TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

Please put this address in your "{C}{C}{C}Favorites" folder so that you can return directly to it in future. It is designed to download quickly and simply give you information about walks that are organized without using any complicated layout elements or large images.

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 183 March, April & May 2023

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.

There 18 of us ambling around Bredons Norton on a nice sunny morning. We looked at thatched cottages that were once 3 separate dwellings and marvelled at how they brought up so many children in them.
Jenny talked about some of the former inhabitants, both humble folk and gentry. Victoria Woodhall Martin was an American lady, who had once campaigned for the presidency.
Mike spoke about Sir Raymond Priestley, the famous Antarctic explorer who retired to the village.
We ended with refreshments in Mike and Jenny's garden. (Thanks to Mike for leading and hosting the stroll - SF)

Fritillaries in Mike's Gareden

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.

Thanks to 3 of Steve's friends tagging along, there were 10 on today's walk.
After a chilly start, we soon warmed up and it stayed dry.
We crossed through the mainline station at Kemble then set off in search of the River Thames. A welling up at the secluded Lyd's Spring certainly provided a source of water but the official source at Trewsbury Meadow was dry, a surprise as we had squelched through a flooded field to reach it. We went on through Coates village to the grand church of St Matthew where we took our coffee stop. We headed on to the ornate Coates Portal of the Sapperton Tunnel, on the disused part of the Severn- Thames canal beside the still-closed Tunnel Inn. Sapperton was at one time the longest canal tunnel in Britain but suffered from the geological tension between the solid Oolite limestone and the Fuller's Earth which would shrink or swell depending on water content.
Heading back beside this quiet section of canal we could see that water was retained therein by barriers, probably to stabilise the bedding.
We stopped by the C18th Coates roundhouse, one of a number built to house the canal lengthsmen and their families. In this example, we were told, the conical roof had been inverted to supply domestic water to the inhabitants.
Further along we met a most unusual and brilliantly constructed skew bridge carrying the main railway line. This may have been designed by Brunel, it was certainly up to his standard.

We crossed back into the meadows and returned to Kemble Tavern for a satisfying lunch.

Thanks to Steve and Calvyn for leading this very interesting walk, and for the information they provided along the way. (Report from Mike)

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.

Twelve of us met by St. Mary's Church in the hamlet of Great Witcombe on a promising Spring morning. We soon started the gradual ascent of the lower part of Cooper's hill ,with great views across to Gloucester Cathedral and the surrounding hills. The Witcombe reservoir reflected the brilliant blue sky, and showed the outline of a cruising Red Kite . .
At the meeting of several tracks we stopped for a coffee break, before we continued along the Cotswold Way. Through the woods we were treated to the view of the first flush of bluebells, and the prospect of garlic to come. The Roman Villa, managed by English Heritage, soon came into view. It was discovered in 1818 and excavated to reveal two impressive mosaic floors. We had our picnic sitting on some of the low walls that had remained.
Shirley ,who had assisted Andrea with the walk organisation joined us and walked with us back to the start.
Many thanks to Shirley, Andrea and Bob for taking us on such a peaceful walk in our beautiful countryside. (Report from Sonia, photos by Geoff - SF)

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

17 gathered in the lower car park of the Queens Head, which was obligingly open to allow us to use the facilities as we were returning for lunch.

Our guides for the day were Eileen and Richard who gave us an informative short history of the Navigation and the sequence of 30 locks over 220 feet of rise along our walk.

The weather was bright, but chilly, as we set out and at cracking pace set by Richard, so we soon warmed up as we followed the towpath past the many locks and under the not so many bridges. All offered interesting opportunities for interesting photographic opportunities due to architecture.

After a short water break, we climbed a small bank to enjoy the views across reservoir. This was created as the head-water for the locks by digging out clay which was then used to puddle the navigation. Just past the reservoir is the Pump house and then the final lock at Tardebigge - one of the deepest at 14ft.

A short climb of maybe 50 feet or so sees us at St Bartholomew’s Church, where we rest with a coffee break having completed some 6-7,000 steps depending on the length of your stride.

The return trip is on higher ground above the reservoir (in glorious spring sunshine) with fabulous views, along bridle paths and a little woodland before dropping back down to the canal towpath for the final stretch back to the start and a delightful lunch having completed circa 14,000 steps.

Many thanks to Eileen & Richard for leading such a delightful walk. (Report: & photographs Rob; Website “Stub”)

There were 16 of us when we met on the small car park of Upper Soudley Club House.It was cold, dismal, dank and misty, but dry.We had all managed to arrive early and following a comprehensive briefing by Terry and Margaret we set out on our 6 mile, circular walk through the Forest of Dean.On leaving the car park, we set out in a south easterly direction along a meandering forest track, through a dense conifer plantation.It took nearly a mile and a half and an hour of uphill walking before we arrived at our first stop and view point, Staple- Edge. From here we looked west towards Wales and had a spectacular, but mist enshrined view of the Black Mountains.We continued with our walk along the ridge and down in a roughly SE direction into the forest again along undulating pathways until we reached the Visitor Centre at Mallard Pike Lake,where we stopped on the waters edge for refreshments. We then continued our forest walk . The sky darkened and then it rained and it rained. We eventually arrived back at the car park soggy, but content that wa had had such an enjoyable day‍ - Phil Scriven

