TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

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

NB   1.   Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with them on all walks and strolls.
NB   2.   Members should consider carrying hand sanitizer and a face covering. Members are urged to continue with appropriate measures to minimise covid transmission.
NB   3.    Numbers on walks are as always at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB     4.    Where two walks are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before. This is so that members are not denied a place on any walk by early second walk bookers.

Programme 189 October & November 2023

October 2023

Walk    1584

Wednesday 4 October    5.5 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        Gupshill Manor car park    GL20 5SG for 10.00 am start.
Contact     Sue 01684 298085 or Jill 01684 276063 with menu choices when booking the week before.
Directions    A38 south, the hotel is on Gloucester Road about 0.8 miles from Tewkesbury Abbey.
Details    We follow lanes and field paths to Deerhurst and return along the Severn Way and beside the golf course at The Park. Lunch menu at https://gupshillmanor.com/menus/

Fifteen of us met at the Gupshill for a walk which took in Deerhurst, the Severn and Tewkesbury park golf course. As we walked along the Severn way we walked through a herd of about fifty cattle (bullocks?). As we emerged from the far side of the herd, so too did Noel who had come to join us half way round, so fifteen became sixteen. The weather had started off as grey, dry and cool but later the sun came out and we were in shirtsleeves. Credit to the golf course who had kept their portion of the public footpath beautifully. As we passed Sylvia's house she was in the back garden so we had a chat. Lunch was then enjoyed at the Gupshill. Thank you Sue and Jill. (Thanks to Hugh for the report - SF)

Walk 1585A

Thursday 5 October    5.5 miles    Energetic    Picnic
Meet        British Camp car park at Wynds on A449, Malvern WR13 6DW Grid 763404 at 9.30am. We will leave half the cars at Wynds and drive to Tank Quarry WR14 4NA   Grid 769470 to start the walk, (don’t pay for parking until you know which cars are staying)   Take A449 through Malvern, Left towards West Malvern. Go past main car park and Clock Tower. Road up to Tank Quarry picnic place on the left.
(You can go West of the hills to West Malvern but road to Tank Quarry would be a sharp right. Might need to go on to main car park and turn)
Contact    Mike and Jenny     01684 772194    the week before.
Directions    A38 To Upton on Severn then A4104 through Welland to A449, left to British Camp car park.
Details    Tank Quarry to Wynds. We walk over End Hill, and Worcestershire Beacon to the Wyche (coffee and toilet stop) then on to Wynds. The more energetic can do all the tops.

This was part one of the Walk the Malverns expedition. Sharing cars for this linear walk is always complicated but Jenny had the matter in hand. Money was taken, fees paid and places allotted and we 20 walkers were soon on our way to the start at Tank Quarry. There was some light rain, but this soon stopped.

The path up to End Hill seemed steeper this year. Had there been some seismic activity recently that had pushed the Malverns higher? After a brief rest, those - with the lung power - carried on via the tops of North Hill and Sugarloaf, whilst the ‘weaker’ took the lower path, saving their energy for the ascent of the Worcestershire Beacon.

Views from the top were limited. There was low cloud, so we were glad of the downward path into weak sunshine to reach the coffee stop at The Wyche. After a rest, the final section of the walk followed the same pattern as before: the ‘fit’ over the tops and ‘those with less energy’ along the lower paths.

A picnic was had just before the car park. Thanks to Jenny and Mike for organising things so well.

Stroll

Tuesday 10 October    Historical Tour of Tewkesbury town    Possible pub lunch
Meet        Back of Avon in the American Garden at the rear of the Town Hall, Tewkesbury, GL20 5AQ at 10.30am
Contact    John and Jan     07747727703     by 9 October
Details    The route is short but there is lots of History to discuss:
Lunch    If any wish to join us, we shall probably eat at the Tudor House – please let us know when you book if you wish to join us.

report

Walk 1586    Walk Cancelled - leader injured

Wednesday 11 October    3.75 miles (approx)   Easy       Possible pub lunch
Meet        Main Street, Dumbleton WR11 7TG(near) outside church. Street park as convenient & safe. At 10.15 for a 10.30a.m. start.
Contact     Barry    07751170833 or email barryms1942@gmail.com the week before.
Directions    A46 passed Teddington Hands roundabout, after 1 mile right turn signed to Dumbleton.
Details     An easy walk over fields with four stiles, possibly some mud. Possible pub lunch at the Hobnails Inn, Little Washbourne, Tewkesbury GL20 8NQ.

Meet Cheltenham Racecourse Park and Ride GL50 4SH 10.15 for a 10.30a.m. start

Directions Just after Racecourse roundabout on left of B4075 Prestbury road.

