South Cotswold Ramblers’ Group Newsletter February 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. Please contact the editor for the June edition, Sally Davis, tel 01453 872729 email [email protected]. The editor for this edition is Angela Marks, tel 01452 616886 email [email protected]

popular holiday and I am sure it will provide a most enjoyable break.

In September I am taking a party on a Ramblers Holidays trip to Shropshire. As a matter of interest this break was listed in the Sunday Times recently as one of their 52 inspiring short breaks for the coming year. We have so far got 20 members booked for this and there may still be vacancies. If anybody is interested I will be happy to contact the company to see if they can help.

As you may have heard Chris Gent, our footpath secretary, stood down at the AGM and was Officers Brian Witcombe, Mike Garner, Richard Davis & Bernard Smith replaced by Bob Frewin. Our thanks go to Chris I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and for the work which he has put in over the last few are now well into your stride for the New Year. years and best wishes to Bob who has himself The cancellation of the ‘Festive Lunch’ because been a stalwart on our footpath side for several of snow was a major disappointment but years, particularly with his clearing work. I feel hopefully everybody will be able to make the that we are building quite a strong team in South reorganised event, taking place on the 9th Cots and with the cutbacks at PROW this could March. be vitally important for the future of our footpaths. The coming year promises to be an interesting one with lots going on. In April I will be Finally my thanks to all of you who are representing the Area at Ramblers General contributing to the success of the Group as Council in Warwick where I am sure we will volunteers. A lot of hard work goes into our learn more of the plans for the future. operation producing walks programmes, the website, news letters, leading walks, footpaths, I hope as many of you as possible will have etc etc. Without your help we would be unable to marked the 22nd May in your diaries when do all these things. Gloucestershire Area are running a Richard Davis commemoration day for Tony Drake. It will take place in Painswick and will be a national event with people coming from all over the country and gathering at a field on the Cotswold Way on the edge of the town for a picnic. A memorial will be unveiled. Most Gloucestershire Groups and hopefully affiliated clubs will be putting on their own walks in the Painswick area finishing at the field at 1 pm. Watch out for the South Cotswold arrangements in our new programme.

We have two holidays organised for the coming year. In May Mike is taking a party on an HF holiday to Haytor on Dartmoor. This is a very Members at the AGM

1 GROUP VOLUNTEERS 2012-13 Footpath Chairman and Footpath Secretary: Bob Frewin 01453 545752 Chairman: [email protected] Richard Davis 01453 762373 [email protected] Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary: Vice Chairman: John Corry 01453 845574 [email protected] Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Footpath Clearance Group Secretary: Bob Frewin Bernard Smith 01453 884013 [email protected] Footpath Committee Member: Group Treasurer: Penny Fernando Brian Witcombe 01453 872220 [email protected] Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator: Membership Secretary, Book Sales: Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Led Walks Collectors for July - October 2013: Press Secretary: John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend Walks Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 [email protected] Anne Eamer 01453 842551 Start the Week Walks Without portfolio: Enid Sutcliffe 01242 863283 Midweek Walks John Corry Brian Kirkman Diana Davis Newsletter: Angela Marks Sally Davis (Memo Mid week - Jacqui Nov-Feb - Kathy Mar-Jun) Website : Mike Garner Sally Davis Volunteer needed to collect Evening Walks - contact Mike

Is a walk still on? See the Messages on our website Welcome to New Members for the latest information Since October we have welcomed another 6 new members. We hope you enjoy belonging.

We have already met several of you on Group walks and look forward to meeting more of you. No problems that Walk under review Walk is we are aware of Come back later definitely to see decision cancelled Mike Garner - membership secretary

2 SOUTH COTSWOLD RAMBLERS’ ANNUAL LUNCH I have managed to rebook Minchinhampton Golf Club for Saturday 9 March 12.30 for 1pm. Same menu (so same choices as you made before) and same price. If you booked for the January meal, could you please let me know as soon as possible whether you still wish to come or whether you wish to cancel and I will arrange a refund. If you didn't book for the January meal but would like to come to this one, let me know.

Contact me asap (and NO LATER THAN 1ST MARCH) either by: 1) email ( I would prefer this if possible) to [email protected] 2) call me on 01453 872729 or 07818 425088 3) write to me at 23 Bownham Park, Rodborough Common, Stroud, GL5 5BY The menu is as on the October newsletter, see http://www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/e-newsletters.htm Sally Davis

Tony Drake 1923 – 2012 Painswick Memorial Event on Wednesday 22 May

· Born 1923, only child, attended Wycliffe School · Joined Scouts, relished outdoor pursuits · As a pupil travelled by ferry to remote Forest of Dean at weekends · At age 16 left school and entered family department store in Cheltenham, Drakes · Trained at Bon Marche (now Debenhams) Gloucester to learn to manage family business · Aged 18 he volunteered for RAF and was a Radar Technician until 1946 · From then until 1970s worked at Drakes as “Mr Antony” · He loved walking and mountaineering · As a part time hobby he became Footpath Secretary of Ramblers in Glos. in 1951 at the age of 28 · He and teams of Ramblers worked hard to record Public Rights of Way for the new Definitive Map – lots would have gone unrecorded otherwise · He recorded rights of way on paper maps for over 200 parishes – these are now in the County Archives · After inheriting the family department store business in the 1970's he took the decision to sell up and devote himself full time to the Ramblers Association · He was a major contributor to the idea of the Cotswold Way · Long before Explorer Maps, he produced a series of 1:25,000 maps of the whole route · He also produced for many years the Cotswold Way Accommodation Guide · A very active member of the YHA in Wales, where he developed the mountain connoisseurs walk, the Cambrian Way, 270 miles long with 61.540 feet of ascent! · White Roads Campaign, (pink or green dots on maps) putting lots more routes on the OS maps · Campaigned for better stiles, gates and particularly gaps! · He served on the Ramblers' Board of Trustees for over 20 years Awarded the MBE in 2001 for services to Public Rights of Way

“Since he died I have thought a great deal about what made him so special. He was a quiet, courteous gentleman. He was at the very heart of Gloucestershire Ramblers with his quiet authority and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the county and its footpaths. He was someone who always seemed to know the answer. He was thorough and patient. He somehow drew the best out of people. He set very high standards and expected them from everyone else and somehow everyone responded by giving their best. “We shall miss him enormously, but he trained us well, set us standards and in our hearts we shall feel him with us as we carry on his great work.” Mavis Rear

E-Newsletters Our Walks Thank you to another 15 members who have let Another 55 walks to choose from this time with Mike know they would prefer e-Newsletters in several new leaders. Please support them and future. We are now up to 68% of members. thank you to all our leaders once again.

3 The Autumn Holiday in the Isle of Wight By Kathy Bullen

Walking in the island is exhilarating and sometimes it is a good thing the wind is blowing off the sea as you battle your way along the cliff tops. But the views are magnificent - particularly back across the water as far as Portsmouth - and we had never seen so many rainbows in one week before. We visited Roman villas, monuments, churches, an abbey and picturesque villages. Welcoming pub lunches were laid on for us every day. We even managed to sit outside for lunch once - on the day the sun shone!

