The Walkers Group offers everyone the chance to enjoy a walk every Tuesday, in the neighbouring countryside e.g. Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, as well as local walks around Caldicot.
After a walk the groups usually go to a local pub or inn for lunch. Occasionally, all-day trips are also arranged, to places further away e.g. The Gower, Hereford.
Currently three groups walk every week, see details below. Each group has a convenor. The groups meet at the Choir Hall car park, Caldicot every Tuesday at 9 to 9.30m, to organise car sharing to the starting place for the walk that day.
A programme of walks for each group is published every three months, showing where the walks are and the arrangements for lunch.Details of the groups are as follows:
Convenor Jim Clift: Distance 4 to 7 miles: "Moderate & Strenuous"
Leave car park at 9.15am.
(This group will aim for a brisker walk)Striders Walks July 2010 to October 2010
July 6th JJ & Jim Mitchel Troy Somerset Arms
July 13th Gil Tidenham Chase Live and Let Live
July 20th Dorothy and John Fourteen Locks Rising Sun
July 27th Alma & Mo Langstone Old Barn
Aug 3rd Wendy Undy Cheese and Wine
Aug 10th Paul & Patsy TBA
Aug 17th Wendy Castleton TBA
Aug 24th Carol & Mo LLansoy Huntsman
Aug 31st Gil Redwick The Rose
Sept 7th Gil Llandevaud The Old Barn
Sept 14th Jenny & Stan TBA
Sept 21st Lyn & Gary Mathern Millers Arms
Sept 28th Janet & Val Magor Old Barn
Convenor Sue Shepherd: Distance Distance 4 to 5.5 miles: "Moderate"
Leave car park at 9.20am.
Stroller walks July 2010 to October 2010
July 6th Dave/Tony Drathen Picnic
July 13th Pat/Pam TBA
July 20th Noreen Elwood Orepool
July 27th Dave Hunt TBA
Aug 3rd Pat Blackrock Cheese and Wine
Aug 10th Rob/John Gower Picnic
Aug 17th Bill Berkley Picnic
Aug 24th Ken TBA
Aug 31st Dave/Bridget St Brivals Live and Let Live
Sept 7th Bill Symonds Yat Picnic
Sept 14th Dave Hunt TBA
Sept 21st Dave/Tony Blaencwm Queens
Sept 28th Dave/Bridget Tutshill Live and Let Live
Convenors Avril Somersall & Fran Green: Distance 3 to 4 miles: "Easy & Moderate"
Leave car park at 9.30am.
Stragglers walks July to October 2010July 6th Barbara Bough Springs Live and Let Live
July 13th Margaret Tintern Chepstow Hotel
July 20th Jan/Bill St Pierre New Inn
July 27th Linda/Clive St Pierre New Inn
Aug 3rd Tony Local Walk Cheese and Wine
Aug 10th Ad/ Glen Monmouth Royal Oak
Aug 17th Brian Blorenge Picnic
Aug 24th Sheila Wolvesnewton Huntsman
Aug 31st Val Forest Walk Fountain Inn
Sept 7th Norma Trellek Huntsman
Sept 14th Dave/Tony Blaenavon Rising Sun
Sept 21st Avril/Fran St Arvans Chepstow Hotel
Sept 28th Barbara Penhow Old Barn
Strollers revisited Rhossili
STROLLERS’ 6 MILE WALK – RHOSSILI 10 AUGUST 2010
Despite a wet start and having to eat our picnic lunches on the coach on arrival in Rhossili, we were determined to have a good day out. The rain eventually stopped and the sun shone for us.
We walked part of the coastal path from Rhossili to Worms Head and then headed eastward towards Mewslade Bay, stopping on the way to admire the views. Some of us walked down to the Bay, where we lingered awhile on the beach before rejoining the others.
From Mewslade Bay we turned inland and headed for the Beacon. The views from the top were spectacular, making the climb well worth it. We stopped here for a while to take in the views and also took the opportunity to take some photographs. We eventually made our way downhill to the coach park where we partook in some well-deserved light refreshments, eg ice-cream, etc.
We left Rhossili at about 4.30 pm arriving in Caldicot at approximately 7.00 pm.
The walk was a great success and we had a thoroughly good time.
