SOUTH GROUP www.somersetramblers.co.uk

A local group of the Ramblers’ Association. Registered. Charity No.1093577. Promoting rambling, protecting rights of way, campaigning for access to open country and defending the beauty of the countryside.

AUG 2016 - NOV 2016 WALKS

Walk leaders and designated back-markers should exchange mobile phone numbers so that contact may be maintained in cases of emergency. Those leaders and back-markers without phones should appoint substitutes. Numbers should be exchanged before the walk commences. Every effort should be made to ensure a first-aid kit is available on all walks.

Walks are graded according to the following classification of pace:- A = Fast B = Brisk Medium = 5-7 miles Short = 4-5 miles approx Starting times of walks vary and need to be noted carefully. NOTICES Annual General Meeting. On Sat 5th Nov Village Hall 2.00 pm. Motions and other items should be sent to the secretary by 17th October. Meet with other members in reviewing the past year and planning for the future. CHAIRMAN and TREASURER NEEDED Interested parties contact any committee member Group Committee Meeting: will be held on Thu Sep 29th, 2016. Programme Distribution. Short walk distribution is on 17th November and Medium walk distribution is on 10th November. Christmas Lunch. This will be held at 1.00pm on Thursday 8th December at The Muddled Man, . The menu and cost will be known by October 1st. Bookings can be made with Ruth Goodland, telephone 01935 474671 between October 1st and November 24th. Cheques (made payable to R Goodland) may be posted to her at 25 Rivers Road, BA21 5RJ. Electronic copy. To receive the Walk programme and Somerset Rambler by e-mail contact Ruth at [email protected]. Walks leaders. Details of walks on the Dec 2016 – Mar 2017 programme need to reach the appropriate organiser by Oct 1st

Walk category Organiser Thurs & Sat C Walks June Curtis Thurs D Walks Phil Bradshaw Sunday Walks Jean Verkroost

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Thu 4 Aug 10.00 5.5 miles The Bell Inn OS128 GR328219 Park in Village Hall CP (no charge) South towards Frog Street Farm Phil 01458 850834

Thu 4 Aug 10.00 5 miles Stonemasons Inn GR351148. A linear walk on the Stop Line to Chard and return by bus. Level surface, no stiles. Bus return times are 12.40 & 2.10. Bus passes will be useful. Marion and Derek 01460 57093

Sat 6 Aug 10.00 5.5 miles National Trust CP Burrow Mump Burrowbridge GR360395 John O 01935 414745

Sun 7 Aug. 10:30. B. 11 miles. Picnic. Meet at , Catherines Close CP. GR641325. Via Wyke Champflower and Shepton Montague. Martin R. 01458 259333.

Thu 11 Aug 10.00 6 miles King Alfred Inn Burrowbridge TA7 0RB GR358303 on A361 SW of Othery to Athelney Stathe return along River Parret mainly flat Roger & Eileen 01460 241608

Thu 11 Aug 10.00 4 miles Chelynch near Shepton Mallet The Poachers Pocket GR649439 Fairly level, via Beacon Hill and Fosse Way. Geoff 01275 475002.

Sun 14 Aug. 10:30. B. 9 miles. Picnic. Meet at CP near Charterhouse Outdoor Activity Centre. GR505557. There is one steep climb. Maureen L. 01458 741880

Thu 18 Aug 10.00 5.5 miles Winyards Gap Inn Chedington OS117 GR491062 to Higher Halstock, Leigh on Monarchs Way, no floods I hope Phil 01458 850834

Thu 18 Aug 10.00 4.8 miles Mosterton Admiral Hood (good pies)! GR 457054 NE and then SE and back through Picket Farm. Les Stevens 01935 850810

Sun 21 Aug. 10:30. B. 12 miles. Picnic. Meet at Evershot (bottom of East Hill). GR ST575046. Over hidden lanes and footpaths around Batcombe and Chetnole. Registered Assistance dogs only. Carl E. 01460 30163.

