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

As I sit at my One thing which is becoming obvious keyboard the sun throughout our organisation is that coming is shining, it’s the years are going to feature some very warmest day of the serious challenges for us, something year and my reflected in the motions at General suitcase is half Council. Changes in planning regulations packed ready for proposed by Government will lead to more the South Cots applications for housing and, while there is holiday on a legitimate need for more housing, we Dartmoor. The must be on our guard to ensure that first two evening walks of the year have footpaths and countryside are protected. completed without a spot of rain, as can be Similarly the rush to find renewable seen from this photo taken near Bisley. All energy must not result in wind farms is well with the world. detracting from the beauty of our AONBs or endangering our footpaths. Coupled At the end of April I attended General with the cut backs in Public Rights of Way Council. Three appointments were made to at GCC these matters should provide us the Board of Trustees, all relatively younger with plenty of campaigning and practical members, who will hopefully bring some new work for the foreseeable future. I recently progressive ideas to our organisation. Among objected on behalf of Ramblers to the motions passed was one calling on Areas and proposed housing development at Baxter’s Groups to lobby their prospective MPs in the field in the Slad Valley. The application run-up to the next general election, one was rejected but is now going to appeal. calling for a national volunteer development Our footpath committee is working closely programme, one calling for national with PROW to monitor problems and help guidelines to ensure rights of way are with clearance. In South Cots we have a protected in future housing developments, comprehensive, well supported walks one calling for a review of governance of programme, and hopefully we can attract Ramblers and one calling for guidance on more members who will increase their planning applications for wind farms. All in involvement in Ramblers. all a useful conference which augers well for Richard Davis - Group Chairman the future.

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 same period 2,088 new footpath months or so with a view to keeping problems and they managed to our footpaths as clear and unobstructed "complete" 59% of this number - as possible and to input walkers' point complete in this instance can include of view into proposed changes to the problems that were closed without any footpath network. This work is action taken. undertaken not only for Ramblers The committee will also examine members, but on behalf of all walkers. proposed footpath diversions, e.g. The last meeting was held on 11th April where a farm has expanded over the 2013 chaired by Bob Frewin, South years and a footpath now goes through Cotswold Footpath Secretary. It was the middle of a potentially dangerous attended by Penny Fernando, Jill Byrne working environment. The sensible and John Corry. thing is to divert around the working The meeting discussed seven new area in a way that keeps the footpath reported footpath obstructions and four open and safe. The last meeting new proposed footpath diversions. discussed diversions in the parishes of Footpath obstructions will often result Cainscross, Slimbridge, King's Stanley in a site visit by a member of the and Arlingham. Many of these cases committee and where necessary liaising will result in a site meeting with the with Gloucestershire Public Rights of landowner and Glos PRoW. Way staff to remove the problem. With the financial cuts that are On occasion Bob and helpers will clear affecting the ability of Glos PRoW staff the obstruction. Last year 80 man hours to keep our footpaths open, the were expended in carrying out this importance of the work of this work and 31 paths were cleared. Glos committee can only increase. New PRoW also reported in roughly the 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 Public Rights of Way? landowner, but not dedicated as a right of way. The A. Gloucestershire County Council is the Highway National Trust and Woodland Trust have provided Authority, responsible for PRoWs, so report several of these locally (have you tried the one problems to them. District Councils have no duties, through Newark Park down to the bottom gate in but have the power to become involved. Parish Ozleworth Bottom and another one from the car park Councils can also become involved - it is often quite to link with the Cotswold Way?) Of course the effective to report a problem to them as well to put permission to use them can be withdrawn at any more pressure on with a problem. time, so they do not appear on OS maps. More next time …

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) mud- crossing 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 Chairman: Footpath Chairman and Footpath Richard Davis 01453 762373 Secretary: [email protected] Bob Frewin 01453 545752 Vice Chairman: [email protected] Mike Garner 01453 873625 Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary: [email protected] John Corry 01453 845574 Group Secretary: [email protected] Bernard Smith 01453 884013 Footpath Clearance: [email protected] Bob Frewin Group Treasurer: Footpath Committee Member: Brian Witcombe 01453 872220 Penny Fernando [email protected] Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator: Membership Secretary, Book Sales: Mike Garner 01453 873625 Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] [email protected] Led Walks Collectors for November 2013 - Press Secretary: February 2014: Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend [email protected] Walks Without portfolio: Anne Eamer 01453 842551 Start the Week John Corry Brian Kirkman Diana Davis Walks Website: Mike Garner & Sally Davis Jacqui Pycroft 01666 826139 Midweek Walks 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 gave us a talk about the history of Exeter which was holiday on Dartmoor at the HF Holiday House, very useful preparation for the following day Moorlands (see below for its amazing story - you because on Thursday our walks centred round the couldn’t find better if it were fiction!) After an River Exe and Exeter. One group followed the excellent meal, we had coastal path and then caught the ferry, and the other a walk round Haytor two groups began at different locations along the Vale and some of us Exe. We all met in Exeter for the bus home. took part in a “World “ quiz - which seemed to consist of photos of Our final day had us where one of our all back on the moor, leaders had lived! 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 During our week we and the Tarka trail. Word Wheels in the evening. saw delightful Dartmoor ponies, Dartmouth was our destination on a very wet wild flowers we’d Tuesday. Some were on the coastal path, some not seen before, nearer the Dart River, passing by Agatha Christie’s experienced the home, Greenway. Ferries were part of our transport changeable weather, system. WE ALL GOT WET! (Not a lot of photos walked miles and were taken because no-one wanted to risk their enjoyed excellent cameras!) company and plenty of enjoyable food. We came away with a sense of what an amazing and varied On Wednesday two thirds of the group (who had place Dartmoor is. opted for the shorter version of the holiday) went home - and the weather improved enormously!. 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 Sally Davis their own thing in the sunshine. A local tour leader

