South Cotswold Ramblers` Group

South Cotswold Ramblers’ Group
Newsletter - June 2013
Published each year in February, June and October. We look forward to hearing from you with stories,
opinions, photos, poetry, art, funny tales, cartoons, appeals, you name it. This edition was edited by
Sally Davis 01453 872729, email: [email protected]
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
One thing which is becoming obvious
throughout our organisation is that coming
years are going to feature some very
serious challenges for us, something
reflected in the motions at General
Council. Changes in planning regulations
proposed by Government will lead to more
applications for housing and, while there is
a legitimate need for more housing, we
must be on our guard to ensure that
footpaths and countryside are protected.
Similarly the rush to find renewable
energy must not result in wind farms
detracting from the beauty of our AONBs
or endangering our footpaths. Coupled
with the cut backs in Public Rights of Way
at GCC these matters should provide us
with plenty of campaigning and practical
work for the foreseeable future. I recently
objected on behalf of Ramblers to the
proposed housing development at Baxter’s
field in the Slad Valley. The application
was rejected but is now going to appeal.
Our footpath committee is working closely
with PROW to monitor problems and help
with clearance. In South Cots we have a
comprehensive, well supported walks
programme, and hopefully we can attract
more members who will increase their
involvement in Ramblers.
As I sit at my
keyboard the sun
is shining, it’s the
warmest day of the
year and my
suitcase is half
packed ready for
the South Cots
holiday on
Dartmoor. The
first two evening walks of the year have
completed without a spot of rain, as can be
seen from this photo taken near Bisley. All
is well with the world.
At the end of April I attended General
Council. Three appointments were made to
the Board of Trustees, all relatively younger
members, who will hopefully bring some new
progressive ideas to our organisation. Among
motions passed was one calling on Areas and
Groups to lobby their prospective MPs in the
run-up to the next general election, one
calling for a national volunteer development
programme, one calling for national
guidelines to ensure rights of way are
protected in future housing developments,
one calling for a review of governance of
Ramblers and one calling for guidance on
planning applications for wind farms. All in
all a useful conference which augers well for
the future.
Richard Davis - Group Chairman
Just one last thought. Did you know that our Group expenses so far this year have
amounted to £445? Of this figure £392 represent costs incurred in sending paper
newsletters and programmes. That is 88% of expenses or 1 1/3 kissing gates. If you
have the facilities and have not already done so, PLEASE PLEASE consider
switching to electronic mail.
1
Ramblers South Cotswold Group Footpath Committee by John Corry
This committee meets every three
months or so with a view to keeping
our footpaths as clear and unobstructed
as possible and to input walkers' point
of view into proposed changes to the
footpath network. This work is
undertaken not only for Ramblers
members, but on behalf of all walkers.
The last meeting was held on 11th April
2013 chaired by Bob Frewin, South
Cotswold Footpath Secretary. It was
attended by Penny Fernando, Jill Byrne
and John Corry.
The meeting discussed seven new
reported footpath obstructions and four
new proposed footpath diversions.
Footpath obstructions will often result
in a site visit by a member of the
committee and where necessary liaising
with Gloucestershire Public Rights of
Way staff to remove the problem.
On occasion Bob and helpers will clear
the obstruction. Last year 80 man hours
were expended in carrying out this
work and 31 paths were cleared. Glos
PRoW also reported in roughly the
same period 2,088 new footpath
problems and they managed to
"complete" 59% of this number complete in this instance can include
problems that were closed without any
action taken.
The committee will also examine
proposed footpath diversions, e.g.
where a farm has expanded over the
years and a footpath now goes through
the middle of a potentially dangerous
working environment. The sensible
thing is to divert around the working
area in a way that keeps the footpath
open and safe. The last meeting
discussed diversions in the parishes of
Cainscross, Slimbridge, King's Stanley
and Arlingham. Many of these cases
will result in a site meeting with the
landowner and Glos PRoW.
With the financial cuts that are
affecting the ability of Glos PRoW staff
to keep our footpaths open, the
importance of the work of this
committee can only increase. New
members/helpers are always welcome.
At their next meeting the Footpath Committee will be discussing a proposal which
they hope will improve the reporting of footpath problems and consequently speed
up how quickly they are dealt with. Details will soon be / are on our website.
Public Rights of Way Quiz - Part Two
Q6. What is a Permissive Path? A. A route made
Q5. What roles do local councils have in relation to
available to walkers (and sometimes to riders) by a
landowner, but not dedicated as a right of way. The
National Trust and Woodland Trust have provided
several of these locally (have you tried the one
through Newark Park down to the bottom gate in
Ozleworth Bottom and another one from the car park
to link with the Cotswold Way?) Of course the
permission to use them can be withdrawn at any
time, so they do not appear on OS maps.
More next time …
Public Rights of Way?
A. Gloucestershire County Council is the Highway
Authority, responsible for PRoWs, so report
problems to them. District Councils have no duties,
but have the power to become involved. Parish
Councils can also become involved - it is often quite
effective to report a problem to them as well to put
more pressure on with a problem.
2
Was this the muddiest year ever?
Look at the pictures below and see if you agree with
my choice. (Sally)
In October Enid’s walk from
Winchcombe involved muddy
fields, even though she had
changed it to avoid the worst of
the mud.
It didn’t get any better in
November with Maurice’s walk
from Ham - remember the picture
of him sitting astride the gate
trying to avoid the water below?
In December Anne E led us on a walk
from Arlingham, along the River
Severn. Anne had changed the walk
many times to try to avoid the worst
of the mud, but John Lang took a
picture here. Grass - what grass?
The new year didn’t get any better.
Careful negotiation of this muddy
patch involved clinging on to the
hedge on John G’s Luckington
walk in January.
And in February Karen’s Dursley
walk gave us an opportunity to
continue practising our (by now
highly accomplished) mudcrossing skills.
3
In the Spring concert of the Stroud
Symphony Orchestra, Mike really
enjoyed playing the still modern
sounding Four Sea Interludes by
Benjamin Britten, whilst many of the
packed audience including many
ramblers probably more enjoyed Lukas
Hank's exciting performance of the
Sibelius Violin Concerto. The
Tchaikovsky Fifth Symphony was a
rousing finishing item
In the 22 June Summer concert
coming up, Jonathan Trim, the
conductor, is quietly confident that this
will be one of our best yet - fingers
crossed - no, that's a stupid idea! The
strings are playing Elgar's famous
Serenade, and there is no hiding place for
any player behind the louder sounds of
wind and brass. Consequently all string
players are going the extra mile with
their rehearsing! The winds too are on
their own with a Strauss piece, and we
finish with an amazing first symphony
by Beethoven. Don't miss it! Tickets
from Stroud Tourist Information or on
the door.
Welcome to New Members
We are very pleased to welcome another eleven people to our group and hope they will enjoy belonging.
Mike Garner - membership secretary
Newsletter: Angela Marks & Sally Davis
Footpath Chairman and Footpath
Secretary:
Bob Frewin 01453 545752
[email protected]
Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary:
John Corry 01453 845574
[email protected]
Footpath Clearance:
Bob Frewin
Footpath Committee Member:
Penny Fernando
Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator:
Mike Garner 01453 873625
[email protected]
Led Walks Collectors for November 2013 February 2014:
John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend
Walks
Anne Eamer 01453 842551 Start the Week
Walks
Jacqui Pycroft 01666 826139 Midweek Walks
Chairman:
Richard Davis 01453 762373
[email protected]
Vice Chairman:
Mike Garner 01453 873625
[email protected]
Group Secretary:
Bernard Smith 01453 884013
[email protected]
Group Treasurer:
Brian Witcombe
01453 872220
[email protected]
Membership Secretary, Book Sales:
Mike Garner 01453 873625
[email protected]
Press Secretary:
Kathy Bullen 01453 860004
[email protected]
Without portfolio:
John Corry Brian Kirkman Diana Davis
Website: Mike Garner & Sally Davis
4
Not sure where to go for your next walking holiday?
The South Cots are a fount of information on where to go, what time of year, which
company to use and also the useful tips that can make or break a holiday. A big Thank you
to everyone who supplied this. If you want more information, talk to them on a walk and
learn from their great experience.
1) Isles of Scilly, April (or Late September) - Naturetrek
8-day birdwatching and natural history. We visited all inhabited islands with boat trips on most days in
April 2012 (full report on their website). Suitable for beginner/intermediate bird watchers. Leader knew all
the best bird watching locations - and refreshment stops! Sea crossing takes 3 hours. Fixed wing plane
expensive. No helicopter any more. An excellent dinner each night. Not cheap but a great way to see these
amazing islands with a different climate and interesting flora/fauna.(Supplied by Mike and Heather)
2) Mayrhofen, Austria - HF Holidays - July/ August 2011 - excellent hotel and food - choice of easy and
hard walks (Supplied by Marten and Cherie)
3) Selva, Italy - HF Holidays - July/ August 2012 - very good hotel and food - choice of easy and hard
walks (Supplied by Marten and Cherie)
4) Calveiros, Algarve, Portugal- Mercury Direct
8 day stay at the Baia cristal hotel on the cliffs, the most amazing walks achieved daily, initially for 3 to 4
hrs but up to 7 to 8 hrs steady pace, ten minute stops every now and then. Went solo for whole trip, felt safe,
superb photos , friendly locals. Went half board with good breakfast, out walking all day and return to three
course evening meal. Set off on the first day to the sea, turned right and kept going, the next day same left .