Rosemary Brown
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
"Rhossili revisited by the Strollers Walking Group"
Photo's taken by Rosemary Brown and Kenneth Jackson
Rhossili Bay is the most westerly bay on the Gower peninsula and bears the full might of the Atlantic swells. It is the most consistent surfing beach on Gower, with the biggest waves at the north end at Llangennith. It is a dramatic environment with Rhossili Downs towering above the vast expanse of beach that stretches three miles.
Heading west along the cliff path towards the end of the peninsula there is Worm's Head, a mile long serpent-like promontory jutting out into the ocean. Access to the beach; a good path leads down the side of the cliffs, but its a steep climb back up to the car park. For spectacular panoramic views over the bay why not walk up Rhossili Downs, the climb and views will take your breath away, but well worth it!
website link: www.enjoygower.com
Caldicot & District U3A Stragglers Walking Group
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the "Blaenavon Walk"
Photographs were taken by Bill Thomas and Glenice Dallow
On Tuesday, 10th August the Stragglers expected a guided walk around Blaenavon followed by a picnic by the Keepers pond with an additional walk on the Blorenge afterwards. However the weather had other ideas, undaunted we set off for Blaenavon where we had coffee/tea in the Blaenavon Heritage Centre and met our guide Mr John Evans, a local historian.
Due to the weather we proceeded to Blaenavon Iron works where we were given a very interested tour of the works and excellent insight into the lives of the men, women and children who worked and lived there. John gave us many anecdotes about the people living in Blaenavon and district, often including stories from his own family.
Afterwards we went to the Keepers pond but unfortunately the weather did not improve but after our picnic we ventured onto a beautiful heather-clad walk to view the Foxhunter cairn. Foxhunter was a champion show jumping horse ridden by Sit Harry Llewellyn.
Thank you Brian for your hard work arranging this for us.
Glenice Dallow
website link: www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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"Walkers Social August 2010"
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the "Walkers Social"
Snapshots of some of our walkers at the social.
Photo's by Pat Dawe and Adrian Dallow.
Walking Groups combined trip to Malvern
Caldicot & District U3A Walking Group visit to Malvern U3A on Monday 28th June
Monday 28th June 2010 dawned bright and clear for our trip to Malvern to walk with the Malvern Group
A happy group of combined walkers assembled at the departure point full of chat, and dare I say the odd bit of gossip. Punctually Andrew our driver arrived and ferried us safely on our way in his comfortable coach.
Having reached Malvern a nice cup of tea/coffee in the Malvern Theatre gave us a good start to our walks. Our Stragglers walk was led by Tom, an energetic 86 year old and he certainly gave us and interesting walk of 4.1 miles, much of it climbing nearly to the top of the long ridge of hills overlooking the Severn Vale, offering exceptional views as far as the Brecon Beacons and Hay Bluff.
Our picnic was taken here and although the day was hot and bright, a pleasant cooling breeze coasted over the hill and kept us feeling comfortable. Talking with our hosts we gained some knowledge of the area and enjoyed their company on the walk very much.
A few observations of interest – when Tom announced that there would be no more slopes to climb, we still continued to climb for the next 20 minutes, puffing along like an old steam engine! Again when he said the walk would only be another half hour – one hour later we arrived.
The distance of 4.1 miles seemed like 8! Having absorbed this information, I can only conclude that in Malvern: - 1 mile = 2 Caldicot miles, thirty minutes = one hour and uphill means downhill!
On completion, we enjoyed and excellent tea provided by our hospitable hosts in a quaint old Church and Hall. A most interesting day and our thanks must go to Pam and Glenice and all those who organised this trip and made the day so pleasant and memorable.
T. Jackson Stragglers
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*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Malvern Walk
photographs were taken by Carol Elliott, George & Anne Craig and Adrian & Glenice Dallow
All of our walking groups did a combined trip to Malvern on Monday June 28th 2010. They did various walks and as you can see by the photographs which were taken by George & Anne Craig that the weather was beautiful although somewhat hot, better not complain as it won't be long before we will need our waterproofs again.
Caldicot U3A - Walkers trip to Malvern on 28 June 2010
On a hot June day, 60 walkers travelled by coach to Malvern where we were met by several members of Malvern U3A. Following coffee we divided into two groups depending on the level of difficulty. We went with the Strollers and Striders led by Margaret and another Margaret both from Malvern.
