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 December 2023
– January 2024

BM GOC, London WC1N 3XX

Email: [email protected] Affiliated to The Ramblers, The British Caving
Web: www.goc.org.uk Association, Cycling UK, and the Youth Hostels
Association.

Contents
 4 Who’s Who

 5 Newsdesk

 6 Weekend & Longer

Events

 9 Out and About

Cover Design: Peter van der Walt

Please send your copy for the February

2024 issue to Peter Blackburn; email
[email protected] , by Monday 8th
January 2024, and please have your
events online by then so that they will
appear in that issue’s Out & About diary.
© GOC November 2023

‘Gay Outdoor Club’ and ‘GOC’ refer to Gay Outdoor Club Ltd, a
company registered by guarantee in England & Wales number
08020133, Registered Charity number 1,158,873.
Printed by Newman Thomson, 1 Jubilee Road,
Victoria Industrial Estate, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL

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 ?
Chairman
Who’s
Who
Secretary
Alex Barr
email: [email protected]
For all general enquiries

Treasurer
Jim Cornwell Roger Sheldon
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
For all questions about club policy, For expense claims and questions about the
publicity, insurance and safety. club’s finances.

Group Liaison Web Manager

To be appointed Martin Gilbraith
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Contact for GOC group coordinators and Manages the website and the club’s IT
associated clubs. resources.

Marketing Women’s Representative

Edward Voelcker Al Evans, email: [email protected]
email: [email protected] Promotes and encourages the participation
Contact for strategic planning, of women in the activities of the club.
marketing and publicity.

Membership Secretary Member Engagement

Kevin German, 38 Sunnyhurst Park, To be appointed
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 2HR. Works to improve the way that the club
email: [email protected] communicates with its members.
For changes of address and newsletter
delivery problems. Diversity and Inclusion
Gabby Giuffre;
Magazine Editor email: [email protected]
Peter Blackburn Works to promote diversity and inclusion
email: [email protected] within GOC.
For 'Outdoors' articles, reports & diary.
* Not a trustee; all others are trustees of
Cover Design & Advertising GOC.
* Peter van der Walt
email: [email protected]
Graphic design for ‘Outdoors’ covers and
other GOC publications and ‘Outdoors’
advertising sales.

Archivist
* SimonBalll
email: [email protected]

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Comments from the Chair I am delighted to hear that Group
With Christmas approaching and the Coordinators are planning their 50th
Club moving towards its 50th Anniversary celebrations. Mine will
Anniversary year, may I take this start on Sunday 31st December at the
opportunity to wish all our members top of Glastonbury Tor, when I will be
every happiness for the festive season. joining the Somerset Group.
In October, the Gay Outdoor Club Our Secretary, Alex Barr has been busy
board held a meeting at the University completing the Club's revised Articles
of Northampton. The location was of Association to reflect the agreed
selected so we could look at the wording in the Objects section. He has
facilities being offered for our Annual also reviewed and updated our Health
Outdoor Gathering in 2024. Both Aaron & Safety Policy. A big ‘Thank You’ to
Speed and Martyn Cook are working him for all the hard work he has
hard to ensure it will be a great success. undertaken. In the meantime, please
As part of the 50th Anniversary keep a look out for the Club's redesign
celebrations, the board approved a self- website refresh, which is almost
identifying concessionary rate for complete.
attending the AOG in 2024. So those on And finally, another appeal. The board
low wages, students, recipients of has several vacancies. We need
universal credit, those who receive members to consider taking up these
pension credit together with anyone positions. If you have the time, and are
struggling financially, can apply under willing to offer your services to the
the scheme 'Pay What You Can' Club, we would love to hear from you.
The board also approved, as part of the All the best!
celebrations, this concessionary rate for Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair
renewal of website membership for
2024, under the same criteria. This
decision was taken after careful
consideration and being mindful that
personal finances are currently being
stretched.

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 Weekend & Longer Events February—April 2024
Fri 16 Feb - Mon 19 Feb going up high. We have booked eleven
Gardens, History & Culture, places at Rattgen Youth Hostel, IV40
Lincolnshire, North East, 8HP, which is on the shores of Loch
Transpennine Gardens - Wakefield Duich, with stunning views of the Five
Rhubarb Festival and Harlow Carr. Join Sisters of Kintail opposite. The
us for this annual celebration of rhubarb photographs on the Adventure Out
and a trip to Harlow Carr. The festival webpage show The Saddle, South Shiel
runs for the entire weekend. You can Ridge and the Five Sisters of Kintail.
find more details on the Gardens’ People intending to take part in this
Group’s webpage, together with event should read GOC's
information on the Rhubarb Triangle. document Safety on the Hills. The
As well as attending events at the eleven places we have booked are in
festival, we hope to organise a tour of a two 4‑bed rooms and one 3‑bed room.
local forcing shed. However, the The cost for three nights’
growers are not taking bookings until accommodation including breakfasts is
January. If this is of interest, please let £90 per person. Please book on the the
me know. More details will be added as website using the form provided. If the
they become available. Each trek event is showing as fully booked then
around the festival will involve around we can add more places to our booking,
two miles of easy town walking. Please if available. Alternatively, you are free
meet for a prompt 10:00 start outside to make your own booking directly
the main entrance to Wakefield with the SYHA, but please let us know
Cathedral, WF1 1HG. Look out for the if you do this. Please note that we make
GOC logo! The event contact is Neil on no profit on this type of event. The GOC
07808 502 527. Grid ref: SE 333 208 price is the cost price of the food and
accommodation only. If the event is
Fri 29 March - Mon 01 April under subscribed, GOC can make a loss.
Adventure Out, Scotland Easter in Glen If you need to cancel your booking, we
Shiel. This will be a long weekend of hill can only offer you a refund if the event
walking in Glen Shiel which offers some is fully subscribed and someone else
fantastic hill walking with many can take your place. The relevant OS
Munros and Corbetts accessible, map is Landranger 33. Harveys also
including the Five Sisters of Kintail, The produce maps which cover the area.
Saddle and The South Shiel Ridge, There is ample parking at the Youth
which are all within easy reach. The Hostel. There is also a Scottish Citylink
area also offers low‑level and coastal bus service from Inverness which stops
walking if the weather is not suitable for at Shiel Bridge. The hostel is about a
6
mile down the single‑track road. On the around 20°C, pleasantly warm and
Friday, please do not arrive before 16:00. sunny but not tediously hot. Rain is a
As stated above, breakfasts are included possibility and you should bring
in the costs. Breakfast will comprise of waterproofs (that’s why the island is
porridge and cereals, bacon, eggs, toast green) but we’ve never had a day
and marmalade, tea and coffee. Dinners completely written off. More than one
and lunches are not included, but there wet day is unlucky! As last year, the trip
is usually enough bread and butter is timed to coincide with a trip planned
provided for people to make their by Cycleout, a London-based group that
sandwiches. We will probably eat at a has a number of GOC members, and
local hotel on one evening, and we may there will be organised cycling for a
club together to provide a communal range of abilities. It will facilitate things
meal on one of the other evenings. The if cyclists book via Cycleout. Please
event contact is David Archer on 07890 contact me if you need details. Bike hire
874 726. Grid ref: NG 920 199 can be arranged via Cycleout, or you
can DIY. Walking is up to the walkers to
Sat 20 April - Sat 27 April
organise, making use of buses, trains
Adventure Out, Cycling, Events and taxis, or perhaps hiring a car. There
Abroad Mallorca Spring 2024 - walking is no formal walking programme, but
and cycling. Mallorca is a Spanish island see https://www.seemallorca.com/
in the Mediterranean, offering walking/guide and published guide-
everything a cyclist or walker may wish books. For everyone, there is the historic
for. There are beaches along the south centre of Palma and its cathedral, the
coast, mountains plunging into the sea quaint port town of Sóller accessible by
along the north coast, and a central narrow gauge railway, and also rustic
plateau with isolated hills bearing traditional towns and villages in the
castles and monasteries which are open centre of the island. There is even a
to visitors. The mountains are green all sauna! Our 3* hotel is in Ca’n Pastilla,
year round, and in Spring there are lots just to the east of Palma and at the end
of flowers. The sea may still be a bit of the wide, sandy Palma Bay, and a
bracing though. The trip is notionally short bus ride from the airport and city
Saturday 20 April to Sunday 28 April, centre. It’s a resort with all the facilities
with activities happening from the you might expect, but a long way from
Sunday to Saturday within this. the infamous party spots of Palma Nova
However, the discount code is valid for and Magaluf, and quite genteel. Tourists
the whole of April, so you are welcome are more likely to be from elsewhere in
to arrive early, but there will be nothing Europe rather than from the UK. If you
formally organised. You are also have any questions, please contact John
welcome to stay later. In late April, Heathcote, the trip coordinator, via the
daytime temperatures are typically link on the website.

7
In short, this trip offers opportunities Mallorca Palma (code PMI) is served by
for city tourism, walks ranging from scheduled airlines from many places.
easy to mountainous walks, and cycle The hotel is a short bus ride from the
rides from 30 miles to 100 miles. To airport. We recommend that you book
book, please select “Book Event” on the half-board with the hotel (breakfast and
Events Abroad group’s webpage in dinner). Lunch is readily available at
order to join the attendance list. Then many cafés across the island. Breakfast
send me a message, and I will e-mail to and dinner are both buffet-style and
you within a day or so with the booking cater for a range of dietary requirements
details and the discount code which will and appetites, although we are not sure
give you 10% off the cost of the hotel. about vegan. Please contact the hotel
You then book and pay the hotel directly if you are concerned. The event
directly. What dates and type of room is contact is John Heathcote on +44 7857
your choice. We usually go for pool- 897 989 during the event. Before the
view rooms as the other side of the event, please contact him by e-mail if
hotel can be sun-less by day and noisy you can.
at night. The website messaging system
Fri 26 April - Mon 29 April
can be used to facilitate room-sharing
should you wish, but GOC takes no South Wales, West Wales,
responsibility for this. The hotel is the Women Aberystwyth - West Wales
Hotel Helios, Mallorca, postcode 07610. Spring Weekend Away. For 2024, our
Please see https:// Spring Weekend Away will be based in
www.hoteleshelios.com/en/helios- Aberystwyth. In addition to a
mallorca-hotel-apartamentos/ The hotel programme of walks, there will be
operates ‘dynamic pricing’, which plenty to do for anyone wanting to
means that prices are likely to go up come on the weekend but not join in the
closer to the date of your stay. In walks. Further details will be posted on
previous years, the hotel has been the website shortly. The event contact is
completely full at times, so don’t leave Al on 07791 408 184.
your booking too late. Prices in £ are Important Announcement!
also affected by exchange rate In order to keep this issue down to forty
fluctuations. You are free to choose your pages, which saves the club hundreds of
room type and booking/cancellation pounds in additional postal charges,
offer. You will need to arrange we have omitted the Regular Events
appropriate travel insurance and get a and Associated Clubs pages. They will
GHIC if you don’t have a valid EHIC. be restored to their usual places in our
Entry rules to the EU are changing - next issue!
check https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu- Peter, Editor
switzerland-norway-iceland-
liechtenstein .
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 Fri 01 Dec - Sun 03 Dec
Adventure Out, Scotland,
Transpennine Transpennine Christmas
Weekend at Malham. The joint
Transpennine/Scotland Christmas meet
this year will be in the Pennine village of
Malham, famous for its Cove and
nearby Goredale Scar. We will be based
at Malham Youth Hostel Annexe,
Pennine Way, Malham, Skipton, BD23
4DB, of which we will have exclusive
use. The hostel is near the centre of the
village and has its own parking area.
There is also limited on‑street parking in
December 2023 – January 2024
the village. On the Friday, please do not
arrive at the hostel before 16:00. The
Advance booking for GOC events is price quoted below includes breakfasts
only required for events for which on Saturday and Sunday mornings, plus
numbers are limited, or events which
pre-dinner drinks on Saturday evening
have to be paid for. However, if you
plan to attend an event, it will help the and a dinner on the Saturday night
event organiser considerably if you (including drinks). Walks will be
indicate your intention by using the arranged for both Saturday and Sunday.
‘Join’ button on the website. There is plenty of attractive walking on
the surrounding hills and farmland
For many events, lifts to/from the event, directly from the hostel without us
or collection from train stations can be needing to drive anywhere. Walks of
organised via the comments at the various difficulties will be organised to
bottom of the event listing on the fit in with the group and the prevailing
website, or by using the ‘Contact Event
weather conditions. The cost for
Organiser’ form, which you will also
two nights’ accommodation, breakfasts
find on the website.
on Saturday and Sunday mornings and
a meal on Saturday night is £75 per
person. The hostel has three twin rooms,
More details of these events may be on
the website now. There you can also four 4‑bedded rooms and two 6‑bedded
contact the event organiser, view the rooms, which will be allocated on a first
meeting point and indicate your come, first served basis. To making an
intention to attend. online booking, fill in the booking form
See www.goc.org.uk on the website with the number of
tickets you want, and the names of all

