South Cotswold Ramblers’ Group Newsletter - October 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. This edition was edited by Sally Davis 01453 872729, email: [email protected] After our “Muddiest Walks” pictures in the last newsletter, let’s start with celebrating how glorious the last few months have been. Here is a summary (summery?) of recent months.

A brilliant year Blossom in for butterflies Brimscombe

Cygnets growing well We passed this calf on the Nature trying to keep cool in Reserve on Andrew’s the heat (difficult with Deerhurst walk a coat like that) on Richard’s 12 mile walk from Haresfield

This beautiful garden attracted our Fields full of poppies attention in in the North Condicote when we were walking the Way

Chairman: Website: Mike Garner & Sally Davis Richard Davis 01453 762373 South Cots Newsletter: Sally Davis [email protected] Area Newsletter: Angela Marks Vice Chairman: Footpath Chairman and Footpath Secretary: Mike Garner 01453 873625 Bob Frewin 01453 545752 [email protected] [email protected] Group Secretary: Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary: Bernard Smith 01453 884013 John Corry 01453 845574 [email protected] [email protected] Footpath Clearance Group Treasurer: Bob Frewin Brian Witcombe 01453 872220 Footpath Committee Members: [email protected] Penny Fernando John Clayton Membership Secretary, Book Sales: Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator: Mike Garner 01453 873625 Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] [email protected] Press Secretary: Led Walks Collectors for Mar - Jun 2014: Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend [email protected] Anne Eamer 01453 842551 Start the Week Without portfolio: Gentle Walks John Corry Brian Kirkman Diana Davis Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 Midweek Walks The Saturday Sept 7th saw the South Cots Ramblers finish the final leg of the Gloucestershire Way at Tewkesbury Abbey. This walk (organised jointly by Mike and Richard) started in Chepstow on Saturday 29th October 2011 (2 years ago!) On that first leg there were 15 walkers, including an elderly lady who lived in Scotland but came to the Stroud area from time to time and walked with the South Cots. She walked some of the way with us. It was a beautiful Autumn day and we enjoyed the company of a friendly Old Spot pig who liked our coffee-stop banana skins. We restarted after the winter, doing 2 legs through the - in one of which we were refreshed in a fascinating Victorian tea room with an oriental flavour, the other in a garden centre. Then on into along an about-to- flood . Leg 5 had us entertained by the arrival of bride and groom at a wedding while this sweaty bunch of ramblers ate their sandwiches on the village green in front of the church. Leg 6 was the last one of 2012 as the days grew too short. For this we were joined by Costas (not the coffee shop but a friendly Londoner here for the day) as we went through villages to the north of us. We began again in the Spring of this year passing more picturesque Cotswold villages, churches, big houses, lovely gardens and even a brewery and a horse racing training yard. 95 miles/151 km later, we reached Tewkesbury Abbey (still in good weather), where we celebrated with tea and cake (all for £2.99!) at the Bell Hotel just opposite the Abbey. The 11 South Cots who had completed the entire Gloucestershire Way were presented with certificates, Ramblers beer mats and badges. If you would like to join us on our next linear walk, see details of the up-and-coming Ice Cream Walk.

Welcome to New Members Since the last newsletter, 8 new members have joined the group. We welcome them and hope they enjoy walking with us. Mike Garner, Membership Secretary Going away with Ramblers Holidays? We have recently received a sum of money for Group Funds from Ramblers Holidays where members taking a holiday with them have nominated South Cotswold Group. If you ever forget to tell them when booking, there is still time if you contact them before you go. By your doing so, they will donate £10, £20 or even £30 per person to our funds to be used to benefit walkers. For more info, click the link to Walking Partnership on our Messages page.

If you wish to put any items in the next newsletter (which will go out in February), please send them to Sally Davis ([email protected]) by 5th Jan. Cream of parsnip and pear soup Melon and grape cocktail Traditional prawn cocktail Ham hock terrine with an apple & mulled wine chutney ~~~~ Traditional Norfolk turkey pigs in blankets, sage &onion Stuffing, and pan gravy Baked cod fillet with a herb crust on a cherry tomato and caper basil dressing Braised leek and goats cheese tartlet on a watercress sauce (V) All the above are served with selection of fresh market vegetables ~~~~ Brandy snap basket with vanilla ice cream and mixed berries Pot au chocolate with home-made shortbread Fresh fruit salad Cheese Plate ~~~ Coffee & Mince pies £19.95 per person

VENUE: Minchinhampton Golf Club. The new club LUNCH BOOKING SLIP (by 30 November) is on the road to Avening. Ramblers have been happy with this venue for several years and it has been well- Please book ...... places(s) at the Annual supported. There is a limit on numbers, so book lunch @ £19.95 per person. early! CLOSING DATE: 30 November 2013 I enclose a cheque for £ ...... payable to ACTION: South Cotswold Ramblers in full payment.

1)Please return the booking slip together with a Signed ...... cheque for the full amount, payable to SOUTH COTSWOLD RAMBLERS, to: Contact details: Name:...... Sally Davis, 23 Bownham Park, Rodborough Common, Stroud, GL5 5BY (01453 872729) by the Address:...... … closing date – 30 November

