Eboot – January 2020

eBoot – January 2020

This month’s edition includes:

• Message from the Chair • Long weekend on Dartmoor, June 2020 • Weekend walking on the Isle of Wight, June 2020 • Weekend walking around Brecon, September 2020 • Bristol’s Public Rights of Way • Notices • Forthcoming walks • Discounts for Ramblers members

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From Wendy Britton, Chair of Bristol Ramblers Group

Season’s Greetings everyone. Another year ahead and as you will see be- low, an interesting selection of walks from the main programme to entice you out in January. Many thanks to all walk leaders for continuing to sup- ply us with such a variety of walks. You will note there are at least two ‘themed’ walks on offer this month - bridges and churches, we are spoiled for choice, both in Bristol on the same day! And later in the month our battle with the Swan - see the Star walk on the 26th.

The committee has received feedback that there could be an appetite for walks that have a focus on flora, fauna, geology, landscape etc. Are there any among you who have the relevant knowledge and would be willing to either lead and/or share your interest on our walks? Contact [email protected].

The February programme is about to go to press. Once again, we are sup- porting the Bristol WalkFest for the month of May - keep a look out for the host of walks that will be on offer, watch this space.

Happy walking.

The eBoot

There will be a new look to the eBoot in 2020, with an increased focus on forthcoming walks and more links to the website, which will hold more details about events and news. We also intend to make some changes to the website early in 2020, to make it easier to find information.

Group trips

See www.bristolramblers.org.uk for details of these trips.

Long weekend for A walkers on Dartmoor - 12th-14th June 2020

If you would like to join this trip, please contact geoff.daniels.bris@out- look.com, [email protected] or [email protected].

Long weekend for B walkers on the Isle of Wight - 25th-29th June 2020

This weekend is now definitely going ahead. Contact [email protected] for further details.

Long weekend for B walkers in and around Brecon - 4th-7th Sep- tember 2020

As well as the 'A's going to Dartmoor and Anne's exploration of the Isle of Wight, this is notice to keep early September clear! Walks are being or- ganised for a long weekend based around Brecon in early September 2020. Let Ikuko know by email ([email protected]) as and when you decide you'd like to come.

Maintaining and improving Bristol’s public rights of way

Eddie Procter of Bristol City Council has provided the following report.

Bristol’s Public Rights of Way (PROW) team, located within Council’s Traf- fic and Highway Maintenance division, is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the legally-defined PROW network (footpaths, bridle- ways and restricted byways) within the Council boundaries. Such works form an important component of the Joint Rights of Way Improvement Plan which Bristol has developed jointly with B&NES and South Glouces- tershire.

From its capital budget, the team commissions improvement works (resurfacing, improving drainage, renewing footpath infrastructure, new signage etc.) to meet the Council’s statutory duties as the Highway Au- thority to keep PROW accessible and in good repair. An on-going programme of improvement schemes is prioritised based on criteria such as importance as a connecting route, health and safety risk, accessibility, use as a route to school and geographical spread. This year has seen a new boardwalk, kissing gates and waymarking along paths around Law- rence Weston Moor. Clearance and resurfacing of an historic alleyway in St George and improvements to recently diverted paths at Victory Park in Brislington are scheduled to take place over the next few months. A roll- ing programme of signage replacement and cutting-back vegetation also helps to keep the path network in good order.

In addition, the team seeks and receives funds for path improvements from developers (under section 106 of the Highways Act 1980) and other

2 external funding sources. This year a long section of path from College Road in Fishponds down to Halfpenny Bridge across the River Frome, well-used by locals, recreational walkers and parents and children walking to school but in poor condition, has been resurfaced to a high standard with funding from the St. Matthias housing development. Another devel- oper-funded scheme will see improvements to a path off Brentry Lane in north Bristol, and Natural England/DEFRA and EU funding will enhance the route of the forthcoming England Coast Path through Avonmouth.

The PROW team is also responsible for managing claims for new rights of way, dealing with obstructions and diversions associated with new devel- opments. The team is always keen to hear about paths around the city that need improvements or maintenance issues and can be contacted at: [email protected]. Further information on Bristol public rights of way can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/public-rights-of-way-service.

Notices

Walk Leader training From January, the national Ramblers will be offering Walk Leadership Essentials training at a variety of locations across England. The training is free and travelling expenses can be claimed.

The full day course will cover the role of a walk leader, the practicalities of planning and leading group walks and some of the scenarios you may face when leading walks. There will be plenty of time to share ideas and experiences with your fellow walk leaders too.

The first round of courses will take place in January and February. The closest to Bristol is in Exeter, but we expect that there will be courses closer to home later in the year. You can find more details on the national Ramblers website: volunteer zone>support and development>walk leadership.

