Monthly Archives: OCTOBER 2017

The winter walk cards and newsletters are now available. If you can help with distribution to lessen postage costs please contact the Chairman on his usual number.

About 23 walkers set off from The Blue Bell pub in Easton on the Hill on a very damp misty morning.  We paused briefly in a parkland space to look at and hear about the Polish memorial.  

This was a Stone pyramid on a square base topped by a stone sphere. The dedication is engraved on a triangular brass plate with the badge of the Polish...  Airborne Forces (a swooping eagle holding a victor's wreath) who were stationed here prior to their participation in OP. Market Garden from which they sadly didn’t return.

                    Polish Airborne Forces Memorial, Easton on the Hill Pocket Park.

The walk then continued via footpaths to Stamford where we enjoyed our break overlooking the river Welland. 

Heading back to Easton we passed under the A1 and then over the railway line, through fields and wooded areas back to Easton.  Arriving back at the pub just as the rain started.  We were joined by David and Stephen for lunch.

Thanks to Julie and John for an interesting walk.

Thanks to Sue H for providing this report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who were kind enough send or sign cards following my recent surgery.

26 members attended the 2017 club weekend which took place at the beginning of October.  

We stayed at The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury.  This Grade 1 listed 16^th Century Coaching Inn is situated in the heart of Shrewsbury  in Shropshire.  Everyone thought that the  rooms were comfortable and the food good.

The weekend was planned in conjunction with Secret Hills who organised and led the walks.

On the Friday afternoon we did a short walk along the River Severn cutting up through Shrewsbury School  and then back through the town.  We explored some of the tiny medieval streets that were named after businesses eg Fish, bakers  etc. We walked up Grope Street!! No guesses for knowing what went on there!

On the Saturday we took a coach to The Bog centre in the Stiperstones area. From here we split into two groups.  The longer walk of 9 miles went up to the Stiperstones Ridge before desending  to Snailbeach and onto the pub in the village for lunch. We passed several old tin mines and Squatters  cottages with interesting history.    

The shorter route of 6.5 miles took in the same sights but kept to a lower level. After lunch we made our way across grassy and muddy tracks back to the centre for a welcome cup of tea and for some, cake!  The weather was really kind to us with only a very short light shower. The views were spectacular and a good day was had by all.

After checking out at the hotel on Sunday all made their way by car to Church Stretton.  

Here we split into two groups. A small group headed off for the Longmynd  up a steep and fairly long climb finally reaching Polebank. This is the highest point on the Longmynd  and the 360 degree views were wonderful thanks to the beautiful weather.  

They then headed down using some beautiful grassy tracks  to Little Stretton for a pub lunch.  Afterwards they completed the walk back to Church Stretton.

Meanwhile the other group walked along Cardingmill valley and into the Batch Valley. A few deviations were added to stretch the legs a bit more before heading back to Church Stretton  for lunch.

An excellant weekend was had by all thanks to the organisation from Secret  Hills and the lovely weather.

Some members were already getting enthusiastic about next year’s club weekend in The Forest of Dean. 

Thanks to Sue H for providing this report  and for all her efforts in organisng the weekend. Thanks are also due to Sue C for looking after the money side of things.

                   Friday Shrewsbury Walk.

 

                                Mine on Stiperstones Walk.

                                     Shrewsbury Chain Bridge.

                                                Top of Longmynd.

20 walkers set off from Sweethedges Farm on what proved to be a glorious autunm day.  A slight breeze and quite sunny and warm   Sweethedges Farm is situated in a beautiful countryside setting that is extremely pretty and peaceful.

Our walk was only about 4 miles.  As some of the walkers were away on the club weekend the following day they were pleased to not feel too weary at the end and be able to get home a little earlier than usual.

The walk, which was rather muddy at first, took us over the A47 through pleasant footpaths and villages.  The views were stunning and after the first section the terrain was easy and dry.

Gervais joined us for lunch where the food was plentiful and good value.

Thanks to Keith and Lou for organising and leading the walk.

Thanks also to Sue H for providing this report.