The Walk Archive
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Sat Feb 4 One Way around Stroud
16
hardy souls followed Dave S from Stonehouse on a scenic winter walk from Stonehouse.
The 18 miles with 2750 feet of ascent went up the Cotswold Way through Standish
Woods past the long barrow. Then on to the Haresfield topograph before swinging
past the British/Romano hill fort. We then went across the Painswick & Slad
valleys to the chilly lunch stop in Redding Wood. Then on, to go through
Purgatory to pass the Lypiatt Park gate house to learn of the Dick Whittington
connection. Down past the Cotswold Challenge check point at Round Elm where the
snow started. On down through the intriguing named Wasa Wasa to the East
end of Stroud. The intended return along the Stroudwater canal
necessitated some diversions along roads due to restoration work. We arrived
back at the cars looking like a troupe of Yettis.
Sun Jan 22
I walk the Line
20 mile walk from Warmley Station following the route of historic Dramway. 16 people enjoyed following Jenny & Tony
Thu Jan 12
Dave's Walk with the Whales
15 walkers set off from Whale Wharf, Littleton upon Severn to follow Dave Powell on an 18 mile journey in the Severn Vale. Good clear conditions gave superb views across the the Forest of Dean as we went north along the Severn to pass Oldbury nuclear power station. Before reaching Berkeley power station we swung inland. Dave didn't disappoint us by finding the only hill in the Severn Vale to climb. Fine views & much mud are the enduring memory of this fine walk.
Sun Jan 1 Pill, Pill, I love thee still?
12 miles from Abbots Leigh, covers views of Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, Pill.
Leader:
Dave M.
Sun Dec 4
Christmas Walk & Shop!
12 miles from The Mall,
Cribbs Causeway.
Finish with tea and cake in John Lewis café, with a chance of some Christmas
retail therapy (are there any decent boot shops in there?). Ldr:
Jenny and Tony
Tues Dec 13 Christmas Walk and Dinner
18 members set off in wet & windy conditions in the Severn Vale behind the stand in leader Neil. After 15 miles the weather had improved just as we finished for Christmas dinner at the White Hart Littleton-on-Severn. Many thanks to Jill for organising the day.
Sun Nov 27 Priddy
Much the Same and AGM 
After unloading their food for the post AGM social the main group set off on 15 miles following Ray from Priddy Village Hall. This year we were blessed with much better weather which afforded some superb views. Lunch stop was at the Coley lower dam where a bottle of wine or two were enjoyed. Unfortunately the group doing the short loop joined us after the wine ran out. The AGM was followed by the usual repast and also Bruce Young treated us to a slide show of his fine library of past group walks. Very nice to reminisce and see old friends again.
Wed Nov 15th
Woodchester Park 
13 members turned up for what was hoped to be a Cotswold classic. It was great to welcome John B back to fitness after his horrific cycling accident. Due to ill health Simon was unable to lead this walk so Jenny R stepped in at the last minute to lead us on an interesting 15 mile Cotswold walk. Unfortunately the weather had closed in and we started off in wet foggy conditions. Thankfully the drizzle abated but the mist persisted all day depriving us of any views. However, with skilful navigation Jenny led us on a very interesting walk through Woodchester Park, Ruskin Mill to the lunch stop at Kingscote church. The highlight of the afternoon was the slog up Uley Bury to see absolutely nothing.
Sat
Nov 5 The Largest Cul-de-sac
17 mile. walk from Portishead led by Peter B
Sat
Oct 22 Autumn in the Mendips
18 milesin the Axbridge
area led by David Pingstone.
Sat
Oct 8 Avon Valley Villages
20 miles off to Bradford-upon-Avon and back following Geoff Parsons.
Thu
Oct 13 Dave's Dandle
c16/17 miles from Hinton Blewett with Dave Powell.
Sat
Sept 17 Up and Down the Wye
The day started dull & wet and to compound the agony the old Severn bridge was closed. However, 9 + a dog made it for a late 9.15 start from Tintern. We followed Bruce Y northward up the Wye Valley Walk. By the top of the first climb the sun was out and the wet weather gear was stowed for the day. After crossing the river at Redbrook we turned south along the Offas Dyke Path for a stiff climb to the lunch stop. During the afternoon Bruce won the prize for the steepest ascent in 2011 by attempting the north face route from Bigswear to the Hudnalls. An average gradient of 1:3 - phew! 17.1 miles with 4,586 feet of ascent.
