PROGRAMME: November 2017 - February 2018

MEETING POINTS

Sunday Abbey Foregate car park (opposite The Abbey). 9.30 am. unless otherwise stated in programme.

Tuesday Car park behind Harvester Beaten Track PH, Old Potts Way. 9.30 am. unless otherwise stated in programme.

Thursday Car park behind Harvester Beaten Track PH, Old Potts Way. 9.30 am. unless otherwise stated in programme.

Saturday As per programme.

Thu 2 Nov Shirley Konieczny (01743 873968) 4 miles Easy Bromfield to - Bus Ramble following paths through the Oakley Park and beside the to historic Ludford and onward to Ludlow through the town walls. Depart from bus station at 09:55 on 435 bus to Ludlow, alight at Bromfield. Return by 13:55 bus or visit the town market. Depart 09:55 Shrewsbury Bus Station.

Sat 4 Nov John Newnham (01743 353858 / 07974 039520) 7.5 miles Easy Cockshutt to Ellesmere - Bus ramble. A 3 C’s Walk - Crose Mere, Colemere and the Canal. Depart Shrewsbury bus station at 09:00 on 501 Ellesmere bound bus, returning from the latter at 14:15. Depart 09:00 Shrewsbury Bus Station.

Sun 5 Nov Michael Lillistone (01939 220443) 9.5 miles Moderate South and East of Leintwardine - A circular walk, starting at the Green in Leintwardine to Billings Wood, Downton Gorge and Castle, and Burrington. One or two little hills, mainly good paths with some field and lane walking. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate. Voluntary transport contribution £4

Tue 7 Nov Doug & Val Davies (01785 840107) 11 miles Moderate Cannock Chase - Ancient woodland and open heath with memories of military occupation over 100 years ago. Depart 09:00 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £5

Tue 7 Nov Kath Heraghty (01743 344575) 6 miles Moderate - Woodland and fields starting from the Discovery Centre in the Onny Valley. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3

Thu 9 Nov Anne Gilder (01743 355801) 3.5 miles Moderate - Ironbridge, Benthall Hall, woodland tracks, fields and lanes. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 12 Nov Neville Homent (01743 270072 / 07515 366063) 7.5 miles Moderate Rushbury Area - 1000ft/300m total ascent across fields, woods and open hillside paths and tracks on the South side of Cardington Hill via Hargrove, Nant valley and Sharpstones. One steady climb to Middle Hill with great views and return past Gilberries. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3 OR

Sun 12 Nov Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743 709507/07730 875274) 3.5 miles Easy. Family Walk wander - A flat walk exploring Haughmond Hill: lots of interest including a fabulous tree stump and its roots which children love to clamber on. There is a viewing station into the immense Haughmond Quarry where the peregrine falcons nest, as well as lovely views across Shrewsbury to the surrounding hills, a fantastic bench made out of the remains of a tree trunk, and plenty of undergrowth to explore. This walk is suitable for all of the family, include those in pushchairs and back carriers. Meet 10:00 Haughmond Hill Car Park.

Tue 14 Nov John Law (01743 363895) 8.5 miles Moderate Knighton - From the Offas Dyke Centre, Knighton, includes Pedwardine Wood, part of Trail. Depart 09:00 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £4

Thu 16 Nov Ken Ashbee (07972 012475) 5 miles Easy Breidden Hill near Welshpool - Along the at Breidden Hill. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 19 Nov Brian Christmas (01743 243532) 10 miles Moderate Greenways - An intriguing walk perambulating the old market town of Wellington using sections of Silkin Way, Ironbridge Way and (new) Way on clear paths through suburban parkland, back streets, an old railway bed and then fields and woodland in latter section, with views back across town. Features Dothill Country Park, Apley parkland, Leegomery lake, Hadley Ketley, Lawley and the Limekiln Woods. Mostly on level and firm surfaces but with occasional gentle climbs, some steps and a lengthy section of open country where a few patches could be potentially muddy. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £2

Tue 21 Nov Tom Gutman (01743 537286) 10 miles Moderate+ Leebotwood, Picklescott, Betchcott Hills, Inwood. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £1

Thu 23 Nov David Simpson (01743 235635) 5 miles Moderate Pontesbury, (Walk 8 in 20 Walks book) - Poles Coppice, Eastridge Wood, Snailbeach, Habberley, Lees Coppice. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 26 Nov Sue Fitzmaurice & John Jones (01743 761155/07860 614876) 6 miles Easy wander - Starting from The Common, to Sharpstones Quarry, returning via the meadows of the Reabrook Valley and the Shropshire Way. Lots of interest to see along the route. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £1

Tue 28 Nov Anne Suffolk (07903 325011) 8 miles Moderate Hope Bowdler - Woods, hills and valleys around Hope Bowdler. Lovely views possible from surrounding hills. Parking donations appreciated. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Thu 30 Nov John Newnham (01743 353858) 5 miles Moderate to Ironbridge - Keeping to the 'newly marked' route of the Shropshire Way with the last 1.5 miles dropping down to the Severn through Benthall Edge woods. 436 bus from Shrewsbury, return from Ironbridge on 96 bus at 13:57. Depart 09:35 Shrewsbury Bus Station.

