Walks October - December 2007 .... and our 1st walk of 2008 !
Saturday October 13th 2007 - Cycle Ride
Grade: M (explained here)
Info: If you love cycling...you'll LOVE this! A 28 mile route through the Warwickshire countryside east of Leamington Spa, which is filled with fabulous and expansive views. Bring something to eat as we will stop along the way. The (mainly flat/undulating) route is mostly on very quiet country lanes, with only short sections on canal towpaths or bridleways and 300m on an A-road. It leads us to Birdingbury, where we take a loop out to Leamington Hastings and Grandborough, returning via 4 miles of National Cycle Route. We will have a pit stop here at the pub on the canal. We then head back to Birdingbury and loop west to Marton, Eathorpe and Weston Under Weatherley, where we will have another pub pit stop. Then on to Hunningham, Offchurch and Radford Semele, where the final destination, the White Lion pub, awaits (it is only a short hop from here back to Gullimans Way, for those driving). Estimated time, including rest breaks, is 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Start Point: Gullimans Way, Off Radford Road, Leamington Spa, 11am. Room for cars to park.Click here for start point map
Leader: Kathryn Dalgleish
Sunday October 14th 2007 - The Malvern End to End challenge!
Grade: M/D2 (depending on how far you wish to walk) (explained here)
Info: Four walks in one ! The full route is 14.5 miles and takes in every hill top along the ridge from Chase End hill in the south to End Hill in the north. Great views! The total ascent is around 1000 metres but there are plenty of down hill and flattish sections to get our breaths back! You can choose to stop at 5 miles when we pass back through the car park after doing a loop to Chase end hill and back. After this you can get the (very local! every two hours) bus back at 8, 11 and 14.5 miles. Those doing the full route we will be returning on the last bus of the year! It was walked a few weeks back and it is a great walk with hills, woodland, two quarry lakes, a pub and some very nice ice cream to put some energy back into your legs! Bring packed lunch.
Start Point: Hollybush (free) car park (SO759369) The walk will start at 10am sharp as we have to allow plenty of time to catch the bus back at the far end and I don't walk quickly uphill! ;) Quickest route to Hollybush is to use the motorways M40/M42/M5/M50 come off a J2 turn left follow road down hill until you see a small sign and a left turn to "The Malverns" follow the road back over the motorway. Keep going for about 1.5 miles until you reach the T junction and turn left. Then after quarter of a mile take the left signposted A438 Ledbury. After about a mile and a bit ignore the car parks on your right and keep going uphill. You will pass an old red phone box on the left and then a Welcome to Herefordshire sign. The car park is on the right behind the hedge on the brow of the hill. If you get to the little bus stop you have gone too far! It's just behind you! Click here for start point map
Leader: Andrew Kennard a.kennard@btinternet.com Please let me know if you are coming due to start time and any last minute details
Saturday/Sunday 20th-21st October 2007 - Navigation Weekend Peak District
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: Weekend Navigation Skill Training Coarse. Please contract group for more details bearwalkinggroup@hotmail.co.uk
Start Point: Click here for start point map
Leader: Steve Bick
Sunday 28th October - Byfield - Aston Le Walls - Chipping Warden
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: Starting from the war memorial on the main road (please park respectably on roads around) that runs through the village of Byfield, this 9 mile walk takes in a fine old bridleway out into lovely countryside, on the way to Aston le Walls then to Chipping Warden with open views over splendid rural countryside.
Start Point: 10:30am Click here for start point map
Leader: Michael Potter
Sunday 4th November - Moreton-In-Marsh
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: Leaving the hustle and bustle behind this 10 mile walk takes you along little-trodden paths to explore a quieter side of the Cotswold (well in theory!).
