THURSDAYKINGTONWALKS.ORG 18 SEPTEMBER 2015 T 07585 055 984 KINGTON WALKING FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 17TH -20TH 2015 1 THURSDAYWELCOME TO 17 SEPTEMBERKINGTON WALKS 2015 2015... Our walking festival returns for its fourth year, already Programme guide a firm fixture for all who love the great outdoors. All walks are graded according to their difficulty and Nestled below Hergest Ridge, the historic drovers' town of length as follows: Kington stands alone from a walking perspective, with more long-distance paths converging on the town than almost Key to symbols anywhere else in the UK. The smallest of the five market towns in Herefordshire, it is also the remotest and there is Easy No steep gradients and a definite feel that you are almost in Wales. But despite minimal rough terrain. These walks it's size the town has all the facilities you could want, with are suitable for most, including those plenty of accommodation both within the town, including a youth hostel, and in the surrounding area. There is a Tourist with limited walking ability and Information Centre and different independent shops that families with children. offer great personal service. walking and cycling with no concerns about traffic, Moderate There may be some This year we shall be officially opening The Wyche Way, a tour of historic cider orchards, four pub rambles and visits short sections of steep gradients and to local quarries old and new. You can discover the artists a new walking link between England and the Welsh border, some rough terrain but any climb will spanning 80 miles between Kington and Broadway in the of Kington or amble through delightful gardens. There is a Cotswolds. Why the Wyche Way? Besides the connotation chance to explore secret river bank paths or the hill forts be taken at a relaxed pace. These of Which Way (to go), the name derives from an old and standing stones of Wales. Whether you choose to walk walks are suitable for most people of the asymmetrical hills of Herefordshire, famous for apples, 'Saltway' crossing of the Malvern Hills known as The average fitness. Wyche Cutting. In addition there is an area in the original beef and beer or the wild uplands of Wales you will receive a warm welcome. settlement of Kington close to the church known as the Energetic May include rough terrain, Wych where one can find several buildings bearing the In the town there will be a programme of events which with steep climbs and descents. name. The walk will link Offa's Dyke Path with the Cotswold both non-walkers and post-walkers can enjoy including Requires a good level of fitness. Way from where it is possible to join The Shakespeare a goulash evening when the community choir will entertain Way and walk all the way down (or up) to London! The diners, a talk on the pre-history of the Radnor Valley by Strenuous Walks require fitness official opening of this new walk will take place on Friday Bill Britnell of the Clwyd Powys Archaeology Trust, a poor 18 September by Kate Ashbrook, General Secretary of the weather navigation workshop, a photography workshop and stamina to cope with several Open Spaces Society as well as President of The Ramblers and a David Bowie tribute band to while away an evening steep climbs and to cover a good and a patron of the Walkers are Welcome Towns Network. or two. distance at a steady pace. Immediately afterwards Guy Vowles, whose brainchild the trail is, will lead the first leg of The Wyche Way from So do come and join us and share in this little known Historical or scientific interest Kington to Weobley followed by the second leg the next perfect walking country. The views are sublime. day from Weobley to Bodenham. Spectacular views and / or photo- Our festival programme comprises 38 guided walks and graphic opportunities one self-led walk, the Eight Peaks Challenge, an orienteering style event for all. There are walks for all abilities. There is Pub walk a Legs and Wheels event combining the twin pleasures of 2 OUR FOURTH WALKING FESTIVAL KINGTONWALKS.ORG Clothing Walks will commence at the given time, whether all You will be expected to ensure that you are properly participants have arrived or not. Please note that equipped for the grade and length of walk. For walks durations given for walks are approximate. graded 2, 3 and 4, walking boots, a waterproof jacket Age and trousers, warm clothes, gloves, plus hat and Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. a rucksack are essential (it may be cold on the tops in late September). For walks graded above level one Booking we would strongly advise against walkers wearing Most walks are priced at £5 for a half