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 - NOV 2012 WALKS

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 programme secretary. A copy of this programme is available free on our website or can be obtained on request to the publicity officer (price 3 second class stamps, free to Group members). Please send a stamped addressed envelope if it is to be posted. Walks are graded according to the following classification of pace:- A = fast; B = brisk; C = moderate; D = easy. Starting times of walks vary and need to be noted carefully.

NOTICES. Annual General Meeting. See Sat Nov 3. Christmas Lunch. This will be held at 1.00 pm at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock on Thursday Dec 13. The menu will be known by Oct 1. Bookings may be made with Ruth Goodland between Oc1 and Nov 21. Tel 01935 474671. Cheques (made payable to R Goodland) may be posted to her at 25 Rivers Road, BA21 5RJ. Group Committee Meeting. See Thurs Oct 4. Half-day weekend walks. See Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6 and Nov 3. Programme Distribution. See Sunday Nov 18 and Thursdays Nov 8 and Nov 15. Walks leaders. Would leaders of Sunday all-day walks please give Jean Verkroost final details of their walks on the next programme by Oct 1 and.would leaders of other walks please give details to Jim Fewkes by Oct 7.

PROGRAMME OF WALKS

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. Thu Aug 2. 10.00. The Manor Arms, North Perrott, GR 669075. 6.5 miles. C. Towards Hardington Marsh and White Vine Farm along part of the Monarch’s Way. Phil 01458834. Thu Aug 2. 10.30. Arnewood Gardens, Yeovil, GR 546145. 5 miles, D. Towards East Coker. No dogs, please. Derek 01935 426842 Sat Aug 4. 10.00. Rose & Portcullis, Butleigh, GR 510173. 6 miles, C. Towards Baltonsborough & Barton St David. Phil 01458 850834.

1 Sun Aug 5. 10.30. Shaftesbury Ivy Cross Roundabout. Take SW exit to Rec. ground and use the CP. GR ST865234. 12 miles. B. Picnic. To Wardour Castle via Gutch Common returning via the Donheads. Peter B. 01935 862229. Thu Aug 9. 10.00. Rose & Portcullis, Butleigh, GR 519332. 6 miles, C. To Great Breach Wood, Combe Wood and part of the Polden Way. Stunning views!. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. Thu Aug 9. 10.15. Ashill Village Hall Car Park, GR 32117444. 4.5 miles. D. Circular walk towards Windmill Hill. No dogs, please. Colin & Noreen 01460 63610. Sun Aug 12.. 10.30. Mere CP. GR ST814324. 14 miles. B. Picnic. Via Whitesheet Hill, Alfreds Tower, . Peter & Sara 01963 33717. Thu Aug 16. 9.30. Hunter’s Moon, Middlemarsh, GR 669075. 7.5 miles, C/B. A challenging walk with hills and some mud. Towards Glanvilles Wootton, Knapps Hill Farm and Lyons Gate. Please use lower part of pub car park. No dogs. Please note earlier start time. Phil 01458 850834. Thu Aug 16. 10.30. Kings Head Inn, Merriott, GR 445129. Car park is small so use Church Street as well. 4.5 miles, D. Using local paths. Alec & Mo 01460 77165. Sun Aug 19. 10.30. Meet Symondsbury outside church. GR SY445936. 10 miles. B. Picnic. Via Axen Farm, Ryall, St Gabriel’s, Seatown & Higher Eype. Carl E. 01460 30163. Thu Aug 23. 10.00. Langdon Hill NT Car Park, Langdon Wood, Morcombelake, Dorset DT6 6EP, GR SY412930. 5.5 miles, C. John & Maureen 01935 425037. Thu Aug 23. 10.30. The Winyards Gap Inn, Chedington, GR 492062. 4.5 miles, D. Via Monarchs Way towards Higher Halstock. Alec & Mo 01460 77165. Sun Aug 26. Mendip Walking Festival at Stratton-on-the-Fosse. GR ST658510. Sat 25th, Sun 26th & Mon 27th. 3 walks each day starting at 10.00. See www.mendipramblers.co.uk for details. Thu Aug 30. 10.00. The White Hart Pub, Corfe near Taunton, GR 232194. 5.5 miles, C. One long climb, taken slowly, via Adcombe Hill & Pitminster with views to the north over Taunton to the Quantocks. Lunch in pub. There is alternative parking by the Church for non-patrons. Peter & Maggie T 01935 826821. Thu Aug 30. 10.15. Long Sutton Village Hall CP, GR 459256. 5 miles, D. An almost level walk along quiet lanes, droves and river bank. Dick & Jasmine 01963 440968. Sat Sep 1. 10.00. Abbotsbury Main Car Park, GR 579853. 6 miles, C. Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach. Richard C 01935 473951. Sun Sep 2. 10.30. Woolland Hill. GR ST783059. 14 miles. B. Picnic. Via Milton Abbas, Cheselbourne, Ansty. Mike P. 01963 363077. Thu Sep 6.10.15. Loders Arms PH, Loders DT6 3SA, GR 495942. 6 miles, C. Towards Spyway & Nettlecombe. Ann & Ritch 01935 473754.. Thu Sep 6. 10.15. Kettlebridge public car park, Cerne Abbas, GR 664015. 4 miles, D. Via Cerne Giant, Minterne Parva, Upcerne. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227. Sun Sep 9. 10.30. Stourhead NT CP, meet by shop. GR ST778341. 16 miles. A. Picnic. Via Mere Down, Chapel Farm, Long Hill. Brian G. 01460 72892.