We intend to offer a local map and compass navigation course in the spring. Please contact [email protected] if you would be interested.

Some forthcoming walks

Full details of the walks programme are in the published programme and on our website, and also on the national Ramblers Walkfinder.

Updates are added to the Walk Updates section on the website as soon as possible. Other new walks or changes to walks are generally added to the Ramblers Walkfinder within a couple of days of notification.

Updates for Wednesday and Saturday walks are available on WhatsApp - to join, please email [email protected].

1st January - Mendips (A/B walk, 11 miles)

The walk will start in Winscombe at the car park behind the Woodborough Public House. It is the usual New Year wander, up to Crook Peak and down to the pub at Cross. In the afternoon, it is up to Kings Wood and then Callow Drive, down through Sidcot and back to the cars.

1st January - Blagdon Lake (Wednesday walk, 6.5 miles) This is an addition to the printed programme. Start and parking in Blagdon Village car park by the Fire Station, Station Rd. BS40 7RL (Exp 141 ST 501592) at 10:00am.

5th January - Wye Valley north of Brockweir (A walk, 15 miles) Starting near Brockweir Bridge over the River Wye, we will walk north through the lanes of St Briavels Common and continue on the English side of the Wye through farmland and woods, at times following the line of Offa’s Dyke, before descending to the Wye at Lower Redbrook. We cross the Wye on a disused railway bridge and visit The Boat pub. After lunch we will return on the Welsh side of the Wye, initially walking along the side of the river before climbing to Whitebrook and then walking through Cuckoo Wood and Bargain Wood, finally descending back to Brockweir Bridge. Although this walk traces the route of the River Wye, it is quite hilly, with about 2800 feet of ascent.

5th January - Thornbury (shorter B walk, 7/8 miles) This walk begins at the main car park in the centre of Thornbury, although, as always, if you have a car and can come to Great George Street for the 09.30 start please do so. Some Short B walks in the past have been short of cars for the lifts for other walkers. The walk will probably start at about 10.00. It will cross the Mundy playing fields up one of the rare hills in the area to the west of Thornbury. Coffee will be taken on the other side of this hill with good views of the Severn Vale. We will then go north to Oldbury-on Severn for lunch. The return route will be flatter and shorter. I hope to be back in Thornbury well before darkness (probably by 15.30 but cannot be guaranteed). It will be muddy....even if there is no more rain before then!

8th January - Bristol Bridges (midweek A/B walk, 14 miles) A walk for those interested in mathematical problems and/or engineering and/or Bristol’s history. But the wearing of anoraks is not obligatory. Starting from the Castle Park end of Bristol Bridge (at 8:30), we will follow Thilo Gross’s solution to the Bristol version of the ‘Koenigsberg Bridge problem’, crossing each of the 40 bridges between the Cumberland Basin and St Anne’s, but each bridge only once. Expect bits of Bristol past, Bristol present, and Bristol yet to come. For anyone who would be interested but would prefer a shorter walk, there will be opportunities to peel off and catch a bus back to central Bristol.

8th January - Bristol Churches (Wednesday walk, 4 miles) A walk at a very leisurely pace, looking at and, where possible, visiting a variety of churches in Central Bristol. Please note this is NOT for walkers

4 who are wanting ‘a good walk’. Meet at 10.20am at Clifton Down Station (Severn Beach Line) outside the entrance to Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road (ST 577741). En route, there is a possible coffee stop in St. George's new café/bar, Great George Street (or bring your own and sit in their garden). Lunch in a church café near the Centre (or bring a picnic and find your own public space). The walk will end near the City Centre or Temple Meads, depending on weather and the amount of good daylight for viewing churches in the afternoon. All hard surface walking. Boots not necessary.

8th January - Tockington (Wednesday walk, 6 miles) This is an addition to the printed programme.

12th January – Devauden (B walk, 11 miles) This walk Starts from Chepstow Park Woods above St Arvans. It sets off via Devauden and then wanders and weaves through the attractive woods, farms and scattered houses above the Wye Valley. Our lunch break is planned to be at the Fountains Inn near Trelleck Grange. Much of the walk is on good surfaces, but occasional deep mud is inevitable this winter. The final route will be dependent on issues reported to Monmouth County Council, who have been responsive in the past.

