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 June 2024
OUTDOORS
BM GOC, London WC1N 3XX Affiliated to The Ramblers, The British Caving
Email: [email protected] Association, Cycling UK, and the Youth Hostels
Web: www.goc.org.uk Association.

Contents
 4 Who’s Who

 5 News Desk

 7 Beware of Ticks!

 8 Events at AOG 2024

 20 Out & About

 59 Regular Events

 60 Associated Clubs
Cover Design: Peter van der Walt

Please send your copy for the July/

August 2024 issue to Peter Blackburn;
email [email protected] , by Monday
10th June 2024, and please have your
events online by then so that they will
appear in that issue’s Out & About diary.
© GOC May 2024
‘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
publicity, insurance and safety. the club’s finances.

Group Liaison Web Manager

Richard Smith 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
Contact for strategic planning, and encourages the participation of
marketing and publicity. women in the activities of the club.
Membership Secretary Member Engagement
Chris Ng Currently vacant
email: [email protected] Works to improve the way that the club
For changes of address and newsletter communicates with its members.
delivery problems.
Diversity & Inclusion
Magazine Editor Gabbie Giuffre
Peter Blackburn email: [email protected]
email: [email protected] Works to promote diversity and inclusion
For 'Outdoors' articles, reports & diary. within GOC.
Cover Design & Advertising Archivist
Peter van der Walt * Simon Ball *
email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Graphic design for ‘Outdoors’ covers and Maintains the club’s archives
other GOC publications and ‘Outdoors’
advertising sales. * Not a trustee; all others are trustees of
GOC.

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Comments from the Chair Membership:
Pride Day Events: I’m sure many of our Group
As we move towards the summer Coordinators have noticed the surge in
months, the Pride Day events edge membership, especially during April.
closer. My diary indicates that Swansea This is largely the result of the social
is first followed by Cardiff, both of media advertising campaign instigated
which we always seem to celebrate in by webmaster Martin Gilbraith, which
lovely warm sunshine. Let’s hope that together with a refreshed and attractive
happens again this year. website, has seen a record number of
new members signing up. Hopefully,
On Saturday 29th June, it’s the ‘big one’
each group will benefit from this
in London, where the club will be
campaign, which will continue during
represented. Book your ticket via our
May. The club now has over two
website if you want to take part. There
thousand members.
are 100 wristbands up for grabs.
Finally, at the end of August I’ll be in 50th Anniversary Celebrations:
Reading for their Pride Day event. Last I reported at the last committee
year was a great success and feel sure it meeting, held in London last month, on
will be again. the variety and different ways Groups
were celebrating their own 50th
JOGLE – update:
Anniversary event. I’m hoping to
I hope, like me, you are all keeping
attend several of these events in person,
track of David Stockwell’s progress as
but would like to congratulate all those
he continues his epic journey from John
that have taken the time to plan and
O’Groats to Land’s End. I receive
execute this landmark occasion.
regular Facebook photos and updates
from him, especially when he arrives at Annual Outdoor Gathering:
interesting locations. We wish him well And finally, a reminder about our
for the rest of his amazing walk and Annual Outdoor Gathering, which is
look forward to seeing him at our being held at the University of
Annual Outdoor Gathering in July. Northampton, over the weekend of
26th to 29th July 2024.

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As this is our 50th year, there will be Odds and Ends
lots to look back on, as well as catching Although I will continue to edit the
up with old friends and making new magazine, at the forthcoming AGM I
ones. This promises to be a most will be stepping down from the board.
enjoyable weekend, so please book Having been invited to join the
your place as soon as you can! committee (as it then was) in October
Distribution of 50th Anniversary Pins: 2011, I will have been on the board for
We have arranged with our printers to almost thirteen years. That, in my view,
send a 50th Anniversary Pin to is long enough for anybody!
everyone who subscribes to the I am pleased to have heard along the
magazine along with our June 2024 grapevine that there have been
issue. In addition, we have already sent expressions of interest in the posts that
out pins to events listed on the website we have been advertising recently. As
that celebrate the 50th Anniversary. If yet, there is nothing definite, but let’s
your 50th Anniversary event has yet to keep our fingers crossed that the club
receive its supply of pins, please contact will soon be able to announce some
Ned at [email protected] , and further appointments. With the club
provide your mailing address. We will growing quite quickly, we need the
send them to you! infrastructure to be as strong as
We encourage all group co-ordinators, possible.
plus those members attending the Finally, may I draw your attention to
club's Annual Outdoor Gathering in the events that will be taking place at
July, to collect a good supply for their AOG 2024. Please note that the list
fellow members. If you feel your group published on pages 6 – 17 is not quite
or area may have missed out, we will complete! We hope to post one or two
follow up with a further distribution more events on the website before
during August. bookings open on 1st June. All being
Enjoy the summer months! well, these will include visits to 78
Derngate, near Northampton town
Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair
centre, which we understand to be the
only house in England designed by
Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Peter, Editor

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Outdoors? So are ticks…. to keep a set in your car’s first aid kit.
They are on the lookout for a bare leg Be sure to follow the instructions on
or foot to feed on your blood and leave how to use the tick hook.
their calling card… Once the tick is removed, dab the site
It starts with a red dot and a red ring with an antiseptic wipe, a solution of
around it. At this point antibiotics from Dettol and Savlon or Tea Tree
your doctor can make a cure. BUT if antiseptic. If you have been bitten by an
you ignore it or do not notice, after a infected tick you may go on to develop
while it becomes incurable under the the well-known Bulls Eye Rash but not
NHS. There are thousands of people everyone gets this. Please now visit a
across the country who are so surgery and get it put on record that
debilitated that they cannot cross the you have had a bite. Some Doctors will
room. Hopefully the following will prescribe a course of antibiotics whilst
make you more tick aware and save others will not.
your life.  After a month you will require a
 Whilst walking in the countryside blood test, any sooner will give
do not have open‑toed shoes. you a negative result.
 Ensure you do not have trousers  We recommended that you insist
that are loose to enable a tick to on a blood test as many GP’s do
hide in the seams of clothing. not see Lyme disease as a “high
 Once back home, remove all risk” condition.
outside clothing and put it in the  If your doctor refuses a blood test
washing machine. then see another GP or ask your
 Check your body and that of your local hospital.
children and pets for any ticks –  If you have a tick bite, take pictures
they love to hide in hairlines/ of the bite at least once a week, so
necks/behind knees and elbows, that if the ‘bullseye’ appears, you
even armpits! have a photographic record of its
progress.
What to do if you find a tick:
If you are able to get a blood test, you
If you are bitten by a tick or find one on
will know whether you have Lyme
you then remove it very slowly. Never
Disease or not.
be tempted to burn the tick off with a
cigarette as it will immediately If you require further information,
discharge poisons. please see: https://www.gnhct-uk.com/

Tick tweezers are shaped like a hook GOC is unable to verify the content of
and are obtainable from any chemist or this article. If you are affected by any
outdoor clothing shops. It is advisable of the issues raised, please consult a
for every household to have them and doctor as soon as possible!

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 Events at AOG 2024
Fri 26 July - Mon 29 July At the time of going to press, there were
still a few places available, but time is
All Groups Annual Outdoor Gathering
now getting short, so if you have not
2024. Welcome to AOG 2024, which is
booked already, please book your place
to be held in Northampton from Friday
as soon as possible. Bookings for
26th to Monday 29th July and will be
accommodation and meals have to
based at Northampton University’s
close on Friday 5th July to enable us to
state of the art Waterside Campus, a 20-
confirm final numbers with the
minute stroll from the railway station
university. Please do not make
and Northampton town centre.
commitments for travel and other
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, expenses until your booking is
we will have special moments confirmed. Accommodation will be
throughout the weekend, including an allocated on a first-come, first-served
exhibition of Club archive materials. basis.
Single rooms are student
If you are unable to book online, please
accommodation and were built to a
ask a friend or other GOC member to
high standard just a few years ago.
do so on your behalf. When making
Double rooms are in the on‑site Sunley
your booking, please remember to give
Hotel, which was also recently built to
the names of all the people for whom
an excellent standard. All rooms have
you are booking and specify any special
ensuite facilities, and tea and coffee
dietary requirements you may have.
making facilities. Wi-fi is available
Car registrations will be collected in
throughout the accommodation area.
advance of the event.
Bike storage facilities can be pre-
booked. In addition, occupants of single Cancellations Please note our policy on
rooms will have access to self-catering cancellations Accommodation and
kitchens. breakfast: for cancellations by 7th June
– full refund minus charge of £5 per
Bookings for accommodation and
person per night; after 7th June – no
meals have to be made on the website.
refund unless we can resell your place.
To do this, go to the Outdoor Gathering
Evening meals and packed lunches: for
Group page and scroll down a little. A
cancellations by 7th June – full refund
few lines below the banner image, click
minus charge of £2 per meal; after 7th
on
June – no refund.
2024 in Northampton
Please also note that attendees who do
which will take you to the booking not return their room keys when
page. checking out will be charged £30 plus

