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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 184  April, May & June 2023

P

April 2023

Walk 15

Postponed from 8th March to Wednesday 5 April 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.

For report and pictures see 1545 above.

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)

The church

Where I grew up

An important sign

The old schoolhouse

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)

At the blacksmith's forge    (Margaret)

Cromwell's seat    (Margaret)

Made it - puff puff!    (Terry)

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.

Message from Mike 17/4/23 . . .

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.

Mike

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)

Up the hill

Along the Cotswold way

The Roman Villa

Coffee time

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”)

1.       Group at the top lock

2.       Long View of the Tardebigge Flight

3.       View from the Top – to a Delightful Lunch?

4.       St. Bartholomew’s Church for coffee

5.       A Fabulous Yew Tree

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 - (Report by Phil and photos by Phil, Terry and Margaret)

All together now

A break     (Phillip)

A view of the forest      (Terry)

Forest paths  (Phillip)

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.

 With the weather set fair Jenny and Mike welcomed us to Bringsty Common and, with 21 followers, led us off into the countryside west of the Teme valley, a land of folding hills and woods.  There was the feeling of drifting backwards in time and, taking coffee above the Paradise Brook only reaffirmed this impression.
    At some distance was the Palladian mansion of Whitbourne Hall, now a wedding venue, designed by E.W. Elmslie, who also designed Gt. Malvern railway station.  Appearing to circumnavigate the hall, (easy to lose one's sense of direction) we passed a spot which would not have been out of place in a children's novel:  Crumplebury Farm.
    Recrossing Paradise Brook, Bringsty Common beckoned, but first, there was Herefordshire's very own version of High Stile, a three step stile, whose middle 'plank' was more of a see-saw.  Climbing over it at a success rate in excess of school A level results, ie 100%, M and J took us via winding paths to the summit of the common, some 500ft, for a picnic with indescribable views of a green and pleasant land.
    On the way down, we passed a former 16th century cider house, now a pub in the process of tasteful renovation which every world leader from Khartoum to Moscow should visit: The Live and Let Live.
    Our thanks go to Mike and Jenny for taking us on a walk across such tranquil countryside; good for the heart and soul, and to our photographers Margaret and Terry, who, in 'writing with light', revealed it to those unable to be there in, (as they used to say), glorious technicolour.

Thanks also to Noel for his usual comprehensive and entertaining report and to the ever dependable Margaaret and Terry for their photos - SF

Wisteria Cottage ?  (Margaret)

Live and let Live  (M)

Paradise brook     (Terry)

Green and pleasant  (T)

 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.

Six of us met at Deerhurst church on a morning of mixed weather. We were lucky and only had cloud followed by quite hot sunshine; we stayed dry despite rain later in the day. Sadly the rain over the coronation weekend had left the ground too wet and muddy for the original route to be sensible. Nevertheless we had an enjoyable stroll around and about Deerhurst church and through the church yard, including to the bank of the River Severn where there was an ancient hollow oak tree."  (Many thanks to Hugh for devising and leading the stroll - SF)

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.

  report

 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.

 Four of us met at the Alney Island nature reserve car park on the outskirts of Gloucester.  The weather was warm with some cloud but mainly sunny. We walked around the periphery of the nature reserve with a detour around Gloucester Docks where we saw several large vessels under repair at the shipyard , two of them  in dry docks. The nature reserve is very rural despite being very close to Gloucester city. We saw the old Llanthony lock, Thomas Telford's original stone bridge over the western arm of the River Severn and Lower Parting where the eastern and western branches of the Severn recombine on their way to the Bristol Channel. We also passed through a herd of cows with big horns which (fortunately) completely ignored us as they lay chewing the cud. Apart from the rumble of traffic at times, it was hard to believe that we were so close to the city. It was a very pleasant morning's walk. (Thanks go to Hugh for leading and devising this walk and also sending me a report - SF))

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)

  Sue and Sally chose a wonderful  Summer’s day for this walk.  The sun  shone and the temperature rose as 10 of us set off from Nature in Art.  Sadly, 2 walkers had to turn back for an early coffee because of a very narrow stile but the rest of us crossed the fields to Norton and then climbed Sandhurst Hill, descending via Sandhurst church.
The Hawthorn was in full blossom and the hedges full of birds.  We heard skylarks and saw deer and two hares.  The meadows were in full grass and the wheat was growing well due no doubt to the sewage works slurry being spread by a tractor in one field we were crossing.
Lunch was in the Nature in Art café and afterwards we enjoyed walking in their garden to see the sculptures.  Many  thanks to Sally and Sue for an excellent walk.  (Thanks also to Richard for the report and photos - SF)

How green everything is!

