Sweltering Worcestershire Ramble
Paul’s Midweek Ramble -12 August
The day started with a predicted afternoon temperatures of 34 deg Celsius, with little wind, giving a predicted ‘feels like’ temperature of 36 deg Celsius. So a decision was made to start the walk at 9.00am and just to complete one loop of the planned ‘figure of 8’ and finish by midday.
11 Members gathered at the Jubilee Bridge Picnic Site, just outside Fladbury and headed across the flood plain where the River Avon gets an opportunity to spill during heavy rains – but not today. We then looped around to Charlton, our planned path blocked by planting in a field, so we took at path to a gate. The gate had a sign saying ‘No Entry’ but it was fixed on the opposite side of the gate, so we were OK with this ‘one way’ prohibition. On we walked into, and through, Charlton.
As we left Charlton, the walk leader was reminded that he had some information to share about the history of the village, which was duly shared. A further contribution from our group suggested that the village was known for its ‘swingers’ and then the discussion veered off into Care Homes, somehow.
We walked on, crossing fields and following farm tracks (including part of Shakespeare’s Avon Way) and stopped at one point to take in a good view over the metropolis that is Evesham. Through a wooded area, across a field, over lots of stiles in quick succession, through a mobile home park, alongside a field planted with sorry looking gourds and alongside an orchard, we arrived into Cropthorne, where a short walk downhill returned us to our start point, just before midday – and before it got REALLY hot.
The morning ended with some of our group retiring to The Anchor Inn pub in Fladbury for refreshments and a natter.
Thank you to those who attended.
Paul
5.5 miles.
Toasted Ramblers
Paul’s Friday Evening Ramble – 14 August
We gathered in Flyford Flavell at the car park of what is now called ‘Toast’ (which was previously a pub called the Flyford Arms) on a warm evening, but the temperature was, mercifully, somewhat cooler than it had been the previous couple of days. After a quick briefing, we headed off up hill, over a stile, across a road and over another stile.
We then headed across many dried out fields, crossing many, many more stiles, stopping at one point to take in glorious views of Bredon Hill and of the Malverns.
After a few more stiles, we stopped on the outskirts of the village of North Piddle for a ‘hydration break’ – but one without any adverts from sponsors. A few more fields, and a few more stiles and we were in North Piddle village proper, walking through the village before turning off and heading around the outskirts of woodland. Popping out of the woodland, the walk leader was somewhat lost, but found the next waypoint, which was marked by an orange roadworks cone, before getting lost again. After a (dis)organised wander around one of the remarkably few green fields, we found our way to the path which led to another woodland, which was a bit, err, overgrown. Someone called it a jungle. Nevertheless, we got through and headed for home (aka the pub) with the only obstacle being two recently ploughed fields whose lumps of hardened clay didn’t make for easy walking.
Uphill and along the sides of a couple more fields, through a few gates (but no stiles!) and we were nearly home. We did however disturb two of the locals – a couple of deer who bounded across the field in front of us. In order to avoid the two stiles at the start of the walk, the walk leader elected for a diversion, which took in, yep, two stiles. And also an overgrown hedge which required almost walking on hands and knees to get through.
We arrived back at the pub, some bloody from the jungle exploration and sweaty and the others just sweaty. Most stayed at the pub for drinks, and some took advantage of the excellent curries from the Indian food van which is parked up in the garden of Toast. Everyone seemed to enjoy the natter, on a lovely summer evening, accompanied by a background performance of live music being played in the pub garden.
Thank you to those who attended.
Paul
4.5 miles.
Rolling Plains and Dense Forestation
Dennis & Wendy’s Short Ramble – 19 August
Leaving the Cotswold Cafe car park, we passed through a hole in the hedge to reveal panoramic views of the North Cotswolds.
Things changed as we took the footpath towards Hinchwick, rolling hills were replaced by a narrow steep footpath, surrounded by dense undergrowth.
Having survived, we climbed with more glorious views, before reaching the Asquith Family burial site. The most prominent Member being H.H. Asquith, who was Prime Minster, 1908 to 1916.
Soon, we stopped for a drinks break outside Hinchwick Manor, owned by the Asquith family, but presently on the market for £26.6 million. Having decided none of us could afford it, we continued through more woodland with the sun giving a glorious dappled effect to the ground.
Following the Gloucestershire Way we reached the small village of Condicote, where Wendy gave us a brief glimpse into its history. From here we took the country lane back to the Cafe, a lane which Dennis had promised was very quiet, yet somehow turned into the M5 on a Friday night.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made this a really enjoyable ramble, followed by excellent food at the Cafe.
Dennis & Wendy
6.0 miles
A Varied Valley Walk
Alan & Pauline’s Sunday Ramble 23 August
Having all arrived in good time at the Habberley Valley Nature Reserve car park we set off on a woodland path up Pigstyehill – the morning fresh with the promise of good weather.
As we neared the top of the hill we caught a glimpse of the views across North Worcestershire and Shropshire which we were to enjoy throughout the day. Skirting the village of Trimpley we gradually descended, first on sheep filled meadows and then on a quiet lane to reach the start of the Upper Arley Circular Walk. Here we stopped for a coffee break with much fuss being made of a number of dogs which passed by with their owners.
We followed a lovely track through Eymore Wood before arriving at the outskirts of Upper Arley and the Arley Arboretum with its impressive gatehouse entrance. Having stopped for photographs we descended through the village to reach the River Severn. Here, Alan recounted how on a ramble many moons ago the route was flooded and a member of the club strayed off the path into what he thought was a field, but was in fact a swollen brook emptying into the river. Luckily, a fellow member made a gallant rescue before he could be swept away.
We crossed the river on the footbridge, heading to The Harbour Inn for lunch. Once back across the river, our route then followed the river downstream, passing under the Victoria Bridge on the Severn Valley Steam Railway. We took a path up to Trimpley Reservoir and enjoyed the welcome breeze as we circled it before dropping down to cross the railway line.
Climbing steadily we reached Trimpley village where we rejoined the Habberley Valley Circular Walk. With far-reaching views, we descended back into the valley along Honey Brook. We glimpsed a group of rock houses last inhabited in 1949 before entering the nature reserve down Jacob’s Ladder, a series of steep wooden steps. Passing Pekket Rock we followed sandy paths back to the car park.
A lovely walk in an area not often visited by the club, but which provides the very best of what Worcestershire has to offer with beautiful countryside throughout.
Alan & Pauline
9.5.0 miles
We were all “Bowled Over”
Dennis & Wendy’s Friday Evening Ramble – 28 August
Under grey clouds, and expecting the worst, we left Littleton Bowling Club car park and climbed the gentle slope up Windmill Hill to reveal panoramic views, stretching North across the River Avon towards the Malvern and Bredon Hills and East towards Harvington and Stratford on Avon.
Having stopped for a group photo, we descended towards Middle Littleton and its famous National Trust owned Tythe Barn, where Wendy gave us its history.
On to North Littleton, passing by its picturesque cottages, before heading across open fields (one having been recently ploughed by a not so friendly farmer) towards South Littleton and the Bowling Club. Here, we unfortunately could not try our hand at bowling due to the fading light outside and the floors being relaid inside.
Disappointment soon passed as we enjoyed delicious nibbles laid on, free of charge, by the Club all washed down with exceedingly well priced beers and soft drinks. During discussions we found that the Club is available for social events for up to sixteen players, (four teams of four), with non-players welcome to a good night out watching those who are bowling making fools of themselves. This idea was well received by our Members, so Watch This Space.
Dennis & Wendy
5.00 miles