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VAT. GOC will also charge attendees The Uno 19 and 19A depart from the
for any damage or unusual cleaning Drapery to Waterside every 12 minutes.
resulting from the actions of those In addition, National Express and other
attendees, where the university has coach services operate from Victoria
charged GOC for this. Street (please check with your operator
ExtendingYour Stay. With a packed to confirm) which is located directly
programme for the AOG weekend, you beside the Upper Mounts car park in
may wish to extend your stay. Subject the town centre. Local buses operate
to availability, you will be able to book from Northgate Bus Station, just off the
additional nights on campus directly Market Square in the town centre. We
with the Sunley Hotel on the university will advise attendees of the check-in
campus. We recommend booking via location closer to the date of the event.
Booking.com to secure this. Please note Meals Bar and Disco Breakfasts will be
that GOC will not be involved in this provided at The Market Canteen.
booking process and cannot accept any Dinners will be held in the large
liability. university foyer. Please note that:
Travelling to the Event For those  Evening meals are two-course
driving to the event from London, the  The Friday evening meal is
North, South East, South West and returning for 2024.
Wales, make your way onto the M1 by  Breakfast at the university is only
any route, and exit at junction 15 onto available to members staying on
the A45. Continue on A508 and exit at campus.
South Bridge Street. If driving from  Packed Lunches will be available
East Anglia or the North East, aim for for collection at the breakfast
A43 or A45 and exit at Barnes Meadow location. The university can cater
Interchange on to the A428, following for any dietary requirements in the
signs for the university. The postcode packed lunches.
for the university car park is NN4 8RR.  For drinks, Waterside Bar, with its
Car registrations will be collected closer dedicated games area will be open.
to the event. If you are travelling by Entertainment The evening
rail, Northampton Railway Station is entertainment will consist of a disco on
one hour by train from both London the Saturday and a quiz (shorter than in
Euston and Birmingham New Street. previous years) on Sunday.
Monday to Friday, the number 18 bus Shopping There is a Morrisons store on
connects the train station to the campus, but as yet, we are unable to
campus; at weekends, please walk to confirm opening times. However an
the Drapery and catch the 19/19A Asda which opens from 07:00 to 23:00 is
service to Waterside. located nearby.

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Fri 26 July moderate walk for people with country
Annual Outdoor Gathering Coton walking experience and a good level of
Manor, Northamptonshire. This is an fitness. It may include some steep paths
exceptional, award‑winning garden, and open country, and may be at a
which has an extensive plant nursery brisk pace. Walking boots and warm,
with some unusual plants for sale, and waterproof clothing are essential. Please
a good café. Coton Manor is often seen meet at 09:45 at The Engine Shed on
on TV. It was featured on Carol university campus, to share lifts. The
Klein's Great British Gardens. To watch walk will start no later than 11:00 from
the programme, follow the link on the the Three Locks car park, which is close
event webpage. See also https:// to the pub on Ivy Lane, Leighton Road,
findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/7083/ Milton Keynes MK17 9DD. If you need
coton_manor_garden . At time of a lift from the university, or can offer
writing, the admission charge was £10. lifts to others, please post a comment on
For more information, follow the link the event booking page, stating either
on the event webpage. Our walk that you need a lift or how many free
around the garden will be an easy two places you are able to offer. The event
miles mostly on flat, well‑made paths. contact is Tom Munn on 07742 577 509.
Please meet at Coton Manor at 12:00 for Grid ref: SP 891 283
lunch or at 13:00 just to walk around Annual Outdoor Gathering Stowe
the garden. The postcode is NN6 8RQ. Gardens. This is an easy 7‑mile circular
There is plenty of onsite parking. In walk starting from the National Trust
addition to the onsite café, there is a car park in Stowe. After the first part
picnic area adjacent to the car park. The through Stowe House (now a private
event contact is Neil on 07808 502 527. school) Park, we will walk along the
Grid ref: SP 674 716 course of a Roman road which runs in
front of the school. We will then aim for
Sat 27 July Dadford before crossing fields to Stowe
Annual Outdoor Gathering ‘Old Woods on a path that leads to
Linslade Circular’, Leighton Buzzard. Silverstone. (We will not go all the way
This is a pleasant 9.5‑mile circular walk there, but we might hear some motor
which for part of the time will take us racing in the distance). We will then
along the Grand Union Canal and the skirt around the park to return to the
Ouzel Valley, passing through Old starting point. We will walk through
Linslade, Great Brickhill, Stockgrove the meadows and farmland
and Rushmere Country Park surrounding Stowe House, with
(Greensand Trust). Please bring a opportunities to see remotely some of
packed lunch, plenty to drink, snacks, the many follies spread around the
fruit and something to sit on. This is a gardens. This is an ideal taster of what

10
you could enjoy if you come to visit the which allow us to take in some
National Trust Stowe Gardens. This is a outstanding views. Please meet at 09:45
generally easy walk with only one stile, at The Engine Shed on university
but it is a double! The ground could be campus, to share lifts. If you need a lift
muddy if the weather is poor, so please from the university, or can offer lifts to
wear appropriate footwear. Please others, please post a comment on the
meet to share lifts at 10:00 at the Engine event booking page, stating either that
Shed at the university, or for a prompt you need a lift or how many free places
11:00 start from the National Trust car you are able to offer. On arrival, please
park, Stowe Ave, Buckingham, MK18 meet by Badby village green. There is
5EQ. If you need a lift from the adequate on‑street parking in the centre
university, or can offer lifts to others, of the village; please park
please post a comment on the event considerately! Badby is near Daventry,
booking page, stating either that you around 20 miles west of Northampton,
need a lift or how many free places you but as much of this is motorway and
are able to offer. Parking at Stowe dual carriageway, please aim to arrive
Gardens car park is free for both NT by 10:30. We will leave as soon as all
members and non-members. It is members have arrived and certainly no
located 1.5 miles from the centre of later than 11:00. Please bring a packed
Buckingham via Stowe Avenue. Please lunch and plenty to drink. The event
bring a packed lunch and plenty to contacts are Paul Knight on 07985 450
drink. The event contact is Andrew W 221 and Kevin Watkins on 07546 497
on 07774 595 693. Grid ref: SP 682 364 609. Grid ref: SP 560 590
Annual Outdoor Gathering Badby Annual Outdoor Gathering Delapre
Woods and the villages of Everdon and Abbey gardens and park, Hardingstone
Newnham. This is a lovely 8‑mile walk and Brackmills Country park;
in the picturesque countryside of women‑only walk. This is a moderate
Northamptonshire. After setting off 7.5‑mile walk. We will walk directly
from Badby village, we head into the from the University towards Great
woods along the Knightly Way, with Houton and Hardingstone Pocket Park
some stunning views over rural with its war memorial, before entering
Northamptonshire. We carry along Brackmills Country Park. We will
open field paths with picturesque views return to the University via The
to a pretty village called Everdon. We Washlands, Delapre where there are
then walk on along country lanes and gardens a park, a lake and an abbey.
open field to the next village, When we get to Delapre, people can
Newnham. From there, we cross more visit the abbey if they wish, but there is
open fields to return to Badby. This a charge for this. There is also a café
moderate walk includes a few inclines where we can be rewarded for our

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efforts on this lovely walk. The walk is Annual Outdoor Gathering Stony
mostly on established paths with some Stratford, The Grand Union Canal and
moderate climbs and descents. These The Great Ouse. This 9.5‑mile walk
paths could be muddy in places. Please starts from the historic coaching town
meet for a prompt 10:00 start at The of Stony Stratford. We will walk along
Engine shed on the university campus. the Grand Union Canal to the railway
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty town of Wolverton, then along the
to drink. The event contact is Al on River Great Ouse to rejoin the GUC at
07791 408 184. Grid ref: SP 760 596 the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. From there,
Annual Outdoor Gathering we will walk up to Cosgrove Lock, and
Hardingstone, Eleanor Cross and return to Stony Stratford via the
Delapre Abbey. This is an easy 5‑mile disused Buckingham arm of the GUC.
walk on good paths on the outskirts of Our start point in Stony Stratford is
Northampton. We will visit the village about 15 miles/30 minutes’ drive from
of Hardingstone with its 15th century the university campus. This is a flat
church, restored by the Victorians; the walk mostly on good paths, but there is
Eleanor Cross, one of only three of the one section where tree roots disrupt the
original twelve remaining; and finally path. This section can also be muddy
Delapre Abbey, a former 12th century following wet weather. Please meet at
nunnery dissolved in 1538 and replaced 10:00 at The Engine Shed on the
by the current buildings between the university campus to share lifts. If you
16th and 18th centuries. This was also need a lift from the university, or can
the site of the Battle of Northampton in offer lifts to others, please post a
1460. The house will not be open, but comment on the event booking page,
the Orangery serves tea, coffee, cakes stating either that you need a lift or
and more substantial lunches. There is a how many free places you are able to
walled garden and some less formal offer. We aim to start the walk at 10:45
garden areas that can be explored at at the free car park in Watermill Lane,
leisure. From here it is only a short Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5NZ.
distance back to the university. We will There are other car parks nearby if this
be walking mainly on good paths, with one is full. Please bring a packed lunch
no stiles or steep hills. We will walk and plenty to drink. After the walk, we
directly from the university. Please may visit a café on Stony Stratford High
meet for a prompt 10:30 start at The St. The event contact is Jim Peard on
Engine Shed on the university campus. 07949 550 653
Please bring plenty to drink and either
snacks or a packed lunch. The event
contact is David L on 07722 442 829.
Grid ref: SP 760 596

