Reports from Some Recent Walks
2023 July
18th July - an eleven mile walk in the Chilterns. A bit further afield but the traffic was not too bad. It was good to walk in a diifferent landscape with the chalk geology providing some undulating (some might say hilly!!) terrain with fine beech woodland and chalk grassland flowers.
2023 May
9 May - two walks today both with heavy showers.
Short walk - local walk of five miles along canal and lanes near Catherine de Barnes and Copt Heath with a route change to avoid the worst of the mud. The photos below show before, during and after the rain.
The longer walk of ten miles started at Hartshill Hayes country park. Two heavy showers on this walk and very dramatic skies as shown below.
2 May - a great walk around the Malverns of nearly 12miles with no mud. Not across the tops but slightly below the tops on lovely paths through woodland and open hillside on both east and west sides of the hills. It was still hilly and strenuous in places but lots of fairly level. It was dry but only saw glimpses of the sun in the afternoon. Lunch was at St Anns Well and later our usual stop at the CafeH20 at the Wyche cafe for tea/coffee and cake.
2023 April
4 April - A fine eleven mile walk from Alcester to Astwood Bank, Sambourne, Coughton and back along the river. Weather was glorious - hats and gloves to start but t-shirts by the end. There were some muddy patches with threats to take all our boots back to the leader's house for cleaning!!
Lunch on the green at Sambourne
2 April - a flat eight mile walk around Middleton lakes and Kingsbury Water park lakes. A cool cloudy start but sunny by the finish. So many paths around this area - only went wrong once!! We should walk here more often as so many different routes and plenty to see.
2023 February
There were a variety of walks throughout February when the weather continued to be fairly good with little rain and mud.
There was a trip to Weaver Hill on the edge of the Peak District which was an area we had not walked for a while. There was plenty of styles of stiles and some sunshine at the top of Weaver Hill.
"Styles of Stiles"
The top of Weaver Hill
There was also a dampish walk including Broadway Tower.
A lovely Sunday morning walk was led around Lapworth and Packwood.
2023 January
Good weather at the end of January led to some glorious walks with less mud as the ground dried up a bit.
There was an unusual but intersting walk around Birmingham airport which took us through the airport but also through Sheldon Country Park and Elmdon Park. Lunch was at the end of the runway in warm sunshine.
Another walk was at Loxley with more sunshine.
2022 December
Fleur De Lys Walk and Lunch- over 40 ramblers did a good 5.5.mile walk on hard frosty ground followed by lunch for all at Fleur de Lys pub. Thanks to Myra and Yvonne for arranging the walk and the lunch.
Fillongley with a new walk leader John
Walk from Leek Wootton via Warwick and Guy's Cliffe
2022 November
A wet Studley walk
2022 October
Birmingham Platinum Jubilee Trail
Alcester
2022 October - Eastbourne Weekend Report
Twenty three Solihull Ramblers have recently enjoyed a weekend in Eastbourne. We arrived shortly after lunch on the Friday and after parking up, enjoyed a walk along the sea front. After the mandatory cup of tea, some walked back to the hotel but others carried on to the Sovereign Harbour at the east end of Eastbourne before turning back, having covered a total of about 6 miles. On the Saturday we drove a short distance to the Seven Sisters Visitors Centre and followed the Vanguard Way to the coast where we enjoyed spectacular views of the Seven Sisters limestone cliffs, made all the better as there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We then climbed to Seaford Head on the coast and down to the town of Seaford itself where some of us went for a drink whilst others carried on along the seafront for another couple of miles or so. Later we all met up in Seaford where some walked back to the start point where our cars were, whilst others caught the bus. Those who did the entire walk covered the best part of 10 miles.
On Sunday we again travelled a short distance, this time to Burling Gap on the coast just west of Eastbourne. We did a 7 mile walk, initially through fields and then back along the coast following the South Downs Way over Beachy Head where there were splendid views of the sea from the top of the limestone cliffs, again without a cloud in the sky. We even had a close look at a coastguard helicopter which was grounded on Beachy Head due to a cracked windscreen. At the end of the walk several of us enjoyed another cup of tea and a cake at the National Trust cafe before returning to our hotel.
On behalf of everyone who attended, I must say a very sincere thanks to Nick and Val who organised what was a very successful weekend.
