South Cotswold Ramblers’ Group Newsletter - October 2011

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. Please contact the Editor, Mike Garner, 01453 873625, email: [email protected] by 5 January 2012 CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011 I think I can say that it has been another good Appeals for volunteers to join the committee have in year for South Cotswold Ramblers and for that I must recent months, at last, started to bear fruit but we are thank all volunteers who have involved themselves so always looking for members to become more involved. enthusiastically in the Groups activities and all members The more people we can get the more we can do, and who have supported our walks One of the objectives set there is an awful lot we can do, and need to do, if we are by ramblers for the year was to finish the year with at least to keep walking alive and well in the South . the same number of members as we started. This we have We are looking for someone to handle publicity, achieved. We continue to expand our walks programme and this Autumn we will be introducing our Start the Week Walks, a twice monthly series of walks aimed at those wanting a slightly shorter, three to four miles, more sociable walk. We have continued with our two walks on a Saturday once a month and our summer evening walks and both have been well supported as has the rest of the walking programme. Thanks to Mike and the walks coordinators for all their hard work. When possible I have attended footpath committee meetings and this has been a real eye opener. They get through a tremendous amount of work, passing on details of footpath problems to the PROW, which they receive from members of the public or our own members, monitoring progress in resolving them, advising the PROW office on changes to rights of way and getting out into the Northumberland Coast and Farne Islands field to clear footpaths which have become impassable. So thanks to members of the footpath team, Ron, Chris, Bob, plenty of scope here to develop your own ideas to Penny, John and Bernard for all their hard work. publicise our work and programmes. We need a newsletter editor. We need representatives for the Area Council, a chance to learn more about the Ramblers operation. Bernard wishes to retire from his work arranging the installation of kissing gates. We have four in stock with money to buy nearly another four. We need somebody to organise this aspect of our work, identifying and negotiating new sites. And one final moan. Last year the expenses for running South Cotswolds Group came to just over £560. Of this nearly £450 was spent in printing and postage to send hard copies of our programmes and reports to those members who have not agreed to take email communications. Please if you have the facility to take emails contact Mike to make the necessary arrangements. It costs you nothing and saves Ramblers a lot of money. Last year I finished my report saying that we were going through a very strong period. I am pleased to say On top of Snowdon that this is continuing and indeed we are becoming even stronger. We can only continue this with the enthusiasm We have again put on two very successful and support of our members and volunteers, so please holidays. In the Spring Mike organised a holiday to keep up the good work, keep the ideas coming in and Northumberland with HF Holidays, staying in Alnwick. We together we can develop a group which fulfils the needs all enjoyed a variety of inland and coastal walking. In the and aspirations of an even wider walking community as Autumn I took a party of 19 to Betws-y-Coed in well as our own personal walking ambitions. Snowdonia. Again there were a variety of walks including Richard Davis - Group Chairman an ascent of Snowdon for 12 of us.

Page 1 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Footpath Chairman: Ron Dowdeswell 01453 759838 Chairman: [email protected] Richard Davis 01453 762373 [email protected] Footpath Secretary and Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Christopher Gent 07917 473146 Ron Dowdeswell 01453 759838 [email protected] [email protected] Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary: Group Secretary: John Corry 01453 845574 [email protected] Bernard Smith 01453 884013 [email protected] Footpath Clearance Group Treasurer: Bob Frewin Diana Davis 01453 762373 [email protected] Footpath Committee Members: Membership Secretary, Newsletter, Website, Book Sales: Penny Fernando Bernard Smith Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator: Press Secretary: Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 [email protected] Led Walks Collectors this time: Group Committee Members: Mike Garner 01453 873625 Start the Week Mar - Jun John Corry Brian Kirkman John McArdell Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 Midweek Mar - Jun John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend Mar - Jun

FOOTPATH SECRETARY’S Smith, who has organised the installation of a number of kissing gates around the area. Because of their efforts a large REPORT 2010-2011 improvement can be seen in the quality of a number of the paths In my report last year, I mentioned that this year in the South Cotswolds area. Bob is always on the look out for was likely to be a challenging one for us as Ramblers, due to helpers, so please let me know if you would be interested in the effect that government cuts were likely to have on the helping out on one of his work parties. Public Rights of Way team at County Hall. Unfortunately The more mundane side of our role of commenting on there have been severe cut backs PROW , which has meant various footpath diversion, extinguishment or creation requests that far fewer personnel are dealing with the same workload, continues, along with acting as the liaison between those people resulting in less attention being paid to the day-to-day who complain about footpaths on the Ramblers’ site and PROW management and maintenance of the footpath network. who should sort the problems out – a job they are finding harder to do as the cuts bite. I think we can expect many more complaints about footpaths as PROW resources are stretched, so the next year will be equally challenging. Thank you for the sterling work on the committee by John Corry, Penny Fernando, Bob Frewin, Ron Dowdeswell and Bernard Smith. I would like to end with a request for people to join the Footpath Committee: sadly we are losing Bernard Smith who has served faithfully for many years and, though it will be hard to replace him, we do need to try! Commitments are not huge - four meetings a year, and we have reached a stage where the meetings are short and effective – and the perks are that you have an excuse to visit all the corners of our area and know that you are performing an important role for the Ramblers. Christopher Gent

TREASURER’S REPORT 2010-2011 Diana Davis,our honorary treasurer, will present her However, we have risen to the challenge and particular report at the AGM on Saturday 19 November, or you can obtain a thanks must go to Bob Frewin who has carried out a number summary by contacting Bernard Smith, the Group Secretary, (see contact details above) after the meeting.