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Annual Outdoor Gathering Wolverton Annual Outdoor Gathering Delapre
to Bletchley. This is an 8.5‑mile linear Abbey and The Villages Circular Walk.
walk linking Wolverton Station to This moderate 10.5‑mile circular walk
Bletchley Station via footpaths and takes in the historic Delapre Abbey,
quiet roads following parts of part of the Nene Way, and the villages
Midshires Way and Cycle Route 51. The of Little Houghton, Great Houghton
walk passes important places in Milton and Hardingstone before returning to
Keynes’ history from Roman Times to the university via Delapre Abbey. It is
the present day. We plan to use the an ideal opportunity to walk parts of
train at the end of the walk to return to Northampton town and the
the starting point at Wolverton station. surrounding countryside. Our first
This is an easy walk, mostly on the level point of interest is Delapre Abbey
on well‑made paths. It is unlikely to be which has been part of Northampton
muddy, even after rain. Please meet at history for the last 900 years. Founded
09:45 at The Engine Shed on university by Simon De Senlis, Earl of
campus, to share lifts. If you need a lift Northampton, the nunnery was one of
from the university, or can offer lifts to only three Cluniac Nunneries in
others, please post a comment on the England. In 1290, the cortege of Eleanor
event booking page, stating either that of Castile (wife of Edward 1) rested
you need a lift or how many free places overnight at the abbey/nunnery on its
you are able to offer. The walk will start way to Westminster. Delapre was also
from Wolverton Station car park, MK12 the site of the Battle of Northampton
5FR. You may park there, or there is fought in 1460. The nunnery was closed
free on‑street parking on Haversham in 1538 as part of the Dissolution of the
Road, MK12 5TN, a minute’s walk from Monasteries. We walk through Delapre
the station. The walk will end at woods, along the lake and later the
Bletchley Station, MK2 2JU. After the canal until it joins the river Nene. We
walk we will take the train back to walk along a bank with the river on one
Wolverton. The maximum rail fare is side and the Washes on the
£5.40 per person, but is less if there are other. Along this stretch, we are likely
five or more people returning. Trains to see a variety of waterfowl and other
leave Bletchley at 23 minutes past the birds. We proceed to Billing
hour. The journey back to Wolverton Aquadrome before turning towards
takes nine minutes. Please bring a Little Houghton. At this point we will
packed lunch and plenty to drink. We get a glimpse of Clifford Hill, one of the
may be able to stop for tea, coffee and largest mottes in the country. Little
cake after the walk. The event contact is Houghton, where we hope to have our
Pascal Cosnuau on 07739 967 976. Grid lunch stop, is another delightful
ref: SP 821 414 Northamptonshire village. The church,

13
which survived the great fire of 1333, Trust, where there will be an
dates to 1225 and is well worth a look opportunity to visit the house and its
inside. A set of stocks is preserved in terraced gardens. The café is free to use.
the centre of the village. We will then Please meet for a prompt 09:30 start at
move on to Great Houghton, another The Engine Shed on university campus.
village with oodles of charm. Before We are hoping to have lunch at Canons
entering Hardingstone we hope to stop Ashby. Alternatively, bring a packed
briefly to take in the views from the lunch and plenty to drink. The event
nearby parkland. Hardingstone made contact is Tony Turner on 07841 705
the news in the 1930's due to the "Rouse 163. Grid ref: S 760 596
Case" a fraud case where an unknown Annual Outdoor Gathering Bletchley
man died in a car fire. His last resting Park: Visit the Home of the
place is marked by a wooden cross at Codebreakers! Bletchley Park was once
the rear of the church should anyone the top-secret home of the World War
wish to view it. We are now on the last Two Codebreakers and it is now a
leg of our journey passing the golf vibrant heritage attraction. Join us for
course as we re-enter the Delapre an exciting day experiencing immersive
grounds. Possibly time for coffee and films, interactive displays, museum
ice cream before returning to campus. collections and faithfully recreated
This is a largely flat walk with a couple WW2 rooms which will guide you on a
of short gentle climbs. The terrain is a journey to discover the past at Bletchley
mixture of (possibly) muddy woodland Park. Set within beautifully restored
paths, grassy paths, plus a small historic buildings, exhibitions tell the
amount of road walking and other hard story of this once top-secret
surfaces. As we are walking directly operation. A place to find out more
from the university, please meet at about the brilliant minds and complex
09:30 at The Engine Shed on the machines that made this vital work
university campus for a prompt 09:45 possible, and discover the global impact
start. Please bring a packed lunch and Bletchley Park had on the outcome of
plenty to drink as there will be no WW2. As part of the annual Outdoor
opportunities to shop enroute. The Gathering, we have arranged for a
event contacts are Mike on 07929 790 coach to pick us up at the university to
803 and Roy on 07447 447 221. take us to Bletchley Park and back to
Annual Outdoor Gathering Canon's Northampton. The price for this event,
Ashby Cycle Ride. This is a 36‑mile including both coach fare and an entry
circular ride through the ticket, is £35. As with the other events,
Northamptonshire countryside. We will bookings will open on Saturday 1st
stop for lunch at Canons Ashby, an old June 2024, but for this event only,
Tudor manor house run by the National bookings will close on Friday 5th July.

14
Please meet for a prompt 10:00 miles north of Northampton. The walk
departure outside the Sunley Hotel on will start on Pitsford High Street,
the university campus. We will leave opposite the bungalows, where there
Bletchley Park at 16:00. The journey in are no houses, on the left‑hand side
each direction should take around 45 from the A508. The nearest postcode is
minutes, so we expect to arrive at NN6 9AD. Please park considerately!
Bletchley Park by around 10:45, and be We aim to start the walk no later than
back at the University by around 16:45. 11:00. Please bring a packed lunch and
There is a café onsite where visitors can plenty to drink. The event contact is
purchase food and drink. In addition, Kevin Watkins on 07546 497 609 Grid
there is an outside picnic area where ref: SP 752 678
visitors are welcome to eat food that Annual Outdoor Gathering ‘Old
they have brought with them. Please Linslade Circular’, Leighton Buzzard.
note, however, that if the weather is This is a pleasant 9.5‑mile circular walk
bad, visitors are not permitted to eat which for part of the time will take us
their own food in the cafe, where along the Grand Union Canal and the
people are only allowed to consume Ouzel Valley, passing through Old
food that they have purchased there. Linslade, Great Brickhill, Stockgrove
The event contact is Peter Blackburn and Rushmere Country Park
07804 329 532 Grid ref: SP 864 340 (Greensand Trust). Please bring a
Sun 28 July packed lunch, plenty to drink, snacks,
Annual Outdoor Gathering Lamport, fruit and something to sit on. This is a
Brixworth Park and Pitsford. This is an moderate walk for people with country
easy, mostly mud free 7‑mile walk on walking experience and a good level of
good surfaces. We will visit Lamport fitness. It may include some steep paths
Station where we may see a steam train and open country, and may be at a
in operation. The station also houses brisk pace. Walking boots and warm,
conveniences and a gift shop. In waterproof clothing are essential. Please
addition, we will be walking through meet at 09:45 at The Engine Shed on
Brixworth Park and around Pitsford university campus, to share lifts. The
Reservoir, both of which feature walk will start no later than 11:00 from
beautiful scenery. Please meet at 10:00 the Three Locks car park, which is close
at The Engine Shed on the university to the pub on Ivy Lane, Leighton Road,
campus, to share lifts. If you need a lift Milton Keynes MK17 9DD. If you need
from the university, or can offer lifts to a lift from the university, or can offer
others, please post a comment on the lifts to others, please post a comment on
event booking page, stating either that the event booking page, stating either
you need a lift or how many free places that you need a lift or how many free
you are able to offer. Pitsford is six places you are able to offer.

15
The event contact is Tom Munn on Annual Outdoor Gathering Stony
07742 577 509. Grid ref: SP 891 283 Stratford, The Grand Union Canal and
Annual Outdoor Gathering Badby, The Great Ouse. This 9.5‑mile walk
Staverton and Catesby. Starting from starts from the historic coaching town
the village of Badby in of Stony Stratford. We will walk along
Northamptonshire, on this moderate the Grand Union Canal to the railway
8.5‑mile walk we will visit the pretty town of Wolverton, then along the
village of Staverton and the charming River Great Ouse to rejoin the GUC at
hamlets of Lower and Upper Catesby. the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. From there,
On the way, we will pass the majestic we will walk up to Cosgrove Lock, and
Catesby viaduct, a remnant of the Great return to Stony Stratford via the
Central Railway (the last main line to be disused Buckingham arm of the GUC.
built, and the only one to be closed by Our start point in Stony Stratford is
Dr Beeching) and Arbury hill, the about 15 miles / 30 minutes’ drive from
highest point in Northamptonshire. At the university campus. This is a flat
the end of the walk, there is the option walk mostly on good paths, but there is
of a drink in the Maltsters Inn. The one section where tree roots disrupt the
walk is across open fields and county path. This section can also be muddy
lanes which could be muddy in places, following wet weather. Please meet at
so boots are recommended. Please meet 09:45 at The Engine Shed on the
at 10:00 at The Engine Shed on university campus to share lifts. If you
university campus, to share lifts. If you need a lift from the university, or can
need a lift from the university, or can offer lifts to others, please post a
offer lifts to others, please post a comment on the event booking page,
comment on the event booking page, stating either that you need a lift or
stating either that you need a lift or how many free places you are able to
how many free places you are able to offer. We aim to start the walk at 10:45
offer. On arrival we will meet on the at the free car park in Watermill Lane,
green in the centre of Badby opposite Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5NZ.
the Maltsters Inn, NN11 3AF, which is There are other car parks nearby if this
around 35 minutes’ drive from the one is full. Please bring a packed lunch
university. There is plenty of free street and plenty to drink. After the walk, we
parking available. This walk cannot be may visit a café on Stony Stratford High
accessed by public transport. Please St. The event contact is Jim Peard on
bring a packed lunch and plenty to 07949 550 653
drink. The event contact is Jon R. on Annual Outdoor Gathering Historical
07951 640 249. Grid ref: SP 560 591 Town Tour of Northampton. On this
6‑mile town walk, we will leave the
university campus heading south