Our first point of interest was the Great Malvern Priory. Built in 1085 with a fine collection of medieval stained glass and tiles. There are original gas lights in the grounds. The Priory was bought by the local people for £20 to save it from destruction in 1541. Since then it has been the parish church at the centre of Great Malvern. Unfortunately we were unable to go inside due to choir practice.
Margaret had gone to great lengths to allow us the privilege of walking through the grounds of the Boy’s School although girls have been accepted since 1992. Known as Malvern College it was founded in 1865. The school is known for its innovative approaches to education and for sports. Among its former pupils are at least two Prime Ministers, an Olympic Gold medallist and the novelist C S Lewis author of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Everyone was in awe of the magnificent grounds and buildings.
The group then left the town and started to climb the hill. There were a number of opportunities to take in the fantastic views and because it was such a clear day we could see for miles in all directions and various landmarks could be seen including the start of the Cotswolds.
We reached St Ann’s Well for our picnic stop. In Victorian times , donkeys were tethered here and used to transport people from the town to the well when they were seeking the restorative properties of the water and the clear air. St Ann’s Well was one of the most popular watering places for wealthy invalids.
In 1745 Dr John Wall a Worcestershire physician analysed the water and found that the efficacy of the water seems chiefly to arise from its great purity but it was necessary for the waters to be drunk on the spot and taken regularly to be successful. A plaque on the wall is dedicated to Blind George Pullen who could be heard playing the euphonium and dulcitone on almost every day for 50 years from about 1880 to entertain the visitors to St Ann’s Well.
It was then time for the group to move on upwards and the terrain became quite precarious at times but we strode on through huge ferns that came to shoulder height. Eventually we reached a summit and encountered the Quarry lake.
From here it was a gentle walk to the start of the main track to the Beacon, but this was not our route today. A few more miles were walked before both groups met at the Wyche Free Church for a feast of home made cakes and scones with lots of tea and coffee. Everyone agreed that this had been an exhilarating day and thanks to Pam and Glenice for organising a successful outing.
As new members of Caldicot U3A could we thank everyone for making us welcome and it is lovely to meet such friendly and happy people.
Anne and George
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The Strollers were walking in the Elan Valley, June 2010
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Elan Valley WalkPhoto's taken by Sue Shepherd & Pam Simpson
The Elan Valley Estate attracts a wide variety of visitors and a good starting point for all is the Visitor Centre which has a wide variety of information and educational and interactive resources.In total the Elan Estate attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually. Many people come to enjoy the peace and quiet, some come for the wildlife and scenery, whilst others take part in more active pursuits. Whatever activity you choose, the information on the Recreation page should help you to get the maximum enjoyment out of your visit to the Elan Valley.
For those wishing to stay in the area the nearby town of Rhayader has a wide choice of accommodation and facilities. The Elan Estate can also offer self catering accommodation in cottages and farmhouses on the Estate - for details please look on the Where to Stay pages.
How to Find Us
The Elan Valley is situated in the county of Powys in mid Wales and can be accessed easily from the town of Rhayader which is on the intersection of the main A470 (North/South) and the A44 which comes from the East.
website link: www.elanvalley.org.uk
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The Strollers Blaenavon Big Pit Walk on 11th May 2010
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Blaenavon Big Pit Walk
Photo's taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums.
With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings open to the public for the first time.
All this AND the world-famous Underground Tour. Go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face.
Big Pit became part of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales on 1 February 2001. After major redevelopment, it re-opened in 2004 and went straight on to win the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year.
The redevelopment turned the original features, like the Pithead Baths, into fresh displays that bring life at the coalface vividly into focus. However, perhaps its most famous feature is still the trip 90 metres down the shaft to explore working conditions underground.
An award-winning national museum that still retains many traits of its former role as a coal mine, standing high on the heather-clad moors of Blaenafon, the tunnels and buildings that once echoed to the sound of the miners now enjoy the sound of the footsteps and chatter of visitors from all over the world.
The museum is set in a unique industrial landscape, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000 in recognition of its international importance to the process of industrialisation through iron and coal production.