The history of Moorlands 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 7 DECLINE AND FALL The ivy creeping through the cracks But hope abides in those who Expanding joints where tendrils touch care The hills have dry stone wall disease But holding firm the boundary line As those with money and promised lifetime guarantees Then weedkiller Here and there Made lifetimes past Drought Both brash and bold Can hardly last forever Old age and such Rebuild with brand new Destroys the plant honeyed gold The craft is lost to all but few and starts the slow decline But who would dare to be the The builders too Victims of the rain and frost first Have gone to dust Tumbling To be the ones forever cursed Crumbling The owners mumbling time For using As all along the winding roads and cost BREEZEBLOCK!! and narrow tracks Now owning scree where walls have In toothless gaps crashed John Lang The stones collapse The glowing embers of country life To errant gusts Now grey white ash 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 Medium walks would include Cat Bells, Buttermere our Group to book up for a super flexible holiday in and Black Sail, and Patterdale via Place Fell to a most attractive location near to Keswick. As well Ullswater. as the usual three levels of Guided Walking (easier, Easier walks would include a walk around and near medium and harder) as is normal in an HF holiday, Crummock Water, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and a there will also be what HF call Discovery Walks visit to the pretty village of Rosthwaite, follow taking place in the same week, with daily shorter Watendlath Beck, and view Lodore Falls before (3 or 4 mile) gentle walks and sightseeing visits strolling back along the shores of Derwentwater. with another leader. Everyone who books will mix in Discovery Walks (3-4 miles long) would include an the evenings. This may prove to be just the job for a easy summit to view Keswick, Derwent Water and member with a partner less keen on walking but the Borrowdale valley, Buttermere, Cockermouth, as wishing to have a holiday in this lovely area. well as visiting the childhood home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, Surprise View and much And, if you are a very keen, strong walker, there is a photographed Ashness Bridge, catching a launch chance to climb some challenging mountains. back. You would also visit Aira Force, the best We have therefore arranged a provisional booking waterfall in the lakes, and the Jaws of Borrowdale. (held until the end of July) for 12 singles and 6 The Wednesday - will be our day off to explore twins or doubles at Derwent Bank, starting the some of the many other attractions of the district - or holiday on Sat 31 May (after the holiday week) and even do another (self-guided) walk! finishing on Sat 7 June. Do not be late to book - first Accommodation - The HF house has lawns running come, first served. If there is demand HF might even down to the lake and there are fantastic views of the be able to accommodate more. However late bookers fells. There are 32 en-suite bedrooms, all in the main (after 20 July) will probably have to pay extra. 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 leading down to Derwentwater, with a little jetty on Bells and Grizedale Pike. Standard rooms - the lake. It's a pleasant walk into Keswick itself. comfortable accommodation with an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, television The choice of walking and hairdryer. There are a few double or twin HF Holidays run a two week timetable of guided Premium rooms which have extra space or walking, and if the pattern of 2013 is continued, the exceptional views and in addition to the Standard Harder walks would include Scafell Pike, England’s room facilities have an Alarm clock with iPod highest summit, Helvellyn via Striding Edge and a player, enhanced toiletries, towelling robe and route up Blencathra described by Wainwright as the complimentary slippers. Also these rooms will be finest way to any mountain-top. available from 12 noon on arrival day.

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. Striding Easier Day Walks: Edge 6 to 7 miles, between 325 and 1,275 feet of ascent in a day. from DISCOVERY WALKS, daily except Wednesday: Helvellyn 3 to 4 miles with visits and boat trips. NB This is a separate 3,117 feet holiday package with a dedicated leader.

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 Ashness Bridge, M5, M6 and A66. Members are advised to ensure that they have subject of countless snapshots made their transport arrangements as early as possible.

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 Derwentwater, three miles long and a but ring me first and I will check with HF. The balance is payable mile wide, with several islands, one of by 20 February 2014. If you wish to come, please book with a which is inhabited cheque for £80 per person deposit no later than 20 July.

