THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION NORTH-WEST ESSEX GROUP www.northwestessexramblers.co.uk https:/www.facebook.com/northwestessexramblers
SUMMER/AUTUMN PROGRAMME AUGUST- NOVEMBER 2017
CHAIRPERSON Geoff Farrow, 01787 472061, Email [email protected]
SECRETARY Vacant
TREASURER Maureen Davis, 01376 330978, Email [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP Janet Bugler, 2 Lime Grove, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7PE SECRETARY 01787 373173, Email [email protected]
RAMBLES Gwen Worrall, 01245 382399, Email [email protected] SECRETARIES Ann Bennett 01371 856659 Email [email protected]
PUBLICITY Geoff Farrow, 01787 472061, Email [email protected]
COMMITTEE Clive Collins, Ronnie Davis, Francis Starnes
FOOTPATH Paul Evans, 01376 570156, Email [email protected] SECRETARY Katherine Evans, 01376 570156, Email [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: On walks DO NOT consume your own drinks in pubs or pub gardens. Times given are for the start of the walk. Please allow time for parking and putting on boots etc. A maximum of two dogs are generally allowed on walks. Please contact the leader beforehand. Dogs must be on leads along roads or near livestock and under close control at all other times. All walks are at Rambler’s own risk. Neither the R.A. nor the leader can accept any responsibility for any accident or injuries which may occur during any of the group’s walks or other activities.
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CHAIRMAN’S RAMBLINGS
Welcome to our new programme of walks which takes us through the summer and into the autumn, and contains our usual variety of walks. We look forward to seeing you on some of these group walks, even if you usually prefer to walk independently.
This August the group celebrates its 30th anniversary and to mark this occasion we are taking afternoon tea, including cakes and scones at Spencer’s Farm Shop in Wickham St Paul, preceded by an optional short walk. Further details are shown in the walks programme so please make a date in your diary for this event.
In May eleven of the group spent a week walking along the Dorset coast and on the Purbeck Hills, staying at an idyllic location overlooking Corfe Castle. Apart from a short period of rain on the first day the weather was near perfect for walking, with sun hats essential by the end of the week. Photos of the holiday may be found on our facebook page.
Behind the national headlines work quietly continues on the England Coast Path, including the Essex sections, with the support of Natural England, the Ramblers and other interested organisations. When finally completed in 2020 the 2795 mile long path will be the world's longest continuous coastal trail, no mean achievement in these times of so called “austerity”.
Happy rambling!
Geoff
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SATURDAY, 5 AUGUST - 30TH ANNIVERSARY AFTERNOON TEA Park at Spencer’s farm shop Wickham St Paul. £6.00 per head. See programme for full details. To book a place please ‘phone Ronnie ASAP on 01787 479177 / 07962 817414.
SATURDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER – JOHN RAY PATH MAINTENANCE Meet in Braintree rail station car park at 10.00 am (charges apply). Bring secateurs, cleaning fluids and cloths. Picnic lunch. All very welcome. Many hands make light work!
MONDAY, 2 OCTOBER - PLANNING MEETING FOLLOWED BY COMMITTEE MEETING 2.00 pm at Broad Road, Braintree, CM7 9RZ. Next programme runs from December –March 2018. Please ‘phone a committee member if you need directions.
SATURDAY, 4 NOVEMBER - AGM 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm. Lunch of soup and rolls. Please come along and support the group.
SATURDAY, 13 JANUARY 2018 – ADVANCE NOTICE - POST CHRISTMAS MEAL Details and venue on the December - March programme.
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DATE/LEADER AUGUST WALKS MAP REF
Sat 5th 12.30 pm 30th ANNIVERSARY AFTERNOON TEA – WICKHAM EXP 196 and 2.30 pm ST PAUL Park at Spencer’s Farm Shop. £6.00 per TL Ronnie head. See dates for your diary. 834358 01787 479177 4-5 miles walk at 12.30 pm CO9 2PX 07974 635627 Tea at approximately 2.30 pm Sun 6th 10.00 am SUFFOLK COAST VIA MINSMERE, WESTLETON EXP 231 & 212 Janet & Clive AND DUNWICH Parking at National Trust Dunwich TM 01787 373173 Heath Coast Guard Cottages car park (charges apply 476677 07926 356393 for non-members). Optional tea stop at end. IP17 3DJ Picnic lunch Approx10 miles Thu 10th 10.00 am BOCKING Park in Convent Lane. Tea, cake and EXP 195 Maureen opportunity for a swim after the walk. TL 01376 330978 Picnic lunch Approx 9 miles 764243 07962 817414 CM7 9RN Sat 12th 10.00 am BRAINTREE Circular walk via Rayne, Duck End Green EXP 195 Maria and Panfield. Park Braintree railway station (charges TL 01376 331510 apply). 761228 Picnic lunch 10 miles CM7 3QL Sun 13th 10.00 am NEAR LITTLE BADDOW LOCK Parking on Church EXP 183 Fran & Steve Road, north of bridge over River Chelmer. TL 01376 3439081 Picnic lunch Approx 9 miles 762086 CM3 3DG Sun 20th 10.00 am BOXTED Park at the far end of Chuch Lane. Walking EXP 196 Val via Nayland. TL 01206 736950 Picnic lunch Approx 10 miles 998333 07790 119654 CO4 5SU Sat 26th 10.00 am SOUTH HANNINGFIELD Park Essex Wildlife Trust EXP 175 Gwen W Centre car park, Hawkswood Road, Downham, TQ 01245 382399 Billericay (3 miles from A130). Sorry no dogs allowed. 725971 07976 709056 Picnic lunch Approx 7-8 miles CM11 1WT
FOOTNOTES
Holiday, Scholes Manor, Kingston, Dorset
11 of us went on a week’s holiday to Scholes Manor, Dorset. My second Ramblers holiday with the group, this was my first self catering, which was great as I am on a diet. The house was well equipped, all the cooking facilities you need, the two kitchens quite large especially for 5-6 people to prepare breakfast and packed lunches every day.