2) Please send me your choices from the menu either Email:...... … by post or email to [email protected] by 15 December Tel no...... Shropshire 9-13 September 2013 Three days we walked. No rain, some sun And up the Wrekin, this time climbing. Down the other side we went, no fun, They came to Salop, one and all. And on to Ironbridge with rhyming The South Cots Ramblers led by you Couplets in our ears. We nearly Know who, and answering the call Lost our way but sterling Mike, with Were Di & Mike and Pam and Sue, brilliant timing Rescued us. Without him, clearly, John G, John E and Timothy We might have never seen the Iron Bridge, Olivia and Pete and Peg Or Queenie’s Cup Cake Caff. Plus Bruno, Michael G and me And no one with a poorly leg. We walked from Aston on the Clun But what about the rest, you say. To Clun itself, both, Housman claims, Don’t worry, they’re all here, with Heath- The quietest places under the sun. Er, Sal, Anne E and Hazel, Les But not when we were there, for none And Alex, Vennae, as pronounced Vennay. Shall sleep when we draw near. We are a noisy lot I fear We walked on Wenlock Edge, like A. We left and didn’t leave our names. E. Housman. And from there on top We saw The Wrekin. then away Day three we spent upon the Mynd To find the Lion on Wyle Cop. We didn’t mynd, to fynd so fyne A mountain scene. No wynd, no wynd. We found the chef was off that night. At last, at end of day, we went Eventually they brought the feast Our weary way to whyne and dyne, But ne’er a vegetable in sight Kyndred spirits in the end, The bread we thought was good, at least. Remembering the Land of Lost Content. This appalling piece of doggerel was sent to us anonymously, possibly from the sous-chef at the Lion because we didn’t bring him back a cup cake. The opening lines of William Blake’s Jerusalem might have been a better introduction to this panegyric about our splendid Autumn holiday in the Shropshire hills. We have Richard and Di to thank for organising the entire trip. While in Shrewsbury they were able to hand over responsibility to the Ramblers, in the shape of Jenny and Roma, who shepherded us on and off coaches, and took us on three splendid walks. As the above poem (or pome) says, we walked from The Wrekin to Ironbridge on Tuesday. We now know all about our industrial heritage, iron, and even, thanks to Sally’s phone, the constituents of steel. Wednesday was spent in tranquil idyllic hills and valleys, starting from Aston on Clun. Apart from pouring rain as we walked into Clun, the days were fine and the visibility superb, with 360 degree vistas from the top of the Wrekin, and from the top of the Long Mynd, which we climbed on Thursday. The Lion suited our needs admirably, although the creaking floorboards, noisy lift and long leisurely dinners (a euphemism) stretched our goodwill somewhat. Richard asserted his rightful position as leader of this merry band by leading us on walks on our way there, and again en route home. Monday we met in Much Wenlock and walked on Wenlock Edge, beloved of poets and Vaughan Williams, with its dramatic view of The Wrekin. On the way home, despite delays due to diversions, which only served to bring out the best in our characters, we hacked our way through undergrowth, eating blackberries and ambling along the . Then, tired but happy, we all went home. Denys We invite you on The Ice Cream Walk, an 80 mile, 8 stage confection, running from Winstones Ices on Rodborough Common (an ice cream recommended to fortify you) to the seaside village of Uphill, near Weston-super-Mare. We will be walking along well-marked and attractive sections of the , the Limestone Link (between the Cotswolds and the Mendips) and the West . The countryside is delightfully varied and full of interest, changing from area to area, and it is fascinating to spot these subtle changes. The walks average 10 miles each day and the countryside is mostly level to moderate. We will be able to advise drivers on best routes and meeting points. Like the Gloucestershire Way we recommend 2 to a car as we will be doing a shuttle at the beginning and end of each walk. In November we encourage walkers to start with an ice cream at Winstones on Rodborough Common, then walk near to Gatcombe, through Avening, peeking at Chavenage House and ending near to Westonbirt. February will see us walking through Silk Wood and via Sherston and Luckington to Castle Combe. We set off from there in March, walking by fords through Slaughterford to reach Box, inspecting the famous railway tunnel, to climb up Blue Vein and stop at South Wraxall. Late April sees us in Bradford-on-Avon, where there will be a little time to explore the town with its Saxon Church and Tithe Barn. We then follow the restored past two magnificent aqueducts to Dundas, where we join the Limestone Link to stop at Monkton Combe. In June we gently climb up the valley to reach Hallatrow. In July we pass Prospect Stile obtaining wide views of Lake and Lake. We travel high above these lakes to Drove near the top of the Mendips. We also hope for clear weather in August, as there should be spectacular views from Dolebury Hill Fort. We save even more amazing views for the last stage in October, walking over Wavering Down, Crook Peak and Hill. We reach pretty Uphill and hopefully celebrate with another ice cream relaxing on the beach! All members are welcome, occasionally or regularly. If you are forced to miss one walk, let us know and we will tell you when the walkover is in case you are able to come then. Please let us know if you are hoping to do the whole series of walks as this will help our planning. Thanks. Some of you may remember that Mike and Heather did this walk with the group in the last century(1999!) and Mike managed to eat an ice cream on EVERY walk! Not compulsory. He was supposedly doing a survey and reckoned that Winstones was the best - things might have changed, so if you want to check his findings …. Mike Garner 01453 873625 and Richard Davis 01453 762373 1 Winstones (first things first) to Westonbirt 2 Westonbirt to Castle Combe

3 Slaughterford 4 Historic Saxon church at Bradford on Avon 3 Castle Combe and Medieval Tithe Barn (below)

4 - K&A Canal over river Avon

5 aqueduct 6 Prospect Stile with along the now quiet views over . . . 6 Rip van Winkle’s church at Cameley with leaning walls, sloping floors, and wall paintings Cam Brook valley

. . . 7 Mendips near 7

8 Uphill Church and beach with ice creams! 7 Crook Peak with the sea in the distance FOOTPATH NEWS - 1

Bernard sent in this about improvements to a stile . The picture shows an unsafe stile he reported to PROW in June 2012. He recently asked Ann Adams to visit this site to see if progress had been made. He had previously told PROW that South Cotswold Ramblers would purchase a kissing gate for this site. Ann reported back that not only had they installed a kissing gate in this position for us but had also replaced two other stiles with kissing gates on the same route. In addition Bernard has now agreed to provide 2 kissing gates near Uley. This brings the total number of gates purchased and installed to 25 since Autumn 2007. FOOTPATH NEWS - 2 While we all express concern about access to rights of way, I thought that you might be interested in these 2 photos. The picture below shows the stile at the entrance to Berkeley deer park with a loose top bar and protruding nails. This was as reported to the South Cots Footpaths e-mail address (see our website) by Maurice in May. I subsequently reported the issue to PROW and had a number of subsequent exchanges with them. The top bar and the protruding nail were fixed at the end of July and a brand new stile installed shortly thereafter (see photo above). Reporting issues can bring results. A credit to PROW and, of the course, the landowner. John Clayton

Public Rights of Way Quiz - Part Three Q7. Must a dog be on a lead? A. The law does not require this; the dog must only be "under control" and the law does not define this, nor has there yet been a test case. Farmers’ notices requiring leads therefore have no legal backing. Q8. Can a farmer shoot a dog? A. Yes. It is an offence to allow your dog to attack or chase livestock. A farmer can shoot such a dog, without having to compensate the owner. Q9. Can trespassers be prosecuted? A. Trespassing is a civil wrong, not a crime. Trespassers therefore cannot be prosecuted (ie by the police), but only sued, by the landowner. Q10. Who is responsible for clearing vegetation from a Public Right of Way (PROW)? A. The Highways Authority owns the surface of the path, so is responsible for clearing undergrowth. However the landowner owns adjacent trees and hedges, so is responsible for clearing overgrowth. Answers are based on "Rights of Way" by Riddall and Trevelyan (Ramblers and Open Spaces Society. More next time …Mike THE LAST LEAF OF AUTUMN Smoky streamers waft from yellow sooty stacks ...and as the branches shed the Then ripped to shreds by errant final vestige of a Summer passed blows Jagged splintered silhouettes and whipped away in violent cracks On distant skylines show Like snarling wraiths Stark and bare and black they Attacking unseen foes linger Eagerly reaching to the skies Vibrant russet The fingered hands await new muffs Evergreen of snow A kaleidoscope of Autumn's touch and staggering slow Peeking through the naked trees Just into sight Which sway in rhythm to and fro Obsession on its ritual morning jog Jostled by the airy breeze and such arcane delights Undiscovered buildings gleam As playful children gathering logs In the early morning sun For Winter's night The days of innocent wide-eyed dreams Stubborn leaves Have once again begun Still not quite brown Being torn by winds A semaphore signal from the hill Saying "You've had your day" A single figure bending to the But resolute and firm soil They stay Another incidental flash and hold on fast in competition Angling back some honest toil To see which one will be the last To fly away. John Lang ORCHESTRAL CONCERT VISIT Stroud Symphony Orchestra, conductor Jonathan Trim, is putting on another very popular programme on Saturday 30 November 2013 at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud (near the hospital) and we invite you to join members there and take part in the sociable interval chat. Programme ŸElgar Overture: Cockaigne ŸMozart Piano Concerto No 20 soloist Katya Apekisheva ŸBrahms Symphony No 3 Listen to extracts at www.stroudsymphony.org.uk Please order your tickets on the form below, or from Stroud Tourist Information (01453 760960), or ask me on a walk or just come along on the night. Mike Garner 01453 873625

Stroud Symphony Orchestra Concert AND FINALLY, A LAST PICTURE OF SUMMER

Sat 30 Nov 7:30 pm at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud (next to the hospital with parking opposite) To Mike Garner, Southcot, The Headlands, North Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5PS. Please send me the following tickets: ...... @ £10 / ...... reduced @ £8 (both £1 more on door) / ...... accompanied children under 14 free. I enclose a cheque for £...... payable to Stroud Symphony Orchestra and a Stamped Addressed Envelope for the despatch of tickets. Signed Date Please print your name and phone number below GROUP CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

What have South Cotswold Ramblers done in the last 12 months? Well, we have put on 159 walks and if you went on all of them you will have walked some 1,027.5 miles. We have started from 108 different starting places and have used 51 different leaders or teams of leaders involving 63 members in all. Over 120 of our walks have photos published on the website.