Big Pit is a living, breathing reminder of the coal industry in Wales and the people and society it created.
website link: www.museumwales.ac.uk
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The Strollers Redwick circular Walk on 13th April 2010
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Redwick circular Walk
Photo's taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
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The Strollers Three Churches Walk on 9th March 2010
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Three Churches Walk
Photo's taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
Stragglers' Bluebell Walk at Trelleck May 2010
Please click on the images below to access larger photographs
Photographs taken by Adrian & Glenice Dallow
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Striders April 2010
April 13th was a wonderful sunny morning when we started the walk from Llangwm car park! Up past the Baptist chapel (built in 1840); steadily we climbed up the fields to the top, well worth the effort where you get lovely panoramic views.
Looking down on the field we call Cardiac Hill (very steep) and up the other side, we walk on through a Nature Reserve and on to the lane looking out towards Raglan Castle and Monmouth.
We stopped for a coffee break in Llangeview Church which is now owned by Friends of Friendless Church, we went inside and looked at the ‘Horse Box Pews’ afterwards we sat outside on a stone seat which they say was for late comers.
We started to climb back up the fields and then down to where our cars were parked.
A lovely walk with 25 stiles and one gate to get over.
Carol & Mo Not forgetting Cardiac Hill (Editor)
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Coralie lets us into a few secrets!
Every Tuesday there are three groups of walkers out and about in an area of anywhere up to 25 miles from Caldicot. Well wrapped up (especially recently,) and armed with flasks of coffee or tea and bananas (even chocolate biscuits!), we follow our dedicated leaders whatever the weather and terrain have in store for us. After our walk we are shepherded safely to a well-chosen eating-house for those amazing “special offer “lunches.
Do we enjoy ourselves? Are we fulfilling the aims of the University of the Third Age? Well, let me tell you how the members of the “Strollers “group have been “educating “themselves recently.
One week we learnt how to navigate safely a mighty mountain stream, with strong and caring men standing in the middle of the waterfall to grasp the others’ hands and guide them across.
One week our maths skills were tested as we counted up to 21 stiles crossed that morning. We have had nature study lessons, studying snowdrops, catkins and mole hills. We constantly practise the art of socialising while negotiating ice, snow, mud, cowpats and while eating in snug hostelries. On one of our walks we observed herds of deer in Berkeley Deer Park.
A walk from Mathern to Mounton via Pwllmeyric taught us how to cross a busy road safely. Our latest walk through mud and falling snow reminded us of the “Mad dogs and Englishmen “-----, sorry, mad folk and walkers-----go out in all weathers.
Summer walks included scaling Twmbarlwm, climbing Tyndale’s monument with the aid of torches in the dark interior and learning more about the former industries of the Forest of Dean and walking through head-high sweet corn.
It is not a hard school, but times of great fun and friendship, enjoying fog, rain, wind, snow and often sunshine in the midst of a bad week and as a by-product, we are exercising our bodies!
Coralie Payne
Curley Oak Tree Walk, 30th March 2010After cancelling our curley oak tree walk in January at Wentwood, we successfully did the walk on March 30th. It rained the two hours we were walking, wet through, but we all enjoyed it. The oak tree is reported to be approx. nine hundred years old.*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Curley Oak Tree Walk
Here are our photo's of the stragglers group around the tree.
Photographs taken by Bill & Jan Thomas
The Stragglers Daffodil Walk, 23th March 2010
April 2010 Newsletter Walking report
Today, the 23rd March, the Stragglers Walking group had the greatest pleasure of visiting the village of Oxenhall (near Newent) to view the wild daffodils throughout the local woods.
Although the morning commenced cloudy with a slight chill, our twenty-five intrepid walkers were not deterred and boarded the coach at 9.00 am amidst much chatter and jocularity and set sail for Oxenhall.
Arriving about 10.30 am we were met and welcomed by four lovely ladies of Oxenhall church at Oxenhall village hall who plied us with excellent home-made cakes coffee and tea and produced a nice range of some unusual jams at a very reasonable price.
After this pleasant interlude, we set off for the woods and followed numerous trail through a veritable carpet of beautiful wild daffodils, or as Lord Tennyson wrote so long ago; -“A host of golden daffodils”.