Welcome to New Members

Since June we have welcomed another 12 new members. We hope you enjoy belonging. We have already met several of you on Group walks and look forward to meeting more of you.

Mike Garner - membership secretary

of path clearances (photographic evidence attached) often in the face of hostility from the landowners; and Bernard

Page 2 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk If everyone reported a problem… Someone recently wrote to me, “I have predominantly “Ecology and Industrial Archeology” joined as a member to support the Ramblers work on rights of way, I've been surprised how many are blocked in the area Following our AGM at 1:45 pm on Sat 19 November (having moved from Yorkshire), so thanks for all the great work you do.” we are very pleased to announce that Indeed we are all grateful for the work that members of our Footpath Committee do. But with over 3,000 miles of PRoW Ray Wilson, of the Society in Gloucestershire it’s a huge task. Now there is an easy way for YOU to help, especially if For Industrial Archeology will be giving us you have a computer: Walk leader Maurice Dyett recently put an illustrated talk. See the invitation enclosed. the system to the test and achieved results within a few days. On pre-walking a group walk he was due to lead, he discovered a broken footbridge near Cattle Country at Berkeley. He went on line www.gloucestershire.gov.uk clicked A-Z, clicked P, scrolled down to Public Footpaths and clicked, clicked Public Rights of Way, then clicked Report a problem on a Public Right of Way, followed the instructions and typed in the details. He was given a case number, and was able to log on again at any time to see the progress of the case. Maurice did this and on returning noticed an entry saying that the bridge had been inspected, and replacement ordered!

Bernard and Richard looking on while Mike Garner proudly displays his award of a certificate signed by Ramblers President Julia Bradbury to show that he was Highly Commended for 'Growing the Organisation' in the 75th Anniversary Awards. STW Start The Week walks These got off to an excellent start at Kingscote at 10:30 am on Monday 10 October, with 15 walkers enjoying an easy paced walk of 4 miles and a pub stop for many afterwards. Some were Group members who had NEVER been on one of our group walks before! We hope we are on to a winner! We have another 9 short Monday walks planned from Amberley, Berkeley,Saul, Shipton Moyne, , Frocester, Fostons Ash, Chavenage and a Uley snowdrop walk. Word of mouth - tell your friends.

Follow his example with your own local problem (I have already, writes Mike) and you might also pass details to our FP committee via the report page on our website. Just imagine the headline, 424 members solve 424 problems! Millets and Blacks 15% card If you haven’t yet got a discount card, pop into Millets or Blacks with your Ramblers Membership Card, and they will issue you a Specialist Card allowing you 15% off most items, including those already reduced in the sales. If you had a card last year, don’t worry about the expiry date on it, as it will have been automatically renewed. “Let them eat CAKE” Kathy Bullen is keen to find out who can make us a cake for our AGM on Saturday 19 November. Please give her a call soon on 01453 860004 if you are willing. Thank you. Gloucestershire Way On Saturday 29th October, Mike and Richard will be setting out on a 100 mile walk - might you be there too? We are just doing 10.5 miles the first day. Then you will have to wait until a Saturday in March for the next instalment across the , and going up in May. More treks in the Summer and Autumn. Ebley Mill - heaps better! John Corry informs us that the manure heap and slurry swamp near Ebley Mill reported by our FP Committee has now been removed, although it is still inclined to be muddy. Page 3 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk ISLE OF WIGHT WALKING HOLIDAY Sat 22 to Sat 29 Sept 2012 – Leaders Richard & Diana Davis tel 01453 762373

The hotel will obtain ferry bookings at trade price for us. Next year’s fares are not yet known but as a guide the cost is likely to be in the region of £65 per car with up to 5 passengers.