Sun 3 Dec Graham Baker (01743 244922/07789 643965) 8.5 miles Moderate+ A Craven Arms Ramble - Craven Arms, Clapping wicket, Stoke wood, Onibury and Norton Camp wood - lovely Shropshire countryside. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 5 Dec Mick Gadd & Al Davies (01743 249975/07972 322840) 7.5miles Easy/Moderate Bicton - Local Winter walk, fields, tracks and roads around Bicton, River Severn, Montford Bridge. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £1

Thu 7 Dec David Simpson (01743 235635) 5 miles Moderate - Over and around the Wrekin. A long climb. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sat 9 Dec John Newnham (01743 353858/07974 039520) 7 miles Moderate Leebotwood to Pulverbatch Bus ramble. 2 Motte and Baileys and a church. Leave at 09:30 on the 435 Ludlow bus. Return from Pulverbatch at 14:35 on a 546 bus. Depart 09:30 Shrewsbury Bus Station

Sun 10 Dec John Newnham (01743 353858/07974 039520) 9 miles Moderate+ Both sides of the Severn Gorge - From to Benthall, and Ironbridge, returning to Broseley via Corbetts Dingle. An interesting walk with plenty of ups and downs. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £2

Tue 12 Dec Jock Smith (01743 718616) 7 miles Easy/Moderate Overton-on-Dee - An attractive walk including River Dee, church with ancient yews,woods and fields with views. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3

Thu 14 Dec John Newnham (01743 353858) 5 miles Easy Baschurch to Bomere Heath - Via the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Reserve at Merrington Green. 576 bound bus at 10:00. Depart 10:00 Shrewsbury Bus Station.

Sun 17 Dec Audrey Menhinick (01743 247404/07963 590641) 7.5 miles Moderate Shropshire Way Main Route Celebration - A 7.5 mile circular walk from Bishop's Castle using the Shropshire Way. Lunch after the walk at The Boar's Head. Booking essential by 12th December. Maximum 30. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 19 Dec Reg & Ruth Wilford (01743 350337) 6 miles Easy Mince Pie Walk - Along the , with mince pies and our usual picnic lunch at 68 Oakley Street. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park, Old Potts Way.

Thu 21 Dec Kath Bristow (01743 270525 / 07881 941908) 4 miles Easy Shelton to Bicton - Along the river path from Shelton towards Bicton and back by the Severn Way. Mince pies at Kath's house at the end of the walk. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £1 Bus alternative, 09:47 X70 to Oxon Pub, ring leader.

Sun 24 Dec John Garrett (01743 356215 / 07421 745722) 5 miles Easy - Walk no 7 from Shrewsbury Book of Walks. A historic walk on field paths and quiet lanes, which will include visits to 13th Century Acton Burnell Castle (site of a form of first 's first Parliament in 1283), Church and the 15th century Puritan Langley Chapel at Ruckley. We pass the substantial ruins of Barn Cottage which is reputed to be a staging post for riders to change horses. May be wet underfoot in places and some stiles. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 31 Dec Phil Barnes (01939 809037 / 07983 459531) 4 miles Easy A short New Year’s Eve walk from - Along the River Roden visiting Tilley and Barkers Green. Meet 10:00 Main Cark Park in Wem, near the Co-op. Voluntary transport contribution £2.

Tue 2 Jan Sue Fisher (01743 358449) 8 miles Easy/Moderate Lyth Hill - Along Lyth Hill with its stunning views, Stapleton, Exfords Green, and Great Lyth. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £1

Thu 4 Jan David Simpson (01743 235635) 5.5 miles Easy A Lyth Hill Ramble - Including Annscroft, Hook-a-Gate, Bayston Hill. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £1

Sat 6 Jan John Newnham (01743 353858 / 07974 039520) 6.5 miles Easy Forton to Edgmond - Bus ramble. Path route is alongside Aqualate Mere and from Forton to Edgemond is beside the restored canal. Depart from Shrewsbury bus station at 09:00 on 519 bus to Newport, Return from Edgemond is at 16:11. Depart 09:00 Shrewsbury Bus Station.

