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 182 for February, March & April 2023

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.

The morning was grey, chilly but dry, as 16 of us met in the car park of the Farmers Arms at Guiting Power. Off to an early start, we walked out of the village down to cross the stream, where snowdrops were in abundance and magnificent, as they were to be throughout our walk. We walked on to the hamlet of Barton and then up along wooded tracks past Tinker Barn Quarry, apparently a major source of Cotswold Stone roofing slates. Up here on the higher ground, we stopped for coffee enjoying good views over Guiting and beyond, before walking down to the picturesque village of Naunton.

Here of course we had to pay a visit to the 15th century dovecote., still full of pigeons. Steve now donned his role of quiz master tempting us with promise of a free drink to guess how many birds the dovecote could accommodate. There was a winner.

From here we enjoyed a short walk along the banks of the River Windrush eventually crossing into fields with views of Guiting Church in the distance. Reaching Guiting Power, as befits a "Fisher -Price" walk, the Young (at heart) enjoyed themselves for a time riding the Guiting Zip Wire before retiring to the Farmers Arms for lunch.

March 2023

Walk   1543

Wednesday 1 March   3.5 miles   Moderate/energetic Cafe lunch
Meet       Prinknash Abbey Cafe (Opens 10am opposite and below free car park) GL4 8EX Grid 880137 arrive 10 to 10.15 and choose lunch from SIMPLE hot or cold snack menu; walk start 10.30.
Contact   Noel   01684 772526    the week before
Directions   A46 Painswick Rd, half a mile before Cranham Turn; turn right on winding downhill drive to car park
Details   Climbing through parkland to Cotswold Way; then, mainly in woodland, along and down to near top of Cooper's Hill for coffee and poem; return via Cotswold Way and permissive path to Abbey crossing BUSY A46. Ascent/descent 360ft, sometimes steepish. Going Good, but slippy in places.

Just five members joined our leader, Noel, at this splendid venue for our first Spring walk on St. David's Day. A light shower quickly passed and the Magnificent Six, as Noel later described us, set off on a cool, but pleasant morning, down to the inviting, spacious café where we ordered lunch.

From there we continued to the Monastery Garden where we turned up the hill to visit the chapel, adorned with several frescoes depicting the final days of Christ. We continued up the lane to the cemetery where we wondered not only at the symmetry of the wooden triangular grave markers, but also at the longevity of some of the occupants, one reaching 110 years!

From here we took a woodland path ever upwards until we were parallel with the A46, which we crossed eventually joining up with the Cotswold way to the escarpment. Walking was along a wide, undulating track which was fortunately firm underfoot because of the dry February weather. There was much evidence of recent tree felling, maybe because of forest management or arboreal disease prevention. A team of hedge-layers in the woods meant we were not alone. Two miles in and we reached the world-famous Coopers Hill, where we took our break whilst Noel, with great gusto, recited a poem, from memory, by a local poet describing how the annual cheese rolling race just may have started.

We returned to the cafe along unmarked woodland trails which had necessitated 3 reccy walks to sort out, and 18 bus rides, so what a great pity that Noel's Herculean efforts were appreciated by so few members.

Thursday 2 March 6+ miles   Moderate/Energetic       Pub lunch
Meet       The Star Inn, Ashton under Hill, WR11 7SN   9.30 for 9.45am start
Contact   Stuart & Gillian   01684 833751 or 07971 387040 or email: gillie.griffiths4@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   From Tewkesbury B4080 via Bredon, Beckford to Ashton under Hill
Details   Steady climb up Bredon Hill from the pub. Walk around Bredon Hill, down the "yellow brick road” towards Beckford, then across the fields to Grafton. Continue on to the Star Inn, six stiles. Pub lunch, food to be pre-ordered - menu will be circulated.