May 2023

Walk 1556

Thursday 4 May      5.5 miles (4 mile option)    Moderate/Energetic      Picnic en route
Meet             Layby on Bringsty Common SO 698 550   10:00 am   for 10.15 start.
Contact        Mike and Jenny        01684 772194        week before
Directions    A38 to Worcester bypass. A44 towards Bromyard. After Knightwick go up the hill and look on your left for a pub sign with a roof for the ‘Live and Let Live’. Turn sharp left here, the layby is just round the corner on your right by a bus shelter, also with a roof.   (Postcode for the pub is WR6 5UW but our satnav could not find it)
Details         This is a figure of 8 walk. The first loop, through farmland and Bringsty Common is 4 miles with 3 stiles. Some rough ground and may be muddy in places. We go past our cars where we can collect our picnic and walk another 1.5 miles on good tracks on the Common, stopping for lunch on the way. Lots of small ups and downs but nothing steep or too long. Total ascent 600ft. Note: Unfortunately the Live and Let Live is closed weekday lunch times but National Trust Members can go to the Brockhampton Estate which is close by. This is well worth a visit and there is a food kiosk selling hot drinks and snacks.

Stroll

Tuesday 9 May        1.5 miles       Deerhurst and the River Severn
Meet             Deerhurst GL19 4BX park at side of the road by the church gate for a 10.30 start
Contact        Hugh and Christine 01452 780460         the week before
Directions    A38 south, turn right at second traffic lights onto B4213; fork right after 1 mile on single track road to Deerhurst. Follow local signs to church.
Details         We follow the Severn Way on the river bank before looping back to the church, footpaths through fields of grass.

Walk 1557

Wednesday 10 May           2.0 miles          Easy           Cafe lunch
This is a talk and guided walk, costing £7.50 per head, and is organised by our Discovering Britain Group to learn about the secret training centre for the WWII Auxiliers.
Meet             Coleshill Estate (NT) Car Park, SN6 7PT. Grid SP 088294 arrive 10.30am.
Contact        Mike and Jenny         01684 772194        As soon as possible.
Directions    Take the M5 South to J11a, then A417/A419 to Blunsdon, where you turn left onto A417, through Highworth to Coleshill village. Look for National Trust sign on the right to Coleshill Estate parking. This is a journey of about 50 miles each way, so please share cars if you can.
Details         We meet our guide in the Granary, for an introductory talk which will commence at 11am. Although the walk is quite short, there will be lots of stops and the visit will take about 2 hours in total. You may wish to bring a small portable seat.
There is a small café open from 10am serving drinks and light lunches. We may be asked to order our lunches a few days ahead of the visit.
The visitor centre is on the site of an historic and forward-thinking model farm which we can visit after the tour. There are no extra charges for non-NT members.
In the afternoon you can if you wish visit Buscot Park and House (NT) which is a few miles away. Further information for both properties on NT website.

Walk 1558

Wednesday 17 May      3 miles       Easy     Lunch own arrangements
Meet             Alney Island Nature Reserve car park on the westbound side of the ring road over Westgate Bridge at Gloucester, GL1 2FA, Grid 823190, for a 10.30 am start.
Contact        Hugh 01452 780460 the week before
Directions    A38 to Gloucester to (A417) inner ring road, west past Tesco, over the river and sharp left turn into car park before A430 junction.
Details         We walk around the Alney Island nature reserve, visiting Llanthony lock, Lower Parting and Thomas Telford’s bridge. A map of the reserve is at https://www.gloucester.gov.uk/media/1241/alney-island-map.pdf. We can add a diversion around Gloucester Docks if wanted. There are many lunch options in Gloucester.

Walk    1559

Thursday 18 May        Approx 5 miles     Moderate Lunch in Coffee Shop
Meet             Nature in Art free car park, Twigworth, GL2 9PA Grid SO 842 232 9.45 am to pre-order lunch and 10.00 am start.
Contact        Sally and Sue          01684 274440        the week before.
Directions    From Tewkesbury A38 towards Gloucester. Pass Norton Garden Centre on the left take second right turn with brown Nature in Art sign (Not first right Sandhurst Lane).
Details         A walk across fields towards Bishops Norton, up Sandhurst Hill and through the village. Includes a short stretch of road. After lunch a chance to look around Nature in Art gardens, visit the artist in residence and pay for entry to 5 gallery rooms of exhibitions. (£7 or £6.50 over 60)

report

Walk 1560

Wednesday 24 May           4 miles+   Moderate/Energetic Pub lunch
Meet             Queen Elizabeth Inn, Elmley Castle        WR10 3HS    Grid 982411. Park in pub car park or in Main Street outside or opposite pub, meet outside pub. 09.30 for 09.45 start.
Contact        Noel 01684 772526, (after choosing from online lunch menu), the week before
Directions    A46 to Hinton Cross, turn left then 3.5miles on lanes to Elmley Castle; Turn left into Main Street
Details         From the churchyard walk and climb up to Fiddler's Knap on a quest for the Ragged Robin; level along Long Plantation and down via Fox Hill Wood and Hill Lane, finishing across an English flower meadow. Ascent 650ft.

report

Walk 1561

Thursday 25 May    6 miles             Mod/ energetic      Picnic en route
Meet             Brimpsfield village hall       GL4 8LD       Grid 940125   09.45 for 10.00 start
Contact        Jim and Margaret   01684 296773 the week before
Directions    M5 to J 11A then A417 passing the old "Air Balloon".   In about 1 mile take right turn onto B4070 towards Stroud and Birdlip. At Birdlip take the left turn to Brimpsfield, just over 1 mile.
Details         Starting in Brimpsfield village the walk passes the polo fields then down a wooded valley to Caudle Green before returning to Brimpsfield along the valley below Syde. Two short climbs.

report

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

Walking Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAFETY POLICY

Walkers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carry your U3A membership card which may be checked.

Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Information

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

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

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

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

Walk Details

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

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.