We have welcomed 31 new members this year.

Just 90 of our members now receive paper newsletters, 29.6% of our membership. Thanks to all those who have agreed to accept electronic communications. Is there anybody else out there with a computer gathering dust who could make the switch?

We ran 2 holidays this year both of which have been reported elsewhere. The first was to Dartmoor and the second to Shropshire with 20 members going to Dartmoor and 21 to Shropshire. Next year’s plans are already taking shape with an early summer holiday in the Lake District. Consideration is still being given to the Autumn Break.

The Group Annual Lunch at Minchinhampton Golf Club again proved very popular and plans are in place to repeat the event in January next year.

The Group continues to support the Stroud Symphony Orchestra concerts at Holy Trinity Church Stroud. They make for a very good evening’s entertainment so why not come along and grab yourselves a bit of culture.

The activities of our Footpath Committee are being publicised more extensively with their own section on the website. They also have interesting reports in the latest newsletter which gives you a feel for the type of successes which they have achieved this year. With the proposed outsourcing of the PROW operation at the County Council they may be asked to take on even more work but this is a situation which we are all carefully monitoring.

As part of our mission to protect the countryside we have encouraged members to submit objections to planning proposals where they think fit. These have included the new houses proposed at Baxters Field in the Slad Valley and at Rodborough Fields. We have also suggested that members write to their County Councillors regarding the outsourcing of PROW mentioned above. Thankyou to everybody who has taken the trouble to voice their opinions on these proposals.

We have had some success with publicity in the local press and we also had a presence at the Stroud Festival of Nature on the stall to open the Walking Festival. Thankyou to Bernard Smith and Ann Adams who stepped in at the last minute to man the stall.

You may have noticed some changes to the Newsletter over the last year. At the beginning of the year we had a joint effort from Sally and Angela. Angela is now producing Area News and Sally has taken over the South Cots Newsletter. Both have done a fantastic job and deserve a big vote of thanks.

So it has been another busy year. Thankyou everybody for your help and support whether it is part of the main committee, the footpath committee, walks coordinators, walks leaders, anybody who helps to organise or takes part in our numerous activities. Also those whose patiently wait at home while husbands, wives or partners are working to make our group successful.

Richard Davis FOOTPATH SECRETARY’S REPORT 2012-2013

Following the prolonged wet weather in 2012, the winter period, perhaps not surprisingly, brought an increase in the number of complaints concerning footpaths made impassable by flooding or deep mud. Often the problems were exacerbated by heavy vehicles churning up path surfaces. Even wellingtons were insufficient to negotiate passage in some instances.

Fortunately by early summer these problems had largely disappeared, to be replaced by the seasonal round of blockages due to crops and overgrowing vegetation. Crop obstructions seem to be a particular nuisance in Gloucestershire and we all need to do our bit to report these to the council. The more people that report a problem, the more notice they tend to take.

As regards overgrowing vegetation, if you find a path or stile obstructed by vegetation, let us know about it: there is a good chance we may be able to clear it fairly quickly. In the past year we have spent over 80 man- hours on clearing vegetation from more than 50 separate paths.

The other main activity of the Footpath Committee is to examine proposals for path diversions and extinguishments. Instances of these continue to run at a very low level despite the size of the South Cotswolds area (57 parishes in total). There have been only six new proposals directly affecting rights of way and we have objected to only one of these – the extinguishment of a path in Alkington.

There is one issue at the moment that is likely to impact our footpath work in the coming year: the decision by Gloucestershire County Council to outsource their PROW function from 1st April 2014. Outsourcing is normally done to save costs and this can be achieved where the outsourcing company can perform the work more efficiently due to economies of scale or superior expertise. It is difficult to see though how that could apply in this case. Concerns have been expressed to the council by ourselves and other volunteers but in reality we do not know nearly enough about the proposed contract to ascertain how things will work out. In some other parts of the country where this sort of thing has been done, the feedback from Ramblers’ groups has been quite positive. We shall have to wait and see. Bob Frewin GROUP TREASURER’S REPORT 2012-13 Brian Witcombe, our honorary treasurer, will present his report at the AGM on Saturday 16 November, or you can obtain a summary by contacting Bernard Smith, the Group Secretary, (see contact details on page 1) after the meeting.

HOME MADE CAKE REPORT 2012-13

We have several members to thank for very nice cakes on some of our walks.

Once again we ask any one who would like to offer to make a cake for consumption by eager appreciative ramblers at the AGM to please let Kathy know on 01453 860004 as soon as possible. Thank you and yum, yum! Invitation to our Annual General Meeting

October 2013 Dear Members,

We warmly invite you to the South Cotswold Ramblers' Group ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Saturday 16 November 2013 to arrive at any time after 12:30 pm for the meeting at 1:30 pm at Rodborough Tabernacle, Tabernacle Walk, Rodborough, Stroud GL5 3UJ, Grid Reference SO 846039, (turn right off road leading up towards Rodborough Fort signed United Reformed Church and go downhill along Tabernacle Walk for 500 yards). http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughTab If you'd like a morning walk, Brian is leading a 4.5 mile Moderate to Hilly walk from there at 10:00 am.

At 12:30 pm you could bring a packed lunch and there will be tea or coffee and home- made cakes kindly provided by members also an opportunity to have a chat with other members. All of you are most welcome.

At the meeting Reports and Plans are discussed. Then all committee members stand down and are eligible to seek re-election as officers or committee members. We look forward to welcoming new people too, and we will ask for nominations during the meeting. Posts will be as shown in last year's minutes overleaf.

After any other business at the end of the meeting there will be an open discussion, a chance for questions.

Do come. We look forward to seeing you.

Yours sincerely

Bernard Smith

Group Secretary (01453 884013)

