Lambs Everywhere!
Hazel and Paul’s Midweek Ramble 13 April
After a brief description of the walk, we set off in the rain from The Oak at Upton Snodsbury to walk across the fields towards Broughton Hackett.
By the time we arrived in Crowle, the rain had stopped. Soon after we stopped briefly for a tea /coffee break, and then continued our walk towards the very picturesque 15th-century Manor House, Huddington Court. Bow Brook meadows led us back to the pub for lunch.
Fully refreshed we then went south and walked through Upton Snodsbury village, through the churchyard and towards the hamlet of Cowsden. We then met Bow Brook again and having passed the 18th-century Churchill water mill, a few fields later we were back to the cars.

Hazel & Paul
am 6.8 miles; pm 4.1 miles
Oversley Odyssey
Marian’s Short Ramble 20 April

After all cars were parked successfully 22 ramblers set off from Alcester to Oversley Green. Passing through the village with gardens full of spring flowers and trees in blossom we then, via a bridge, crossed the busy A46 and soon entered Oversley Wood.
During the last few months the Forestry Commission have been very busy working in the 230 acre wood which formed the southern end of the Forest of Arden.
We walked along part of the circular track before climbing up to the ridge footpath and along to the view point for elevenses. Along this section we were treated to beautiful views of bluebells in flower especially in the Lime coppice. Descending from the view point we walked another section of the circular track and came out of the wood by Rosehall Farm.

Following the Arden Way along a track we reached the south east edge of Oversley Wood, went under the A46 and turned towards Oversley Hill Farm where we admired some recent hedge laying.
Continuing through fields with open views we made our way back to Oversley Green, Alcester and the pub! The group had an enjoyable lunch and were well looked after by the staff at The Turk’s Head in Alcester.
We enjoyed blue skies, sunshine, saw bluebells and wood anemones in bloom and experienced very little mud. A perfect ERC ramble!
Marian
5.5 miles
Welsh Bicknor Beaut!
Michael and Carl’s Sunday Ramble 24 April

Gathering in the Goodrich Castle car park, walk leader Michael Hicks welcomed everybody and gave a brief outline of the day’s walk. Also assembling in the car park was another walking group, Lower Wye Ramblers who it turned out were following the same route as ourselves and we were to pass each other at different points along the walk.
The day started out a little fresh but as it progressed the sun came out and a light breeze made the day exceedingly pleasant.
Proceeding to Kerne Bridge we noted the view of the castle above the rolling fields and took the Wye Valley Walk river path. The path passed through wooded stretches with the trees and foliage in the vivid and clean bright greens of new leaf growth and the ground covered with flowering wild garlic and clumps of bluebells.
The tree covered path eventually gave way to open river bank meadow taking us to St Margaret’s Church and youth hostel. Unfortunately the church was locked which was a disappointment for those who would have liked to look inside.
Leaving the open ground for more woods we came to the disused Lydbrook railway bridge and tunnel entrance and from the bridge we were able to wave at a flotilla of canoes passing underneath on their way down stream. Leaving the wood we again came to more meadow and stopped and had a brief lunch break, not quiet dangling our feet in the river.

Moving on we came to the bottom of Symond’s Yat and began our journey up the long steadily rising path on Coppet Hill. At the top we had stunning views across Herefordshire and again the castle below us. Proceeding down the hill we returned to the car park.
The after walk meal was at a nearby country pub and enjoyed by all.
Michael
9.2 miles, 14.8 km
An Everyday Story of Country Folk… walking!
Carl’s Evening Ramble 29 April
Twenty two ramblers gathered in Ambridge, sorry Inkberrow (couldn’t resist The Archers reference), for the first Evening Ramble of the year. After a cool start to the day the sun came out and it was a lovely evening for walking.
After welcoming visitors John Kane and Pam and Bernie Deeley, we set off along Stonepit Lane and headed along the Millennium Way for a short distance before turning towards Little Inkberrow. Here we came across some friendly ponies who enjoyed being petted by the group.
Following field paths we passed Stockwood Lodge Farm and on to Roundhill Wood where we had a short break to admire the view in all directions.

At Dormston it was noted that we where now on part of Via Beata which is a new pilgrimage route being put in place which runs 400 miles east to west from Lowestoft to St Davids.
From Dormston further field paths took us back to Inkberrow but not before we were able to witness a beautiful sunset along the way.

After the ramble most of the group retired to The Old Bull for a quick drink before heading home.
Carl
5.5 miles / 8.8 km