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 185 May, June July & August 2023

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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!

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.

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)

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.

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.

July 2023

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.

On an almost a perfect day for walking, 19 members assembled at the Queen Elizabeth pub for this walk. A chilly breeze, some thought, but with the sky continuing to brighten, layers were soon being stripped off. We set off up the lane at the side of the pub and soon entered a field where a notice board helpfully indicated the direction of "The Combertons". After crossing a few meadows and walking NW we were indeed soon at Little Comberton church; unfortunately for us a service was taking place so we could not visit but it provided a good opportunity for drinks as the temperature rose. Moving on, we headed E to Bricklehampton, taking coffee at the church of St. Michael and All Angels. A path from here led us to the small hamlet of Netherton where we saw odd-looking barns and quaint houses. A notice board informed us of the the local history and its association with a 12c Chapel. Near here we encountered our first livestock, a flock of sheep with much more than the usual per centage of the black variety and soon after a herd of inquisitive young cattle who stared at us as much as we stared at them. Joining a path marked Evesham Vale Circular Walk No.4*, a short walk to the W and we were soon relaxing in the Queen Elizabeth. Many thanks to Mike and Jenny for a very pleasant walk in an area unfamiliar to many of us.

*For would-be new walks' leaders looking for new walks, here is a helpful website:-

https://eveshamramblingclub.org.uk/evcw-page-of-posts-1/

(Thanks to Terry for the report and to our ever-ready photographer Margaret for the photos - SF)

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.

19 Souls set off on a pilgrimage (of sorts) to the heights above Winchcombe.

Our first call was at the Parish Church, where the model showed the extent of the abbey that once was the heart of the kingdom of Mercia. It was huge! It was the burial place of two members of the Mercian ruling class Coenwulf and his son Cynehelm, later venerated as Saint Kenelm.

There our leader Noel took time to give a very informative talk on the story of St Kenelm and on why we are not talking French given that was the language of of the conquerors.

From there following the Winchcombe way we ascended Dunn Hill, passing some cute piggies ( I hope no one had ordered BLT for lunch ..), to our rest stop at the top. Realising the hill so called because we were all Dunn In. We had superb views while we girded our loins and set off now on St Kemelm way to reach the well where it is said St Kenelms coffin rested before reaching Winchcombe abbey.

The well itself is a great find, and its fascinating and long history is described inside the building that surrounds the well.

From there we descended to pick up the Wardens Way which passes sudley castle. By coincidence we met some local wardens who were leading a group of Asian ladies from Gloucester and we exchanged banter as we went along together for a while.

Then the final leg to the Corner Cupboard, just as the first few drops of rain appeared, for ale and laughs.

This was truly an educate, entertain and inform walk by Noel – thanks I learnt much of interest and has prompted me to read more on Winchcombe abbey and its history.port

(Thanks to Calvyn for the super report, and to Margaret and Terry, as usual, for their great photos - SF)

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

A lovely walk led by Lesley, across grazing and agricultural fields, passing a beef farm, and via byways and through a small copse which had evidence of badger scrapes.   There were the expected stiles to negotiate with a bit of “ducking and diving” at a pair of them to get through a hedge.
The sun soon broke through grey clouds and a small gathering of sheep with young were wisely taking shelter under the trees.   It was ideal weather for walking.
The few properties in the area were grand. One near St John the Baptist Church had a lily pond in its garden with a very large wonderfully created fox lying down in the grass and placed to look in its direction (maybe keeping an eye out for ducks!).   It was very intricate, depicting what appeared to be the fox in its winter coat, and it looked to have been carved out of wood.
St John the Baptist Church, Eldersfield, is a Grade II listed medieval building - C14 with C12 and late C13 remains - with an iconic landmark spire.   The church was restored in1876 and it has 6 bells.   The graveyard contains several headstones of generations of families and there were good views of the Malverns.
At the end of the walk, the majority of our group of 14 stayed for lunch at The White Hart Community Hub in Staunton. (A great report from Sue M, And lovely pics from Margaret - SF)

Ducking and diving

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.