AGENDA

1. Welcome by the Group Chairman, Richard Davis. 2. Apologies for absence. 3. Approval of the minutes of the 2012 AGM (see next page). 4. Matters arising not likely to be covered in reports below. 5. Consideration and adoption of the 2012 – 2013 Reports: a) Chairman's Report b) Footpath Chairman's Report c) Treasurer's Report (available at the meeting or send a SAE to the Group Secretary) 6. Election of Officers and Committee Members (posts as last year, PTO) 7. Appointment of Honorary Auditor 8. Motions of which notice has been received by 31 August 2013 9. Any other business South Cotswold Group of the Ramblers MINUTES of the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the South Cotswold Group held at Rodborough Tabernacle GL5 3UJ on Saturday 17 November 2012 at 1:45 pm. Everyone was welcomed by the Chairman Richard Davis, including Jill Byrne and Mavis Rear from Gloucestershire Area Ramblers. MEMBERS PRESENT Sheelagh Collier, Pam Browne, Steve Priddey, Rosemary Burne, Andrew Hawkins, Iris ter Haar, Jim & Caroline White, Karen D’Amico, Brian & Sheelagh Witcombe, Ann & Brian Ruther, Patrick & Angela Marks, Kathy Bullen, John Geoghegan, Enid Sutcliffe, Anne Eamer, Jacqui Pycroft, Mike & Heather Garner, Richard & Diana Davis, Bob Frewin, John Corry, Ross McDiarmid, Bernard Smith. APOLOGIES were received from James & Linda Skinner, Keith Eyles, Sally Davis, Denys Thompson, Bruno Pacini, Olivia Gunn and Tony D’Amico. MINUTES of the 2011 AGM were approved as accurate and signed by Richard Davis the Chairman. (Acceptance was proposed by Kathy Bullen and seconded by Diana Davis). MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES. There were none. ANNUAL REPORTS GROUP CHAIRMAN - Richard Davis presented his report (printed in the Newsletter). He said he did not intend to go through this at the meeting but would add a few further comments. He said it had been a good year for South Cotswold Group with a good turnout on the walks from our varied programme. He reminded members of the forthcoming Area AGM on 8th December when the Ramblers new Chief Executive would be giving a talk and answer questions. FOOTPATH SECRETARY - The Footpath Secretary (Chris Gent) was unable to attend but his report was printed in the Newsletter. Chris Gent has now resigned from the Footpath Committee after three very valuable years and to his credit had really got things organised. Our thanks are expressed for the great contribution he has made. GROUP TREASURER – The Treasurer explained that there were two accounts operated separately but details appear on the Summary of Accounts. The Holiday Account dealt with money collected and paid out for Group Holidays and this had a credit of £180.22. The General Account is for the receipt and payment of money for South Cotswold Group only, this had a surplus of £2009.29 of which £1000 is designated and £1009.29 is unrestricted. These reports were accepted after a motion was proposed by Kathy Bullen and seconded by Rosemary Burne.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS GROUP COMMITTEE Nomination Proposed by Seconded by Group Chairman Richard Davis Andrew Hawkins Pam Browne Vice Chairman Mike Garner Kathy Bullen Ross McDiarmid Group Secretary Bernard Smith John Geoghegan Rosemary Burne Hon. Treasurer Brian Witcombe Enid Sutcliffe Brian Ruther Membership Secretary Mike Garner ) Joint Newsletter Editor Angela Marks ) Joint Newsletter Editor Sally Davis ) Joint Website Editor Mike Garner ) block vote Joint Website Editor Sally Davis ) John Geoghegan Rosemary Burne Publicity Officer Kathy Bullen ) Walks Prog Co-ordinator Mike Garner ) Committee Members Brian Kirkman ) John Corry ) Diana Davis ) FOOTPATH SUB-COMMITTEE Footpath Chairman Bob Frewin ) Footpath Secretary Bob Frewin ) Footpath Vice Chairman vacant ) block vote Footpath Minutes Secretary John Corry ) Diana Davis Pam Browne Footpath Clearance Bob Frewin ) Footpath Committee Member Penny Fernando )

AREA COUNCIL REPS Penny Fernando ) both proposed and seconded by John Corry ) Bob Frewin Ross McDiarmid

Walks Collectors Enid Sutcliffe ) Kathy Bullen ) Anne Eamer ) block vote John Geoghegan ) Bob Frewin Rosemary Burne Jacqui Pycroft ) HONORARY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER (AUDITOR) Steve Priddey Kathy Bullen Diana Davis

All elections were made by a show of hands, and without contest.

MOTIONS RECEIVED BY THE DUE DATE - None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS - The Chairman (Richard Davis) gave thanks to the people who organised the tea and cakes. This resulted in a round of applause. The Chairman thanked members of the Group Committee and the Footpath Committee for so much work and support over the past year, and all the other volunteers for their work. There being no other business the meeting was then declared closed at 2.30 pm. An open discussion then followed, this was not minuted. GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA NEWS October 2013

Editor: This edition is typeset and layout designed by: Angela Marks email: [email protected] Area News is issued three times a year in February, June and October. Items of news and suggestions or other features are The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a com- always welcome. pany limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW Deadline dates: 6th January, 6th May and 6th September

Chairman’s Report

This time last year I was writing about the need to talking to a couple of them whose councils had keep people informed, coupled with publicity, with a already gone through this process, was relieved to view to retaining existing members and getting new hear that the change had improved the PROW ones. This still forms an important part of our policy. service. We have not done too badly in recent months, what with the publicity surrounding the Tony Drake event Another area of increasing concern which we must and Cirencester's forays into the world of prime be aware of in coming months and years is the time television, but we need to maintain the relaxing of planning laws. The object of the exercise momentum and take every opportunity to push the by the Government was to make it easier for name of Ramblers into the public eye, obviously for developers to get planning permission on land for favourable reasons. the building of houses. As the country gradually emerges from recession the demand for housing is But now I would like to touch on two challenges increasing and developers are being quick to jump which face us in the coming year. The PROW on the bandwagon. As Ramblers one of our operation has featured frequently over the last year objectives is to protect the countryside and while as news has filtered out about its outsourcing. This housing is also a vital requirement some of the has arisen following the amalgamation of PROW developments put forward in our own county have with Highways, which is itself already outsourced gone very much against the grain. Many of them with a company whose contract is up for renewal. have been rejected but there is a growing concern The County Council has therefore decided that that they will eventually be approved. Where we PROW should be included in the outsourcing with feel that the visual amenity of the countryside is at the new contract. Full details should be available risk we have every reason to object and the more towards the end of October with the new objections received the more chance there is that arrangements being in place next April. In this way the application will be thrown out. We have written they hope to reduce costs to the ratepayer. to Councils as an organisation but there is no reason why you should also not write as individuals. We have been told that a letter is to be sent to all The more the merrier. interested volunteering organisations explaining the changes and the effect they will have on them. This is my last contribution to the Area News as Meanwhile both Ramblers and other volunteers Area Chairman as my term of office runs out at the have raised a number of concerns. You will AGM and I would like to thank everybody for their probably have seen the note which I sent to Groups support over the last three years. At the same time on the matter and I hope you will have found time to please don't forget that there are other posts also write to your County Councillor. Meanwhile we will coming vacant, including Membership Secretary. continually monitor the situation and try to ensure a Anybody feel like Volunteering? satisfactory outcome. As a matter of interest, at the weekend, I was at a meeting of Area Chairs and, Richard Davis GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA MID-WEEK WALKS Map numbers: E = Explorer; OL = Outdoor Leisure; LR = Landranger. Sorry, assistance dogs only.

2013 Wed 6 Nov 09:30 10m Cirencester to Frampton Mansell Andy & Wendy 01453 885498 Frampton Mansell. Park on roadside verge just south of village (E168/LR163) SO 920023 in time to catch the bus to Cirencester. Please note earlier start time. A linear walk from Cirencester to Frampton Mansell via Coates and Sapperton. Picnic.

Wed 13 Nov 10:00 10m Painswick Arnold 01242 603576 or 07789 317291 (walk morning) Walker's CP off B4075 opposite Rococo Garden (E179/LR162) SO 867105. Hilly walk by Painswick village, Painswick stream, Slad, Down Farm, Bulls Cross, Damsells Mill, Tocknell Court, Royal William, Painswick Beacon. Picnic.

Tues 19 Nov 10:00 8.5m Oxenton Hill Diana 01242 578777 or 07528 697023 (walk morning) Park in Gotherington on Malleson Road (signed from A435). Meet opposite Shutters Pub (E179/LR163) SO 959297. Walk Woolstone, Teddington, Alston, Dixton, Gotherington. Picnic.

Wed 27 Nov 10:00 12m Northleach Roy 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Park at the Old Prison in Northleach (far end away from the entrance) (LR163/OL45) SP 109149. Walk Northleach, Farmington, Goms Hole, Cold Aston, Turkdean, Hampnett. Picnic.