Plodding along

Wait for us!

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.

 On a sunny, warm, May morning twelve of us set off from Elmley Castle village, at the foot of Bredon Hill, on a most enjoyable walk  ably led by Noel.
The walk began at Queen Elizabeth Inn, where Queen Elizabeth 1st is purported to have stayed with her entourage in August 1575 as she went around her kingdom.
This picturesque Worcestershire village gets its name from an 11th century fortress built by the Beauchamp family, but little trace of this castle remains today.
Opposite the pub we crossed the road to St Mary’s Church which is situated below the castle site. The Norman origins were noticeable in the herringbone stonework on the chancel walls. Having crossed the churchyard we began our ascent, a climb of 650 feet to Fiddlers Knapp.
We were rewarded on the way up with the discovery of a Ragged Robin plant which had been a particular and primary quest. There was an abundance of other wild flowers along the tracks and swathes of late bluebells on the north slopes of the hill.
A chorus of birdsong, including the warble of a Whitethroat, accompanied us as we walked down through Fox Hill Wood from the Long Plantation. There were also sightings of a Yellowhammer and Kites.
The enchanting bleating of the lambs and ewes was very apparent as they strived to find each other when the lambs had become adventurous.
As we descended the hill through woodland and crossed the flower meadow we arrived back at the pub in good time to enjoy lunch and finish a lovely 4 mile morning walk.
(Thanks to Noel for his usual faultless leadership and to Libby for her first (and splendid) report)port - SF)
 
 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.

  After motorway mayhem, enter another world, the Cotswolds, and from Birdlip reach the tranquil village of Brimpsfield.  12 walkers, including Sylvia, Walk Group Leader, just returned from pilgrimage in Spain, led ny Ian and Kathy  14 U3A walkers completed, and we wanted to hear about it.
Today’s 6 mile walk, in fine weather, led by Jim and Margaret, starting from Brimpsfield, population 283 in 2011.  Passing polo fields, reminding of Jilly Cooper novels, the Cotswolds authors books set in villages like this.  Brimpsfield Manor was given to the Giffard family by William the Conquerer.  John Giffard built a stone castle near the church, but in 1322 he fell foul of Edward II and hanged at Gloucester.  Almost nothing remains of the castle; local people took the stone after the demise of Giffard.
Walking down a wooded valley, trees majestic in the parkland, just sad signs of the plight of the ash trees as we made our way to the hamlet of Caudle Green, an elegant farmhouse by the village green.  Following the River Frome, passing near the village of Syde, with Norman church with saddleback tower, overlooking the Frome valley.  We had lunch by babbling brook, a red kite wheeling overhead, and a mile later we were back in Brimpsfield.  A wonderful Cotswold day.
Thanks to Jim and Margaret. (Thanks also to Betty for the report and to Jim for his photos - SF)

A welcome break

Brimpsfield Lake

June 2023

Walk    1562    

Thursday 1 June    8 miles     Moderate / Energetic        Picnic   en route
Meet        At 9.15am in the Car Park opposite the Plough inn at Ford. GL54 5RU to share cars, (limited parking at Hinchwick ).  We can return to the Plough for a drink after the walk.
Contact    Mike and Jenny   01684 772194   the week before
Directions    B4077 to Plough inn at Ford. Park and share cars, then 3 miles after Ford turn left  (Hinchwick may or may not be signposted). In 1 mile turn right and park on verge by Hinchwick Manor  Post Code GL54 1EX  Grid SP 145301
Details    We walk through Snowshill Hill to Buckle Street and return via Coronation Plantation and Hornsleasow Farm.  Easy walking, mainly on tracks, only one stile.  One steady uphill through woods at the start, the rest undulating.  Energetic due to distance.