By day 3 I was confident enough to try inland and go further along the coast . Visited every beach in Lagoa ,
loved it .
Transfers included, excellent service and food at hotel. Top marks from me all for under £400 (Supplied by
Sandra H)
5) Picos de Europa, Spain - Exodus
Time of year:May/June
Good Points: Good walking with varied scenery
Bad Points: Basic hotel, but adequate. (Supplied by Sheelagh C)
6) Austrian Tirol - Exodus
Time of year: June
Good Points: Plenty of Mountains to climb with a welcome mountain hut for refreshments most days. Good
scenery. 2 leaders.
Bad Points: There were a lot of flies around, especially in the dining room when we were eating - the fly
strips didn’t do their job. (Supplied by Sheelagh C)
7) National Parks of the West, America - Exodus
Time of year:May/June
Good Points: Excellent holiday, the best I’ve been on for scenery. Each National park was so different.
Numerous varied walks around each park, bus service to take you to another point in the park to start
walking. For me, nothing has matched this holiday. Hotels mostly good. (Supplied by Sheelagh C)
Bad Points: Some long mini bus journeys between parks (one 9 hours), bus was a bit cramped, but leader
did stop quite often for comfort breaks. The food was quite often fast food, with only a few locations
having good restaurants.
8) Canadian Rockies - Exodus
Time of year:June
Good Points: Great scenery, but not as varied as America. Hotels were good, and two nights we stayed in a
proper log cabin with no running water or electricity-it was actually fun! We also did a 14 hour boat journey
from Vancouver Island back to the Mainland-Bella Coola, the views from the boat were stunning.
Bad Points: Some long drives. Not as much walking as I would have liked (Supplied by Sheelagh C)
5
9) New Zealand- Grand Tour - Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
Time of year: February
Good Points: The weather was good and only really had one day of rain. We travelled down North Island
and down the west coast of South Island, which gave us all the main sights. There was a boat trip on Milford
Sound which is a must. Good insight into the Maori culture, but you may be fed up with this by the end of
the holiday.
Bad Points: Some long drives. Not as much walking as I would have liked. Sand Flies kept biting people.
However, I bought some insect repellent in New Zealand, as well as using a lemon scented shower gel and
body lotion (Body Shop), and they seemed to stay away from me. We visited Christchurch on the last day,
and the devastation was upsetting, however, the locals were very upbeat about the situation (Supplied by
Sheelagh C)
10) South Africa, Eastern Cape - Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
This holiday offers a chance to see some of the less touristy parts of South Africa. Six days are spent in
national parks and include game drives both day and night. A chance to get near big animals.The walks are
not difficult, never more than 8 miles but often involve river crossings by stepping stones or just
paddling.The trip ends at the “wild coast” by the Pacific 11 miles from the nearest main road.
Disadvantages: Only 1. The long return journey. A 6 hour drive to Durban then 2 flights.
Advice. Game drives can be very cold so take something warm to wear including hat, scarf and gloves.
(Supplied by Enid)
Brian Witcombe writes about the new HF holiday hotel at Beddgelert
WHERE HAVE ALL THE WELSHMEN GONE?
It took us five hours to drive up to the new HF House near Beddgelert including a stop for lunch in
Llangollen where we were served by an Italian. None of the 28 guests we met at the house or the three
leaders were Welsh, the catering staff were Scottish (from the closed house in Arran) and the chap who
drove the mini-bus to the walks was from Sheffield. By contrast there were several people from the
Cotswolds including Andy, a leader, who went to Marling
School and lived in Inchbrook and Lisa and Grant, the avid
photographers and SCR members from Cheltenham.
The house, Craflwyn Hall, is set in the glorious Llyn Dinas
Valley a mile from the centre of Beddgelert and is on long
term lease from the National Trust. It offers easy access to
innumerable walks ranging from gentle river-side strolls to
taxing rocky scrambles. The grub was excellent, the
personable staff worked their socks off to ensure we had a
good time and the leaders were of the calibre you expect from
HF. The house has been furnished to retain its rustic
character but there were a few wrinkles. The house has just
opened and things like outside benches and boot-scrapers
were just being delivered while the staffing was not yet up to
a full complement. Further work is also planned to extend
the kitchen. However, none of this affected our enjoyment.
There were lots of nearby things to do on our day off, the
walking was spectacular, the sun shone and we had a great
time.
Mae West famously said, “Marriage is a fine institution, but I
am not ready for an institution yet”. HF is another fine
institution and Craflwyn is an excellent addition to its
portfolio.
6
South Cotswold Ramblers Holiday at Haytor on Dartmoor - May 2013
On May 11th 20 South Cots Ramblers started their
holiday on Dartmoor at the HF Holiday House,
Moorlands (see below for its amazing story - you
couldn’t find better if it were fiction!) After an
excellent meal, we had
a walk round Haytor
Vale and some of us
took part in a “World “
quiz - which seemed to
consist of photos of
where one of our
leaders had lived!
gave us a talk about the history of Exeter which was
very useful preparation for the following day
because on Thursday our walks centred round the
River Exe and Exeter. One group followed the
coastal path and then caught the ferry, and the other
two groups began at different locations along the
Exe. We all met in Exeter for the bus home.
Our final day had us
all back on the moor,
looking at Bronze Age
sites, stone circles,
Sunday had us all up on
indications of tin
the moor, exploring the
mining as well as the usual tors. We all finished up
area nearby - the old
at Widdecombe in the Moor for cream teas, a beer or
granite tramway and quarries and the prehistoric and
whatever seemed an appropriate celebration.
medieval ruins, as well as climbing many tors. In the
evening it was carpet bowls.
On Monday we were bussed to the north of
Dartmoor, starting in different places, and eventually
making our way to Okehampton, via various tors
and the Tarka trail. Word Wheels in the evening.
Dartmouth was our destination on a very wet
Tuesday. Some were on the coastal path, some
nearer the Dart River, passing by Agatha Christie’s
home, Greenway. Ferries were part of our transport
system. WE ALL GOT WET! (Not a lot of photos
were taken because no-one wanted to risk their
cameras!)
On Wednesday two thirds of the group (who had
opted for the shorter version of the holiday) went
home - and the weather improved enormously!.
During our week we
saw delightful
Dartmoor ponies,
wild flowers we’d
not seen before,
experienced the
changeable weather,
walked miles and
enjoyed excellent
company and plenty of enjoyable food. We came
away with a sense of what an amazing and varied
place Dartmoor is.
A big Thank you to Mike for his hard work
organising this for our enjoyment.
6 South Cots, 4 visiting Canadians and Uncle Tom
Cobbley and all passed a pleasant “Day Off” doing
their own thing in the sunshine. A local tour leader
Sally Davis
place including buying a chandelier that was meant for
the QE2 for £15,000 (it is now worth £60,000) and has
Built in 1892 for £4000 and became a hotel in 1905. Its
127 bulbs and 215 pieces of Dartington glass. When he
greatest claim to fame was when Agatha Christie decided died, he didn’t want his family to inherit so he passed it
to spite her sister by writing “The Mysterious Affair at
on to a friend with the proviso that she stayed for 10
Styles” while staying there. In World War II it was taken
years. She hated staying
over by the military, but afterwards was used for posh
there, and the day after the
society ‘dos’ until one of the kitchen staff left cloths
10 year period expired, she
drying over the fire and burnt down most of the inside of
sold Moorlands and it was
the house. It stood derelict for many years until Sidney
at this point that HF
Hindle - a millionaire from his remnant shops Holidays took over,
refurbished it. He was quite a character (6ft 7 and gay)
dealing with the decline
and bought the hotel to carry on his riotous life-style.
and turning it back into a
History tells several amusing stories about events at
hotel.
Moorlands during this period. He spent lavishly on the
The history of Moorlands
7
DECLINE AND FALL
The ivy creeping through the cracks
Expanding joints where tendrils touch
The hills have dry stone wall disease But holding firm the boundary line
and promised lifetime guarantees
Then weedkiller
Made lifetimes past
Drought
Can hardly last forever
Old age and such
Destroys the plant
The craft is lost to all but few
and starts the slow decline
The builders too
Victims of the rain and frost
Have gone to dust
Tumbling
Crumbling The owners mumbling time
As all along the winding roads
and cost
and narrow tracks
Now owning scree where walls have
In toothless gaps
crashed
The stones collapse
The glowing embers of country life
To errant gusts
Now grey white ash
But hope abides in those who
care
As those with money
Here and there
Both brash and bold
Rebuild with brand new
honeyed gold
But who would dare to be the
first
To be the ones forever cursed
For using
BREEZEBLOCK!!
John Lang
TWEET US GENTLY
You may have noticed our link on the website
inviting you to "Follow @SCotsRamblers". The experts (the twitterati)
amongst you will realise that this is our new South Cotswold Twitter
Account and know all about it. If you know nuffin' and wish to see
what the fuss is all about I recommend an article from Age-UK whatever your antiquity. http://tinyurl.com/how-to-do-twitter-ageuk
The main thing for anyone thinking of joining is that you can follow
(read messages) of other organisations and people without tweeting
(sending messages) yourself - it's like your own personalised news
network. Please let us know how you get on. Mike.
