Jo and Marie’s Inaugural Ramble.
Jo & Marie’s Saturday Ramble – 05 September
Nineteen ramblers met at Packwood House car park, including three guests who were warmly welcomed to the group. Thankfully, the weather was cooler, providing ideal conditions for walking.
Before setting off we heard a brief history of Packwood House, then made our way down the road towards The Stratford-Upon-Canal. It was particularly pleasing to see the narrowboats back on the water, as the canal had only reopened the previous week after being closed due to low water levels. We followed the towpath to the canal basin, where The Stratford-Upon-Avon canal meets the Grand Union Canal. Here, we heard about the fascinating history of the Canal Wars and the rivalry surrounding the development of the waterways.
Leaving the canals behind, we crossed the surrounding fields towards Baddesley Clinton. Another history lesson awaited us, with excellent views of the impressive 16th century moated Manor House.
We then stopped for coffee at the church, where the heard the intriguing story of the murder in the parlour at Baddesley Clinton, adding a touch of mystery to our walk, particularly when we learned that the murderer is buried at the entrance to the church.
After our refreshment stop, we continued along paths and across fields, eventually making our way back to Packwood House. Most of the group enjoyed well-earned refreshments at the cafe, while some took the opportunity to explore the house and gardens.
Thank you to all who attended and for supporting our inaugural ramble.
Jo & Marie
6.0 miles.
A Scenic Cotswold Ramble-Great Rissington and Bourton-on-the-Water
Geoff & Rachel’s Midweek Ramble – 09 September
Arriving at the meeting place in Great Rissington, leaders Geoff and Rachel were surprised to find they were the last ones there, and so keen were everyone to ‘get going’, the ramble started 10 minutes early!
With just 9 in the group, good timing was made and we soon arrived at St James’ Church in Clapton-on-the –Hill for a coffee stop. St. James’ was built in the 12th Century and is recognised as one of the smallest and most atmospheric churches in the Cotswolds. It also has amazing views across the Windrush Valley.
After our coffee stop, we joined the Monarch’s Way and followed this into Bourton On The Water. Although still busy with tourists, it was quieter than during the summer and we had a leisurely one hour lunch stop. This gave us time to sample the local beer and ice cream as well as enjoying our homemade/ locally bought refreshments whilst overlooking the pretty Windrush River.
Leaving the village, we headed towards Greystones Farm Nature Reserve. This Nature Reserve includes Salmonsbury Camp, which was an important meeting place during Neolithic and Iron Age periods and is a Scheduled Monument. A replica Iron Age house afforded an interesting diversion.
Crossing the Rivers Dikler and Eye we passed through Rissington Mill before a short, sharp hill brought us to Little Rissington Church. After passing through the quiet village, we joined a bridleway which led us back to Great Rissington.
A refreshing drink was enjoyed at the local pub for several members of the group who didn’t need to rush off for pilates and other commitments.
Geoff & Rachel
5.5 miles AM. 4.5 miles PM.
Not quite a jubilant Jubilee Walk
Carl’s Short Ramble – 17 September
Everyone gathered in the car park of the Vale Golf Club in plenty of time until one member realised they had left their boots at home and had to dash back for them. Fortunately we were not far from Evesham. Thanks to Alan for waiting for this member to come back and then catching us up.
Walking up through the golf course there did not seem to be that many people on the course despite the car park being reasonably full. We then picked up the path running through the woods at the top of the course. This has the potential to be a lovely path which is part of the Jubilee Walk. Unfortunately nobody seems to be looking after it and it is consistently overgrown with several trees down which we had to climb over or duck under. This path could be lost altogether unless any maintenance is done which be a shame. At the end of the path I had to go back and retrieve some lost ramblers. I hadn’t realised a gap had opened up and the path is not well defined as it approaches the Ab Lench Road. Fortunately they had not gone far.
The path in the next field was also getting a bit overgrown with brambles but was walkable. However this is another path which could be in danger of being lost.
Walking along the road a tractor was avoided blocking the highway while he decided if he was turning into a field or not. A short climb followed before taking a break at he entrance to Yeald Wood. A clear day gave a good view of the Malverns from this point. The path through Yeald Wood follows the Wychavon Way which then brought us into Church Lench after another short climb. The paths from Church Lench back to the ridge should have been easy walking except that a couple of fields had been ploughed a couple of days before the ramble. Fortunately they were not deep ploughed and not too bad to walk across. Arriving back at the start many of us took advantage of the refreshments available in the club house.
This is a lovely area to walk if only the paths were looked after better. I would not recommend walking in the winter though. The paths get very muddy and waterlogged after prolonged periods of rain. In the summer though – brilliant.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made this a really enjoyable ramble, followed by excellent food at the Cafe.
Carl
5.5 miles
A Sunday stroll though some Avon Villages
Clive’s Sunday Ramble 28 September
The group met at the Pershore Bridges carpark and started uphill towards Pershore College.
We then passed briefly through the woods and then about a mile of road walking to the village of Little Comberton. diverting slightly to admire the thatched cottages and church of this lovely little village.
Diverting cross country to Bricklehampton, where the heavens opened for a few minutes, until we reached the village. Walking down the road, we took the path across to the Pershore Road and through Clive’s to Cropthorne and Fladbury where we stopped for lunch by the river and bid farewell to Carl.
After lunch we walked across and then through Fladbury village, turning by the railway towards Lower Moor. Passing through the village to walk past the nature reserve, we picked up the Wychavon Way to Wyre Piddle and then following the river down to Pershore.
By this time, we had worked up a thirst, so paused at one of the high street pubs for a refreshing beverage and then back to the meeting point. The conversation had been sparkling and friendships were made and reinforced. Thanks everyone for making it a worthwhile exercise.
Clive
11.0 miles