9
the people you are buying tickets for. will be communal tea and coffee plus
Fill in your credit or debit card details there is usually enough bread and
and click on the "Book" button (blue). butter supplied for people to make their
Payment will be taken immediately and sandwiches. We have budgeted to buy
you will be returned to the booking a selection of wines and beers for
form (now blank again) where you will consumption over the weekend, but
find a confirmation message saying: you may want to supplement this with
"Thank you for your booking. You shall your own supplies. The event contact is
receive an e-mail containing your Dave Archer on 07890 874 726. Grid
tickets shortly. You can also view your ref: SD 901 629
bookings on the Events I'm attending
Sat 02 December
page." You will find ‘Events I'm
attending’ on the left of the screen on Cambridgeshire Fowlmere,
your ‘My GOC’ page. You will also Cambridgeshire. Please note that this
receive an email confirmation. If you event will be on Saturday rather than
don't receive it within an hour, please our usual Sunday! Our December
check your spam folder. Please note Christmas celebration will consist of an
that we make no profit on this type of easy 3‑mile walk from Fowlmere,
event; we aim just to cover the cost of followed by a meal at The Chequers, for
the accommodation and food. If the which you need to book via Colin
event is under-subscribed, we can make Atkinson by 6th November 2023. Those
a loss. If you need to cancel your who wish to do the walk, please meet
booking, we can only offer you a refund for a prompt 11:00 start at The
if the event is fully subscribed Chequers car park, High Street,
and someone else can take your place. Fowlmere, SG8 7SR where parking is
OS 1:50,000 Landranger sheet 98 covers available. The walk is on good paths
this area. The nearest train station is which may be muddy in places. If you
Gargrave http:// do not wish to do the walk, the table for
www.nationalrail.co.uk/default.aspx . lunch is booked for 13:00. We will be
Please say if you need a lift or collection having a pub lunch which must be
from a railway station. Breakfasts for booked beforehand. The cost of the
Saturday and Sunday mornings and an meal is £31.90 (£29 plus 10% service
evening meal Saturday night are in charge) for two courses or £38.50 (£35
included in the price quoted above. plus 10% service charge) for three
Breakfast will comprise porridge, courses. Please see a separate mailshot
cereal, toast, jams and marmalade, which details how to book your place
bacon and eggs. There are a couple of at the table. The event contact is Colin
pubs that serve food in the village for Atkinson on 07952 824 426, and the
Friday night. You should bring your walk leader will be Roger Orpin on
own food for lunches, although there 07813 360 456. Grid ref: TL 422 459
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Sun 03 December West Kent Pembury short circular walk
South Wales, West Wales, and Christmas carvery lunch. West
Women Christmas Lunch at The Kent's popular annual Christmas lunch
Plough, Rhosmaen. In order to secure walk. A 3‑mile morning walk will be
exclusive use of The Plough’s upstairs followed by a carvery lunch. For
Penmean Room, we have made an early anyone who hasn't attended
group booking for Christmas lunch. previously, you won't be disappointed!
Two courses will cost £26, three courses This is pre-booked event only! To
will cost £32. Details of the menu are on secure a place, a £5 deposit per person
the group’s webpage. Please don't send is required no later than Friday 27th
your food order now, I will ask for it October 2023. Please note that numbers
nearer the time, but please book your for the meal are limited. Therefore, it
place now and make payment in full, may be necessary to close bookings for
which will make it easier for everyone. this event before the date shown above.
If anyone has a problem with paying in On the day, please bring a change of
full now, please contact Al. If you can't footwear and trousers, to avoid taking
decide at the moment if you want two mud into the pub/restaurant. Please
or three courses, please pay for two. note that if you are attending the lunch,
The extra £6 can be paid when I give you will booked on to the event once
the pre-order of food in early you have paid the deposit. If you are
November. If you are booking for not attending the meal, but only the
another member as well as yourself, morning walk, you do not need to
complete the box on the booking form book, just turn up on the day. The walk
below to say, "myself and others" and is a short and easy, on well-defined
insert the other name(s) in the paths although they may be muddy in
drop‑down box, so that everyone's places. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
profile will be shown. However, if you start at Pembury village green, for
are bringing a guest, (who is most which the nearest postcode is TN2 4PH,
welcome to join us,) then complete for our short circular walk. At 12:30, this
"myself" and buy two tickets. You will be followed by our annual
should then place the guest’s name in Christmas carvery lunch at The Black
the comment box. We will meet at 12:45 Horse in Pembury. Please note the
at The Plough, Rhosmaen, near earlier time for the meal this year,
Llandeilo, SA19 6NP, where we have a which therefore requires an earlier
table booked for lunch at 13:00, and start for the walk. The cost of the
there is free customer parking. The carvery will be at least £20 per person
event contact is Al on 07791 408 184. (This is based on 2022 prices but we
will confirm the actual price nearer the
time.) Drinks and starters are extra, but
you may visit the carvery as often as
11
you wish. However, the price does are a couple of village pubs not far from
include a dessert. To secure a place a £5 the carpark that should offer some
deposit per person is required by the refreshment. Please meet for a prompt
date given above. Please email 11:00 start at Brinklow Village Car Park,
[email protected], or call Colin on Barr Lane, Brinklow. The nearest
07719 691 929. Nearer the date, please postcode is CV23 0LU. Please bring a
refer to the GOC website entry for this packed lunch and something to drink.
event for any last-minute changes/ The event contact is Chris T on 07837
information. Limited free parking is 149 375. Grid ref: SP 434 795
available on one side of the village
Tue 05 December
green, or park considerately in nearby
residential side roads. There is no train Devon Social Event: Devon GOC goes
station in Pembury, the nearest stations ten-pin bowling again! This will be a
are in Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells. If fun, relaxing 10‑pin bowling session at
you are attending the lunchtime meal, The Hollywood Bowl in Torquay.
you are advised to have a small Please meet at 11:00 at Burridge's Café,
breakfast! The event contact is Colin 8 Victoria Parade, Torquay
Turner. Beforehand, please contact via Harbourside, TW1 2BB. As we are due
WhatsApp, email or the GOC website. to start bowling at 12:00, this will give
On the day, please call, not text, on time for people to arrive for coffee and
07719 691 929. Grid ref: TQ 625 407 a chat and give people who may be
delayed an hour’s window, so that we
Western Midlands King's Newnham, can all arrive at the Bowl together.
Road, Rail and Canal in Warwickshire. Alternatively, meet at the Bowl,
Today’s easy to moderate 8‑mile route Torwood Street, Torquay, TQ1 1DZ at
will see us walking alongside the around 12:00. The cost for three games
Oxford Canal, by the West Coast rail is approximately £11 per person;
line and across the Fosse Way. It’s a payment to be made at the venue on the
mixed route involving some roadside day. Shoes can be given out on the day
sections, fields and footpaths. As we’ll but if people wear soft‑soled shoes they
not be gaining height of any are acceptable on the lanes. Food and
significance, views will be pleasant drink are available at the venue on the
rather than impressive. We’ll have a day for those who want it. This is all
chance to see the remains of both a about having fun and all abilities are
Norman motte‑and-bailey castle and a welcome so please do come along!
parish church. Unless there is a hard Several fee‑paying car parks are
frost on the day, there are sure to be available in Torquay. The event contact
some muddy stretches. Please ensure is Neil Hough on 07857 866 642.
you’re suited and booted for the Grid ref: SX 921 635
weather and terrain. Afterwards, there

12
Fri 08 December Devon Christmas Lunch. Mike is
History & Culture, South kindly organising another Christmas
Midlands Cinderella at Chipping Lunch for Devon GOC. We will be
Norton Theatre. The theatre in Chippy returning to The Palace Hotel in
is famous for its annual pantomime. Paignton. Full details and booking
This year it’s Cinderella! The Theatre forms will be available from Mike on
says “In the small town of Santa Maria our next group walk, or you can contact
de las Orejas de Soplillo (St Maria with him directly on 01752 335 839 and he
the sticky out ears) lives a beautiful, will send you a copy. If it is easier by
kind and very frustrated young email, please contact Roy who will send
woman. Cinderella dreams of a new a booking form and a copy of the menu
life, away from her dreary chores and to you. Please note that reservations can
her awful stepmother. But what’s the only be made by sending a booking
use of dreaming?” 8th December 19:00 form and cheque to Mike and not by
is one of the adult‑only nights when booking on the GOC website. Merry
under 18s are banned from attending. Christmas!! We will meet from 12:00 at
Mark and I will be sitting in seats B1 & The Palace Hotel, Paignton, TQ4 6BG,
B2 in the balcony, should you wish to where parking is available. Please make
sit near us. Please book directly with your menu choices when booking.
the theatre at Contact on the day: Mike Flack 07786
theatrechippingnortontheatre.com . 871 141 Grid ref: SX 892 609
Please meet at 18:00 in The Chequers Hertfordshire St Albans street food.
Pub on the corner of Goddards Lane This is a 9.5‑mile circular walk in a
and Spring Street for pre‑theatre drinks slightly green suburban environment.
with members of Gays in the Main features: St Albans' idea of slums
Cotswolds. The theatre is located at (ostentatious mansions, Victoriana,
Spring Street, Chipping Norton OX7 Edwardiana, Taylor semis and ultra-
5NL. The show starts at 19:00. There is modern Eco-Euro re-builds), a walk
free parking in the Market Place. The through one of the deepest dykes in
event contact is Paul A. on 07891 584 England, a memorial stump, an ancient
461. Grid ref: SP 313 273 woodland, and a railway, but the
primary objective of enjoying hot street
Sat 09 December
food from St Albans City Market at
Berkshire and Mid Thames, lunchtime. Depending on how much
Oxford Our Christmas Walk, scheduled time we want to spend in St Albans,
for Saturday 9th December has been there is also the possibility of some
cancelled. It has been replaced by a new night-time walking. Please note the
event on Sunday 10th December. You earlier than usual start time and the
will find the details on page 15. post-lunch meeting point and time.