  From roadside parking at Hinchwick Manor, eleven walkers started the day with a steep walk up through woodland to the top  of a ridge  that went along the Diamond Way towards Bourton Downs.  From the ridge we had impressive views looking down onto the dry valley below and the Cotswolds beyond.  We stopped for coffee overlooking Bourton Downs, one deer disturbed, then walked on to Snowshill Hill farm.  From the farm,  still with it's clocktower, there were great views down across pastureland to the woods of  Coronation Plantation. Next  we walked along a grassy track  to Buckle Street where we turned to make our return journey through pastures and woodland to Hornsleasow farm.  We picnicked in one of these undisturbed  pastures which was  rich in wild flowers, including  a number of species of orchids.  From Hornsleasow we walked back though woodland and the dry valley to our starting point at Hinchwick.
Throughout our walk we had enjoyed seeing the countryside at it's best, still with the freshness of spring moving into the colours of summer. Fields of yellow Buttercups, Oceans of white Cow Parsley, Hawthorn still covered in May blossom, Red campion in the hedge rows.  A perfect time of year to see the Cotswolds.
Thank you to Mike and Jenny.  (Thanks also go to Jim for the splendid report and photos, and to Sylvia for her photos too - SF)

Through buttercups  (Jim)

Contemplation  (Sylvia)

Cotswold  (Sylvia)

A bit of a break   (Sylvia)

Walk    1563    

Thursday 8 June    4 or 2.5 miles    Easy/Moderate    Pub lunch
Meet        Village Inn, Twyning on the Green GL20 6DF at 10:15 for a 10:30 start
Contact    Andrea and Bob on 01684 294676 the week before.
Directions    Follow the A.38 north from Tewkesbury, through Shuthonger and take a right turn to Twyning, just after the 50 mph sign. Follow signs to village. Inn is on the downhill edge of the green, park opposite the inn.
Details    Walk to the Affordable Art Show at Showborough House.
Many walking group members will have done this walk in past years, now back on again post covid. A walk through fields and tracks over several stiles up to Showborough House to spend some time admiring, (maybe buying?) one of the many artworks on display there in the beautiful garden. Refreshments available at a small cost. Returning through orchards. The longer version is up to 4 miles with 7 stiles and only gentle climbs. There is a 2.5 mile short version along the lane and back with no stiles.

Message from Andrea and Bob 27/5/23:

Please could walkers use our email account if they want to come on our walk on the 8th to Showborough. Also say if they want to go on the short or long version! And if they are planning to stay for lunch.

 17 of us gathered at the Village Inn in Twyning in ‘do we need a coat or not’ weather, promising warm sunshine - but with a decidedly chilly breeze. Bob led us past Twyning Manor (how did they get the roof back on after raising it up a storey?) through meadows and across stiles and along a well-maintained path through Hill End common, with a beautiful view of Bredon Hill.  The weather stayed sunny and the breeze dropped - and was just enough to cool us. We spent an interesting 45 minutes perusing the art display and gardens at Showborough House before Andrea took the lead to guide us back to the Village Inn, where several walkers were served with two of the biggest faggots ever seen! 

 Thank you, Bob and Andrea for revisiting this annual event with us.

 Report from Shirley, photos from Margaret; website by Stub

1.           Conference in the long grass?

2.           Confidence that the right decision has been made

3.           Let’s find these works of art!

4.           Too busy talking to inspect the art!

port

Stroll             

Tuesday 13 June     Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Meet               Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park, Grid 898318, for 10.45 start
Contact         Angela & Chris         01684 294325         the week before
Directions     Turn right at the traffic lights near Morrisons supermarket onto the A38 to go along Jubilee Way.  At the first roundabout, opposite The Wheatpieces Pub, take the 3rd exit into the small car park.  Please share cars wherever possible.  Parking is free but if you wish to make a donation online go to Donate - Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Details           We plan to do the circular Meadow Walk which is 1.1 miles long.  There are additional paths if we wish to stroll a little further.  Most of the paths are natural grass paths so please wear appropriate footwear if it has rained recently.
Lunch            The Wheatpieces pub opposite the nature reserve in Clifford Avenue, Walton Cardiff, GL20 7RW, has a large car park and offers lunches from 12 noon.