2022 September
Photos from some of the September walks
Lowsonford
Shustoke
Warwick Area
2022 9th August Mount St Bernards Abbey
This walk started from the monastery, up to Calvary, then out into the Leicestershire countryside. Surprising to find craggy hilltops and great views in an area we rarely go. The biggest surprise was Bardon Hill and the enormous Bardon quarry. Bardon Hill is the highest point in Leicestershire and volcanic rock from the bottom of the quarry is used for roads and building foundations. When we returned to the monastery several walkers could not resist buying the Trappist ale brewed by the monks on site.
2022 6th August Copt Heath Circular
Starting from our usual car sharing meeting point at Lady Byron Lane there was a six mile walk. This went to Copt Heath wharf, then up to Henwood Farm, along the old County Road which is no longer passable to vehicles. Along the River Blythe, then back to the canal. It was a varied walk in fine weather.
2022 4th August The Bull!!
This was not an organised walk or even a walk (except from the station) but a number of ramblers went that day to see the bull in Centenary Square. Members of one the WhatsApp groups were posting photos of the bull from various angles.
2nd August Henley-in-Arden
A figure of eight walk based around Henley-in-Arden. In the morning a 5.5mile walk to the east of Henley. This was undulating but gave some fine views. Those doing the afternoon had lunch in Henley in the churchyard, at a cafe or at a pub then did another 5.5 mile walk to the west of Henley. The needs of those who like short walks and those who like longer walks were met. Both walks were taken from the Millennium Way website where there is a wealth of circular walks to try.
2022 5th July Rosliston
Another fine day for a walk around the National Forest starting from Rosliston car park where there were all the required facilities - toilets and cafe and also a three sided sculpture reminding us of the mining that used to happen in this area. This was a new area to most of the walkers as we do not often walk in this area. We walked through Botany Bay but saw no penguins in the wood or even any sea.
2022 7th June Habberley/Arley and Bewdley
A fine day for this 12.5mile walk. Starting at Habberley Nature Reserve, with some choosing to climb to the top of the rocky outcrop, we then walked to Trimpley Reservoir past the Rock House which featured in Grand Designs. Then on to Arley for another stop, before walking along the River Severn to Bewdley for icecream or beer. Then a gentle plod up hill back to the Nature Reserve.
2022 24th May - Oxford - led by Phil Stephenson
A great walk of eleven miles but it was mainly flat and easy walking. It was magical walking through buttercup filled water meadows in the sun, not quite so great in the hail and the rain but we soon dried out. We started near Botley interchange at the park and ride walking across water meadows to Willow Walk, along the river arriving in the centre of Oxford near Christchurch. After admiring the buildings of Christchurch, it was back to the river. We then continued to Oxford High Street then to the Bodleian, a short visit to the Natural History Museum, past Keble College, across the Penrose paving and through the maths building. (Note: more mathematical explanations of the Penrose paving are available). Then it was back to the river across Port Meadow for more than a mile where we encountered hail and rain. It had been an airfield in the First World War. Lunch stop was opposite the Trout Inn (as seen in Inspector Morse) in a lovely community orchard. Then up to Wytham and through Great Wytham Wood for which permits were required but our leaders had them. This woodland recently appeared on BBC News item as there is a lot of research done there.
This was a great walk which seemed a long way to go but it was less then an hour on the motorway as the M40 was having a good day. Lots of interesting information given and I am so glad I went. Some of us want to go back and explore more.
2022 22 May Knowle Walk - led by Nick H
On a fine Sunday morning Nick led a group of sixteen on a four mile walk along some little known paths from Knowle to the canal at the Kings Arms. There was a short rest in a beautiful meadow full of buttercups. More yellow flowers with irises by the canal.
2022 Sheila's 14 mile walk from Great Witley 10 May
A bit of history - Sheila was a founder member of Solihull Ramblers and the secretary for 35 years. She led many walks over the years and shortly before she passed away she gave our Chair a map of walks she had led in the Great Witley area, particularly mentioning a 14 mile walk. From the map and other records several walks were identified and that Sheila had led the 14 mile walk in 1999.