13
At the time of our recce in December are likely to be at the southern edge,
2022, street food cuisine included around all sides of the Clock Tower. In
Greek, Spanish (paella), Pakistani the middle of the market there will
(kebab), Peruvian, Brazilian, Chinese, probably be a bakery stall, https://
Nepalese, Italian (pizza), Lebanese www.brownbreadbakery.co.uk/. A link
(kebab), Jamaican/West Indian, to a map of the market's likely
American/burgers, fresh fruit (and veg), arrangement appears in the meeting
breads, cakes, pastries, coffee. Based on point section on the event webpage.
the prices at the time, budget around Remember that food items from market
£10 per portion of hot food. Please wear stalls are generally bulkier than stuff
sturdy boots and dress for the weather, bought from supermarkets, and far less
including windproofs as part of the conveniently packaged. Prepare for
route is exposed. Although much of the spills and crumbs in your rucksack.
walk is on pavement, the off-road route Please remember that this is an urban
includes grass and track, with muddy walk. Toilets are available at the start
stretches. Please bring something to point, at around 1hr 30min into the
drink and something to sit on, a packed walk, at 2hr 10min into the walk
lunch if you do not intend to buy street (lunchtime), and at the end of the walk.
food, and a torch. Although the timing Al fresco opportunities are very limited!
of the route is set to fit within daylight confined to only two patches after
hours, we reserve the right to spend lunch, and even those are adjacent to
more time than allotted for St Albans well‑walked paths. At the end of the
Market and delay the post-lunch walk there will be an optional pub
meeting time. Sunset will be at 15:51. crawl, with three pubs to choose from.
Civil twilight will end at 16:31. The first We will be walking mainly on firm, flat
half of the route rises from 86m to surfaces. There are two sets of upward
123m, an imperceptible incline. The steps (one of which is quite long), some
second half of the route goes downhill mud and one short, steep gradient.
quickly to the River Ver, from 123m to There are no stiles. Please meet for a
86m, then goes uphill almost as quickly, very prompt 10:45 start at the car park
back to 123m. In addition, there are for the Spencer Playing Fields,
steps to climb and, in the dyke, one Sandridge, where there is free parking.
very steep slope featuring slippery The nearest postcode is AL4 9DB.
mud. When we arrive at St Albans On‑street parking is also available
market, on its northern edge there will nearby, on House Lane. After lunch,
probably be up to two street‑food stalls meet for a very prompt 14:00 start at
and a cheese stall (which is well worth a Romeland, near St Albans Abbey; grid
visit for provisions, if not food-on-the- ref: TL 144 071. The nearest railway
go). The majority of street food choices station is St Albans City. Bus route 357

14
goes directly from the railway station to contact is Ben on 07951 001 676. You
the Green Man Pub, Sandridge. It is may call the hotel on 01633 837 700.
then a 3‑minute walk to our starting Grid ref: ST 311 880
point. The event contact is Martin on
Sun 10 December
07947 035 000. Grid ref: TL 167 104
Berkshire and Mid Thames,
South Wales, West Wales Christmas Oxford Christmas walk and meal. This
Social. This year's Christmas Social will is a very easy, flat 3‑mile Christmas
be held on Saturday 9th December 2023 walk along the Thames Footpath to its
at Mercure Hotel, Chartist Tower, junction with the Kennet Canal. We will
Upper Dock Street, Newport, NP20 then walk along the canal towards
1DW. Arrival Christmas cocktail and Reading and visit Reading Abbey ruins.
three course festive lunch served in the After the walk we will have our
hotel restaurant on the third floor. The Christmas lunch. Please meet for a
hotel is giving us a discounted rate of prompt 10:30 start in the car park at
£32.50 per person (normally £37.50 per Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading,
person). Meet for pre-dinner drinks where there is plenty of parking space.
from midday. (The bar is next to the The nearest postcode is RG4 8DN. In
restaurant and will be open earlier). addition, Reading is well served by
Individual complimentary cocktails will both rail and buses. After the walk, we
be served as people arrive and can be will have our Christmas lunch at the
enjoyed on the bar's third-floor terrace. Harvester Mansion House in Prospect
Lunch will be served at 13:00, and we Park in Reading at 13:00. Please see the
have been asked to vacate the menu at https://www.harvester.co.uk/
restaurant by 17:00, as there is another content/dam/harvester/pdf/2023/
private event booked in. However, the christmas/har-festive-unpriced.pdf A
hotel will set up a pop-up bar in the 3‑course meal is priced at £21.49. Two
Events Lounge on the second floor for courses cost £18.49. By the time this is
us to use from 17:00 onwards. You will published, you should have already
find the menu on the event webpage. submitted your menu choices and a
The Mercure Hotel is located in Chartist £5.00 deposit, but if you wish to see if
Tower, the largest building in Newport. you can be added, or for any other
This is near Debenhams (now closed) in enquiry, the event contact is Simon
the Friars Walk Shopping Centre, Scaddan on 07854 743 829. Grid ref: SU
around seven minutes' walk from 719 744
Newport train station, and close to
Newport Bus Station. In addition, there
are several car parks around the city
centre. There are numerous trains and
buses to and from Newport. The event

15
Dorset, Women Jurassic Coast: Herston minutes’ walk from Lincoln Travel
to Durlston. An easy 5‑mile stroll along Hub, just south of the City Centre.
the cliffs of the spectacular Jurassic Please bring a packed lunch and
Coast to Durlston Castle, returning something to drink. There will be a
through the country park. There are lunch stop after about five miles. The
two climbs. Please meet for a prompt event contact is John Stones on 07500
10:00 start in Marsh Way, Swanage, 738 962. on the day. Grid ref: SK 978 699
BH19 2TE, where free parking is South Midlands Christmas Event. This
available. This is best accessed from the year's Christmas event is a moderately
A351 road from Corfe Castle to easy 5.4‑mile walk starting and ending
Swanage. On entering Swanage, turn in Stow‑on‑the‑Wold, followed by
sharp right at Herston Cross (between Christmas Lunch. Although organised
the Globe pub and the Golden Bengal by the South Midlands group, all
Curry House) into Bell Street. Marsh members are welcome. This is the same
Way is a right turn at the top of the hill. walk as last year but in the other
The walk is bus accessible (Purbeck direction, so we will have a completely
Breezer 40 between Poole and new view but we cannot promise the
Swanage). Please bring something to snow! Heading east out of Stow, we
drink and possibly a packed lunch. will descend to Broadwell before
We'll stop enroute to explore Durlston turning south to Upper Oddington. We
Castle where you can picnic or enjoy then turn back West through
the Café (01929 421 111). Our leader Maugersbury to Stow. We will be
invites everyone back for a Xmas Tea in walking mostly on field paths and quiet
Herston at the walk’s end. If you would lanes which may be muddy in places.
like to join us for tea only, please In addition, there are a few stiles and a
contact our leader Chris on 07986 839 short distance on a fairly quiet B‑road.
707. Grid ref: SZ 017 786 Please meet in the visitors’ car park,
Lincolnshire, Women Open spaces adjoining the Tesco car park, which is
south of Lincoln. A 7‑mile walk free. Leave the A429 as if heading to
exploring open spaces south of Lincoln. Tesco. At the first roundabout, turn
Please meet at 10:45 for a prompt 11:00 right and continue to the far right-hand
start in the cul‑de‑sac section of South corner. Please avoid parking in the
Park, LN5 8ES where kerbside parking actual Tesco car park, GL54 1AJ. Our
is available opposite or near to Christmas Lunch, which is scheduled
Eastholme Care Home. At the time of for 14:30, will be at The Bell,
posting this, there were no parking Maugesbury Road, Stow on the Wold,
restrictions, but please check the GL54 1AD. Non walkers are welcome.
signage and comply with any Please note that parking in the square,
requirements. South Park is fifteen within the town itself, has a time limit