2 Thu Sep 13. 10.00. Foresters Arms car park, Holywell, near East Coker. 6 miles, C. Lunches available. Wendy & Richard 01935 862340. Thu Sep 13. 10.15. Free CP at South Cadbury. GR 632254. 4.8 miles, D. Towards Weston Bampfylde, Sutton Montis & Corton Denham. No extreme hills. Easy short cuts available. More parking by the church. Jenny S 01963 440497. Sun Sep 16. 10.30. Sherborne Acreman St CP. GR ST635167. 15 miles. B. Picnic. Via Corton Denham, Poyntington Down, Oborne, Sherborne Park. Sandra S. 07970 490653. Thu Sep 20. 10.00. The Stonemasons, Harts Close, Ilminster, TA19 9DJ, GR 352148. 6 miles. C. Via Old Road, Eames Mill, Herne Hill. Tom T 01460 242729.. Thu Sep 20.10.15. Walkers Car Park, Chilfrome Lane, Maiden Newton, GR 593979. 5 miles, D. Via Cruxton, Norton Hill Barn. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227.. Sun Sep 23. 10.30. Puddletown Church. GR SY759944. 15 miles. B. Picnic. To Bere Regis via Tolpuddle returning via Affpuddle Heath. Peter B. 01935 862229. Thu Sep 27. 10.00. Station car park, West Bay, GR 465904. 6.5 miles, C. Via Thorncombe Beacon, Eype Down. John O 01935 414745.. Thu Sep 27. 10.30. Chetnole Inn, Chetnole, GR 602085. 5 miles, D. One hill to be taken slowly. Views over Melbury Bubb and Dorset countryside. Please park in road. Tony & Janet 01935 428607. Sun Sep 30. 10.30. Yarcombe Village Hall CP. GR ST245083. 11 miles. B. Picnic. Via Millhayes, Stockland. Sue P. 01935 825466. Mon Oct 1. Would leaders of Sunday walks please give Jean Verkroost final details of their walks on the next programme by today. Thu Oct 4. 10.00. Perry Street Club and Institute car park, Waterlake Road, Perry Street, GR 335057. 6 miles, C. Via Chilson and Chardstock. Please use the gravel CP across the road from the club. Martin & Jean 01460 76366.. Thu Oct 4. 10.15. Public car park, near Old Forge Inn, Curry Rivel, GR 391252. 4 miles, D. Via Burton Pynsent Monument. Jim & Sheila. Thu Oct 4. 7.30 pm. Meeting of Group Committee at 18 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil. Sat Oct 6. 10.00. Portman Arms, East Chinnock, GR 496132. 5 miles, C. Via Hardington Marsh. No dogs, please. Marian & Derek 01460 73695. Sun Oct 7. 10.00. Baltonsborough Village Hall car park. GR ST543349. 11 miles. B. Picnic. Glastonbury Tor via River Brue, returning through Havyatt. Liz P. 01458 850401. Sun Oct 7. Would walks’ leaders for the December –March programme who give final details to Jim Fewkes please let Jim have these details by today. Thu Oct 11.10.00. Lamberts Castle car park, near Marshwood, GR 366988. 5.5 miles, C. No dogs, please. . Derek 01935 426842. Thu Oct 11.10.15. Winyards Gap Inn, Chedington. GR 492061. 4.5 miles, D. The hill will be taken slowly. No dogs, please. Valerie 01935 426842.