On 10th May Viv led the 14mile walk from Great Witley. Starting with a long uphill slog (not steep or difficult) up Woodbury Hill through bluebells and trees with fresh green growth. Through Birch Berrow, passed a disused quarry and then along the Worcestershire Way following a ridge with spectacluar views to the west where we stopped for coffee. Then down to Martley through an "olive grove" (a farm with a large stock of potted olive trees of various ages). In the village centre there was an information point on geology and local walks with leaflets available. Lunch (with a dinosaur and geological specimens) was at another delightful spot with seating. At not even half way through the walk, the pace picked up after lunch as we walked north from Martley along lanes, across fields, orchards with blossom and through the backyards of a tomato nursery to reach Little Witley with a short break at the church. The last leg of the walk took us across to Nutnell Pool (see below). A weary and warm group of eleven arrived back at the car park at about 4.20.
"It was a beautiful walk with stunning views and scenery most of the way round but have never been so glad to see my car, especially in the heat"
2021 Walks
There have been plenty of group walks since 29th March but too busy walking to produce a report?
Can you help? If you have been on a recent walk with us would you like to do a short report and possibly a photo?
17th August 2021
This was a walk with a difference as it included a history lesson or two as we visited some very well tended sites
- the German War Cemetery
- the Commonwealth War Cemetery
- the Katyn Memorial
Cannock Chase is not far from centres of population but it feels very remote when walking through the Chase with its many footpaths.
13th July 2021
Led by Heather - shorter walk at the Lickey Hills. Seven walkers enjoyed a lovely walk in great weather.
Led by Martyn - longer walk from Bromyard Downs. Again lovely weather and some fine black and white buildings in Brockhampton.
6th May Forhill to the Lickeys
Led by Viv
A ten mile walk from Forhill Picnic place along the North Worcestershire path to the Lickey Hills with coffee stop at the church in Cofton Hackett. A short steep climb up to the top of the Lickeys, round the back through the woods where there were plenty of bluebells. Then back across the fields to join the canal for a pleasant walk and then back up to the car park. The weather was very kind with some great views.
2020 Walks
After a wet and muddy start to the year we then went into lockdown with no walks from late March until early July. Solihull Ramblers were up and running with organised walks within a few days of restrictions being lifted.
In the 3-month period from July to September there have been:
- 31 walks of 5 miles or below
- 17 walks of 5 to 10 miles
- 5 walks longer than 10 miles - all within this last month.
Thanks to all the walk leaders who have led these walks often putting on extra walks at a few days notice to cope with demand.
29th September 2020 Around Alcester
Led by Brian and Helen
A great walk in good weather!!
21st July Boasting That They Can Still Walk Hills!!
Temple Balsall and Eastcote Tuesday 7th July 2020
Led by Viv
A few months with no reports so it is great to be able to put on a report from a group led walk.
It was a local seven mile walk starting from Lady Byron Lane, along the canal to Knowle, then along road and path to Spingfield House, across the fields towards Barston, then along the river and the old county road up to Eastcote. Finishing by crossing fields and river again back to cross the canal near where we had started. The walkers seemed pleased to get out again. It was good to have different people to talk to and meet up with "old" friends.
This photo shows our coffee stop but it was taken on the recce. No sheep blocking the bridge on the day of the walk. 
Knowle Sunday 15th March
Led by Julie
A grey, drizzly day did not deter 13 walkers and they were rewarded with what turned out to be quite a strenuous but satisfying 5-mile walk in the muddy conditions. Even the fishermen along the canal were cocooned in their concentration.
Rowney Green Tuesday 10th March
Led by: Craig
The weather was kind to us on this walk. No rain and the visibility was excellent throughout with views of the Malverns and the Abberleys to the south and Clent and Waseley Hills to the north. Of course there was some mud but nothing compared with some recent experiences and the gentle hills added to the enjoyment. Watching the racehorses on the gallops (preparing for Cheltenham?) added to the interest.
Pooley Country Park Tuesday 10th March 2020
Led by Tony
A figure of eight walk from Pooley Country Park which is on an old coal mine and the photo below is a reminder of the industrial heritage. Again the planned walk had had to be changed due to recent flooding. The first loop took us through the park and over the fields towards Statfold Barn Railway. Not much to see other than the track but for interesting events throughout the year see their website. It was then back to the Country Park for lunch to sit by the cafe which unfortunately was closed until April. Then a short walk to Polesworth along the canal, around the flood relief channel and back. The weather was kind to us as we saw a glimpse of the sun and only a few raindrops.
Fillongley Sunday 8th March
Led by: Brian
A six mile walk round the lanes and fields near Fillonley with some fine views in the sunshine.
Hatton Area Tuesday 3rd March
Led by: Sally
A walk from Hatton with reasonable weather and some mud.