16
on it and the public car park in Park lovely Sussex town of Hurstpierpoint.
Street is pay-and-display. On‑street We will start in Little Clayton village to
parking is generally free but very ascend the 150 metres to the top of
scarce. On Sundays there is no public Wolstonbury Hill. From here you can
transport to Stow. If you need a lift, see the Devil's Dyke, the sea, Brighton,
please reach out to fellow attendees. much of the South Downs, and north
Please bring something to drink on the across the Weald to the North Downs.
walk. At our Christmas lunch, there is Burial sites, an Iron Age fort, and many
an option of a full Christmas roast Saxon artefacts have been found here.
turkey for £21.50 a head, followed by We will then descend and the rest of the
Christmas pudding for £7.50 a head. An route is relatively level. At
alternative menu will also be on offer. Hurstpierpoint we may pause to
Please see the link on the event admire the St Lawrence Church before
webpage. Booking is essential to avoid returning to Clayton. (There is also the
disappointment as places will be option of a shorter 3.5‑mile route taking
limited. To secure your place, use the in Wolstonbury Hill but missing out
booking system on the event webpage Hurstpierpoint. The walk leader can
to pay your £10 non-refundable provide a map of how to return to the
deposit. You can include your menu start point. For anyone wanting
choices in the 'Additional Information' refreshments at the end the walk, we
box when making your booking, or by will finish very close to the agreeable
sending a message to the Event Jack & Jill Inn. Please bring a packed
Organiser, John Goom. Please inform lunch and something to drink. Please
the organisers asap if you wish to wear clothes appropriate for the
cancel so we can offer your place to weather and terrain. Parts of the route
others. The closing date for deposits can get very muddy in places if it has
and menu selections is 28th November rained. Dogs are welcome if kept on
2023. Please note that drinks are to be leads whenever near livestock, on roads
ordered and paid for at the bar. The or if requested by the walk leader.
event contact and organiser is John There is one moderate ascent. Please
Goom on 07813 939 787. An alternative meet for a prompt 10.30 start from the
contact is John Hambleton on 07855 950 free Clayton Recreation Ground car
655. Grid ref: SP 191261 park. The nearest postcode is BN6 9PJ.
Sussex Wolstonbury Hill and There are buses from Brighton.
Hurstpierpoint. This is a moderate Hassocks station is one mile away. If
7.5‑mile walk, taking in the spectacular you want a lift, please post a message in
views and fresh air from the top of the comment box on the website, or
Wolstonbury Hill, just north of message the walk leader, Steve Hayes,
Brighton, and passing through the on 07976 438 963, who is also the event
contact. Grid ref: TQ301 139
17
Tue 12 December and to consider joining as a member
North East, Transpennine Tuesday themselves. We start each online social
Trekking: A Christmas Walk, followed with a quick round of introductions. If
by lunch at the Fox and Hounds, you have something in particular that
Bramhope. Join us for our Christmas you would like to share or ask, this is
Tuesday Trek around Otley Chevin your chance to let others know what
followed by lunch. We will leave from that is. Then we spend most of our time
the pub car park for an easy 5.5‑mile mingling and chatting informally, in
walk around Otley Chevin. We'll just small breakout groups if there are
make this up as we go along, but we all many of us. We close each session by
know it well enough not to get lost. We gathering all together again to hear
return to the Fox and Hounds where I something of what we all shared or
will book a table for 14:00 once we enjoyed during the session. Our Zoom
know numbers, so it is important that meeting room is accessible on a
you indicate your intention to attend. computer, tablet or smartphone via an
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at app, or with more limited functionality
the car park, Fox and Hounds, Church via your browser or you can even dial-
Hill, Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, in by telephone. See our member-only
LS16 9AX (Tel: 01132 842 448). As usual, page: How to use Zoom. To join the
we will stop for a drink and a mid‑walk GOC Online group and receive updates
snack, so please bring these with you. of news and events, please go to My
The event contact is Simon who may be preferences and include Online in your
contacted via the website. selection of groups. If you are not
already a member of GOC, please Join
Online Welcome Social. Are you us! To receive an automated email
interested to meet or socialise online reminder of our online socials 24 hours
with other GOC members from the in advance, with the link to follow the
comfort of your home, and help to next day, please email
welcome newcomers to GOC and [email protected] and ask to have your
encourage them to join us? Join us for address added to the calendar invite. ==
our new Online Welcome Social in Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
Zoom, on the second Tuesday of every scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
month from 19:00 to 20:00, starting Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
from June 2023. This is an opportunity into your browser: https://
for new and experienced GOC us06web.zoom.us/j/89593878113?
members to connect with each other, pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ
and with newcomers to GOC who book KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
from our new GOC Meetup group. For join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387
these newcomers it is an opportunity to 8113 Passcode: 324840
meet GOC and some of our members,
18
Somerset Ilchester, Somerset. Enjoy a lift, please post a notice in the
pre-Christmas stroll in the charming Discussion Forum, which you’ll find
farmland with long views around below the Book Event section of this
Ilchester and along the River Yeo. This event’s notice on the GOC website. Car
is a 4‑mile stroll on level lanes and share is a good option to help members
paths, with a few stiles to without transport enjoy our walks,
negotiate. Ilchester has a rich medieval reduce vehicle parking at the meeting
history and was a notable settlement in place, and reduce the travel miles. In
Somerset with county-town status in the tradition of the U3A, the passenger
the 12th and 13th centuries. Come for should give the driver a pound coin on
the fresh air, stay for Christmas lunch at each journey. It keeps things cordial!
Nuova Italia - see event below! If you’re Please bring something to drink and
planning to attend, please promote possibly a snack for a brief stop on the
interest in Somerset walks by booking walk. If you would also like to join the
online. Members are more likely to group for Christmas lunch at Nuova
show up if they can see others on the Italia, Ilchester, please see the event
Attendees list. Booking is easy. Go to below! Grid ref: ST 520 224.
the foot of the event page and click Somerset Ilchester, Somerset -
‘Book Event’. This also helps with the Christmas Lunch. Enjoy more of
prospect of car sharing. Please meet for medieval Ilchester. Follow your
a prompt 11:00 start in West Street, pleasant walk around the Ilchester
Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8NQ, just lanes and the River Yeo with a delicious
beyond its junction with Pill Bridge lunch at Nuova Italia. See the menu in
Lane, where there is ample space for the gallery on the group’s webpage.
on‑street parking. Follow the B3151 into The Christmas menu will be up shortly.
Ilchester. This is the main road through Follow your lunch with gift shopping at
the town. You'll be coming in on either Just Maria (flowers, furniture and
Northover (from the north) or Church vintage clothing). You must book as an
Street (from the south). Turn off the attendee at the foot of this page to
B3151 into the High Street where the ensure a place at the table. If you’re on
through road's name changes from the walk, please see the details given
Northover to Church Street. This above. If not, please come directly to
junction is the market place by the Nuova Italia, Church Street, Ilchester
Town Hall. Look out for The Bull Inn. BA22 8LN at 12:30. All other details are
The town hall is next door. West Street the same as for the event above. Grid
is a continuation of High Street. Buses ref: ST 522 226
Nos. 77 (Yeovil/Wells) and 54 (Yeovil to
Taunton) serve Ilchester. The nearest
railway stations are Castle Cary and
Yeovil. If you need a lift or can offer a
19
Wed 13 December Paid‑for parking is available at various
Devon Dawlish Circular. This easy car parks in the town. Dawlish is well
6‑mile walk will begin from outside connected on the rail network, with
Dawlish Railway station. From there regular services from Exeter and
we will walk past the excellent new Newton Abbot. We will stop for lunch
Dawlish sea wall and continue onward at Dawlish Warren where there are
along the wall past Coastguard several cafés. Alternatively, bring a
Cottages through to Dawlish Warren. packed lunch and plenty to drink. The
(Please be aware that high tide at event contact is Neil Hough on 07857
Dawlish is at 11:00 on that day so we 866 642. Grid ref: SX 963 766
may need to either wave‑dodge, or if West Wales, Women Penllergare
the weather is stormy, we will walk Woods; a shorter midweek walk.
along the top road as the waves crash Penlleragre woods has so much
into the walls at high tide.) We will interesting history attached to it, and
have a coffee stop at Teign Bean Cafe has been described as a secret, and
and continue into Dawlish Warren with magical place. For more information,
its array of caravan parks. We then turn please follow the link on the West
north along a path that takes us to the Wales group webpage. This will be a
Exeter Road. Once crossed, we join 4.5‑mile walk exploring the woods. A
Secmaton Lane, which leads us to the few years ago, we had an evening tour
back of the town. We will then turn led by one of the volunteers, and it was
north up the hill and a footpath onto surprising how many people hadn't
high ground with fine views of the been there before. On that occasion
countryside and the coastline. Finally, there wasn't much time to explore the
we will head down Badlake Hill into whole area so this is our opportunity.
Dawlish, returning to the centre for Although the walking is mainly easy,
another coffee stop! Please note that the there is some uneven ground, and it
paths can be muddy after rain, can be muddy in places. There are two
so please wear appropriate footwear. lakes and a wonderful waterfall, all
Although the terrain is generally easy, looked after by volunteers who do a
there are some short steep hills. Please fabulous job maintaining them. It is
meet for a prompt 11:00 start outside hoped the new café will be open by
Dawlish Railway station, EX7 9PJ. Free then so we can enjoy a cuppa and cake
parking is available on the street, and at the end of the walk. Please meet for a
in the small free car park at the junction prompt 10:30 start in the car park of
of Coronation Road and West Cliff Park Penllergare Woods. The entrance is on
Drive, Dawlish, EX7 9EL. From here it the A48, just off M4 Junction 47. Look
is around twenty minutes’ walk to the out for the small sign on the A48
start point outside Dawlish Station. pointing you to the car park. The

20
parking charge is £2 for all day, with all but you might want to bring something
the money going to future maintenance to eat and drink on the walk. There are
and restoration of the woods. Please shops nearby where you should be able
bring something to drink and a snack to buy something. The event leaders are
or a packed lunch. We will have a stop Noel and Adam, but you can contact
on route and a café stop at the end. At David on 07890 874 726 for basic
present, the new café just sells teacakes, information. Grid ref: NT 263 727
scones and other cakes, so I will check Dorset, Solent, Wiltshire,
nearer the time if it is going to sell Gloucestershire and North
things like sandwiches, and I will Somerset Salisbury to Clarendon
update the webpage it if is. The event Palace. A 6.5‑mile there‑and‑back trip
contact is Al on 07791 408 184. Grid ref: (with some small alterations) leaving
SS 623 991 Salisbury and heading north to the
Sun 17 December ruins of Clarendon Palace. This was
Adventure Out, Scotland Edinburgh once the biggest medieval deer park in
Christmas Social Get‑Together. Starting England and a major royal palace until
with morning coffee and mince pies, we 1600. It was here that King Henry II had
will undertake a 6.5‑mile walk though his public, disastrous and irreconcilable
Edinburgh's parkland. We will meet split with Thomas a Becket, which led
for coffee and mince pies at Noel and to the latter’s murder. Now it is
Adam's house. This will be followed by guarded by llamas and if one is lucky,
a walk around the nearby parks of perhaps one could see the famous
Edinburgh. This will be a fairly easy two‑headed llama as seen in Doctor
walk, mainly on paved surfaces, but Dolittle and sung about by Dickie
there could be some muddy sections Attenborough "You have never seen
and some short climbs and descents, anything like it" Honest! We will be
depending on the route. Please meet at walking on good, well-made paths.
about 10:30 at 14 Rankeillor St, EH8 Please meet for a prompt 10:00 start in
9QT. We'll start the walk at about 11:30, Brown Street Car Park, Salisbury, SP1
aiming to finish at around 16:00, when 1DA. On Sundays, parking is mainly
some of us may go for a drink at the free, but Brown Street has a minimum
Regent Bar on the corner of Abbey £2 charge. Christmas shoppers will
Mount and Montrose Terrace, EH7 take many of the spaces, so please allow
5DL. On‑street parking, which is free time to find alternative on-street
on Sundays, is available in Rankeillor parking. The car park is within easy
St. and surrounding streets. Edinburgh walking distance of Salisbury Train
Waverly station is a 20‑minute walk Station. Please bring a packed lunch
from Rankeillor St. Refreshments will and something to drink.
be provided at Noel and Adam's house,
21
We will have a picnic stop at Clarendon actors, some volunteers will also be
Palace Ruins. After the walk, our leader dressing up in period costume. Weather
invites walkers to his house in Salisbury permitting, there are fine gardens and
for afternoon tea. The event contact is parkland to explore too, with festive
Ian Martin on 07803 056 989. Grid ref: displays around the site. The lack of
SU 145 296 plants and foliage enables visitors to see
East Kent Hernhill and Boughton An the bare bones of a garden, appreciating
8‑mile circular walk around two its overall layout and hard landscaping.
pleasant villages, different in character, Admission is free for NT members; the
but each with its own attractions. At the charge for non‑members is £17:00. For
start, there are some good views over more details, see the event webpage
the Swale Estuary. Following the walk, and follow the link. Please note that
the leader invites walkers to his house dogs are not allowed in the house. Our
in Whitstable for tea and cake. This is trek around the property will amount
an easy walk, mostly on footpaths and to around two miles. There are stairs in
through orchards. Please meet for a the house and paths with steps in the
prompt 10:30 start at St Michael's garden, which may be slippery if wet or
Church, Hernhill, east of Faversham, frosty. Please meet at 10:30 by the ticket
ME13 9JU. There is ample parking office at the entrance. The nearest
around the green and side streets near postcode is BS48 1PB. Depending on
the church. There is no public transport how busy they are, they may be doing
to this area, but lifts may be available. timed tickets for the house. Please allow
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of time as the car park can get
something to drink. The event contact is busy. Parking is free for NT members
David Wright on 07856 849 703, on the and costs £3 for non‑members. There is
day only, please! Grid ref: TR 065 606 an onsite café in a converted stable, or
bring a packed lunch and something to
Gardens, History & Culture, Somerset, drink. The event contact is Neil on
South Wales, Wiltshire, 07808 502 527. Grid ref: ST 501 723
Gloucestershire and North
Somerset Christmas decorations at NT South Wales South Wales Gay Men's
Tyntesfield near Bristol. Take a step Chorus, 2023 Christmas Concert, with
back in time and immerse yourself in a yuletide treasures and gay apparel. An
very Victorian Christmas in this fine afternoon of festive jollity to warm the
mansion and grounds. We visited last hearts of the coldest of grinches. The
year and it was great. The house will singers of South Wales Gay Men’s
be decorated with several trees, swags Chorus are joined by the inimitable
and garlands, and there will be actors City Sirens for a perfectly lovely
reprising their roles as characters from afternoon of acapella Christmas carols
years gone by. To accompany the and delicious mince pies.

