Sunny Autumn Ramble
Janet & Florina’s Saturday Shorts Ramble – 4 October
We were apprehensive about this first Saturday walk of the season as parts of the country had been battered by storm ‘Amy’. However it turned out to be a bright sunny morning with blue sky, if a little windy.
The decision to start the walk earlier than normal was taken as the car park would quickly fill up with visitors to the arboretum, as it peak season for them. We need not have worried as it was closed due to the high winds.
As everyone was ready early so we set off down the drive following the Heart of England Way into Bourton on the Hill. A brief pause here to use their excellent facilities, you can even make yourself a cuppa in the church.
Continuing on the Heart of England Way past Sezincote, its name means ‘home of oaks’. The oaks were quite magnificent and had been laden with acorns and they scrunched under foot as we walked.
Onwards through fields to Longborough where there was choice of coffee venue. Either the excellent community shop/cafe, busy with Saturday morning regulars, or thermos in the churchyard. Once again the churchyard had a toilet.
Florina gave us some history of Longborough and the Opera House. Alan told us how he and Pauline had often been phoned by people wanting to make bookings as their phone number is similar.
Then back through more of Sezincote estate where the paths are fenced to keep livestock and walkers separate, making this a good walk for dog owners.
On reaching Bourton we retraced our steps back to the arboretum, arriving at our cars as a few spots of rain began to fall. At the cafe they were probably glad of our custom as what should have been one of their busiest days turned out to be very quiet.
Janet and Florina
7.0 miles.
Give me the moonlight
Carl’s Moonlight Ramble – 5 October
With storm Amy hitting the country the day before it was unclear whether this ramble would be able to take place at all. However, ERC luck held out and 10 ramblers assembled on time at Overbury on a clear dry night. The moon was already shining brightly with barely a cloud in sky.
A whispered introduction to the ramble was given with requests to be quiet when passing houses (hence whispered) and use torches only if necessary and do not shine in peoples faces. We then set off through the Overbury Estate taking the footpath to the left rather than the usual bridleway. After a short sharp climb the path levelled out a bit and one member of the group declared that they had lost their glasses and needed to go back and find them. After some discussion it was then pointed out that they were still wearing them. Well, it was dark!!!!
We then joined the path going up the Belt which did get dark but it was amazing how you can still see the edges of the path when you looked for changes in shade on the ground. There was a lot more light when we reached the Belt and onto Sundial Farm. It was then we realised that you cannot read a sundial in the moonlight.
From here to the tower gave plenty of time to ponder over what are normally familiar landscapes to those who walk on Bredon Hill. Plenty of queries about what is that town or building all lit up. We did not linger too long at the tower as it was still breezy with a definite chill in the air.
Walking along the edge of the escarpment we eventually made our way down the edge of Overbury Wood. Some unidentified animal sounds and movement in the wood meant some members of the group did not want to linger too long there.
We then made our way back to our cars after nearly 3 hours of walking in bright moonlight. For those who have never tried it, I thoroughly recommend giving night walking a go. Your perspective about where you are and the sounds you hear are totally different to daytime walking. Just choose somewhere with decent paths for your first attempt.
Carl
6.5 miles
A Swell way to the Slaughters
Rachel and Geoff’s Midweek Ramble – 8 October
The dull, gloomy start to the day was soon brightened when Glyn produced doughnuts, giving us the sugar boost to help us on our way. Happy Birthday Glyn!!
After crossing the busy Fosse Way, we followed a lovely Cotswold stone wall which is the boundary of Abbotswood Estate. Henry Ferguson, an Irish mechanic and inventor, who developed the small modern agricultural tractor, lived at Abbotswood Manor until his death in 1960. He was also the first Irish man to build and fly his own aeroplane and developed the first four wheel drive Formula One car, the Ferguson P99. Today his name lives on in the name of the Massey Ferguson company.
A pleasant stroll through the estate led us to Lower Swell, with its mellow, stone cottages and tranquil atmosphere.
A first, rather early, coffee stop was taken at the village hall, where a village Coffee morning had just opened. Organisers Denise and Carol coped well with a sudden influx of ramblers buying tea, coffee, second-hand books and jigsaw puzzles.