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 Editor: This edition is typed and layout designed by Angela Marks 01452 (England and Wales no 1093577, Scotland no. 616886. SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, Area News is issued three times a year in February, June and October. Items registered in England & Wales (no. 4458492). of news and suggestions or other features are always welcome. Registered office 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87 Deadline dates: 6th May, 6th September, 6th January - 90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW 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 A handsome ironwork sculpture memorial to Tony Drake and grass’ which Tony referred to as ‘the nuclear winter’, MBE was unveiled by RA President Kate Ashbrook on and the present ‘stick and rock’. the Cotswold Way at Hambutts Field, Painswick in the presence of some 150 Gloucestershire members on Kate Ashbrook, RA President and Director of the Open Wednesday 22 May 2013. Spaces Society, former owners of Hambutts Field, gave an inspiring address before unveiling the memorial Commemorative walks were led by Geoff Smithdale which had been cleverly veiled by our resourceful (Area mid week), John Street (Gloucester), Mike Garner President Frank Wragg. Chilly winds and grey skies (South Cots), Sheila Constable (Forest of Dean) and magically vanished and the sun broke through at that Brian Payne (Cleeve). Mid Glos and Cirencester moment. Tony, never given to displays of emotion, teamed up with Forest. Brian Reader, former RA clearly approved. 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 Chairman Richard Davis welcomed the walkers and address. Janet, though based in Central Office, knew representatives from organisations with which Tony had Tony remarkably well as became clear as she recalled worked with, or even worked against at times. These his campaigns, his tenacity and yes that path at included Glos CC ProW, the former Countryside Maisemore which featured on so many footpath Commission, later Natural England, YHA Wales, committee agendas. Her address is available to read Cotswold Wardens and Cotswold Way wardens, CPRE, and print off on the News page of the Area Website. Cotswold AONB Conservation Board. Particularly welcome were Dave Morris RA Director Scotland, Mark Richard the well known author of Cotswold Way Angela Charlton RA Director Wales, Beverley Penney and other walks books and a long standing Drake family OBE former Director RA Wales, Pete Bland better friend over two generations added his own sparkle and known to many members as co-ordinator of Ramblers- vivacity to the event, perhaps wisely advocating caution Net. Ron Williams, Welsh Council Executive Committee over the future of Tony’s Cambrian Way preferring to and a key organiser for the forthcoming Tony Drake preserve it as a place of adventure and challenge, memorial event to be held on the Cambrian Way on 22 somewhere for solace and for the soul. 1 Mavis Rear gave thanks to everyone who had helped An unscheduled finale was a heartfelt thank you from to make this event: her sub-committee colleagues, Peter Drake, Tony’s cousin who expressed sincere Trustees of Hambutts Field Trust, Painswick parish thanks from Tony’s family to us for organising this council, the Cotswold Wardens, Glos CC and event in spectacularly beautiful surroundings and for neighbours who had allowed those with limited providing a lasting memorial to Tony to be shared by mobility to park on their private drives. everyone who passes it on his creation, The Cotswold Way. Chairman Richard Davis closed events by thanking everyone for coming and Mavis Rear for organising MR 28 May 2013 the event.

Ramblers who attended the Tony Drake memorial Event Stretching up to unveil the memorial

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Since our last Area News the 2013 General Council has unfortunately their numbers are being exceeded by been held and a full report should be published on the resignations. While we can expect resignations in times Volunteer Website in the near future. Jill Byrne and I of recession we must still do everything we can to stem attended as your delegates. The motions to General the number of members leaving and attract new Council did not seem to produce quite as much thought members. Bernard has been working very hard to provoking discussion as in previous Councils, which I increase our publicity profile and I continue to produce have attended, but never the less some quite important ’The Gloucestershire Rambler’ in an effort to let all of our decisions were taken. Among those passed were members what we are doing, but we must still do motions requiring the Board to take steps to improve our everything we can in our groups to publicise our internet ranking, to protect rights of way in future activities. housing developments, to introduce National Volunteer Development Programme, to review the Governance Footpaths still represent a major challenge with further Structure and to provide guidance on wind turbine farms. cutbacks coming through from Public Rights of Way. Elections to the Board of Trustees resulted in the three Changes to the Cotswold Way management and younger candidates being elected hopefully bringing outsourcing of footpath works are two of the latest plenty of fresh new ideas into discussions. proposals. We will have to be prepared monitor the effects of these changes and do what we can to ensure Although of one of our major objectives over the last that our network of footpaths is adequately maintained. three years has been to maintain membership levels, they are still falling, something which is becoming very Richard Davis – Area Chairman worrying. New members are coming in slowly but 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 We are now into our ‘summer’ programme with evening reaching views in good weather. walks as well as our regular Wednesday, Saturday and alternate Monday walks. Numbers are being well Jenny, our new publicity officer is working hard. She is maintained, frequently exceeding thirty. organising a stall outside the Cotswold Outdoor shop in South Cerney over the May Day Bank Holiday and has As well as contributing the usual walks to the Stroud arranged for a local journalist from the Cotswold Essence Walking Festival, this year we are also providing two walks Magazine to join us on a walk. for the new Dursley Walking Festival. This is an important new venture for Dursley and ties in with their application We have had a good few new members this half of 2013 for Walkers are Welcome status. We have representation and our Webmaster reports 5725 hits to our website, over on the committee which has been set up to oversee the double for the same period last year. Festival and development of the Walkers are Welcome status. Pat Beckley - Group Secretary 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.