  Twelve of us met at the Tewkesbury nature reserve car park on a hot and sunny day with not a cloud in sight. The paths through the reserve had recently been mown, so the walking was easy. We saw two groups of cattle one of which was well hidden in trees. The ponds throughout the reserve were alive with dragonflies, in particular with iridescent blue ones, possibly emperor dragonflies. It was surprising that some of us, despite being Tewkesbury residents, were quite unfamiliar with the reserve. Thus we had an interesting and pleasant stroll very close to the town. Thank you Angela and Chris. (Thanks to Hugh for the report  - SF)

Walk    1564    

Thursday 15 June     Forest of Dean    4.25 miles    Moderate
Lunch own arrangements, suggest Speech House hotel but they don’t take bookings.
Meet        Car Park on right hand side of road just before The Speech House Hotel GL16 7EL ( Nearby Post Code )    9:45 for 10:00am start
Contact    John 07811164417 or Sylvia 07498486263 the week before
Directions    South on A38 to Longford roundabout. Turn Right along A40 past Over Farm to next roundabout.  Left onto A48 through Westbury on Severn and continue on to Texaco Garage on right. Turn Right here to Littledean. Turn Right in village through the village and up long hill. On bend take Left Turn ( which is straight on ) follow road to the Speech House. The car park is on the right just off the road a few hundred yards before the Speech House Hotel
Details    Pleasant walk mostly wide paths through the forest. No stiles. Some short inclines nothing steep. We may see the cattle and horses that roam this part of the forest if we are lucky. Some parts are narrow paths with tree roots and parts may be muddy if it has been raining, but nothing drastic.
Note: If you wish to car share meet at Gupshill Manor car park at 8:45 to leave at 9:00.

This walk was on the eve of the 2023 Ashes Series so, rather appropriately, 22 of us took part.

We met at a car park near Speech House Hotel, with the sun already shining brightly. We had been subject to an official heatwave for a couple of weeks, and I suspect that fewer of us would have turned up for the walk, if it had not promised plenty of shade from the late morning sun. So, we could really enjoy walking along tracks and footpaths in the Forest of Dean without getting overheated. We were also grateful that we had had no sustained rain recently, because some of the firm paths that we walked on can be extremely muddy.

Many of the trees that gave us shade are Forestry Commission conifers, but there were plenty of beech and other deciduous trees and, near the end, we walked through a small arboretum with more unusual specimens. Apart from trees, the local flora comprised mainly bracken and lots of stately foxgloves. We were told that we might see horses and cattle, but none appeared, and a notice at the entrance to an enclosure asked us not to feed any wild boar that we might have seen.

We enjoyed more-or-less continuous birdsong (including, I was reliably informed, from a garden warbler), we came across a slow-worm, and there were lots of dragonflies and damselflies flitting over Speech House Lake, near which we stopped for refreshments.

At the end, most of us travelled (by car or foot) to Speech House Hotel for lunch. Thanks to Sylvia and John for organizing and leading this enjoyable walk in the forest.

Report & some photos by Bob W; others by Margaret; website by “Stub”

1.           Most stepping out with enthusiasm in the morning sun

2.           Progressing, politely, into the shade

3.           Progressing, purposefully, within dappled shade

4.           Resting the legs with evident relief

 From Winchcombe 17 of us walked past Sudeley Castle and around the estate.  The route took us past large fields of wheat and ripening barley, wild flower hay meadows and wide open views of the Cotswolds.   There were lots of wild flowers along edges of fields and in the hedgerows, including pyramid orchards and a few bee orchids.  We saw tiny black froglets or toadlets crossing a hot and dusty path.
In Spoonley Wood we encountered very tall nettles to get to the small Roman mosaic floor, the site being in need of some tidying up.
Our coffee stop and picnic lunch sites were in the shade and our descent took us to the Castle’s Cafe for refreshments on a hot and sunny day.
Thanks to Betty and Graham for an excellent 7 mile walk  (Report by Sally, photos from Graham - SF)

Through fields of golden barley

Dappled shade

The mosaic at Spoonley wood.