The length of the Malverns -Two walks (1585A & B): Thursdays 5 and 12 October.
We will do a car shuffle to get to the start of each walk, leaving half the cars at the end. Since some cars will have to pay to park at Wynds (British Camp) and others not, we will make a charge of £1.50 per head to make a kitty to pay for parking. Both walks will end at Wynds where we will be able to buy suitable refreshments before driving back to the start to collect cars. N.B. We need to arrive with at least 2 spare seats in our cars to perform the shuffle.

Walk 1585B

Thursday October 12    6.5 miles    Energetic    Picnic
Meet        British Camp car park at Wynds on A449, Malvern WR13 6DW Grid 763404 at 9.30am. We will leave half the cars at Wynds and drive to Hollybush (nearest post code HR8 1ET Grid 758368) to start the walk, (don’t pay for parking until you know which cars are staying). A449 towards Ledbury. Sharp left onto A438 Eastnor to Hollybush. Car Park on left at top of hill.
Contact    Mike and Jenny     01684 772194    the week before.
Directions    A38 to Upton on Severn then A4104 through Welland to A449, left to British Camp car park.
Details    Hollybush to the bottom of Chase End then back to Wynds.   We take the West path to Whiteleaved Oak, over Chase End then back on the East side to Hollybush and on to Wynds. The more energetic can go over Ragged Stone, Midsummer and British Camp.

18 hardy walkers gathered at the British Camp ready for part 2 of the Malverns end to end walk.

After dividing up the transport we set off to car park at Holybush, and walked around Ragged Stone and up and down Chase End there to properly begin the start.

A choice was given and four opted to take the assault on Ragged Stone, having been one of the four one has to wonder why ??. The descent on wet grass was quite difficult but fortunately all well to meet the group again at the car park.

No one opted to take the climb of Midsummer Hill, and we took the Three Choirs Way as far as Hangmans Hill.

At Shire Ditch we stopped for lunch, which was fortunate as the tummy rumbles made a few wonder if thunder was in the air. Four of our party departed there having assorted appointments.

So with those departed our walk now became a “four gone” conclusion we carried on our way to the next decision point. Either ascend Millenium Way and then British camp or continue on around the side. Again time constraints (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) meant 4 went around the edge while those remaining took on the hills.

We were very fortunate with the weather as rain had been forecast but we had nothing but a lovely walk all completed with no mishaps. Thanks to Mike and Jenny for all the effort in planning and for sorting out the logistics to get everyone back to the right places with the right cars. (Thanks to Calvyn for his ever entertaining report, to Ruth for her (first of many?) photograph, and to Syvia for her most welcome pictures - SF)

Camino Presentation

Wednesday 18 October
Venue        Holy Trinity Church, 10 Oldbury Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NA at 2.00pm
Details    A presentation of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, which was recently undertaken by 14 members of our group.
The presentation will be by several of the pilgrims who will share their memorable experiences and amusing anecdotes supported by photos.
Tea and coffee will be served and donations of cakes will be welcome.

The presentation of the Camino de Santiago was held at the Trinity Church and was attended by over 60 walkers.   We were honoured to have five u3a members from far away as Twickenham in London, as well as more locally, Malvern. The guests had read Ian Barber’s article in the 3RD Age magazine and had wanted to know more about the pilgrimage.
A warm welcome was extended to everyone and Sylvia thanked Ian and Cathy for preparing all the photos on Power Point. She introduced Steve, Justin, Guy and Stuart who accompanied the photos with anecdotes and commentary.
The pilgrims had enjoyed a truly memorable experience on the Camino which was mainly due to Ian and Cathy’s meticulous planning and arrangements. This had ensured that the pilgrims had nothing to worry about except get up early each day to walk the distance.
All 16 pilgrims were delighted to have the opportunity for a reunion and to share their amazing experience with everyone present as well as relive their pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago.
The afternoon finished off with tea, coffee and delicious cakes which had been kindly donated by many of the walkers.
Sylvia
Walking Group Leader and Pilgrim

Walk    1587

Thursday 19 October       5.5 miles       Moderate/energetic        Pub lunch
Meet         Red Lion, Stiffords Bridge, Cradley, WR13 5NN Grid 734480 9.30 (to order lunch) for !0.00am start
Contact     Jim & Margaret     01684 296773 week before
Directions    From Great Malvern go northwards along the A449 taking the turning on the L.H.S. A4219 to Bromyard. After a few hundred yards the road branches, with the A4219 (Cowliegh Rd) on the R.H.S. Keep to the A4219 (Hereford and Bromyard) until it meets the A4103. Turn left towards Bromyard. The Red Lion is on the L.H.S. of the road in about 1mile.
Details    A pleasant walk through meadows and woodland passing ancient Cradley church. Fairly long , steady slope up to Cockshot Hill with good views from the top.

Unfortunately the pub will not be open for us either before or after our walk.