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 Cirencester Group us from heading to distant parts but we have been fortunate in attracting some new friends on our mid week Despite the awful weather our group managed to walks. However the dark nights gives us time to start undertake all planned walks with up to 35 members on planning for the longer days and we have a week in some and quite a few visitors (most of whom have joined Derbyshire arranged for June based in Bakewell and in the Ramblers!). We covered most of the Cotswolds with a September we are off to Austria where, a distant memory, few outside the county. A lovely walk in Savernake Forest reminds me that they have some wonderful cake shops to near Marlborough and one at South Marston near offer some reward for scaling the local mountain! Swindon through Nightingale Wood with a stop at Sevenhampton Church, the resting place of Ian Fleming. David Sanderson - Group Secretary His memorial reads Omnia perfunctus vitae praemia marces - which roughly translates as: “You are rotting Gloucestershire Walking Group away now after having had a good life.” The GWG has had a successful start to the year, with the Following the popular Skittles and Quiz night at South weather forcing only minor alterations to our walks Cerney in January our Quizmasters Steve and Katherine schedule! Our Sunday walks continue to be well-attended, held another successful night on 19th April, again at South and after what seems to have been a very long winter we Cerney. Both were well attended. 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 We have an Awayday planned for 19th May in Wales. From for a trip to the Lake District, and our walks programme for Pandy we take the Offas Dyke path to where it splits with the summer months is looking nicely full. We expect that the Beacon Way to Llanthony and Bal -bach. We continue the summer will bring more opportunities for social events on Beacon Way along the ridge then leave it to descend as well as walking.

4 Forest of Dean Group We have, as usual enjoyed a varied programme throughout Ideal for charitable events or pure pleasure. 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 Finally, it is with great sadness that I report the sudden in a lovely hotel right on the beach at Oxwich Bay. The passing of David Fisher, who will have been known to food was good and the staff were friendly and obliging. The some of you when he was elected as our Area Rep a few weather stayed fine, and because this is an area not years back. David served on our Committee for some unknown to us our walks were varied in length and terrain. years and stepped in as temporary Chairman when we We met early on the Sunday afternoon and had a short needed him. David was also greatly involved in the church walk, Monday there was a choice of long (approx 8/9 miles) and served for some considerable time as a “meter and or short walks (approx 5 miles) for those interested and the greeter” at Gloucester Cathedral, he was a member of the same again on Tuesday. There were also bird watching British Legion, a keen cyclist and was involved with many opportunities at a nearby hide, and several castles to visit other groups. He moved to the Forest of Dean for those of us unwilling to push ourselves too far in just a approximately 12 years ago and joined the Ramblers in few days. Wednesday morning was another walk a bit about 2002 soon after his first wife died. I have asked further afield round the other side of the Gower and then others who knew him better what their remembrances of home, with a bit more sightseeing for some of us on the David were and here are just a couple: way, to a well earned rest. All in all an interesting and very enjoyable little holiday. “His strength was that he always had a smile, never a bad word about anyone, and no-one had a bad word about him. On the 24th April this year the FoD. and Lower Wye groups He was very pragmatic and ready to listen. He was the one combined to walk one lap of the London Olympic Marathon to come up with an appropriate compromise at any course which we completed in 12 miles. meeting.”

We took a Megabus from Gloucester into Victoria (£10 . “A few years ago when chatting to David on a walk he said return) which gave us time to watch the changing of the that he only cleaned his house or did any household guard at noon in glorious sunshine. Our course then took chores on rainy days for as soon as the sun was out so us up the Mall to the Embankment, the Sphinx, the Savoy, was he. I think it was the following year we had a long spell and morning coffee at the Millennium Bridge. We travelled of hot sunny weather and David arrived on a walk when on to that lovely sight of St Paul's Cathedral, followed by someone made the remark about our unusual dry spell and the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange and then the David said almost under his breath "Yes, my house is very London Wall with its relics! Once through Cornhill we dirty now." This memory always makes me chuckle.” stopped for lunch at the delightful Counting House pub which is attached to an ancient graveyard, an ideal spot to David was greatly loved by all those who were privileged to eat our sandwiches. Four o'clock saw us at Monument know him. Our thoughts go out to Maggie his wife of 7 and on to Traitors' Gate and the Tower and bridge. months and his children and grandchildren.