The hotel owners were helpful at all times, getting our wet clothing dry, providing excellent food and even laying on an evening of magic. Di managed to

Our Autumn holiday in 2012 was in the Isle of Wight, staying in Shanklin at an hotel which provides leaders and transport for all the walks, and even brings you back at lunch time if you don’t want to walk all day. Nothing could be simpler, so the weather decided to give us all a challenge. We even had to abandon the first day’s walk at lunch time as the rain and wind were so awful… and I wonder if that café ever managed to dry out its chairs! There is always a bright side even to such downpours and the first day’s reward was to have a pair of red squirrels join fifteen soaked walkers in a hide. They were not in the least deterred by our presence, taking nuts and apple from the window sill only inches from us. Our leader said he has been to that hide many times and not met such a tame pair.

As I was walking only in the morning, Maurice and I went emerge in one piece after being sawn through the middle, back to the hide with apples and carrots four times in all, my wedding ring reappeared (as if by magic) and even the and they never failed to appear. On the last day one of trick that went wrong provided much mirth. What a lovely them actually stood on my finger to take some carrot! As young man that magician is. Some of the group fitted in a you can tell, this absolutely made our holiday. visit to the local rep and enjoyed an hilarious evening.

The weather was against us for seeing many birds, but the reserve at Newtown provided great views of Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and Little Egrets and the beginning of autumn migration saw the arrival of the first Brent Geese. One disappointment was that the Mediterranean Gulls, which had bred successfully on the reserve, did not do so this year. Bembridge Harbour afforded good, close views of waders. Several of us went to a falconry display on our day off, and had close encounters with vultures and owls. There is certainly a lot on offer in the Isle of Wight. It was the fourth visit for some of the party, but they still found new things to see and do. Our thanks go to Richard and Di for the excellent organisation.

UPDATE - The Hambledon Hotel, run by Bill and Jackie Grindley, has just won a national award: one of UK’s top ten best value hotels in Trip Advisor’s 2013 Travellers’ Choice Awards. See http://tinyurl.com/HotelAward for further details.

4 A Rambler’s Taste of Early Spring in the Western Cape and Karoo by Graham Baker Graham Baker recently took a Ramblers’ Holiday to beautiful range of South Africa entitled ‘Flowers of the Cape’. His mountains to the south enthusiasm is conveyed by his almost poetic account. coast at Arniston and some very angry weather before From Table Mountain’s green neighbour, Capetown.

It was a trip through dark sedge-like Restios; through the massed colours of Gazania, Arctotis and Senecio of the Daisy family and the bright daisy-like flowers of Lampranthus of the Ice plant family; through Arums and Asparagus; succulent Aloes and their beautiful Asphodel relatives.

Through lovely Hyacinths such as the white Ornithogalum and the snowdrop-like Signal Hill, to the sea at sunny, sandy Cape Point, Albuca; the wonderful then north through the vast green emptiness of enormous farms to the West Coast National Park.

variety of the Iris family including the massed, salmon coloured Moraeas, rich red Romuleas and so many kinds of Gladiolus; the ubiquitous succulent Euphorbias and Crassulas and the wide variety of Pelargoniums.

Through many of the six hundred and seventy species of Ericas, too early for most to flower; so with the Proteas which hadn’t yet their gaudy

North east, to the Piketburg hills in the west, and a climb to the Cederburg in the east; to Clanwilliam with its lovely yellow daisies and its absent cedar.

North-east again, into the empty Karoo, to Calvinia - silent, flat, like an Australian desert township - then south east across the vast dry karoo to the bright little town of Prince Albert.

Through the Swartberg, that most

5 The Protea Karoo

flowers, but their demanding presence still felt, especially the Leucodendrons with their massed yellow flower Aloeferox leaves.

Through colourful Primrose to die for; magenta Diascias; the shining bushes of the flowers of Karoo Gold; yellow stars of Spiloxene; white Pea family, stars of Cyanella; the varied colours of Oxalis; brave including Cape little clumps of Karoo Violet; still to flower orchids - Gorse and the although the Cowled Friar lovely revealed its little pale yellow hoods on Signal Hill. mauve/purple flowered bushes, But no sign of my Cedar, the once mighty tree of the so similar to the Cederburg, the victim of 19th century loggers and wild peas, of the fires - now endangered, but local people are Polygala family. attempting its rescue. Through so many others - a Desert

Thanks to Caroline Lamburd for three photos

6 Eric Seymour 1913 - 2007 If you were a He was such a live-wire with many hobbies and member of interests. He was musical and played his organ in our Group or pubs at one time. He co-led a walking holiday with Stroud Kathy, and we had a very musical evening! He did Rambling art classes even well into his old age and many of Club 10 years our members have attended. He loved gardening ago, you will and making home-made wine, and often brought certainly not out his mini bottle for selected ramblers to have a have forgotten tasting on a walk! And he had a lovely sense of Eric Seymour, humour, always fun to be with. Come and then 90 years celebrate this March if you can. of age, leading a jolly good walk up Toadsmoor and back via Bussage and Brownshill. This was very well attended, over 70 people came, and we had a meal afterwards where tributes were paid to him. Website report is here http://www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/2003/walk200303eric.htm

Bernard and Mike were two members there that day, and thought it a pleasing idea to do the walk one more time on what would have been his 100th birthday (Wed 13 March next).

Rambling On by John Lang It’s a quarter to ten and the stalwarts arrive It’s good food and real ale at this pub How long is this walk, is it six, ten or five? Oh! We’d all better order our grub.

Backpacks strapped firm, laces laced tight A last-minute briefing by Mike We’ll be stopping halfway for a drink and a bite Then we’re off on this start the week hike

Up hill and down dale as the clichés unfold Level to moderate belies Gossip and scandal and rumours are told and the brilliant sights grace our eyes

The swishing of Goretex, the clacking of poles The rustle of leaves through the wood It’s calm, so serene, contemplating our souls ‘til we come to the field deep in mud

Squelch, suck, we’re stuck, in the liquefied slurry Does it matter, our boots should well cope Then free to go on, take your time what’s the hurry Next time should be drier. Some hope!

Then back to dry socks and a crackling wood hearth and a pint of Old Tom to complete Then home with a smile with such joy in the heart Then we’re off someplace different mid-week.