Owing to rain on previous days some of the walks were wet and muddy, but caused little concern to the Stragglers who negotiated the same with more than a little laughter, and ably led by Kath one of our hostesses from the Church. One happy soul, having just purchased new walking boots (old ones disintegrated after 25 years of wear!) was able to give them a very good debut!
With the walk completed, again, at the village hall our kind ladies served us with no less than three kinds of home-made soup followed by three types of fruit crumble and custard with coffee or tea to finish. Our driver, a pleasant chap, joined us for lunch and enjoyed his day.
A short walk to the Newent/Gloucester canal and Oxenhall Church completed our day. We returned home about 16.00, having thoroughly enjoyed our day, together with excellent companionship and much laughter, (oh what would our families’ have thought could they but see us!): - (a bunch of happy 60+ teenagers!).
Our thanks and appreciation go to Glenice Dallow for all the hard work she carried out whilst organising this interesting walk and providing such a pleasant day.
T.Jackson
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the
Daffodil Walk
Oxenhall with the stragglers, 23rd March including a shot of Tony Jackson's new boots which we were intent on getting dirty.
Photographs taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow, Bill and Jan Thomas
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The Stridders Walk Dewstow, 22nd December 2009
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Dewstow Walk
Pictures taken by David Buckley
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Walkers Christmas meal held at the Dewstow golf club December
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Christmas Meal
The photographs were taken by Pam Simpson
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Strollers Walking Group Photographs
*please click the images below to access a larger photos of the Strollers
Photo: Tree hugging in the Forest of Dean
Photo: Cleddon Falls, Wye Valley.
Photographs taken by Ken Payne
Striders walk from Llanthony Abbey to the Black Mountains
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the walk
Photographs taken by Carol Elliott
Llanthony Priory is a partly ruined former Augustinian priory in the secluded Vale of Ewyas, a steep sided once glaciated valley within the Black Mountains area of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Monmouthshire.
The Black Mountains (Welsh: Y Mynyddoedd Duon) are a group of hills spread across parts of Powys and Monmouthshire in southeast Wales, and extending across the national border into Herefordshire, England. They are the easternmost of the four ranges of hills that comprise the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Black Mountains may be roughly defined as those hills contained within a triangle defined by the towns of Abergavenny in the southeast, Hay-on-Wye in the north and the village of Llangors in the west. Another 'gateway' town to the Black Mountains is Talgarth.
Website link: www.castlewales.com
Rhossili Walk by the Strollers
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the The Strollers 7 mile walk at Rhossili.Photographs taken by Ann Taylor-Heard & Kenneth Payne
At low tide there is a huge expanse of beach. It is possible to walk across the bay to Llangennith or even cross onto the Worms Head. Keep an eye on the tide though, to ensure that you don't become cut off.
There is always some sand, even at high tide. It is very popular with surfers. Many different birds nest on the cliffs, so don't forget your binoculars!
N.B. There is a very steep walk down to the beach so it may not be suitable for pushchairs or anyone who has difficulty walking.
Website links: www.nationaltrust.org.uk / www.the-gower.com
Ascent of Twmbarlwm by the Strollers
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the ascent of Twmbarlwm
by the Strollers
Photographs taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
On Tuesday 30th June 2009, 14 members of Strollers Group made the climb of Twmbarlwm Mountain. The length of the walk was just over 7 miles in all.
On the day of the walk it was very humid but fortunately the sun kept at bay, the group did get a little wet half way up the mountain when it started to rain, we had to shelter, but eventually the party managed to dried out before continuing the walk. We had a relaxing picnic lower down on the other side of the summit.
We walked up the long way, about 6 miles and came down the short way which was extremely steep. Picture No.8 on the slideshow shows the group zig zagging back and fore across the path to lessen the extent of the steepness.
BackgroundTwmbarlwm also known as Twm Barlwm, or locally known as "The Tump" in relation to the mound that lies on its summit, is a mountain situated 2km to the northeast of Risca in South Wales.
It is (1,375ft/419m) high and is a well known sight throughout the region. It commands extensive views across what is now the M4 corridor, out over the Bristol Channel and Newport and Cwmbran.
The top of the mountain features the remains of what is presumed to be an Iron Age hill fort near its summit, believed to have been built by the Silures, the Celtic tribe that inhabited the area before and during Roman times.