Diversified returns to Westminster via south or north bank, J Burden. Sec FoD. 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! The Winter/Spring programme has been a mix of short afternoon we had planned a short stroll on Blorenge – a walks interspersed with Figure of 8 longer walks. At hill of some 1850ft overlooking Abergavenny. It should Broadwell in January a normally gently trickling stream have been a “walk in the park” but near arctic conditions became a river and a gentleman walker ended up thigh turned it into something more like a “marathon”. It was deep in freezing water while helping others across and now obvious that our plan to tackle the Pen y Fan on another in February drivers faced snowdrifts to get to Horseshoe over the weekend was not a sensible one Brockhampton for a bracing, but lovely, walk. We have and we moved to plan B – a route that took us round been lucky that all walks have taken place over the Talybont reservoir and over Tor y Foel which stood at difficult winter months and we are now enjoying the around 1815ft high with barely a speck of snow on top spring flowers – cowslips and wild orchids this week at and on a clear, sunny day the most wonderful views of Earls Croome. On April 28th the Group had a special The Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains. What a memorial walk at Farmington for Doreen Chapman. We difference a day makes! Other walks took us along the were very lucky to have her friend and local historian, Usk Valley and Brecon & Monmouthshire canal and Tim Porter, with us to talk about the history and beside, or even behind waterfalls at Pontneddfechan. A architecture of Farmington Church. good weekend was enjoyed by all with walking organised by the Chairman to suit different abilities This year the Group is walking about half of the “The which seemed to work well. 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 Mon 15 Jul morning 4m M/H Start the Week Easy Paced Colin 01453 843716 on day 07525 453911 Meet 10.20 for Walk from Cashes Green Erica 01453 756772 10:30 start from Kingswood, park considerately in village, meet Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Cashes Green, Prince of Wales on the Chipping outside Dinneywicks. L162/E167 ST 746917 CP, GL5 4RD.http://tinyurl.com/mapCashesGreenPW http://tinyurl.com/mapKingswood A short walk along the road L162/E179 ST 829055 Randwick and Westrip. Meal possible at to start with, then across fields, alongside the railway line to the end of the walk. outskirts of Charfield, then around and back to Kingswood. A few stiles to cross. The Dinnywicks pub for a drink, and cafe Tue 16 Jul day 10m H The Malverns Again Ray W next door serving light refreshments, but best to bring a picnic. 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 Wed 3 Jul short day 8m L Walk in Berkeley Vale Ray C http://tinyurl.com/mapHollybushHill Midsummer Hill, Eastnor 01453 811545 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Laburnum Park, Bromesberrow, Chase End Hill, Ragged Stone Hill. Cottage, New Brookend, Berkeley GL13 9SF. Car parking is in Picnic. my garden at the rear of the house. L162/E167 SO 685020 http://tinyurl.com/mapBrookendLabCot We start walking from Thu 18 Jul evening 4.5m M/H An Evening in Shurdington my house and depending on the weather will dictate the Enid 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 walkable paths. We will be come across numerous stiles. The Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Shurdington, The Cheese paths will cross fields containing lifestock, wild fauna and Rollers on A46. Only use pub car park if using at end. If not, hopefully wild flowers. Bring walking boots unless the weather park in Lambert Gardens on other side of road. L163/E179 SO has been extremely dry. Bring drinks and a packed lunch. 919183 http://tinyurl.com/ShurdingtonCheeseRollers The Gloucestershire Way, Crickley Hill, Greenway Lane. Pub meal Thu 4 Jul evening 3.5m L The two river Fromes at end if required. Goff & Trish 01453 824399 on day 07709 236989 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Eastington, Old Badger Inn. Limited Sat 20 Jul day 9.5m M Coaley Peak Circular parking if staying, or park considerately in Victoria Drive Peter & Susan 01453 860797 on day 07854 634090 opposite. http://tinyurl.com/mapEastingtonOldBadger Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coaley Peak CP. L162/E168 SO L162/E168 SO 777053 Fields and rivers. Drink/food poss. after. 794012 http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak Coaley Wood, Uley Bury, Uley Church, Owlpen Manor, Lutheredge Farms, Sat 6 Jul EITHER day 9.6m L/M Gloucestershire Way No 9 Bowlas Wood and return via Nympsfield to Coaley Peak. Bring Mike & Richard 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day 07749 a picnic lunch. 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Winchcombe, Back Lane Car Park (off B4362 Gloucester Street). Parking is £1 all day. Wed 24 Jul morning 6m M Valley of the Miry Brook OL45/L150 SP 024284 http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP Sheila L 01453 757295 on day 07972 904325 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to Condicote (SP Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Nympsfield, meet by Rose and 153282) http://tinyurl.com/mapCondicote). 100 mile linear walk - Crown Pub after parking considerately in the village. L162/E167 Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill. Today's section is from SO 800005 http://tinyurl.com/mapNympsfield The Condicote via Cutsdean and Ford to Winchcombe. Picnic. valley and farms between Nympsfield and Nailsworth. Possible pub lunch at end of walk. Sat 6 Jul OR morning 5.25m M Five Nature Reserves Dave G & Ann T 01242 862564 on day 07813 381097 Meet Fri 26 Jul evening 4m M/H Rodborough Parish Council 09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton Mansell, park in the Walk Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 overflow car park at rear of Crown Inn. L163/E168 SO 923027 860669 Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from Rodborough Pavilion http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonMansCrown Canal, Woods, Car Park. Go up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across Meadows, Tracks including 1 or 2 hilly sections. Food available. Rodborough Hill into Butterow West. L162/E168 SO 847044 http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion An evening Wed 10 Jul morning 5m M/H Kilkenny to Foxcote mystery tour. Graham B 01452 725405 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Kilkenny Viewpoint car park off A436. L163/OL45 SP 004186 Sat 27 Jul morning 5.8m M Variations on the Daneway http://tinyurl.com/mapKilkenny Across hills to Shill Hill then to Ros & Ron 01285 239054 on day 07917 808234 St.Paul's Epistle; good scenery; deer. Food available at the Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Daneway Inn Car Park. Kilkenny Arms nearby. L162/E179 SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway From the Daneway pub on to Far Oakridge and Oakridge village. Thu 11 Jul evening 4.2m M Avening Evening Walk Down onto the canal bank and river valley. Then through part of John G 01453 834141 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start. Park near the Bathhurst estate to Sapperton. Descent through woods on church at Avening. http://tinyurl.com/mapAvening L162/E168 to Daneway House returning to pub. Pub lunches available at ST 880980 Via Nags Head, Golf Course, Steps Lane. the Daneway.