Wed
Sep 7 Return to Cheddar
5 members followed Derek S from Winscombe on this showery & windy mid week walk.
Sun
Sep 4 Cotswold Challenge Marshals' Walk
8 set out in damp misty conditions to prove that the 2011 route description was correct. By late morning the sun had appeared and we enjoyed the expected superb views of the Cotswolds. Richard J joined us at the lunch stop at Haresfield. All arrived back at Birdlip for a well deserved pint and the satisfaction that we will not loose any walkers on the event.
Thurs
25 Aug Mendip Meander
20 miles following Richard Dby.
Sat 20
Aug Compton Dando and Camerton
20 miles following Bruce B.
Sat 6
Aug Chepstow to Usk
20 miles following Simon H.
Sun 24
July Wood you believe it?
9 + 1 K9 set off from Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean in perfect walking weather. The figure of eight route followed some of the new WyeForest 50 route in the southern forest. The advertised 21 miles turned out to be 19.6 miles but the 4,000 feet of ascent made up for the slightly reduced mileage. Leader Dave S.
Sun 10
July Bath and Beyond
22 mls. From Primrose Hill Farm, Bath Ldr: Luke.
Wed 13 July Twmpa, Twmpa, Patrishow
Attendance 5, distance 22.3 miles, ascent 3,200 feet.
Weather cloudy with occasional sunny intervals. No wind - pleasant enough to
take lunch stop on top of Pen y Gadair Fawr! Peter
Sat 25
June Wye River and Hills
19miles from Lower Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean with Trevor B.
Tue 14
June AGM MGA
15 miles. from the Crown PH Churchill to retrace LDWA AGM walk in reverse. Good views from hilltops. The original leaders Jenny & Tony could not make it so Wendy, Ray & David M kindly stood in.
Sun 5
June Coast and Knoll
18 mls from Burnham. following Derek S.
Sun 22
May More Thames Tributaries
20 miles from Fairford Church following Richard Dx.
Tues
10 May Wellow and Faulkland
Bruce is a brilliant leader, keeping the same steady pace
throughout, carefully planning places for our breaks and being quite strict on
time in those breaks. The mix of ascents, descents, woodland and open country
was excellent and I feel sue that I speak for all of us who walked with Bruce
when I say we had a wonderful time. David M.
Sat 30
Apr The Frome to Rode
Thurs Apr 14 Chedworth Mosaic. 18 miles from Chedworth. Leader Phil H.
Sat& Sun Apr 16/17 Wellington Boot Marshalling.
Following a fine pub dinner the following B&W members manned the over night Uffculm checkpoint for Cornwal & Devon:- Neil & Joan Manners, Jill Wilkins, Madeleine Pingstone, Tony Grimes, Richard Denby, Derek Salway, Phil King & Dave Street. The venue was a pleasant well appointed village hall with the luxury of a good central heating system; essential for overnight comfort. A great way to sample a challenge walk without getting the blisters!
Sun Apr 10 Around
the Black Mountains
Leader Neil
10 members set off in glorious spring weather from Abergavenny on an initially flat walk along the bank of the Usk. We soon started an abortive climb through the woods for Sugar Loaf. Abandoning that folly we followed a main track on a more civilised route to the summit to join the Sunday day trippers crowding the top. A quick descent to the NE found a quiet open moorland spot for lunch with fine views back to Mynydd Pen-y-Fal. The afternoon saw very pleasant walking with fine views of Skirrid Fawr which evoked memories of the old 40 mile annual group social (?) walk. On returning to Abergavenny the leader did have trouble navigating to the prescribed hostelry. Eventually we did locate said Ale House only to find that it entailed another climb to the up stairs bar. Total of 17 miles with 3,000 feet of ascent.
Thur 17th March Ways around the Lake. 