16
through the woods towards the golf Annual Outdoor Gathering Castle
club and Delapre Abbey, taking the Ashby circular. This 6.5‑mile walk will
road to the high ground to look at the start at Castle Ashby. It includes a
Eleanor Cross erected by Edward 1 in stately home, rivers, wildlife, a spooky
1291. Our journey back towards the graveyard, and a secret place. We will
University will take us across the also visit the villages of Cogenhoe and
Wathen Wigg Bridge and stop at the Whiston. There are a few hills,
Northampton Locks before wandering including a steep path up to Whiston
through Becket’s Park and into the church. Please meet at 10:00 at The
town centre. We proceed up Swan Engine Shed on university campus, to
Street and via Angel Street turn into share lifts. If you need a lift from the
Guildhall Road. After taking the university, or can offer lifts to others,
opportunity to look at the Royal please post a comment on the event
Theatre and Opera House, we can go booking page, stating either that you
into the Northampton Town and Art need a lift or how many free places you
Gallery (free to enter) to see the are able to offer. Castle Ashby is around
exhibitions and to learn about the eight miles east of Northampton. On
history of boot making which made the arrival, please park in the village car
town famous. After that, we will go park which is set at the back,
along to the Guildhall and have lunch approximately 200 yards from the
next to All Saints Church before shopping village. Please note: do not
heading to the recently developed park on the road! We aim to start the
famous Market Place (due to be walk not later than 10:45. Please bring a
completed this summer so hopefully it packed lunch and plenty to drink. The
will be!) We will return to the event contact is Peter Blackburn on
university via Derngate, Albion Place 07804 329 532. Grid ref: SP 859 593
and Becket’s Park. This will be a Annual Outdoor Gathering Delapre
slow‑paced walk, taking in all the Abbey and The Villages Circular Walk.
interesting history of this area, and will This moderate 10.5‑mile circular walk
be mainly on paths and pavements. We takes in the historic Delapre Abbey,
will be walking directly from the part of the Nene Way, and the villages
university, so please meet for a prompt of Little Houghton, Great Houghton
10:00 start at The Engine shed on and Hardingstone before returning to
university campus. Please bring a the university via Delapre Abbey. It is
packed lunch and plenty to drink. The an ideal opportunity to walk parts of
event contact is Jim on 07510 924 442. Northampton town and the
Grid ref: SP 760 596 surrounding countryside. Our first
point of interest is Delapre Abbey
which has been part of Northampton

17
history for the last 900 years. Founded the rear of the church should anyone
by Simon De Senlis, Earl of wish to view it. We are now on the last
Northampton, the nunnery was one of leg of our journey passing the golf
only three Cluniac Nunneries in course as we re-enter the Delapre
England. In 1290, the cortege of Eleanor grounds. Possibly time for coffee and
of Castile (wife of Edward 1) rested ice cream before returning to campus.
overnight at the abbey/nunnery on its This is a largely flat walk with a couple
way to Westminster. Delapre was also of short gentle climbs. The terrain is a
the site of the Battle of Northampton mixture of muddy woodland paths,
fought in 1460. The nunnery was closed grassy paths, plus a small amount of
in 1538 as part of the Dissolution of the road walking and other hard surfaces.
Monasteries. We walk through Delapre As we are walking directly from the
woods, along the lake and later the university, please meet at 09:30 at The
canal until it joins the river Nene. We Engine Shed on the university campus
walk along a bank with the river on one for a prompt 09:45 start. Please bring a
side and the Washes on the other. packed lunch and plenty to drink as
Along this stretch, we are likely to see a there are no shops enroute. The event
variety of waterfowl and other birds. contacts are Mike on 07929 790 803 and
We proceed to Billing Aquadrome Roy on 07447 447 221.
before turning towards Little Annual Outdoor Gathering Naseby
Houghton. At this point we will get a Battlefield, Brixworth and Pitsford
glimpse of Clifford Hill, one of the Reservoir Cycle Ride. This is a 38‑mile
largest mottes in the country. Little circular ride visiting one of the key
Houghton, where we hope to have our battlegrounds of the English Civil War,
lunch stop, is another delightful and returning to campus by way of the
Northamptonshire village. The church, village of Brixworth, and Pitsford
which survived the great fire of 1333, Reservoir, using the Mid Shires Way
dates to 1225 and is well worth a look cycle trail. Please meet for a prompt
inside. A set of stocks is preserved in 09:30 start at The Engine Shed on the
the centre of the village. We will then university campus. Please bring a
move on to Great Houghton, another packed lunch and plenty to drink. We
village with oodles of charm. Before are hoping to call in at a café on route
entering Hardingstone we hope to stop for tea or coffee. The event contacts are
briefly to take in the views from the Nick Thompson on 07837 493 150 and
nearby parkland. Hardingstone made Graeme Brown on 07947 515 177. Grid
the news in the 1930's due to the "Rouse ref: SP 760 596
Case" a fraud case where an unknown
man died in a car fire. His last resting
place is marked by a wooden cross at

18
Annual Outdoor Gathering Deene Designed by Charles Bridgeman,
Park House and Gardens. In the William Kent and Capability
leader’s opinion, this is the jewel in the Brown, the gardens have evolved from
crown of local gardens, with wonderful a baroque park to a natural landscape
topiary as well as other features. There garden. The gardens are notable for the
is also the very interesting house with scale, design, size, and the number of
an opulent interior. Deene Park has monuments set across the landscape, as
been the location for many films, well as for the fact they have been a
including the bridge scene in the recent tourist attraction for over 300 years.
Saltburn. We will meet Andrew, the Many of the monuments on the
Head Gardener, who is gay. He will property have their own additional
tell us about the garden. For members Grade I listing. These include: the
of the Historic Houses Association, Corinthian Arch, the Temple of Venus,
entry to both the house and garden are the Palladian Bridge, the Gothic
free. For RHS members, entry to the Temple, the Temple of Ancient Virtue,
garden is free, entry to the house costs the Temple of British Worthies, the
£7. For others, admission to the garden Temple of Concord and Victory, the
and the house costs £15, admission to Queen's Temple, the Doric Arch, and
the garden only costs £8. There is a tea the Oxford Bridge, amongst others.
room serving limited refreshments. For Free entry and parking for NT
more details, see the event members. Otherwise, please see the
webpage. Our walk around the garden event webpage for details. In addition,
will be an easy two miles on well‑made there is the possibility of a tour of
paths, with some steps. Please meet by Stowe House. Tours are available on
the Bridge at 13:00. The nearest certain dates, but tickets only go on sale
postcode is NN17 5EG. There is plenty one month ahead. I will update the
of onsite parking. The café has a limited details on the website when I know if
range on offer, but is in a nice setting. this is an option. Our walk around the
The event contact is Neil on 07808 502 gardens will be around three miles. It is
527. Grid ref: SP 953 918 generally easy walking, but some paths
may be muddy or uneven. Please meet
Mon 29 July
by the ticket office at 11:00. The
Annual Outdoor Gathering NT Stowe postcode is MK18 5EQ. There is plenty
(with the possibility of a house tour) of onsite parking which is free for NT
Stowe Gardens are extensive, Grade I members. Non‑members please see
gardens and parkland near details on the event webpage. Please
Buckingham. Largely created in the bring a packed lunch and something to
18th century, the gardens at Stowe are drink, or use the onsite café. The event
arguably the most significant example contact is Neil on 07808 502 527. Grid
of the English landscape garden. ref: SP 681 364
19
 Sat 01 June
Berkshire and Mid Thames, History &
Culture, London, Milton Keynes and
Buckinghamshire, Oxford Walking
with Wilfred round Dunsden. Join us
on an easy 5‑mile walk around the
village of Dunsden, near Reading
where a young Wilfred Owen spent
seventeen months, long before WW1.
We will follow the route of the Wilfred
Owen Trail (owenindusden.org.uk) and
visit All Saints Church, Dunsden,
where a stunning new stained‑glass
window has recently been installed. It
June 2024
references Owen's sexuality as well as
his strong connection with the local
Advance booking for GOC events is
landscape. Afterwards, we will repair to
only required for events for which
numbers are limited, or events which the nearby Loddon Brewery tap yard
have to be paid for. However, if you which has a great selection of street
plan to attend an event, it will help the food. Your guide was closely involved
event organiser considerably if you in the creation of the window and has a
indicate your intention by using the fund of stories about Wilfred and the
‘Join’ button on the website. local area. This is an easy, flat walk,
although it could be muddy in places,
For many events, lifts to/from the depending on the recent weather.
event, or collection from train stations Please meet for a prompt 16:45 start at
can be organised via the comments at
Dunsden Church car park, Church
the bottom of the event listing on the
Lane, Dunsden, RG4 9PH, where there
website, or by using the ‘Contact Event
Organiser’ form, which you will also is free parking. Lifts are available from
find on the website. Twyford or Reading station by prior
arrangement. Food and drink will be
available at the reasonably-priced
More details of these events may be on Loddon Brewery afterwards, or bring
the website now. There you can also your own. The event contact is David
contact the event organiser, view the Woodward on 07802 433 058. Grid ref:
meeting point and indicate your SU 732 775
intention to attend.
See www.goc.org.uk