Sat 13 Jul long morning 7m L Deerhurst, Apperley and Wed 31 Jul morning 5.75m M/H Around Randwick the River Severn Andrew 01452 857958 on day 07900 Steve & Rosemary 01453 860130 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start 390351 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Deerhurst, Odda's from Randwick, outside the Vine Tree. Park in adjacent car park Chapel. £1 Parking fee. Please use honesty box. L162/E179 SO or use pub car park if visiting afterwards. L162/E179 SO 869298 http://tinyurl.com/mapDeerhurstOdda Almost entirely 829068 http://tinyurl.com/mapRandwickVineTree Bread flat (one short climb). Route crosses fields to Apperley and Street, Pitchcombe, Edge Common, Bird in Hand. Possible pub continues by the banks of a disused canal to reach the River meal at end. Severn for the final 3 miles. Possible lunch stop by River Severn so bring picnic. South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - August 2013

Thu 1 Aug evening 4m M/H Uley in the evening Sat 17 Aug day 8m L/M South of Tetbury Olivia 01453 Kathy 01453 860004 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Uley, Old 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Tetbury Old Station CP Crown. Park on road by Church or use pub car park at rear if (free).http://tinyurl.com/mapTetburyOldStation L162/E168 ST visiting afterwards.http://tinyurl.com/mapUleyOldCrownCP 893933 Escourt Park, Shipton Mill, Long Newnton. Picnic. L162/E168 ST 792985 A Uley circular. Pub meal available afterwards if required. Mon 19 Aug morning 4m L/M Start the Week Easy Paced Walk - Not the water babies Maurice 01453 811162 on day Sat 3 Aug long morning 7.7m M A Real Coffee Stop Walk 07912 552075 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Ham Layby at stile Mike & Heather 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087Meet to Deer Park or on roadside in village. L162/E167 ST 678982 09:50 for 10:00 start. Park near church at Avening. L162/E168 http://tinyurl.com/mapHamLayby Whitcliff Deer Park and Ham. 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 Bank Holiday Mon 26 Aug day 10m M A walk in the park Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet John G 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton 18:20 for 18:30 start from Daneway Inn Car Park. L162/E179 Mansell. Turn off A419 near old White Horse and park on verge SO 939034 http://tinyurl.com/mapDaneway Canal and valley near village.http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonMansVerge from the Daneway. Pub for food and or drink afterwards. 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 Fri 20 Sep evening 3m M/H Rodborough Parish Council around Westonbirt Kathy 01453 860004 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 Walk Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 start from Westonbirt, quiet lane behind the Hare & Hounds Meet 17:20 for 17:30 start from Rodborough Pavilion CP. Go hotel on A433. http://tinyurl.com/mapWestonbirtLane up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across into Butterow L162/E168 ST 861904 Westonbirt, Silk Wood and Willesley. West. http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion L162/E168 SO 847044 A wander round Rodborough. Wed 4 Sep morning 5m L Leighterton Olivia 01453 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Leighterton, Sat 21 Sep day 11m M/H Walk around Stroud (WAS) Royal Oak car park. http://tinyurl.com/mapLeighterton Andrew 01452 857958 on day 07900 390351 Meet 09:50 for L162/E168 ST 823912 Bowldown Wood, Bennett's Spinney, 10:00 start from Stroud, Meningitis Trust CP, Bath Road, GL5 Monarch's Way. One hill and 14 stiles. Pub lunch at finish. 3TJ entrance first right after B&Q going downhill towards Nailsworth (Daniels). L162/E168/E179 SO 840043 Sat 7 Sep long morning EITHER 7.5m M Seven Farms http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudMenTrust A waymarked trail Anne E 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wotton- around the Stroud Parish boundaries along footpaths, canal, under-Edge, Auction Rooms CP. Go up Tabernacle Pitch and river and roads. Bring packed lunch. 