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Thu 25 Aug 10.00 5.5 miles Parish Church GR439098 Registered Assistance Dogs only. Please allow time to find parking David & Christine 01460 271496

Thu 25 Aug 10.30 4.2 miles Catash Inn GR634273. NE direction towards North Leaze Farm cheese factory. Phil 01458 850834

27-29 Aug Mendip Ramblers Walking Festival 2016 in collaboration with Cheddar Walking. Each day three walks starting at 10.00, one shorter walk at 1.30. All walks start from the Scout Hut, Cheddar First School, The Hayes, Cheddar BS27 3HN GR456534 OS141. Tea and cake after for a donation. Any queries phone Martyn 01761 471891 or [email protected]. More details at www.mendipramblers.co.uk.

Thu 1 Sep 10.00 5.5 miles The New Inn Blagdon BS40 7SB parking also in road OS141 GR503588 fairly easy scenic walk around Blagdon Lake Peter & Maggie 01935 826821

Thu 1 Sep 10.15 4.8 miles East Lambrook Rose & Crown GR431190 Easy walk to & River Parrett Trail. Please try to keep car park usage to minimum. Stuart & Rosemary 01460 259964

Sat 3 Sep 10.00 5.5 miles Village Hall GR406146 (or park nearby at playing fields) to & Watergore Marion & Derek 01460 57093

Sun 4 Sep. 10:00. B. 11 miles. Picnic. Symondsbury Estate Manor Yard CP. GR446937. Via Eype Down, Colmer’s Hill, Denhay Hill, Moorbath. Peter B. 01935 862229.

Thu 8 Sep 10.00 6 miles Village Hall CP BA9 8HF OS142 GR725316 park at far end please £1 donation via Shalford & South Marsh dogs on lead Mervyn 01747 840896

Thu 8 Sep 10.30 4.8 miles Stembridge The Rusty Axe GR425204 To Burrow Hill & East Lambrook one steep hill. Janet & Tony 01935 428607

Sun 11 Sep. 10:30. B. 14 miles. Picnic. Meet at Yarn Barton CP Beaminster. GR481014. Via Gerrards Hill, Monarch’s Way and Winyards Gap. Registered assistance dogs only. Derek L. 01935 426842.

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Thu 15 Sep 10.00 5.5 miles Yarn Barton CP Beaminster OS142 GR481014 to Netherbury & Stoke Abbot. Wendy & Richard 01935 862340 07810717370

Thu 15 Sep 10.00 5 miles church CP at the Tithe Barn GR442127. Circuit around Merriott – mostly field walking. Linda and David 01460 929350

Sun 18 Sep. 10:30 B 12 miles Picnic Meet by church in Dewlish (park on road). GR775981 via Milborne St Andrew, Milton Abbas Mike P 01963 363077.

Thu 22 Sep 10.00 6 miles South Petherton Recreation Ground CP GR438170 to Mid Lambrook & Compton Durville Tom T 01460 242729-07813666474

Thu 22 Sep 10.30 4 miles Somerton Half Moon pub CP (free) GR487285 Fairly easy walk around Somerton with views over the Cary Valley Hilary West 01458 270284

Sun 25 Sep. 10:00 A 15 miles. Picnic. Woolland Hill car park. GR ST782059. Via Bingham's Melcombe, Milton Abbas. Sandra S. 07970 490653.

Thu 29 Sep 10.00 6 miles Memorial Hall CP GR715285 Shalford Moorhayes Cuttlesham Westleaze Verrington Roger & Janet 01963 34965

Thu 29 Sep 10.30 4.5 miles Duke of York GR403172 Towards South Petherton & West Lambrook. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608

Details of walks for Dec-Mar programme should reach the relevant organisers by October 1st

Sat 1 Oct 10.00 5 miles Hinton St Mary White Horse Inn GR787162 Richard C 01935 473951

Sun 2 Oct. 10:00. B. 13 miles. Picnic. Meet at Ham Hill Norton CP. GR478164. Via East Stoke, . Jean V. 01935 826089.

Thu 6 Oct 10.00 6 miles Nags Head Inn Thornfalcon GR282230 Park in rear CP via West Hatch & Thurlbear Martin & Jean 01823 619987

Thu 6 Oct 10.30 4 miles Shepton Beauchamp Duke of York pub GR403172 Towards Barrington with some gentle hills. Peter & Maggie 01935 826821

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Sun 9 Oct. 10:30 B 11 miles. Picnic. Castle Neroche CP. GR272156. Via Barrington Hill. Peter M. 01935 429477.