20
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, event sell out quickly. Please add your
Western Midlands JOGLE Day: 59 Lea name to the list of attendees on the
Marston to Nailcote Hall. We will begin website only after you have purchased
today’s 15-mile route by heading into your ticket.
Lea Marston village, where we will turn
Sun 02 June
left to Whitacre Heath, go straight at a
staggered junction under the railway, Cambridgeshire Little Downham,
and take the path immediately to our Cambridgeshire. A 7‑mile walk along
right, alongside the railway to rejoin the the droves and footpaths surrounding
Heart of England Way. After a while, Little Downham. The walk enjoys wide
the path turns left to go under another expansive views of the surrounding
railway, heading east alongside that countryside and Ely Cathedral. We will
railway, with Shustoke Reservoir to our mostly be walking on wide droves
right. The Way takes a right going although we do walk along a section of
south over the B4114, on to Green End, a busy B‑road. The surface of the
under the M6 and A45 and passes to droves can be quite rutted and uneven
the east of Meriden. It eventually and may be muddy if there has been
reaches Berkswell with its grade‑1 recent rainfall, so boots are essential.
listed church, with one of the finest There is the option of a visit to the pub
Norman crypts and a timbered room at the end of the walk. Please meet for a
over the church porch. Finally, we will prompt 11:00 start outside The Anchor
head along Spencer's Lane to Carol's Pub, Main Street, Little Downham, CB6
Green and beyond before taking a right 2ST, where on‑street parking is
turn onto Nailcote Lane with Nailcote available. Please bring a packed lunch
Hall on our left. This is an undulating and something to drink. The event
walk along field paths and lanes. Please contact is Colin Atkinson on 07952 824
meet for a prompt 09:00 start at the 426. Grid ref: TL 524 840
entrance of Lea Marston Hotel, B76 Devon Hound Tor and Manaton. This
OBY. Please bring all your food and is a spectacular 6‑mile circular walk in
drink requirements for the day. The the remote and peaceful heart of
event contact is David Stockwell on Dartmoor, visiting Bowerman's Nose, a
07934 182 614 Grid ref: SP 202 942 very distinctive granite tower. Please
South Wales South Wales Gay Men's bring plenty to drink and a packed
Chorus Annual Concert. Lights! lunch to eat on the lovely village green
Camera! Slay! On this evening, South at Manaton where bench seats are
Wales Gay Men's Chorus present their available. After lunch, our route takes
annual concert at the Royal Welsh us along deserted lanes climbing ever
College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, upwards onto the moor. A carpet of
beginning at 19:30. Tickets for this bluebells awaits at the site of an
abandoned medieval village.
21
From there, the craggy outline of the village of Sharnford. If coming from
Hound Tor beckons, with the promise Coventry or the A5, take the turning on
of the best views of the day from the the right after you have driven through
summit. Afterwards, we will seek Sharnford. There are two car parks. We
refreshments at a good farm shop café. will be meeting in the second and larger
This walk is graded as difficult because car park near to Mason's Il Cappo Del
of the arduous terrain. Paths across the Coffe (coffee van), which is open on
open moor have steep and rocky Sundays before and after the walk. The
sections and so stout footwear is nearest post code is LE17 5EP. There is
essential. Please meet for a prompt no public transport available to this
11:00 start at Hound Tor free car park. location. Please bring a packed lunch
Careful navigation is required to get to and something to drink. We will be
this point! Travelling from Haytor on walking past the Co-Op in Sapcote, so
the B3387 (the Bovey Tracy to there will be an opportunity to
Widecombe road) drive uphill for two purchase food on the walk. The event
miles, cross the cattle grid and fork contact is Adrian Kinning on 07504 647
right towards Widecombe. After 0.5 485. Grid ref: SP 484 906
miles, fork right at Harefoot Cross. John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
After a further 0.3 miles, fork right Western Midlands JOGLE Day 60:
again and proceed 1.5 miles to Hound Nailcote Hall to Henley in Arden. After
Tor. The event contact is Mike on 07786 leaving Nailcote Hall, we will turn left
871 141. Grid ref: SX 739 792 down Nailcote Lane which in turn
East Midlands South Leicestershire becomes Waste Lane (to Catchens
Circular This is a 7.5‑mile circular walk Corner), Kelsey Lane, Alder Lane,
in South Leicestershire. Following a Balsall Street East and Balsall Street to
mixture of public roads, bridleways and rejoin the Heart of England Way near
footpaths, this easy and relatively level Ye Olde Saracen's Head. The Heart of
walk will pass through the Fosse England Way then goes south, crossing
Villages of Sapcote, Stoney Stanton and the A4141 near Chadwick End before
Sharnford. The start and end point is passing Baddesley Clinton Manor, said
halfway between Coventry and to be finest medieval Manor in England,
Leicester and about four miles south of set in a wide moat. After passing the
Hinckley. Please meet for a prompt villages of Rowington Green and
11:00 start at Fosse Meadows Nature Rowington, we cross the Grand Union
Park, just off the B4114, where ample Canal, the M40 and the Stratford Upon
free parking is available. Fosse Avon Canal. Finally, we reach Henley
Meadows is signposted from the main in Arden, within the stomping lands of
road. Coming from Leicester, take the Shakespeare. This walk is on
turning in on the left before you reach undulating field paths and lanes.

22
Please meet for a prompt 09:00 start border between Sussex and Kent,
outside the Nailcote Hall Hotel, setting out across drained marshland
Nailcote Lane, CV7 7DE. Please bring along part of the Saxon Shore Way on
all your food and drink requirements. the edge of Romney Marsh, then
The event contact is David Stockwell on climbing to traverse higher ground,
07934 182 614. Grid ref: SP 263 773 passing through the village of Stone-in-
Mid-Wales, West Wales, Oxney, before returning alongside the
Women Dolaucothi, Pumsaint, Royal Military Canal. The village centre
Carmarthenshire This is a moderate of Appledore is on the northern edge of
5.5‑mile circular walk, and incorporates the Romney Marsh, 12 miles south-west
the Miners' Trail, a scenic ramble of Ashford. The northerly part of this
through the old adits, miners' barracks village is Appledore Heath. Appledore
and mine workings leading to the was the setting for A. A. Milne's famous
parkland and the remains of the old verse poem, The Knight Whose Armour
mansion. From there, we will climb Didn't Squeak. The fictional village of
through the woods to the trig point of Plummergen, in the Miss Seeton series
Pen Lan-dolau, where we will have of crime novels by Heron Carvic, is
lunch, taking in the panoramic views of based on Appledore. Stone-in-Oxney is
the whole estate, the Cothi valley and a small fairly scattered village which
beyond. Walking is moderate with the occupies a commanding position on the
final push to the trig point being fairly east side of the Isle of Oxney. The stone
steep. There are four or five stiles, all that gives the village its name is
with dog posts at the side. However, preserved in the village church, and is
one of them is decidedly rocky for of Roman origin. Often thought to be an
humans! Please meet for a prompt 11:00 altar of Mithras, it in fact depicts
start at the NT car park at Dolaucothi, Apis. The Royal Military Canal
Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, stretches for 28 miles from Hythe, Kent,
SA19 8US where there is free parking: to Cliff End, between Rye and Hastings
There are toilets at an adjacent facility in East Sussex. It was built between
in Pumpsaint. Please bring a packed 1804 and 1809 as a defence against
lunch and something to drink. The café invasion by Napoleon. It is now
at Dolaucothi is sadly no longer open, important in maintaining the drainage
but we may stop for refreshments at of Romney Marsh. This is a fairly easy
Llangadog or Llandeilo on the way walk, with a moderate climb up to
home. The event contact is Joy on 07719 Stone-in-Oxney. Please meet for a
899 503. Grid ref: SN 662 403 prompt 11:00 start at Appledore Village
Hall car park, TN26 2AF where there is
West Kent Appledore and the Royal free parking. Appledore station is
Military Canal. This is an 8‑mile walk approximately 1.25 miles outside of the
from Appledore, near the county
23
village. Trains run from Brighton via is SY8 1FD. There are no public
Eastbourne and Hastings, and from conveniences or shops nearby, and this
Ashford. Train times may be checked location is not served by public
using the following website: https:// transport on Sundays. Please bring a
www.southernrailway.com/ If you are packed lunch and plenty of fluids. For
travelling by train, please check for any last-minute supplies, there is a
weekend engineering which may affect convenience store at the Co-op filling
your journey(s), and, in any event, station, SY8 1LS on the Ludlow side of
please ensure you arrive on time for the the Sheet roundabout, a 5-minute drive
start of the walk. Please bring a packed from the meeting point. If you plan to
lunch and something to drink. After the stay overnight in Ludlow, please let
walk, drinks and food will be available John know if you are looking for a lift
at a pub back in Appledore. The event from the town to the meeting point. He
contact is Colin Turner on 07719 691 will try to help you find one! The
929. Grid ref: TQ 956 296 Travelodge on Foldgate Lane, SY8 1LS,
Western Midlands Ludlow and is an easy 5-minute walk to the meeting
Ashford Carbonel Circuit. This fairly point. The event contact is John W on
easy picturesque 8-mile walk in South 07855 035 385. Unfortunately, the signal
Shropshire includes just 170m of ascent. may be weak. Grid ref: SO 529 745
It will give us broad panoramas across Mon 03 June
rolling farmland towards Titterstone Cornwall Ten Pin Bowling to relaunch
Clee, the Abberley Hills and the the Cornwall Group. We are very
Malvern Hills. There will be close-up pleased that Ross Fields has stepped
sightings of the River Teme and its forward to organise this event to go
tributary Ledwyche Brook. During the bowling and meet for refreshments. All
walk, we pass through a small orchard abilities are welcome as this is all about
where visitors are asked not to pick the having fun and the opportunity to
fruit, as it is reserved under contract to socialise. The actual bowling is £10.50
Bulmers, the cider-makers! There are for two games, free shoes provided.
only a few stiles, most of which are dog Please meet at 13:00 at Trethorne
-friendly. Our route will take us along Leisure Park, Kennards House,
quiet country lanes, farm tracks and Launceston PL15 8QE, where parking is
public field footpaths, none of which available. Google Maps shows the
will be especially challenging. Please buses that go from Launceston to the
meet for a prompt 11:00 start at Ludlow Leisure Park which is about three miles
Park and Ride, where there is free from the town centre. The event contact
parking and plenty of spaces. It is well is Ross Fields. His mobile number will
signposted to the east of the A49 at the be posted on the website shortly.
Sheet roundabout. The nearest postcode