Wed 4 Dec 10:00 10m Burford Hazel 01242 254105 or 07884 094365 (walk morning) Free riverside CP in Burford, at the end of Church Lane (OL45/LR163) SP 254123. Walk Burford, Widford, Asthall, Worsham, Swinbrook, Paynes Farm, Fulbrook and back to Burford. Picnic.

Wed 11 Dec 10:00 10m & Longhope Janet & Geoff 01531 650349 or 07933 737891 (walk morning) Park by Huntley Church on road leading to Garden Centre (OL14/LR162) SO 713195. Walk May Hill and Longhope. Picnic.

Wed 18 Dec* 10:00 12m Wotton-under-Edge Guy 01242 251412 or 07968 797186 (walk morning) Park at Wotton Farm shop about 500m out of the town centre on the Dursley Road (E167/LR162) ST 749938. A hilly but very scenic walk initially on the to Tyndale's Monument, North Nibley, Drakestone Point, golf course, down to Waterley Bottom for lunch/drink or picnic. Return via Breakheart Hill, Monkcombe Wood and Combe Hill. Possible tea after.

2014 Wed 1 Jan 10:00 11m NEW YEARS DAY WALK Roy 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 Pegglesworth (walk morning) Park in layby on the A436 (E179/LR163) SO 989185. Walk Castle Barn Farm, Upper Dowdeswell, Andoversford, Shipton, Withington, Upcote Farm, Thorndale, Foxcote, Pegglesworth. Picnic.

Wed 8 Jan 10:00 10m Charlton Kings to Marion 01242 235423 or 07552 754074 (walk morning) Park on roads around Glenfall School, Charlton Kings (E179/LR163) SO 971209. Walk West Down, Whittington, Colgate Farm. Picnic.

Wed 15 Jan 10:00 10m Bisley Susanne 01453 757212 or 07768 403530 (walk morning) Bisley playing field CP (E168/LR163) SO 907061. Walk to Edgeworth, Siccaridge Wood and back via Far Oakridge and Waterlane. Picnic.

Wed 22 Jan 10:00 10m Coaley Peak Catherine 01452 615382 Coaley Peak Picnic Site (E168/LR162) SO 794015. A walk to Cam Peak passing through Uley, Cockadilly and Nympsfield. Picnic.

Wed 29 Jan 10:00 12m Winchcombe Roy 01242 245488 or 07766 413176 (walk morning) Back Lane CP, Winchcombe (p&d) (OL45/LR163) SP 023284. Walk Langley Hill, Gretton, Stanley Pontlarge, Cockbury Butts, Postlip Mill, Corndean Farm, Humblebee, Waterhatch, Parks Farm, Sudeley Castle. Picnic.

Wed 5 Feb 10:00 10m Forest of Dean David & Henrietta 01452 302024 or 07831 234790 (walk morning) Wenchford CP. Access to CP from Blakeney end only (OL14/LR162) SO 654081. Walk Wenchford, Cockshoot Wood, Mosely Green, New Fancy, Staple-edge Wood, Blakeney Hill Wood North. Mixed woodland walk with several moderate climbs. Picnic.

Wed 12 Feb 10:00 10m Seven Springs Shirley 01452 419827 Seven Spring layby opposite Hungry Horse PH (E179/LR163) SO 966170. Walk Upper Coberley, Lower Cockleford, Elkstone (Picnic), Stockwell, Coldwell Bottom, Coberley. Picnic. Wed 19 Feb 10:00 12m Cleeve Hill Derek 01242 678655 or 07710 339297 (walk morning) Lay-by on B4632 near old toilets (E179/LR163) SO 985270. Walk Cleeve Hill, Winchcombe, Gretton - Strenuous. Picnic.

Wed 26 Feb 10:00 10m Winstone Des 01242 245666 or 07939 615749 (walk morning) Park on grass verge by bus turning circle (E179/LR163) SO 966109. Miserden Valley to Edgeworth and return on some little used paths. Picnic.

*Since there is no formal Xmas lunch organised, members could consider joining the walking party on Dec 18th for lunch at the New Inn at Waterley Bottom for an informal lunch. Please contact the leader for menu details if requiring hot main dishes. In view of the short daylight hours, the walkers will not be having a lengthy lunch. Alternatively, non- walkers could also join the party for tea at the Farm Shop after the walk c.4pm.

DID YOU REALISE THAT AS A MEMBER OF RAMBLERS YOU CAN WALK WITH ANY RAMBLERS’ GROUP AT ANY TIME? GRWalks is a list all the walks from the seven geographical Gloucestershire groups, the Gloucestershire Walking Group (for 20s, 30s. & 40s) and the Area Midweek Walks in convenient date order.

See GRWalks at www.gloucestershireramblers.org.uk If any changes are needed they will be listed there too.

NO COMPUTER? Send SAE(s) (9x6”, C5 size) to editor Mike Garner (GR Walks) Southcot, The Headlands, Stroud, GL5 5PS GROUP ACTIVITY REPORTS Gloucestershire Walking Group The GWG has been making the most of this fine Social events have included a day cycling round the summer with the welcome return of our Thursday Forest of Dean and an open air theatre trip, and evening short walks and pub meals. This year we when the Berkshire Weekend Walkers came to were even able to go ahead with our evening Stow on the Wold for a weekend we joined up with barbecue without fear of rain! Meanwhile our them for a weekend of walks and a meal together. Sunday all-day walks continue to take us to all At the start of summer, many of our members corners of the county and beyond. enjoyed an extended trip to the Lake District.

Geoffrey Cochran Cirencester Group In general walks have been very well attended and with some wonderful away days, two in South Wales at Pandy and Pen Y Fan and a stroll up the Long Mynd in Shopshire. We also took part in ITV’s Saturday Farm, a show about the countryside. On Tuesday 28th May the group did a short walk from Adlestrop, mostly in the heavy rain and the programme was broadcast on 13th July. On Sunday 1st September the Thames River Relay got off to a great start with our very own Stuart Dyer leading the way. This was part of the Thames Festival following the river from source to London. At Ewen water appeared in the river bed and Stuart was able to fill the bottle with remarkably clear water At Cricklade the Mayor of who was given the precious bottle of water, which would be handed over the following day for swimmers to take it on the next leg of its journey to the tidal Thames On Sunday 22nd September we had a day trip to The Royal Next year we celebrate the group’s 40th Anniversary and Botanic Gardens at Kew. As well as admiring the countless many events are planned. More about this in next report! trees and exotic plants, much fun was also had exploring Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage, visiting the art Pat Beckley galleries and cafés, riding the Kew Explorer Train and climbing up to the Treetop Walkway. Cleeve Group As we near the end of our summer programme Bishops After quite some time holding meetings in members homes Cleeve walking group have maintained a full programme of the committee has now resolved to hold them in the parish weekly Sunday walks and our shorter monthly Wednesday offices in Church Road. walks, throughout this glorious season. Attendance of the longer Sunday walks has been in decline for some months Our footpath committee is back in regular action with a new now to the point where high teens to twenty is a good turn secretary, Martin Thornley, who volunteered to take on the out! We have had the occasional visitor and a few new task. The groups thanks go to John Duck who previously regular walkers but we still seek fresh leaders. Wednesday performed the position admirably. walks remain popular with our members who prefer a shorter walk as well those who enjoy a pub lunch afterwards. Finally our group congratulations go to Colin Wood who completed the Coast to Coast in some very wet early May On the social side we have held a quiz night and a BBQ and weather, a great achievement. are currently selecting a location for our 2014 spring holiday and looking forward to our October trip to St Ives. Brian Payne South Cotswold Group While our numbers are still slightly on the downward slope we continue to expand our activities and figures show that in Kathy Bullen is retiring as Publicity Officer at the next AGM. the last year we put on 159 walks, with 68 members Kathy has been doing the job for a number of years and involved as leaders and covering a total distance of 1027.5 before that was very much involved in all aspects of miles. Ramblers activities. Thankyou Kathy for all the work which you have put in. Our spring holiday at Haytor was very successful and enjoyed by everybody who attended. We have just come back from Shropshire where members successfully conquered both the Wrekin and the Long Mynd and also had time to explore some of the delights of Shrewsbury.