22
Tickets are limited for what is sure to be multi-storey car park, BH15 1AF, which
a wonderful show to get all in the mood is midway between these two venues.
for Christmas. The concert will take Poole Rail Station and Poole Bus Station
place in Penarth Methodist Church, are both close by. If you are able to offer
Woodland Place, Penarth, Cardiff, CF64 a car share, please post your details on
2EX from 15:30 to 17:00, so please aim the webpage. There will be
to arrive by 15:00. Tickets cost £8 each. refreshments onboard the boat
Please book your own tickets on the followed by a sumptuous Xmas lunch
SWGMC website or on this link: https:// at Ginali's Restaurant. The event contact
www.swgmc.co.uk/dbpage.php? is Chris M on 07986 839 707. Grid ref:
pg=view&dbase=events&id=209248 . SZ 010 902
The event contact is Ben on 07951 001
Sat 23 Dec - Wed 27 Dec
676. Grid ref: ST 182 715
Come and enjoy Christmas with the
Thu 21 December East Midlands group, where we all
Dorset, Solent Dorset/Solent Xmas enjoy good food, a few drinks, and
Cruise and Lunch. A chance for us all to beautiful walks in the Derbyshire hills.
meet up for a Poole Harbour Cruise But if you just want to relax, that's fine
followed by a Xmas lunch at Ginali's too! We also enjoy some evening
Restaurant in Poole High Street. We'll entertainment put on by group
meet on Poole Quay at 11:00 for a members. If you wish to participate,
Festive Poole Harbour Cruise (£14) and you will be more than welcome! We all
then lunch from 13:00 at Ginali's work as a team to make it a successful
Restaurant in Poole High Street. To Christmas. We will be based at YHA
book, you will need to advise your Alstonfield, Gypsy Lane, Ashbourne,
menu choices and pay me a £5 deposit DE6 2FZ. We will arrive on Saturday
by Sunday 10 December. Please contact 23th December, stay for four nights,
Chris on 07986 839 707. Please meet at and depart on Wednesday 27th
11:00 at the Blue City Cruises Kiosk on December. The price for the event
Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ, to take the 11:30 includes meals for the four days. Unless
Festive Poole Harbour Cruise, which the weather prevents it, there will be
costs £14 per head. If you are coming walk each day in the delightful
for lunch only, please meet at 13:00 countryside surrounding the hostel.
outside Ginali's Restaurant, 87 High Early booking is recommended, as the
Street, Poole, BH15 1AH. A 3‑course event fills very quickly. Please use the
lunch here costs £22.00. Parking is new ticket booking system to reserve
available at the Poole High Street Shops your place. Paul will contact you nearer
multi-storey car park in Hill Street, just the time to pay for the event. The price
behind the precinct, BH15 1NR. will be for a four‑night stay.
Alternatively, use Poole Quay Visitors
23
Unfortunately, we cannot take Sat 23 December
part‑payment for a shorter stay. Please West Wales, Women Fishguard and
note this year’s event starts on Saturday Goodwick. This is part of Christmas
23rd December. This is to help "weekend away" in Fishguard. On this
members travelling to the event on 6‑mile walk, we will begin the Twixmas
public transport. Please do not arrive at few days away by exploring the
the hostel before 15:00. There is plenty Fishguard, Goodwick and Llanwnda
of parking at and close to the hostel. All areas, where some of us are staying. We
meals will be provided, but please will start on the coast path from
bring your own treats and alcohol. Grid Fishguard towards Goodwick then
ref: SK 135 557 inland to Llanwnda, and back to
West Wales, Women Christmas in Fishguard. There are some ups and
Fishguard, West Wales. A few of us are downs on the coast path. Please meet
staying in Fishguard over Christmas for a prompt 11:30 start in West street
from Saturday 23rd to Wednesday 27th car park, Fishguard, SA65 9NG. We
December. Book your own believe the parking charge here is £2.50
accommodation and come and join us. for four hours. Please bring a packed
Walks in and around Fishguard, and in lunch and something to drink. The
the wider Pembrokeshire area, are now event contact is Al on 07791 408 184.
on the website and everyone most Grid ref: SM 956 371.
welcome to join in for any or all of
Sun 24 December
them. There will be a walk near
Fishguard on Saturday 23rd December, West Wales, Women Newport to
three full‑day walks on 24th, 25th and Nevern circular walk, part of Christmas
26th December. and a half day walk "weekend away" in Fishguard. Enjoy a
with lunch at St David's on 27th, before 6‑mile circular walk from Newport to
the journey home. Details of the Nevern. This 6‑mile walk will take us
individual walks are shown on the along the estuary, a short road walk
following pages, under the relevant and then through woodland and along
date. Please note that none of the walks a river. As well as wonderful birdlife to
will be recced in advance, and may be observe, the semi-natural woodland
subject to change at short notice. If this and the River Nevern should give
does happen, anyone who is signed up ample opportunity to see other wildlife.
to attend will be notified. The event At Nevern we will visit the Pilgrim’s
contact is Al on 07791 408 184. Cross, the Church with its Celtic cross
and bleeding yew tree, as well as the
remains of nearby Nevern Castle before
returning through the grounds of
Llwyngwair Manor to Newport.

24
Please bring a packed lunch and the sea at this time of year! Along the
something to drink. Please meet for a way, we’ll pass through Traeth Llyfn, a
prompt 10:30 start at The Parrog Car secluded Bay. Our return from
Park. The nearest postcode is SA42 0RP. Abereiddy will take us through Trefin,
Travelling east to west, turn right off before we finally reach Porthgain.
the A487 into Parrog Road signposted There is provision to shorten this walk
to Parrog, although the sign is partly if the weather is very bad. Some areas
obscured by a lamp post. This turning will be muddy and there are some stiles
off the A487 is just after the main centre for us to negotiate. Please bring a
of Newport and is the next one after the packed lunch and something to
turning for Saturday’s meeting place. drink. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
The event contact is Al on 07791 408 start at the car park in Porthgain which
184. Grid ref: SN 052 397 is near The Sloop Inn, SA62 5BN. A
parking charge may apply. The event
Mon 25 December
contact is Al on 07791 408 184. Grid ref:
West Wales, Women Porthgain to SM 815 326
Abereiddy and Trefin, part of
Christmas "weekend away" in Tue 26 December
Fishguard. This moderate 7‑mile figure West Wales, Women Exploring the
of eight walk is part of the Twixmas Gwaun Valley, part of Christmas
event at Fishguard, but all are welcome "weekend away" in Fishguard. This
to join in this walk. Come and celebrate moderate 6‑mile walk is a figure of
Christmas Day a bit differently, with eight loop, the first loop of four miles
great company on the Pembrokeshire the second of two miles. Starting from
coastal path. This is a walk of Cilrhedyn Bridge, just east of
impressive coastal scenery with rugged Fishguard, we will explore an
clifftop paths and several ups and abandoned church and holy well
downs, steep at times, and field paths/ nestling in the lee of a hill, the top of
tracks along the inland section. At which offers a fine view down to the
Porthgain, there are impressive ruins coast at Fishguard. There is also a
which seem to march up the cliff face standing stone on the route. After
from the harbour, as well as an old returning to the start, the shorter loop
brick works and a granite quarry. We goes through a forestry plantation and
will start off towards Abereiddy, natural woodland before continuing
famous for its blue pool. This was a along the bottom of a valley. There will
former slate quarry that was flooded be views on the top across to the Carn
when the wall dividing it from the sea Ingli ridge. Please meet for a prompt
was breached. It is now well known for 10:30 start at Cilrhedyn Bridge, which is
its Coasteering, though I don't think adjacent to a roadside car park. The
there'll be any jumping off rocks into nearest postcode is SA65 9SB.
25
Please bring a packed lunch and a tea or late lunch at Clavells Restaurant
drink. The event contact is Al on 07791 in Kimmeridge. (Booking advisable
408 184. Grid ref: SN 004 348 01929 480 701.) The event contact is
Laurence B on 07833 902 134. Grid ref:
Wed 27 December
SY 918 800
Dorset, Women The Jurassic Coast:
Kimmeridge to Tyneham. This 7-mile West Wales, Women St David's
coastal circuit from Kimmeridge to the Pembrokeshire, part of Christmas
abandoned village at Tyneham will "weekend away" in Fishguard.
take us via Gad Cliff and Worbarrow Although this is part of the Twixmas
Bay and return along the coastal ridge. few days away, everyone is most
Two moderate climbs will yield welcome to join us. This walk can be
magnificent views of the Purbeck anywhere from four miles to eight
coast. If there has been recent rain, the miles long, depending on individuals’
ground will be muddy in places. Please requirements, particularly those who
meet for a prompt 10:00 start in The are travelling home on this date. It is a
Quarry car park, where there is free moderate walk with some ups and
parking. This is on the hill just before downs. Starting in Britain’s smallest
Kimmeridge Village. The nearest city, we will make our way onto the
postcode is BH20 5NZ. From the east of coastal path to St Non's Bay, passing St
the county, follow the A351 past Non's Well and the meagre remains of
Wareham heading towards Swanage, St Non's Chapel. The route then follows
turn right at Stoborough roundabout the coast path. At various intervals a
for Furzebrook and beyond to head up path leads back inland to the centre of
and over Creech Hill. At the bottom St David's for anyone wanting a shorter
junction go straight across and continue walk. After reaching the beautiful
for two miles to reach Kimmeridge harbour at Porth Clais – now a tranquil
Lane. Turn left and immediately left port but once a hive of activity – we will
again. From the north and west, the continue around the south-west tip to
most obvious route is via Wool, Porthstinian where St Justinian's
Coombe Keynes and East Lulworth, lifeboat stations stand. This is a wild
turning left up to the ridge and and beautiful coastline, with
continuing down to the Kimmeridge outstanding clifftop scenery, looking
turn off. If you are able to offer a car over to Ramsey Island. At the end of the
share/local station pickup please leave a walk, we will have lunch in St David's
message on the event webpage. There before departing for home. Please meet
are no refreshments enroute, so please for a prompt 10:15 in the centre of St
bring a packed lunch and something to David's, near the monument in the
drink. At the end of the walk (at around centre of the main street where the
14:00) we will have the opportunity for shops are situated. The nearest