Sun 7 Jan Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743 709507/07730 875274) 7.5 miles Moderate Stokesay - Starting from Shropshire Hills Centre, the walk will go past Stokesay Castle through fields and woods to Clapping Wicket. Then there will be an ascent of View Edge, with a chance to find fossils, and through the interesting Brandhill and Aldon gutters, before returning down a lovely hedged track to Stokesay. A few stiles, and may be muddy. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 9 Jan Neville Hubbard (01743 352658) 10.5 miles Moderate+ Long Mynd - Ratlinghope, Bridges, Adstone-classic Shropshire Hill Country. Depart 09:00 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Tue 9 Jan Kath Heraghty (01743 344575) 5.5 miles Moderate Adstone - Shropshire Way over Adstone Hill to Wentor, returning along the Onny Valley. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Thu 11 Jan Al Davies/Mick Gadd (01743 249975/07972 322840) 5 miles Moderate , Heath Houses, Grimpo and Twyford. A flat walk along the canal towpath, field tracks and roads, with an opportunity for refreshments at the Queen's head pub at the end of the walk. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 14 Jan John Newnham (01743 353858 / 07974 039520) 8 miles Moderate A Merrington Green Ramble - featuring wooded ridges in a circuit taking in Preston Gubbals, Harmer Hill and The Hollins. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £1

Tue 16 Jan Kath Heraghty (01743 344575) 8 miles Moderate Picklescott - Wilderley Hill, Pulverbatch and Cothercott, fields,tracks, minor roads. Donations for parking appreciated. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Thu 18 Jan John Crick (01743 871279) 4 miles Easy Wenlock Edge - Dramatic views of hills and farmland, taking in Major's Leap, Blakeway Hollow and Coppice. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 21 Jan Brian Christmas (01743 243532) 9 miles Moderate Oswald’s Trail - West - Mostly using a marked circuit created by Oswestry Ramblers setting out from town to the Candy Woods and Old Oswestry Racecourse via old Llanforda estates, then via fields and tracks, returning close to Old Oswestry hillfort. Parts of Offa's Dyke path and Shropshire Way included. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 23 Jan Kath Bristow (01743 270525/07881941908) 7 miles Moderate Mucklewick Hill - Nipstone Rock (Stiperstones) along Shropshire Way, below Black Rhadley, Mucklewick Hill. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Thu 25 Jan Larry Earl (01743 241389) 5.5 miles Moderate Oswestry, Old Racecourse - Some road walking, footpaths and woodland paths. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3

Sun 28 Jan Jane Bright (01743 369928 / 07903 525298) 7.5 miles Moderate+ Darnford Valley and Betchcott Hills - Starting from Bridges, through the Darnford Valley to Ratlinghope and the Betchcott Hills, before returning to the Horseshoes pub. Lovely views throughout the walk. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 28 Jan Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743 709507 / 07730 875274) 4 miles Easy Family Walk All Around the Wrekin Woods - Leisurely stroll through the woods around the Wrekin on easy gentle angled paths, past a large pond, an old rifle range and lots of traffic free woods to explore. Walk is suitable for all, including children in back carriers, no pushchairs (some muddy bits and uneven tracks). Depart 10:00 Forest Glen car park.

Tue 30 Jan David Simpson & Roy Mattey (01743 235635/01743 231810) 8 miles Moderate Pulverbatch - Cothercott Hill, Darnford Valley, Stitt Hill. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Thu 1 Feb Kath Bristow (01743 270525 / 07881941908) 5 miles Easy Newport (with Telford and East Shropshire group) - Along the canal, through gentle woodlands and along the west and north sides of Newport. Pub lunch with TES walkers at the end of the walk Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3 Walk lead by Telford and East Shropshire member Anne Sumner.

Sun 4 Feb Graham Baker (01743 244922 / 07789 643965) 8 miles Moderate+ A ramble in Bishops Castle area - Bishops Castle to Lydbury North via Oakeley Mynd, a circular walk with excellent views. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 6 Feb Roger & Wendy Ford (01743 246352) 7 miles Moderate Oswestry - Oswestry Old Racecourse, lanes and paths, Rhyd-y Croesau and Offas Dyke. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3

Thu 8 Feb John Crick (01743 871279) 5.5 miles Easy and Corvedale - A lovely part of Shropshire taking in a castle, a poor house, a goose house, a Victorian mail box, a relaxing country pub - and,(some say) a reminder of Dick Turpin. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £3

Sat 10 Feb Phil Barnes (01939 809037 / 07983 459531) 11 miles Moderate+ Ruabon to Gobowen - Rail ramble via Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Chirk. A couple of tunnels so bring a torch. Depart from Shrewsbury railway station on 10:22 service to Chester. Book to Ruabon. Return will be from Gobowen (hourly service) with an option for individuals to shorten the walk and return from Chirk. Depart 10:22 Shrewsbury Railway Station.