On the social side our members continue to support the concerts given by the Stroud Symphony Orchestra and after another successful Christmas lunch, eventually held in March, at Minchinhampton Golf Club similar plans are in place for the coming January.

The footpath committee continue with their sterling work and have been strengthened by two new volunteers. Their importance could be greatly increased in the coming year with the proposed outsourcing of PROW, a situation which is still unravelling.

Richard Davis South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - November 2013

Sat 2 Nov short day 8.5m M St Catherines & Charmy Down Mon 18 Nov morning 4m L Sherston Gentle Walk Ray W - 01453 547213 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Jacqui P - 01666 826139 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Marshfield, slip road off the A420 at west end. L172/E155 ST Sherston Rattlebone Inn. Usually parking space in High Street. 771737 http://tinyurl.com/mapMarshfield St Catherines End, http://tinyurl.com/mapSherstonRboneInn L173/E168 ST Charmy Down, Limestone Link, Home Farm. Picnic. Shops and 853859 Gently paced walk north of Sherston, including the Cliff pub available at finish. then following the river to return. Refreshments afterwards at the Rattlebone if required. Mon 4 Nov morning 4m M Bisley Gentle Walk Brian & Ann - 01452 770510 on day 07770 895035 Wed 20 Nov morning 5.5m M Sacred Tombs of Belas Knap Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Bisley, The Bear CP or street Enid - 01242 863283 on day 07570 789317 Meet 09:50 for parking nearby.http://tinyurl.com/mapBisleyBearCP 10:00 start from Winchcombe, Back Lane Car Park (off B4362 L163/E179 SO 903060 Gentle walk via Bisley, Copsgrove, Gloucester Street). Parking is £1 all day. OL45/L150 SP Sheephouse and Bisley. Pub lunch possible after at The Bear. 024284 http://tinyurl.com/mapWinchcombeCP Cotswold Way, Belas Knap long barrow, edge of Briars Wood. Places for Wed 6 Nov morning 5.5m M lunch in Winchcombe. Steve & Rosemary - 01453 860130 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Minchinhampton, edge of common behind Church. Sat 23 Nov short day 8m M Horses on courses http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon L162/E168 SO Jill - 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 Meet 09:50 for 872009 A walk around the perimeters of the common taking in 10:00 start from Temple Guiting Village Hall CP (£1 a car Burleigh, Amberley and Box. Places nearby for lunch after. contribution), next to the village school. OL45/L163 SO 865095 http://tinyurl.com/mapTempleGuitingVH From Temple EITHER… Guiting we head up the Windrush Valley to Ford, Cutsdean, Sat 9 Nov day 10m L/M The Ice Cream Walk No 1 Beckbury Camp, Farmcote and Pinnock. Picnic lunch. Mike & Richard - 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day 07749 282087 See the feature in our newsletter. Our 80 Wed 27 Nov long morning 6m M/H To Sheepscombe mile linear walk from Winstones to WestonSM. Today's Olivia - 01453 751716 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from section of the walk is from Winstones via Avening to Painswick Walkers CP, off B4073. L162/E179SO 866104 Westonbirt. Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Westonbirt (side road). http://tinyurl.com/mapPainswickWCP Sheepscombe, Lord's Coming from A46, turn R at X-roads 300 yds before the main & Lady's wood, Paradise. Bring a snack. A433 into side road and park 150 yds along on right. See map if not sure. http://tinyurl.com/mapWestonbirt-side-road Sat 30 Nov morning 6m M Round The Stanleys L162/E168 ST 860903 (Please leave 2 spare car seats for Carol - 01453 825461 on day 07709 978238 Meet 09:50 for shuttling to Rodborough Common - drive gently onto grass near 10:00 start from King's Stanley SDC CP or park on road. E (lower) entrance of Bownham Park, approach via Winstones http://tinyurl.com/mapKingsStanleySDCCP L162/E168 SO Ices at Bagpath, see map. L162/E168 SO 859023 811034 Around Middleyard to Penn Woods. Down to the canal http://tinyurl.com/mapRodComBownhamE Bring a picnic. and back around Stanley Downton and Leonard Stanley. OR… Sat 9 Nov morning 6m M Upton circular walk Sat 30 November evening Concert in Holy Trinity Church, Mike B - 01452 616864 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Stroud near the hospital at 7:30 pm by Stroud Symphony Upton St Leonards Birchall Memorial Institute car park. Turn R Orchestra. Programme: Elgar’s Cockaigne overture, Brahms opposite USL church into Bondend road. BMI is about 100 yards Symphony No 3 and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 20 played by on right. http://tinyurl.com/mapUptonStLeonardsBMI Russian soloist Katia Apeckasheva. Booking details for our L162/E179 SO 864148 Circular walk around Upton St Leonards, social event are in the Group newsletter. fairly flat except Nut Hill view point with WW2 bunker, a nuclear bunker and topograph provided by Upton Probus club.

Wed 13 Nov day 8.5m M Bibury & villages on the . Sally & Ros - 01453 872729 / 01285 655521 on day 07818 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bibury, Lay-by (£12.00 £10.00 concs) opposite Trout Farm on B4425. Please car share if possible as Young Performers Programme to include The Shepherd on the parking can be limited on a fine day. There is also parking over Rock, Schubert. Piano Jonathan French. the bridge beside the river. http://tinyurl.com/BiburyLayBy Soprano Hannah Davey. Clarinet Anna Hashimoto. L163/OL45 SP 114068 Salt Way, Lamborough Banks, Winson, £22.00 £20.00 concs) Coln Rogers, Potlickers Lane, Arlington. Bring a picnic.

Sat 16 Nov morning 4.5m M/H Montserrat Discovery Programme to include Vivaldi Concerto for 2 flutes and Arias from Brian & Sheelagh - 01453 872220 on day 07761 039595 Meet the Christmas Oratorio JS Bach. 09:50 for 10:00 start from Rodborough Tabernacle car park - turn off road leading up towards Fort signed United Reformed The Orchestra of St John’s is one of the classical music world’s best Church downhill for 500 yards. L162/E168 SO 845040 kept secrets. Under their founding conductor, John Lubbock, they http://tinyurl.com/mapRodboroughTab Rodborough, have always aimed to be part of a community rather than just part Butterow, Montserrat. Some steep hills. Views of the Nailsworth of the music scene and we are delighted to welcome them to the and Golden Valleys. Bring packed lunch. Sub Rooms for this inaugural series. Tea and cakes provided at the Tabernacle Meeting Room There are 3 concerts over the next 6 months and each concert day from 12:30 after the walk and before the AGM at 1:30. will also feature a special afternoon event for families with autistic ALL MEMBERS ARE VERY WELCOME children and children with other additional needs. South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - December 2013

Mon 2 Dec morning 4m L Gentle walk - views over the Severn. Sheila L - 01453 757295 on day 07972 904325 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Frampton-on-Severn, outside Bell Inn. L162/OL14 SO 749081 http://tinyurl.com/mapFramptonBell Severn Way, Fretherne, Overton. Possible pub lunch.