Our first walk we went to Tyneham Village, just as we stopped for our tea break, it rained, all of the waterproofs came out, of which Clive had to assist me putting on my trousers!!! After walking for about 1 hour the rain stopped and the weather was beautiful, we stopped for lunch on the beach, we even had picnic benches to sit at. We set off to a very, very steep hill, when we got to the top MOTHER advised us of the knee tremble she had just experienced!
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DATE/LEADER SEPTEMBER WALKS MAP REF
Sat 2nd 10.00 am BRAINTREE Park in Convent Lane. Walking via EXP 195 Julie Gosfield. TL 07827 017744 Picnic lunch 9.5 miles 764243 CM7 9RN Sun 3rd 10.00 am WALTHAM ABBEY Park at visitor centre. Walking via EXP 174 Ronnie Lee Valley Park. TL 01787 479177 Picnic lunch 9 miles 382008 07974 635627 EN9 1XQ Sat 9th 10.00 am COGGESHALL Circular walk via Bradwell, Pattiswick EXP 195 Maria and Marks Hall. Park Stoneham Street car park. TL 01376 331510 Picnic lunch 10 miles 849226 CO6 1NY Sun 10th 10.00 am BALSHAM Circular walk via West Wratting. Park at EXP 209 Ann B Balsham Village Institute car park opposite church. In TL 01371 856659 centre of village turn at village shelter. Follow signs for 587509 07756 559179 church. Picnic lunch 10 miles CB21 4EQ Sat 16th 10.00 am BLACKMORE TO DODDINGHURST Park in village EXP 175/183 Teresa near the green (postcode is Leather Bottle pub). TL/TQ 07505 063108 Picnic lunch 9 miles 603016 CM4 0RT Sun 17th 10.00 am MAGNA CARTA WALK from Clare to Hedingham. EXP 195 Geoff Park Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall then drive to TL 01787 472061 Clare Castle (2 car trick). Walk back to Castle 784355 07855 486837 Hedingham. Picnic lunch 8.5 mile linear walk CO9 3DA Tue 19th 10.00 am COLNE ENGAINE Park at village hall car park. EXP 195 Gwen W Circular walk via Pebmarsh. TL 01245 382399 Approx 6 miles 850304 07976 709056 CO6 2EX Sat 23rd 10.00 am JOHN RAY PATH MAINTENANCE Parking Braintree EXP 195 Ann & Gwen station (£2.70). Train back from Witham. TL 01371 856659 See dates for your diary. 761228 07756 559179 Picnic lunch 9 miles CM73QL 01245 382399 07976 709056 Sun 24th 10.00 am THAXTED Park in free car park off Margaret Street. EXP 195 Lynda Circular walk. Optional tea shop available after walk. TL 079446 23269 Picnic lunch 10 miles 610311 CM6 2QW Tue 26th 10.00 am MATCHING GREEN Circular walk via Magdalen Laver. EXP 183 Ann B Park on road to left of the Chequers public house. TL 01371 856659 Picnic lunch 9 miles 112 537 07756 559179 CM17 0PZ Sat 30th 10.00 am HALSTEAD TO EARLS COLNE Linear walk. Park in EXP 195 Geoff Butler Road by the Empire. Walk to Earls Colne then TL 01787 472061 bus back. Tea room or pub option at end. 809307 07885 486837 5 miles CO9 1LL
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DATE/LEADER OCTOBER WALKS MAP REF
Sun 1st SPITALFIELDS AND WHITECHAPEL, LONDON EXP 174 Redbridge 10.00 am (Famous for Jack the Ripper and Kray twins). Central TQ Tower Hill 10.30 am part of walk includes points of interest so will take a little 418884 Tony longer than usual for distance. Linear walk. Meal or IG4 5BG 01787 376957 snack at end if wished. 