Start Point: 10:30am As you enter Moreton from the north (along the Fosse Way) park in spaces off the main road as you approach the Clock Tower (before the mini roundabout)Click here for start point map
Leader:Dave Searle
Sunday 11th November - Wootton Wawen from Edstone Aqueduct
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: This delightfully varied walk takes in canal paths, two aqueducts, open countryside and picturesque woodland. The 8 mile route is a flat, easy walk and the scenery is lovely. A stop towards the end at the canal-side Navigation Inn offers a well timed break. The start point is at the base of the Edstone Aqueduct itself near Bearley Cross at grid reference SP163608, where there is a small parking area (please car share, if possible, to save space). If it has been raining prior to the walk date, please come prepared for some muddy sections, and you may wish to pack a carrier bag for your boots for when we go to the pub, if you are not happy leaving them outside. www.walkingbritain.co.uk/ walks/ walks/ walk_a/ 2836/
Start Point: 10:30am The base of the Edstone Aqueduct itself near Bearley Cross at grid reference SP163608 Click here for start point map
Leader: Kathryn Dalgleish
Sunday 18th November - Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate Court
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: A 10 mile walk starting in the village of Mickleton, Gloucestershire. We begin with a 200m ascent to take in the views of the rolling countryside, passing Hidcote Manor, Kiftsgate Court and Foxcote House, and including a section of the Heart of England Way.
Start Point: 10:30am The Kings Arms, Mickleton, opposite the post office. Parking on the post office side of the road.Click here for start point map
Leader: Mark & Carminha Flinders
Saturday 24th November - Moutain Biking
Info: Mountain bike required as the routes are off-road (body armour required for those likely to fall off - all eyes pointing toward Steve!)
Start Point: tba - Please let us know if you are interested bearwalkinggroup@hotmail.co.uk
Leader: Mark & Carminha Flinders
Sunday 25th November - Abdon Burf, Highest point in Shropshire!
Grade: M2 (explained here)
Info: The big 9.5 mile hill walk for people who don't like big hills! Starting from the tiny village of Burwarton there is a gentle 300m climb over about 2.5 miles to the top of Abdon Burf which at 540m is the highest point in Shropshire and you've just got 240m for free! On a clear day you can see 60 miles to Cadir Idris! Then it's along the Shropshire way across the plato to Clee Burf including a sandwich break. After this we head down hill and amble back through the fields and lanes to Burwarton village.
Start Point: 10:30am Burwarton Village on the B4364 grid ref SO619853. Just as you enter the north of the village there is a tarmac car park on the left. It's about an hour and a half from Leamington via Kidderminster Click here for start point map
Leader: Andrew Kennard a.kennard@btinternet.com Please let me know you are coming if you can. Thanks !
Sunday 2nd December - Welcombe in the Hills around Snitterfield
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: Great views over the River Avon and surrounding Warwickshire countryside are provided by the Welcombe Hills in this 9.5 mile walk near Snitterfield. The centrepiece of the country park is a huge obelisk that stands high on the hillside and is visible for most of this walk
Start Point: 10:30am Click here for start point map
Leader: Fiona Clayton
Sunday 9th December - Shuckburgh and Flecknoe
Grade: M1 (explained here)
Info: A figure of eight 12 mile walk with a long stretch along the Oxford canal, passing through delightful parkland. This walk takes us from Lower Suckburgh, to Wolfhampcote then down to Napton and back to Shuckburgh. There is a pub half way at Napton for a brief drink before the return journey.
Start Point: 10:30am At grd 492 628, the canal bridge, Lower Shuckburgh. Please do not obstruct the gate.Click here for start point map
Leader: Steve Bick
Sunday 16th December - Middle Littleton to Cleeve Prior (Worcestershire)
Grade: M (explained here)
Info: An easy 9 3/4 mile walk from Middle Littleton heading through Cleeve Prior and then back along the River Avon to Middle Littleton.
Start Point: The village hall in Middle Littleton GR 078469 Click here for start point map
Leader: Kate Westlake
Sunday 6 January 2008 - Kenilworth and the surrounds
Grade: E1 (explained here)
Info: A pleasant and not too energetic 7.5 mile walk, to start the year off, over farmland, the Berkswell Greenway and Abbey Fields.
Start Point: Parking at Castle Brays Car Park (inside the Castle grounds (NOT opposite the Pub) as there's more space) Grid Ref SP 280 720 Click here for start point map
Leader: Michael Potter
Sunday 13 January 2008 (CHANGED)- Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd
Grade: M2 (explained here)
Info: 10.5 mile hike over access land on Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd hopefully with Panaramic views to the Malverns and the Wrekin, the Breacon Beacons and Cadar Idris.
Start Point:Starting at Church Stretton Railway Station (East side of railway). Please let me know if you want help in arranging car sharing between members Click here for start point map
Leader: Michael Potter
The new programme will appear early in the new year....All ideas and volunteers welcome! submit them at bearwalkinggroup@hotmail.co.uk