26
postcode is SA62 6RA. This is where the session by gathering all together again
A487 from Haverfordwest meets the to hear something of what we all shared
A487 from Fishguard. There is plenty of or enjoyed during the session. Please
parking in this area. Please bring consider offering to share a brief report
something to drink and a snack. The afterwards on the GOC website, to
event contact is: Al on 07791 408 184. share something of your experience and
Grid ref: SM 753 252 to encourage others to attend in
future. Please take a screenshot of
Thu 28 December
those present, with their permission of
Online Online Members’ Social. Are course, and upload it afterwards with a
you interested in meeting or socialising few lines of text at Submit a new event
with other GOC members online, from report. See recent reports on the Online
the comfort of your home? Perhaps group page as examples. Our Zoom
you don't find it easy to join many of meeting room is accessible on a
our outdoor events for one reason or computer, tablet or smartphone via an
another, or you're interested in app, or with more limited functionality
connecting with members beyond those via your browser or you can even dial-
that you usually meet in person? Join in by telephone - see our member-only
us for our new Online Member Social in page How to use Zoom. To join the
Zoom, on the fourth Thursday of every GOC Online group and receive updates
month from 19:00 – 20:00, starting from of news and events, please go to My
June 2023. Whatever your interest, and preferences and include Online in your
whatever your level of technical selection of groups. If you are not
experience or expertise, you are already a member of GOC, please Join
welcome! This is a continuation of our us! To receive an automated email
longstanding Online Social in Zoom. reminder of our online socials 24 hours
From June 2023, it will take place every in advance, with the link to follow the
month on the fourth Thursday, next day, please email
instead of fortnightly, to complement a [email protected] and ask to have your
new Online Welcome Social each month address added to the calendar invite. ==
on the second Tuesday. Do please join Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
either or both! We start each online scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
social with a quick round of Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
introductions. If you have something in into your browser: https://
particular that you would like to share us06web.zoom.us/j/82898130104?
or ask, this is your chance to let others pwd=Qk41bjFhTUtDd1NXVFNPUmFy
know what that is. Then we spend most R2NKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
of our time mingling and chatting join and enter: Meeting ID: 828 9813
informally - in small breakout groups if 0104. Passcode: 377718
there are many of us. We close each
27
Sat 30 Dec - Sat 06 Jan is under-subscribed, we can make a
Adventure Out, Scotland Hogmanay loss. If you cancel your booking, we can
near Arisaig. Since 3rd March 2023, this only give you a refund if the event is
event has been sold out. However, if fully subscribed and someone else takes
you are interested in being put on a your place. The event contact is Chris
waiting list, please get in touch with the Loy. To contact him please use the
organiser using on the Adventure Out 'Contact Event Organiser' facility on the
group’s webpage. For Hogmanay 2023, event webpage. The Borrodale House
we are returning to Borrodale House, website says there is ample parking.
where we were in 2019. The house is The house is approximately 1.5km west
near Arisaig and looks out over the of Beasdale Station on the line from
Sound of Arisaig to the Inner Fort William to Mallaig. The next
Hebridean islands of Eigg, Muck and station, Arisaig, is further away. Please
Rum. The accommodation is very contact the event organiser if you
comfortable with a selection of twin would like a lift to/from a railway
and double rooms. For full details see: station. Breakfasts and evening meals,
https://borrodale.com/ . There are many except for the evening meal on the first
options for coastal and hill walks in the night, are included in the cost. As on
area. To climb Munros will involve a previous Hogmanay meets, the evening
drive to Glenfinnan, but there are many meals are communal and we will all
attractive lesser hills nearby. People take it in turn to provide the food and
intending to take part in this event do the clearing up. You will be
should read GOC's document Safety on refunded your costs, so please keep
the Hills. Borrodale House, PH39 4NR, your receipts. Breakfast typically
is a short distance down a drive off the comprises cereal, porridge, toast, jam,
main A830 road connecting Fort Willam marmalade, some bacon and some
to Arisaig and Mallaig. The drive is on eggs, tea and coffee. There is usually
the left (sea) side of the road about 1.5 enough bread and butter provided for
km west of Beasdale station on the West people to make sandwiches, but you
Highland railway line. On the first should bring your own sandwich
evening, please do not arrive before fillings and any cold drinks for
16:00. The cost per person is £240 for refreshment on the walks. Tea and
five nights and £280 for seven nights. coffee are communal. During the event
This includes evening meals on all only, participants may contact Chris on
except the first evening, and breakfasts 07956 286 709. Grid ref: NM 695 850
each morning. Please note that we make
no profit on this type of event, but aim
just to cover the cost of the
accommodation and food. If the event

28
Sat 30 December Surrey Outwood and the Bletchingly
Bedford & District, Hertfordshire, Loop. A moderate 8.25‑mile walk over
London, Milton Keynes and field edge paths and farm tracks.
Buckinghamshire Leighton Buzzard However, there are more than twenty
‘Old Linslade Circular’. This is a stiles and there may be some mud!
pleasant 8.5‑mile circular walk which Starting within view of the 1665 post
for part of the time will take us along windmill, we walk through rolling hills
the Grand Union Canal and the Ouzel and pass the ancient earthworks. The
Valley, passing through Old Linslade, countryside here is rolling farmland
Great Brickhill, Stockgrove and dotted with small patches of woodland.
Rushmere Country Park. At the end of Midway through the walk we pass
the walk, we will have the option to through the small village of
gather for refreshments in The Three Bletchingley. Please meet for a prompt
Locks, at Soulbury/Stoke Hammond. 10:30 start in the National Trust
This is a moderately easy walk for Harewoods car park opposite Outwood
people with country walking Mill at Outwood. This is free for NT
experience and a good level of fitness. It members; others may have to pay! The
may include some steep paths and open nearest postcode is RH1 5PW. This is
country, and may be at a brisk pace. not very precise but should get you to
Walking boots and warm, waterproof the right area. You can then look for
clothing are essential. Please meet for a signs to Outwood Windmill. There are
prompt 11:00 start at the Three Locks no public transport options. Please
Car Park, which is close to the pub in bring a packed lunch, something to
Leighton Rd, Milton Keynes, MK17 drink and maybe something to sit on.
9DD. The nearest station is Leighton We usually end the walk with tea and
Buzzard, on the West Coast main line cakes. The event contact is Gordon on
between London Euston and 07758 865 520. Grid ref: TQ 326 456
Birmingham New Street. The 09:23 Sun 31 December
service from Euston arrives in Leighton Somerset The Glastonbury Way. Enjoy
Buzzard at 10:00 where we can pick you an easy 5‑mile New Year's Eve ramble
up and return you after the walk. There taking in the sights of Glastonbury,
are several trains every hour. If you including the spectacular Tor. Enjoy
need a lift from the station to the car splendid views across the Levels. Finish
park and back, please contact the walk in a Glastonbury hostelry for a New
leader directly. Please bring a packed Year's Eve (aka Hogmanay) toast. This
lunch, something to drink (essential), is our December walk, a week later due
snacks and fruit, and something to sit to Christmas Eve landing on our usual
on. The event contact is Tom Munn on fourth Sunday of the month. As always,
07742 577 509. Grid ref: SP 891 283 you should carry food and drink for the
29
two breaks on the walk. We will finish Mon 01 January
at a Glastonbury pub, but you can’t Berkshire and Mid Thames,
depend on the availability of food to Oxford New Year's Day Circular Walk:
purchase. Dogs are welcome but must Woodcote and Checkendon. This is the
be on a lead for parts of the walk. We Berkshire and Mid Thames group’s
will be walking mainly on metalled traditional New Year's Day 9‑mile
footways, except for the scramble up circular walk. Starting in the village of
the actual Tor, which you can skip with Woodcote, we explore the beech woods
a little detour to join the group on the and fields in this attractive area of
other side. Please meet for a prompt South Oxfordshire. It is a moderate
11:00 start at Park Farm Road, walk with some longish ascents. Please
Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9NN, meet for a prompt 10:00 start in the car
which is off the A39 Glastonbury Park of Woodcote Village Hall, RG8
Bypass, where there is plenty of 0QY, where there is free parking. As far
parking space available. If you're on as we know, there are no public
foot, come down Benedict Street and transport options for this walk. During
cross the bypass by the pedestrian the walk, we will be stopping at the
crossing to the meeting place on the Black Horse pub in Checkendon for a
other side. The best bus to Glastonbury warm welcome and good beer. There
is the 376 Bristol to Street service, but will be no meals available, but there
you will need to check whether or not will be crisps and nuts and hot and cold
this will be running on Sunday 31st drinks so please bring a packed lunch.
December. If you need a lift, put a note The event contact is Andy James on
in the Discussion Board at the foot of 07519 538 307. Grid ref: SU 647 821
the event posting on the website, and
hopefully you'll find another member Western Midlands A New Year’s Day
who can help you out. In the U3A walk around the waterways and some
tradition, you should give the driver a of the other landmarks of Worcester.
£1 coin for each journey to keep things This is a 5.5‑mile “morning after the
sweet. Please bring enough food and night before” walk along towpaths,
drink for the two breaks along the way. riverbank paths and city streets,
We will finish in a public house, but we exploring Worcester’s waterways and
can't guarantee that food will be on some of its landmarks, including Fort
sale. The event contact is Charlie on Royal, the Cathedral Water Gate and
07802 422 091. Grid ref: ST 492 388 the Edgar Tower, with views across
flood meadows and towards the
Malvern Hills. The walk will for the
most part avoid road traffic and road
crossings, and will be on largely flat,
well‑maintained paths. During the
30
lunch break, there may be an the weather conditions on the day and
opportunity for a brief visit to the preferences of the group, we can either
Cathedral. Please meet for a prompt return by the same route (7km) or
11:00 start in the car park in front of extend it as a circular route, either via
Worcester Shrub Hill Station, WR4 9EJ. Lochlyock Hill (529m) to the west
The car park has about 40 spaces and (13km), Scaut Hill (586m) to the east
should be relatively quiet on New (11km) or if sufficient cars available as a
Year’s Day. Charge for one day is £4.90 linear walk, taking the slightly more
(Bank Holiday rate). From our meeting challenging southerly descent to Wiston
point, Worcester Foregate Street Lodge (7km). Depending on which
Railway Station is about an 18‑minute route we choose, the total distance will
walk, and Crowngate Bus Station is be somewhere around eight miles. The
about a 15‑minute walk, but you will route is steep in places, rough and some
need to check for rail and bus services sections could be muddy. Please meet
on New Year’s Day. Please bring a for a prompt 10:30 start at Tinto Hill car
packed lunch and something to drink. park, which is free. It is on the left,
To allow people time to visit the about 400m up the minor road off the
Cathedral, we will have a 30‑minute main A73 Lanark/Biggar road at
stop for lunch. There are a number of Fallburn. The nearest postcode is ML12
food outlets near our planned lunch 6PD. If we decide to follow the linear
site, but there is no guarantee that they route, we will arrange to leave a couple
will be open on New Year’s Day. The of cars at Wiston Lodge. Please bring a
event contacts are Giles Howell on packed lunch and plenty to drink.
07717 752 051 and Adrian Pearson on There is a café at Fallburn where we can
07900 493 038. Grid ref: SO 858 552 stop for post-walk refreshments. The
event contact is Douglas on 07717 576
Sun 07 January
248. Grid ref: NS 965 374
Adventure Out, Scotland Tinto Hill.
Tinto is a prominent grassy hill in Devon Plymouth Street Art Tour. This
South Lanarkshire and is quite high at 4.5‑mile urban walk will take in 8-10
711 metres. The ascent is murals and other street art in the city of
straightforward and is popular with Plymouth. It is an easy walk on
families but is sustained and steep in pavements and other firm surfaces, but
places. On a clear day, the views from there are some stairs and one or two
the summit are stunning. As this is a moderate inclines. It will also include a
January walk, there could be snow and walk around Plymouth’s “queer
ice around, so good boots and warm district” Please meet for a prompt 11:00
clothes will be essential. It is planned start at The Park Pavilion Café, PL1
to ascend the hill from the north via the 5NQ, in Victoria Park. Free on‑street
WalkHighlands route. Depending on parking is available on Hotham Place,