7 Public Rights of Way Quiz - Part One Stem Ginger Q1. What are Public Rights of Way? Shortbread Biscuits A. Routes over which the public has a right to Makes about 20 biscuits pass and repass, even over private land. Q2. What is the difference between a 175g (6oz) butter Public Footpath and a Bridleway? 75g (3oz) caster sugar A. A footpath can only be used by pedestrians. 175g (6oz) plain flour A bridleway can be used by pedestrians, horses 75g (3oz) cornflour and cycles, but not motorcycles. About 5 balls of stem ginger, chopped small Q3. What is a green lane? Preheat oven to 190 C / 375 F / Gas 5 and lightly A. A term with no legal meaning, referring to grease two baking trays an unsurfaced track, normally hedged, and often of some antiquity (especially if it has a name). It Measure butter and sugar into a food processor and may be a footpath, a bridleway, a road or totally process until soft. (You can beat by hand) private. Add cornflour and process into coarse breadcrumbs. Q4. What is a “white road”? Scrape down the sides, remove blade and stir in the stem ginger. A. A road shown uncoloured on an OS map, which may nevertheless be a low class road Shape the mixture into 20 even sized balls, put onto (Class 4, 5 or 6), and therefore does not have to be baking sheets and flatten each ball with a fork. Bake surfaced by the Highways Authority. After a long in a pre- heated oven for about 15 - 20 minutes campaign by the Ramblers in the 1990's, with until the edges of the biscuits are golden. Tony Drake to the fore, Ordnance Survey agreed to Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to mark these “roads” with pink or green dots on the a wire rack. Landranger and Explorer Maps. Since this has Store in an airtight tin or freeze in a container for up been done, ramblers have discovered many new to two months. routes to walk, often across the middle of fields. This is probably due to old hedgerows being Vary the flavour by adding grated orange zest or removed by landowners long ago. chocolate pieces instead of stem ginger. More next time …

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT VISIT This year we are celebrating the centenary of Benjamin Britten. The Four Sea Interludes were written for what is generally agreed as his best opera, Peter Grimes. Played as a concert suite, they are very atmospheric, bearing the titles Dawn, Sunday Morning (listen for the church bells), Moonlight, and an amazing Storm. #

Stroud Symphony Orchestra have another entertaining Stroud Symphony Orchestra Concert programme on Saturday 23 March 2013 at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud (near the hospital) and we Sat 23 Mar 7:30 pm at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud invite you to join members there and take part in the (next to the hospital with parking opposite) interval chat, which is always very sociable. To Mike Garner, Southcot, Programme The Headlands, North Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5PS. Please send me the following tickets: Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Sibelius Violin Concerto ...... @ £9 / ...... reduced @ £7 (both £1 more on door) / (soloist: Lucas Hank) ...... accompanied children under 14 free. Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5 in E minor I enclose a cheque for £...... payable to Stroud Symphony You can listen to extracts of this music at Orchestra and a Stamped Addressed Envelope for the www.stroudsymphony.org.uk despatch of tickets. Please order your tickets on the adjacent form , from Signed Stroud Tourist Information (01453 760960), ask me on Phone Date a walk or just come along on the night. Please print your name, address & phone number below Mike Garner 01453 873625

8 GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA NEWS

February 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

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The coming year is promising to be An item of more interest to our affiliated clubs is quite exciting for both Ramblers the change of heart over the increase in and Gloucestershire Area. Our subscriptions, which they pay. The proposal AGM in December proved very made towards the end of last year was to successful with our guest speaker, increase from £45 to £95. Quite naturally there Benedict Southworth, Ramblers were strong objections to these proposals from CEO, giving an inspirational speech the clubs and indeed Gloucestershire Area also on his activities since taking up his post and the appealed on their behalf. As a result the future of our organisation. He touched on the increase was reduced, the fee now being £55, challenges facing us in the coming year with the an indication that Ramblers, as an organisation, alterations to the structure of National Trails and is prepared to listen to its members. further reductions in PROW activities and emphasised the importance of Ramblers as the High on the agenda for the coming year are the leading walking charity in the country. The proposals for the Tony Drake memorial event. meeting also saw most Council vacancies filled Details are to be found elsewhere in the Area for the coming year. A big thankyou to those News but I would just like to say how important who came forward as well as to the retiring an event this will be for both Gloucestershire officers for their work over the last year. Area and Ramblers as a whole and ask you to give it as much support as you possibly can.

In February we have our annual meeting with the PROW Department of the County Council and I am sure that they will be seeking our help even more vigorously as they suffer further cutbacks. I have already floated the idea of a central footpath maintenance operation for the county similar to the Avon arrangements but that would require a really enthusiastic person to organise it. Failing this it is up to the individual groups to do what they can. I know some already are heavily involved and are able to carry out quite a bit of work but even if you are not able to do much you can still help by reporting problems to PROW. There is a facility Richard Davis, Mavis Rear and on their web site for making reports and even if Benedict Southworth at the AGM they cannot respond immediately the report remains on file.

1 GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA MID-WEEK WALKS Map numbers: E = Explorer. OL = Outdoor Leisure, LR = Landranger. Sorry, no dogs!

Wed 6 Mar 10:00 10m Haresfield Val 01452 419827 Park along roadside in Haresfield Village (E179/LR162) SO 814102 Walk Harescombe, Edge, Pitchcombe. Picnic.

Wed 13 Mar 10:00 10m Eastnor & Bromsberrow Janet & Geoff 01531 650349 or 07933 737891 (walk morning) Car park on north side of A438 at summit of hill at Hollybush (E190/LR150) SO 759369 Walk Midsummer Hill. Eastnor Deer Park, Little Woolpits. Bromsberrow, Chase End Hill, Raggedstone Hill. Fairly strenuous ascent of 3 hills but they could be avoided by self-guided alternatives! Picnic

Wed 20 Mar 10:00 11m Miserden Catherine 01452 615382 Start at Carpenters Arms. Park on roadside near pub (E179/LR163) SO 937088 Walk Honeycombe farm, Brimpsfield, Caudle Green. Picnic

Weds 27 Mar 10:00 10m Sevenhampton/Belas Knap Roy 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Park Sevenhampton Church (not village only road) (OL45/LR163) SO 033217 Walk Charlton Abbots, Waterhatch, Newmeadow Farm, Belas Knap, Breakheart Plantation, Cleeve Common, Puckham Scrubs. Picnic.

Wed 3 April 10:00 10m Minchinhampton Andy 01453 885498 Minchinhampton Reservoir CP (E168/LR162) SO 855013 Walk Eastcombe, Bowbridge, Rodborough Common. Picnic.

Tues 9 April 10:00 9m Charfield Diana 01242 578777 or 07528 697023 (walk morning) Park at Charfield village hall CP - south side of B4058 close to railway bridge (E167/LR172) ST 723923 Walk Kingswood, Mounteney's Farm, Wickwar, Churchend. Undulating countryside. Picnic.

Wed 17 April 10:00 11m Ross on Wye Guy 01242 251412 or 079688 797186 (walk morning) Free long stay CP Wilton Road (E189/OL14LR162) SO 529239 This is stages 1 & 2 of the original Ross Round Walk. Easy going - am, Wye Valley Walk to Hole in the Wall, Wobage farm, Upton Bishop, pm, Hartleton Water, Bollitree Castle, Weston-under-Penyard and return by bus to Ross. Pub lunch/drink/ or picnic.

Wed 24 April 10:00 10m Forest of Dean Des 01242 245666 or 07939 615749 (walk morning) Tidenham Case CP (signposted for Offa's Dyke) on B4228 Chepstow to Coleford Road (OL14/LR162) ST 558992 Walk Beeche's Farm, Hewelsfield, Ridley Bottom. Based on Walk 14 FoD Group Book 'Historic Dean'. Picnic.