15th January - Hawkesbury Upton (Wednesday walk, 6 miles) Starting from Hawkesbury Upton, we will join the Cotswold Way, passing the Somerset Monument and walking down to Lower Kilcott. After a short lane walk, we'll then seemingly disappear into a private garden before climbing uphill and emerging from woods for our coffee stop (with good views, hopefully.) Our return to Hawkesbury is via the delightful Small Coombe and Church Wood before a final descent and ascent back to The Beaufort Arms in Hawkesbury where lunch will be available. The landlord has agreed that, if you are intending to eat lunch there, you may use the pub car park.

18th January - Downs and Clifton (Saturday walk, 4.5 miles) This is an addition to the printed programme.

19th January - Quantocks (A walk, 13 miles) The walk starts with a section at lower level around the north of the Quantocks. We climb Smith's Combe and then the walk changes character as it keeps to the high ground for most of the remainder of the day. The area between Beacon Hill and Wills Neck is covered with a brief diversion to lower ground to include the pub stop at Triscombe. The day finishes with a long and gradual descent from Black Hill. In the event of inclement weather, the route may be changed to reduce the exposure to the elements.

19th January - Wotton-under-Edge (B walk, 11 miles) A figure of eight walk with the start, lunch and end in Wotton-under- Edge. The morning will take us to the Tyndale Monument, covering 6

5 miles and 270 metres of ascent. In the afternoon, we have a slightly easier route, heading west from Wotton over Wortley Hill. Walkers are welcome to join for the morning, the afternoon or both.

26th January - Stroud’s five valleys (A walk, 16 miles) This is a slight variation on the walk that was included in the programme a few years ago and was inspired by the Meningitis Now annual charity walk. Starting from Minchinhampton Common, the detailed route will depend on the conditions and the pace, but five valley crossings are guaranteed.

26th January - Star (B walk 12½ miles) This walk meanders in a circuit in the pretty valley around Winscombe. It starts from Banwell and later ascends the flanks of Wavering Down without quite getting there, touching on several villages. It is a bit longer than advertised but mainly takes lanes, roads and tracks so it’s fairly quick. However there are several ups and downs so it will provide good exercise and some nice views. We head to The Star Pub which is smart but seems to welcome all comers.

26th January - Failand (shorter B walk, 8 miles) A walk taking in Ashton Court Estate and Abbots Leigh. We will stop for lunch at the Failand Inn.

2nd February - Cranham (A walk, 15 miles) This walk will be in the area of the Cotswold village of Cramham. The hills in those parts are not that high but are quite steep in places: 3,000 feet of ascent. Our route crosses several valleys and there should be far reaching views too. Hopefully there’ll be time to stop at the pub in Miserden.

2nd February - Purdown and the Frome (shorter B Walk, 9 miles) Meet at Great George Street for 09:30 and car sharing to the car park at Filton Abbey Wood station. We will walk around the MOD complex and behind UWE to end up at Purdown. Then on to Snuff Mills to follow the River Frome, and then Frenchay and back to UWE to return to Filton Abbey Wood via a slightly different route. There is an option of a tea stop combined with sandwiches at Snuff Mills. Please bring a packed lunch. There is no intended pub stop on this route, but the leader plans to stop at a pub at the end of the walk (The Fox Den).

9th February - Vale of Berkeley (A walk, 15 miles) The walk heads west from the Cotswold escarpment to cover much of the valley towards the River Severn, criss-crossing the Little Avon river several times along the way. Lunch stop in Ham, just south of Berkeley Castle. Depending on the weather, the top of the deer park in the Vale of Berkeley provides views of the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. Wide variety of terrain conditions underfoot, and around 1500 feet of ascent.

23rd February - Talybont Reservoir Rollercoaster (A hill walk, 15 miles) This will cover peaks on both sides of the Talybont reservoir in the Brecon Beacons. It includes three fairly steep climbs, with over 4500 feet of ascent between them. The route covers woodland and open ground, with expansive views of the reservoir, and some waterfalls as well for good measure, but no pub.

Ramblers Holidays (and Ramblers Holidays Worldwide) is the Ramblers holiday walking partner. If you book a holiday with Ramblers Holidays, this Group will receive a contribution if you let them know that you are a Bristol Ramblers member (£10 for UK holidays, £20 for short haul, £30 for long haul). See www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/page/thewalkingpartnership.

Note that this has no impact on the price you pay for the holiday.

Discounts for Ramblers members Most outdoor gear shops offer discounts to Ramblers members.

Cotswold Outdoor is the Ramblers national sponsor, and their discount is 15%.

Taunton Leisure sponsors this local Group, and also offer 15% discounts, rising to 20% at their regular special events. The next event is on 5th March.

You are receiving this communication as a member of the Bristol group and you have previously asked to be kept informed of the Ramblers work by email. If you no longer wish to receive communications like this, please update your mailing preferences at www.ramblers.org.uk/my-account.