Leader Jill
Due to a weekday over crowded car park Jill had to quickly reorganise a new meeting place beside the lake. This meant a slightly delayed start. However, a good pack set off in fine walking weather to follow Jill aided & abetted by Joy. The title of the walk led most to assume a flat, maybe muddy stroll. However, the ladies managed to find two fine Somerset mountains to give us some superb springtime views across the lake. Under foot conditions were surprisingly good which meant those of us shod in trainers arrived back with dry feet. The two satellite wielding members agreed on 15.5 miles.
w/e Mar 4-6
National AGM - Mendips -Webbington Hotel
Bristol & West group led 4 walks plus a trip to Brunel's Bristol for
non-walkers on the Saturday.
Sun Feb 27
Stourhead
15 walkers turned up for Luke's walk around the Stourhead estate, created by Henry Hoar ll when formal gardens like Syston were out of fashion and natural looking landscape gardens were all the rage. If you wanted a decent well, you should have come on this walk – St Peter's Pump was very imposing with stone statues and decorations all around and the site of 6 other wells. There was a grotto built 1740 with scantily clad water nymph, the Tuscan Temple of Flora and many other features. We even had loos and music at midday, although we had to endure several rain showers and a sharp hail storm. We climbed up White Sheet Downs, which had 12 Bronze-age barrows and an Iron Age hillfort and outstanding views.
As a finale, we arrived at Alfred's Tower 160ft high, built as a folly in 1772 supposedly on the spot where Alfred the Great, King of Wessex rallied the Saxons in 878AD before defeating the Danes.
If you missed the walk, contact Luke for a re-run later in the year with the Ramblers, you will enjoy it.
Tues Feb 22 Well, Well
15 walkers also turned up. The day was cloudy but remained fine. There were good views of Bristol and the Cotswold escarpment. The wells were long gone and no trace remained except for their names on the map but the site of the hunting lodge/palace where King Edmund was murdered in AD946 was identified in Pucklechurch and a picture was produced. Also the walkers were shown Kip's engraving of 1710 of the extensive formal gardens of Syston Court (Oliver Cromwell left his boots there) and told about the first 'angling' poem of 1613 inspired by the River Boyd. The distance was shorter than usual but no-one complained!
Sat Feb 12
The Dursley Doddle
Leaders David & Madeleine.
24 eager walkers turned up on Stinchcomb Hill for another Pingstone classic in the Cotswold Hills. One new member had chosen this walk from the title "Doddle" thinking it would be an ideal introduction to Long Distance Walking. We can only apologise for David's sense of humour. It was also nice to see Richard J back on a group walk as well as visitors from heart of England & Wiltshire groups. The Dursley Doddle zig zagged to take in every possible valley & hill to visit the village of Uley then up to the lunch stop just below Kockadilly. Then up to the picnic site at Frocester Hill which gave great views across the Severn Vale to the Forest of Dean & the Black mountains beyond. We then moved on to Coaley Peak via the Cotswold Way. The home stretch was by way of Cam Long Down & Peaked Down before the fiinal ascent of stinckcombe Hill on the steep side of course. A total distance of 17.7 miles with 4,829 feet of ascent - phew we climbed Ben Nevis!
Sun Jan 30 The
Ystradfellte Waterfalls
12 mls through impressive gorges, passing by spectacular waterfalls. Leader Simon H. Unfortunately Simon was taken ill early on in the walk & was accompanied back to the car park. Jenny R & Richard Dy took over leading the walk. I'm told that sheet ice at the falls required a diversion. Simon has been diagnosed with Angina & is to undergo tests. We wish him a speedy return to health.
Wed Jan 12 
Wet, Wet, Wet
11 hardy soles (only fish would have relished today's walk) + Katy the dog turned up to celebrate Bruce's Birthday walk. We visited Blaise Hamlet, climbed up and down the hillsides of Blaise estate at a good pace with nuggets of history* thrown in, crossed the iron bridge and some even spent 20 minutes in the warmth of the tea room under Kings Weston House. Then it was onwards, passing the Roman villa in Lawrence Weston and eating a soggy lunch under a dripping wet motorway bridge. 'Looks as if it's brightening up' said Anne but that made it rain even harder. We climbed up Mount Skitham and Spaniorum Hill, skirted the Filton runway and finally back through Henbury, 17 miles in all. Some were so wet they set off home straight away but they missed the highlight of the day, a splendid buffet back at Bruce's house, with cups of tea, mulled wine and Barbara's birthday cake. 'That the walkest wet I've done so far' to quote a soggy Phil, he hasn't been on one of my walks, thought Derek knowingly.