Malverns Tuesday 25th February
Led by Stuart W
In the leader's own words "Good visibility on the Malverns enticed 15 people out for a bracing walk without having to wade through muddy fields”
A strenuous 13mile walk was promised and we were not disappointed. We had rain, sun and a strong wind but little mud.
Studley Tuesday 25th February
Led by Chris M
This was short walk of five miles from Studley where there was lots more mud than on the Malverns
Bromyard Downs Tuesday 11th February
Led by Martyn
This was a new area for many people. It was a cold windy day with some sunshine and some snow flurries but a good walk of nine and a half miles. Starting along the Downs, across fields to Bromyard for a lunch stop and then back to the Downs.
Wellesbourne Tuesday 4th February
Led by Mike J
Another fairly muddy walk with a lunch stop at the churchyard in Wasperton and a welcome pub near the end of the walk. A mixture of filds, track and roads finishing with a section following the River Dene. A dry day but not warm.
Tanworth Sunday 2nd February
Led by: Derek
There was definitely a hint of spring in the air for Derek’s walk from Tanworth which may well have encouraged the 20 walkers to turnout, despite Derek’s warning about the muddy conditions. These were safely negotiated and the occasional paddle in a stream meant that we finished up without too much mud on our boots. An enjoyable Sunday morning outing!
Broadway Tuesday 28th January
Led by Stuart W
A great day of sunshine and blue sky in the Cotswolds attracted 31 walkers to a 9 mile walk around Broadway despite a few muddy sections from the previous day’s rain.
Stratford-on-Avon Tuesday 21st January
Led by Margaret L
This was nearly 8 miles around Stratford with very little mud. It started well in the car park by the river with swans and sunshine. In Shottery many of us saw our first lambs of the winter. Before lunch in the Pen and Parchment we walked along the canal than a stroll back along the river after lunch.
Kenilworth Sunday 19th January
Led by: Bill B
An eight mile figure of eight walk around Kenilworth, A brilliant sunny day with some frost.
Hanbury Tuesday 7th January
Led by: Brian and Helen
The weather promised to be mild and dry but it was rather damp, not very warm and a bit miserable but that did not stop 28 walkers enjoying a long walk visiting Hanbury Hall and Hanbury church. The view from Hanbury church was disappointing but we could see what a fine view it could be - we'll have to go back on a sunny day.
Lowsonford Saturday 4th January
Led by: Les
On this lovely sunny day over thirty walkers came out to do the first walk of the year with many retiring to the Fleur de Lys at the end of the six and half mile walk.
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2019 walks
Local Ramble New Year's Eve
Led by Viv
Twenty six walkers enjoyed a walk from Lady Byron Lane along the canal, towards Temple Balsall, then towards Barston, along the river and then a rather muddy county road, to Eastcote and back to the start. Although very local many of the walkers had not been on some of the paths. It was a welcome relief from the eating and drinking of the season and the last walk of the year.
Hampton-in-Arden Saturday 28th December
Led by Viv
Twenty four walkers turned out for a walk arounf Hampton-in-Arden. There was some mud but also some dry lane walking - good to get out for a breath of fresh air and no rain.
What a difference a week makes - this view on the recce a week before.
This view on the day of the walk - field still avoided as would be waterlogged.
Lowsonford Tuesday 17th December
Led by Les
A record turn out? Forty four walkers turned up at the Fleur-de-Lys in Lowsonford for an early start and thirty three booked lunch. It was a good walk without too much mud mainly along canal paths and lanes before a well earned good lunch. It did not rain as had been forecast but a bit of sun would have been welcome.
Newland Bishops Farm Tuesday 10th December
Led by Richard
This walk is becoming an annual event - walking from Lady Byron Lane to Hampton-in-Arden for coffee and then to Catherine-de-Barnes for lunch at Newland Bishops Farm. It was a grey day with some rain but a great social occasion in the run-up to Christmas. We were well fed at Newland Bishops and made to feel very welcome before a short walk back to Lady Byron Lane.
Full of Enthusiasm for the After Lunch Stretch?!?
Lowsonford area - Saturday 7th December
Led by Sarah and Andy
The ladies of the village were busy setting up for the Christmas Fayre when we arrived at the Village Hall car park and we were happy to make a small contribution to their nominated charity. There were fine views on a clear sunny day, the going was good despite all the recent rain and 13 walkers enjoyed a pleasant morning’s walk.
