Issue 12 Avonmouth Wacky-Walkers Level 3 Walking Group Free Walks Programme Photo by Janice Skelton 2 - 3 miles - up to 90 minutes walks The Walks are led by qualified volunteer walk leaders, who have undergone the National Walking for Health training. The walks are a mixture of town and country routes and are aimed at those who are doing little exercise at the moment, but who would like to become more active. Apr - Jun 2016 Hello and Welcome Avonmouth Wacky-Walkers Walking Groups Spring walks programme in association with LinkAge, Avonmouth Community Centre and Walking for Health Bristol. If you are looking to join a fun, friendly group of social walkers, our group is for you. All of our walks are: FREE to attend, unless stated otherwise. Set at an easy to moderate pace and cover a distance between 2 and 3 miles Led by fully trained Walk Leaders Photo by Janice Skelton The walking group is aimed at people aged 55+ and the walks are suitable for anyone able to walk for an hour+ without stopping. The aim is to walk for about 90 minutes at an easy to moderate pace and cover between 2 to 3 miles. The walks are varied with some local and others further afield. The level and conditions of the walks are indicated via a key. We like to stop for a tea or coffee at a café during or after walks when possible. Please bring money for refreshments and travel costs. The walk leaders will try to set and maintain a pace which they feel is appropriate for the group and route. IF YOU FIND IT IS TOO FAST please SLOW DOWN to a pace which is comfortable for you. As a rough guide you should be able to walk and talk, but feel a bit warm with slightly elevated breathing Please DO NOT walk in front of the Walk Leader Hints for Walking Dress appropriately for the weather Wear suitable supportive footwear Start each walk slowly, building up speed Slow down towards the end of each walk Walk to increase breathing but not to exhaust Drink plenty of water - bring a bottle of water and any snacks you may need Do not walk if you feel unwell Remember any necessary medication e.g. inhaler Key The following symbols are used as a guideline only. If you have specific needs please phone to find out more detailed information about a particular walk. 60–90 minutes Rural terrain Toilets Uneven Steps Moderate 2- 3 miles ground inclines Wheelchair Scooter Views Rest Guided walk Train and accessible Accessible opportunities (stop/start) Walk Bus and walk Car share Café stop lunch stop Please note: Double check the start time for the walk you want to attend - start times are varied and can be varied again when special events are being held. New walkers please arrive 10 minutes before start time to complete the Outdoor Health Questionnaire (with support if required). Please try to arrive at least 10 - 15 minutes before the walk starts so you can hear any announcements. Please Note: First option for Minibus trips will go to walkers who attended the previous week’s walk; after this you can phone and book places if available. Weds 30th March - Lamplighters Marsh with Ed Drewitt (Naturalist) Starts at: 9am (8:50 for new walkers) Venue: Lamplighter Pub Details: An early spring walk through the nature reserve listening for local resident birds such as blackbirds and robins, but also birds that have just arrived from North- ern Africa and the Mediterranean such as blackcap and chiffchaff. There may also be some wading birds on the river such as redshank. This is a good chance to enjoy some morning birdsong and see the first signs of Spring on the reserve. Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule, Ricky Skelton Weds 6th Apr - Aust Wharf & Village Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: Car share Details: Drive to Aust Wharf where the walk starts and goes past the old Ferry which used to run daily between Aust and South Wales. Then drive onto Aust Village for a look around and finish at the “Boars Head” for refreshment. Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Julie Morgan Weds 13th Apr - Arnos Vale Cemetery Starts at: 9.50am (9:40 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Train Station Transport: Train to Temple Meads & Bus to Arnos Vale Details: A spring stroll around part of the 45 acre Victorian cemetery and nature reserve listening to bird song early signs of flora and fauna. We’ll also be noting graves of famous Bristolians and War Graves. Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule Weds 27th Apr - Leigh Woods Purple Trail Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: Car Share Details: Explore beautiful woodland above the Avon Gorge boasting superb views over the river and across the city. A lovely walk through oak, lime and Ash forest fol- lowing markers Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Pat Maule Thurs 28th April - Bristol Walk Fest 2016 “Compass Walk” 4 walking routes of around 10 miles from the city’s outer suburbs snaking their way through green spaces and past points of interest, stopping off at friendly community venues, and bringing many different organisations together to celebrate walking in the city. The routes are broken down into 1–3 mile sections, walkers can join one section or an en- tire route. Some legs are accessible by all and others are more adventurous, so there’s something for everyone! North West Bristol Compass Walk Route & Times: Meet at 10.45am: Shirehampton Public Hall OR The Greenway Centre (3 mile walk to Coombe Dingle) Arrive 12.15pm: Coombe Dingle Sports Complex (Depart 12.45pm for a 3 mile walk to the Downs) Arrive 2.30pm: Café Retreat, the Downs (Nordic Walking Tuition, 2.30 - 3pm; depart at 3pm for 1 mile walk to Redland) Arrive 3.45pm: Redland Parish Church (Depart 4pm for 2 mile walk to Millennium Square) Arrive on mass in Millennium Square 5.15pm. Followed by refreshments. For more information visit www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk 1st May - 31st May Bristol Walk Fest 2016 Bristol Walk Fest now in it’s 4th year, will again be working with 70 local organisa- tions, including Linkage Bristol, to provide a varied programme of walks throughout May 2016. With over 160 walks to choose from there will be something for everyone! Programme available online at the end of March www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk Or pick up a programmes from your local library in April. Weds 4th May - Historic Bristol Pub Walk Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Park & Ride, Portway Transport: Bus No.902 Details: Starting at the City Centre tour of Historic pubs such as the Rummer & Llandoger Trow around the central area of city. Teetotal of course! Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Ricky Skelton Weds 11th May - The Yellow Brick Road – a nature walk Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre, Avonmouth Road Transport: N/A Details: A circular walk along the Portway and under Avonmouth Bridge to the start of Yellow Brick Road a Nature Reserve beside the River Avon to Lamplighters Inn for refreshments and return Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule, Ricky Skelton Weds 18th May - Bristol Harbour Walk Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Portway Park and Ride Transport: Bus No. 902 Details: Bus to @Bristol then walk through Millennium Square to Peros Bridge and follow the waters edge over Prince Street Bridge and past the Meshed and along the dockside to Cumberland Basin. Walk Leader/s: Pat Maule, Ricky Skelton Weds 25th May - Kingsweston to Blaise Castle Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Bus stop opposite AM Community Centre Transport: Bus No.3 (Return) Details: From Kingsweston Down and back to Avonmouth walking on uneven ground, over Iron bridge and along to Blaise Castle. Refreshments in cafe Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule Weds 1st June - Clifton Suspension Bridge & Observatory Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Portway Park and Ride Transport: Bus No.901 to Clifton Village Details: Walk around the Clifton Suspension Bridge giving views over the Gorge and looking out for peregrines and other rare birds wildlife. Onto the Observatory built as a corn mill in 1766. Followed by refreshments Walk Leader/s: Pat Maule, Ricky Skelton Weds 8th June - Portbury Wharf Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: Car Share Details: Portbury Wharf lies between Portishead & Royal Portbury Docks and adjacent to the Severn Estuary. Bird hides overlook pools where many birds can be seen including birds of prey and deer. Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule Weds 15th June - Ashton Court Circular Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: Car Share Details: Enter the estate from the top entrance and park in top car park. The circular walk around the grounds and Mansion with wonderful views out towards Dundry Hill. Passing by the fallow and red deer enclosures. Walk Leader/s: Pat Maule, Ricky Skelton Weds 22nd June - Lawrence Weston Green Trail Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Barracks Lane, Avonmouth Road Transport: N/A Details: The walk will go down Barracks Lane then the path behind Long Cross looking out for any wildlife and enjoying the summer weather (we hope!) Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule Weds 29th June - Museum and Lord Mayors Chapel Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Bus stop opposite AM Community Centre Transport: Bus No.