Dursley Walking Festival 2013
Included in the South Cotswold Ramblers autumn programme are 2 walks in the Dursley area on Saturday 5th
October which will be open to members of the public as part of the Dursley Walking Festival. The 3 day festival runs
from Friday 4th – Sunday 6th October. Do make a note of the dates in your diary now. The full programme of walks,
which should include something for everyone, will shortly be available at www.dursleywelcomeswalkers.org.uk
Going away with Ramblers' Holidays?
We have recently received a sum of money for
Group Funds from Ramblers Holidays where
members taking a holiday with them have
nominated South Cotswold Group. If you ever
forget to tell them when booking, there is still time
if you contact them before you go. By your doing
so, they will donate £10, £20 or even £30 per
person to our funds to be used to benefit walkers.
For more info, click the link to Walking
Partnership on our Messages page.
Date for the diary - Ramblers Festive
Lunch - Saturday 18 January 2014
If you would wish to put any items in the next
newsletter (which will go out in October) , please
send them either to Sally Davis
(sallydavis@hotmail,co,uk) or Angela Marks
([email protected]) by 5th September.
8
Sat 31 May to Sat 7 June 2014 for 7 nights - Organiser Mike Garner, tel 01453 873625
An exciting opportunity has arisen for members of
our Group to book up for a super flexible holiday in
a most attractive location near to Keswick. As well
as the usual three levels of Guided Walking (easier,
medium and harder) as is normal in an HF holiday,
there will also be what HF call Discovery Walks
taking place in the same week, with daily shorter
(3 or 4 mile) gentle walks and sightseeing visits
with another leader. Everyone who books will mix in
the evenings. This may prove to be just the job for a
member with a partner less keen on walking but
wishing to have a holiday in this lovely area.
Medium walks would include Cat Bells, Buttermere
and Black Sail, and Patterdale via Place Fell to
Ullswater.
Easier walks would include a walk around and near
Crummock Water, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and a
visit to the pretty village of Rosthwaite, follow
Watendlath Beck, and view Lodore Falls before
strolling back along the shores of Derwentwater.
Discovery Walks (3-4 miles long) would include an
easy summit to view Keswick, Derwent Water and
the Borrowdale valley, Buttermere, Cockermouth, as
well as visiting the childhood home of William and
Dorothy Wordsworth, Surprise View and much
photographed Ashness Bridge, catching a launch
back. You would also visit Aira Force, the best
waterfall in the lakes, and the Jaws of Borrowdale.
The Wednesday - will be our day off to explore
some of the many other attractions of the district - or
even do another (self-guided) walk!
And, if you are a very keen, strong walker, there is a
chance to climb some challenging mountains.
We have therefore arranged a provisional booking
(held until the end of July) for 12 singles and 6
twins or doubles at Derwent Bank, starting the
holiday on Sat 31 May (after the holiday week) and
finishing on Sat 7 June. Do not be late to book - first
come, first served. If there is demand HF might even
be able to accommodate more. However late bookers
(after 20 July) will probably have to pay extra.
Accommodation - The HF house has lawns running
down to the lake and there are fantastic views of the
fells. There are 32 en-suite bedrooms, all in the main
building. Some of the rooms have views over the
The hotel is beautifully located in extensive gardens lake, whilst others face towards the mountains of Cat
Bells and Grizedale Pike. Standard rooms leading down to Derwentwater, with a little jetty on
comfortable accommodation with an en-suite
the lake. It's a pleasant walk into Keswick itself.
bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, television
and hairdryer. There are a few double or twin
The choice of walking
Premium rooms which have extra space or
HF Holidays run a two week timetable of guided
exceptional views and in addition to the Standard
walking, and if the pattern of 2013 is continued, the
Harder walks would include Scafell Pike, England’s room facilities have an Alarm clock with iPod
player, enhanced toiletries, towelling robe and
highest summit, Helvellyn via Striding Edge and a
route up Blencathra described by Wainwright as the complimentary slippers. Also these rooms will be
available from 12 noon on arrival day.
finest way to any mountain-top.
Scafell Pike, highest mountain in England
Derwent Bank, an idyllic location
9
GUIDED WALKING, daily except Wednesday:
Harder Day Walks:
9 to 12 miles, between 2,850 and 3,400 feet of ascent in a day.
Medium Day Walks:
8 to 10 miles. between 1,400 and 2,100 feet of ascent in a day.
Easier Day Walks:
6 to 7 miles, between 325 and 1,275 feet of ascent in a day.
DISCOVERY WALKS, daily except Wednesday:
3 to 4 miles with visits and boat trips. NB This is a separate
holiday package with a dedicated leader.
Striding
Edge
from
Helvellyn
3,117 feet
Whichever holiday you choose, we will all be together for meals
and evening activities.
Food - consists of the usual excellent HF full board with an
extensive help yourself and/or cooked breakfast, choose your own
picnic lunch and sociable evening meal.
Light-hearted optional Social Activities arranged each evening.
Getting there - Keswick is about 5 hours travel from Stroud via
M5, M6 and A66. Members are advised to ensure that they have
made their transport arrangements as early as possible.
Ashness Bridge,
subject of countless snapshots
Price of the holiday
7 nights £689 per person (2014 brochure price is £739).
Single rooms - £5 per night to be added.
Premium rooms - £5 per person per night to be added.
The deposit includes a non-returnable £2 to help defray Group
expenses in arranging the holiday. If you cancel, the rest of the
deposit is also non-refundable unless your place(s) is/are filled
by other members. Please book now as the rooms are allocated on
a first come first served basis. Late bookings might be possible
but ring me first and I will check with HF. The balance is payable
by 20 February 2014. If you wish to come, please book with a
cheque for £80 per person deposit no later than 20 July.
Derwentwater, three miles long and a
mile wide, with several islands, one of
which is inhabited
HF Holiday in the Lake District - 31 May to 7 June 2014
To Mike Garner, Southcot, The Headlands, North Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5PS
Please reserve * ONE / TWO places for the holiday at HF Derwent Bank for 7 nights @ £689 per person.
Tick as appropriate COUPLES ____ twin ____ double ____ don’t mind. SINGLE ____ (£35 extra). All
rooms are ensuite. ____TICK HERE to reserve a Premium Room if one is available (£35 per person extra).
I enclose a cheque payable to South Cotswold Ramblers for £______ (£80 per person non-refundable
deposit) including £2 per person for Group Expenses in arranging the holiday. Please acknowledge my
booking by * email / SAE enclosed. Please book early and by 20 July to avoid disappointment. After this
date please telephone Mike 01453 873625 to see if there is room - NB this may cost more after 20 July.
Signed ……………………………………………………………. Date …………………………………….
Delete as applicable*
Name 1 ………………………………………………………..... * GUIDED Walking / DISCOVERY Walks
Name 2 ……………………………………………………….… * GUIDED Walking / DISCOVERY Walks
10
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
AREA NEWS
June 2013
The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity
(England and Wales no 1093577, Scotland no.
SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee,
registered in England & Wales (no. 4458492).
Registered office 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87
- 90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW
Editor: This edition is typed and layout designed by Angela Marks 01452
616886.
Area News is issued three times a year in February, June and October. Items
of news and suggestions or other features are always welcome.
Deadline dates: 6th May, 6th September, 6th January
Tony Drake Memorial Event – 22 May 2013
June was a welcome guest as was Geoffrey Williams,
former Chairman of Ramblers Wales/Cymru who is
keen to see a firm future for Tony’s creation the
Cambrian Way. James Blockley Cotswold Way National
Trail officer whose team had installed the Memorial was
very much in evidence.
Members, after an enjoyable picnic then settled down to
hear RA Chief Executive Benedict Southworth speak
about the value of Tony’s work and how important it is
for us, today’s members to value Tony’s legacy of a
mapped and recorded comprehensive network of
footpaths in our beautiful county. Benedict, only two
weeks in post, attended Tony’s funeral in March 2012
and notably is the first RA CEO never to actually meet
Tony but he, as he told us, proudly wears Tony’s RA
badge, that is the one before the rucsac, the ‘two hills
and grass’ which Tony referred to as ‘the nuclear winter’,
and the present ‘stick and rock’.
A handsome ironwork sculpture memorial to Tony Drake
MBE was unveiled by RA President Kate Ashbrook on
the Cotswold Way at Hambutts Field, Painswick in the
presence of some 150 Gloucestershire members on
Wednesday 22 May 2013.
Kate Ashbrook, RA President and Director of the Open
Spaces Society, former owners of Hambutts Field, gave
an inspiring address before unveiling the memorial
which had been cleverly veiled by our resourceful
President Frank Wragg. Chilly winds and grey skies
magically vanished and the sun broke through at that
moment. Tony, never given to displays of emotion,
clearly approved.
Commemorative walks were led by Geoff Smithdale
(Area mid week), John Street (Gloucester), Mike Garner
(South Cots), Sheila Constable (Forest of Dean) and
Brian Payne (Cleeve). Mid Glos and Cirencester
teamed up with Forest. Brian Reader, former RA
Chairman and it is believed Benedict Southworth our
Chief Executive both joined one of the walks.