Continuing along a quiet lane towards Upper Slaughter, glimpses through hedge gaps gave great views across to Wyck Hill and The Rissingtons.
Battling through a rather overgrown footpath beside the River Eye, we reached the ford at Upper Slaughter, where eagle-eyed Glyn found a crayfish, before heading up to the Church and our lunch stop in the small, but immaculate Upper Slaughter Village Hall.
After lunch the sun came out and coats and jumpers came off as we followed the Wardens Way to the Mill at Lower Slaughter. A Mill on this site was listed in the Doomsday Book and it continued to produce flour for the village until the death of the owner in 1958. A horse-box café here provided a good after lunch coffee!
After following the River Eye through the village we picked up the Macmillan, Monarch and Gloucestershire Ways to Hyde Mill on the River Dikler. Here we began a gentle uphill section, through Nether Swell Equestrian Centre to reach the Fosse Way, which we crossed to reach Maugersbury. During Saxon times, it is likely that Maugersbury was the primary settlement, before Stow was built by the Normans in 1107.
Passing Maugersbury Manor we followed a lane back to Stow, where we detoured to St. Edwards Church to admire the North door, which is rumoured to have sparked Tolkein’s inspiration for the Doors of Durin in his Lord of the Rings novel.
Visitors from Pennsylvania took a club photo and photo-bomber Sue decided she would like to be part of ERC!
A stroll through Stow took us back to our starting point and the end of a swell ramble.
Rachel & Geoff
10.0 miles
Tranquil early mid-autumn walk
Frank and Viviennes Short Ramble – 15 October
On a crisp, cloudy October morning, our group set off on a 5-mile walk from the picturesque village of Norton Lindsey. This charming village has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086 and is believed to have been an ancient settlement. As we headed out, we walked past the stunning Holy Trinity Church, which boasts 13th-century origins. From the church’s rear, we enjoyed distant views of Warwick and Edge Hill on the horizon.
The route unfolded to reveal breathtaking landscapes stretching for miles, with trees proudly displaying their vibrant autumn hues – fiery reds, sunshine yellows, burnished golds, and earthy browns. We wandered through the enchanting Gannaway Wood, feeling grateful for the dry paths that made our journey pleasant. Passing by the village cricket pitch and hall, we looped back towards Norton Lindsey, taking in the many blue plaques dedicated to local heroes who fought and died in World War I..
After our invigorating walk, we stopped for lunch at The New Inn, a warm and welcoming community-run pub in the heart of the village. This was the perfect spot to relax and recharge, enjoying good food and company after our 5-mile stroll through the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
Frank and Vivienne
5 miles
No rain, a little mud and a bit of fun
Clive’s Sunday Ramble 26 October
We congregated outside Sapperton Church, and set off up the Macmillan way, through a farmyard, and after about 15 minutes of lane walking, we turned into Pinbury Park, one time home of John Masefield, poet laureate in the 60’s.
Passing the manor house we went down (and up) through the woods. Cutting across a couple fields, we went through Edgeworth Polo Club and down to the pretty village of Edgeworth with its 11th century church and Manor house. After a few more minutes lane walking, past the Edgeworth Reading room and the other side of the polo club, we turned down for the homeward journey. We stopped for a lunch break where we were entertained by some rare breed sheep.
Continuing down the footpaths we passed through a couple of back gardens, and across a large field with some over friendly horses, who lost interest in us after a while. Through the next gate we were met a by a herd of deer thundering through the wood.
Moving down through Siccaridge wood, “home of the dormouse” and down the precarious slope to the Thames and Severn canal, we proceeded along and discussed why it was there, and what happened to it as apart from the remains of the locks, it was difficult to believe it was once a canal. Further research required.
Reaching the end of the path, we stopped for welcome refreshments at the Daneway Inn. Carrying on the canal path, we reached the entrance and bridge over the abandoned canal tunnel, then back up to the church.
Janet and Dennis were great company and we really enjoyed the walk. Thanks both.
Clive
9.1 miles (total)