We have decided that the time has come to again put on the ever popular Isle of Wight walking holiday. Staying at the relaxing Hambledon Hotel and possibly its next door neighbour the Appleby Hotel, our walks will be organised by Step by Step Holidays. If anyone is wondering why we keep visiting there (this is the 4th visit by the group - last time 2007), apart from the excellent varied walking on the island, just look at the hotel website http://www.hambledon-hotel.co.uk and also http://tinyurl.com/reviewHambledonHotel ,where the Hambledon is 1st out of 64 hotels in Shanklin with 28 excellent reviews out of the 31. Bill and Jackie are wonderful hosts, and they know exactly what they are doing with walking holidays, with many repeat bookings. The cost for the 7 night holiday is remarkable value at £454.00 per person and this includes:- Places on this holiday are limited to about 25 1) Seven nights’ bed, breakfast and evening meals. members and there are a maximum of 7 single rooms. They 2) 5 days of guided (usually linear) walks including will be allocated on a first come first served basis. We expect transport to and from the hotel. places to go very quickly. 3) A light pre-ordered pub lunch on all walking days. 4) Tea and biscuits on return from each walk. If you would like to come on this holiday please return 5) Two experienced walks guides each day. the attached form together with a cheque for £55 per person 6) A day off to visit one or two of the island’s attractions. deposit no later than 18th November. The deposit includes a non-refundable amount of £5 to help defray Group expenses in arranging the holiday. The remainder of the deposit is also non refundable unless the place(s) can be filled by other members.

Members are advised to ensure that they have made their transport arrangements as early as possible. Details of ferry costs should be available early in the new year.

So book early to be certain of a place. Late bookings may be possible but please ring the leaders first.

Diana & Richard Davis, 22 Glen Park Crescent, Kingscourt, GL5 5DT

------Isle of Wight Walking Holiday Sat 22 to Sat 29 September 2012

I/We would like to book the following accommodation @ £454 per person for 7 nights:

1) A single ensuite room ( ) 2) A double ensuite room ( ) 3) A twin ensuite room ( ) 4) We don’t mind double or twin ( )

I enclose a cheque payable to South Cotswold Ramblers for £______(£55 per person non-refundable deposit). * EITHER I enclose a SAE for acknowledgement of my booking

* OR Please acknowledge by email to ………………………………………………………... Please book no later than 18 November. After this date please phone to see if there is room.

Signed Date To Diana & Richard Davis, 22 Glen Park Crescent, Kingscourt, Stroud GL5 5DT

PRINT FIRST & SURNAME(S)………………………………………………………...... ….……………………………………

Address………………………………………………………………………………...... …

…...... Tel no……………...... ….…………………. Page 4 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Here are details of our Annual Group Christmas Lunch: DATE: TIME: With Winter Leaves And Our Own Tartare Sauce VENUE: . The new club is on the road to Avening. Ramblers have been very happy with this venue for a couple of years and it has been well- With Crisp Bacon & Sticky Onion Relish supported. °°°°° MENU: See left COST: (no that’s not a misprint! - about £25 anywhere else) CLOSING DATE: Traditionally Served With Homemade Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce ACTION: 1) together with a cheque for the full amount, payable to , to: With A Cream And Vermouth Sauce S by the closing date – 2) either by post or Wrapped In Bacon, Roasted And Finished With A Orange And email to by Cranberry Glaze

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT VISIT Vegetable pakora and onion bhjais with mango chutney and lime pickle

°°°°°

With Brandy Sauce Stroud Symphony Orchestra have another entertaining programme on Saturday 26 November 2011 at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud (near the hospital) and we invite you to join members there and take part in the interval chat, which is always very sociable. Programme Fauré Pelléas et Mélisande °°°°° Shostakovich Piano Concerto No 2 (soloist: Samantha Carrasco) Mahler Symphony No 4 (with soprano soloist in 4th movement) Served With Minted Chocolates You can listen to extracts of this lovely music at www.stroudsymphony.org.uk Please order your tickets on the form below, from Stroud Tourist Information (01453 760960), ask me on a walk or just come along on the night. Mike Garner 01453 873625

------Stroud Symphony Orchestra Concert Saturday 10 December Sat 26 Nov 7:30 pm at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud (next to the hospital with parking opposite) To Mike Garner, Southcot, Please book ____ place(s) at the The Headlands, North Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5PS. Christmas Lunch @ £18.50 per person Please send me the following tickets: I enclose a cheque for £______payable to ...... @ £9 / ...... reduced @ £7 (both £1 more on door) / South Cotswold Ramblers in full payment ...... accompanied children under 14 free. Closing date 31 Oct. I enclose a cheque for £...... payable to Stroud Symphony Signed ______Date ______Orchestra and a Stamped Addressed Envelope for the despatch of tickets. Contact Details: Name Signed Address Phone Date Please print your name, address & phone number overleaf>> Email address Phone Page 5 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk AREA NEWS OCT 2011 As you can see, we are still in urgent need of an editor for Area News, so once again there will not be a full issue. If you might consider helping in any way for a possible edition in February, PLEASE contact Area Chairman Richard Davis on 01453 762373 or email [email protected] DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Ramblers Gloucestershire Area AGM will be held on the morning of Saturday 3rd December at Chedworth Village Hall, hosted by Cirencester Group. Details to follow. AREA MID-WEEK WALKS

All walks usually start at 10am and are about 9-10 miles unless otherwise stated. Sorry, no dogs! Map numbers: E = Explorer; OL = Outdoor Leisure; LR = Landranger. 2011-2012

