A walking programme for January to June 2022 has been assembled and can be viewed at Walks programme Jan-June 2022. There are some gaps in the programme especially for weekends and later in the year, so let Sue O’Haraknow if you would like to offer anything.
Note that the ‘published’ programme may not be amended, so if there’s been a change, you will find it below.
May 2022
Thursday 12th May – Frenchay
Helen and Tony are leading a short walk with historical interest.
From Frenchay Common, along part of the Frome Walkway to Snuff Mills, returning for a picnic in the garden of Frenchay Quaker Meeting House (or indoors if wet).
Stay if you can for a tour and short talk about this lovely historic building.
About 4 miles, mostly on hard paths, with one possibly muddy stretch, and some slopes. Poles could be useful if it’s been wet.
Sunday 22nd May – Burrington Combe -, Blackdown and Dolebury Warren
Black Down, Dolebury Warren and Mendip Lodge Woods Walk : 9-9.5 miles; Car Return :30 miles
Meet : Cross Elms to organize lifts and leave by 9.30 am.
Start of walk is in Burrington Combe : 1st car park (free) on LHS approx 1/4 mile up the B3134 from the A369, just before the now closed Burrington Inn SatNav : BS40 7AT GR: ST 477591
Coffee shop is unfortunately now permanently closed. Toilets are open just past the old Inn on LHS at 2nd car park area, over the cattle grid..
Route : moderate ascents / descents with some steeper, more strenuous sections along some rough,stony paths. Sticks useful. No mud on the walk-out yesterday! Great views and plenty of wild flowers including bluebells. Wild ponies were grazing on Black Down……
Sunscreen and insect repellant might be useful. (Ticks can be a problem on the Mendips as elsewhere)
Let me know if you plan to drive directly to Burrington Combe.
My mobile number : 0755 116 8567
Thursday 26th May – Tintern and Brockweir
Margaret Ruse is leading a walk in the Wye Valley, Tintern and Brockweir , 6.75 miles. Map Exp OL14. GR SO538007. Start point Old Station Car Park, Tintern.
Moderately strenuous walk. Car miles return approx 48.One prolonged ascent with steep section at end.
Meet 09.30 Cross Elms or at 10.30 at Old Station Car Park Tintern. Car park charges apply (cash or contactless) £4 for the length of stay required.
Toilets and cafe (outdoor seating) at start/end point. Pubs nearby in Tintern. Walking poles advised if you use them.
Directions: M48 over Old Severn Bridge. Exit at junction 2(Chepstow); follow A466, by-passing Chepstow, past Chepstow racecourse and up Wye Valley to Tintern. Drive through Tintern and, after half a mile, turn right into Old Station Car Park.
June 2022
Saturday 4th June – Newent
Andy and Lorna are leading an 8 mile walk, 1 gentle climb, Newent and 3 Choirs Way, parking in Newent £3.
90 mile return mileage
Meet at 9.00am at Cross Elms
Sunday 12th June – Shirenewton
Liz and Sue are leading a 9 mile walk. 3 steepish climbs. Return mileage is 46 miles Contact Sue or Liz for more details
Thursday 16th June – Timsbury, Hallatrow and High Littleton
Description: 6.5 miles long, some up and down, but nothing too taxing, Not many stiles
It is an area of old mines and associated infrastructure, much of it now overgrown by nature. For part of the way, we will follow the routes of the old railway and the old canal. There are several heritage interpretation boards along the way. It is an area of old mines and associated infrastructure, much of it now overgrown by nature. And there is a connection to William Smith, the father of English geology.
Start time: Leave Cross Elms Lane at *9.00am*. Start walk at 10.00.
Start point: The car park of Timsbury Village Hall – “Conygre Hall”. Post code: BA2 0JQ It’s on the B3115, on the edge of the village. I have obtained permission for us to park there.
Route to get there: Timsbury is SW of Bristol, north of Radstock. Probably the natural route is via the A37 Wells Road, turning left after Pensford. But your satnav may suggest a different route. Google Maps suggests it’s about 45 minutes’ drive, but you have to fight your way through Bristol so it may take longer.