Twelve keen walkers met at The Star Inn, Ashton under Hill. After two days of rain we were all delighted with the dry, but crisp day, perfect for a walk over Bredon Hill. Unfortunately, I was unable to join everyone due to a leg injury. George Webb kindly offered to assist Gillian and lead the walk, following the planned route. Armed with our map and detailed instructions the eager walkers proceeded up Bakers Lane to join Wychavon Way. The enthusiastic twelve climbed the steep hill at a fast pace and decided not to rest at the designated coffee stop, but to walk further before taking a break. The planned route was abandoned and instead of turning left the ‘militant’ walkers turned right and continued to march onwards. From thereon the route was decided by committee and a jolly time was had by all. It was a clear day so the views were amazing, deer were sighted, so too were many birds of prey. Hedgerows and trees were starting to blossom to welcome the start of Spring.
The happy twelve arrived back at the pub early, ready for their lunch. Our thanks to George and his committee for taking charge and making it a most enjoyable walk.
(Thanks for the report to Stuart and devising the walk and thanks also to Gillian for her photos _SF)

Walk   1545

Wednesday 8 March    5.8   miles         Moderate              Pub lunch
Meet       The Plough at Ford GL54 5RU. Grid    SP 088294 arrive 9.45 to order lunch for a 10:00am start.
Contact   Mike and Jenny         01684 772194        week before
Directions   Take the B4077 from the Teddington Hands roundabout. The Plough is about 9 miles from the roundabout on the right. Park behind the pub.
Details   We walk to Cutsdean, then on good tracks up to Cutsdean lodge and return across field paths and tracks to cross the gallops at Jackdaw’s Castle. Mainly on lanes, tracks and good paths but may be some mud. Some ascents, none steep. One stile, crossed twice at very start and end of walk.

Walk reinstalled

Mike and Jenny led 20 walkers from the Plough at Ford, all dressed for the forecasted rain. It was a very good 5.9 mile walk through hill and dale. The predicted weather turned out a lot better than expected, with just a little light drizzle. The end of the walk took us down through the gallops to a very nice meal at the Plough.

Thanks to Mike and Jenny for leading this re-scheduled walk, (And thanks also to George W for the report and Sylvia and Mike for the photos; website "Stub")

Stroll

Tuesday 14 March   about one mile   possible restaurant drink/lunch
Meet       The Lock Keepers restaurant/ pub car park, Horseshoe Drive, Over, Gloucester GL2 8DB   Grid 815196     for a 10.30a.m start
(For sat nav use GL2 8DZ) (we can use the pub car park if we buy a drink afterwards)
Contact   Lesley     07917097286    the week before.
Directions   A38 to Gloucester, A40 ring road west. 1st right after the next ‘Over' roundabout and at the1st set of traffic lights.
Details   About one mile; no stiles or gates and possibly mobility scooter friendly. There is a very slight detour 2/3 way back, down ( & up again ) from the almost straight path alongside the water.

Many thanks to Lesley for not only leading but also providing the report and photo - SF

Leaving the foot path and turned up the road of Castle Street to Sudeley Castle, then taking the perimeter foot path through the grounds of Sudeley taking scenic route through the Sudeley adventure park out onto farm land where crossed over the Windrush river and stopped for a drink and snack. From there taking the tarmac road which was Old Brockhampton Road down to the original Sudeley Castle entrance where we turned left along a public foot path to Corndean Lane, turning right to take us all back to our cars in the lay by. A pleasant walk no stiles just a few turn gates a bit damp and muddy in places but most enjoyable. It was a party of nine people which all ended up having a nice lunch at the Corner Cupboard pub.

Details A Fisher-Price walk. Mostly field walking with some street walking. A steep ascent via Bibsworth Covert, passing Foxhill Manor to gain the top of the hill that leads to Broadway Tower. Return is via the Cotswold Way.

Eight of us met up in the Leamington Road Car park in Broadway on a beautiful morning.

After leaving the houses behind, we started the gradual ascent up the hill through fields of sheep. After passing Bibsworth Covert, we could see Foxhill Manor in the distance. Through several of the wooded areas, the bluebell leaves were looking ready for the promise of flowers in the next few weeks.

