Autumn Break in the Malverns 2019
8-12 September 2019
We arrived in Great Malvern on a sunny afternoon and were unexpectedly entertained in the nearby park by a Youth Jazz Orchestra .
Next day was overcast and we had a damp ascent to the Hills behind the Abbey hotel. We climbed to the Beacon, the highest point in Worcestshire at 1395 feet. The views to the west were good and we followed the ridge to the Geopark Visitor Centre. A kiosk selling delicious lemon-drizzle cake did a good trade. We then descended to the foot of the hill and walked to the beginning of the path to British Camp, a Neolithic hill fort. The grade 5 walkers ascended the hill in the rain while we circled back to Malvern on a lower path.
The second day was much brighter and we had an easier walk along the Geopark trail. We passed pretty cottages, sheep, churches and inspected an ancient ale house being used by a film company . The cast were being “made-up” to look rather gruesome for a horror video about “Forgiveness”, filmed in the church. We followed the trail through many apple orchards and sampled some windfalls. The walk ended in historic Ledbury from where we caught the train back to Great Malvern.
Our final day was in glorious sunshine which gave us opportunities to appreciate the fine views from the several hills which both groups climbed. The Grade 3 walkers went up to British Camp and along to Hollybush. Grade 5 ascended Obelisk hill, Whiteleaves Hill, and Chase End hill via the Eastnor Castle estate. The views of the countryside and farmland were lovely and worth the effort. After crossing a ford we all met up in an olde world country pub , and the coach then took us back to Malvern.
The Abbey Hotel staff were very nice and the meals were excellent with a wide choice on the menus.
Very many thanks to Ramblers holidays, our lovely leaders, Claire and Peter and also to David Bailey for choosing organising it.
Eve Norton
Dawn Walk 2019
7 April 2019
Mary Williams writes:
10 of us set off early for the 13th Dawn Walk. I always find it very special getting up early in the dark with the start of the dawn chorus.
We felt very lucky to come across 2 new born calves, still wet from birth, with their proud mother on guard. Nearby, where this photo was taken, was a seat presented by the EBR. This is at the start of the Thames Path back to Maidenhead via Boulters Lock.
We all went to Jenner’s cafe where they really do supply a hearty breakfast, before returning via The Guards’ Club Park.
Bowdery Arch Walk
9 December 2018
On a recent group walk led by Ann and Peter the banana-break was taken at the Bowdery Arch, below Bisham Woods. This photo shows the group, which included both long-standing and some newer EBR members, enjoying the break having first taken a few minutes to remember the Group’s founder and long-time footpath/access campaigner, Margaret Bowdery, who died in 2016.
Autumn Break in the Gower
9 – 12 September
For Zena and I, this was our first walking holiday, having joined the Ramblers at the beginning of 2018 and what a wonderful introduction to a walking holiday we had on the Gower. Fantastic views and a fabulous walks programme organised by our walk leader Simon from Secret Hills. Twenty-nine of us travelled to Llangennith and were able to choose from three different walks on each full day, with an optional short walk to Rhossilli Bay on the Sunday afternoon. We certainly appreciated the picturesque landscape, with its stunning beaches; hills colourfully covered with heather & gorse, grazing sheep and Welsh ponies, together with woodland paths and sunken byways – a relic from the days when the drovers would take the flocks and herds to market.
On the first full day, all groups had a circular walk organised from the hotel, with coach transport provided on subsequent days to take us to our various start points for a wider variety of walks. All walks were graded to length but more importantly for some of the groups, the levels of ascent were also given. The next day’s programme was discussed in detail each evening before dinner, but being a holiday we were all just happy to enjoy the area. Most of us stayed with the same walking group during the holiday with the groups appearing quite evenly split.
All groups spent some time exploring parts of the Wales coastal path, but as Simon was keen to point out, the Gower is more than the coastal path. The wide variety of countryside we explored was testimony to this. Some of the walks took in the three peaks of the local area that provided the group with magnificent views of the peninsula and beyond. We also viewed Worms Head, Oxwich Bay, Port Eynon and Rhossilli beach with the remains of the Helvetia – a ship wrecked in 1887. All the walk leaders were helpful and knowledgeable, providing their groups with an array of local information about the area and surroundings. Group A was even treated to information on dry stone walling and lichen!
Our hotel, the 17th century Kings Head Inn at Llangennith, was comfortable and provided us with a plentiful supply of good food served by friendly staff.
A great few days spent in a lovely unspoilt part of Wales. Many thanks to David Bailey, for organising this trip.
Mike Sherren
Spring Break 2018 at Sedbergh
April 30 - May 3
This year the Spring Break took place in the first week of May. The quiet little town of Sedbergh is located in the Howgills Fells, between the Lake District and the charming Yorkshire Dales. This corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers high peaks, rugged dales, quaint market towns and sweeping panoramas.
We were staying at Thorns Hall, a HF Holidays centre on the edge of the town. The Hall itself dates originally from 1535, with later additions and extensions. It retains its historic charm with wood-panelled rooms, fireplaces and a cobbled courtyard outside; it has Grade II listing. The dining hall in particular is a sympathetic and imaginative conversion of the stable wing and hayloft.
The Hall was fully booked, with 34 Ramblers looking forward to 3 days of inspiring and potentially challenging walking. We weren’t disappointed! The weather was kind to us, predominantly sunny with some light rain on one day. The HF guides, as ever, were professional and knowledgeable, taking us on some fine walks.
Each day we were offered 3 walks – option 1 was generally about 7 miles, with 400 to 500 feet of ascent; option 3 would be up to 11 miles with around 2,000 feet of ascent. Option 2 was intermediate between these. Those Ramblers who chose the easier walks enjoyed quiet river valleys and picturesque villages, while the hardier walkers climbed the rugged fells to spectacular peaks with broad vistas. Thanks to the excellent weather we were able appreciate the beauty of the Dales to the full.
Many thanks to Arthur for organising the holiday, and to all the staff at HF Sedbergh for making it so comfortable and enjoyable.
Next year we’re going to Lulworth. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Bob Pedley