Janet Davis, Senior Policy Officer, Footpaths who had
known Tony for 28 years delivered a spellbinding
address. Janet, though based in Central Office, knew
Tony remarkably well as became clear as she recalled
his campaigns, his tenacity and yes that path at
Maisemore which featured on so many footpath
committee agendas. Her address is available to read
and print off on the News page of the Area Website.
Chairman Richard Davis welcomed the walkers and
representatives from organisations with which Tony had
worked with, or even worked against at times. These
included Glos CC ProW, the former Countryside
Commission, later Natural England, YHA Wales,
Cotswold Wardens and Cotswold Way wardens, CPRE,
Cotswold AONB Conservation Board. Particularly
welcome were Dave Morris RA Director Scotland,
Angela Charlton RA Director Wales, Beverley Penney
OBE former Director RA Wales, Pete Bland better
known to many members as co-ordinator of RamblersNet. Ron Williams, Welsh Council Executive Committee
and a key organiser for the forthcoming Tony Drake
memorial event to be held on the Cambrian Way on 22
Mark Richard the well known author of Cotswold Way
and other walks books and a long standing Drake family
friend over two generations added his own sparkle and
vivacity to the event, perhaps wisely advocating caution
over the future of Tony’s Cambrian Way preferring to
preserve it as a place of adventure and challenge,
somewhere for solace and for the soul.
1
Mavis Rear gave thanks to everyone who had helped
to make this event: her sub-committee colleagues,
Trustees of Hambutts Field Trust, Painswick parish
council, the Cotswold Wardens, Glos CC and
neighbours who had allowed those with limited
mobility to park on their private drives.
Chairman Richard Davis closed events by thanking
everyone for coming and Mavis Rear for organising
the event.
An unscheduled finale was a heartfelt thank you from
Peter Drake, Tony’s cousin who expressed sincere
thanks from Tony’s family to us for organising this
event in spectacularly beautiful surroundings and for
providing a lasting memorial to Tony to be shared by
everyone who passes it on his creation, The Cotswold
Way.
MR 28 May 2013
Stretching up to unveil the memorial
Ramblers who attended the Tony Drake memorial Event
A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Since our last Area News the 2013 General Council has
been held and a full report should be published on the
Volunteer Website in the near future. Jill Byrne and I
attended as your delegates. The motions to General
Council did not seem to produce quite as much thought
provoking discussion as in previous Councils, which I
have attended, but never the less some quite important
decisions were taken. Among those passed were
motions requiring the Board to take steps to improve our
internet ranking, to protect rights of way in future
housing developments, to introduce National Volunteer
Development Programme, to review the Governance
Structure and to provide guidance on wind turbine farms.
Elections to the Board of Trustees resulted in the three
younger candidates being elected hopefully bringing
plenty of fresh new ideas into discussions.
Although of one of our major objectives over the last
three years has been to maintain membership levels,
they are still falling, something which is becoming very
worrying. New members are coming in slowly but
unfortunately their numbers are being exceeded by
resignations. While we can expect resignations in times
of recession we must still do everything we can to stem
the number of members leaving and attract new
members. Bernard has been working very hard to
increase our publicity profile and I continue to produce
’The Gloucestershire Rambler’ in an effort to let all of our
members what we are doing, but we must still do
everything we can in our groups to publicise our
activities.
Footpaths still represent a major challenge with further
cutbacks coming through from Public Rights of Way.
Changes to the Cotswold Way management and
outsourcing of footpath works are two of the latest
proposals. We will have to be prepared monitor the
effects of these changes and do what we can to ensure
that our network of footpaths is adequately maintained.
Richard Davis – Area Chairman
Don’t run, but walk
Brisk walking reduces the risk of heart disease more effectively than running when the energy expenditure
of both activities is balanced out, a study has found. Researchers compared data from two studies of
33,060 runners and 15,045 walkers. For the same amount of energy used, walkers experienced greater
health benefits than runners. The effects on participants, who were aged 18 to 80, were observed over a
period of six years,
The Guardian Weekly 19.04.13
2
GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA MID-WEEK WALKS
Map numbers: E = Explorer. OL = Outdoor Leisure, LR = Landranger. Sorry, no dogs!
2013
Wed 3 July
10:00
12m
Chipping Campden to Broadway
Jane
01242 235214 or 07790 412223 (walk morning)
Dover's Hill CP (OL45/LR151) SP 136397 Walk Dover's Hill, Chipping Campden, Broad Campden, Broadway, Saintbury. Long
views on a fine day. Picnic.
Wed 10 July 10:00
10m
Winchcombe
Arnold
01242 603576 or 07789 317291 (walk morning)
Back Lane CP (Pay & Display £1) (OL45/LR163) SP 023284 Walk Sudeley, Waterhatch, Roel Gate, Lynes Barn, Little Farmcote, Dunn's Hill. Picnic.
Wed 17 July 10:00
10.5m
Forest of Dean
Janet & Geoff
01531 650349 or 07933 737891 (walk morning)
Roadside parking near St Briavels Church and Castle (Youth Hostel). Meet at church gate. (OL14/LR162) SO 558045 Hilly walk via Wyegate Hill,
Slade Bottom (travertine dams), Rodmore Grove, Clanna Lakes, Woolaston Common and Hewelsfield Church. Picnic. Partly based on Walk 6 in
Forest of Dean book "Exploring Historic Dean"
Wed 24 July 10:00
10m
Cleeve Hill
Hazel
01242 254105 or 07884 094365 (walk morning)
Quarry CP near Golf Club House on Cleeve Hill (E179/LR163) SO 988272 Walk Cleeve Hill, Cotswold Way, Winchcombe Way, Noverton,
Prestbury, Southam, Prestbury Park, Kayte Farm, Haymes, Ben's Tump, Cleeve Hill. Picnic.
Wed 31 July 10:00
12m
Brimpsfield
Roy
01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning
Barrow Wake CP (E179/LR163) SO 931153 Walk Witcombe Wood, Climperwell Farm, Caudle Green, Brimpsfield Park, Gloucester Beeches,
Cowley Wood, Cowley, Shab Hill. Picnic.
Wed 7 Aug
10:00
10m
Wales
Jude
02920 254201
Meet on Old Road (by now closed Lancaster Arms) off the West side of the A465 in Pandy.(OL13/LR161) SO 333218 Walk Hatterrall Hill, Cwmyoy,
Offa's Dyke. Picnic.
Wed 14 Aug 10:00
10m
Temple Guiting
Susanne
01453 757212 or 07768 403530 (walk morning
Temple Guiting Village Hall CP. Parking by permission.(OL45/LR163) SP 089279 Walk Pinnock, Farmcote, Wood Stanway, Taddington, Cutsdean.
Picnic
Wed 21 Aug 10:00
10.5m
Stroud
Catherine
01452 615382
Stroud Leisure Centre (E179/LR162) SO 844057 WAS WAY Circular . A surprisingly hilly walk around the boundaries of Stroud. Lovely views.
Picnic.
Wed 28 Aug 10:00
11m
Ross on Wye
Guy
01242 251412 or 079688 797186 (walk morning)
Park in lane outside Weston Inn (off A40) Weston under Penyard. (E189/OL14/LR162) SO 631233 AM is stage 3 of The Original Ross Round.
Scenic but hilly walking over Howle Hill, The Homme and Cubberley. Lunch at Ross riverside -pub/café/picnic. Return shorter and easier terrain
through Penyard Park.
Wed 4 Sep
10:00
10m
Naunton
Anne B
01242 863504 or 07718 499523 (walk morning)
Park on roadside in Naunton. Meet outside the Black Horse Inn on the east side of village (OL45/LR163) SP 119235 Easy/moderate walk Brockhill
Farm, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, Lower Harford. Picnic.
Wed 11 Sep 10:00
10m
Newnham
Shirley
01242 524031
Station Road Newnham, alongside playing field. (OL14/LR162) SO 690120 Walk Dean Hill, Blaize Bailey, Lower Soudley, (Lunch at Dean Heritage
Centre Café or picnic), Bullo Pill.
Wed 18 Sep 10:00
11m
Bibury
Alan
01249 720519
Park in area opposite Arlington Mill near bridge (OL45/LR163) SP 115068 Walk in the Coln valley and around. Picnic.
Wed 25 Sep 10:00
11m
Malverns
Roy
01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning)
British Camp (E190/LR150) SO 763404 Walk Herefordshire Beacon, News Wood, Netherton Farm, Ridgeway, Eastnor Park, Whiteleaved Oak,
Fairoaks Farm, Hangman's Hill, Broad Down. Picnic.
Wed 2 Oct
10:00
12m
Ross on Wye
Guy
01242 251412 or 07968 797186 (walk morning)
Free long stay CP Wilton Road in Ross (E189/OL14/LR162) SO 589243 Walk on the new Loughpool Loop which follows the original Ross Round to
Foy Bridge - over the river to Foy church and on to the Loughpoll Inn for lunch/drink or picnic. Return via Peterstow, Broome Farm (Cidermakers),
Wilton Castle. An easy going & attractive walk.