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 Wed 25 Sep day 9m M/H Painswick Happy Wanderer Kingswood, Charfield, Bradley Green. Bring a picnic. John G 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Painswick Walkers CP, off B4073. L162/E179 SO 866104 Sat 7 Sep day OR 11m M am / L pm Gloucestershire Way http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP Via Sheephouse, No 10 (final) Mike & Richard 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on Pitchcombe Woods, Edge, Huddinknoll Hill, Cud Hill, Painwick day 07749 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Tewkesbury Long Beacon. Bring a packed lunch. Stay CP (£1 a day). From M5 head towards centre passing Morrisons on R and look for Chance Street on R (between two Sat 28 Sep short day 8.5m M/H Mills and Hills Jill white buildings). Take 3rd on R into Station Road. CP at far end. 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 http://tinyurl.com/mapTewkesburyLongStayCP L150/E190 start from Stroud Leisure Centre Car Park, top end. SO 899329 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCPtop L162/E179 SO Winchcombe (http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP SP 843057 A circular walk from Stroud heading up one of the 024284) . 100 mile linear walk - Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill. five valleys to Painswick, returning via the Pitchcombe valley. Today's section is from Winchcombe via Dixton, Woolstone, Pub or picnic in Painswick. Oxenton and Walton Cardiff to Tewkesbury Abbey. Picnic. PLEASE NOTE (part 1) Wed 11 Sep short day 7.5m M/H Woodchester Circular RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part, again Brian & Sheelagh 01453 872220 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 especially if you haven’t walked recently. Perhaps try start from South Woodchester, off A46 near Bottlegreen Factory. Park considerately in lanes. L162/E168 SO 840017 shorter walks first. http://tinyurl.com/mapWoodchesterOffA46 Dingle Wood, Pen TERRAIN RATINGS Hill, Stanley Wood, Woodchester Park. Bring picnic. L - Level or little climbing. L/M - The odd hill. M - Moderate climbing at times, but plenty of easier walking. Sat 14 Sep long morning 7m M Walk in National Trust M/H Woodchester Park Jacqui P 01666 826139 on day 07778 - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills. 948615 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Woodchester Park NT H - Hilly ups and downs for most of the time. car park. Turn off B4066 road for Nympsfield. Follow signs to STW = START THE WEEK WALKS are short (no more Woodchester Park (£2 or free for NT members). L162/E168 SO than 4 miles), easy paced sociable Monday walks suitable 797011 http://tinyurl.com/mapWoodchesterPkNTCP Walk in for:- 1/ Those who are new to Ramblers and wish to build up National Trust Woodchester Valley, exploring all five lakes, with viewpoints. Bring snacks if required. their confidence and fitness. 2/ Those who have been on Health Walks who want to move on to slightly longer walks. Mon 16 Sep morning 4m M Gentle walk through 3/ Existing members for whom our normal walks programme secluded valley NE of Edgeworth Sheila L 01453 757295 on is becoming too strenuous. 4/ Anyone who wants an amble day 07972 904325 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start. Meet and park on rather than a ramble, stopping to admire the countryside, wide verge at T junction 1 mile N of Jackbarrow Farm (and almost 1 mile S of Winstone.) Anyone wanting to arrange car walking and talking, and possibly finishing up with a half of sharing from Stroud ring Sheila beforehand. L163/E179 shandy or perhaps even lunch. Do tell your friends! SO 958086 http://tinyurl.com/mapVergeNrWinstone Thick NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group Wood to Edgeworth Mill Farm, back along valley. three times. We hope you will then wish to join, either on- Wed 18 Sep short day 7.5m M/H North West (Frontier?) line at www.ramblers.org.uk or with a leaflet, quoting GR03 if above Stroud Sally & Ros 01453 872729 / 01285 655521 on you wish to be in our particular Group. Once a Member you day 07818 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start fromStroud can walk with any group in Britain. Newly joined members Leisure Centre Car Park top end. L162/E179 SO 843057 please email Mike ([email protected]) or http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCPtop Farmhill, Randwick, ring 01453 873625 for new member information. Vinegar Hill, Haresfield Beacon, Cotswold Way, The Throat, Bread Street. Bring a picnic. Please also see part 2 overleaf South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - October 2013