With the threat of heavy rain seven of us gather at the Red Lion at Stiffords Bridge on the Hereford to Worcester Road. But we were rewarded with a very pleasant walk past Cradley Church through some delightful countryside gently climbing to the top of Cockshot Hill where we meet a farmer tending to his sheep. Where he was using the lane to pen the sheep while he gave each their annual Flu and Covid Jabs then sprayed the bottoms Blue. We managed not to be included as we worked our way them and made our way back to the Red Lion down some fairly steep descents. As the Red Lion wasn’t doing food this day we stopped off at the Nags Head in Malvern for a bit to eat. And it didn’t rain very much on the walk. Thank you Jim and Margret. (Thanks to John W for the report and, to both Jim and John for the photos - SF)

Walk    1588

Wednesday 25 October         5 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park Grid 900320 off Tewkesbury ring road 10.00 start
Contact    Richard and Ken    Richard.hart13@btinternet.com     the week before
Directions    1st roundabout from the Morrisons end of the Tewkesbury ring road.
Details    To Tredington and back via lanes, tracks following the Swilgate. Could be some mud if it has been raining.
There is a Hungry Horse pub very near the car park so if you want to eat there, let us know and we will reserve a table. We can’t pre-order but service is usually very quick.

The Nature Reserve and its car park being under water, we had to change today’s walk. Instead we reinstated an old favourite around Cheltenham. Leaving the Race Course we walked through Pitville gardens and then onto the Honeybourne line track to reach Montpellier for our coffee stop.
Then we walked along the Promenade, passing the colourful Imperial Gardens flower beds and found our way back to the car park via the Regency Squares.
12 of us enjoyed a chilly but dry walk with a hint of sun (Thanks to Richard for the report ant to both Terry and Sylvia for their photos - SF))

November 2023

Walk   1589

Wednesday 1 November       3.5 miles   Easy       Pub lunch
Meet        Village Inn, Twyning    GL20 6DF    for a 10:00am start
Contact   Andrea and Bob email randawalton@googlemail.com or 01684 294676 the week before
Directions   From Tewkesbury, up the A38 towards Worcester, turn right after 2.5 miles and follow the road to Twyning. The pub is situated on the village green.
Details:   A walk along the river for 2 miles and back across farmland, mostly on paths and tracks. Mostly flat, could be muddy in places. One footbridge and one stile.

Message from Andrea:

Walk   1590

Wednesday 8 November       3 miles   Easy       Pub lunch
Meet       Crown Inn Kemerton GL20 7HP   for a 10.30am start
Contact   Barry   07751170833 or email barryms1942@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   B4080 Bredon road out of Tewkesbury, straight on through Bredon to Kemerton. Right turn after the pub. Park at side of road.
Details   A flat easy walk taking in paths and minor roads around Kemerton including the nature reserve.

12 members set out on this mild but grey autumn day. From the war memorial in Kemerton, under darkening skies, we set off east along the main road to St Benet's Catholic Church where we turned left towards Bredon Hill and then left again along the lanes of the village to complete a square. Just before reaching our start point the heavens opened and treated us to a short but heavy shower. From the war memorial again we headed south towards St. Nicholas church but turned right to cross the orchard leading to Kemerton lake footpaths. Having reached the intended return point in good time the members voted to do an add on walk to the Bird Hide, taking on the challenge of the muddy paths, where we took our break and relaxed before returning back to the village via fields, circumnavigating Upper Court lake. A tasty pub meal at the Crown to follow. Many thanks to Barry for a lovely walk where we enjoyed the reds and golds of the autumn trees. (Thanks to Terry for the report and for the photos together with Margaret - SF)

Walk 1591

Thursday 9 November          4.75 miles          Energetic          Pub Lunch
Meet             The Wyche Inn, Malvern     WR14 4EQ      Grid 437772    9.30 to order lunch for a 10.00am start.
Contact          Betty & Graham     01684 594331     or email graham.mealand@btinternet.com
Directions       A438 Tewkesbury-Ledbury Rd, after Duke of York pub turn right on B4208 Malvern, at Welland turn left on A4104, turn left A449, at British Camp turn right B4232 to the Wyche.
Details            Moderately undulating walk round northern Malverns. From eastern side, St. Anne’s Well to Lady de Walden Drive, onto northern end. On western side, weather permitting, views of Black Mountains & Cats Back, a recent walk. Passing Table Hill, Sugar Loaf, & Worcester Beacon (not climbing them) we make our way down to the Wyche Inn for lunch.