3 Sun Oct 14. 10.30. Yetminster Car Park. GR ST598108. 11 miles. B. Picnic. Thornford, Ryme Intrinsica, Leigh. Tony W. 01935 477273. Thu Oct 18. 10.00. Netherbury. Meet at the bus shelter in the centre of the village. Park in streets nearby. The village hall is in use so the hall car park is not available. 6.5 miles, C. Towards Melplash. John O 01935 414745. Thu Oct 18. 10.15. . Parking is recommended at the side of the road from the B3081 towards Bruton Station, GR 688348. 4 miles. D. We go out by Park Wall, with visit to Bruton Dovecote and return by Cogley Wood and the Brue Valley. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227. Sun Oct 21. 10.00. Millennium Hall, Seavington St Mary. GR ST407147. 13 miles. A. Picnic. Via Over Stratton, Hinton St George, Chillington, Dowlish Wake. Peter M. 01935 429477. Thu Oct 25. 10.00. The Piddle Inn, Piddletrenthide, SY 707998. 5 miles. C. Through the Piddle Valley, Park at roadside if not eating at the pub (limited space). No stiles. No dogs, please. June & Brian 01460 77057. Thu Oct 25. 10.30. Bird in Hand, North Curry, TA3 6LT, GR 319252. 4 miles, D. Along the ridge towards the Willow Centre and back via West Sedgemoor. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. Sun Oct 28. 10.00. Meet at West Bay main CP for car share back to Winyards Gap for start of linear walk. (There is a charge but only get a ticket if your car is staying. Please contact Jean if you are planning on coming so she can organise the car sharing). GR SY465906. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Generally following the route of the Britt Valley Way. Jean V. 01935 826089. Thu Nov 1. 10.00. Stags Head Inn PH, Yarlington, GR 654292. 6 miles, C. and Galhampton, using Monarch’s Way and Leland Trail. Roger & Janet 01963 34965. Thu Nov 1. 10.30. White Hart pub, Yetminster GR 594109. 4.5 miles, D. Richard & Wendy 01935 862340. Sat Nov 3. Walk and ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. East Coker Village Hall. GR 537126. 11.00 a.m.. Local walk. 4.5 miles, D. No dogs, please. Derek 01935 426842. 2.00 pm. Annual General Meeting. Motions and other items should be sent to the secretary by 17 October. Meet with other members in reviewing the past year and planning for the future. Sun Nov 4. 10.00. Chardstock. Park in village near church. GR ST309045. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Via Membury, Waterhouse Farm, Lower Yartyford, Ford House, Bewley Down, Wambrook. Gerry E. 01935 881317 Thu Nov 8. 10.00. Programme Distribution Walk. Yeovil Recreation Centre Car Park, Chilton Grove, off Mudford Road, Yeovil, GR ST 553174. 6.5 miles. C. with option to shorten. Yeovil Marsh Parish Walk via Ashington Woods with views across Somerset to the Poldens. Should be easy going but subject to crops. One incline and likely to be muddy. Brian 01935 423548. Thu Nov 8. 10.15. The Bell Inn, Ash GR 474207. 5 miles, D. To River Parrett via Milton, Long Load; returning via Witcombe. Droves and lanes. Peter B 01935 424208.

4 Sun Nov 11. 10.00. Gittisham near Honiton, meet by church. GR SY133983. 13 miles. A. Picnic. Via Lower Cheriton, Taleford, Woodford Barton. Brian G. 01460 72892. Thu Nov 15. 10.00.Bere Regis, CP near Church, GR 478948. 6 miles, C. Hundred barrow, Blackhill Clump, Fish Farm, Throop, Kite Hill Plantation, Damer Hill, Black Hill.. Gerry E 01935 881317. Thu Nov 15. 10.30. Programme Distribution Walk. Long Sutton Village Hall CP, GR 469256. 5 miles, D. Via Knole, Somerton Field Lane and Mundays Court Lane. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227. Sun Nov 18. 10.00. Programme Distribution Walk. Meet at car park near the library in Stalbridge. GR ST737179. 12 miles. C. Picnic. Via Lydlinch. No dogs, please. Derek L. 01935 426842. Thu Nov 22. 10.00. Misterton Village Hall, GR 456083. 6 miles, C. To Seaborough. No dogs, please. Marian & Derek 01460 73695. Thu Nov 22. 10.30. Unicorn Inn, on old A303 at Bayford, Wincanton, GR 727291. 4 miles, D. Via Coneygore Hill and Stoke Trister. There is ample street parking for non- patrons. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227. Sun Nov 25. 10.00. Somerton Shoppers CP. GR ST489286. 12 miles. C. Picnic. Compton Dundon, Great Breach Wood, Kingweston, Charlton Mackrell. 1 steep hill & some mud likely. Ken P. Thu Nov 29. 10.00. Norton-s-Hamdon Village Hall Car Park, GR 470159. 6 miles, C. Via Ham Hill, , Little Norton. Tom T 01460 242729. Thu Nov 29. I do not know of anyone able to lead a D walk today. Would anyone who can help please contact me (JF).