24
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, as you seem to be the only woman
Western Midlands JOGLE Day 61: member there, or you may be a very
Henley in Arden to Bidford on Avon. new member and not have attended
On today’s 13‑mile trek, The Heart of any GOC event yet. We aim to offer
England Way from Henley in Arden help, support, and informal chat.
soon crosses the A4189. It then takes a Perhaps during this zoom session we
meandering route across to Roman could put you in touch with another
Alcester. From there it follows a woman who is in your group, so you
bumpier route over field paths and can liaise for any future events going on
lanes to the River Arrow before in your local area and/or point out
descending into Bidford in Avon. some events coming up this year you
Apparently, Shakespeare came with may want to join. Our Zoom meeting
friends to Bidford for a drinking contest room is accessible on a computer,
on a Whit Monday against the Bidford tablet, or smartphone via an app, or
Topers. The Topers had gone to a more with more limited functionality via
important contest in Evesham. The your browser. You can even dial-in by
Stratford men were up against the B telephone. Full details including links
team, the Bidford Sippers. Stratford to FAQs and further support are at our
were soundly beaten. Please meet for a member-only page: How to use Zoom
prompt 09:00 start outside Henley in and Wonder. The meeting will start at
Arden Station, Station Road, Henley in 18:45, and all the details are below. You
Arden, B95 5JD. Please bring your food can join this meeting from your
and drink requirements for the day. computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The event contact is David Stockwell on Joining details are: https://
07934 182 614. Grid ref: SP 148 659 us06web.zoom.us/j/84712558065?
Women Women's online social on pwd=p0HvuKbnh9NiPxW7OVw7I25Sb
Zoom. Please join us for the next in our gvR97.1 Password: 364966 One tap
women's online zoom sessions! Some of mobile: +44 20 3481 5240, 84712558065#
you may have joined in previous mixed +44 20 3901 7895,,84712558065# You can
zoom sessions, which are open to also dial in using your phone. GB: +44
everyone, but this one will be for 20 3481 5240, +44 20 3901 7895, +44 20
women to discuss and answer any 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592, +44 330 088
questions you may have about GOC. It 5830. Meeting ID: 847 125 58065. The
will be very informal with the emphasis event contact is Al on 07791 408 184
on "social" and give a chance for
women members to meet each other,
chat, and make some contacts. You may
be a regular attendee in your local
group, or you may be having trouble,

25
Tue 04 June churchyard St Lawrence Church,
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, Mickleton, GL55 6RZ. Please bring all
Western Midlands JOGLE Day 62: your food and drink requirements. The
Bidford on Avon to Mickleton. On this event contact is David Stockwell on
9‑mile route, The Heart of England Way 07934 182 614. Grid ref: SP 161 435
heads east, visiting Dorsington, Long Fri 07 June - Sun 09 June
Marston and Lower Quinton, before Camping and Caravanning,
skirting the edge of Meon Hill and Transpennine, Women The Matlock
entering Mickleton. We will be walking Meet‑Up. The Camping and
mainly on flat field paths and lanes. Caravanning Group is organising
Please meet for a prompt 09:15 start on another camping and outdoor weekend
the Avon Bridge on the B4085. The in the Peak District. The event will be
nearest postcode is B50 4BG. Please held at Middlehills Farm, Grangemill,
bring your food and drink Matlock, DE4 4HY. This lovely
requirements for the day. The event campsite is run by Liz and Nick and is
contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182 between Matlock, Buxton and
614. Grid ref: SP 098 517 Ashbourne. Tents, caravans,
Thu 06 June motorhomes are welcome. There are
also two camping pods and two
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
holiday cottages. There is a little shop
South Midlands JOGLE Day 63:
and shower facilities on site. Open fires
Mickleton to Broadway. From
are allowed, and groups are welcome.
Mickleton, we follow the Heart of
There are only ten electric hook‑ups, so
England Way uphill from 80m to 156m
book early if you need one! There is lots
and follow an undulating route to
to do in the area, with museums, mills,
Chipping Campden. Here, we leave the
historic buildings, country houses,
Heart of England way to start our
quaint villages and market towns as
fourth National Trail, the Cotswolds
well as tramways, steam trains, cycling
Way, in our second Area of
trails and even a cable car, in addition
Outstanding Natural Beauty, the
to the wonderful countryside for those
Cotswolds AONB. We climb out of
who want to walk. For those who
Chipping Camden to the top of Dovers
choose to eat together in the evenings,
Hill with fine views. After a bit of a dip
we will book somewhere local and
and a climb, we reach Broadway Hill
gather around the campfire to share our
with its iconic tower and more fine
news and chat. If this appeals to you,
views, before a steep descent into
please put the dates in your diary so
Broadway. This is an 11‑mile route over
that we can enjoy the weekend
hilly terrain with good views. Please
together. Please book with campsite, on
meet for a prompt 09:15 start in the
01629 650 368.
26
Please say that you are part of the fascinating mix of metropolitan
Matlock Meet‑Up. Please also add countryside, parkland and
yourself as an attendee on the event development. Please wear boots or
webpage. Grid ref: SK 236 575 sturdy trainers. Much of the route is on
hard surfaces, with some of it on
Fri 07 June
tracks. It may be muddy in places and
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, much of it is exposed. Please bring
South Midlands JOGLE Day 64: waterproofs and wear sun screen. The
Broadway to Cleeve Hill. We climb out route contains some short inclines, but
of Broadway from 85m to 174m to a is otherwise flat. Please bring a packed
plateau then climb again to 300m on lunch, lots to drink and something to sit
Shenbarrow Hill. After a steep descent on. Cafés and kiosks are available
to Stanton, our route is fairly level throughout the walk, but do not rely
through Stanway and Wood Stanway exclusively on these. If time allows,
before a climb of 200m to Stumps there will be an optional pub stop at the
Cross. A descent to Hailes Abbey is end of the walk. Please meet for a
followed by a gentler descent to prompt 11:00 start outside Tottenham
Winchcombe and the gates to Sudeley Hale tube station, N17 9NA You should
Castle. Leaving Winchcombe, we climb travel there by public transport as there
200m to Belas Knap with its restored are no viable parking facilities nearby.
Long Barrow. After a descent to 180m, Tottenham Hale is on National Rail and
we follow the contours before another Victoria Line Underground routes.
climb up to 275m at the top of Cleeve Although there are cafés enroute, we
Hill with its excellent views, before recommend that you bring a packed
descending into the village. This is lunch. The event contact is Andy
a17.5‑mile route with lots of climbs and Harvey. Grid ref: TQ 344 895
descents, but wonderful views of the
Cotswolds. Please meet for a prompt John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
09:00 start outside the Crown and South Midlands JOGLE Day 65: Cleeve
Trumpet, 14 Church Street, Broadway, Hill to Birdlip. On today’s 16-mile trek,
WR12 7AE. Please bring your food and we begin by climbing back up the
drink requirements for the day. The Cotswold Way to the 327m peak and
event contact is David Stockwell on topograph. After following the contours
07935 182 614. Grid ref: SP 094 374 to the Iron Age Fort at Prestbury Hill
Reserve, we descend by Dowdeswell
Sat 08 June Woods. We then climb through
Hertfordshire, London Tottenham Lineover Woods with its ancient trees,
Hale to Finsbury Park Linear Walk. and cross the busy A435 at Seven
This is a 13‑mile linear walk via open Spring, allegedly the source of the
marshland and riverways, with a Thames. After following the ridge to