Once we'd crossed the busy A44, we were nearly on to Broadway Estate land. (Luckily no one challenged us for a required ticket needed since the last time we were there!)

The Folly of Broadway Tower was designed by James Wyatt for the 6th Earl of Coventry, so that he could view all his land in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Nearby is the Memorial to the crash of the Whitley Bomber in June 1943, that sadly killed all five crew, who were on their last training flight from RAF Honeybourne.

After the challenging ascent of the hill, we were all glad to pause and admire the fabulous view back towards Broadway. We found some picnic benches by the newer cafe and enjoyed having a coffee break.

After the previous night's rain, it was slippery in places, but, with poles at the ready, all was well.

An excellent walk by Steve and Calvyn was completed by visiting The Pheasant at Toddington, where the meals were all well appreciated.

(Thanks to Noel for his (as usual) graphic report, and to Margaret and George for their photos - SF)

Report by John G, Photos by John G, Margaret, Sylvia and Terry - Thanks everyone! SF)

April 2023

Meet The Plough at Ford GL54 5RU. Grid SP 088294 arrive 9.45 to order lunch for
a 10:00am start.
Contact Mike and Jenny 01684 772194 week before
Directions Take the B4077 from the Teddington Hands roundabout. The Plough is about 9
miles from the roundabout on the right. Park behind the pub.
Details We walk to Cutsdean, then on good tracks up to Cutsdean lodge and return
across field paths and tracks to cross the gallops at Jackdaw’s Castle. Mainly on lanes, tracks
and good paths but may be some mud. Some ascents, none steep. One stile, crossed twice at
very start and end of walk.

Stroll

Tuesday 11 April

The Leigh   2.1 miles   Lunch own arrangements
Meet       Lay-by on the left of A38, GL19 4AD for a 10.30 a.m. start.
Contact   Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to barryms1942@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   A38 south towards Gloucester. Straight over Coombe Hill traffic lights, lay-by on left just passed first right turn to The Leigh.
Details   This is a short stroll around the village of The Leigh. Just over 2 miles in length with one fairly steep downhill road into the village but the road out of the village isn't anywhere near as steep; it's quite gentle.

16 of us met in the lay-by near The Leigh in typical weather for April, with showers threatening but not arriving! Several of us are members of Discovering Britain and had enjoyed hearing Barry talking to us about “Where I grew Up” quite recently. This made us very interested in Barry’s home village and a chance to bring to life some of the anecdotes he told. We were not disappointed as Barry took us around showing us the village with its many old buildings. The Leigh has always been prone to flooding and since 2007 has been partly protected by a bund. One house we saw set high above the road has a life belt attached to the outside and Barry recalled rescuing a man from there during a flood. My favourite story was about the lady from the sweet shop, who after weighing the sweets very carefully would bite one in half if the weight went above two ounces and return half to the jar!

The Leigh has a charming small grade 1 listed church dating back to 1225, which is lovingly looked after and in good condition. The font is known to be the one that Richard (Dick) Whittington’s sister in law was baptised as a baby! The church no longer has pews and can be rearranged as a venue for various social functions, a very good idea, this returns it to the use it had in past times when all churches were also able to be community spaces.

Thanks to Barry for this interesting walk and for the fascinating insights he was able to share about growing up in the area. (Pictures and report from Andrea)

Walk   1550

Wednesday 12 April         3 miles   Easy       Lunch own arrangements
Meet       Cheltenham Racecourse Park and Ride GL50 4SH 10.15 for a 10.30a.m. start
Contact   Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to barryms1942@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   Just after Racecourse roundabout on left of B4075 Prestbury road.
Details   This is a 3 mile walk around the racecourse and through part of Prestbury.