Coughton Area Tuesday 3rd December
Led by Myra and Yvonne
The forecast of fine weather attracted over 30 walkers. Lots of interest including the infant Heart of England Forest and the highlight of the walk - the Kinwarton Dovecote! A great walk for a winter’s day.
Dodford Saturday 30th November
Led by Brian and Helen
A cold and frosty start but the promised fog had disappeared by the time we reached the start and the sun shone all day. There was woodland, lane and field walking with plenty of mud but it was a great day for a walk and a history lesson on the Chartists.
Stratford and the Welcombe Hills Tuesday 19 November
Led by Jill and Jean
This last minute replacement was a good walk along the canal around the Welcombe Hills and into Stratford for lunch. The rain kept away but the sun could have made more effort.
Shustoke, Saturday 2 November 2019
Led by Colin O
The weather forecast was misleading. The grey, rainy start changed to sunny spells and the revised route avoided the worst of the puddles - an easy, varied and enjoyable morning walk.
Canada Geese on a grey Shustoke Reservoir
Amble from Mamble - Tuesday 29th October 2019
Led by Viv
This was a great eleven mile walk done in good weather. Neen Sollars churchyard for coffee, and Cleobury Mortimer for lunch. We should walk in this area more often.
Staunton Harold Reservoir - Tuesday 22nd October 2019
Led by Brian and Helen
A great walk starting along by the reservoir over to Calke Abbey park and to Melbourne for lunch stop. Great weather and autumn colours just beginning.
Pershore - Tuesday 15th October 2019
Led by Jean and Jill
At the start of the walk in the car park by the river at Eckington Bridge, the Avon was flowing strongly and was forecast to rise with the possibility of flooding the car park. Decisive action by our walk leaders relocated the start to Pershore (where we were scheduled to have lunch), rerouted the walk and changed the lunch stop and ensured that 24 walkers enjoyed an excellent day’s walking with the added bonus of a choice of cafes for tea in Pershore at the end of the walk! A great day out all round! Just one detour in Pershore because of high river levels.
Solihull Building Stones Trail 14 October 2019
Led by Ray Pratt, Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group (WMCG)
The walk was sub-titled ‘Take a look at Solihull through new eyes” and attracted 16 walkers drawn from Solihull ramblers and WMCG. We were encouraged not just to look but to examine carefully a wide range of materials from the oldest building (St Alphege Church) to the newest buildings in Touchwood. The diversity of materials is remarkable. By the end of the walk we were confidently distinguishing between igneous and metamorphic, marble and basalt etc. It was indeed an eye-opener. Thanks to Ray for a fascinating walk and for providing informative answers to the many questions.
Baddesley Clinton to Pinley Green Tuesday 8th October
Led by Mike and Bob
Mixed weather on this walk
Babbs Mill 6th October 2019
Led by Sheila
A four mile walk in fine weather as shown here.
Tanworth-in-Arden 5th Ocotber 2019
Led by Les
Starting in this pretty village this was a seven mile walk with no rain and not too much mud, walking through undulating fields and woodland. There were horses who tried to eat their way into our rucksacks as we negotiated a tricky footbridge. We saw a sheepdog rounding the sheep but there were some stragglers left behind. Some of the group also spotted some deer in the wood. We also found a plant in the hedgerow we could not name at the time but was most likely a young Spindle tree (Common spindle: Euonymus europaeus) with a good load of autumn berries (poisonous!).
Badby 25th September 2019
Led by Brian
A brief afternoon shower and lovely view toward Charwelton Hill.
Despite a dismal weather forecast the day turned out well with only a few showers. Some lovely walking in the gently undulating South Northants countryside and distinctive villages, with only one recently ploughed field to navigate (a sign of things to come) and still tasty blackberries in the hedgerows. We finished with a complete contrast with an exploration of Badby Woods.
Avoncroft and Tardebigge 7th September 2019
Led by Sheila
A 9.5 mile Saturday walk visiting some strange properties - who lives here?
Lickey, Waseley and Clent Hills Tuesday 3rd September 2019
Led by Viv
This 13 mile walk was promised to be hilly and it did not disappoint. Starting from the car park at Lickey Hills Visitor Centre we covered Bilberry Hill, Beacon Hill, Waseley Hill, Windmill Hill, Walton Hill, Calcott Hill, Romsley Hill, back to Beacon Hill then down and then gently up again back to the car park. There were some superb views during the morning as we walked across the Lickey and Waseley Hills. Later on it clouded over but the views were still good despite some haziness. A varied walk with woodland, a beautiful private garden, open hills and fields.