*Blaise Hamlet -picturesque estate village designed by John Nash
*Henbury Church -of Norman origin, grave of Scipio Africanus, a black slave who died in 1720
We missed the grave of Amelia Edwards who 'discovered' the Dolomites -like many of our members since.
Sat Jan 1
Chew Magna, Pensford, Dundry Triangle.
12 walkers set off from Chew Magna behind Dave M on a swift 12 mile canter to burn off the Christmas calories. The route followed Samaritans, Three Peaks, Community Forest and Two Rivers paths. The mostly high level route gave good views over Bristol City & the Bristol Channel before swinging round to show off the Somerset countryside. A good way to celebrate the arrival of 2011.
Wed Dec 15 Bristol
Skyline Walk & Christmas Meal
Organised & led by Peter B.
Fri 10/Sun 12 Dec Pre Christmas Group Weekend at the Exmoor Basecamp near Lynmouth.
Organised by Geoff P.
Sun Nov 28 A
Priddy Good Day Ldr: Ray. 
What was planned to be a 16 mile pre AGM walk in the West Mendips. Ray claimed that he would reduce it to 12 miles due to the very cold and snowy conditions. However, one GPS reported 15.5 miles with 2,000 feet of ascent. ( I haven't heard that they are affected by arctic conditions).
19 brave souls, including two new members, set off on the 12 mile route with Ray. A further 6 less fit members completed an alternative shorter route led by Bob. Both groups met up for lunch. Many bemused passers by wondered at the spectacle of 25 people huddle up taking lunch and toasting each other with wine. Following this repast the group of 6 gained a member and returned to Priddy which was a mere one & a half miles away. The luckless now18, led by Ray doing a grand Old Duke of York act, went by the circuitous down and up route to complete the 12 miles.
In spite of the cold we enjoyed some superb views in the clear conditions. The climb up Ebbor Gorge on the icy rocks was particularly interesting.
Thu Nov 18
Wavering to the Castle
Sat Oct
30 Flights of Fancy. Led by Jenny &
Tony. 
15 members, including 2 visitors from The Marches Group, enjoyed a spectacular display of autumn colours in the Forest of Dean. Once again, Jenny's magic wand ensured some of the best walking weather. As well as the scenery we enjoyed viewing some of the Dean's heritage in the form of some interesting sculptures hidden away in the woods. The walk showed all aspects of the local history including mining, quarrying, forestry, railways & fishing. From the memorial at New Fancy View we climbed steeply through the forest to a well earned break at Soudley Ponds. Then on to the view point at Blaize Bailey for stunning views across the Severn to the Cotswolds before dropping down to Newnham for lunch on the river bank. The afternoon saw us heading in land to go through Oaklands Park, Glasonbury Wood & Fernbrake Hill to pass behind the Dean Heritage Centre at Lower Soudley again. Then another climb before a welcome respite at Mallard's pike lake. A welcome very short stretch gave everyone a surprise to find themselves back at the cars where Bea's magic box of tricks showed we had covered 17.1875 miles.
Sat Oct
16 Avebury, the Wansdyke and Downs
Sun Oct 3
Ruts and Royals Ldr: Phil King
Thu Oct 7
Tintern, Gaer Hill and Lancaut
Click on the picture to view Alun Jones' picture
album of this walk.
David & Madeleine led 17 hardy souls and a very short legged hound on a fine 16 mile walk in the beautiful Wye Valley area..
Wed Sep 15
Ancestral trails in North Somerset
Almost 18 miles with about 2,000 feet of ascent. Ten gentlemen were accompanied by one lady on a tour of scenic villages in the Bath area led by Guy.
Sat Sep 4 Cotswold Challenge Marshals' Walk: Richard J.