Wed 4 Dec morning 5.2m L/M Old & New around Sat 28 Dec short day 8m M/H Another way around Dursley Hawkesbury Upton. Ray W - 01453 547213Meet 09:50 for Allen M - 01453 545588 on day 07749 564232 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Hawkesbury Upton Beaufort Arms, (park at rear 10:00 start from Dursley long stay car park (signed via Long of car park if using pub). If not park considerately in village. Street). Drive steeply up and round LH bend to park on top level. http://tinyurl.com/mapHawkesburyUBeaufortAL162/E167 ST L162/E167 ST 758982 http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt 778869 Hawkesbury Upton, Horton Court, Hill Fort, Bodkin A different route to walk around Dursley. Bring your lunch. Wood. The famous Cheapskates in Pub at finish. Sat 7 Dec morning 5.5m M Newark & Wotton-Under-Edge Wagner for Ramblers Steve & Rosemary - 01453 860130 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Newark Park NT Car Park (free). L162/E167 ST 782931 http://tinyurl.com/mapNewarkPark Wotton, Ley's th Farm, Wortley. House open afterwards for NT members. Light On 18 December the Apollo refreshments available. Cinema in Stroud is streaming a Wed 11 Dec morning 5.5m M Brimpsfield circular live broadcast of Wagner’s last Brian & Ann - 01452 770510 on day 07770 895035 Meet opera, Parsifal. This is coming from 09:50 for 10:00 start from Brimpsfield Village Hall CP. From the Royal Opera House in Covent Birdlip the CP is on LH side as you enter the village. L162/E179 SO 891044 http://tinyurl.com/mapBrimpsfieldVH via Syde, Garden and will be conducted by and Caudle Green. Slippery in places when wet. Sir Antonio Pappano. The programme starts at 4.30pm, Sat 14 Dec short day 8m M/H Winter woods and valleys around Dursley. Peter and Susan - 01453 860797 on day although the opera itself starts at 07854 634090 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Dursley long stay 5.00pm. There are two intervals, car park (signed via Long Street). Drive steeply up and round one of which is long enough for LH bend to park on top level. L162/E167 ST 757982 http://tinyurl.com/mapDursleyLongSt Through Folly Wood to dinner. Bowcott and past Ridge House to Ridings Wood then across Waterley Bottom into Ashen Plains Wood and Breakheart Quarry. Back to Dursley through Hermitage and Westfield For anyone who might be Woods. Take a picnic. Pubs and cafes in Dursley at the end. interested, we could go round the Mon 16 Dec morning 4m L/M A pleasant easy paced corner to any one of a number of Thornbury walk. Anne E - 01453 842551 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 Indian restaurants, and be back for start fromThornbury Long Stay CP off High Street near the next act. Dinner could be pedestrian crossing. http://tinyurl.com/mapThornburyCP L162/E167 ST 635901 Mumbley’s Plat, Jubilee Way. Meals booked in advance. The timings of available at end of walk. the intervals, once known, are fairly precise. The whole performance Wed 18 Dec morning 5m M/H Wednesday at the Opera* Denys - 01453 751581 on day 07783 269574 Meet 09:50 for finishes at 10.10pm. Opera cloaks 10:00 start from Uley, Old Crown. Park on road by Church or are entirely optional. use pub car park at rear if visiting afterwards. L162/E168 ST 792985 http://tinyurl.com/mapUleyOldCrownCP Up round Uley Bury, Angeston Grange, Stouts Hill and back via Owlpen. You would need to book your own Lunch available at Old Crown Inn, Uley at end. cinema tickets fairly soon, but I would be happy to organise a table at the restaurant. Those interested could contact me by phone – 01453 751581 or by email – Sat 21 Dec short day 8.5m M/H Minchinhampton and [email protected]. Avening. John G - 01453 834141 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from edge of common behind Minchinhampton Church. http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon L162/E168 SO Denys. 872009 Box, Weighbridge, Hazel Wood, Avening, Golf Course, Gatcombe. Bring a packed lunch. South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - January 2014

Wed 1 Jan morning 6.5m M New Year Walk to the springs Wed 22 Jan morning 4.5m H Swift and John G - 01453 834141 Slad Brian & Sheelagh - 01453 872220 on day 07761 039595 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Royal Ship Inn CP, Luckington. Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bulls Cross layby B4070 http://tinyurl.com/mapLuckington L173/ E168 ST 833840 above Slad. L162/E179 SO 878087 Sopworth, Crowdown Springs (source of river Avon). Pub http://tinyurl.com/mapBullsCross Hilly walk round the Slad Lunch available. Valley with lovely views from Swift's Hill to the south. Lunch may be possible at the Woolpack in Slad, a mile from the end of the walk. Sat 4 Jan morning 6.25 m L A Circuit of the Commons Sally & Keith - 01453 872729 on day 07818 425088 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Minchinhampton, edge of Sat 25 Jan morning 5.5m M/H Escarpment Walk common behind Church. Patrick & Angela - 01452 616886 on day 07778 662951 http://tinyurl.com/mapMinchEdgeCommon L162/E168 SO Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Kings Head pub, Upton St. 872009 Across the top of Minchinhampton, Bownham and Leonards on B4073 at foot of Painswick Hill. If dining, park at Rodborough Commons. pub. If not, use lane on uphill side of pub. L162/E179 SO 859146 http://tinyurl.com/mapUptonStLeonards Mon 6 Jan morning 3.8m L/M Gathering Nuts! A gentle walk Kite's Hill, Cud Hill, Moorend. Pub lunch available. Patrick & Angela 01452 616886 on day 07778 662951 Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Kings Head pub, Upton St. Wed 29 Jan morning 6m M Climb to Nibley Monument Leonards on B4073 at foot of Painswick Hill. If dining, park at Richard P - 01454 260397 on day 07984 853775 pub. If not, use lane on uphill side of pub. L162/E179 SO Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Wotton-under-Edge, Auction 859146 http://tinyurl.com/mapUptonStLeonards Nut Hill, Rooms CP. Go up Tabernacle Pitch and just past the Peaked Acres, Moorend. Pub lunch available. graveyard turn right. You will see two drives, so take the left narrower one to emerge into a large CP. L162/E167 ST Wed 8 Jan morning 5.5m L Eastington, Stonehouse 75559350 http://tinyurl.com/mapWottonAuctionCP and Frocester. Mike B - 01452 616864 Head up Tabernacle Pitch to climb . Pass through Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Eastington Picnic Area by Westridge Wood to Nibley Monument. Return via Cotswold Canal. At roundabout on A419 turn towards Eastington and Way to Brackenbury Ditches. Drop to lower path back to immediately L into Pike Lock CP. L162/E168.SO 784060 Wotton, end with short town walk around Wotton. Several pubs http://tinyurl.com/mapPikeLock Canal towpath to and coffee shops at end of walk. Stonehouse, then over fields to Frocester. Stop for light refreshments at The George, Frocester then back to PLEASE NOTE (part 1) Eastington. RING the leader if you are in any doubt about taking part, especially if you haven’t walked recently. Perhaps try Sat 11 Jan short day 7m M/H East of Slad shorter walks first. Olivia - 01453 751716 TERRAIN RATINGS Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bulls Cross layby B4070 above Slad. L162/E179 SO 877087 L - Level or little climbing. L/M - The odd hill. http://tinyurl.com/mapBullsCross Dillay, The Camp, M - Moderate climbing at times, but plenty of easier walking. Nottingham scrubs, Down hill. Bring a packed lunch. M/H - Moderate to Hilly with quite a lot of hills. H - Hilly ups and downs for most of the time. Wed 15 Jan morning 5m M The End is Nigh! STW = START THE WEEK WALKS are short (no more Dave G and Ann T 01242 862564 on day 07860 836152 than 4 miles), easy paced sociable Monday walks suitable Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Shortwood AFC car park, 1 mile for:- 1/ Those who are new to Ramblers and wish to build up SW of Nailsworth. Follow the Shortwood AFC sign and not the their confidence and fitness. 2/ Those who have been on Shortwood sign as you approach on the minor road. Park away from building to facilitate deliveries. Postcode GL6 0RZ Health Walks who want to move on to slightly longer walks. L162/E168 ST 836993 http://tinyurl.com/mapShortwoodAFC 3/ Existing members for whom our normal walks programme Meadows, Tracks and Valleys around the villages near Horsley is becoming too strenuous. 4/ Anyone who wants an amble with some moderate ups and downs. Food and drinks available rather than a ramble, stopping to admire the countryside, at cafes and pubs in Nailsworth. Puzzled about the title, so are we all! You’ll have to come to find out it’s significance! walking and talking, and possibly finishing up with a half of shandy or perhaps even lunch. Do tell your friends! Mon 20 Jan morning 4m M A stroll south of Nailsworth NON MEMBERS You are welcome to walk with the Group Anne E - 01453 842551 three times. We hope you will then wish to join, either on- Meet 10:20 for 10:30 start at Nailsworth CP opposite Bus line at www.ramblers.org.uk or with a leaflet, quoting GR03 if Station. L162/E168 ST 849996 you wish to be in our particular Group. Once a Member you http://tinyurl.com/mapNailsworthCPoppBusSt can walk with any group in Britain. Newly joined members Walk to Wallow Green via fields and lanes. please email Mike ([email protected]) or Another of our fortnightly gentle walks on a Monday of no ring 01453 873625 for new member information. more than 4 miles, where we admire the views and have a good ole chat! Why not give it a go? Please also see part 2 overleaf South Cotswold Ramblers Our Walks - February 2014