14 of us set off from the Hob Nails Pub after choosing our lunches. It was a cloudy bright day with a promise of rain after lunch and pleasantly warm. Most of the walk was on level ground but not easy going as the footpaths were ridged from lack of rain and quite overgrown in places. We met about 30young curious cattle who milled around us but they were just being friendly.
We were pleased to see butterflies as we went along: Marbled whites and Gatekeepers seemed to be the most frequent but we also saw a Red Admiral and a late Brimstone among the hedgerows.
We went in a large circle taking in part of Beckford and the church of St Mary in lower Washbourne on the return leg, this is a church maintained as an historic church by the Churches Conservation Trust and it still has the old Victorian pews enclosing families with a door!
The company was good and the weather stayed fair and we were very pleased when the pub served up our lunches very quickly. More like 5 miles we thought! Thank you Justin for leading us on this enjoyable walk with fine views.
(Thanks also that great team of Andrea and Bob for the report and photos - SF)

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.

16 of us gathered at Westmancote for a walk lead by George and Sylvia. The walk took low down on the west end of Bredon Hill towards Breadon’s Norton before we headed straight up with an 11’s stop at 11:30 with panoramic view towards the Malverns. Again we were very lucky with the weather. After reaching our highest point we descended via Hill Barn back to Westmancote and then on the Bredon by car for lunch at the Royal Oak. ( Thanks go to John W for the report and the photos - SF)

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.

It being the start of the summer holidays, we, the not so famous five, were nonetheless welcomed by Sonia to the peaceful and attractive village of Miserden.
     Our walk took us near to the headwaters of the river Frome, beginning with the open parkland of Misarden, which soon turned into woodland. Passing several lakes along the valley floor, Sonia told us how they were bedecked with daffodils and other spring flowers earlier in the year.
     Our coffee stop, dominated by two giant Redwoods, was taken in the valley beneath Syde, one of the oldest and smallest parishes in the country with its ancient church. Ever merciful, Sonia spared us the 200ft climb to visit.
     After all, we did have to climb up to the head of the valley to take our picnic on the narrow green of Brimpsfield village. Meanwhile, under increasingly blue skies and sunshine, an elderly lady, (aren't we all?), drifted by on her way to the old telephone box.....to collect her newspaper!
     Following the briefest of siestas, we returned via a parallel valley skirting Caudle Green, and climbed back up the even more verdant Misarden Park to quench our thirst at the Carpenters' Arms.
     Our thanks go to Sonia for taking us on the best part of a day's walk through this green and peaceful corner of the Cotswolds, and to Calvyn for corroborating it with his 'the camera cannot lie' photos.

PS Miserden village and Misarden parkland are spelt differently. (Report by Noel -of course! Photos from Calvyn - Many thanks - SF)

August 2023

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.

In spite of the forecast we had hardly any rain to everyone's relief. 18 of us set off from The Coalhouse Inn by the Severn near Apperley. It was a pleasant flat walk by the river until we peeled off towards the Saxon Odda's Chapel. On the way to St Mary's Church we passed through the impressive flood gates, so crucial to avoiding flooding in Deerhurst. We had a coffee stop at the Church, then after some field walking passed through Deerhurst. On our way back to Apperley Barry pointed out the bearded wheat which looked as though it needed some more sun. (Well it is August!!) At a magnificent Oak tree we descended back to the river and were soon at The Coalhouse with a fantastic view of swifts flying and The Malverns in the distance.
The drinks and meals were much appreciated and thanks to Hugh for leading our walk. (Thanks also to Sonia for the report and to Andrea for the pictures - SF)

14 Walker on a fine summers day starred over the old bridge at Pershore. Along the river ,through the woods above Pershore. Back along the river to the car park. No styles on the way a most pleasant walk. (Report by George, photos by Bob W - SF)

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.

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.

Advance Notice - Annual Meeting

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

Thursday 24 August    5 miles   Energetic        Lunch own arrangements
Meet         Mill Pond, Golden Valley, Malverns Grid Ref. 776 371 for 10.00 a.m. start
Contact    Betty & Graham 01684 594331 or email graham.mealand@btinternet.com
Directions    A438 Tewkesbury-Ledbury Rd. At X-Roads just after Duke of York pub, T.R. on B4208 (Malvern), T.L. in 1 mile signed Golden Valley, and park near Mill Pond on the Common, in half a mile.
Details        With panoramic views of the Hills, cross Hollybed and Castlemorton Commons towards the Malvern Hills, stopping for refreshments at the British Camp cafe, returning along the Hills back to the Golden Valley, a great picnic area if you wish to stay on.

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.