This is the reason for the local people of Risca and Cwmcarn naming it "The tump". There was also thereafter possibly a Roman signal point and there is also a substantial Norman motte and bailey castle incorporated into the eastern end of the fort, probably of early Norman construction.
The mountain itself is a well known local landmark visible on the skyline for many miles and is indeed seen as a symbol of Monmouthshire / Gwent. It is very popular for hillwalking and mountain biking and with tourists who go to Cwmcarn Forest Drive or walk the Gwent Ridgeway.
It features heavily in local folk legends with tales of a giant buried here, and treasure, supposedly guarded by swarms of bees. Local legend says the druids supposedly regarded it as a sacred site and a place of judgement. The hill fort is known to locals as 'the pimple' or 'the nipple'.
Youngsters from neighbouring areas and council estates such as Bettws often walk to the top of Twmbarlwm and back home on Good Friday, as a sort of tradition amongst friends and youngsters in the community.
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Striders Walking Group
Photographs taken by Mo Baker and Carol Elliott
Black Mountains
The most easterly peaks in the Brecon Beacons are the Black Mountains where you'll find tiny villages and churches set in a rolling green landscape of picturesque hills and valleys. Don't mistake the area for the Black Mountain however; the Black Mountain (singular) is a spectacular wilderness environment in its own right, but the Black Mountains (plural) are a little less demanding for the laid-back walker.
The Black Mountains have long narrow valleys and isolated farms reminiscent of Bruce Chatwin's novel On the Black Hill, which was based in the Crasswell area near Hay Bluff. The mountains rise above 2000ft. If you don't want to climb the highest, Waun Fach, you can walk instead along the long, heath-covered ridges that cross the area - all of them have wonderful views.
The Striders Walking Group walk distance is between 4 - 7 miles. "Moderate & Strenuous" (we aim for a brisker walk)
The Striders Walking Group leave Woodstock Way car park every Tuesday at 9-15am for our organised walkBlack Mountains website link: www.walking.visitwales.com
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Cosmeston June 2009
The country park has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, some 46ha being designated a S.S.S.I (Site of Special Scientific Interest) protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Cosmeston
Photographs taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow
Cosmeston offers a fine introduction into the countryside and is open all year round. The park has been designed to enable people of all abilities to discover and enjoy the countryside found within the Vale of Glamorgan.
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The Park is also home to Cosmeston Medieval Village which is a Heritage Project that is unique in Britain. The reconstructed 14th Century village is on it's original site and consists of medieval buildings, gardens, rare breeds and a small museum. Tours of the village are by costumed villagers. Special events take place throughout the year such as jousting, medieval combat, archery, crafts, Halloween events and Summer Festivals.
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Park History
Cosmeston lakes country park had its origins with the advent of limestone quarrying in the early 1890s. The quarrying ceased in 1970 and this saw one of the quarry sites being used for landfill. Underground springs flooded parts of the quarried area creating lakes. The quarry spoil areas were landscaped and together with the lakes form the main features of the park which we can see today giving access to over of 100 hectares of woodland, calcareous grassland and wetlands.Website link: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/living/environment
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The Mynydd Machen Walk
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Mynydd Machen
Photographs by Rosemary BrownAn energetic but extremely rewarding walk in the Welsh hills, where steep beech woodlands merge into panoramic hilltops. A mixture of short road sections, footpaths and bridleways, generally free of mud and with few stiles, there are however, several steep climbs, one of them lengthy.
website link: www.walkingworld.com
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THE CAPEL NEWYDD and REDBROOK WALKS
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the CAPEL NEWYDD and REDBROOK WALKS
Photographs By Ann Taylor-Heard
The Capel Newydd walk took place on the 10th March and although the sun was out it was bitterly cold. The Redbrook walk took place on the 31st March. It was a two part walk with a picnic at Newlands Church in the Forest of Dean.