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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 “no dogs” 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.

WALKS LEADERS GUIDELINES Our walks frequently attract large numbers. To avoid accidents, mishaps such as lost walkers, inconveniencing farmers or damaging the countryside, leaders’ guidelines are put forward. The code is in line with the booklet issued by National Office though simplified, as we do not walk mountains or remote moors. 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. The leader should always appoint a backmarker and count those walking. Footpath Maintenance Problems. Contact Somerset County Council 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. This page should be added to your favourites. Jim Fewkes 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. Also it is recommended that leaders carry some binding twine to replace a short tie 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 programme secretary.

6 Indisposition. If a leader is unable to lead a walk the programme secretary (or failing that another member of the committee) must be contacted. Please do not simply leave message on an answer-phone. Insurance. Walks on the group programme are covered by The Ramblers Third Party Insurance Policy provided the leader is a Ramblers member at the time of the walk. Other informal walks are not covered. Pace. We walk together and the leader sets a suitable pace for the party: please do not let a minority force a faster pace.

OFFICERS Chairman: Jim Fewkes, The Gables, Middle Street, Rimpton, Yeovil BA22 8AQ. 01935 850227. [email protected] 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 Secretaries: General: Jim Fewkes, The Gables, Middle Street, Rimpton, Yeovil BA22 8AQ. 01935 850227. [email protected] All-day weekend:. Jean Verkroost. 7 Fairfield, Martock. 01935 826089. [email protected] Publicity Officer: Wendy Yates. [email protected]. Phone is 01935 862340. Footpath Secretaries: East: Dick Male. Cobwebs, Chapel Road, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7EX. 01963 440968. North: Jean Verkroost. 7 Fairfield, Martock. 01935 826089. [email protected]. South: Paul Cullen-James, 26 Rye Gardens, Yeovil BA20 2TF. 01935 412327. [email protected]. West: Roger Cripps. 01460 241608. Address below. Footpath Working Party Organiser. Roger Cripps, The Paddock, Lambrook Road, Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster TA19 0LY. 01460 241608. [email protected]. Minutes Secretary: Linda Fawthrop. 01460 929350.. Representative on Area Committee. Ruth Goodland 01935 474671. Mervyn King 01747 840896. Committee members are:- Roger Cripps, Linda Fawthrop, Jim Fewkes, Ruth Goodland, Mervyn King, Derek Lucas, John Oliver, Ian Rendall, Wendy Yates.

The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England 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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R E M I N D E R: MENDIP RAMBLERS FREE WALKING FESTIVAL 2012

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND - Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Monday 27 August

Each day there are 3 walks starting at 10.00am (short 6-6½; medium 8½-9½; long 12-12½ miles) & 1 shorter walk starting at 1.00pm (3½-4 miles)

Please allow time for parking, choosing your walk and signing in + putting on boots, etc

There is no charge for walking: Please bring drink/food as there will be a short drink stop in the morning plus a longer lunch stop. Please wear/bring appropriate clothing, especially footwear (plus waterproofs if applicable). Well behaved dogs, under close control, welcome but must be put on a lead when requested by the walk leader or back marker.

Tea and cake will be available in the village hall after each walk – for a small donation

All walks start from The village hall, Fosse Way, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet, BA3 4QQ Grid Ref: ST 658 510OS - Explorer Map 142: Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East

Enquiries: Please telephone Paula on 01458 86075, Gus on 01749 840349 or Clive on 01749 382064 OR see: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

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