Wed 1 May 10:00 10m Winchcombe David 07787 710 187 Back Lane CP, Winchcombe (OL45/LR163) SP 023284 Walk over Langley Hill with it's long ranging views over the Vale of Evesham to the Malverns - and then on to Stanley Pontlarge, Far Stanley, Dixton and Prescott. Picnic.

Wed 8 May 10:00 12m Redbrook Derek T 01242 678655 0r 07710 339297 (walk morning) Car Park (Pay and Display £3) on A466 at Redbrook (OL14/LR162) SO 536100 Hilly walk (approx. 750m ascent) to Bigsweir via Newland and Offa's Dyke, and return via the Argoed. Picnic.

Wed 15 May 10:00 10m Ozleworth Susanne 01453 757212 Newark Park NT CP (E167/LR162) ST 782932 A walk in and around the Ozleworth Valley. Picnic.

Wed 22 May 10:00 10m Haresfield Janet & Geoff 01531 650349 or 07933 737891 (walk morning) Shortwood NT CP (E179/LR162) SO 833085 Tony Drake Memorial Walk. Walk Cotswold Way via Haresfield Beacon and Edgeworth to Painswick to join other groups for a picnic lunch and memorial event at Hambutts field. Return walk via Pitchcombe.

Wed 29 May 10:00 11m Cowley Roy 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Park in Seven Springs layby opposite PH (E179/LR163) SO 966170 Walk Hartley Wood, Salterley Grange, South Hill, Coldwell Bottom, Cowley, Cowley Wood, Cockleford, Upper Coberley, Coberley. Picnic.

Wed 5 June 10:00 10m Minchinhampton Martin 01249 720809 Minchinhampton Reservoir CP (E168/LR162) SO 857013 Walk Besbury Common, Upper Hyde, Cherington Pond, Avening, Slips Lane, Box. Picnic.

Wed 12 June 10:00 11m Goytre Wharf Anne O 01242 269236 Goytre Wharf CP (OL13/LR161) SO 313062 Walk to the Crash Bomber Site and then over to the Goose & Cuckoo. Pub or picnic.

Tues 18 June 10:00 9m Colesbourne Diana 01242 578777 or 07528 697023 (walk morning) Park at Colesbourne -Hilcot road off A435 on track by barn (E179/LR163) SO 994142 Walk Colesbourne, Penhill, Elkstone, Lower Cockleford, Pinswell. Picnic.

Wed 26 June 10:00 10m Woolhope Susanne 01453 757212 Woolhope Village Hall CP (E189/LR149) SO 610360 Walk Haugh Wood, Backbury Hill, Mordiford, Wye Valley Walk. Picnic. Offers of walks for the next programme (July to October 2013) 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 30th April 2013, please. AS A MEMBER YOU CAN WALK WITH ANY RAMBLERS’ GROUP - GRWalks 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 2 Tony Drake Memorial Event Wednesday 22 May 2013 Hambutts Field, Edge Road, Painswick Grid Ref: Landranger 162 SO 863097 at 1.00 pm for approximately one hour

Members and friends are invited to come and For non-walkers, Painswick is served by the join together to commemorate the life and Stroud/Gloucester and Stroud/Cheltenham work of Tony Drake, MBE (1923-2012) who for Stagecoach buses. Car parking is not 60 years worked for the Ramblers’ Association available at the site but cars can be parked at in the furtherance of opening up the footpath public car in the village 300 yards south of the network in Gloucestershire and elsewhere in church on the A46 and the Ramblers Car Park Great Britain. A fitting memorial will be – off Gloucester Road near the Rococo unveiled at a site adjacent to the Cotswold Gardens. Please car share if possible. Public Way. This will be a great gathering of toilets are located in the public car park and Ramblers and others who knew and respected also near the church. him so do come along to share this very special event in the Ramblers history in If you are intending coming to the event but Gloucestershire. will not be taking part in one of the walks could you please let me know soon by email to Gloucestershire Area and several Groups are [email protected] tel 01242-674470 organising walks to Hambutts Field from or Richard Davis [email protected] various starting points – see your Group tel 01453-762373. programme for details, or visit the Area website Mavis Rear www.gloucestershirearearamblers.org.uk or www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/tonydrake

GROUP ACTIVITY REPORTS South Cotswold Group The Group Autumn Holiday was in the Isle of are continuing to lead walks along the Wight at the Hambledon Hotel, an old favourite, Gloucestershire Way. and attracted 18 members. A thoroughly good time was had by all with some excellent food Our Footpath Committee continue with their and lovely walks put on by Bill the proprietor of excellent work, a new secretary, Bob Frewin, the hotel and owner of the walking company. having been appointed at the AGM.

During the 4 months to the end of February the Bernard Smith Group had a programme of 45 walks with attendance varying between 18 and over Waiting for the bus at Ryde 40. On the 22nd December our Chairman, Richard Davis, led a 9.5 mile figure of 8 walk around Rodborough returning for soup, mulled wine and mince pies at Rodborough Tabernacle. Over 30 walkers attended, some dressed in festive style with Christmas hats and tinsel very popular.

The Monday morning 4 mile leisurely walks remain popular attracting some very regular walkers while Mike and Richard Walking the West Wight

3 Cirencester Group Cotswold Outdoor in South Cerney held an Open Evening Christmas Shopping Night for During this very wet winter period we had to Ramblers on 20th November and treated us cancel 2 walks in the Bibury area due to royally with Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. Our flooded paths, diversions were made to others group also managed to win 1st and 3rd prizes and all in all it was quite a difficult period, as in the free raffle! most groups in the area will know. Thirty members enjoyed a 6 mile Christmas However the weather did not deter members walk around the Cirencester area, followed by attending a Skittles night on 30th November at lunch at The Vaults in Cirencester with another the Eliott Arms in South Cerney. The evening 10 non walkers joining the party for lunch. was very successful, with a lovely buffet laid on Members got into the spirit of the season by by the pub and Steve’s usual tricky quizzes wearing Santa hats, Jingle Bells etc. and drew kept us entertained between bowls. many amused looks from the busy Christmas shoppers .

Two committee members have organised a Mapping Workshop for January. This will include Maps and symbols, Grid references, Use of compass, Measuring distances and a Practical Outdoor session. It is hoped that this will help new members to plan walks and be a refresher for established leaders.

We have an exciting programme of walks for the spring and summer, including 2 walks in Wales, 1 taking in the Long Mynd in Shropshire and a few in Wiltshire. We have had a number of younger members join this past year and they will bring a fresh approach to the group. The Christmas Lunch Walk Pat Beckley, Group Secretary

Mid Glos Group.