U3A website Walkers Page May 2009
Subject: walkers' trip - Avebury*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Avebury
Walkers article and photo's by Adrian and Glenice Dallow
On the Avebury trip there were two walks arranged - one led by Aid & myself for the Stragglers - our photos are for this walk obviously. Wendy (White) led the walk for the Strollers/Striders, a longer walk of 7 miles with a picnic. We went back to the Red Lion for our pub lunch.BACKGROUND
This internationally renowned stone circle, a World Heritage Site, partly encompasses the pretty village of Avebury. Many of the stones were re-erected in the 1930s by the archaeologist Alexander Keiller, who uncovered the true wonder of one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. You can picnic amongst the stones and explore this intriguing and mysterious landscape, then discover the story of the people who created it. The Barn Gallery and the Stables Gallery house the museum, exhibiting many of the fascinating finds from all the local excavations. The Barn Gallery has many exciting interactive displays to bring the area to life and children can take part in a range of activities in the crafts area. Another layer of history is provided by the buildings themselves: the dovecote is 16th-century, while the thatched threshing barn and stables are 17th-century. Nearby, the gentle rise of Windmill Hill, once the site of an important neolithic settlement, has several well-preserved Bronze Age burial mounds and boasts commanding views. West of Avebury, the Iron Age earthwork of Oldbury Castle crowns Cherhill Down, along with the conspicuous Lansdowne Monument. With the spectacular folds of Calstone Coombes, this area of open downland provides wonderful walking.
Website link: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Great Barnetts Wood Walk - 12th May 2009
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Great Barnetts Wood
Photographs taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow
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On the last Monday in April, Malvern U3A brought a coach of their walkers to join with us for a walk around Caldicot Castle Country Park, which was followed by a meal and refreshments at The Old Tippling Philosopher, a good time was had by all.
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Malvern U3A and the Walkers Group walk around Caldicot Castle Country Park
Photographs taken by Adrian Dallow*Please click "here" to access Photographs and Walks of Caldicot Castle Countrypark
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The Sculpture Trail forest of Dean with the Stragglers group
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Sculpture Trail forest of Dean
photo: Iron Road' twenty carved jarrah wood sleepers on the disused railway line relates the industrial past of the forest
Many thanks to Photo's by Adrian and Glennis Dallow for providing the fantastic
photographs for this slideshowThe Forest of Dean is one of the most ancient and beautiful woodland areas in the country, with a fascinating history. The Sculpture Trail is a fantastic way of exploring the area as well as to gain an understanding of its industrial past.
Previously an area of mine-workings, the forest has been transformed by sculptures made by international artists, including David Nash, Cornelia Parker, Ian Hamilton-Finlay and Neville Gabie.
The artworks provide a unique encounter with site-specific sculpture in a wonderful forest environment. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust also host temporary events on the Trail, alongside commissioning new sculptures and working with communities.
website link: www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk
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Severn Bridge Walk
31st March 2009
The stragglers walked the Severn Bridge today, across eastbound, over the top of the toll booths for a welcome break at the services then home again westbound.*please click the images below to access a larger photos of the Stragglers visit to the Severn Bridge
Photograph taken by Norma Shreeve
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Photographs taken by Adrian Dallow
Lovely day for it not that wind we have had recently and the tide was in and we even saw a boat passing underneath. Like a lot of kids we also waved to a train as it passed beneath us and got a long toot on the whistle in return.
The Severn Bridge was opened in 1966 to replace the ferry service crossing from Aust to Beachley. The new bridge provided a direct link for the M4 motorway into Wales.
The Severn Bridge has now carried more than 300,000,000 vehicles since it was opened in 1966. Between 1980 and 1990 traffic flows increased by 63% and there were severe congestion problems in the summer and at peak times each day. Further increases in traffic flows were expected in the years ahead. The problems encountered on the Severn Bridge were made worse by the occasional high winds, accidents and breakdowns. It is for these reasons that the Second Severn Crossing was constructed as without it congestion would become more serious and frequent on the M4, M5 and the local road network.
In 1984, the Government started to study the problems and in 1986 announced its intention to build a second Crossing at English Stones, some 5km downstream of the existing Bridge. Roads were to be constructed connecting the new Crossing to the M4 on either side of the estuary and a link to the M5 near Avonmouth.
Between 1987 and 1990 further studies were undertaken to find the best location and standard for the Crossing and approach roads. A series of public exhibitions and other consultations was held and in January 1990 the route for the scheme was published.