Wed 2 Nov 10:00 10m Martin - 01249 720809 Tetbury Old Station CP (E168/LR163) ST 893933 Walk Addy's Firs, Ashley, Rodmarton, Cherington, Nag's Head Picnic. Wed 9 Nov 10:00 10m Blockley - 01242 254105 or 07884 094365 (walk morning) West side of Blockley Village Green (OL45/LR151) SP 165348 Moreton-in-Marsh, Aston Magna, Paxford, Broad Campden. Picnic. Wed 16 Nov 10:00 10.5m Sapperton Susanne - 01453 757212 Roadside parking in Sapperton village. Meet by church (E179/LR163) SO 948034 Walk Pinbury Park, Edgeworth, Duntisbourne Abbotts, Cirencester Park. Picnic. Wed 23 Nov 10:00 10m Bredon Hill Trevor - 01242 230511 or 07729 822636 (walk morning) Park by Overbury Church (E190/LR150) SO 957374 Ascent of Bredon Hill from south and west via Bredon's Norton, returning by permissive paths over Beckford Hill. Picnic. Wed 30 Nov 10:00 10m South Malverns Roy - 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) British Camp CP (fee) (E190/LR150) SO 763404 Strenuous Walk: Castlemorton Common, Hollybed Common, Chase End Hill, Ragged Stone Hill, Midsummer Hill, The Gullet, Swinyard Hill, Broad Down. Picnic. Tue 6 Dec 10:00 9m Lower Lydbrook Catherine - 01452 615382 CP on Wye riverbank at Lower Lydbrook Fee £1 (OL14/LR162). SO 596170 Walk visiting site of old railway viaduct by the Wye and viewing disused railway tunnel. Also passing through English Bicknor. Picnic. Wed 14 Dec 10:00 6m Christmas Walk & Lunch Martin - 01249 720809 Wyevale Garden Centre, Avening Road, Nailsworth. (E168/LR162) SO 856995 Morning walk followed by Christmas Lunch at Tubby's Waterside Restaurant at 1.30pm. Please BOOK with Leader by 7th December if you want lunch. Wed 4 Jan 10:00 10m Hangmans Stone Roy - 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Lay-by at Hangman's Stone (OL45/LR163) SP 088151 Stowell Park, Fossebridge, Chedworth (pub/picnic), Roman Villa, Yanworth. Wed 11 Jan 10:00 11m Plump Hill Derek T - 01242 678655 or 07710 339297 (walk morning) Wilderness CP; North of A4136 (OL14/LR162) SO 659170 Hilly route around Drybrook, Ruardean, Ruardean Woodside. Picnic. Wed 18 Jan 10:00 10m Bulls Cross Anne - 01453 834076 Lay-by at Bulls Cross (E179/LR162) SO 879088 Walk The Camp, Honeycombe Farm, Bisley (pub lunch or picnic), Returning on Wysis Way via Snows Farm. Wed 25 Jan 10:00 10m Bisley Heather - 01242 245070 or 07742 050385 (walk morning) CP in Van der Breen Street, Bisley. (E168/LR162) SO 906061 Walk via Battlescombe to Edgeworth Manor, then up Frome Valley to Miserden Park. Optional pub lunch in Miserden. Return through Througham. Wed 1 Feb 10:00 10m North Cerney & Cirencester Diana - 01242 578777 or 07812 637094 (walk morning) Park considerately in North Cerney and meet near telephone box. (OL45/LR163) SP 020080 Walk via Red Sheds and permissive paths via The Sisters, Ragged Hedge Covert and Hare Bushes to Cirencester (picnic or pub); return on Monarch's Way via Baunton. Wed 8 Feb 10:00 10m Search for Snowdrops Geoff & Janet - 01531 650349 or 07933 737891 (walk morning) Ewepens NT CP (OL45/LR163) SP 159144 Walk Sherborne Park, Century Wood, Great and Little Barringtons, Windrush. Picnic or possibly pub at Little Barrington - check with leader nearer the day. Wed 15 Feb 10:00 10m Hawling Peter & Kathleen - 01242 524575 Hawling village roadside parking. Meet by church. (OL45/LR163) SP 063229 Walk Salperton, Shipton Oliffe, Andoversford (pub lunch), Syreford, Oxleaze. Wed 22 Feb 10:00 10m Sevenhampton Roy - 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Sevenhampton Church (Take "Sevenhampton Church" turn, NOT "Sevenhampton Village") (OL45/LR163) SP 032217 Walk Race Road, Warden's Wood, West Wood, Wontley Farm, , Puckham Wood, Brockhampton. Wed 29 Feb 10:00 10m Ozleworth Des - 01242 245666 or 07979 505780 (walk morning) CP in Symn Lane, Wotton-under-Edge (E167/LR162) ST 757933 Walk Wortley, Ozleworth, Tyley Bottom. Picnic.