Wed Aug 25 River & Forest
The very bad weather forecast kept numbers down. However 11 hardy souls including 4 new members turned up at Lydney Docks to follow Dave S on a 15 mile walk around the parish boundary of Lydney & it's neighbouring hamlet of Aylburton. The rain stayed away until after the 11 o'clock stop at Oldcroft. Thereafter the rain got steadily harder throughout the day. Ever resourceful, the leader utilised two lime kilns deep in the forest for the lunch stop. Emerging from the kilns and the forest the group found the same steady rain which unfortunately lost some of the distant views. However, all seemed to enjoy the lesser known areas of the Forest of Dean.
Sun 22 August A Mendips Linear Walk
The group drove by minibus from Winscombe to Wookey Hole for the 20 mile walk back to Winscombe
Ldr Derek S.
Sat
7 August Quantock
Combes and Coast with memories of Mac Wilkins
Peter B led the group from Crowcombe village into the Quantocks. After the initial climb we stopped to admire the view and to remember happy days with our much missed companion Mac Wilkins. A mid morning shower soon gave way to more promising weather by the time we eventually reached our lunch stop on the coast. A beautiful sunny afternoon found us toiling our way back up Beacon Hill to enjoy some superb views from the main Quantock ridge.
Sat
Jul 24 Fit for a King
Phil K led 20 two legged and 2 with four legged members on a nice flat 18 mile route from Iron Acton through mainly farmland to the west's seat of learning at the University of the West of England. A very pleasant lunch stop at Snuff Mills, Frenchay before following the Frome Valley Walkway back to the cars.
Tue Jun 22 Beyond the Jubilee. 
Following the leaders Jenny & Tony
B&W walkers undertook their steepest ascent to date - up the top of the
tower of St John's church at Aust. We also celebrated the opening of
the 1st Severn crossing, to which Neil and Joan were invited along with HM The
Queen and The Minister of Transport Barbara Castle in 1966.
•The Jubilee Way opened in 1985 to
celebrate the Rambler's Association's 50th Anniversary, linking Offa's Dyke with
the Cotswold Way. Appropriately in 2010, they celebrate their 75th anniversary
-nearly as old as some of our members! South Glos web site has a route guide.
•The first Severn Crossing Toll Bridge was opened by Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1966. Barbara Castle was the Minister of
Transport. Hurray for women. For some reason 1966
was an important year for another national celebration – I think Geoff Hurst
had a hand (or foot?) in it.
.
Sun Jul 4
Stroud Five Valleys
Wed Jul 14
Dyrham, Upton Cheyney & Wick
Sat Jun 5
Marshals' Walk Malvern Midsummer Marathon 
Brian, Richard J & Dave S manfully set of to tackle the latest epic on the B&W calendar. We quickly discovered there is good news, bad news & good news for the entrants on the big day. Good - they start in the opposite direction along Lower Wyche Road on what promises to be a much gentler slope. Bad - they still have to climb to the top of Worcestershire Beacon. Good - it's an interesting & scenic route. Fast progress was made to the lunch break at Eastnor Church. However, by the time we got to Chase End the heat and sore tootsies were taking their toll on the old man. Progress was very slow over the final hills after the heart break of finding the British Camp tea hut closed. However, with the new start section and a few "tweaks" along the way this years event should prove to be a popular - provided we get the weather.
May 21-23 Group May Weekend at Rhayader
13 members enjoyed a superb weekend at the Beili Neuadd bunkhouse organised by Neil & Joan. A long walk on Saturday led by Simon in the mountains around the Elan valley was followed by a Sunday walk jointly led by Ray & Neil. A full report will appear in Walk West. In the mean time view the scenery by clicking on the picture.