Walk abandoned due to inclement weather

Walk   1551

Thursday 13 April       5 miles   Moderate   Lunch at Fruit Farm
Meet       Hayles Fruit Farm   GL54 5PB    Grid 064298        Start 10.00
Contact   Sonia 01684 298409    week before
Directions   A.46 from Tewkesbury, take 3rd exit on next roundabout and follow B.4077 to Toddington roundabout. Take 3rd exit on to B.4632 toward Winchcombe. After a mile take 3rd turning left signposted Hailes Abbey and Hayles Fruit Farm to follow the lane past the Abbey into Hayles Fruit Farm car park.
Details   Walking mostly on tracks and fields with some road walking through Didbrook and Wood Stanway. We pass an iron age fort and Stone Monument to Thomas Cromwell at the highest part of the walk.(270 m) The descent, after fields is down a stony track.Toilet is available at the start.

A bakers dozen set off from Hayles Fruit Farm with Sonia at the helm. Our first stop was opposite the ruins of the Hailes Abbey, beside the Norman Church for a quick history lesson.
Soon we were stepping it out along the track towards Didbrook, where in the distance a steam train could be seen and heard on its way towards Winchcombe.
In Didbrook a slight pause to admire the old working forge.
The morning was blessed with good walking weather, sunshine, blue skies a hint of spring like warmth and a cold wind in the more exposed places.
From Didbrook the sheltered lanes took us to Wood Stanley and after a coffee stop a series of steps and fields, steep at times, to Stumps Cross. A more level track followed with clear views over the valley, highlighting Toddington Manor in its clingfilm cover. More impressive is the avenue of youngish trees planted from the ridge down the valley through to Stanway House in the distance.
Soon we arrived at Cromwell Seat, a very exposed windy place, moving on quickly we soon got to the stoney track leading back to the lunch stop, with Hailes wood beside us with a mix of spring flowers and birdsong to finish the walk.
Many thanks to Sonia for leading us over the hill. (Thanks also go to Margaret for her report and her photos and, of course, to Terry for his! - SF)

Bide a while    (Terry)

Extra Stroll

Tuesday 18 April   1 to 1 ½ miles depending on weather etc.
Meet       Bredons Norton Bus shelter.    GL20 7HB        Grid SO 930 391      Start 10.30
Contact   Mike and Jenny         01684 772194        week before
Directions   B4080 Tewkesbury to Bredon. Turn Left in Bredon just after you go over the railway bridge. B4080 towards Pershore and Eckington.   Take the 2nd road on the right (signposted Bredons Norton) Carry on through village to traffic island. The road bends left, the bus shelter is to the right. There is limited roadside parking, mainly to the North of the church
Details   We walk around the village looking at the houses and hearing about some of the interesting past residents. Bredons Norton is not all flat so there may be a bit more ascent than some other strolls. Everyone is invited to stop in our Garden for Coffee, Tea and Cake (weather permitting) where we hope the Fritillaries in our orchard will have survived this last summer and winter and will be in flower.

Please drive to the village hall to receive instructions for parking. I will be there from 10.15 am wearing my yellow jacket. I will direct you to private driveways which we have been invited to use. The village hall will be in use for a different group so we won't be parking in the nearby road. The Stroll will start from the bus shelter.

report

Walk   1552

Wednesday 19 April     7 miles    Moderate/Energetic       Pre- booked pub Lunch.
Meet       The Tavern Inn , Kemble, GL7 6AX Grid Reference ST984974 9.30 for 09.45am start
Contact   Steve 01684 295438 or stevejanefisher@aol.com      the week before.
Please contact Steve for details of the menu.
Directions   From Tewkesbury M5 to Junction11A onto A 417 to Cirencester. Take the A419 towards Stroud, then A429 towards Kemble. Stay on this road which becomes the A433 and IGNORE the A429 turning to Kemble. Continue on A433 go   through a narrow rail bridge, passing the Thameshead Inn on your right. After approximately 200 yards take a left hand turning and stay on this lane to enter Kemble. Pass the station car park   pass the Kemble Stores and turn right into Station Road. Drive to the end and over a railway bridge, the pub is on your left. Please park in the back car park and not in the front.
Details   This is a 5 * Fisher-Price Walk. Mostly field walking with some road walking. There are a couple of steady inclines and it can get muddy. From the pub we trace a circular walk which takes in many historical sites such as, the sources of the Thames, a tow path walk on the Severn -Thames Canal, the end/start of Sapperton Tunnel, a massive canal cutting and much more.

