A Bit of a Hoot!
Glyn’s Midweek Ramble 9 February
Grey skies and the threat of rain hung over us as we gathered in Toddington for the February Midweek Ramble. It was encouraging to see so many members who have recently joined the club.
The route took us down to the main Tewkesbury/Stowe road which we then walked parallel to, over ground that was remarkably firm given recent rain and certainly far better than when the route was reccied.
We approached the Alderton and Dumbleton Hills from the south east and were treated to good views of Red Kites, Redwings and Ravens and for those amongst us with a keen ear, the call of a Tawny Owl.
The coffee stop came after what would be our only significant climb of the day but weather conditions put pay to the promised panoramic views.
The route took us down to Dumbleton village. We paused to consider the history of Dumbleton Hall and in the village churchyard Alan was able to recount the life of travel writer Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor who is buried next to his wife who hailed from the area.
A well-timed picnic lunch in the village hall meant that we avoided the increasingly heavy drizzle. In a jovial atmosphere there was much discussion about baking bread and the benefits of home-made produce. Refreshed and replenished we set off again in much improved conditions.
The afternoon section of the ramble first took us to Wormington, through a copse full of snowdrops. Having viewed St Katherine’s Church with its distinctive bellcote we picked up the route of the Isbourne Way and headed south.
Approaching Dumbleton Mill we could hear the rush of water over the dilapidated mill race and we paused to look at the mill building that, it was agreed, was “ripe for development”.
The final section took us back to Toddington village where we diverted a short distance to take a look at the village church of St Andrew, the ruins of the old Toddington House and the plastic clad Toddington Manor that has a relatively colourful if short history.
Glyn
10 miles, 16 km
Dodging Storm Dudley
Glyn’s Short Ramble 16 February
Dudley Hughes, one of our club’s founding fathers, must have been looking down on us this day and kindly delayed a storm of his namesake, with its threatened 90 mph gales, until we were back home safe and sound. Unfortunately, the weather had been less kind in the preceding days and so parts of the route, especially around gateways, were rather waterlogged.
The first task of the day was to manage all the cars into a confined village car park. Then, after gathering to welcome two new members, Wendy and Dennis to the club we set off north towards Ditchford Friary. As we descended to Knee Brook, swollen by the rain, we looked out on a wide, sun-bathed panorama, the first of several on the day.
We crossed fields where once medieval villages stood but were abandoned in the 16th century. All that exists today is the remains of a pack horse bridge and earthworks in the field indicating where houses used to stand.
The hoped-for Redwings and Fieldfares were hard to spot. Most were probably on their way east to their breeding grounds, pushed along by the strong south westerly. There were occasional sightings of a Red Kite but these birds too proved elusive.
The route took us back over the Knee Brook and across a fine example of a packhorse bridge, clear evidence that once there was a thriving community here. Along a puddle filled lane we approached Todenham and its 13th century, Grade l listed parish church where we had a coffee stop. Unfortunately, the church was locked and so we pressed on from the village towards Great Wolford.
The ramble crossed a series of fields before turning back towards Todenham. After a long but gentle climb, we were able to pass to the south of the village before approaching it again with fine views of the church sat on top of the hill.
Once we had carefully decanted all the parked cars from the car park we regathered in Moreton-in-Marsh at The Swan Inn for an enjoyable lunch.
Glyn
5 miles, 8 km
Spring in our step
Hazel and Paul’s Sunday Ramble 27 February
The group met at the Lower Old Hills car park near Callow End in lovely sunny weather. Unfortunately, we had to leave a visitor at the car park waiting for the AA after a problem with her car key, so she was unable to walk with us. We crossed the common land and made our way through Madresfield, past Madresfield Court and avoiding fallen trees to North Malvern, on the Three Choirs Way, where refreshments were taken at Morrisons.
We then followed the Worcestershire Way north passing a well and orchards. The slopes of Crumpton Hill offered an outside picnic lunch stop with views of the Malvern ridge. We returned via Newland past the Beauchamp Community Alms Houses. Some inquisitive sheep at Deblin’s Green were delightful. By the end there were a few aching feet and tired legs, but a drink and some food at the Blue Bell in Callow End finished off the day and revived the spirits.
Hazel and Paul
am 7 miles pm 6.8 miles