LEADERS - Offers of walks for the next programme (March to June 2012) are requested as soon as possible New leaders particularly welcome! Please contact Geoff Smithdale (Tel: 01531 650349) Email: [email protected] Walks details required by 31st December 2011, please. South Cotswold Ramblers Led Walks Programme November 2011

Don’t forget to tell your friends about our new easy paced 4 mile maximum walks on a Monday - STW Start The Week walks. We look forward to seeing old and new faces. Why not give it a try? Wed 2 Nov morning 6m M Look for the Welsh mountains Anne E - 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wotton-under-Edge, Auction Rooms CP on R just beyond graveyard, Tabernacle Road. L162/E167 ST 75559350 http://tinyurl.com/mapWottonAuctionCP We go through woodland followed by open views across the Severn Valley and the hamlet of Coombe. Lunch possible at end of walk in Wotton. Sat 5 Nov EITHER morning 5m L/M Minchinhampton No Stiles Walk Jacqui - 01666 826139 on day 07778 948615 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Market House, Minchinhampton. E168/L162 SO 872007 http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchMH Amberley, Rodborough Common, Burleigh. Lunch afterwards if required. Sat 5 Nov OR short day 8m M Two vales, a hill , and a nose Brian & Sheelagh - 01453 872220 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from reservoir CP. http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchResCP L162/E168 SO 855012. Steady total climb/descent of 800 feet and canal-side stretch. Swell's Hill, Brimscombe, Butterow, Fort, Rooksmoor, Littleworth. Bring packed lunch. Mon 7 Nov morning 4m L STW Easy Paced Walk Around Berkeley Maurice - 01453 811162 on day 07912 552075 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Mariners Arms CP Berkeley. Use the car park if coming in afterwards. L162/E167 ST 681992 http://tinyurl.com/mapBerkeleyMarinersArms A levellish walk past Berkeley church, Fowler's plantation, Little Avon and the Pill. Possibly muddy in places. Pub lunch available after. Wed 9 Nov long morning 6.5m M/H Another Bus Ride Steve & Rosemary - 01453 860130 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start. Meet outside Beaufort Arms in Hawkesbury Upton. Use pub car park if visiting afterwards or Parish Hall Car Park opposite (honesty box). L172/E167 ST 777870 http://tinyurl.com/mapHawkesburyUptonVH Catch 10:10 bus to Chipping Sodbury, return via Frome Walkway and Cotswold Way. Possible pub lunch at end. Sat 12 Nov short day 7.5m M Ghost Walks No 2 Bernard - 01453 884013 on day 07816 834828 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Brimscombe Corner CP behind Old Chapel. http://tinyurl.com/mapBrimsCorner L162/E168 SO 868024 Come & hear about some local ghosts & strange things. Route:- Nether Lypiatt, Toadsmoor Valley, Bismore (one steep hill near start). Picnic. Wed 16 Nov morning 5m L Nature Reserve Graham B - 01452 725405 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coombe Hill, The Swan pub CP, Tewkesbury Road. http://tinyurl.com/mapCoombeHill L163/E179 SO 888272 Through reserve, stopping at a hide, on to Apperley and back. Twitchers bring binoculars. Pub lunch poss. Sat 19 Nov morning 5.5m M/H Various Viewpoints Mike - 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Rodborough Tabernacle CP- off road leading up towards Fort turn R signed United Reformed Church and go downhill for 500 yds.L162/E168 SO 845040 http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughTab Visiting village and common, Woodchester and back along Rodborough Common. Afterwards bring a picnic. Hot drinks and home made cakes available! Members are then invited to the short Annual General Meeting at 1.45 pm - see how your Group is organised. This will be followed by an illustrated talk on “Gloucestershire's Industrial Heritage” by Dr Ray Wilson of the Gloucestershire Society for Industrial Archaeology. Mon 21 Nov morning 2.5m L STW short walk and talk from Saul Junction Patrick - 01452 616886 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Saul Junction CP by Willow Trust. Access from NW side of Sandfield Bridge to pay-and-display car park (£1) beyond public toilets, close to Saul Junction. Postcode GL2 7LA. http://tinyurl.com/mapSaulJunc L162/EO14 SO 755092 A walk with information about the canal, its history and restoration. Lunch possible at the Stables Café afterwards. Wed 23 Nov morning 5.5m L Eastington to Leonard Stanley Bernard - 01453 884013 on day 07816 834828 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Eastington Picnic Area by Canal. At Little Chef roundabout on A419 turn towards Eastington and immediately L into Pike Lock CP. L162/E168.SO 784060 http://tinyurl.com/mapPikeLock Beards Mill, Leonard Stanley, Middleyard, Stanley Mill. Sat 26 Nov morning 6.7m L/M Macaroni Woods ONE NEW LEADER Ros & Ron - 01285 658505 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Eastleach Turville, Victoria Inn. L163/OL45 SP 197053 http://tinyurl.com/mapEastleachT Eastleach Martin, Akeman Street roman road, Macaroni Woods close to the site of Bibury racecourse. Meals poss. at Victoria Inn. Sat 26 Nov 7:30 pm SocialEvent Stroud Symphony Orchestra concert - see newsletter Wed 30 Nov morning 6m L/M Westonbirt Wander Jacqui - 01666 826139 on day 07778 948615 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Westonbirt, quiet lane behind the Hare & Hounds hotel on A433. L162/E168 ST 861904 http://tinyurl.com/mapWestonbirtLane Arboretum, Westonbirt, Monarch's Way, Hookshouse Lane. Lunch afterwards if required. WALK OFFERS NEEDED FOR MARCH TO JUNE Thank you leaders for the 45 great walks planned for this programme. Please ring Kathy (01453 860004) Midweek, John G (01453 834141) Weekend and myself (Mike 01453 873625) STW (Start The Week) Short Walks to offer your date or dates no later than 31 December. Then please phone or send the details online if possible (see the Leaders’ Page) by 25 January or sooner. Thanks once again for your help. Mike, Walks Programme Coordinator South Cotswold Ramblers Led Walks Programme December 2011