Wed 9 Oct
10:00
11.5m
Another chance at Skyrryd
Derek T
01242 678655 or 07710 339297 (walk morning)
Park in lay-by on Old Ross road (B4521) (OL13/LR161) SO 328164 Strenuous hilly walk with approx. 800m ascent. Over Bryn Arw to Stanton,
Strawberry Wood, Llanvihangel Crucorney returning over Skyrryd (Ysgyryd Fawr). A repeat of a previous foggy walk. Picnic.
Wed 16 Oct 10:00
11.5m
Hornsleaslow
Des
01242 245666 or 07939 615749 (walk morning)
Hornsleaslow Quarry (Disused) Limited parking - fill cars. (OL45/LR150) SP 130322 Walk Hornsleaslow farm, Taddington, Ford, Crabs Corner.
Mostly undulating walk. Picnic.
Wed 23 Oct 10:00
11m
Coaley Peak
Martin
01249 720809
Meet Coaley Peak Picnic site. (E168/LR162) SO 794012 Walk Owlpen, Kingscote Wood, Horsley, Nympsfield. Picnic.
Tues 29 Oct
10:00
9m
Rodmarton
Diana
01242 578777 or 07528 697023 (walk morning)
(Again but different!)
Park considerately in the village and meet in front of the church. (E168/LR163) ST 943980 Walk Tarlton, Coates, Hailey Wood, Tarlton Down.
Picnic.
Offers of walks for the next programme (November 2013 to March 2014) are requested as soon as possible. New leaders
are particularly welcome! Please contact our walks co-ordinator Susanne Zamze (Tel: 01453 757212) Email:
[email protected] Walks details required by 31st August 2013, please.
AS A MEMBER YOU CAN WALK WITH ANY RAMBLERS’ GROUP - GRWwalks lists all the walks from the seven geographical
Gloucestershire groups, the Gloucestershire Walking Group (for 20s, 30s. & 40s) and the Area Walks in convenient date order.
See the Area website at www.gloucestershireramblers.org.uk
NO COMPUTER? Send SAE(s) (9x6”, C5 size) to editor Mike Garner (GR Walks) Southcot, The Headlands, Stroud, GL5 5PS
3
GROUP ACTIVITY REPORTS
South Cotswold Group
down to Cwmyoy and back to Pandy. There are far
reaching views in good weather.
We are now into our ‘summer’ programme with evening
walks as well as our regular Wednesday, Saturday and
alternate Monday walks. Numbers are being well
maintained, frequently exceeding thirty.
Jenny, our new publicity officer is working hard. She is
organising a stall outside the Cotswold Outdoor shop in
South Cerney over the May Day Bank Holiday and has
arranged for a local journalist from the Cotswold Essence
Magazine to join us on a walk.
As well as contributing the usual walks to the Stroud
Walking Festival, this year we are also providing two walks
for the new Dursley Walking Festival. This is an important
new venture for Dursley and ties in with their application
for Walkers are Welcome status. We have representation
on the committee which has been set up to oversee the
Festival and development of the Walkers are Welcome
status.
Our Footpath Committee continue to be very active and at
their last meeting discussed seven new reported footpath
obstructions and four new proposed footpath diversions.
They also carried out practical work, last year carrying out
eighty man hours of work in clearing thirty one footpaths.
We have had a good few new members this half of 2013
and our Webmaster reports 5725 hits to our website, over
double for the same period last year.
Pat Beckley - Group Secretary
Richard Davis – Group Chairman
On top of Giant’s Hill near Cerne Abbas on our weekend
away
Gloucester Group
The weather is kind on our first evening walk
Our enthusiastic walkers continue to walk almost every
weekend and also during the week. Early sunsets curtail
us from heading to distant parts but we have been
fortunate in attracting some new friends on our mid week
walks. However the dark nights gives us time to start
planning for the longer days and we have a week in
Derbyshire arranged for June based in Bakewell and in
September we are off to Austria where, a distant memory,
reminds me that they have some wonderful cake shops to
offer some reward for scaling the local mountain!
Cirencester Group
Despite the awful weather our group managed to
undertake all planned walks with up to 35 members on
some and quite a few visitors (most of whom have joined
the Ramblers!). We covered most of the Cotswolds with a
few outside the county. A lovely walk in Savernake Forest
near Marlborough and one at South Marston near
Swindon through Nightingale Wood with a stop at
Sevenhampton Church, the resting place of Ian Fleming.
His memorial reads Omnia perfunctus vitae praemia
marces - which roughly translates as: “You are rotting
away now after having had a good life.”
David Sanderson - Group Secretary
Gloucestershire Walking Group
The GWG has had a successful start to the year, with the
weather forcing only minor alterations to our walks
schedule! Our Sunday walks continue to be well-attended,
and after what seems to have been a very long winter we
were happy to be able to take advantage of the longer
days to restart our Thursday evening walks and pub meals.
At the time of writing, many group members are preparing
for a trip to the Lake District, and our walks programme for
the summer months is looking nicely full. We expect that
the summer will bring more opportunities for social events
as well as walking.
Following the popular Skittles and Quiz night at South
Cerney in January our Quizmasters Steve and Katherine
held another successful night on 19th April, again at South
Cerney. Both were well attended.
We have an Awayday planned for 19th May in Wales. From
Pandy we take the Offas Dyke path to where it splits with
the Beacon Way to Llanthony and Bal -bach. We continue
on Beacon Way along the ridge then leave it to descend
4
Forest of Dean Group
Ideal for charitable events or pure pleasure.
We have, as usual enjoyed a varied programme throughout
the last few months. A group of us took a break just after
Easter and went to the Gower for a few days. We stayed
in a lovely hotel right on the beach at Oxwich Bay. The
food was good and the staff were friendly and obliging. The
weather stayed fine, and because this is an area not
unknown to us our walks were varied in length and terrain.
We met early on the Sunday afternoon and had a short
walk, Monday there was a choice of long (approx 8/9 miles)
or short walks (approx 5 miles) for those interested and the
same again on Tuesday. There were also bird watching
opportunities at a nearby hide, and several castles to visit
for those of us unwilling to push ourselves too far in just a
few days. Wednesday morning was another walk a bit
further afield round the other side of the Gower and then
home, with a bit more sightseeing for some of us on the
way, to a well earned rest. All in all an interesting and very
enjoyable little holiday.
Finally, it is with great sadness that I report the sudden
passing of David Fisher, who will have been known to
some of you when he was elected as our Area Rep a few
years back. David served on our Committee for some
years and stepped in as temporary Chairman when we
needed him. David was also greatly involved in the church
and served for some considerable time as a “meter and
greeter” at Gloucester Cathedral, he was a member of the
British Legion, a keen cyclist and was involved with many
other groups. He moved to the Forest of Dean
approximately 12 years ago and joined the Ramblers in
about 2002 soon after his first wife died. I have asked
others who knew him better what their remembrances of
David were and here are just a couple:
“His strength was that he always had a smile, never a bad
word about anyone, and no-one had a bad word about him.
He was very pragmatic and ready to listen. He was the one
to come up with an appropriate compromise at any
meeting.”
On the 24th April this year the FoD. and Lower Wye groups
combined to walk one lap of the London Olympic Marathon
course which we completed in 12 miles.
. “A few years ago when chatting to David on a walk he said
that he only cleaned his house or did any household
chores on rainy days for as soon as the sun was out so
was he. I think it was the following year we had a long spell
of hot sunny weather and David arrived on a walk when
someone made the remark about our unusual dry spell and
David said almost under his breath "Yes, my house is very
dirty now." This memory always makes me chuckle.”
We took a Megabus from Gloucester into Victoria (£10
return) which gave us time to watch the changing of the
guard at noon in glorious sunshine. Our course then took
us up the Mall to the Embankment, the Sphinx, the Savoy,
and morning coffee at the Millennium Bridge. We travelled
on to that lovely sight of St Paul's Cathedral, followed by
the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange and then the
London Wall with its relics! Once through Cornhill we
stopped for lunch at the delightful Counting House pub
which is attached to an ancient graveyard, an ideal spot to
eat our sandwiches. Four o'clock saw us at Monument
and on to Traitors' Gate and the Tower and bridge.
David was greatly loved by all those who were privileged to
know him. Our thoughts go out to Maggie his wife of 7
months and his children and grandchildren.
J Burden. Sec FoD.
Diversified returns to Westminster via south or north bank,
river ferry or "Duck" via the Eye. A delightful, well
recommended walk, detailed maps available via FoD.
5
North Cotswold Group
Facing the elements on Blorenge
Sunshine on Tor y Foel – one day later!
afternoon we had planned a short stroll on Blorenge – a
hill of some 1850ft overlooking Abergavenny. It should
have been a “walk in the park” but near arctic conditions
turned it into something more like a “marathon”. It was
now obvious that our plan to tackle the Pen y Fan
Horseshoe over the weekend was not a sensible one
and we moved to plan B – a route that took us round
Talybont reservoir and over Tor y Foel which stood at
around 1815ft high with barely a speck of snow on top
and on a clear, sunny day the most wonderful views of
The Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains. What a
difference a day makes! Other walks took us along the
Usk Valley and Brecon & Monmouthshire canal and
beside, or even behind waterfalls at Pontneddfechan. A
good weekend was enjoyed by all with walking
organised by the Chairman to suit different abilities
which seemed to work well.