Sun May 9
St Catherine's Valley
A Champagne walk from Primrose farm Leaving Luke’s farm we climbed Primrose Hill, through Woolley & Swainswick, and walked along the St Catherine’s valley, to return mostly along the Cotswold Way. Fozzy pulled Luke along his more familiar territory (?!) There were plenty of climbs and some magnificent views throughout the walk. We had cloud throughout and a cold wind blew, with tantalising hints of hot sun waiting to put the icing on the walk. The highlight was a bottle of champagne shared by the 11 walkers at the lunch stop as found by Phil King en route! At a stile we met a happy band of ‘slightly older’ walkers on a 3 mile amble. One gentleman quipped ‘This is the sort of walk you can look forward to!’ We finished an enjoyable walk with a welcome mug of tea and cakes in Luke’s garden. Jenny reported that she would be asking Luke to lead more walks of this calibre. More ‘Champers’ anyone?
Bruce Y.
Tue May 18
The Gordano Round
Sun April
25 Butcombe Bash
The walk went good with 8 plus dog. Just a few showers but otherwise perfect conditions. About 19? miles plus a short distance when I got lost!!! From Goblin Combe we climbed over the Wrington Ridge and dropped down to pick up the ‘Two Rivers Way’ We followed this footpath through the valley via Wrington and Butcombe (the pub is closed!) until we reached the Monarch Way. Going north until we reached the lunch break at Winford. No takers for the pub (what’s happening to this group) but there we met Tony R who had locked his car in a supermarket car park the previous night. (I’m getting worried about this guy!) Traveling north to Dundry and then across to the Jubilee Stone on Barrow Hill and through to the? forest at Brockley Combe for a beautiful tea stop overlooking Goblin Combe. Great company and I think everyone enjoyed it: I tried to persuade Tony to complete the full mileage back to his car but he declined.
Neil
Sun April 11 More Thames Tributaries
Due to a profusion of local events and walks Richard Ds excellent walk suffered from a lack of people with just two group members plus two non members. However, the very good weather and a very picturesque flat route through some of the more attractive Cotswold countryside provided a great experience. The route basically followed the river Coln to visit Quenington, Bibury & Ablington. Then across to the lunch stop at the hamlet of Aldsworth. The afternoon section picked up the river Leach to visit Eastleach Martin & Southrop. We then headed south to the Cotswold Water Park to again pick up the river Coln back to Fairford. A very good introduction to the LDWA for two new comers.
Sun Mar 28 Circular in
the Cotswolds
Richard J's pre walk briefing promised "a fairly flat ridge walk, nothing like the up & down terrain of the Cotswold Challenge". At the end of the day we therefore had doubts about the accuracy of the GPS gizmo that showed the 23.1 miles we had just travelled had 3,500 feet of ascent! Whatever it was, 11 happy souls enjoyed some good walking in the very scenic high Cotswolds south of Cheltenham. The other promise which was not fulfilled was the Met Office's prediction of rain in the afternoon. Thankfully we had dry, clear weather all day. A highlight of the afternoon was an impromptu demonstration of bog diving by Ray D.
Sun Mar 14 Blaise - River
Avon - Durdham Downs
Barbara & Brian led the group on an interesting walk from Horfield Common through the alley ways and open spaces around the north west outskirts of Bristol. A surprising mixture of interesting buildings, bye ways & open spaces such as Kings Weston Hill. The Avon was crossed using the M5 Avonmouth bridge (we didn't have to run, there is a walk way). A riverside walk took us to the climb up through Leigh Woods to re-cross the river using Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge. A thought provoking idea for future winter time walking utilising the drier urban areas. The group returned to the leader's home to enjoy Barbara's renown culinary delights and to celebrate her landmark birthday.
Wed Mar 3 Brent
Knoll
Sun Feb 21 Monarch's
Constitutional. Ldr. Ray. 
Ray thoughtfully arranged a figure of eight route which enabled a lunch stop back at the cars. A very interesting visit to the typical Cotswold country south of Tetbury. The route took in the area around Highgrove, Westonbirt & Shipton Moyne. Ray & Guy filled in with some interesting historical detail around the route. We enjoyed superb weather after an initial shower. However, the recent snow had softened the Cotswold turf which gave several people the opportunity to practice their lack of Nordic skiing skills. Thankfully there were no serious injuries except to pride. A good turn out of 24, including a welcome visitor from Kent, had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Wed Feb 10 A Greenway Round
Sun Jan 31 Along the Chew
to Stanton Drew
Thu Jan 21 Three Peaks
Walk