Abberley Hills and Rock. Tuesday 27 August 2019
Led by: Adam
We were warned It was only nine and half miles but it would feel much more and it was a hilly walk with indistinct paths in places. Despite these warnings 22 of us started and finished the walk. We started with a climb to the Abberley ridge and a beautiful walk along the ridge through the trees followed by a deep descent where many of us were glad we had brought our poles. The walk continued to be hilly or undulating with little on the flat, stopping near Worsley House for lunch with a visit to Rock church in the afternoon. We also faced some interesting and challenging stiles. A great walk on a very warm day.
Shropshire Hills, Tuesday, 20 August 2019
Led by: Tony
Perfect weather conditions for this fairly hilly walk with two climbs, one quite steep near the start up Ragleth Hilll helped by some good steps and the other a long gradual climb to the Long Mynd ridge where we stopped for lunch. There was some good easy walking along the ridge with superb views in all directions. The decent was gradual, rocky in parts, back to Church Stretton where there was plenty of time for relaxation and chat in the garden of the Kings Arms. A great day's walking with the added interest of the company of the reporter and cameraman from Central ITV and a drone overhead for a short while on the Long Mynd taking arial views. We looked foward to seeing the results on TV, and available here.
Elmdon Park, 15 August 2019
Led by: Maureen
This was a lovely walk on a fine late-ish summer’s evening with lots of interesting information from Maureen about the history of the park and its various features and anecdotes from other walkers.
Elmdon Park lake, 8pm
Broadway Tower
Led by: Jean
A ten to eleven mile walk starting from Dovers Hill car park with fine weather and superb views. We walked through the Sub Edge villages then up to Broadway Tower which is 1.25 miles of steady climb and a hard slog but we were rewarded with a lunch stop at the top.
Welford Figure of Eight 6th August 2019
Led by: Martyn
An eleven mile walk in two parts - both starting from the Wharf Inn in Welford. The morning was over the fields to Sibbertoft and back via Sulby reservoir. There was a history lesson or two as we crossed the fields where the Royalists and Parlimentarians fought in 1645. Back to lunch at the Wharf where it poured with rain but we were indoors. After being fed and watered well we did a shorter circuit along the canal and back across the fields where we encountered a couple of heavy showers but returned to the cars in sunshine.
Studley and Morton Bagot 4 August 2019
Led by: Brian F
An eight mile circular walk from Studley to Morton Bagot and back. This was across the fields to Studley church and over pleasant countryside to Morton Bagot where lunch was eaten in the churchyard. With some reluctance this tranquil setting was left behind to walk back to Studley a different way, passing Studley Castle which we had seen earlier from the hills above.
Yoxall to Alrewas 23 July 2019
Led by: Sally
The day started well with coffee available from the very helpful staff at the Golden Cup pub in Yoxall where we were allowed to park. The name Alrewas is derived from Old English meaning "alluvial land growing with alder trees” and much of the walk was along the food plain of the Trent which was ideal for on the hottest day of the year so far (up to 32degrees C and humid!!!). Lunch for some of us was in the enormous, shaded graveyard of Alrewas parish church and the return leg provided some shade for regular drinks stops. Sally and Jill chose a suitable path through the always tricky rapeseed crop and we all managed to negotiate a swaying footbridge which was hanging on grimly to (hopefully) the last days of its existence. A lovely 11-mile walk enjoyed by the 28 walkers.
Alvechurch 21 July 2019
Led by: Les
We were blessed with perfect weather for this varied walk with fine views to the north (with the Longbridge factory prominent on the horizon!) and a stop for lunch overlooking Upper Bittell reservoir with the sailors preparing their boats for the racing. A walk along the canal and then through lanes and park completed the circuit.
Toddington-Broadway-Stanton 16 July 2019
Led by: Richard
The walk started in style with a steam train ride from Toddington to Broadway where we had a carriage just for us.
It was then a nine mile walk mainly along the Cotswolds Way back to Toddington. It was a long gradual climb from Broadway station but the views were worth it. Then it was along the top before walking down to Stanton and then Stanway - two lovely Cotswold villages. As it was a very warm day the ice creams at Toddington station were very popular.