"Oh to be in England!"

Walk    1566    

Wednesday 28 June      5 miles     Moderate/Easy  Picnic - see details
Meet        Adlestrop Village Hall at 9.45 am for 10.00 am start. Grid SP242272.
Contact    Calvyn     01684 296684     the week before.
Directions    From Tewkesbury take the A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout, then the B4077 to Stow via Toddington. From Stow take the A436 towards Chipping Norton, after about 3 miles the road crosses the Worcester to Oxford railway line, very soon after the bridge take the first left hand turning. Follow this road to a junction and take the right-hand fork leading to Adlestrop. The village hall is in the middle of the village.
Details    This is a Fisher-Price walk. A circular walk that takes in ‘that station’, Lower Oddington, Daylesford Stores (toilets) and church, Daylesford House(for morning tea with Lord and Lady Bamford (?)  returning to Adlestrop via a poetry reading. Mostly field or parkland with some road walking, one moderate hill otherwise easy walking.
Bring a packed lunch and your own hot/cold drinks as the hall has been hired for us to eat lunch in, from1pm-2pm. (ed: Calvyn is well known for his poetic licence.)

23 of us met on a warm, cloudy and dry day at Adlestrop Village Hall near Stow on the Wold.  At 10am  Calvyn lead the merry band of 11 men and 12 ladies on a circular walk around the Daylesford estate. The majority of the walk was on hard surfaces.  As we neared our coffee stop at the famous Daylesford  stores, we witnessed Lady Bamford boarding her private JCB helicopter - which meant she was unable to provide us with morning coffee, as Calvyn had promised!, We had  a quick look inside the shop where a large wallet would come in handy.

We then walked on to St. Nicholas Church at Lower Oddington, which was open so we could see the interesting wall paintings in this Saxon building. From the church, we made our way to the village hall via Adlestrop cricket ground arriving at 13.15.   

We were meant to be having our picnic lunch in the hall but it was firmly locked. Luckily the weather was fine so we picnicked on the grass outside the hall as we listened to Calvyn recite a poem on Adlestrop, followed by another poem recited by Richard Hart.

Thanks to Calvyn for leading an enjoyable 5,5 mile walk - without his sidekick Steve.

Report by Justin; photos by Margaret and Terry and website by “Stub”.

1.           A too leisurely preparation?

2.           Off we go under the cloud

3.           Betty sharing a poem with a willing audience?

4.           Looking for a welcome picnic?

Walk    1567    

Thursday 29 June         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.

 report

Advance Notice - Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting will be in the afternoon of Monday 4 September at Ashurch village hall - details later.


Walk    1568    

Wednesday  5 July              4.5   miles            Easy              Pub lunch
Meet        Queen Elizabeth, Elmley  WR10 3HS    from 9.30 to order lunch   for 10.00am start    
Contact     Mike and Jenny        01684 772194       the  week before
Directions    Bredon, Beckford. Turn left to Ashton Under Hill, Straight on to Elmley.  Take care where road narrows between buildings.  Park in Main Street (or behind Pub)
Details  A fairly flat walk to Bricklehampton and Netherton.  Mainly easy walking on grass and tracks but may be long grass, rough ground, or mud in places.  One ordinary stile and 4 steps up.


Walk    1569    

Thursday 13 July    4.5 miles    Moderate/Energetic        Pub Lunch
Meet        Pub car park behind The Corner Cupboard Inn, 83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, GL54 5LX     9.45 for a 10.00am  start
Contact    Noel    01684 772526    the week before with choice of lunch  please. Menu at  https://www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk/lunch.html
Directions    To Winchcombe!
Details    High Street to church (model of church and original abbey; Kenelm and the story of English in brief); Winchcombe Way up Salter's Hill; St Kenelm's Way via his well and spring; grounds of Sudeley Castle     Ascent 500 feet with wide views, all gates as far as Noel remembers.