The Winter/Spring programme has been a mix of short
walks interspersed with Figure of 8 longer walks. At
Broadwell in January a normally gently trickling stream
became a river and a gentleman walker ended up thigh
deep in freezing water while helping others across and
on another in February drivers faced snowdrifts to get to
Brockhampton for a bracing, but lovely, walk. We have
been lucky that all walks have taken place over the
difficult winter months and we are now enjoying the
spring flowers – cowslips and wild orchids this week at
Earls Croome. On April 28th the Group had a special
memorial walk at Farmington for Doreen Chapman. We
were very lucky to have her friend and local historian,
Tim Porter, with us to talk about the history and
architecture of Farmington Church.
This year the Group is walking about half of the “The
Palladian Way” from Buckingham to Hatherop in monthly
sections. We have a full Villager bus of 16 walkers and
our willing Group member and driver, David Bell, to
deliver/collect us from various pick-up points in order
that we can all enjoy a relaxing pub lunch. In our first two
sections we have enjoyed the grandeur of Stowe House
and grounds, the parklands of Evenly Hall and the
“modern” Palladian mansion of Tusmore House where
no expense is being spared to build a new obelisk
dedicated to The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. And we still
have the joys of Blenheim Park to look forward to!
Our “Away Break” at the beginning of April took 12 hardy
walkers to HF’s Nythfa House at Brecon. On the first
Mid Glos. Group
Area Walks Coordinator Presentation
Twenty seven Ramblers enjoyed a brisk climb over the
Malverns led by Geoff and Janet, followed by
refreshments at walk end.
After seven years of filling this very important position,
Geoff finally retired . To show our appreciation the regular
Area Mid-week walkers had a ‘whip round’ and Heather
presented Geoff with a new digital camera. Coffee and
cakes followed, catering by Shirley and Stephen. Geoff is
the current Hon. Sec. of the Mid Glos. Group.
6
South Cotswold Ramblers
Our Walks - July 2013
Mon 1 Jul morning 3.2m L Across the fields gentle walk
Colin 01453 843716 on day 07525 453911 Meet 10.20 for
10:30 start from Kingswood, park considerately in village, meet
on the Chipping outside Dinneywicks. L162/E167 ST 746917
http://tinyurl.com/mapKingswood A short walk along the road
to start with, then across fields, alongside the railway line to
outskirts of Charfield, then around and back to Kingswood. A
few stiles to cross. The Dinnywicks pub for a drink, and cafe
next door serving light refreshments, but best to bring a picnic.
Wed 3 Jul short day 8m L Walk in Berkeley Vale Ray C
01453 811545
Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Laburnum
Cottage, New Brookend, Berkeley GL13 9SF. Car parking is in
my garden at the rear of the house. L162/E167 SO 685020
http://tinyurl.com/mapBrookendLabCot We start walking from
my house and depending on the weather will dictate the
walkable paths. We will be come across numerous stiles. The
paths will cross fields containing lifestock, wild fauna and
hopefully wild flowers. Bring walking boots unless the weather
has been extremely dry. Bring drinks and a packed lunch.
Thu 4 Jul evening
3.5m L
The two river Fromes
Goff & Trish 01453 824399 on day 07709 236989 Meet
18:20 for 18:30 start from Eastington, Old Badger Inn. Limited
parking if staying, or park considerately in Victoria Drive
opposite. http://tinyurl.com/mapEastingtonOldBadger
L162/E168 SO 777053 Fields and rivers. Drink/food poss. after.
Sat 6 Jul EITHER day 9.6m L/M Gloucestershire Way No 9
Mike & Richard 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day 07749
282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Winchcombe, Back Lane
Car Park (off B4362 Gloucester Street). Parking is £1 all day.
OL45/L150 SP 024284 http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP
(Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to Condicote (SP
153282) http://tinyurl.com/mapCondicote). 100 mile linear walk Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill. Today's section is from
Condicote via Cutsdean and Ford to Winchcombe. Picnic.
Sat 6 Jul OR morning
5.25m M
Five Nature Reserves
Dave G & Ann T 01242 862564 on day 07813 381097 Meet
09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton Mansell, park in the
overflow car park at rear of Crown Inn. L163/E168 SO 923027
http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonMansCrown Canal, Woods,
Meadows, Tracks including 1 or 2 hilly sections. Food available.
Wed 10 Jul morning
5m M/H
Kilkenny to Foxcote
Graham B 01452 725405 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from
Kilkenny Viewpoint car park off A436. L163/OL45 SP 004186
http://tinyurl.com/mapKilkenny Across hills to Shill Hill then to
St.Paul's Epistle; good scenery; deer. Food available at the
Kilkenny Arms nearby.
Thu 11 Jul evening
4.2m M
Avening Evening Walk
John G 01453 834141 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start. Park near
church at Avening. http://tinyurl.com/mapAvening L162/E168
ST 880980 Via Nags Head, Golf Course, Steps Lane.
Sat 13 Jul long morning 7m L
Deerhurst, Apperley and
the River Severn Andrew 01452 857958 on day 07900
390351 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Deerhurst, Odda's
Chapel. £1 Parking fee. Please use honesty box. L162/E179 SO
869298 http://tinyurl.com/mapDeerhurstOdda Almost entirely
flat (one short climb). Route crosses fields to Apperley and
continues by the banks of a disused canal to reach the River
Severn for the final 3 miles. Possible lunch stop by River Severn
so bring picnic.
Mon 15 Jul morning 4m M/H Start the Week Easy Paced
Walk from Cashes Green Erica 01453 756772
Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Cashes Green, Prince of Wales
CP, GL5 4RD.http://tinyurl.com/mapCashesGreenPW
L162/E179 ST 829055 Randwick and Westrip. Meal possible at
the end of the walk.
Tue 16 Jul day
10m H
The Malverns Again
Ray W
01453 547213 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from small free CP on
R (N) at top of Hollybush Hill, HR8 1ET. L150/E190. SO 758369
http://tinyurl.com/mapHollybushHill Midsummer Hill, Eastnor
Park, Bromesberrow, Chase End Hill, Ragged Stone Hill.
Picnic.
Thu 18 Jul evening 4.5m M/H An Evening in Shurdington
Enid 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317
Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Shurdington, The Cheese
Rollers on A46. Only use pub car park if using at end. If not,
park in Lambert Gardens on other side of road. L163/E179 SO
919183 http://tinyurl.com/ShurdingtonCheeseRollers The
Gloucestershire Way, Crickley Hill, Greenway Lane. Pub meal
at end if required.
Sat 20 Jul day
9.5m M
Coaley Peak Circular
Peter & Susan 01453 860797 on day 07854 634090
Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coaley Peak CP. L162/E168 SO
794012 http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak Coaley Wood,
Uley Bury, Uley Church, Owlpen Manor, Lutheredge Farms,
Bowlas Wood and return via Nympsfield to Coaley Peak. Bring
a picnic lunch.
Wed 24 Jul morning
6m M Valley of the Miry Brook
Sheila L 01453 757295 on day 07972 904325
Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Nympsfield, meet by Rose and
Crown Pub after parking considerately in the village. L162/E167
SO 800005 http://tinyurl.com/mapNympsfield
The
valley and farms between Nympsfield and Nailsworth. Possible
pub lunch at end of walk.
Fri 26 Jul evening 4m M/H
Rodborough Parish Council
Walk Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973
860669 Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from Rodborough Pavilion
Car Park. Go up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across
Rodborough Hill into Butterow West. L162/E168 SO 847044
http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion An evening
mystery tour.
Sat 27 Jul morning 5.8m M
Variations on the Daneway
Ros & Ron 01285 239054 on day 07917 808234
Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Daneway Inn Car Park.
L162/E179 SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway From
the Daneway pub on to Far Oakridge and Oakridge village.
Down onto the canal bank and river valley. Then through part of
the Bathhurst estate to Sapperton. Descent through woods on
to Daneway House returning to pub. Pub lunches available at
the Daneway.
Wed 31 Jul morning
5.75m M/H
Around Randwick
Steve & Rosemary 01453 860130 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start
from Randwick, outside the Vine Tree. Park in adjacent car park
or use pub car park if visiting afterwards. L162/E179 SO
829068 http://tinyurl.com/mapRandwickVineTree Bread
Street, Pitchcombe, Edge Common, Bird in Hand. Possible pub
meal at end.
South Cotswold Ramblers
Our Walks - August 2013
Thu 1 Aug evening
4m M/H
Uley in the evening
Kathy 01453 860004 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Uley, Old
Crown. Park on road by Church or use pub car park at rear if
visiting afterwards.http://tinyurl.com/mapUleyOldCrownCP
L162/E168 ST 792985 A Uley circular. Pub meal available
afterwards if required.
Sat 17 Aug day
8m L/M South of Tetbury Olivia 01453
751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Tetbury Old Station CP
(free).http://tinyurl.com/mapTetburyOldStation L162/E168 ST
893933 Escourt Park, Shipton Mill, Long Newnton. Picnic.
Mon 19 Aug morning 4m L/M
Start the Week Easy Paced
Walk - Not the water babies Maurice 01453 811162 on day
07912 552075 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Ham Layby at stile
to Deer Park or on roadside in village. L162/E167 ST 678982
http://tinyurl.com/mapHamLayby Whitcliff Deer Park and Ham.