31
PL1 5NE, and St Barnabas Terrace PL1 rather than carry one. There will be an
5NF. The lunch break will be at the optional pub stop near the end of the
Hoe/waterfront where cafés should be walk. The event contact is James Bailey
available, or you can bring a packed on 07904 114 414. Grid ref: SK 361 356
lunch. At the end of the walk, there will Lincolnshire, Women An 8‑mile walk
be an opportunity to stop for drinks near the East Coast. This will be a linear
and cakes at the Pavilion Café. walk from Burgh le Marsh to Skegness,
East Midlands Derby's Roman and with a return by bus at 16:00. Please
industrial heritage. A 6‑mile city and meet at 10:45 for a prompt 11:00 start at
parkland walk that gives some Market Place, Burgh le Marsh, PE24
fascinating glimpses of Derby's 5JW, where there are marked parking
industrial and Roman spaces. There were no charges when we
heritage. Although largely urban, the looked, but please check for restrictions
walk includes a surprising amount of when parking, and comply with any
green space. Apart from one short regulations. Please try to be early as the
grassy section that could be muddy if number of parking spaces is limited. If
there has been rain in the preceding there are no spaces available, you will
days, the majority of the walk is on need to look in side roads, but be aware
paved paths, so decent walking shoes that there are parking restrictions in
rather than boots will suffice. Except for most of the central area of Burgh. Please
a footbridge with steps, the walk is note that we will leave promptly at
largely flat (40m elevation gain). Please 11:00 from Market Place, so please do
meet for a prompt 11:00 start outside not be late! For our return journey, we
Derby Railway Station, Railway will catch the bus at 16:00 from
Terrace, DE1 2RU. For anyone wishing Skegness Bus Station. This is next to the
to travel to the walk by train, Derby is Railway Station, but a 15‑minute walk
on the main EMR London-Yorkshire from coast itself. There are limited and
line and the CrossCountry Birmingham infrequent bus services serving this
(45 mins) and Nottingham (15 mins) area on Sundays. Please make your
lines. For those travelling by car, there own enquiries if you intend to travel to
is pay and display parking at the our starting point by bus. For those
station, but when I do the final recce, I who do not have a concessionary pass,
will research cheap/free parking we hope that the current £2 single
options and post the results on the journey fare still applies. We will eat at
website. Please bring something to Skegness at the end of the walk. You
drink. You can also bring a packed can buy food there, or bring a packed
lunch, but we will pass several lunch. In addition, please bring plenty
convenience stores at around 13:00 for to drink and maybe some snacks. The
those who prefer to buy a sandwich event contact is Philip Dixon on 07954

32
237 814, but you may send e-mail well may have been regarded in the
enquiries to John at the- past as a healing well. When the chapel
[email protected] well before the event. and well were excavated in 1895, the
West Wales, Women Murton, Caswell, well could be seen to have been vaulted
Langland, Newton and Bishop's Wood. over between two abutments.
This is a moderate 6‑mile walk with Nowadays, the water trickles out into a
some ups and downs, but is a different stone lined channel. Between the chapel
walk to the one when we started at and the well are the remains of a simple
Murton in January 2023. We start along one‑roomed structure, the cell for the
the road before turning onto a priest or hermit who lived there.
bridleway towards “Down to Another new path back up to the road
Earth” (Life changing experiences and will bring us back to the start. There are
remarkable buildings - a social several ups and downs on this walk,
enterprise specialising in working with including steps, and there could be
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups plenty of mud! Please meet for a
through sustainable construction and prompt 10:30 start at Bishopston
sustainable land use). We will continue Community Centre, Murton Green,
from there on another lovely path to Murton, Swansea, SA3 3AT. Please see
Caswell. We then join the coast path the photo on the website. From
towards Langland but leave it quite Swansea, take the main road to
soon to ascend steeply across the golf Mumbles. At Blackpill, just after The
course. The path then veers downhill to Woodman, turn right to Mayals.
Langland and Rotherslade seafront, Continue straight and drive over Clyne
where we can have lunch if the weather common and turn left, just before a
is dry and not too cold. From there, we garage, signposted to Caswell and
will climb up to Newton where, if the Bishopston, and turn right into the free
weather is cold and/or wet, we will eat car park. If you get to the shops in
our lunch in a community cafe in St Murton, you have gone too far. Please
Peter's Church. We have permission to bring a packed lunch and something to
eat our packed lunches, and people can drink. Refreshments will be available at
buy coffees (£2. 50), cold drinks and lunchtime in the church café. The event
cake if they choose, but it's not contact is Al on 07791 408 184. Grid ref:
obligatory. Please bring some cash as SS 586 892
there is also an ongoing book sale there. Tue 09 January
Afterwards, we make our way past the North East, Transpennine Tuesday
secret garden to Bishop's Wood, Trekking; meeting time: 10:30. Full
descending back to Caswell and past details will be posted online shortly!
the remains of St Peter's Well and
Chapel, and a “Teletubby” house. The

33
Online Welcome Social. Are you us! To receive an automated email
interested in meeting or socialising reminder of our online socials 24 hours
online with other GOC members from in advance, with the link to follow the
the comfort of your home; helping to next day, please email
welcome newcomers to GOC and [email protected] and ask to have your
encouraging them to join us? Join us for address added to the calendar invite. ==
our new Online Welcome Social in Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
Zoom, on the second Tuesday of every scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
month from 19:00 to 20:00. This is an Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
opportunity for new and experienced into your browser: https://
GOC members to connect with each us06web.zoom.us/j/89593878113?
other, and with newcomers to GOC pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ
who book from our new GOC Meetup KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
group. For these newcomers it is an join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387
opportunity to meet GOC and some of 8113. Passcode: 324840
our members, and to consider joining as Somerset North Curry and Coates
a member themselves. We start each English Willow Centre. This is an easy
online social with a quick round of 4‑mile stroll on sound but muddy
introductions. If you have something in pathways through Coates English
particular that you would like to share Willow Centre at North Curry,
or ask, this is your chance to let others following the local trails, including Mill
know what that is. Then we spend most Mound and the River Tone. Enjoy
of our time mingling and chatting splendid views to the north across
informally, in small breakout groups if willow-growing wetlands with a little
there are many of us. We close each climbing, a sharp descent and a few
session by gathering all together again stiles. Please wear stout footwear. We
to hear something of what we all shared will visit the Coates English Willow
or enjoyed during the session. Our Visitor Centre, where you can get a hot
Zoom meeting room is accessible on a drink and food in the café, but you will
computer, tablet or smartphone via an need to carry something to drink on the
app, or with more limited functionality walk. Please get in touch if you need
via your browser or you can even dial- help getting to the start, as another
in by telephone. See our member-only member may have a space in their car.
page: How to use Zoom. To join the Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start in
GOC Online group and receive updates the car park of the Coates English
of news and events, please go to My Willow Centre, Stoke St Gregory,
preferences and include Online in your Somerset, TA3 6HY, where there is
selection of groups. If you are not ample free parking. Assemble by the
already a member of GOC, please Join prominent ‘Entrance’ sign at the top of