Wed 2 Oct morning 5m L/M Winstone Wood Wander Mon 21 Oct morning 4m L/M STW Around the Stanleys Patrick & Angela 01452 616886 on day 07778 662951 Meet and Middleyard Anne C 01453 752654 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 09:50 for 10:00 start from A417 Highwayman Pub CP Birdlip to start from King's Stanley SDC CP opposite the pub. Cirencester road. E179/L163 SO 966107 http://tinyurl.com/mapKingsStanleySDCCP L162/E168 SO http://tinyurl.com/mapA417HighwaymanPub Winstone 811034 Easy pace from Kings Stanley to Cotswold Way. Wood, Miserden Park, Winstone village and Beech Pike. Pub Possible pub lunch afterwards. lunch available. Wed 23 Oct morning 5m M/H Nympsfield and Owlpen Sat 5 Oct morning EITHER 5m M Over the fields to Jon 01453 765490 on day 07847 612440 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 Coaley (Dursley Walking Festival) Karen & Tony 01453 start from Coaley Peak CP. L162/E168 SO 794014 545824 on day 07721 605409 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak Coaley Peak, Nympsfield, Cam Peak CP (Peaked Down). Please consider car sharing Owlpen, Uley, Uley Bury, Cotswold Way to starting point. Meals where possible to leave room for other walkers in this popular available at Rose and Crown afterwards. location. L162/E167 ST 767993 http://tinyurl.com/mapCamPeakCP Ashmead Green, Coaley, Sat 26 Oct long morning 7m M Autumn leaves Far Green. N.B. There are several stiles en route. David & Maurice 01453 547580 / 01453 811162 / on day 07891 918275 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Painswick Sat 5 Oct short day OR 10m H Walk around Dursley Walkers CP, off B4073. http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP (Dursley Walking Festival) Allen M 01453 545588 on day L162/E179 SO 866104 A moderate circular walk to Cranham 07749 564232 Meet 09:50 for 10:00. Meeting point for and Sheepscombe through woods, commons and fields. Picnic. the start of the walk is Dursley Town Hall. Park your car where you can, perhaps Dursley long stay car park (signed via Long Wed 30 Oct morning 6.5m M Half the walk it started out Street). Drive steeply up and round LH bend to park on top to be! Ann A 01453 839089 on day 07931 114439 Meet 09:50 level. Walk back up Long Street. L162/E167 ST 758982 for 10:00 start from Nailsworth, Egypt Mill CP, far side. http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt Cam Peak, Cam Long http://tinyurl.com/mapNailsworthEgyptMill L162/E168 ST Uley Bury, Dursley Woods, Hilly. Bring your Lunch. 850998 Ruskin Mill gardens to Horsley, through the fields to Woodleaze Farm, across the road to Upper Luthridge, Mon 7 Oct morning 3.5m M Stroll to Alderley and Back Sallywood, Wallow Green and back to Egypt Mill. Food and Start The Week easy paced walk Anne E 01453 842551 drinks available at Egypt Mill, they have a good Bistro menu. 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 PLEASE NOTE (part 2) drinks in pub at end of walk. MESSAGES on our website will show any changes or additional information about any walk Wed 9 Oct morning 6m L Canals, river, and ex-railways www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messages Maurice 01453 811162 on day 07912 552075 Meet 09:50 for PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked. 10:00 start from Brookend (near Berkeley) Lammastide Inn. WHAT TO BRING Bananas are popular as a snack, and bring plenty Post code GL13 9SF. Use car park if going in after walk. of water, to avoid dehydration. On day walks you are advised to L167/OL14 SO684021 http://tinyurl.com/mapBrookend Via bring food supplies, even if planning a pub lunch, in case the pub is Sharpness, Severn Way, Purton hulks. Lunch possible after. closed. Wear strong footwear. Bring waterproofs and/or warmer clothing. It is advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy Sat 12 Oct morning 6m M/H Whiteshill revisited in Autumn boots in pubs/churches. Denys 01453 751581 on day 07783 269574 Meet 09:50 for DOGS - Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. 10:00 start from Whiteshill, car park by the Playing Field. IMPORTANT - KEEPING TOGETHER ON A WALK Most parties E179/L162 SO 839070 http://tinyurl.com/mapWhiteshillCP will have a back marker appointed for the walk. Please inform this Cotswold Way clockwise via Haresfield Beacon & Pitchcombe person if you need to drop behind for a comfort stop, and tell them Wood. Snacks available at Village Shop. when you catch up again. All members of larger parties are asked to Wed 16 Oct morning 6m M Is Wetmoor really wet! help by keeping a look out behind them. If the people behind you are Anne E 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wickwar in danger of losing touch, perhaps in a wood, please pause and tell Playing Field CP. Go west from Wickwar centre on B4509 the people in front of you to stop too. Thank you. towards Charfield, passing Alderley Group sign on L and it is the ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or shorten next narrow turn on left signed Playing Field. Follow windy track the walk, taking into account everyone's health and safety. Please for 500 yards to CP. E167/L162 ST 722886 contact them if doubt before travelling. Leaders are welcome to http://tinyurl.com/mapWickwarPlayingField Sturt Bridge, have messages put on the website. Lower Lodge, Lower Woods. The Buthay Pub or Cafe at end for refreshments at end of walk. 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, Sat 19 Oct morning 6m L Rodmarton Circular London SE1 7TW. Tim 01453 757104 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Rodmarton, ALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES have inherent hazards associated with them including Cherington Road, park on verge. L162/E168 ST 939979 rambling. In spite of participants’ safety always being the paramount concern, accidents http://tinyurl.com/mapRodmarton Macmillan Way, Tarlton will occasionally occur. It is important that each person appreciates their responsibility to and Monarch's Way. identify hazards and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for accidents.