Sat 3 Aug long morning 7.7m M A Real Coffee Stop Walk
Mike & Heather 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087Meet
09:50 for 10:00 start. Park near church at Avening. L162/E168
ST 880980 http://tinyurl.com/mapAvening Via Tiltups End for
morning coffee, Chavenage House, Macmillan Way. Bring a
Wed 21 Aug morning 5.5m
M/H France Lynch circular
bite in case of hunger.
Brian & Ann 01452 770510 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from
France Lynch, Kings Head if eating or drinking. Lane down to pub
Sat 3 Aug day 11.6m M
A Real Coffee Stop Walk jumbo very narrow, you may prefer to park at top of lane (Highfield
size! John G 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start. Park
Way). L163/E179 SO 903036
near church at Avening.http://tinyurl.com/mapAvening
http://tinyurl.com/mapFranceLynch France Lynch, Bournes
L162/E168 ST 880980 Via Tiltups End for morning coffee,
Green, Oakridge, canal. Food or drink possible afterwards.
Chavenage Green, Tetbury. Bring a packed lunch.
Fri 23 Aug evening
4m M/H Rodborough Parish Council
Mon 5 Aug morning 4m M Bisley Circular easy paced walk Walk Tim 01453 757104 Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from
Brian & Ann 01452 770510 on day 07770 895035 Meet 10.20 Rodborough Pavilion Car Park. Go up from Golden Cross A46
for 10:30 start from Bisley, The Bear CP or street parking
and straight across Rodborough Hill into Butterow West.
nearby. http://tinyurl.com/mapBisleyBearCP L163/E179 SO
http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion L162/E168 SO
903060 Bisley, Copsgrove, Toadsmoor, Nashend, Bisley. Pub 847044 Railways and canals.
lunch possible after at The Bear.
Sat 24 Aug figure of 8 11m M/H
Common Wood and Box
Wed 7 Aug morning 6m M Lovely hills and valleys north again Brian & Sheelagh 01453 872220 Meet 09:50 for 10:00
of Bath Jacqui P 01666 826139 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start
start from Minchinhampton Common reservoir CP. L162/E168 SO
from Bath, Lansdown, The Blathwayt CP (if coming in after
855012 http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchResCP 10:00 AM: 6m
walk) near racecourse.L172/E155 ST 726686
Common, lanes and woodland with some short steep bits.
http://tinyurl.com/mapBathLansdownBlathwayt Woolley,
Bownham, Butterow, Kingscourt. Littleworth. c.1:15 PM: 5m Box,
Langridge, Greville monument. Lunch or drinks after walk.
Minchinhampton, Burleigh. Bring picnic.
Thu 8 Aug evening
4m M/H Daneway Valley Walk
Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet
18:20 for 18:30 start from Daneway Inn Car Park. L162/E179
SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway Canal and valley
from the Daneway. Pub for food and or drink afterwards.
Bank Holiday Mon 26 Aug day 10m M
A walk in the park
John G 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton
Mansell. Turn off A419 near old White Horse and park on verge
near village.http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonMansVerge
L163/E168 SO 919022 A bank holiday walk via Sapperton,
Cirencester Park, Coates Saw Mill, Tunnel House (lunch or
Sat 10 Aug day 9.5m M Conquerors, allies and refugees picnic), Tarlton, Monarchs Way.
Jill 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 Meet 09:50 for 10:00
start from Hangman's Stone layby on old A40 west of
Wed 28 Aug morning
6m M
Waterley Bottom the other
Northleach near Hampnett. L163/OL45 SP 088151
way round Jane & Jan 01453 872133 on day 07774 485483
http://tinyurl.com/mapHangmansStone A circular walk via
Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Waterley Bottom, New Inn. GL11
Yanworth, Chedworth, Fossebridge, Stowell Park. Pub lunch
6EF. Car Park at rear of Pub. Narrow lanes easier approach
available at the Inn at Fossebridge.
through North Nibley.http://tinyurl.com/mapWaterleyBottom
L162/E167 ST 758963 Road up to old London Road loop round
Wed 14 Aug morning
5.5m M
Wander Withington overlooking Coombe. Back to pub through Laycombe Woods via
Enid 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 Meet 18:20 for
Upper Rushmire Farm. Meals available at pub afterwards.
18:30 start from Withington, Mill Inn. L163/OL45 SP 031154
http://tinyurl.com/mapWithington By river Coln, Chedworth
Thu 29 Aug evening 4m M
Crowning Glory Sally & Keith
nature reserve and Withington Woods. Pub lunch at end if
01453 872729 on day 07818 425088 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start
required.
from Frampton Mansell, park in the overflow car park at the rear
of the Crown Inn. http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonMansCrown
Thu 15 Aug evening
4m M
Secret Valleys L163/E168 SO 923027 Cowcombe Hill, Chalford Valley, canal.
Pam P 01453 765541 on day 07572 438754 Meet 18:20 for
Food available at the Crown afterwards (pre-order at 18:20).
18:30 start from Kingscote, Hunters Hall Inn CP. Park in pub CP
if you are coming to the pub afterwards, otherwise there is
Sat 31 Aug day
11.5m M/H
Tom, Dick and Harry
parking in side road opposite.
Bruno 01451 822465 on day 07925 595285 Meet 09:20 for
http://tinyurl.com/mapKingscoteHuntersHall L162/E168 ST 09:30 start from Lower Slaughter, St Mary's Church. L163/OL45
814960 Summer Walking through secret valleys around
SP 165225 http://tinyurl.com/mapLowerSlaughter Morning
Bagpath and Ozleworth Bottom. Optional Meal at Hunters Hall. 7.75m via Bourton-on-the-Water, Wyck Rissington, Icombe,
Stow-on-the-Wold (picnic/optional stop at Queen's Head),
Afternoon 3.75m via Hyde Mill, Upper Slaughter and return.
South Cotswold Ramblers
Our Walks - September 2013
Mon 2 Sep morning
4m L/M
Start the week walk
around Westonbirt Kathy 01453 860004 Meet 10.20 for 10:30
start from Westonbirt, quiet lane behind the Hare & Hounds
hotel on A433. http://tinyurl.com/mapWestonbirtLane
L162/E168 ST 861904 Westonbirt, Silk Wood and Willesley.
Wed 4 Sep morning
5m L
Leighterton Olivia
01453 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Leighterton,
Royal Oak car park. http://tinyurl.com/mapLeighterton
L162/E168 ST 823912 Bowldown Wood, Bennett's Spinney,
Monarch's Way. One hill and 14 stiles. Pub lunch at finish.
Sat 7 Sep long morning EITHER
7.5m M Seven Farms
Anne E 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wottonunder-Edge, Auction Rooms CP. Go up Tabernacle Pitch and
just past the graveyard turn right. You will see two drives, so
take the left narrower one to emerge into a large CP. L162/E167
ST 75559350 http://tinyurl.com/mapWottonAuctionCP
Kingswood, Charfield, Bradley Green. Bring a picnic.
Sat 7 Sep day OR 11m M am / L pm Gloucestershire Way
No 10 (final) Mike & Richard 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on
day 07749 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Tewkesbury Long
Stay CP (£1 a day). From M5 head towards centre passing
Morrisons on R and look for Chance Street on R (between two
white buildings). Take 3rd on R into Station Road. CP at far end.
http://tinyurl.com/mapTewkesburyLongStayCP L150/E190
SO 899329 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to
Winchcombe (http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP SP
024284) . 100 mile linear walk - Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill.
Today's section is from Winchcombe via Dixton, Woolstone,
Oxenton and Walton Cardiff to Tewkesbury Abbey. Picnic.
Fri 20 Sep evening
3m M/H Rodborough Parish Council
Walk Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669
Meet 17:20 for 17:30 start from Rodborough Pavilion CP. Go
up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across into Butterow
West. http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion
L162/E168 SO 847044 A wander round Rodborough.
Sat 21 Sep day
11m M/H Walk around Stroud (WAS)
Andrew 01452 857958 on day 07900 390351 Meet 09:50 for
10:00 start from Stroud, Meningitis Trust CP, Bath Road, GL5
3TJ entrance first right after B&Q going downhill towards
Nailsworth (Daniels). L162/E168/E179 SO 840043
http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudMenTrust A waymarked trail
around the Stroud Parish boundaries along footpaths, canal,
river and roads. Bring packed lunch.
Wed 25 Sep day
9m M/H Painswick Happy Wanderer
John G 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from
Painswick Walkers CP, off B4073. L162/E179 SO 866104
http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP Via Sheephouse,
Pitchcombe Woods, Edge, Huddinknoll Hill, Cud Hill, Painwick
Beacon. Bring a packed lunch.
Sat 28 Sep short day
8.5m M/H Mills and Hills Jill
01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 Meet 09:50 for 10:00
start from Stroud Leisure Centre Car Park, top end.
http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCPtop L162/E179 SO
843057
A circular walk from Stroud heading up one of the
five valleys to Painswick, returning via the Pitchcombe valley.
Pub or picnic in Painswick.
PLEASE NOTE (part 1)
Wed 11 Sep short day 7.5m M/H
Woodchester Circular
again Brian & Sheelagh 01453 872220 Meet 09:50 for 10:00
start from South Woodchester, off A46 near Bottlegreen Factory.
