South Solihull u3a Walking Group
SOUTH SOLIHULL U3A WALKING GROUP
INTRODUCTION
Fresh air, good exercise, an appreciation of the countryside and convivial company are the key benefits of being a member of the Walking Group.
We meet monthly, and the length of the walk varies, usually up to 5 miles, which take between 2 and 3 hrs, occasionally stretching up to 10 miles. These tend to be less frequent, and of course take longer. The length depends on the voluntary leader. Our walks are arranged on weekdays only and the date is varied so that members with fixed day commitments can participate. Walk dates are set well in advance and are advised to members through an email and also on the ssu3a website Diary page. Approximately one week before a scheduled walk, full details are emailed to all members of the Walking Group. It is not necessary to book a place on a walk or even to confirm attendance - just turn up at the starting point at the designated time.
New members have to sign a Walks Disclaimer Form before starting their first walk and the Leader or Group Coordinator will provide this. Guests who may wish to join the Walking Group or are a friend or relative of a member can come along on a walk after completing a Walks Disclaimer Form. Only people who would be eligible to join u3a are permitted.
Walks are led by members of the Group who have volunteered to lead a walk and they will have recced the walk beforehand so that they are confident of the route and the conditions that we are likely to meet. Walks are generally in the local area and the starting point will be within 10 miles of Bentley Heath, although occasionally a walk maybe a little further afield. We are fortunate to live in an area which has many designated countryside pathways.
We walk in most weathers although a walk will be cancelled if there is heavy snow or icy conditions underfoot. Group members therefore need to wear walking boots and have wet weather outer clothing when appropriate. Some members find a walking pole useful. The walk leader will not allow anyone to participate if they consider them inappropriately clad. It is also important for walkers to be aware of their own physical capabilities, and not over-stretch themselves.
Walks usually start promptly at 10:00 a.m. and so we gather 15 mins before that to get booted up, sign in and listen to any pre-walk briefing. A drinks stop is scheduled into our walks and members usually bring a flask and/or cold drink with them. On longer walks a sandwich stop or pub lunch is usually included. Refreshment suggestions are included in the email notification for each outing together with full directions to the starting point. Car sharing is encouraged. Car parking is at the owner’s risk and the u3a does not take any responsibility for any loss or damage that may occur even if the parking arrangements have been suggested by the Walking Group Coordinator.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the Diary for the details of future walks
PAST EVENTS
25th June 2024 - Lowsonford
Organised by Judith James and Kay Payne, this delightful circular walk started and finished at that popular 'watering hole', the Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford. The route wound it way through some well hidden lanes and despite being one of the hottest days so far it was blessed with lots of shady woods and always close to water. The high point (literally) was the quaint Preston Bagot church and from there we followed the Stratford canal back to Lowsonford. |
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15th DECEMBER 2023 - CHRISTMAS WALK
Organised by Richard Walton, this circular walk around the Dorridge and Packwood area took us down paths that were new to many of us.
Fortunately the extremely wet weather of early December had turned dry enough over the previous 24 hours and Richard's fears for the impassibility of some paths did not quite materialise. Everyone enjoyed a half way pause for mulled wine and mince pies thoughtfully brought along by Patricia Everson.
We returned to the Railway Inn which has undergone quite a face lift and the food is now exceptional and well recommended.
The end of a memorable walk.(Photo: Kate Batchelor)
12th SEPTEMBER 2023 - GRAND UNION CANAL
We walked from Balsall Common to Berkswell for coffee and cake at the Store and Stove (excellent), then return, taking in views of the desecration of the local countryside all in the cause of HS2.
The walk was one of the Millennium Way circular walks (No. 12 out of 44 walks).
We walked from Balsall Common to Berkswell for coffee and cake at the Store and Stove (excellent), then return, taking in views of the desecration of the local countryside all in the cause of HS2.
The walk was one of the Millennium Way circular walks (No. 12 out of 44 walks).
Heron in flight
15th MAY 2023 - GRAND UNION CANAL
15th SEPT. 2022 - WOOTTON WAWEN
This 4.5 miles long circular walk took place on a warm and sunny day. We started Wootton Wawen, then walked along the canal up to Austey Wood and back to the canal. There were 10 of us and some went for lunch at The Cow Shed café afterwards.
This 4.5 miles long circular walk took place on a warm and sunny day. We started Wootton Wawen, then walked along the canal up to Austey Wood and back to the canal. There were 10 of us and some went for lunch at The Cow Shed café afterwards.
7th FEB. 2018 - DRAYTON WATER
A walk round Drayton Water, passing Toft Alpacas
A walk round Drayton Water, passing Toft Alpacas
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TEMPLE GRAFTON
A wet walk near Temple Grafton But we saw a rainbow and the silver lining of the cloud |
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