Staying on track
Carl & Diane’s Midweek Ramble – 14 May
Something different to the usual rambles with it being a linear walk and involving train travel. So many areas where it could have gone wrong.
I was pleased to find 8 ramblers waiting at Evesham Station, all arrived in plenty of time – tick 1.
I then handed out the tickets I had bought and was relieved that I had remembered to bring them and had the correct amount – tick 2.
The train was on time and Phil, who was getting on at Worcester Parking, was present and correct – tick 3.
Sheila, Tricia and Geoff caught the train ok at Moreton-in-Marsh – tick 4.
All had gone according to plan. Phew!
Alighting at Kingham, we followed a bridleway passing by Daylesford before taking a water stop at St Nicholas Church, Lower Oddington. The Church contains murals of the seven deadly sins and acts of mercy.
Passing over a railway bridge we could see the site of the former Adelstrop Railway Station which inspired a poem by the First World War poet Edward Thomas after his train stopped there for no apparent reason in 1914. I spared the group a recital claiming that the road was too busy. Instead, everybody was able to read it from a plaque in front of the old station sign which is displayed in Adelstrop.
Adelstrop is also noted for the fact that Jane Austin once stayed there where
it is thought she gained inspiration for Mansfield Park.
The path from path from Adelstrop to Chastleton gave our only climb for the day with some lovely views from the top. Somebody asked about a tower in the distance and my “claim” that it was Broadway Tower was believed until Tricia pointed out that it was actually the church at Stow-on-the-Wold.
We then followed various paths through to Evenlode before arriving back at Moreton-in-Marsh at 3:20 and just missing the train home. This meant we had an hour to wait for the next train and were forced to go to a local hostelry to pass the time with a drink – what an ordeal!!!
It was pointed out that it had taken nearly 5 1/2 hours for us to walk what would have taken less than 10 minutes by train. Given the day, area and company, I know which route I preferred.
Carl
am 6.5 miles – pm 5.5 miles
An Evening at Rabbit Bank
Phil and Carol’s Evening Ramble – 16 May
Fourteen members (including several past and one current chair) met at Kempsey Common car park on a beautiful May evening.
Setting off across the common, through shaded woodland, we reached Kerswell Green. Walking alongside a fairly busy M5 was less enjoyable, but leaving the motorway and climbing to the top of Rabbit Bank there was a lovely view of both the Malverns and Bredon Hill. Pausing briefly at Pirton Castle, we then continued on, past Pirton Pool and on to a short break at Pirton Church, famous for it’s one handed clock.
After passing through the village, one member decided they could not carry on. This was when we realised the training on the use of the walkie talkie sets was totally inadequate, and the message was eventually passed on in a face to face meeting.
Leaving the casualty on the side of the road, the rest of the party carried on, passing Stonehall Common and back over Kempsey Common to the cars. From here, a rescue party was dispatched to recover the injured, who, after their ordeal seemed in remarkably good form at the pub, and was in fact, last to leave after twelve of the party enjoyed a drink in the rapidly cooling May evening.
Carol & Phil
5.5 miles
The Hills have Ducklings
Phil & Carol’s Short Ramble – 21 May
Elevens members met at Abberley Village Hall on a somewhat cooler morning than of late.
Heading through the village we soon left the road and continued across pasture until joining the Worcestershire Way, passing a pond with families of ducks and geese.
As the weather started to warm up we climbed steadily to reach the entrance of the disused (except for the local drug dealers) Shavers Quarry. Here we entered woods for much appreciated coolness.
However, this was short lived as a short, but sharp climb split the party. We reconvened at the top for a short coffee break before continuing along the ridge through mixed woodland, reaching the highest point of the Hill with glorious views of Abberley Clock Tower and the surrounding countryside.
There followed a steep descent through the woods and down some steps back into the village. After a brief stop at the church we returned along the road to the cars, followed by a stop at the Camp Inn at Grimley where food and drinks on the bank of the Severn was enjoyed, just in time, as the thunder rolled and the rain started.
Carol & Phil
5.5 miles
Wye Valley Meander
Diane and Carl’s Sunday Ramble – 25 May
After assembling in the car park at Goodrich Castle on a beautiful, warm, sunny Sunday morning we made our way along the footpath leading to Kerne Bridge where we joined the Wye Valley Walk river path. This undulating, narrow, wooded path eventually led us to an open river bank meadow where we continued to follow the meandering river, eventually reaching the isolated St Margaret’s Church at Welsh Bicknor.
After a short ‘photo shoot’, ably orchestrated by Rachel, we continued to follow the path through another wooded area to the disused (and dilapidated) Lydbrook railway tunnel entrance and footbridge (now out of bounds for safety reasons). Continuing on the same side of the river and following the woodland path we found ourselves in another open meadow heading towards a view of Coldwell Rocks/Symonds Yat Rock in hope of a view of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the limestone rocks. Picnicking by the river, opposite the rocks we were treated to the sight of Peregrine’s landing and leaving followed by a superb aerial display from the pair of Falcons currently nesting on the rocks.
After lunch we continued our riverside walk until reaching an entrance to Coppett Hill Nature Reserve. A short climb on a wooded path took us part way up the hill to beautiful views of the Herefordshire countryside, Goodrich Castle and Kerne Bridge. From here it was a short walk back to Goodrich Castle and then a short drive to the Inn on the Wye for well deserved refreshments.
A beautiful and varied walk along the meandering Wye. Perfect walking weather, wildlife on and off the river, the sight (and sounds) of canoeists and paddlers following the river downstream and, most importantly, great rambling companions and great company.
Diane
9 miles
Flying High!
Carl’s Evening Ramble – 30 May
I had given a warning about road closures before the ramble due to the Midlands Air Show at Ragley Hall so I was relieved when everybody arrived ok at our start point.
We were even treated to a display by the Red Arrows while we waited to get started. I was hoping we would also see the mass hot air ballon ascent while we were walking but sadly that was cancelled due to it being a bit too windy. Not that we noticed at ground level.
As we started off, the group were treated to a bit of culture as we viewed a wooden sculpture inspired by an artist playing with building blocks with his children. Skirting around the lower edge of Spernall Park we crossed a couple of fields coming upon a boat at the edge of one field. Didn’t realise the area could flood that badly!! A short time later we were treated to the first of several spectacular and far-reaching views through the evening. Following the Heart of England Way took us past Tut’s Cottage where a slight diversion was made to avoid a field full of racehorses on their summer holidays.
A water stop taken on the eastern edge of Spernall Park again gave some lovely views. Our route then took us over the top of Spernall Park and down its western edge back to our starting point. Overall, a nice mixed walk with open fields, young and older forest and fantastic views. It was then topped off with a drink and something to eat at the Barley Mow in Studley.
Carl
5.3 miles