Sat 3 Dec day 8m M Not Christmas Shopping! Karen & Tony - 01453 545824 on day 07721 605409 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Cam Peak CP (Peaked Down). L162/E167 ST 767993 http://tinyurl.com/mapCamPeakCP Around Cam Peak, side of Long Down, Uley Bury, Uley, Elcombe, .Packed lunch. There may be time for a swift pint at the pub in Uley. Mon 5 Dec morning 4m L/M STW short walk from Shipton Moyne Mike - 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Shipton Moyne Cat and Custard pot CP if staying for lunch or in village. L162/E168 ST 890895 http://tinyurl.com/mapShiptonMoyne An easy paced walk in this peaceful area. Pub lunch possible at end. Wed 7 Dec day 10m M Hangman's Stone NEW LEADER Roy - 01242 245488 on day 07766 413176 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from large lay-by on minor road 1.5 miles east of Puesdown Inn. First turn on right after Puesdown Inn. L163/OL45 SP 087153 http://tinyurl.com/mapNrPuesdownInn Stowell Park, Fossebridge, Pancake Hill, Chedworth, (pub lunch or picnic) Roman Villa, Yanworth.

Sat 10 Dec CHRISTMAS LUNCH see newsletter and book early

Wed 14 Dec short day 8m M Chavanage Circular Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07962 561888 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Chavenage Green. L162/E168 ST 865957 http://tinyurl.com/mapChavenageGreen Hermits Cave, Monarchs Way, return via Macmillan Way. Picnic. Sat 17 Dec morning 5m M Standish Park and Wood Olivia - 01453 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Shortwood NT Cripplegate CP near to Haresfield Beacon. L162/E179 SO 831086 http://tinyurl.com/mapShortwoodNTCP Haresfield Beacon, Oxlynch, Standish Wood. Optional pub lunch at finish. Mon 19 Dec morning 4m M STW Start The Week short walk from Nailsworth John G - 01453 834141 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Nailsworth Garden Centre. L162/E168 ST 854995 http://tinyurl.com/mapNailsworthGC An easy paced walk to Hazel Wood and back to Tubbys. Lunch possible afterwards. Sat 24 Dec morning 6m M Christmas Eve in the morning walk Andy & Wendy - 01453 885498 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Minchinhampton, edge of common behind Church. http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon L162/E168 SO 872009 Across common to Box, Amberley, Rodborough Fort, back via Burleigh. Part of Festival of Winter Walks. Wed 28 Dec morning 6m M/H A taste of Purgatory Richard & Diana - 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bisley, Windyridge layby on Birdlip road. http://tinyurl.com/mapBisleyWindyridge L163/E179 SO 903064 Mainly woodland tracks following the Wysis Way out of Bisley, Catswood, Purgatory, Ferris Court, Toadsmoor. Bisley Pubs available at end. Part of the Festival of Winter Walks. Sat 31 Dec long morning 7m M/H Dursley - up to the monument Michael & Gillian - 01453 542386 on day 07949 812975 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Dursley long stay car park, via Long Street, Dursley. http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt L162/E167 ST 759982 Tyndale Monument and Waterley Bottom. Possible pub lunch afterwards. Part of the Festival of Winter Walks. PLEASE NOTE RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part, especially if you haven’t walked recently. Try shorter easier walks first. TERRAIN RATINGS L - Level or little climbing L/M - The odd hill M - Moderate amount of climbing, but with plenty of easy walking M/H - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills H - Hilly ups and downs for most of the time. 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. Brings waterproofs and/or warmer clothing. It is advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy boots in pubs/churches. Sorry, dogs not allowed. PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked. MESSAGE BOARD will show any changes or additional information about any walk, see www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messageboard NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group three times. We hope you will then wish to join, either on-line 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. 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. 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. ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or shorten the walk, taking into account everyone's health and safety. Please contact them if doubt about conditions before travelling. Leaders are welcome to have news put on the message board. Just contact Mike. THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION is a registered charity ( & 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. South Cotswold Ramblers Led Walks Programme January 2012 Sun 1 Jan figure of 8 10m L Ramblers Resolution "About Turn" Joe - 01453 890197 on day 07502 080751 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton on Severn, small car park on left at far end of Green, at start of turning to Sailing Club. If this is full park considerately by the Green. L162/OL14 SO 747075 http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonSmallCP am Saul Junction, River Frome, Frampton Lakes (picnic lunch), pm Nebrow Hill, Cambridge, Sharpness Canal. Part of the Festival of Winter Walks. Thu 5 Jan day 10m L/M Withington Mill Roy - 01242 245488 on day 07766 413176 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Andoversford, park by Old Cattle Market. http://tinyurl.com/mapAndoversford L163/OL45 SP 023198 Walk Upper Dowdeswell, Shill Hill, Withington (pub lunch or picnic), Shipton Solers. Sat 7 Jan day 8m H Walk around Dursley (WAD) Allen - 01453 545588 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hill Public CP, not Golf Course CP. http://tinyurl.com/mapStinchcombeHillCP L162/E167 ST 743983 Dursley Wood, Long Down, Cam Peak. Bring a picnic. Mon 9 Jan morning 4m L/M STW Frocester short walk Mike & Heather - 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Frocester, George Inn CP, please park nearby if not using. L162/E168 SO 785032 http://tinyurl.com/mapFrocesterGeorgeInn easy paced walk via Silver Street and Coaley. Pub lunch possible at end. Wed 11 Jan morning 6m L Ham to Stone circular Maurice - 01453 811162 on day 07912 552075 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Ham near Berkeley, Salutation Inn. L162/E167 ST 680984 http://tinyurl.com/mapHamSalutation Deer Park, Stone, along the Little Avon. Pub lunch at end. Sat 14 Jan day EITHER 9m M A circle of the Stanleys Alex - 01453 826907 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from King's Stanley car park (NOT the Village Hall). http://tinyurl.com/mapKStanleyCP L162/E168 SO 811034 A moderate walk in the area. Bring a picnic. Sat 14 Jan fig 8 OR 8.5m M Avening figure of 8 John G - 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Avening outside Bell Inn. L162/E168 ST 881980 http://tinyurl.com/mapAvening am 6 miles Upper Barton, Chavenage Green, pm 2.5 miles, Steps Lane and Golf Course. Pub lunch possible. Wed 18 Jan morning 6m M/H Winter landscape around Whiteshill Denys - 01453 751581 on day 07783 269574 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Whiteshill Playing Field CP next to Village Shop. E179/L162 SO 839070 http://tinyurl.com/mapWhiteshillCP Through fields & woods. Part of Cotswold Way. Some short steep climbs. Snacks available at Village Shop. Sat 21 Jan day 8.2m L Sherborne Park Estate Andrew - 01452 857958 on day 07900 390351 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Sherborne Park Ewepen Barn NT CP. Take the A40 between Northleach and Burford and turn L (N) towards Sherborne. CP on R after 500 yds. £1 all day parking fee for non NT members. L163/OL45 SP 158143 http://tinyurl.com/mapSherborneParkEwepenBarn Sherborne, Sherborne Park Estate, Broadmoor Farm hamlet, Great Rissington, ancient water meadows. Picnic. Mon 23 Jan morning 3.75m L/M Start The Week easy paced short walk towards Brimpsfield Bill - 01452 813094 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Foston's Ash CP on B4070. L163/E179 SO 914114 http://tinyurl.com/mapFostonsAsh Climperwell, Blacklains Farm. Pub lunch available afterwards. Wed 25 Jan morning 6m M Kilkenny, Foxcote and Shire Hill Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07962 561888 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Kilkenny Viewpoint car park off A436. L163/OL45 SP 004186 http://tinyurl.com/mapKilkenny Part of Gloucestershire Way, through Foxcote and Shipton Golf Course return via Shill Hill. Sat 28 Jan day 10m H Prinknash NEW LEADER Catherine - 01452 615382 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Prinknash Abbey CP (off A46). E179/L162 SO 880137 http://tinyurl.com/mapPrinknash Over the hills to an Iron Age fort, Olivers, Workman's Wood, Cranham. Picnic.

ONLINE USERS If you view this walks programme on line, you can click the maps, eg http://tinyurl.com/mapWhiteshillCP Zoom Control - and + will give you 8 different types of map including Road, Landranger, Explorer and Street Maps. Have you tried it out yet? South Cotswold Ramblers Led Walks Programme February 2012