34
the main car park. Please consider bus stops can be found on Google
supporting the enterprise by spending Maps. The end is planned to be Ally
a little in the shop or café for the benefit Pally where there will be an optional
of using the car park. The nearest pub stop. However, depending on the
railway and bus stations are in Taunton. weather, how we are feeling, time etc,
Bus No. 51 will drop you in Stoke St there is an option for an early bath at
Gregory, a short walk from the Coates East Finchley which is at about the 7-
English Willow Centre, although you'll mile mark. There is an optional pub
be an hour early! If you need a lift, or stop there as well. We can decide on the
can offer a lift, please post a notice in day, or people can decide for
the Discussion Forum, which you’ll themselves how far they would like to
find below the ‘Book Event’ section of walk. There is no guarantee of any cafés
this event’s notice on the GOC website. being open, so please bring food, water
In the tradition of the U3A, the and something to sit on. The event
passenger should give the driver a contact is Andy Harvey on 07939 652
pound coin on each journey. It keeps 029. Grid ref: TQ 249 961
things cordial! The event contact is
Sun 14 January
Charlie on 07802 422 091. Grid ref: ST
337 270 Dorset The heaths and woods around
Bere Regis. This is a moderate 6‑mile
Sat 13 January stroll around the ancient Dorset
Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, heathland, woods and chalk streams
London High Barnet to Ally Pally. This near Bere Regis. There are two climbs;
9‑mile linear walk will take us from and the ground may be muddy in
High Barnet to Alexandra Palace. It is places. Please meet for a prompt 10:00
largely flat and on good paths. Please start in the free Turberville Road car
meet for a prompt 11:00 start outside park, in the centre of Bere Regis, BH20
High Barnet tube station, Barnet Hill, 7HA. Bere Regis is easily accessible,
EN5 5RP. While there are parking being on the A35 midway between
facilities at High Barnet, getting back Poole and Dorchester. There are no
there from Ally Pally might be refreshments enroute so please bring a
time‑consuming and involve significant packed lunch and something to drink.
travel. We advise using public transport After the walk we plan to retire to the
to reach our starting point. High Barnet Royal Oak Pub (01929 472 710). The
is on the Northern Line and can be event contact is Chris M on 07986 839
reached from Kings Cross and Euston, 707. Grid ref: SY 846 948
but if you’re coming from
Hertfordshire, you can take a train to
New Barnet and catch a bus from there
to High Barnet. Details of buses and
35
Wed 17 January catering purposes, this Saturday walk
Devon Blue Plaque tour of Historic is limited to the first 25 people who
Exeter. Join us for an easy 3‑mile stroll register. This is an easy route on firm,
which will take us back in time with a well-made surfaces. Please meet for a
blue plaque walk around historic prompt 10:30 start at Penylan Library
Exeter. Nineteen sites around the city and Community Centre, Pen-Y-Lan
are marked and allow for an interesting Road, Penylan, Cardiff, CF23 5HW.
look at notable people who made a Free, very limited parking is available
mark on Exeter's history The tour takes on Melrose Avenue, just up the road
around an hour and a half, with a from our starting point, and in
well‑earned café stop afterwards. This surrounding streets, but please show
is a generally easy walking route, but it respect to local residents. The car park
does include a few cobbled streets and at Penylan Library and Community
some narrow walkways. Please meet for Centre is free for the first two hours.
a prompt 11:00 start at Cathedral Yard, Thereafter, there is an hourly charge.
outside on the green by Exeter Please note that the walk will be more
Cathedral. The nearest postcode is EX1 than two hours in duration. There is a
1AJ. There are several paid‑for parking regular bus service from Cardiff to
locations in Exeter, and Exeter Central Penylan, but if you need a lift, please
station it is a short walk from our contact the walk leaders. Please bring a
meeting point. The event contact is Neil packed lunch and something to drink.
Hough on 07857 866 642. Grid ref: SX After the walk, light refreshments will
921 926 be kindly provided by the walk leaders
at their house. The event contacts are
Sat 20 January Ben on 07951 001 676, and Alan on
South Wales Roath Park, Lakeside, and 07717 774 570. Grid ref: ST 192 781
Llanishen and Lisvane Reservoirs,
Sun 21 January
Cardiff. This is a gentle, 6.5‑mile
circular, winter walk, starting from Solent Test Valley: Horsebridge to
Penylan Library and Community Agincourt Fields. This attractive and
Centre, and taking a route past Roath varied 7‑mile walk in the Test Valley
Park recreation field, lakeside, and a will take us to Agincourt Fields where
small woodland area, and then around Henry V assembled his army and
Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs. A waited for good weather before
circuit of the reservoirs includes a short departing for Honfleur. We will cross
stop at the Visitor Centre before the River Test several times and walk
returning to Penylan for light along an ancient hollow. We also get to
refreshments, kindly provided by the view the Old Railway Station at
walk leaders. Please note that for Horsebridge before the option of
visiting the John O'Gaunt Pub
36
(named after the father of Henry IV) at station, which is on the Birmingham to
the end of the walk. This is a mainly flat Worcester rail line. Trains are
walk on good paths, but they will scheduled to arrive at Droitwich from
probably be muddy in places. Please Worcester and from Birmingham
meet for a prompt 10:00 start in the car between 10:30 and 11:15. Please bring a
park down the gravelled lane opposite packed lunch and something to drink.
the John O'Gaunt Pub in Horsebridge, The event contact is Chris T on 07837
SO20 6PU, where there is ample free 149 375. Grid ref: SO 892 633
parking. Please bring a packed lunch
Thu 25 January
and something to drink. After the walk
it should be possible to order a meal in Online Online Members’ Social. Are
the John O'Gaunt pub. The event you interested in meeting or socialising
contact is Ian Martin on 07803 056 989. with other GOC members online, from
Grid ref: SU 344 304 the comfort of your home? Perhaps
you don't find it easy to join many of
Western Midlands Droitwich Spa and our outdoor events for one reason or
the Dodderhill Parish Walk. Maps of another, or you're interested in
Britain from the Roman period show connecting with members beyond those
the town of Droitwich as Salinae, that you usually meet in person? Join
indicative of the vast salt deposits us for our new Online Member Social in
below ground. This moderately easy Zoom, on the fourth Thursday of every
7‑mile walk will take us through the month from 19:00 – 20:00, starting from
fascinating old High Street of June 2023. Whatever your interest, and
Droitwich, the site of a Roman Fort and whatever your level of technical
St. Augustine’s Church, before heading experience or expertise, you are
through Dodderhill parish with views, welcome! This is a continuation of our
weather permitting, of the surrounding longstanding Online Social in Zoom.
countryside. After crossing the river From June 2023, it will take place every
Salwarpe, we’ll take to slightly higher month on the fourth Thursday,
ground to view Chateau Impney, instead of fortnightly, to complement a
before making our way back into the new Online Welcome Social each month
town via the Droitwich Barge Canal on the second Tuesday. Do please join
and Vines Park. Please ensure that either or both! We start each online
you're booted and suited for both the social with a quick round of
weather and terrain. There will be some introductions. If you have something in
steps and a few banks to ascend, but particular that you would like to share
nothing strenuous. Please meet for a or ask, this is your chance to let others
prompt 11:15 start at Droitwich Spa know what that is. Then we spend most
railway station, WR9 9BD. Free parking of our time mingling and chatting
is available in Union Lane, close to the informally - in small breakout groups if
37
there are many of us. We close each Sat 27 January - Sat 03 February
session by gathering all together again Skiing GOC skiing trip 2024 has been
to hear something of what we all shared booked with Crystal ski holidays. We
or enjoyed during the session. Please are staying at Schloss Rosenegg in
consider offering to share a brief report Fieberbrunn, a castle which has been
afterwards on the GOC website, to converted into a 4‑star family hotel.
share something of your experience and Please see the Crystal website for
to encourage others to attend in details. Two members went there in
future. Please take a screenshot of March 2023 and enjoyed it so much
those present, with their permission of they have booked again with us.
course, and upload it afterwards with a However, the hotel is now fully booked
few lines of text at Submit a new event through Crystal, but one member has
report. See recent reports on the Online booked a single room directly with the
group page as examples. Our Zoom hotel and made his own travel
meeting room is accessible on a arrangements. Otherwise, Crystal does
computer, tablet or smartphone via an have a hotel nearby with rooms
app, or with more limited functionality available at the Tui Blue in Fieberbrunn.
via your browser or you can even dial- Alternatively, you can book your hotel/
in by telephone - see our member-only apartment/airbnb yourself. At the
page How to use Zoom. To join the moment, the ski pass costs about £310
GOC Online group and receive updates for the Skicircus and includes free local
of news and events, please go to My bus and train service to Kitzbuhel.
preferences and include Online in your There is a very good bus service from
selection of groups. If you are not the hotel to the lifts and there is a ski
already a member of GOC, please Join hire shop near the lifts where boots and
us! To receive an automated email skis can be left. Anyone who can't stay
reminder of our online socials 24 hours the whole week or is booking
in advance, with the link to follow the separately, please let us know if you
next day, please email would like to join us. So far there are
[email protected] and ask to have your thirteen GOC members booked on the
address added to the calendar invite. == trip, travelling from all parts of the U.K.
Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a For further details, please see our
scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the September 2023 issue.
Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
into your browser: https://
us06web.zoom.us/j/82898130104?
pwd=Qk41bjFhTUtDd1NXVFNPUmFy
R2NKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
join and enter: Meeting ID: 828 9813
0104 Passcode: 377718
38
Sun 28 January start and the end, although facilities are
Somerset Axbridge, Somerset and the a little walk from our meeting place.
Strawberry Line. This moderate 7‑mile There are no shops on the route. The
walk will take us along the iconic event contact is Charlie on 07802 422
Strawberry Line from Cheddar to the 091. Grid ref: ST454 531
Shute Shelve Tunnel, with a couple of Fri 02 February
detours to take in the long views across South Wales Torch Song Trilogy.
the Somerset Levels and the medieval Newport Playgoers Society perform
square at Axbridge. This is a Harvey Fierstein’s groundbreaking
there‑and‑back walk, taking us west portrait of a gay man’s struggle for
from Cheddar along the level respect and love in a homophobic
Strawberry Line, past the 13th Century world at the Dolman Theatre, Newport.
Church of St John the Baptist, Axbridge, The performance begins at 19:15. Please
before crossing the A371 to climb a book your own tickets. Adults £15 plus
short distance onto the escarpment for £2 booking fee. https://
the views and a short break. We'll then www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/show.aspx?
descend to the Strawberry Line to id=562
follow it to the Shute Shelve Tunnel and Please meet from 18:30 in the coffee/bar
our lunch stop. Please bring enough area, Dolman Theatre, Kingsway,
food and drink for the two breaks for Newport, NP20 1HY. There are multi-
this walk, and wear stout storey car parks nearby, and frequent
footwear. Please meet for a prompt buses and trains to Newport city centre.
11:00 start by Cheddar Tyre Supplies, There is a coffee shop and bar at the
Valley Line Industrial Park, Wedmore venue, and local eateries nearby. The
Road, Cheddar BS27 3EE. Free event contact is Ben on 07951 001 676.
on‑street parking is available on Grid ref: ST 313 877
Wedmore Road. The number 126 bus
from Wells takes 37 minutes to travel to Sun 04 February
Cheddar. Wells has good connections Devon Exploring Burrator. This walk
from Bristol and Street on bus No. 376. will take us from Dartmoor on a
However, if you need a lift or can offer disused railway track to Burrator
a lift, please post a notice in the Reservoir. The event contact is Mike
Discussion Forum, which you’ll find Hookway on 07935 396 149. Meeting
below the ‘Book Event’ section of this Time: 11:00. Full details will be posted
event’s notice on the GOC website. In on the website shortly.
the tradition of the U3A, the passenger
should give the driver a pound coin on
each journey. It keeps things cordial!
You may purchase refreshments at the

39
Transpennine Longnor to Pilsbury Please note that GOC Transpennine
Castle. Starting in Longnor, this 8‑mile needs new event leaders and
walk with around 1000 feet of ascent is organisers! If you would like to arrange
in the heart of The Peak District. It a GOC walk but need some support or
includes some ancient history in the assistance in doing so, please contact
Dove Valley, with some outstanding me ASAP!
views. Highlights are the remains of the West Kent Hale Street Ramble. A flat
11th century Norman castle in a quiet 5‑mile circular walk, passing through
section of the Dove valley. The walking orchards and open fields, and possibly
is straightforward, but there are several encountering a few herds of cows along
climbs. Please meet for a prompt 10:30 the way! The ground is likely to be
start in Market Place, Longnor, nr muddy in places. Please meet for a
Buxton, SK17 0NT. This is in the centre prompt 11:00 start at Bardsley Close,
of Longnor Village where there is free Hale Street, East Peckham, TN12 5JE.
roadside parking, although it can be Please park considerately in or near
busy at weekends. This walk cannot be Bardsley Close. There is plenty of free
accessed by public transport. Please parking in the vicinity. There is no
bring a packed lunch and something to reliable public transport to East
drink. There is a pub, village stores and Peckham on Sundays. There is a pub
cafés in the village. Please note that we enroute where lunch and drinks maybe
are organising this walk in conjunction bought, or please bring a packed lunch.
with the Sheffield Weekenders monthly As this is a short walk, this will be our
programme, so you may meet some 'post walk' pub stop as there is no pub
new faces. It has also been published on at the of the walk! The event contact is
the GOC Meetup group to hopefully Leo Sturgeon on 01892 823 394 in
attract some potential new members. advance, or 07826 004 714 on the day.
You will find a link to show the route Grid ref: TQ 672 493
we are taking on the GOC website. The
event contact is David on 07740 844 192
Grid ref: SK 088 649

Full details
of all February’s events will be in
the February 2024 issue of
Outdoors, which is due out on 29th
January.
See also www.goc.org.uk

40