Bidford 13 July 2019.
Led by: Les
A fine nine mile walk along the River Avon and through fields with four stops instead of the usual two. There was another coffee stop at Bidford Gliding & Flying Club with excellent Eccles cakes and a visit to the Cottage of Content at Barton-on-Avon.
Hampton Loade 9 July 2019
Led by: Mike and Bob
A lovely ten mile walk from Hampton Loade through the Dudmaston estate and countryside to the east of the River Severn. Overgrown in places but there were secataurs on the walk. A butter cross was on the verge. This remote one is believed to have been a place where food such as butter was left during the Black Death.
Meriden 5 July 2019
Led by: Brian
A slightly elastic four-mile walk enjoyed by 22 walkers. Hay-making is starting to make walking a little easier in some parts, although the brambles are still rampant in hedges and woods. A rather rusty ancient tractor loading bales of hay excited some interest among the specialists!
Bourton on the Water 2 July 2019
Led by: Jean and Jill
A great 11 mile walk from Bourton on the Water to Naunton. Just after Lower Slaughter a couple appeared to join us who were a little lost . They were Tom and Joanne from Connecticut on holiday, and in the Cotswolds for a couple of days. They gladly accepted our invitation to join us all the way back to Bourton on the Water. They were thrilled by the group and how friendly we were, seeing more in the walk than they thought and not falling out as they didn't get lost! A bonus for me and Jean not losing anyone, but gaining two.
Hatton 2 July 2019
Led by: Louise
A lovely walk of about 5 miles in the wonderful Warwickshire countryside on a fine summer’s day with the golden splashes of barley, the dark green of the closely-planted, waist-high broad beans, the lighter coloured oats almost to the same height and the ripening rape flopping over but fortunately not over our path. We paused for a break at the ancient church of St Michael’s in Budbrooke, the regimental church of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment with a number of white stone memorials and 12 cast metal crosses. To add to the interest, Louise provided us with some snippets of information on various features along the way.
Staunton Harold 29 June 2019
Led by : Brian and Helen
A select group of walkers enjoyed this varied figure-of-eight walk on the warmest day of the year so far. There were no sailing boats on the reservoir - no wind, although by the afternoon there was a refreshing breeze and some good sailing. The walking was easy through the National Trust’s Calke Abbey estate, where the car park was rapidly filling, and through parts of the National Forest with some good views to the north over Derbyshire. After lunch at Melbourne Hall, the return was through fields of ripening wheat and barley, and then through pastures with Belted Galloways and Highland Cattle which showed no interest in us at all!
Wenlock Edge 25 June 2019
Led by: Brian and Helen
It was raining cats and dogs when we woke up, when we set off for Much Wenlock and when we started the walk but 12 gallant (or foolhardy?) walkers decided to brave the elements and by the end of the lunch stop in early afternoon we were well on the way to drying out! We were fortunate that the two lovely, simple churches (Hughley and Easthope) where we stopped for a break' both had porches. The walk was full of contrasts with some challenging walking through waist-high crops and long grass but also some lengthy stretches of easy walking. By the afternoon the clouds were clearing to give some good views of the surrounding hills.
Priors Marston 18 June 2019
Led by : Brian and Helen
Nearly ten miles in an area we do not often venture. Priors Marston is a small village in south east Warwickshire only six miles from Daventry. This was an undulating walk with some pretty villages. Brian had even arranged for the bells to start ringing at our coffee stop in the churchyard at Hellidon.
Around Oxenden Hill 4th June 2019
Led by: Richard
A new walk around this hill to the east of Tewkesbury followed by a good lunch in the pub in Gotherington. A good walk but not everybody enjoyed the cows and bullocks. Although rain was forecast we were very lucky as it did not start until we were in the pub.
Unspoilt Greece - May 2019
For reports on the recent holiday to Greece by a group of 28 Solihull ramblers see Greek Ramblings.
Lawley, Dorrington and Hoar Edge, 14th May 2019
Led by: Martyn
Superb weather again for a great walk. A stiff climb not far from the start with coffee stop and fine views at the top. The afternoon was a different challenge along little used footpaths with poor waymarking.
Shrawley Area, 7th May 2019
Led by: Euan and Nancy
This beautiful nine mile walk to see the bluebells is becoming an annual event. It is not just the bluebells but also the fresh green growth in the woods.