Thu 13 Oct 10.00 6 miles Shepton Mallet Public CP GR616435 (next to Haskins CP) West Shepton, Friars Oven, Darshill John O 01935 414745

Thu 13 Oct 10.30 4.8 miles Barrington Boar GR389182. Pub has an on-line menu. Non-diners park by church. A flat walk to Westport and canal. Les 01935 850810

Sun 16 Oct. 10:00. B. 13.5 miles. Picnic. Meet at Blagdon Village Car Park. GR501591. Via Ubbley, Combe Martin, Black Rock. Ian W. 07478 672185.

Thu 20 Oct 10.00 5 miles The Brewers Arms Martinstown DT2 9LB GR642890 (park nr Church if not eating) B3159 June & Brian 01460 77057

Thu 20 Oct 10.30 4.2 miles Curry Mallett Bell Inn GR328219. Park in village hall CP opposite pub, no charge. Easy walk to Park Farm and Fieldgate Lane. Stuart & Rosemary 01460 259964

Sun 23 Oct. 10:00. B. 14 miles. Picnic. Washers Pit entrance to Ashmore Wood. GR897168. Via Ashmore, Larmer Tree, Farnham, Chettle, Tarrant Gunville, Stubhampton Bottom. Peter B. 01935 862229.

Thu 27 Oct 10.00 5.5 miles Creech St Michael Canal Side CP GR275255 Riverside walk mostly flat few stiles Linda & David 01460 929350

Thu 27 Oct 10.00 5 miles Mosterton Admiral Hood. GR457054 towards South- Perrott and Chedington, one hill. Peter Bryans 01460 78182

Sun 30 Oct. 10:30 B 12 miles Picnic. Meet in Hawkchurch (park near Village Hall). GR342004. A 3 counties walk, where Dorset, Somerset and Devon meet at the River Axe. Registered assistance dogs only. Carl E. 01460 30163.

Thu 3 Nov 10.00 6 miles Yarn Barton CP Beaminster GR482014 Parnham & Mapperton John O 01935 414745

Thu 3 Nov 10.15 4 miles Dinnington Docks pub GR132404. To & Allowenshay. Dogs on leads please. Peter Budworth. 01935 424208

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Sat 5 Nov 10.30 5 miles East Coker Village Hall GR537128 Registered Assistance Dogs only. Walk followed by AGM at 2 pm Derek 01935 426842

Sun 6 Nov 10:00 B 12 miles Picnic Shoppers CP GR463194. Via Sth Petherton, Wigborough, Norton sub Hamdon, Ham Hill Barry C 01935 822198.

Thu 10 Nov 10.00 6 miles Thorncombe GR376033 park nr Church Chitmoor Synderford Wessex Ridgeway Programme distribution Gerry 01935 881317

Thu 10 Nov 10.30 4 miles. South Petherton Recreation ground CP. GR438170. An easy fields walk. Tom T. 01460 242729

Sun 13 Nov 10.00 B 10 miles Picnic Lambert's Castle CP GR366988. Via Lambert's Castle, Wootton Fitzpaine, Congar Hill, Prime Coppices, Nash Lane, Bottle Inn. Tony W 07749 931443.

Thu 17 Nov 10.00 5.5 miles Longstay CP behind Goldenstones Swimming Pool Brunswick Street Yeovil BA20 1QZ GR553154 (£2 for 3hrs) Newton Copse, Summer House Hill Yeovil Country Park, muddy in places Brian R 07772451085

Thu 17 Nov 10.30 4.8 miles Holywell Foresters Arms GR529132. Easy walk around East Coker. Programme distribution. Richard & Wendy 01935 862340

Sun 20 Nov 10:00 B 11 miles Picnic Meet at Crowshute CP Chard GR320083. Via Chardstock. Registered assistance dogs only. Derek L. 01935 426842

Thu 24 Nov 10.00 6 miles George Inn GR338141 Westward Ho! Sticklepath & Whitney Bottom Marion & Derek 01460 57093

Thu 24 Nov 10.00 4.6 miles The Walnut Tree pub. GR578247 To & . No hills. Phil 01458 850834

Sun 27 Nov. 10:00. B. 12 miles. Picnic. Somerton Shoppers CP. GR489286. A steep hill and possibly muddy. Via , Great Breach Wood, , . Ken P.