We must be one of the most fortunate u3a Walking Groups with Hills to enjoy close to Tewkesbury near Bredon and Malvern.
On the Malvern Hills this time with its many walking ( and cycling at the week-ends, beware!) trails to choose from. With an “ Energetic”
Title we had 18 of us meeting at The Wyche Inn before heading towards the North end of the Hills with its undulating paths.
We paused briefly at St Anne’s Well where blind George used to play his organ years ago before climbing steadily upwards to
the Lady Howard De Walden path which circles North Hill for 1.6 miles.It was here, despite the wonderful views, that our luck ran
out in a freshening wind and rain.
But never mind, we are tough characters and quickly donned our raincoats with collars turned up as we left our coffee stop.Just briefly
we chatted a bit less as we coped with the elements but not to worry! Downwards now as we circled the Worcestershire Beacon on
the way back to lunch for 1 o’clock. A great pub the Wyche Inn and a good feed was had by all, a bit wind blown and damp but still
in love with The Malverns!! (Report and pictures from Graham)

Walk   1592

Thursday 16 November       5 miles   Moderate      Pub Lunch
Meet       Shutters Inn, Gotherington, car park GL52 9EZ Grid SO957297 what3words: scam.mentioned.bravest for a 10.00am start
Contact   John & Guy      01684 491388   the week before
Directions   From Tewkesbury A46 to Aston Cross. Right on B4078 to join A435 towards Cheltenham. Gotherington is third turn on the left. The Shutters is on the right just after the turning to the left to Woolstone.
Details   An undulating walk around the Tirle Brook valley near Gotherington with some stiles. If you would like lunch at the Shutters Inn afterwards please visit their website https://www.theshutterinngotherington.co.uk/index to look at their lunchtime menu and place your order with John & Guy when booking the walk.

Walk   1593

Wednesday 22 November       5 miles   Energetic   Pub lunch
Meet       Queen Elizabeth Inn, Elmley Castle WR10 3HS Grid SO 982411   from 9.30 to order lunch for a 10:00am start
Contact   Mike and Jenny   01684 772194   week before
Directions   A46 to Beckford. Turn left to Ashton Under Hill and then straight on to Elmley Castle. Take care where road narrows between buildings. Park in Main Street (or behind Pub)
Details   An energetic walk going up to the Tower via Even Hill and back down Hill Lane. One stile.

Walk   1594

Thursday 23 Nov   6.5 Miles    Easy (so the book says) Pub lunch if you wish.
Meet       The Colesbourne Inn GL53 9NP at 9.45am
Contact    Calvyn   01684 296684 or even better use the on line form the week before, with your pre-orders. Menu here: Food and drink in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - The Colesbourne Inn. Use the slider on their web page to get to the sandwich lunchtime menu, yes confusing isn’t it. I’ll put the two menus on our web site to make it easier! Note: Colesbourne were insistent they want 5 days preorder, so please book and order promptly by weekend before walk.
Directions   Through Cheltenham, A40 Oxford direction then fork right on A435 in Charlton Kings. Pub car park on the left after nearly 4 miles on A435 after Seven Springs roundabout. (The A436 from the Air Balloon to Seven Springs is likely to be closed.)
Details   A Fisher-Price walk along and around Colesbourne, Upper Coberly and Lower Cockleford not forgetting Tomtit's Bottom using paths, fields, cart track, bridleway, couple of ¼ mile road stretches.

Directions Entrance is on Bourton Road/along the A44 from Bourton on the Hill

Details A Fisher-Price walk. Starting from Arboretum, down the drive to pick up Monarchs Way to Blockley,

Walk   1595 Venue Changed

Wednesday 29 November   6 miles   Easy   Lunch own arrangements
Meet       Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX for a 10.00am start
(Parking available in Tewkesbury car parks. There is a £1 a day car park at the top of Station Road in Tewkesbury behind Morrisons)
Contact   Meg   07711784225 or 01684 304199   the week before
Directions   Sun Street is off Tewkesbury High Street opposite the Post Office.
Details   We walk along the river Avon for a short while before walking uphill (not steep) to a lane and continue to Church End for a coffee stop at the church ( toilet in church). We continue via footpath and a short way along a road to the Fleet Inn (no stop planned!) before returning to Tewkesbury along the river Avon. There are several styles.

Walk 1595

Wednesday 29 November       6 miles       Moderate/Energetic Possible pub lunch
Meet               St Nicholas church in Kemerton   GL20 7HY for a 10.00am start
Contact          Meg    07711784225 or 01684 304199 the week before
Directions     B4080 Bredon road out of Tewkesbury, straight on through Bredon to Kemerton. Right turn after the Crown pub. Park at side of road by church after 400 metres.
Details           Walk up Bredon Hill to the Tower and return via Westmancote either by footpath or fields (if suitable). Optional lunch at The Crown at walker’s discretion. If you wish to pre-book probably needs to be done by phone ( 01386 725020) the day before as not open that early in the morning. ( Ed: on 8 Nov, there was no pre-ordering, we ordered on arrival and the food, which was good, arrived about 30 minutes later).

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.