo of Margaret and Terry for the photos - SF

February 2023

Walk   1535

Wednesday 1 February   5 miles   Moderate/Energetic     Pub lunch
Meet       Hill Close, Westmancote, GL20 7EW Grid 937374   09.45 for 10.00am start
Contact   Sylvia and George 01684 437462 the week before
Directions   B4080 Bredon Road, through Bredon, left turn to Westmancote. Hill Close is 50m on the left.
Details   A walk up and around on Bredon Hill. Splendid panoramic scenery with quite steep assents in parts, only one stile. After the walk we drive to The Crown Inn at Kemerton for lunch. Lunch will need to be pre-ordered; Sylvia will send you a menu.

Sylvia has had to go to South Africa for family reasons, so please book onto this walk with George on 07494236750.

A new starting point for the group, plenty of parking space. Sunny conditions, but still the cold N wind. There were 20 of us, ably led by George, as we set off past Beggar Boys’ Nature Reserve to Bredon’s Norton.

We gently ascended the steep slope up to the Warren noticing the relative lack of mud. We sat on logs by the scarp slope for our refreshments, some of us reminiscing the Fairport song "Meet on the Ledge".

We descended to Westmancote via Sundial Barn and drove to the Royal Oak in Bredon where we had a pretty decent lunch: the best fish and chips I've had for a while. Compliments to George for giving us place names.

Walk   1536

Wednesday 8 February   3.2 miles   Easy       Pub Lunch
Meet       Gloucester Old Spot GL51 9SY at 10.15 for a 10.30 start. We then need to share cars for the short drive to the beginning of the walk by the church in Elmstone Hardwicke.
Contact   Andrea or Bob on 01684 294676 the week before.
Directions   A38 towards Gloucester and turn left at Coombe Hill – the pub is a short distance after the crossroads, on the left. The car park is behind.
Details   A flat figure-of-eight walk between the churches of Elmstone Hardwicke and Swindon Village, including a stretch along Dog Bark Lane. Expect some mud.

On a cold and frosty morning, 19 of us converged at the Gloucester Old Spot to share cars to St Mary’s church at Elmstone Hardwick to begin today’s walk. Our ‘figure of eight’ walk took us up Dog Bark Lane to St Lawrence Church in Swindon Village, where Bob pointed out the unusual 6-sided, irregular tower. The church offered the welcome use of their loo as well as a good place for a coffee stop.

We walked on public footpaths and quiet lanes, some offering extensive country views. A footbridge over a brook tested vertigo sufferers and our exercise was enhanced by weighted boots after we crossed a somewhat muddy field. Several horses seemed pleased to see us as we made our way back to the cars in brilliant sunshine and on to a good lunch at the Old Spot.

Walk   1537

Thursday 9 February   6 miles   Moderate with one steep hill (up) Lunch : TBA (Possibly Cleeve Hill Golf Club)
Meet       Cleeve Hill Golf Club Car Park if using the club for lunch GR 988272, or walkers car park just beyond GR 989271 at 9.45 for 10am start.
Contact   Ian or Kathy       01684 290542    the week before
Directions   From Tewkesbury head towards Bishops Cleeve and onto Woodmancote. Make your way onto the B4632 and head up the hill towards Winchcombe. At the top of the hill the Golf Club is signposted off to the right. GR 989 275
Details   A circular walk via Postlip Hall. Up onto the Cotswold Way, returning via Wontley Farm and the eastern edge of Cleeve Common.

17 of assembled at the car park at Cleeve Hill with the weather much improved over the previous few cold and misty days.
We set off at a cracking pace,by which I mean the sound of knee joints cracking and complaining echoed all the way to Winchcombe.
By the time we reached the farm at the bottom of the hill, the calls of slow down eventually reached the front.
But fear not, the slow down was about to begin as we started the ascent in two stages up through what is called Breakheart plantation.
As we gathered for a group shot half way and a count to ensure we had lost no one there was no question why it was called thus.
But the Idyllic atmosphere of light thro the trees and the running stream made it all worthwhile. And quiet as all conversation had stopped, I wonder why?
After the top we stopped for our coffee break and to regain our breath.
Here on it was a trek across the cleeve common to pause for lunch at the highest tree in the Cotswolds.
The view this day was very clear, with more detailed views than I ever recall seeing, withTew kesbury abbey looked particularly fine.
Then to the car park with our leader ensuring we climbed to the trig point even tho easier routes back were available
A fine walk ably led by Ian and Cathy, thanks from one and all.

Walk   1538

Wednesday 15 February   3.5 miles   Easy       Lunch NT cafe
Meet       NT Croome Park, WR8 9DW in the cafe, free parking in the NT car park, 10.15 for 10.30a.m. start
Contact   Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to barryms1942@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   A38 north to new roundabout at Upton turning. Turn right onto A4104 and follow brown NT Croome signs
Details   In and around Croome Park. Non NT members will be able to access the walk from a footpath nearby but Barry believes that most of us are National Trust members.

Fifteen of us met at the Croome National Trust café on a cool morning with hazy sunshine. It had been dry for some weeks and the going underfoot was good with no significant mud. We walked around Croome Park, which was the first commission of the well-known landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown. The grounds have been well restored by the National Trust and were very beautiful in the winter sunshine. We visited the church, the rotunda, the park seat and the temple greenhouse while enjoying the snowdrops, the views and the lake. Thank you, Barry, who is also a National Trust volunteer.

port

Walk   1540

Thursday 16 February   6 miles   Moderate/Energetic
Lunch own arrangements
Meet       Stanton Village Club car park      WR12 7NE      Grid 068344
9.45 for 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Betty    01684 594331 the week before.
Directions   A46/B4077 Tewkesbury-Stow Road, turn left at Toddington roundabout, in 2 miles turn right to Stanton, turn left to Stanton Village Club from the village.
Details   A favourite Cotswold walk from Stanton Village, gradual climb up Shenberrow Hill, through Littleworth Wood, then to Buckland Village along Cotswold Way, and moderate path back to Stanton.

NB Note from Hugh - Graham and Betty's walk on 16 February will include a lunch stop mid way through the walk at the Snowshill Arms. Please note that there will be a limit of 20 for all bookings received.
Please contact graham.mealand@btinternet.com or tel: 01684 594331 during the week ending 11th February to book.

Snowshill was our destination with lunch stop at the Snowshill Arms. So, we set off smartly through the pretty village of Stanton and were soon in sight of another lunch stop of the group in years gone by - The Mount. The pace slowed as we ascended Shenberrow Hill, but were rewarded by views across the valley to the hills bathed in weak sunshine. Certainly better than the fog that had been forecast the day before!

Before long we were approaching our coffee stop and found some comfy moss beside a tree trunk or two.

As always in the Cotswolds, there are lots of ups and downs, but eventually we spotted the beginning of Snowshill village with many snowdrops in the gardens.

18 pairs of boots were soon stowed on the porch, and we spread out through the Pub to order and enjoy our meals.

It was quite a novelty to carry on walking after lunch, but the Wyche Way was easy walking through the woods. The downhill stretches involved steep steps and a stony path where care had to be taken.

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.