report

Walk   1553

Thursday 20 April   4 miles   Moderate   Picnic lunch en route
Meet       By St Mary’s Church, Great Witcombe GL3 4TS. Limited parking, so please share cars where possible and park according to signage. 9.45 for a 10.00 start.
Contact   Shirley and Andrea 01684 275665 or email: schanning55@gmail.co.uk
Directions   M5 S to J11A, A417 to A46 junction direction Painswick. At first (Crosshands) roundabout by Toby carvery and Shell petrol station turn left and follow signs to Great Witcombe.
Details   From Great Witcombe church, we pass by Witcombe Park and, pausing for breath as we get the steep climb out of the way early, we ascend Coopers Hill up to the Cotswold Way, where we hope to see an abundance of bluebells and wild garlic. With luck, we’ll have some lovely views for our coffee stop, before heading to the English Heritage managed Roman Villa where we stop for our picnic lunch and share the outlook of our forefathers before heading down the hill, across the reservoir and back to the church. One steep uphill climb, three stiles and there are likely to be muddy patches.

report

Walk   1554

Wednesday 26 April       5 miles    Easy/Moderate      Pub lunch
Meet       The Queen’s Head , Stoke Pound, B60 3AU    Grid 962679 9.45 for 10.15 start.
Contact   Richard & Eileen   richard.hart13@btinternet.com by the Sunday before
Directions   M5 north to J5, then A38 towards Bromsgrove. Pass Webbs and at the next r’bout, follow A38 and after 1 mile turn right at r’bout to Stoke Pound and follow minor road to pub just after going under r’way bridge.
Details   We follow the Worcester Birmingham canal flight of 30 locks to Tardebigge Church and back. Slight inclines. No stiles. Muddy if wet. Wonderful views.   The pub opens at 10.00 so we can use the toilets and start the walk by 10.15. On return, we have a table reserved but order food at the table. Fast service. You can see the All Day Menu at www.queensheadbromsgrove.co.uk/food-and-drink

report

Walk    1555

Thursday 27 April    6 miles Moderate/Enegetic        Picnic lunch en route
Meet        Upper Soudley club house GL14 2UA Grid 658104 9.45 for 10.00 am.
Contact    Terry & Margaret    01684 772278        the week before
Directions    From Tewk on A38, Glos bypass to A48 to Elton. At Texaco garage, R to Littledean, R at mini roundabout about, 1st L into Sutton Lane. In approx 2m at x rd straight over, then over small bridge. Park on R.in club car park.
Details    A woodland walk through Staple- edge, Mallards Pike and Broom Hill.
Picnic en route, undulating with no stiles.

Notes for Guidance
        Information for all members (revised July 2020)
Group Leader        Walks Co-ordinator                  Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch        Hugh Bennett                              Tony Barrett
01684 437462                          01452 780460    01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com     candhbennett@gmail.com tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com

Walking Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435

Details of all walks and reports can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

Walks are graded to give some idea of what to expect:

Stroll: A short walk at an easy pace with frequent stops. Warning is given about inclines or difficulties

Easy: Undemanding and mainly level with occasional gentle ascents or descents. There may be a few stiles.

Moderate: Some uphill/downhill stretches “ uneven walking“ several stiles.

Energetic: Some longer steep hills and rough ground - may be many stiles.