Thanks to the weather the last quarter was something of a wash-out. Two walks cancelled and one with a very low attendance; the leader and two others! Mud and surface water made the prospect of rambling something of a challenge. Here’s hoping for better conditions in the New Year. One major success was the joint Christmas Dinner, the Mid Glos. Group and the Cotswold Club joined forces to host a third Christmas ‘Bash’ at the Brickhampton Court Golf .Complex Des Smyth, Chairman

4 Forest of Dean Group The FOD Ramblers have undertaken not only Our work on Upper Forge Bridge. to fund this project but also to be the main labour source for its construction. So anyone The Forest of Dean Ramblers have undertaken wishing to join us and get their hands dirty a project to provide a new footbridge as please feel free to come along. replacement for an ancient stone bridge over June Burden the River Lyd that has recently been closed by Lydney Parks Estates due to it’s poor and Gloucestershire Walking Group swiftly deteriorating condition. The end of 2012 has again been a busy time The bridge site is located at Upper Forge on the for the Gloucestershire Walking Group. We B4238 between Lydney and Whitecroft, (Map have had our usual full programme of walks, ref OL14-SO 624048), and was originally used and in a nod to the season we included some as access to the Upper Forge now also in ruins themed events (fireworks in November and both being circa 1650. Access over the bridge mulled wine and mince pies in December) - by foot has been used for eons and as such we thanks as always to all those members who used it in one of the walks published in our have volunteered to lead walks. guide book to the Forest, ‘Exploring Historic Dean’. It is from the proceeds of this publication We have been walking most Sundays, but in that we are funding this project. 2013 we are considering varying our schedule to different days if it proves convenient for The actual path has never been a Public Right members. of Way, or even permissive, and is on private land, owned by Lydney Parks Estate, so before We continue to be active socially, with events we would undertake any replacement including a curry night, cinema visits, a comedy expenditure we needed the path to be night and a pub quiz. This year Andy stepped dedicated as a PROW. The dedication process down as social secretary, but not before has taken just over twelve months and we now organising another great Christmas meal for us have official agreement from Lydney Parks - thanks to Andy for all his work, and welcome Estate, The Dean Forest Railway onto whose on board to Siobhan who steps into his social land the path emerges, and Gloucestershire shoes. We do have a couple of other vacancies Highways, PROW Office. on the committee too, and are still looking for members to get involved. We have full consent also from the Gloucestershire Flood Resilience and Land Further afield, we had trips to Studland in Drainage Dept and are anticipating Planning Dorset (in October, organised and catered Permission from the Forest of Dean District splendidly by Martina and Ian) and Coombe Council for the bridge construction plans to be Martin in Devon for New Year (organised by complete by 11 January. This also involved an Catherine and Paul). Topping it all off, the Ecological Survey by the Gloucestershire GWG were pleased to host the Area AGM in Wildlife Trust. Lydney Town Council has December. We're looking forward to another already registered it’s approval with the FOD good year in 2013 - and hopefully some better DC for our construction plans. weather than last year! Geoffery Cochran As not only a bridge is to be installed but also a stairway down from the road and a walkway across a boggy area to the site of the new footbridge, there is a comprehensive list of material requirements and the majority of these will be supplied by GCC. Transport of some of the heavier pieces, i.e. main beams etc. will be provided by Dean Forest Railway. We are also providing three ‘kissing gates’ for footpaths where they cross the DFR railway line. 5 Gloucester Group an excellent choice in waterlogged conditions. Our last walk of 2012 took us a circular walk We continue to receive good support for our 2x around Blockley. A warm glass of mulled wine weekly walking programme and, as always, and festive cheer awaited 16 members at numbers have been exceptional on the mid Blockley. week walks in the New Year. We have begun to have some success with advertising our programme in the Gloucester Citizen and attempting to attract people who may be new to the great outdoors and to group walking by concentrating on shorter distances with a tempting opportunity of a pub lunch at the end. And of course longer term we are planning several social events during this year when we will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary.

David Sanderson

North Cotswold Group

In 2012 the Group published a new edition of the North Cotswold Diamond Way as 30 Sparkling Walks. This version divides the 60- mile Diamond Way route into 30 bite-sized circular walks enabling tourists and seasoned walkers to stay in one location and tackle this classic long distance footpath in sections or This year our linear walk (with minibus just enjoy a few walks in the glorious support) will take us from Buckingham to Cotswolds. Proceeds from the sales of these Burford on the Palladian Way. We are looking guidebooks will be used to maintain and forward to the mix of architecture that this improve local footpaths. relatively new long-distance path provides. Starting at The Old Gaol in Buckingham and Our walks programme continued in the same passing Stowe Landscape Gardens before format of 2 walks per month with a high going through Brackley and heading south to proportion of “Figures of 8” to allow maximum Blenheim Park. The route then heads west flexibility. Attendance at walks in 2012 has into the familiar Windrush valley, past the reduced slightly perhaps partly due to recent ruined hall in Minster Lovell and Swinbrook wet weather. The winter programme has with the Mitford family connection, before focussed on “local” walks mainly in our own arriving at Burford. region, but sometimes it is worth venturing “abroad” e.g. January walk in Blenheim Park – Sue Salmon