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WALKS LEADERS GUIDELINES General note on pub car parking. It is common courtesy to use the pub for food or drinks if parking on their property. If not able to, park on roads or public car parks wherever possible Parking As our C walks can attract up to 20 cars, walk leaders should ensure that parking is available, especially when parking in small villages. Our walks frequently attract large numbers. Accidents. If there is an accident requiring help the leader should stay with the casualty until help arrives, unless he can appoint a carer of whose competence he is sure. If the leader stays behind, the backmarker or a volunteer leader should continue with the party. The leader must notify the secretary or chairman of any accident other than the trivial. Backmarkers Leaders should always appoint a backmarker and count those walking. Footpath Maintenance Problems. Contact Rights of Way 0845 3459155 or use the SCC website. The easiest access route is to Google “footpath problems in Somerset” and then click on the relevant SCC web site. This page then has a button to report faults. The Group Secretary has printed notes if further help is needed. . Gates should be left as we find them. The most appropriate signalling arrangement should be chosen. E.g. [1] Arm signalling: one arm raised, shut the gate; both arms raised, shut and tie the gate; both arms flapped, leave the gate open. [2]. Ribbon signalling. When the leader reaches a gate that is to be left open a ribbon is tied to the gate. The ribbon is removed by the backmarker and returned to the leader at the end of the walk. If there is no ribbon then the gate is closed and tied if a tie is present. that has been cut. Handbook. The Group has a copy of the Ramblers’ Association very comprehensive handbook for walks’ leaders, which can be borrowed on request from the secretary.

Find us on line at http://www.southsomersetramblers.org.uk/

Our walks are open to anyone interested. If you want to know more about the Ramblers’ Association, or this programme, please ask any committee member. New walks leaders are always needed, so if you are able to lead a walk please contact the appropriate programme secretary.

General note on pub car parking. It is common courtesy to use the pub for food or drinks if parking on their property. If not able to, park on roads or public car parks wherever possible

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PAGE 8 NOTES FOR WALKERS We walk together and the leader sets a suitable pace for the party - please do not force a faster pace. Strong footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended - we cannot stop the rain or always dodge the mud. Hazardous conditions –whenever there is a possibility of snow, ice or significant fog it is likely the walk will be cancelled so please check with the leader before setting out. This also applies if there has been an incident such as an outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease. Note that, in fairness, people using a public house car park should patronise the pub even if only for a drink. Dogs. Dogs are welcome on most walks, though the leader may specify “registered assistance dogs only in the programme. Dogs must be under total control and the leader can insist that they be kept on leads. Note. All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally happen. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise. OFFICERS Chairman: VACANT. Secretary: Ian Rendall, 3a Tintern, Abbey Manor Park, Yeovil BA21 3SJ. 01935 421235 Treasurer: Derek Lucas, 18 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil BA20 2LG. 01935 426842 Programme Co-ordinator: David Fawthrop, 11 Manor View, Crewkerne TA18 8JT Programme Organisers: Thursday & Sat C walks June Curtis. [email protected]. 01460 77057. Thursday D walks: Phil Bradshaw [email protected] 01458 850834 All-day weekend:. Jean Verkroost.. 01935 826089. [email protected] Publicity Officer: Wendy Yates. [email protected] 01935 862340. Footpath Secretaries: East:: Phil Bradshaw. 01458 850834. [email protected] North: Jean Verkroost.. 01935 826089. [email protected] South: Paul Cullen-James,. 01935 412327. [email protected] West: Roger Cripps. 01460 241608. [email protected] Footpath Working Party Organiser. Roger Cripps. 01460 241608. [email protected] Minutes Secretary: Linda Fawthrop. 01460 929350. Representative on Area Committee. VACANT Committee members are: - Phil Bradshaw, Roger Clarke, Roger Cripps, Linda and David Fawthrop, Derek Lucas, John Oliver, Ian Rendall, and Wendy Yates.

The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in and Wales, Company Registration No. 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1093577. Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

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