07903 107437 Picnic lunch 9 miles Mon 2nd 2.00 pm PLANNING MEETING FOLLOWED BY COMMITTEE MEETING See dates for your diary for full details. Sat 7th 10.00 am GREAT OAKLEY via Tendring. Park near war EXP 184 Maureen memorial. TM 01376 330978 Picnic lunch Approx 11 miles 196275 07962 817414 CO12 5BH Sun 8th 11.30 am HAZEL JARROLD MEMORIAL WALK Circular walk EXP 175 Brian Hatcher through Thurrock’s prettiest countryside. Meet outside TQ (Thurrock Group) the Swan public house, Horndon-on-the-Hill. Park in 671833 07905 366098 surrounding streets. Stan’s walk. 6 miles SS17 8DL Sat 14th 10.00 am HATFIELD FOREST Park in lay by just west of the EXP 183/195 Teresa Green Man pub, Takeley Street or National Trust car TL 07505 063108 park at TL 546202 (free for members). Walk starts at 547212 Stane Street on Flitch Way. Picnic lunch 6 miles Sun 22nd 10.00 am STANDON, HERTFORDSHIRE Park at church. EXP 194 Ronnie Picnic lunch 10.5 miles TL 01787 479177 393223 07974 635627 SG11 1LA Sat 28th 10.00 am NAVESTOCKSIDE TO WEALD PARK West of A128 EXP 175 Teresa Ongar – Brentwood Road, just north of latter town. TQ 07505 063108 Turn left at end of common onto narrow back road to 563973 park. Look for Alec’s Restaurant signed from road. CM14 5SD Picnic lunch 9 miles Sun 29th 10.00 am BURY ST EDMUNDS Park at St Andrew’s long stay EXP 211 or 10.10 am car park (£3.00) right off Parkway (A1302) opposite fire TL Julie station and next to Wilco. Meet in car park for 10.00 am. 854643 07827 017744 Walk starts at Tourist Information office at 10.10 am. IP33 3AT Optional tea shop at end. Dog owners be aware, quarter of walk is through Bury crossing main roads. Picnic lunch 9 miles
FOOTNOTES
Day 2 we walked from our accommodation to Swanage, part of the Purbeck Way. I have never been there before, which was very nice, I had my first ice cream in 2017, sat near the beach people watching with MOTHER, watching a mad woman go swimming in the sea, it was a very windy day, nice in the sun.
Day 3 we went to Lulworth Cove, I have been to Lulworth Cove on two holiday visits, but walking around the coastal path with the spectacular views was truly amazing. The hills strenuous at times, especially when you reached the top and saw how steep the way down was, walking poles a saviour!
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DATE/LEADER NOVEMBER WALKS MAP REF
Sat 4th AGM AT BOCKING SOCIAL CLUB EXP 195 1.00 – 3.00 pm Please come and support the group and enjoy a light TL lunch of soup and rolls. 760260 NO WALK BEFOREHAND. CM7 5LB Sun 5th 10.00 am DANBURY WOODS Autumnal walk. Park at Mayes EXP 183 Gwen W Lane car park. TL 01245 382399 Picnic lunch 8-9 miles 783050 07976 709056 CM3 4NJ Sat 11th 10.00 am PEBMARSH Circular walk. Park in village hall. EXP 195 Gwen N & Teresa Picnic lunch 9.5 miles TL 01376 321377 855334 07505 063108 CO9 2NB Sun 12th 10.00 am HATFIELD BROAD OAK via Takeley. Parking north of EXP 183 Maureen junction between Feathers Hill and Cage End.3 TL 01376 330978 Picnic lunch Approx 11 miles 546165 07962 817414 CM22 7HG Sun 19th 10.00 am CASTLE HEDINGHAM via Gestingthorpe and Great EXP 195 Janet & Clive Maplestead. Parking at Memorial Hall, Castle TL 01787 373173 Hedingam. 785356 07926 356393 Picnic lunch Approx 10 miles CO9 3DA
FOOTNOTES
Day 4 – Swyre Head down to the coast and back through Worth Matravers, encountered 311 steps up and down, thanks to Janet & Clive who did get different numbers, but it was tough so I will let them off.
Day 5 – we drove to Portland and walked along the coastal path to Portland Bill we had magnificent views of Chesil Beach, it was fabulous. I never knew that there was a prison around that area, all cells with sea views.
Day 6 – Nice walk through Studland Nature reserve, and to finish a walk to the beach.
Only caught one bus - yehhh. Had lots of cake, thanks to Ronnie, Janet and Marion, of which the ducks enjoyed too, didn’t they GWEN? As well as nibbles of my red painted toes. Had lots of ice cream, thanks to the Purbeck Ice Cream farm next door – Honey Crunch, delish! Fantastic company; had some great laughs, especially with Gwen.
A HUGE BIG THANK YOU to Ann Smith for planning all of the walks and the holiday, along with Ronnie. Looking forward to my next adventure - New Forest in October.
Julie