Wed 1 Feb morning 6m M Another Miserden Mystery Tour Richard & Diana - 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet 09:40 for 10:00 start from Carpenters Arms Miserden. Park in pub CP or road if full. Meet at pub for coffee and choose lunch if required. L163/E179 SO 937088 http://tinyurl.com/mapMiserdenCArms An undulating walk through the parkland and farmland surrounding Miserden. Pub lunch available. Sat 4 Feb day EITHER 10m M Hill and Ham Winter Warmer Joe - 01453 890197 on day 07502 080751 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hill village. L162/E167 ST 645950 http://tinyurl.com/mapHillVillage Anticlockwise - Wood End Lane, Whitcliff Deer Park, Ham, , Frampton Lane. Bring a packed lunch. Sat 4 Feb morning OR 6m M/H Waterlane Wandering Richard & Diana - 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Daneway Inn Car Park. L162/E179 SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway Circular walk round Waterlane and Oakridge, Pub lunch at end if required. Mon 6 Feb morning 4m L A castle - Start The Week easy paced short walk Anne E - 01453 842551 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Chavenage Green. L162/E168 ST 865957 http://tinyurl.com/mapChavenageGreen A pleasant walk across open fields to Beverston Castle. Macmillan Way. Wed 8 Feb morning 5.5m M/H A different Hawkesbury Upton Circle Ray - 01453 547213 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hawkesbury Upton, Beaufort Arms for those using the pub for lunch, otherwise park considerately in village. L162/E167.ST 778869 http://tinyurl.com/mapHawkesburyUBeaufortA Barley Ridge, Small Coombe, & Lizens Woods, Lower Kilcot. Return via Cotswold or Monarchs Way. Pub lunch available on completion. Sat 11 Feb short day 7.5m M Snowdrops (or snow!) at Cherington Ponds Sally & Keith - 01453 872729 on day 07818 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Minchinhampton, CP at edge of common behind Church. L162/E168 SO 872009 http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon Old Common, Peaches Farm, Cherington Ponds, Avening, Steps Lane, Bubblewell. Bring a picnic. Wed 15 Feb morning 5m M Painswick valley Olivia - 01453 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Painswick Walkers CP, off B4073. L162/E179 SO 866104 http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP Paradise, Olivers, Painswick stream. Pub/cafe in Painswick at the end. Sat 18 Feb short day 7m L/M Ghost Walks No 3 Bernard - 01453 884013 on day 07816 834828 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Cheltenham Park & Ride CP near Racecourse (off A435). L163/E179 SO 954242 http://tinyurl.com/mapCheltP-R Come & hear about one of most documented stories in Britain & visit Prestbury most haunted village in England. Route:- Pittville Circus, Prestbury, Southam, Racecourse. Picnic. Mon 20 Feb morning 4m L/M Start the Week short Uley Snowdrop Walk Kathy - 01453 860004 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start at far end of South Street, Uley (a cul-de-sac). http://tinyurl.com/mapUleySouthSt L162/E167 ST 793983 Towards Dursley and back the other side of the valley. Pub lunch at end if required. Thu 23 Feb morning 5m M/H Painswick and Slad Valley Bill - 01452 813094 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bulls Cross layby B4070 above Slad. L162/E179 SO 877087 http://tinyurl.com/mapBullsCross Through Sheepscombe, Painswick and Slad. Sat 25 Feb day 11m M Stanton Andrew - 01452 857958 on day 07900 390351 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Free Parking in Stanton in front of Stanton Village Club/Cricket Club. OL45/L150 SP 067343 http://tinyurl.com/mapStantonCC Cotswold Way, Snowshill, Broadway Tower, Broadway, Cotswold Way. Bring Picnic. Wed 29 Feb morning 5.5m M Pinbury Perambulation Brian & Sheelagh - 01453 872220 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Daneway Inn Car Park. L163/E179 SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway Siccaridge, Pinbury, Sapperton. Pub lunch possible at the end. .

PLEASE NOTE MESSAGE BOARD will show any changes or additional information RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part, especially if about any walk, www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messageboard you haven’t walked recently. Try shorter easier walks first. IMPORTANT - KEEPING TOGETHER ON A WALK Most parties TERRAIN RATINGS L - Level or little climbing will have a back marker appointed for the walk. Please inform this L/M - The odd hill M - Moderate amount of climbing, but with plenty of person if you need to drop behind for a comfort stop, and tell easy walking M/H - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills H - Hilly them when you catch up again. All members of larger parties are ups and downs for most of the time. asked to help by keeping a look out behind them. If the people WHAT TO BRING Bananas are popular as a snack, and bring plenty of behind you are in danger of losing touch, perhaps in a wood, please water, to avoid dehydration. On day walks you are advised to bring food pause and tell the people in front of you to stop too. Thank you. supplies, even if planning a pub lunch, in case the pub is closed. Wear ALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES have inherent hazards associated strong footwear. Brings waterproofs and/or warmer clothing. It is with them including rambling. In spite of participants’ safety advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy boots in always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally pubs/churches. Sorry, dogs not allowed. occur. It is important that each person appreciates their PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked. responsibility to identify hazards and take all reasonable steps to NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group three times. eliminate or minimise the potential for accidents. We hope you will then wish to join, either on-line at www.ramblers.org.uk ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or or with a leaflet, quoting GR03 if you wish to be in our particular Group. shorten the walk, taking into account everyone's health and Once a Member you can walk with any group in Britain. Newly joined safety. Please contact them if doubt about conditions before members please email Mike ([email protected]) or ring travelling. Leaders are welcome to have news put on the message 01453 873625 for new member information. board. Just contact Mike.