Walks Programme

• Day Walks: meet at 9:45am for a 10:00am start
• Evening Walks: start at 6:45pm
• Car share wherever possible and ask around if you need a lift
• Assume a picnic lunch is required unless other type is specified
• Contact the walk leader if you would like to know more about their walk
• Map reference key: GR = Grid reference, L = Landranger,
  E = Explorer, OL = Outdoor Leisure
• Walks are graded Easy, Moderate or Strenuous by the walk leader

If you are thinking of leading a walk for the next programme, please have a read of our walk leader top tips which will help to make the walk a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone !

Evening Walk – Thursday 3rd July 2008 - Newland (Forest of Dean)
Meeting Point & Parking: *19.30pm - please note later start time ! Parking: The Old Barn, Laundry Road, Newland near Coleford in the Forest of Dean (G/R: SO554093 OL14). If approaching from the South on the road from Coleford, Laundry Lane is first left just after the road narrows. Due to the Highnam road works we've decided to modify the plans for Thursday: We are now planning to leave at 19:30pm, and rather than have a late pub meal, a picnic tea has been suggested. We still plan to visit the pub later for 'pudding'.
Distance & Terrain: 3.5 miles. Grade: Moderate.
Walk Leader: Colin (07807-682048 evenings & weekends only)

NEW ! Day Walk – Saturday 5th July 2008 - Selsey Common, Stroud
Meeting Point & Parking: Marcus is organising a walk and then picnic and games - feel free to turn up for either or both. However, if it is bad weather on the day, we'll still meet up at the same time in the same place and we can go to a pub or tea shop until it brightens up.
Part 1 - Walk: Meet at 10am on Selsley Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire (G/R: SO 830030). The walk will be about 6 miles, aiming to get back to the common in time for lunch.
Part 2 - Picnic & Games: Meet at 1pm on Selsley Common, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Bring food, plus any fun games stuff like Frisbees, bats and balls, etc., and we'll have a good laugh in the sunshine, above views of Stroud and the River Severn.
Walk Leader: Marcus (07826-437652) or by email

Day Walk – Sunday 13th July 2008 - Colesbourne
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Limited parking alongside minor road where the bridleway crosses, approximately 0.5 mile north of the A435 Cirencester Road (G/R: SO995141 E179).
Distance & Terrain: 12 miles approx. Grade: Moderate. The walk climbs gradually to reveal wonderful views from the Cotswold ridge. Some places may be muddy. Possibility of a pub visit after the walk.
Walk Leader: Colin (07807-682048 evenings & weekends only)

Evening Walk – Thursday 17th July 2008 - Stanton
Meeting Point & Parking: 18.45pm. Meet in the car park next to the cricket ground in Stanton.
Distance & Terrain: 4.5 miles. Grade: Moderate. A circular route, from Stanton to Stanway (G/R: SP067343). Hopefully finishing with a meal at The Mount Inn.
Walk Leader: Geoff (07964-395494 or 01242-673947)

Day Walk – Sunday 27th July 2008 - Land of Mary Knoll & Beyond (Mortimer Forest)
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Meet in the Forestry Commission Car Park off B4361 on the left hand side, immediately after entering the woods (approx 1 mile north of Richards Castle) (G/R: SO498717 L148) at 9.45am for 10am start. OR possible meeting point on route: Great Malvern Railway station (depart by 8.30am) to share cars. Best route from Gloucester: head up A417 to Leominster, then A49 north. Turn left at the Salwey Arms crossroads (near the Woofferton transmitters) on the B4362, then after 2 miles, north on B4361, through Richards Castle. (Approx 1h15 drive from Gloucester).
Distance & Terrain: 12.5 miles. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous. Hilly in parts, walk along Forestry Commission marked trails from Mary Knoll Valley and through Bringewood, down to Burrington, followed by a strenuous climb up to the top of the High Vinalls. Rewarded by views of the Clee Hills, River Teme and mid Wales. Bring Packed Lunch.
Walk Leader: Kevin (01684-573347)

Evening Walk – Thursday 31st July 2008 - tbc
Meeting Point & Parking: 18.45pm. For more details of the walk, watch this space !
Distance & Terrain: tbc
Walk Leader: Graham (07973-345317)

Day Walk – Sunday 10th August 2008 - Northleach
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Meet in the car park by the traffic lights on the Fosse Way (A429) just west of Northleach (0.5 mile south of A40/A429 roundabout) (G/R: SP109149).
Distance & Terrain: 10.5 miles. Grade: Moderate. A pleasant walk around the hills and valleys near Northleach. Picnic lunch. Good pub near the end.
Walk Leader: Gordon (0781-797-2096)