day and £7 for jeans on any of our walks, as these are not sufficiently a longer walk. Some walks involve an additional cost weather proof. Walk leaders may refuse to take people to cover transport, food or admission charges. who are not properly equipped or prepared. NB: Walks using public bus services Food and drink All information is correct at time of going to press; Ensure that you have an adequate supply of water however, both Herefordshire & Powys County Councils (and a hot drink if you wish) and sufficient food for are reviewing public transport provision. Should a the length of walk – there are no cafés on the hills! particular service be axed, we will make alternative A packed lunch for an all day walk is strongly advised. arrangements. walkers should be aware that this may Where refreshments are included on a walk, this entail a small extra charge for the walk. is clearly stated. To avoid disappointment please book your place[s] in advance. We anticipate that many of the walks will Safety be fully booked prior to the event. Priority is given to Your leaders’ duty is to the group and they may refuse online bookings; however, should you wish to book by to accept a walker whose clothing or equipment post please complete the booking form on page 21 is unsuitable. If you choose to leave the group and send it, together with a stamped, self-addressed at any time, your leader is no longer responsible for envelope and your cheque (made payable to Kington you. Please have consideration for other people and Walks) to Tourist Information Centre, 5 Church Street, keep mobile phone use to a minimum. We also ask Kington, HR5 3AZ. You can also book in person at the all walkers not to smoke while on guided walks, out Tourist Information Centre. of consideration for others and to avoid undue risk of fire or littering the countryside. No liability will Any unsold places will be available on the day from the be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result Festival HQ at The Burton Hotel, Mill St, Kington. of taking part in any Walk or Event. Bookings are non-refundable except in the unlikely event that a walk is cancelled. Timing Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes Dogs before the start of each walk. This is especially We regret that dogs are not allowed on any of the important for walks that include a bus journey. guided walks. 3 THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2015 Th1 Knighton to Kington on Offa planted like a Himalayan valley. Homemade lunches and Leader Malcolm Mason teas are available in the tea room. Stout shoes and rainwear Sponsored by Offa’s Dyke National Trail Max No 20 people required. Elizabeth Banks, President Emeritus of the RHS will Price £7 + bus fare Start 9:00am Mill St car park, Kington lead the walk and Rowan Griffiths, the gardener responsible (SO 295 565) for cataloguing the collection, will assist. Bring packed lunch & bus fare. A looping walk through Duration 8 hrs open countryside to visit the churches and Norman Castles Distance 14 miles Eywood: the ghost of the park of Eardisley and Almeley. As their names suggest, both these Th3 villages can claim Saxon foundations but they developed as Leader Rob Dingle & garden Norman strongholds in the Marches. There will be time to Max No 14 Sponsored by The Oxford Arms explore the earthworks of the Motte and Bailey castles in Price £10 (inc. transport) Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington both villages and look at the rich history of the churches. Bring packed lunch. This walk follows the Offa’s Dyke (SO 295 565) Path National Trail from Knighton to Kington on a particularly Duration 5 hrs stunning section of the trail with iconic views of the Welsh Distance 6 miles border country. During the day you are never far away Leader Mark Birchley from King Offa’s earthwork, the longest scheduled ancient monument in Britain. Walk includes a couple of steepish Max No 20 people climbs, plus about 10 stiles. Minibus to Knighton. Price £5 + bus fares Bring packed lunch. & bus fares. From the Eywood drive Th2 Trees of the World II entrance at Titley, the walk visits Titley Pool Nature Reserve Start 10:00am Entrance, Hergest Croft Gardens, and proceeds to the site of the demolished house via its Kington (SO 284 566) abandoned carriage drive, exploring the remains of the Duration 3 hrs park, pleasure gardens and other features before returning to Kington on footpaths, tracks and lanes via Rushock and Distance 4 miles Barton. Our thanks to various landowners for permitting Th5 Secrets of the Stones Leader Elizabeth Banks & Rowan Griffiths. access to areas not generally open to the public.