In April 1989 four groups, which included Engineers, Contractors and Banks were invited to tender for the provision of a Second Severn Crossing. A year later the Secretary of State for Transport announced the selection of the bid led by John Laing Ltd with GTM-Entrepose to design, build and finance the Second Crossing. This Consortium was also to take-over the maintenance and operation of the existing Severn Bridge. The agreement was formally signed between the Government and Severn River Crossing plc - a Company formed by Laing and GTM with Bank of America and Barclays de Zoete Wedd in October 1990.
Before work could start, Government sought powers from parliament to enable the building of the new Crossing and approach roads by means of the Severn Bridges Bill which was introduced in parliament in November 1990. Parliament took approximately one year to consider its provisions. Royal Assent was given in 1992 to the Severn Bridges Act 1992 enabling the Concession and construction of the new Crossing to start in April 1992.
The new Crossing was opened on 5 June 1996 by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
Cwm Lickey Circular Walk
This walk highlights the iron industry of the Race area and the community that grew up around it.
*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group
visit to Cwm Lickey
photo: Edlogan Manor Info point
Photograph was taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
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Torfaen Trail – Figure of 8 Walk
This 35 mile route takes in the whole of Torfaen, from Cwmbran in the south, through Pontypool to Blaenavon in the north. It has been broken down into nine linear sections, which vary in distance from 2 miles to 9 miles. Walkers of all ages and abilities will find something to suit them, from an enjoyable stroll to the full 35 mile challenge!
This scenic walks takes in ancient woodlands; forestry; country lanes and open mountain top.
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Tintern and Brockweir Walk*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Walkers Group visit to
Tintern and Brockweir
photo: Frosty bridge
Photograph was taken by Ann Taylor-Heard
Tintern (Welsh: Tyndyrn) is a village on the west bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales, close to the border with England It is popular with tourists, who visit for the natural scenery and the ruined Tintern Abbey.
Brockweir is a small village on the eastern bank of the River Wye, within the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. A road bridge links it across the river to Monmouthshire, Wales, about a mile (1.6 km) outside the village of Tintern . The village is close to both the Offa's Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk.
The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an internationally important protected landscape straddling the border between England and Wales. It is one of the most dramatic and scenic landscape areas in southern Britain.
The River Wye (Welsh: Afon Gwy) is the fifth-longest river in the United Kingdom. The upper part of the river passes through the settlements of Rhayader, Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye, but the area designated as an AONB surrounds only the 72-mile stretch lower down the river, from just south of the city of Hereford to Chepstow.
This area covers parts of the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, and is recognised in particular for its limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodlands, as well as its wildlife, archaeological and industrial remains. It is also historically important as one of the birthplaces of the modern tourism industry. The area is predominantly rural, and many people make a living from tourism, agriculture or forestry. Ross-on-Wye is the only town within the AONB itself, but Hereford, Monmouth, Coleford and Chepstow lie just outside its boundaries.
Some of our walkers at Caldicot Castle in the snow February 2009*please click the images below to access larger photographs
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The Stragglers walking group in Sirhowy Valley, working up an appetite for their pre Christmas lunch*please click all the images below to access larger photographs
Photograph was taken by Norma Shreeve
"Away day" for U3A WalkersInstead of their usual local walks last Tuesday over 50 members of Caldicot and District U3A Walking Group boarded a coach to take them to Queenswood Country Park on the Leominster road out of Hereford.
Photo: Striders at Queenswood Country Park
At the park they were met by members of Hereford U3A who had offered to lead two walks, one of 7 to 8 miles and a shorter one of around 3 miles. The journey to Hereford had been very wet in places but both groups were able to start their walks during a drier spell.
The short walk was totally within the wooded area of the park with some of the paths being very muddy after the heavy rain.
However the walk finished up in the Arboretum where there were gravel paths and a fine view over farmland towards Hereford and the distant hills.
Photo: Strollers Stragglers at view point in Queenswood Arboretum
Members of this group then retired to a local hostelry to await the return of the others! Walkers on the longer walk went through the woodland and the countryside beyond taking time out for a picnic on route. They unfortunately were not so lucky with the weather as they had to endure a few more showers before their return to join the rest on the coach. A very enjoyable day was had by all thanks to the group convenor, Sheila Ford and the group treasurer, Pam Simpson who together organised the trip.
David Evans
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