Please book with the leader of the walk by the date given and arrive in good time before the start to boot-up and order lunch etc. Be sure to cancel with the leader if you are subsequently unable to take part; one of the group phones will be turned on on the morning of the walk so that you can make contact in the event of a last minute delay or you become lost.
Wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing for the walk and do not over-estimate your abilities.
An attendance fee of 50p is charged for each walk attended.
Dogs are not allowed on walks.
Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
We usually stop for a 15-20 minute coffee-break after about an hour; so, as well as refreshments, something to sit on can be useful on wet ground.

SAFETY POLICY

Walkers

Carefully read the walk description to ensure that you are capable of walking the route at a moderate pace (about 2 miles per hour) without risk to health. Remember that a short moderate walk may be more demanding than a longer easy one.

Dress sensibly. Make sure that you have suitable clothing and footwear for the weather expected. A walking pole or stick can be of great help.

Remember to carry any medications that you might need. There will normally be a coffee stop so carry food, and water, especially on hot days. It is sensible to carry a small first aid kit. A whistle is a good way of attracting attention if you need help.

Follow instructions given by the leader. Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight all the time.

Keep to the route indicated by the leader: do not devise shorts cuts, etc. If you wish to leave the walk, you must let the leader know.

Walk in single file on roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.

Be aware of the danger from ticks and hence tick-borne diseases, particularly in the summer months and near animals. Dress appropriately, e.g. long trousers rather than shorts; trousers tucked into boots, socks or gaiters.

Each walker is ultimately responsible for carrying out a personal risk assessment for every walk they undertake.

Carry identification in case of accident: name, date of birth, emergency contact number, doctor's number, essential medications. (ICE Card)

Carry your U3A membership card which may be checked.

Leaders

    Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC. Mention any steep     climbs and stiles.

    Aim to carry out a walk-over (with your co-leader) of your proposed route not more than     two weeks beforehand.

    Consider all the points in the national U3A walk leaders risk assessment (attached below).     Take action as you consider necessary.

    Limit your walk to a maximum number that you think you can safely manage.

    Have a co-leader to act as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points during the walk. The back marker needs to know the planned route in case the party gets split.

    Liaise with Sylvia Murdoch to obtain the leader's pack (contains: phone & charger, first aid kit, hi-viz vests)

    Carry the walking group first aid kit; however remember that you may not be qualified to give medical advice. However there may well be a member with medical training and experience on the walk.

    Set a pace of about 2 miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea stops. Indicate on walk details if lunch is to be late. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more energetic members.

    Carry a map, the group mobile phone (as well as your own). A GPS receiver is useful for pinpointing location. Switch on the group mobile phone before you leave home and keep it on until the walk is over.

    If your walk is along roads where traffic is expected, use the Group yellow vests for the leader and back-marker. Walk in single file and face on-coming traffic except where visibility is obscured.

Ask for volunteers to write a report on and take photos of the walk and forward them to:     stanfagg@btinternet.com.

Having collected 50p from each walker, pass the money together with a note of date, walk number, number of walkers and total to Tony Barrett or Sylvia Murdoch.

General Information

Walkers on the email list will be sent full details of walks every other month. If you require a paper copy of the walking programme, there is a charge of Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£4 p.a., payable at the Walking Group AGM or the Enrolment Meeting. This will be sent to you by post.

Reports on walks already done can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

We are affiliated to the Ramblers Association and the membership card may be used to obtain a 10% discount on walking gear in most local outlets. Please contact Richard Hart or Tony Barrett if you need a copy of the card.

All walkers and leaders are covered by U3A third party insurance even in the case of negligence, although it is assumed that all will conduct themselves with common sense.

Walk Details

Leaders, when sending details of their walks to the walks coordinator for inclusion in future programmes, need to supply the following details:
    Preferred date; length of the walk; grade, i.e. stroll/easy/moderate/energetic; lunch arrangements, e.g. pub, picnic etc
    Meeting Place with post code and/or grid reference; meet time and start time.
    Directions to the meeting place
    Details of the walk, e.g. outline of the route; type and state of ground; steep gradients;     number of stiles.
    Any special instructions or information.
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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.