Park considerately in lanes. L162/E168 SO 840017
http://tinyurl.com/mapWoodchesterOffA46 Dingle Wood, Pen
Hill, Stanley Wood, Woodchester Park. Bring picnic.
Sat 14 Sep long morning 7m M
Walk in National Trust
Woodchester Park Jacqui P 01666 826139 on day 07778
948615 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Woodchester Park NT
car park. Turn off B4066 road for Nympsfield. Follow signs to
Woodchester Park (£2 or free for NT members). L162/E168 SO
797011 http://tinyurl.com/mapWoodchesterPkNTCP Walk in
National Trust Woodchester Valley, exploring all five lakes, with
viewpoints. Bring snacks if required.
Mon 16 Sep morning
4m M
Gentle walk through
secluded valley NE of Edgeworth Sheila L 01453 757295 on
day 07972 904325 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start. Meet and park on
wide verge at T junction 1 mile N of Jackbarrow Farm (and
almost 1 mile S of Winstone.) Anyone wanting to arrange car
sharing from Stroud ring Sheila beforehand. L163/E179
SO 958086 http://tinyurl.com/mapVergeNrWinstone Thick
Wood to Edgeworth Mill Farm, back along valley.
Wed 18 Sep short day 7.5m M/H
North West (Frontier?)
above Stroud Sally & Ros 01453 872729 / 01285 655521 on
day 07818 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start fromStroud
Leisure Centre Car Park top end. L162/E179 SO 843057
http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCPtop Farmhill, Randwick,
Vinegar Hill, Haresfield Beacon, Cotswold Way, The Throat,
Bread Street. Bring a picnic.
RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part,
especially if you haven’t walked recently. Perhaps try
shorter walks first.
TERRAIN RATINGS
L - Level or little climbing. L/M - The odd hill.
M - Moderate climbing at times, but plenty of easier walking.
M/H - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills.
H - Hilly ups and downs for most of the time.
STW = START THE WEEK WALKS are short (no more
than 4 miles), easy paced sociable Monday walks suitable
for:- 1/ Those who are new to Ramblers and wish to build up
their confidence and fitness. 2/ Those who have been on
Health Walks who want to move on to slightly longer walks.
3/ Existing members for whom our normal walks programme
is becoming too strenuous. 4/ Anyone who wants an amble
rather than a ramble, stopping to admire the countryside,
walking and talking, and possibly finishing up with a half of
shandy or perhaps even lunch. Do tell your friends!
NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group
three times. We hope you will then wish to join, either online at www.ramblers.org.uk or with a leaflet, quoting GR03 if
you wish to be in our particular Group. Once a Member you
can walk with any group in Britain. Newly joined members
please email Mike ([email protected]) or
ring 01453 873625 for new member information.
Please also see part 2 overleaf
South Cotswold Ramblers
Our Walks - October 2013
Wed 2 Oct morning
5m L/M
Winstone Wood Wander
Patrick & Angela 01452 616886 on day 07778 662951 Meet
09:50 for 10:00 start from A417 Highwayman Pub CP Birdlip to
Cirencester road. E179/L163 SO 966107
http://tinyurl.com/mapA417HighwaymanPub Winstone
Wood, Miserden Park, Winstone village and Beech Pike. Pub
lunch available.
Sat 5 Oct morning EITHER 5m M
Over the fields to
Coaley (Dursley Walking Festival) Karen & Tony 01453
545824 on day 07721 605409 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from
Cam Peak CP (Peaked Down). Please consider car sharing
where possible to leave room for other walkers in this popular
location. L162/E167 ST 767993
http://tinyurl.com/mapCamPeakCP Ashmead Green, Coaley,
Far Green. N.B. There are several stiles en route.
Sat 5 Oct short day OR 10m H
Walk around Dursley
(Dursley Walking Festival) Allen M 01453 545588 on day
07749 564232 Meet 09:50 for 10:00.
Meeting point for
the start of the walk is Dursley Town Hall. Park your car where
you can, perhaps Dursley long stay car park (signed via Long
Street). Drive steeply up and round LH bend to park on top
level. Walk back up Long Street. L162/E167 ST 758982
http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt Cam Peak, Cam Long
Uley Bury, Dursley Woods, Hilly. Bring your Lunch.
Mon 7 Oct morning 3.5m M
Stroll to Alderley and Back
Start The Week easy paced walk Anne E 01453 842551
Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Hillesley, Fleece Inn CP.
L162/E167 ST 770897 http://tinyurl.com/mapHillesleyFleece
Rose Hill and Alderley then Cotswold Way to Hillesley. Lunch or
drinks in pub at end of walk.
Wed 9 Oct morning 6m L Canals, river, and ex-railways
Maurice 01453 811162 on day 07912 552075 Meet 09:50 for
10:00 start from Brookend (near Berkeley) Lammastide Inn.
Post code GL13 9SF. Use car park if going in after walk.
L167/OL14 SO684021 http://tinyurl.com/mapBrookend Via
Sharpness, Severn Way, Purton hulks. Lunch possible after.
Sat 12 Oct morning 6m M/H Whiteshill revisited in Autumn
Denys 01453 751581 on day 07783 269574 Meet 09:50 for
10:00 start from Whiteshill, car park by the Playing Field.
E179/L162 SO 839070 http://tinyurl.com/mapWhiteshillCP
Cotswold Way clockwise via Haresfield Beacon & Pitchcombe
Wood. Snacks available at Village Shop.
Wed 16 Oct morning
6m M
Is Wetmoor really wet!
Anne E 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wickwar
Playing Field CP. Go west from Wickwar centre on B4509
towards Charfield, passing Alderley Group sign on L and it is the
next narrow turn on left signed Playing Field. Follow windy track
for 500 yards to CP. E167/L162 ST 722886
http://tinyurl.com/mapWickwarPlayingField Sturt Bridge,
Lower Lodge, Lower Woods. The Buthay Pub or Cafe at end for
refreshments at end of walk.
Sat 19 Oct morning
6m L
Rodmarton Circular
Tim 01453 757104 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Rodmarton,
Cherington Road, park on verge. L162/E168 ST 939979
http://tinyurl.com/mapRodmarton Macmillan Way, Tarlton
and Monarch's Way.
Mon 21 Oct morning 4m L/M
STW Around the Stanleys
and Middleyard Anne C 01453 752654 Meet 10.20 for 10:30
start from King's Stanley SDC CP opposite the pub.
http://tinyurl.com/mapKingsStanleySDCCP L162/E168 SO
811034 Easy pace from Kings Stanley to Cotswold Way.
Possible pub lunch afterwards.
Wed 23 Oct morning 5m M/H
Nympsfield and Owlpen
Jon 01453 765490 on day 07847 612440 Meet 09:50 for 10:00
start from Coaley Peak CP. L162/E168 SO 794014
http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak Coaley Peak, Nympsfield,
Owlpen, Uley, Uley Bury, Cotswold Way to starting point. Meals
available at Rose and Crown afterwards.
Sat 26 Oct long morning 7m M
Autumn leaves
David & Maurice 01453 547580 / 01453 811162 / on day
07891 918275 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Painswick
Walkers CP, off B4073. http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP
L162/E179 SO 866104 A moderate circular walk to Cranham
and Sheepscombe through woods, commons and fields. Picnic.
Wed 30 Oct morning 6.5m M
Half the walk it started out
to be! Ann A 01453 839089 on day 07931 114439 Meet 09:50
for 10:00 start from Nailsworth, Egypt Mill CP, far side.
http://tinyurl.com/mapNailsworthEgyptMill L162/E168 ST
850998 Ruskin Mill gardens to Horsley, through the fields to
Woodleaze Farm, across the road to Upper Luthridge,
Sallywood, Wallow Green and back to Egypt Mill. Food and
drinks available at Egypt Mill, they have a good Bistro menu.
PLEASE NOTE (part 2)
MESSAGES on our website will show any changes or additional
information about any walk
www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messages
PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked.
WHAT TO BRING Bananas are popular as a snack, and bring plenty
of water, to avoid dehydration. On day walks you are advised to
bring food supplies, even if planning a pub lunch, in case the pub is
closed. Wear strong footwear. Bring waterproofs and/or warmer
clothing. It is advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy
boots in pubs/churches.
DOGS - Sorry, registered assistance dogs only.
IMPORTANT - KEEPING TOGETHER ON A WALK Most parties
will have a back marker appointed for the walk. Please inform this
person if you need to drop behind for a comfort stop, and tell them
when you catch up again. All members of larger parties are asked to
help by keeping a look out behind them. If the people behind you are
in danger of losing touch, perhaps in a wood, please pause and tell
the people in front of you to stop too. Thank you.
ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or shorten
the walk, taking into account everyone's health and safety. Please
contact them if doubt before travelling. Leaders are welcome to
have messages put on the website.
THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577,
Scotland SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (no
4458492) Registered office 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment,
London SE1 7TW.
ALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES have inherent hazards associated with them including
rambling. In spite of participants’ safety always being the paramount concern, accidents
will occasionally occur. It is important that each person appreciates their responsibility to
identify hazards and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for
accidents.