Walk    1570    

Wednesday 19 July        4.5 miles     Easy         Possible pub/hub lunch
Meet        Swan Community Hub (the old Swan Inn)  car park at Staunton/Corse, GL19 3QA for a 10.00am start
Contact    Lesley     07917097286      the week before
Directions    A38 south, second traffic lights, turn right on B4312 through Tirley, left at T junction and second right to Corse (signed to M50).
Details    We walk to Eldersfield church, about  half is on quiet lanes with 1 slight incline. However, some very rough walking in places with 3 stiles, 2 fairly high.
Note: Swan hub open for drinks / snacks from 11am - 3pm



Walk    1571    

Thursday 20 July    4.5 miles    Moderate        Pub lunch
Meet        Hobnails Inn Carpark,  Little Washbourne, GL20 8NQ   9.45 for 10am start
Contact    Justin        07790 721920     the week before
Directions    A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout, then B4077.The Hobnails Inn is on the B4077 Stow road after about 2 miles.
Details    The walk is mainly flat with about 8 stiles around Alstone,Beckford and Washbourne. If wet it can be muddy in parts.



Walk    1572    

Wednesday 26 July   5.5 miles      Moderate/Energetic        Pub lunch
Meet        Hill Close, Westmancote, GL20 7EW      9.45 for a 10.00am start
Contact    Sylvia and George     07498486263    the week before
Directions    Bredon road out Tewkesbury. Carry staight on through Bredon to Westmancote, first turning left, Hill Close is on the left.
Details    There is a steepish climb to a panoramic viewpoint for coffee, two stiles. Lunch will be at the Royal Oak in Bredon. George will circulate the menu when available, as it is being revised.



Walk    1573    

Thursday July 27th      5.6 miles   Moderate/Energetic   Picnic on route
Meet        Miserden School Car park    GL6 7JA    Grid 933089 for a  10.00 start
Contact    Sonia 01684 298409 the week before.
Directions    M5 South to Junc 11A to the Air Balloon roundabout, continue on the                                
A417 and take the next right turn to Birdlip on the B4070. After passing The Royal George Pub turn sharp left and follow the road for 2 miles. Just after the Fostons Ash Pub take the left turn to Whiteway and Miserden. Look out for the next left turn to Miserden village. The School Car park is on the right, before the Village shop.
Details    The walk is energetic because of 4 ascents, but mostly moderate in the valley stretches. It covers a very peaceful valley in both directions, some lane walking, footpaths and there are 3 stiles.


Walk    1574    

Wednesday 2 August    5 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        Coal House Inn, Gabb Lane, Apperley. GL19 4DN Grid 855284 9.45 for a 10.00am start
Contact    Hugh     01452 780460     the week before
Directions    A38 south, right at second set of trafiic lights onto B4213. Second turning right to Apperley. At crossroads in village straight over down Gabb Lane and follow to the end.
Details    Along the Severn to Deerhurst, follow the levee round the village, back across fields and country lanes  to Apperley Court then footpaths back to the pub, 3 or 4 stiles, gentle uphill and steeper down. Should be dry in August but some mud if wet.
Order off pub menu below when booking by the Friday before.

          

Walk    1575    

Thursday 17 August        5 miles    Easy/moderate     Pub lunch
Meet        Old Bush, Upton Rd, Callow End WR2 4TE     Grid 834494      9.30 for 9.45 a.m. start.
Contact    Terry & Margaret     01684 772278        the week before
Directions    North from Upton on Severn on B4424. Pub is on the left on reaching Callow End ( up narrow drive).
Details    A circular walk around the village, partly on the flood plain, which may need altering at short notice if it floods. Weather dependant.

Nearly all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution to save both space and bandwidth.  Should you want a copy of any of the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original file - just quote the walk number and the photo title.
 

To go to The Tewkesbury U3A main site click here; Tewkesbury U3A

Contacts:

Sylvia (Group Leader) 01684 437462

Tony, (Administrator) 01684 276960 

Hugh, (walks coordinator)  01452 780460

Webmaster . . . Stan Fagg stanfagg@freeuk.com    Updated 26th June 2023