Sun 11 Feb Audrey Menhinick (01743 247404/07963 590641) 10.5 miles Moderate+ Montgomery - A circular walk from Montgomery going over Town Hill and War Memorial to the splendid hillside walk of Caeliber, then returning through Llandyssil and over the old hill fort. A lIbrary Walk. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 13 Feb Mick Gadd (01743 249975) 7 miles Easy+ - Snowdrop Walk, along the , Grange- tea and cakes at Cound Guildhall. Donations for parking appreciated. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2.

Thu 15 Feb Ken Ashbee (07972 012475) 5 miles Easy Snowdrops at Cound - An easy walk by the river at Cound to see the snowdrops. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 18 Feb John Garrett (01743 356215 / 07421 745722) 8 miles Moderate Cound Snowdrop Walk - Start from the Venus Pool (owned by SOS ) to cross Coundarbour (Coalbrookdale castings) road bridge built by in 1797 and which is the oldest ironbridge still in use by vehicular traffic anywhere in the world. From Cound the field paths follow the Coundmoor brook along which the snowdrops grow in profusion. Through woodland to Harnage and Upper Cound, to return to Cound for tea and cakes at The Guildhall, Cound. Then return to the car park. Bring binoculars because we will visit the hide at the Venus Pool. Some stiles. The ground can be very wet underfoot so waterproof footwear and gaiters are desirable. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £1

Tue 20 Feb John Malam (01743 440555) 8 miles Moderate Woore - A good Winter walk from Bridgemere via Checkley Hall and Pewit Hall Equestrian Centre. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £4

Thu 22 Feb David Simpson (01743 235635) 5 miles Moderate Nesscliffe Hill - taking in the Cliffe and Ruyton XI towns. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2

Sun 25 Feb Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743 709507 / 07730 875274) 8 miles Moderate+ Chirk to the Ceiriog Valley - The walk will start in Chirk, past Chirk Aqueduct, and through the impressive Chirk Tunnel (bring a head torch as it is over 400 m long!) before going through woodland at the back of Chirk Castle. The path descends to the River Ceiriog to join the Llwybr Ceiriog Trail, in the lovely Ceiriog valley, and part of Offa's Dyke, to return across the canal aqueduct to the Caffi Wylfa for tea and cakes. Lovely views throughout and lots of history. Depart 09:30 Abbey Foregate Voluntary transport contribution £3

Tue 27 Feb Reg & Ruth Wilford (01743 350337) 8 miles Moderate Bromlow Callow - From Hope village, to Stapeley Hill and Bromlow Callow. Donations for parking appreciated. Depart 09:30 Harvester Car Park Voluntary transport contribution £2 Footnote “Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and we all need to exercise a degree of individual responsibility in order to minimise the potential for accidents.” CAR SHARING – In order to assist members without cars and to keep the number of cars to a minimum, the majority of walks have a local central meeting point. A voluntary contribution towards petrol costs may be offered to car drivers in accordance with the mileage shown below.

Return Mileage Contribution Return Mileage Contribution 0 – 15 £1.00 76 – 95 £5.00 16 – 35 £2.00 96 – 115 £6.00 36 – 55 £3.00 115+ £7.00 56 – 75 £4.00

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. MEMBERSHIP - Anyone is welcome on any of the Group walks. Membership of the Ramblers’ Association is not essential but regular walkers would be expected to join the Association. Membership application forms are available from the Membership Secretary. It is helpful to the Group if all new members would quote the “SHREWSBURY” as the preferred Group on Membership application forms. It should also be quoted when renewing your annual membership.

2. RAIL RAMBLES are organised by the Ramblers’ Association with the support of Arriva Trains. Rail-rambles are organised on Saturdays with a Wednesday Rail-ramble once a month. Leaflets available from Shrewsbury railway station and the Tourist Information at the Music Hall. Also see www.railrambles.org

3. DOGS - Registered Assistance Dogs Only.

4. DISCOUNTS are available on production of your RA membership card from Cotswold, Pride Hill (see their advert on back page), Millets, Mardol Head and High Sports, 51/52 Wyle Cop. Make use of these establishments and save your membership fee! NOTE: Discounts shown in the Shrewsbury and Mid Shropshire Programme are wholly at the discretion of the retailer and are not an entitlement to RA members.

5. UNDER 30’s WALKING GROUP - Details of walks for this group can be found at : www.syr.org.uk

6. PACE OF WALKS - Members can assist the Leader who has the responsibility of setting the pace to suit all walkers, by not getting ahead of the Leader or by unnecessarily lengthening the “tail”. Slower walkers should be able to maintain a comfortable pace.