Evening Walk – Thursday 14th August 2008 - Minchinchampton
Meeting Point & Parking: 18.45pm. Meet at the Market Square in Minchinhampton (G/R: SO873007 E168).
Distance & Terrain: 3 miles. Grade: Easy. Flat and easy walk around Minchinhampton Common. Fabulous views. Pub meal afterwards for those who would like to join us.
Walk Leaders: Lesley (07771-863015) and Nichola (07776-074928)

Day Walk – Sunday 17th August 2008 - Coppett Hill & Wye Valley
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Meet Goodrich village (park in village or at the Castle - may charge for parking !) for a 9 mile walk in the Wye valley. Bring Packed Lunch (G/R: SO575194).
Distance & Terrain: 9 miles. Grade: Moderate. Takes in stretches of the Wye Valley along the Herefordshire border. Not far from Symonds Yat but without the steep bits ! Picnic lunch.
Walk Leader: Kevin (01684-573347)

Day Walk – Sunday 24th August 2008 - Winchcombe
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Library car park in Winchcombe (G/R: SP023284). There may be a charge for parking.
Distance & Terrain: 10 miles. Grade: Moderate. A 'reasonably flat' walk, passing by Sudeley Castle. Picnic lunch, but there are some nice teashops back in Winchcombe.
Walk Leader: Geoff (07964-395494 or 01242-673947)

Evening Walk – Thursday 28th August 2008 - Brockhampton
Meeting Point & Parking: 18.45pm. Meet at the Craven Arms Public House in Brockhampton (G/R: SP034223 L163). There will be an opportunity for a drink or meal at the Craven Arms after the walk, for those who would like to join us.
Distance & Terrain: 3-4 miles. Grade: Easy.
Walk Leader: Heather (07941-758891)

Evening Walk – Thursday 4th September 2008 - Ravensgate Hill, Cheltenham
Meeting Point & Parking: 18.45pm. Meet on Little Herbert's Road just beforeTimbercombe Mews by old railway bridge. Parking along Little Herbert's Road (G/R: SO966196).
Distance & Terrain: 3-4 miles. Grade: Easy/Moderate. Pub meal in The Owl, Cirencester Road.
Walk Leader: Jo (01242-252543 or 07821-415161)

Day Walk – Sunday 7th September 2008 - Bourton-on-the-Water (Walk Planning Meeting)
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Car park in Bourton-on-the-Water, east of the town centre, next to Birdland (pay & display) (G/R: SP171203).
Distance & Terrain: 6 miles. Grade: Moderate. Short walk, but with a large hill. Followed by pub lunch and planning meeting for November 2008 to February 2009 walks programme.
Walk Leader: Gordon (0781-797-2096)

Day Walk – Sunday 14th September 2008 - Coaley Peak
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Coaley Peak Car Park (G/R: SO794014).
Distance & Terrain: 7-8 miles. Grade: Moderate. Picnic lunch.
Walk Leader: Clare (07976-981752)

Day Walk – Friday 19th - Sunday 21st September 2008 -
Ramblers Hikefest: Hawkshead, Lake District
The annual get together for 20s-30s Ramblers Groups. For more details and booking information, have a look at the Ramblers' website

Day Walk – Sunday 28th September 2008 - Five Valleys Walk
The 2008 Five Valleys Walk will be taking place in aid of the Meningitis Trust. Up to 21 miles, although shorter versions are possible. More details will follow.
Distance & Terrain: 21 miles. Grade: Strenuous. Picnic lunch.
Walk Leader: Nichola (07776-074928)

Day Walk – Sunday 12th October 2008 - Cotswold Water Park
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Neigh Bridge Country Park car park - signposted off Spine Road West, just to the South of Somerford Keynes (G/R: SU018947).
Distance & Terrain: 9.5 miles. Grade: Moderate. The walk passes through Somerford Keynes, Shorncote, Ashton Down, Cotswold Community, Ashton Keynes and Swillbrook. Picnic lunch.
Walk Leader: Brian (07713-629099)

Day Walk – Sunday 26th October 2008 - Wotton-under-Edge
Meeting Point & Parking: 9.45am. Chipping car park, Wooton-under-edge (G/R: ST756931).
Distance & Terrain: 7 miles. Grade: Moderate. The walk will take in the Tyndale Monument by North Nibley. Picnic lunch.
Walk Leader: Julie (0796-956-6716)