27
the Iron Age fort at Leckhampton Hill, Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
and the provocative Devil's Chimney, to drink. After the walk we will retreat
we quickly move on to the leafy to the Fox Inn, Ansty for refreshments.
Crickley Hill Country Park with its The event contact is Gareth on 07443
Iron Age promontory fort. We then 626 484. Grid ref: ST 784 060
take a sharp left to cross the A417 at the East Kent, Gardens, History &
wonderfully named Air Ballon. Culture Elham Village Open Gardens
Rejoining the escarpment, we proceed for the National Garden Scheme. Many
to Birdlip Hill to 'The Peak' then to the of Elham's keen gardeners will be
B4070 and finally up to Birdlip village. opening their delightful and interesting
We will be walking along the Cotswold gardens for the National Gardens
Escarpment on exposed hill paths and Scheme, some for the first time. The
some woodland paths. There are combined admission cost is £10 which
several climbs and descents. Please goes to charity. In addition, the Elham
meet for a prompt 09:00 start outside Food and Craft Festival will be in The
the Rising Sun Hotel, Rising Sun Road, Square and St Mary's Church between
Cleeve Hill, GL52 3PX. Please bring all 11:00 and 14:00, and there will be a
your food and drink requirements for plant stall in the Vicarage Garden. For
the day. The event contact is David more info on the gardens, please follow
Stockwell on 07934 182 614. Grid ref: the link on the event webpage. The
SO 980 267 walk around the gardens will be
Transpennine Lamaload Reservoir. A around two miles. The terrain is likely
7‑mile walk with a meeting time of to be easy, but as we do not know
11:00. Walking boots and waterproof which gardens are open, it may vary.
clothing will be required as well as a Please meet at 12:00 in the village
packed lunch and something to drink. square, Elham, CT4 6TJ. The group
The event contact is Paul A on 07772 who are organising the event have
916 808. All other details will be posted arranged for parking off the roads. It
on the website shortly! will be clearly marked in the school
playing field and what the locals call
Sun 09 June
the Triangle on the other side of the
Dorset Bulbarrow Hill and the Dorset road. They are close to where you can
Gap. This moderate 9‑mile walk will buy a ticket to see the many gardens
take us across the rolling woodland that will be open. You can arrive by car,
and farmland of the Wessex Ridgeway use Stagecoach bus route 17, or get a
to the picturesque Dorset Gap. This is a taxi. You are welcome to bring your
hilly walk with several climbs. Please own food, but homemade teas will be
meet for a prompt 10:00 start in the car available in the Old Vicarage Garden
park on Bulbarrow Hill, DT11 0ER, between 14:00 and 16:30. There are
where there is ample free parking.
28
pubs in the village if you wish to have a Each loop is approximately 3.5miles,
meal or drink after the walk. I am sure and we return to the starting point at
some of us will appreciate a social the halfway point for a lunch stop,
drink before heading for home. The which also allows for a short walk
event contact is Gary Taylor on 07376 option. The pre‑lunch loop has a
780 137. Grid ref: TR 177 438 couple of hills with a gentle
John O' Groats to Land’s End 2024, gradient. After lunch, part of the walk
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North will involve walking both up and down
Somerset JOGLE Day 66: Birdlip to a steeper incline. We will be walking
Painswick. From Birdlip, today’s through a varied landscape with
8.5‑mile route will return us to the stunning views. Once it has dried out a
Cotswold Way, into Witcombe Woods little, the terrain should be generally
and around Cooper's Hill, where an easy in terms of ground conditions. It
annual cheese rolling contest takes includes meadows, woodland,
place. You will be able to appreciate boardwalk, tracks, and a quiet road.
how steep that hill is! After climbing There is a long, steep incline on the
back up the escarpment, we descend to second half of the walk. Please meet for
cross the A46 into Pope's Wood. We a prompt 11:15 start at the Three Horse
pass Painswick Beacon, an Iron Age Shoes pub car park in Shoe Lane,
fort. We then head around the golf Goulceby, LN11 9WA where we are
course, and eventually emerge onto a allowed to park. This location is not
road that will take us into Painswick. accessible by public transport. Please
Apparently, the church in Painswick bring a packed lunch and something to
contains the finest set of carved table drink. The Three Horse Shoes serves
tombs in Britain, surrounded by 99 yew food but we will not have time for a
trees. Inside, there is a massive model Sunday roast! However, as we are
of Drake's Bonadventure. The route using their car park, we encourage
includes many woodland paths, steep walkers to buy a drink, which we hope
climbs, and escarpment paths. Please you will be able to consume on their
meet for a prompt 09:00 start outside outside seating. Dogs are okay outside,
the Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, GL6 and 'in most areas'. All Saints Church in
6QN. Please bring food and drink for the village does not hold any services
the whole day. The event contact is but it does have a kettle and water
David Stockwell on 07934 182 614. Grid which are provided for walkers. It is
ref: SO 925 144 located on a pew behind the signing
table. The event contact is Val Edwards
Lincolnshire, Women Goulceby, on 07962 777 609. Please note that the
Viking Way and Red Hill Nature mobile signal in the village is poor.
Reserve. A 7-mile figure-of-eight walk Grid ref: TF 254 790
in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds.
29
North East, Transpennine, Women Please don’t be late as it will not wait!
Marske to Helwith, with an ascent of Please allow time to park, either on the
Holgate How. This 10‑mile walk begins small station car park or on nearby
in Marske where there are only a few roads, buy a ticket for £11.00 (no
spaces to park. There may be scope to Railcard or OAP discounts). Toilets,
car share from Richmond, where more station café and on‑train buffet will be
parking is available. From Marske, we available. After arriving in Broadway,
head alongside the Marske Beck, we will walk the ten miles back to Greet
passing Telfit Farm and then on to Station. We will visit many charming
Helwith, a delightful stop for tea and Cotswolds villages along the way,
snacks. Then we ascend Holgate How, including some lesser‑known ones such
returning to Helwith before walking as Buckland and Wood Stanway. We
back to Marske via Skelton Moor. This should get some lovely views as we
lovely walk affords great opportunities walk along parts of the Cotswolds Way,
for sightings of upland birds and to the Winchcombe Way and other paths.
enjoy moorland views. The historic We will be walking mostly on field and
village of Marske also has a pretty woodland paths, but there is a small
church which offers snacks and a amount of road walking and a few hills.
chance for reflection. The path can be Hopefully, the mud will have dried up
muddy alongside the beck from by June and the sun will shine. Please
Marske. The rest of the walk is on dress for the weather, and bring food
tracks but may be boggy and rough and drinks for a later than usual lunch
around Holgate. Please meet for a stop. There are no shops enroute. The
prompt 10:00 start at the parking spot event contact is Paul on 07891 584 461.
just south of Marske village, at the Grid ref: SP 025 297
junction between Cat Bank and Hard Sussex Littlehampton and Summer
Stiles, where there are spaces for up to Picnic Walk. Please meet for a prompt
six cars. This can get busy so car 10:30 start in Littlehampton, West
sharing from Richmond may be Sussex, BN17 5JA, for a moderate
advisable. Please bring a packed lunch 8‑mile walk that will end with our
and plenty to drink. The event contact traditional summer shared picnic. You
is Juliette on 07487 630 210. Grid ref: are encouraged to bring along some
NZ 103 004 food to share, although it is entirely
South Midlands “All Aboard!” Greet optional. If you are able, please get out
to Broadway. Please meet at 10:30 at the pinny (or the wallet) and put
Winchcombe Railway Station in Greet, something together, savoury or sweet.
GL54 5LD, to catch the first steam train It doesn't have to be fancy; all
of the day, which arrives at 10:38 and contributions will be gratefully
departs for Broadway at 10:47. received! Please bring something to