6 South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - March 2013

Sat 2 Mar EITHER day 8.5m L/M Gloucestershire Way No 7 Wed 20 Mar long morning 8m M West of Kemble Mike & Richard - 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day 07749 John G - 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from. Tunnel 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Cold Aston - from House Inn, Coates. http://tinyurl.com/mapTunnelHouse Andoversford direction go via A436 and turn right as you enter E168/L163 SO 965005 Canal, source of Thames, Kemble the village into road marked unsuitable for motor vehicles - park station (possibly coffee if before 11), Jackaments Bottom, on side. http://tinyurl.com/mapColdAston L163/OL45 Tarlton and back to Tunnel House at 1.30 for lunch. SP 126197 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to Andoversford http://tinyurl.com/mapAndoversford. 100 mile Sat 23 Mar short day 8m M Woodchester Park and linear walk - Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill. Today's section is Miry Brook Peter and Sue - 01453 860797 on day from Andoversford via Shipton Oliffe, Salperton and Notgrove to 07854 634090 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coaley Peak Cold Aston. Bring a picnic. CP. http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak L162/E168 SO 794014 From Coaley Peak to Woodchester Park, Windsor Sat 2 Mar OR morning 5m M/H On a clear day? Edge, Forest Green, Miry Brook Valley, Nympsfield and back. Carol - 01453 825461 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Steep climb on middle section then can be muddy if wet. Total Shortwood NT CP (Cripplegate) ½ mile before Haresfield ascent/descent 1250ft. Take a picnic; possible pub stop at Beacon. http://tinyurl.com/mapShortwoodNTCP L162/E179 Nympsfield near end of walk. SO 831086 Through Standish Woods and down to Oxlynch before a climb through Standish Park up Vinegar Hill to Wed 27 Mar short day 8m L/M Hope there's no snow this Haresfield Beacon, and back via the Topograph. Good views time Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 Meet on a clear day. 09:50 for 10:00 start from Chavenage Green. L162/E168 ST 865957 http://tinyurl.com/mapChavenageGreen Chavenage, Mon 4 Mar morning 4m L/M Cotswold Way to the Hermits Cave, Monarchs Way, return via Macmillan Way. Monument gentle walk Colin - 01453 843716 on day 07525 Picnic. 453911 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Wotton-under-Edge, Auction Rooms CP. Go up Tabernacle Pitch and just past the Sat 30 Mar morning 6m M Uley – Old Spot or Pigs Ear? graveyard turn right. You will see two drives, so take the left Steve & Rosemary - 01453 860130 narrower one to emerge into a large CP. L162/E167 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from outside Old Crown in Uley. Park ST 75559350 http://tinyurl.com/mapWottonAuctionCP on road by Church or use pub car park at rear if visiting Cotswold Way via Westridge Wood to Nibley Knoll and back via afterwards. http://tinyurl.com/mapUleyOldCrownCP Wotton Hill. Pub lunch available after. L162/E167 ST 792986 Coldharbour Farm, Far Green and Uley Bury with not too many hills. Possible pub meal at end. Wed 6 Mar morning 6m M Shangri-La Denys - 01453 751581 on day 07783 269574 Meet 09:50 for PLEASE NOTE (part 1) 10:00 start from Kingscote, Hunters Hall Inn CP. Park in side RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part, road if not using pub. L162/E168 ST 814960 especially if you haven’t walked recently. Try shorter walks http://tinyurl.com/mapKingscoteHuntersHall Bagpath, Ozleworth Bottom, Lasborough. Lunch available at pub at end. first. TERRAIN RATINGS L - Level or little climbing Sat 9 Mar - NO WALK - ANNUAL LUNCH - see newsletter L/M - The odd hill M - Moderate climbing at tmes, but plenty of easier walking Wed 13 Mar morning 5m M Eric Seymour's walk M/H - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills Mike & Bernard - 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Stroud Leisure Centre Car Park H - Hilly ups and downs for most of the time. bottom end. http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCP L162/E179 STW = START THE WEEK WALKS are short (no more SO 844055 Limited car parking at Brimscombe so car share if than 4 miles), easy paced sociable Monday walks suitable possible. Joint walk with members of Stroud Rambling Club to for:- 1/ Those who are new to Ramblers and wish to build up remember Eric Seymour (1913 - 2007) on what would have their confidence and fitness.2/ Those who have been on been his 100th birthday! (He led this very walk when he was 90 at a sprightly pace!). Route: Brimscombe, Toadsmoor Valley, Health Walks who want to move on to slightly longer walks. Eastcombe, Brownshill. 3/ Existing members for whom our normal walks programme is becoming too strenuous 4/ Anyone who wants an amble Sat 16 Mar short day 10m L Berkeley and Severn Way rather than a ramble, stopping to admire the countryside, Allen M - 01453 545588 on day 07749 564232 Meet 09:50 for 10:00. Park in Berkeley for start of walk from walking and talking, and possibly finishing up with a half of outside Mariners Arms. L162/E167 ST 681992 shandy or perhaps even lunch. Do tell your friends! http://tinyurl.com/mapBerkeleyMarinersArms Berkeley, NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group Severn Way, Whitcliff Park. Bring a picnic. three times. We hope you will then wish to join, either on- line at www.ramblers.org.uk or with a leaflet, quoting GR03 if Mon 18 Mar morning 4m L/M Start the week walk Tops and Bottoms Kathy - 01453 860004 Meet 10.20 for you wish to be in our particular Group. Once a Member you 10:30 start from Newington Bagpath, verge near old church can walk with any group in Britain. Newly joined members (turn at Hunter's Hall and take the first left). L162/E168 ST please email Mike ([email protected]) or 815948 http://tinyurl.com/mapNewingtonBagpath Via ring 01453 873625 for new member information. Lasborough, Newington Bagpath and Hay Bottom. Please also see part 2 overleaf South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - April 2013

Wed 3 Apr morning 6m M Newark and Tyley Bottom Mon 22 Apr morning 4m L/M Bisley Start The Week Saunter Steve & Rosemary 01453 860130 Brian & Ann - 01452 770510 on day 07770 895035 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Newark Park NT Car Park Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Bisley, Windyridge layby on (free). http://tinyurl.com/mapNewarkPark L162/E167 Birdlip road. http://tinyurl.com/mapBisleyWindyridge ST 782931 Coombe Lakes, Tyley Bottom, Ozleworth.Newark L163/E179 SO 903064 Bisley, Calfway, Battlescombe, Bisley. . House and tea room open afterwards for NT members. Stirrup Cup for lunch if needed.

Sat 6 Apr EITHER day 10m M/H Chavenage to Kingscote Wed 24 Apr morning 5m L Lakes, canals and a river Kathy - 01453 860004 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from John G - 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Frampton-on-Severn, small car park on left at far end of Green, at Chavenage Gree http://tinyurl.com/mapChavenageGreen start of turning to Sailing Club. If this is full park considerately by L162/E168 ST 865957 Via Babdown, Lasborough, Kingscote the Green. http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonSmallCP (Pub Lunch if req.), Hazelcote, Tiltups End, Ledgemore Bottom. L162/OL14 SO 747075 Saul Lodge, Dunstalls Wood, Severn shore, Saul and back to Frampton along the canal. Sat 6 Apr OR morning 6m M Chalford valley Andy & Wendy - 01453 885498 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start Fri 26 Apr evening 3.5m M from Cowcombe Hill, lay by at top. L162/E168 SO 909019 Rodborough Parish Council Walk http://tinyurl.com/mapCowcombeHill Oldhill Woods, Chalford. Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from Rodborough Pavilion Car Park. Mon 8 Apr morning 4m L Start the Week Easy Paced Walk Go up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across Rodborough Berkeley and Around Maurice - 01453 811162 on day Hill into Butterow West. L162/E168 SO 847044 07912 552075 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Mariners http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion Short walk over Arms CP Berkeley. Use the car park if going in afterwards. Rodborough Common. http://tinyurl.com/mapBerkeleyMarinersArms L162/E167 ST 681992 In and around Berkeley. Pub lunch available after. Sat 27 Apr morning 6m L/M Birdlip escarpment Ros & Ron - 01285 239054 on day 07917 808234 Wed 10 Apr morning 6.25m M Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Birdlip, The Royal George Hotel, Cockleford and Upper Coberley circular Enter CP under the arch. Park at rear of CP. L163/E179 SO James and Linda - 01452 611614 on day 07804 275394 925144 http://tinyurl.com/mapBirdlipRoyalGeorge Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Cockleford, Green Dragon, near Down through woods to Great Witcombe. Between the reservoirs Cowley GL53 9NW. Park in top end of car park opposite pub and a steady climb up Coopers Hill. Through Brockworth Wood (allowing time to use the facilities and to place our orders for return via Cotswold Way to Birdlip. Food available afterwards. lunch). http://tinyurl.com/mapCockleford L163/E179 SO 968141 Follow river Churn to Colesbourne and climb to PLEASE NOTE (part 2) Upper Coberley via Pinswell, before returning to Cockleford MESSAGES on our website will show any changes or additional Farm and then onto the pub. Lunch at end of walk if required. information about any walk www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messages Sat 13 Apr morning 6m M Hillesley and Tresham PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked. Jacqui P - 01666 826139 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hillesley, Fleece Inn CP, if coming in after the walk. L162/E167 WHAT TO BRING Bananas are popular as a snack, and bring plenty ST 770897 http://tinyurl.com/mapHillesleyFleece Tresham, of water, to avoid dehydration. On day walks you are advised to Wortley. Lunch or drinks afterwards if required. bring food supplies, even if planning a pub lunch, in case the pub is closed. Wear strong footwear. Brings waterproofs and/or warmer ======clothing. It is advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy Leaders’ Offers of Walks for July to October boots in pubs/churches. Please get in touch with: John G (Saturdays) 01453 834141, Enid DOGS - Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. (Midweek) 01242 863283, Anne E (STW Start the week) 01453 IMPORTANT - KEEPING TOGETHER ON A WALK Most parties 842551 & Mike (evenings) 01453 873625. Date offers needed by 30 will have a back marker appointed for the walk. Please inform this April and walk details by 25 May. Thank you. person if you need to drop behind for a comfort stop, and tell them ======when you catch up again. All members of larger parties are asked to help by keeping a look out behind them. If the people behind you are Wed 17 Apr morning 5.5m M Kingscote and Horsley in danger of losing touch, perhaps in a wood, please pause and tell Olivia 01453 751716 the people in front of you to stop too. Thank you. Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Kingscote, Hunters Hall Inn CP. ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or shorten L162/E168 ST 814960 the walk, taking into account everyone's health and safety. Please http://tinyurl.com/mapKingscoteHuntersHall Binley Farm, contact them if doubt before travelling. Leaders are welcome to Horsley Church, Conygre Wood. Pub lunch at finish. have messages put on the website.