Sat 1 Feb long morning 6.75 m L/M Bibury Mon 17 Feb morning 4m M/H Snowdrops around Andrew - 01452 857958 on day 07900 390351 Uley gentle walk. Kathy- 01453 860004 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Bibury, Riverside CP. Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start at far end of South Street, Uley (a cul- L163/OL45 SP 115068 http://tinyurl.com/mapBibury A walk in de-sac). http://tinyurl.com/mapUleySouthSt L162/E167 ST the Coln Valley by the River Coln to Coln St Aldwyns, rolling 793983 M/H as it's Uley, but the hill will be taken very slowly. countryside back to Bibury via Arlington Row. Approx 3 stiles. Bring snacks as required. (no lunch stop during walk). Wed 19 Feb morning 6m L/M Ham and the Deer Park Maurice - 01453 811162 on day 07912 552075 Mon 3 Feb morning 4m L Start the Week Gentle Walk - Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Ham near Berkeley, Salutation Around Berkeley. Maurice - 01453 811162 on day 07912 Inn. Use car park if using pub. L162/E167 ST 680984 552075 http://tinyurl.com/mapHamSalutation Deer Park, river Little Meet 10.20 for 10:30 start from Berkeley, Mariners Arms. Use Avon. Pub lunch available after. car park if coming in after.L162/E167 ST 681992 http://tinyurl.com/mapBerkeleyMarinersArms A level walk in Sat 22 Feb day 10m M Thinking of Walking? and around Berkeley. Pub lunch available after. Alex 01453 826907 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from King's Stanley car park (NOT Wed 5 Feb morning 6m M Up from the Uplands the Village Hall). L162/E168 SO 811034 Ann A - 01453 839089 on day 07931 114439 http://tinyurl.com/mapKStanleyCP Leonard Stanley, Silver St, Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Stroud Uplands Field CP - From Coaley, Frocester, canal. Bring a picnic. Slad Road turn left up Folly Lane. Where houses end on left, a sign high up on post on R points L to Uplands Field. Follow the Wed 26 Feb long morning 7m M/H Cow bats narrow drive over 2 high humps about 200 yards past allotments Jill - 01242 255994 on day 07815 786467 on L to large CP with views. L162/E179 SO 854061 Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Common main car park http://tinyurl.com/mapUplandsFieldCP Through the fields and on B4066. http://tinyurl.com/mapSelsleyCom L162/E168 SO woods to Bulls Cross, down towards Painswick and back 829027 Selsley Common, Woodchester Park, Nympsfield through the fields below Wick Street. One nasty climb at end of village, Coaley Peak, Penn Wood. Bring snack for coffee break. walk. Sadly no pub stop so bring a snack.

EITHER… Sat 8 Feb day 11.5 m L The Ice Cream Walk No 2 PLEASE NOTE (part 2) Mike & Richard 01453 873625 / 01453 762373 on day MESSAGES on our website will show any changes or additional 07749 282087 information about any walk Our 80 mile linear walk from Winstones to WestonSM. www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk/messages Meet at 09:20 for 09:30 at Castle Combe car park at top of PLEASE don't walk ahead of the leader unless asked. village. L173/E156 ST 845777 WHAT TO BRING Bananas are popular as a snack, and bring plenty http://tinyurl.com/mapCastleCombe (Please leave 2 spare of water, to avoid dehydration. On day walks you are advised to car seats for shuttling to Westonbirt (side road). See map if not bring food supplies, even if planning a pub lunch, in case the pub is sure. http://tinyurl.com/mapWestonbirt-side-road. L162/E168 closed. Wear strong footwear. Bring waterproofs and/or warmer ST 860903 Today's section is from Westonbirt via Sherston and clothing. It is advisable to bring a simple first aid kit. Remove muddy Luckington to Castle Combe. Bring a picnic. boots in pubs/churches. DOGS - Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. OR… I Sat 8 Feb morning 5.5m L/M Up The Down MPORTANT - KEEPING TOGETHER ON A WALK Most parties David & Maurice - 01453 547580 / 01453 811162 / on day will have a back marker appointed for the walk. Please inform this 07891 918275 person if you need to drop behind for a comfort stop, and tell them Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Cam Peak CP (Peaked Down). when you catch up again. All members of larger parties are asked to http://tinyurl.com/mapCamPeakCP L162/E167 ST 767993 help by keeping a look out behind them. If the people behind you are Steady climb along Cam Long Down and then mainly level in danger of losing touch, perhaps in a wood, please pause and tell walking across fields. Far Green and Coaley. the people in front of you to stop too. Thank you. ADVERSE CONDITIONS Leaders may decide to cancel or shorten Wed 12 Feb morning 6m M Woods and Valleys the walk, taking into account everyone's health and safety. Please near Sapperton. Jacqui P - 01666 826139 contact them if doubt before travelling. Leaders are welcome to Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Sapperton village, near Church. have messages put on the website. L163/E179 SO 947033 http://tinyurl.com/mapSapperton WANT TO LEAD A WALK? Great - have a chat with some other Dorval Wood, Tunley, Siccaridge Wood, Daneway.Terrain: leaders, and see our Leaders’ Web page. Refreshments afterwards at The Bell if required. THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Sat 15 Feb day 9.5m M/H Coaley and Cam Peaks Scotland SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (no 4458492) Registered office 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, Catherine - 01452 615382 London SE1 7TW. Meet 09:50 for 10:00 start from Coaley Peak CP. ALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES have inherent hazards associated with them including http://tinyurl.com/mapCoaleyPeak L162/E168 SO 794014 rambling. In spite of participants’ safety always being the paramount concern, accidents Cam Peak, Uley Church and Nympsfield Village. Picnic. 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.