Sat 20 Apr figure of 8 10m M Two sides of a river THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 Scotland SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (no Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start fromRedbrook car park, A466. £2 all 4458492) Registered office 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, day. http://tinyurl.com/mapRedbrook L162/EOL14 London SE1 7TW. ALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES have inherent hazards associated with SO 536099 AM 6 miles. Savage Hill and Newlands. PM 4 miles them including rambling. In spite of participants’ safety always being the paramount Wye valley, Pen-twyn, Lone Lane. Pub lunch or picnic. concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important that each person appreciates their responsibility to identify hazards and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for accidents. South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - May 2013

Wed 1 May figure of 8 8.5m M Standish and Stockend Wed 15 May morning 6m M The Manors Tim - 01453 757104 Karen - 01453 545824 on day 07721 605409 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Minchinhampton Common Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Shortwood NT CP (Cripplegate) reservoir CP. http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchResCP L162/E168 ½ mile before Haresfield Beacon. L162/E179 SO 831086 SO 855012 Via St Chloe, Manor Woods, Rooksgrove, http://tinyurl.com/mapShortwoodNTCP AM 4.5 miles Woodchester, Dunkirk Mill and Manor (uphill finish). Standish Woods, Randwick, Topograph, PM 4 miles Stockend, Cliff Well, Haresfield Beacon. Bring sandwiches if staying pm. Sat 18 May day 9m M/H To Painswick another way round Mike B - 01452 616864 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Upton Thu 2 May evening 4.5m L/M Oakridge Circle St Leonards Birchall Memorial Institute car park. Turn R Brian & Ann 01452 770510 on day 07770 895035 opposite USL church into Bondend road. BMI is about 150 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Oakridge, Butchers Arms. (Only yards on right. http://tinyurl.com/mapUptonStLeonardsBMI use the pub CP if you are going in for a drink or meal L162/E179 SO 864148 Packed lunch in Painswick churchyard. afterwards). http://tinyurl.com/mapOakridgeButchersArms Falcon hotel is nearby for liquid refreshments if required. L162/E168 SO 915037 Oakridge, Waterlane, Bournes Green, Oakridge. Butchers Arms food if needed. Mon 20 May morning 4m M/H STW easy paced walk Middle Lypiatt Bernard - 01453 884013 on day 07816 834828 Sat 4 May EITHER morning 6m L/M Old railway, new canal Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Brimscombe, Ship Inn. Tim - 01453 757104 http://tinyurl.com/mapBrimscombeShipInn L162/E168 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Cainscross Car Park (top end) SO 867023 Quarhouse, Middle Lypiatt, Toadsmoor, Canal. opposite Tricorn House. http://tinyurl.com/mapCainscross Pub Meal possible at end. L162/E168 SO 834051 Hilly Orchard, Wallbridge, Bowbridge, Fromebank, old railway. Route might vary due to construction. Wed 22 May short day 4m or 8m M ALL ARE WELCOME Sat 4 May OR day 9.7m L/M Gloucestershire Way No 8 Tony Drake Memorial Walk to Painswick (and perhaps Mike & Richard - 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day 07749 back) Mike & Heather - 01453 873625 on day 07749 282087 282087 Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Condicote Village Hall CP. Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Stroud Leisure Centre Car L163/OL45 SP 153282 http://tinyurl.com/mapCondicote Park lower end. Please note later time. L162/E179 SO 844055 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for shuttling to Cold Aston (SP http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudLCCP A gentle 4 mile amble 126197) http://tinyurl.com/mapColdAston). Today's section is along the Painswick Valley for a 1pm picnic lunch meeting up from Cold Aston via Lower Slaughter, Stow on the Wold and with many other walkers and a short ceremony to celebrate Donnington to Condicote. Picnic/quick lunch at Stow. Tony's many achievements for the Ramblers. All walkers are very welcome. Afterwards either catch 2:15 No 46 bus back to Stroud or walk back 4 miles via Pitchcombe. Mon 6 May morning 4m M Towards Randwick & Whiteshill Anne C - 01453 752654 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Stroud Old Nelson Inn CP near Tesco. Park at the rear. L162/E179 Fri 24 May evening 4m M Rodborough Parish Council Walk SO 847055 http://tinyurl.com/mapStroudOldNelson A gentle Richard & Diana - 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Start The Week walk. Possible lunch or drink afterwards. Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from Rodborough Pavilion Car Park. Go up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across Rodborough Wed 8 May morning 6.5m H Queen of the Cotswolds Hill into Butterow West. L162/E168 SO 847044 Jill - 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion Butterow, Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Painswick Stamages Lane CP Minchin. Common. May call in at Bear depending on demand. pay & display. http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickPayCP L162/E179 SO 865095 Sheephouse, Pincot, Wickridge Hill, The Sat 25 May day 8m L/M Adlestrop Olivia - 01453 751716 Vatch, Steanbridge. Pubs/cafe in Painswick after walk. Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Adlestrop village hall CP (money box for parking). L163/OL45 SP 241271 Thu 9 May evening 4m L/M Tunnel House evening walk http://tinyurl.com/mapAdlestropVillageHallCP Chastleton, John G - 01453 834141 Cornwell, Daylesford, Lower Oddington. Picnic. Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Tunnel House Inn, Coates. E168/L163 SO 965005 http://tinyurl.com/mapTunnelHouse Wed 29 May morning 5m L/M The old and the new Tarlton, Macmillan Way, Hailey Wood. Food/drink poss. after. Anne E - 01453 842551 . Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Tortworth Farm shop. Use the Sat 11 May long morning 7.5m M Blessed Bottom and top car park which is approx 30 yards on the right from from the Sezincote! James & Linda - 01452 611614 on day 07804 main B4509 road. http://tinyurl.com/mapTortworthFmShop 275394 Meet 09:30 for 09:45 start from Ganborough, The L162/E167 ST 704929 Avening Green, Damery, Leyhill Coach and Horses GL56 0QZ on the A424 north west of Stow- Arboretum. Food and drinks available in the farm cafe. on-the-Wold. Note earlier start. Please use the overflow car park (allowing time to use the facilities and to place our orders Thu 30 May evening 4m M Black Horse to Weighbridge to for lunch). http://tinyurl.com/mapGanborough OL45 SP Old Lodge Sally & Keith - 01453 872729 on day 07818 172291 Hans Hill farm, Blessed Bottom before walking 425088 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Amberley War through outskirts of Bourton on the Hill. We now travel in a Memorial (NB this is up on the Common). Park with southerly direction passing Sezincote House along the Heart of consideration without damaging grass. L162/E168 SO 851015 England Way before returning to the pub. (After lunch members http://tinyurl.com/mapAmberleyWM Beaudesert, Spring Mill, may wish to visit Moreton or Stow before returning home). Weighbridge, up through Box Wood and Scars Hill (One climb). 'Walkers lunch menu' incl. half portions - if required. Drinks/food available at Black Horse, Amberley, afterwards. South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - June 2013

Sat 1 Jun EITHER day 10m M/H Cotswold Heights Sat 15 Jun day 9m M Charfield circular Tim - 01453 757104 Jill - 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from layby on Charfield-Tortworth Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Winchcombe, Back Lane Car road B4059 http://tinyurl.com/mapTortworthRdLayby Park (off B4362 Gloucester Street). Parking is £1 all day. L162/E167 ST 710923 Damery, Tortworth Church, Bibstone http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP OL45/L150 (pub lunch may be possible but do bring some food in case - SP 024284 Winchcombe, Wadfield Farm, Belas Knapp, problems here in the past). Church End, Little Bristol. Wontley Farm, Cleeve Common, Postlip, Corndean, Winchcombe. Bring a picnic. Mon 17 Jun morning 4m M Nympsfield Gentle STW walk Sophia & Linda - 01453 860287 / 01453 549358 Sat 1 Jun OR short day 7.5m M Not a waste of a good walk Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Nympsfield, meet by Rose and Graham W - 01453 885408 on day 07977 863592 Crown Pub after parking considerately in the village. L162/E167 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from edge of common behind SO 800005 http://tinyurl.com/mapNympsfield A morning Minchinhampton Church. L162/E168 SO 872009 mystery tour. Food/drink available afterwards if wanted. http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon Cherington Lakes, Golf Course, Gatcombe. Bring a packed lunch. Wed 19 Jun morning 5.5m L/M Midsummer Morning near Malmesbury Jacqui - 01666 826139 Mon 3 Jun morning 4m M Start the week gentle walk - Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Lea, CP of The Rose & Crown, Commons and beechwoods in summer (SN16 9PF), if coming in after the walk. E168/L173 ST 957864 Sheila L - 01453 757295 on day 07972 904325 http://tinyurl.com/mapLeaRose-Crown Kingsmead Mill, Cole Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Sheepscombe, Butchers Arms, Park. Lunch or drinks in pub at end of walk if required. GL6 7RH Parking in pub car park if eating after walk. Alternatively road parking. L162/E179 SO 891104 Thu 20 Jun evening 4m L/M Cranham woods and meadows http://tinyurl.com/mapSheepscombe Moderate climb to Dave G - 01242 862564 on day 07969 907274 common - Site of Special Scientific Interest; Ebworth, Saltridge. Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Cranham, Black Horse pub car Pub lunch possible afterwards. park GL4 8HP. http://tinyurl.com/mapCranhamBlackHorse L163/E179 SO 896129 A midsummer stroll through Saltridge Wed 5 Jun day 12m M/H Cotswold Way? Common Wood and down through meadows to Painswick Mill Richard & Diana 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 stream. Follow the stream before returning to Cranham through Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Shortwood NT CP (Cripplegate) fields and along lanes. Drinks or food afterwards at the pub. Pub ½ mile before Haresfield Beacon. L162/E179 SO 831086 food / drinks at end of walk if required. http://tinyurl.com/mapShortwoodNTCP The Throat, Ruscombe, Whiteshill, Callowell, Stroud, Canal, Selsley, Kings Sat 22 Jun morning 6m M Trust me. I know the way! Stanley, back on Cotswold Way. Bring a packed lunch. Anne E - 01453 842551 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hillesley, Fleece Inn. Park in pub car park if using pub at end of walk. L162/E167 ST 770897 Thu 6 Jun evening 4m M Painswick Olivia - 01453 751716 http://tinyurl.com/mapHillesleyFleece Inglestone Common, Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from Painswick, Falcon Inn CP opposite church. http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickFalcon Hawkesbury Church, Spatts Barn. Lunch possible at end of L162/E179 SO 866097 Slad. Pub supper or drink at end. walk. Wed 26 Jun day 10m H South Malverns Ray - 01453 547213 Sat 8 Jun day 10m M A Different Route to Uley Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hollybush on the grassy triangle Karen & Tony - 01453 545824 on day 07721 605409 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Dursley long stay car park just pass the church on the A438. L150/E190 SO 767367 (signed via Long Street). Drive steeply up and round LH bend to http://tinyurl.com/mapHollybush Ragged Stone hill, park on top level. http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt Midsummer hill, Gullet, British Camp, Hollybed Common. Picnic. L162/E167 ST 758982 Ashen Plains Wood, Bowcott Farm, Owlpen, Uley. Bring a packed lunch. Fri 28 Jun evening 5m M Rodborough Parish Council Walk Richard & Diana - 01453 762373 on day 07973 860669 Wed 12 Jun short day 8m M/H From Hangman to Hampnett Meet 17:50 for 18:00 start from Rodborough Pavilion Car Park. Sally & Ros 01453 872729 / 01285 655521 on day 07818 Go up from Golden Cross A46 and straight across Rodborough 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hangman's Stone layby Hill into Butterow West. L162/E168 SO 847044 on old A40 west of Northleach near Hampnett. L163/OL45 SP http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughPavilion Across the valley 088151 http://tinyurl.com/mapHangmansStone Yanworth, towards Selsley. Possible pub stop for drinks. Northleach, Hampnett. Bring a picnic. Sat 29 Jun long morning 7m M Cotswold Way and Thu 13 Jun evening 4m M Brockworth and the Witcombes Leonard Stanley David & Maurice - 01453 547580 / Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 01453 811162 / on day 07891 918275 Meet 18:20 for 18:30 start from lay-by by Roman Villa Lane on Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coaley Peak CP. L162/E168 SO Brockworth to Birdlip road. Take road towards Birdlip at Cross 794014 http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak Cotswold Way, Hands roundabout on A46. L162/E179 SO 905156 Leonard Stanley, Penn Wood, Cotswold Way. Bring a snack. http://tinyurl.com/mapTwelveBellsCP A circular walk via Roman Villa, Cotswold Way and Witcombe Reservoir. Carvery IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ THE NOTES ON in pub at end. FRONT PAGES BEFORE WALKING WITH US.