30
drink on the walk and a light packed After passing through North Nibley,
lunch. (Don't spoil your appetite for we climb Nibley Knoll with its 100‑foot
later!) Please wear clothes appropriate monument to William Tyndale, famous
for the weather and terrain. Dogs are for printing the Bible. After passing
welcome if kept on leads whenever over Wotton Hill, we finally descend
near livestock, on roads or if requested into Wotton Under Edge. This will be a
by the walk leader. Further details will long day with lots of climbs up and
be posted on the website shortly. Grid down the escarpment, and woodland
ref: TQ 029 021 paths with exposed, open tops. Please
meet for a prompt 09:00 start outside St
Mon 10 June
Mary's Church, 3 New Street,
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, Painswick GL6 6XH. Please bring all
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North your food and drink requirements for
Somerset JOGLE Day 67: Painswick to the day. The event contact is: David
Wotton Under Edge. The start of this Stockwell on 07934 182 614. Grid ref:
20‑mile trek on the Cotswold Way SO 886 097
undulates considerably, through the
woods on Harefield Hill to Harefield Tue 11 June
Beacon, around to the next point with a John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
topograph, and into Standish Woods, South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire,
emerging on Maiden Hill, where a Gloucestershire and North
steep descent into the valley will take Somerset JOGLE Day 68: Wotton
us across the railway, the B4008, the Under Edge to Old Sodbury. The
canal and the A419. We are now in Trailblazer guide to the Cotswold Way
Laurie Lee and Cider with Rosie says, “If this 13‑mile walk lacks drama,
country. We walk through Middleyard it certainly makes up for it in
and onward to the foot of Pen Hill. We nomenclature,” so forgive me for the
turn right at the edge of the woods, references! We leave Wotton Under
before climbing to Nympsfield Long Edge climbing the lane up
Barrow until we reach a Toposcope, Blackquarries Hill. After descending
and maybe see some gliders. We will through woods, we emerge into the
then head up and down through open, with a fine view up Nanny
Coaley Woods, before a steep descent Farmer's Bottom. From Wortley, we
out of the forest. A climb up the head down and up to Alderley, along a
isolated peak of Cam Long Down is tree lined track which turns into lane
followed by the descent into Dursley. past Lower Kilcott. Turning right on a
Climbing steeply out of Dursley, we wooded path, we climb to an open
will take the authorised short cut across path to view the tower commemorating
Stinchcombe Hill and its golf course Lord Robert Somerset's efforts at
and back down the other side. Waterloo.
31
We will turn right on Bath Lane just Online Welcome Social. Are you
before Hawkesbury, and bear right interested in meeting or socialising
down through trees to emerge with NT online with other GOC members from
Horton Court to our right as we reach the comfort of your home, and helping
the road and Horton village. This is to welcome newcomers to GOC and
followed by an undulating walk to encourage them to join us? If so, please
Little Sodbury, past a manor house, up join us for our new Online Welcome
to the Iron-Age fort at Sodbury Camp, Social on Zoom, on the second Tuesday
and into Old Sodbury. Many go to Old of every month from 19:00 to 20:00. This
Sodbury for the Dog Inn. This is a is an opportunity for new and
strongly undulating walk along tracks, experienced GOC members to connect
lanes, and some field paths. Please meet with each other, and with newcomers
for a prompt 09:15 start outside Tesco's to GOC who book from our new GOC
Express, Long Street, Wotton under Meetup group. For these newcomers, it
Edge, GL13 7BT. Please bring all your is an opportunity to meet GOC and
food and drink needs. The event some of our members, and to consider
contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182 joining as a member themselves. We
614. Grid ref: ST 756 932 start each online social with a quick
North East, Transpennine Tuesday round of introductions. If you have
Trek: Round Hill and Beamsley Beacon, something in particular that you would
Near Ilkley. This 7‑mile walk to be led like to share or ask, this is your chance
by John is largely over the moors to the to let others know what that is. Then we
north of Ilkley. It is on good tracks and spend most of our time mingling and
paths, with some soft patches and one chatting informally, in small breakout
short, moderately steep descent with groups if there are many of us. We close
some stones. In good weather there will each session by gathering all together
be excellent long‑distance views. Please again to hear something of what we all
bring walking boots, waterproof jacket shared or enjoyed during the session.
and trousers, warm clothing. Our Zoom meeting room is accessible
trekking pole(s) if normally used, a on a computer, tablet or smartphone
packed lunch, snacks and plenty to via an app, or with more limited
drink. Please meet for a prompt 10:30 functionality via your browser or you
start at the trig point on the narrow can even dial-in by telephone. See our
Langbar Road about two miles north of member-only page: How to use Zoom.
Ilkley. You can park on the rough To join the GOC Online group and
ground by the trig point. The event receive updates of news and events,
contact is John on 07989 965 668. Grid please go to My Preferences, and
ref: SE 105 504 include Online in your selection of
groups. If you are not already a
member of GOC, please Join us!
32
To receive an automated email we will not include the visit on the walk
reminder of our online socials 24 hours itself as this would significantly
in advance, with the link to follow the increase the duration of the walk, which
next day, please email we expect to finish by 15:00. If the Long
[email protected] and ask to have your car park is full, there are several other
address added to the calendar invite. == parking areas further along the road, so
Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a park there and make your way back to
scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the the meeting point at the first car park.
Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link When parking in the Long Car Park
into your browser: https:// please ensure your vehicle is clear of
us06web.zoom.us/j/89593878113? the road which is used by large vehicles
pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ accessing the quarry. First Bus, Route 6
KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/ (Yeovil-Bridport/Bridport-Yeovil) serves
join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387 Crewkerne, however this is a limited
8113. Passcode: 324840 service. The nearest transport hub is
Somerset Ham Hill Country Park and Crewkerne which is served by regular
Montacute. This 4-mile circular walk train services from London, Yeovil and
takes in local sites of interest with the Exeter, and the more limited First Bus
potential for spectacular views of the Route 6. There is no direct public
Somerset countryside. It is a moderate transport link from Crewkerne to Ham
walk on established paths with no steep Hill Country Park, but it may be
climbs. There are a few stiles and it may possible to share transport from
be muddy in parts if the weather has Crewkerne with other members. Please
been wet before the day. Please meet bring a light packed lunch and
for a prompt 11:00 start at the first something to drink. When we return to
public car park (the Long Car Park), the starting point there will be the
Ham Hill Country Park, Stoke Sub opportunity to obtain food and/or
Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RW, where drinks at the Prince of Wales public
parking is free. This is on the road house. The event contact is Stuart on
leading to the Prince of Wales Public 07792 645 091 Grid ref: ST 477 168
House. If your navigation device Wed 12 June
informs you that you have 'arrived' but Devon Dawlish Circular. This 6‑mile
you have yet to see the sign for the car walk will take us along the excellent
park, continue a bit further up the hill. new Dawlish sea wall, and continue
Members wishing to visit Montacute onward past coastguard cottages to
House and gardens may make their Dawlish Warren. Please be aware that
own arrangements to visit on this day, the high tide in Dawlish is
independently after the walk, subject to at 11:00, so we may need to
house/garden opening times. However, wave‑dodge!
33
However, if the weather is stormy, we John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
will walk along the top road, as the South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire,
waves crash into the walls at high tide. Gloucestershire and North
We will have a coffee stop at the Teign Somerset JOGLE Day 69: Old Sodbury
Bean Cafe and continue into Dawlish to Cold Ashton. For our penultimate
Warren with its array of caravan parks. day on the Cotswold Way, we proceed
We then turn north along a path that around the back of Dodington Park,
takes us to the Exeter Road. Once (which I gather is owned by Lord
crossed, we join Secmaton Lane, which Dyson of cleaner fame) and over the
leads us to the back of the town. We A46 to Tormarton. After crossing the
will then turn north up the hill and a M4 and recrossing the A46, we will take
footpath onto high ground with fine a left and a right to descend to Dyrham
views of countryside, and views of the and NT Dyrham Park. Finally, an
coastline. Finally, we will descend undulating climb, will take us across
Badlake Hill into Dawlish, returning to the A46 and the A420 to reach Cold
the centre for another coffee stop. Ashton. This is an 8.5‑mile route over
Please note that some of the paths can parkland, and along field paths. Please
be muddy after rain, so please wear meet for a prompt 09:30 start outside
appropriate footwear. This is an easy the Dog Inn, The Hill, Old Sodbury,
walk with some short steep hills. Please BS37 6LT. Please bring all your food
meet for a prompt 11:00 start outside and drink requirements for the day.
Dawlish Railway Station, EX7 9PG. Free The event contact is David Stockwell on
parking is available on the street, and in 07934 182 614. Grid ref: ST 753 815
the small free car park at the junction of
Thu 13 June
Coronation Road and West Cliff Park
Drive, Dawlish EX7 9EL, which is Berkshire and Mid Thames, Gardens,
around 20 minutes’ walk from the History & Culture, Oxford Nuneham
station. Paid for parking is available at Courtenay, gardens and historic
various parks in the town. Dawlish is church. A visit to the interesting
well connected on the rail network with Harcourt Estate, only four miles from
regular services from Exeter and the centre of Oxford. The manor house
Newton Abbot. Please bring something and ornamental gardens date from
to drink. You may also wish to bring a 1760. We will wander around the
packed lunch, but the cafés in Dawlish gardens and visit the old Church of All
Warren will be open. The event contact Saints (maintained by The Churches
is Neil Hough on 07857 866 642. Grid Conservation Trust). This will be a
ref: SX 963 766 fairly level 2‑mile walk, on grass and
tarmac paths. Please meet for a prompt
10:30 start in the car park of The Global
Retreat Centre, OX44 9PG.
34
Take the A4074 road from Oxford maybe with a stronger than usual body
towards Wallingford. In the village of essence, amongst the perfumed and
Nuneham Courtenay, take a turning designer‑wearing shoppers, but press
down a lane signposted 'Global Retreat on, holding your head up high. The end
Centre' where there is free parking. is marked by a circular disc on the
The X40 Oxford to Reading bus passes ground in the square outside Bath
through Nuneham Courtenay. Visit Abbey. We will be walking on open
www.oxfordbus.co.uk for timetables. grassland paths and pavements. Please
Please bring any snacks and drink you meet for a prompt 09:30 start outside
require for the visit. Afterwards, we The Plough, Chapel Lane, Cold Ashton,
plan to have lunch at The Seven Stars in GL54 3BN. Please bring the food and
Marsh Baldon. The event contact is Paul drink you require for the day. The
on 07974 846 835 Grid ref: SU 541 981 event contact is David Stockwell on
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, 07934 182 614. Grid ref: SP 128 197
South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire, Fri 14 June - Mon 17 June
Gloucestershire and North Camping and Caravanning, East
Somerset JOGLE Day 70: Cold Ashton Midlands Early Summer Camping
to Bath. The Final day on the Cotswold Weekend in Norfolk. This camping
Way finds us climbing up to a plateau, weekend with a walk, and (weather
first meeting the commemorations of permitting) a buffet on Saturday
the Civil War Battle of Lansdown Hill evening, and an evening meal at a
in 1643 and the commemoration tower nearby pub on the Sunday, will be held
of Sir Basil Grenville who died in the at Viewlands Caravan and Camping
battle. We follow the edge of the Site, South Creake, Norfolk, NR21 9JB.
plateau around to meet the fences of the This is a charming adults‑only campsite
Bath horse racing circuit. Eventually, which can accommodate up to nine
we get fine views of Bath and descend electric hook‑ups (first come, first
towards it. But this 10‑mile walk has a served). It includes facilities such as
long tail. After climbing steeply again fridge, microwave, shower, a garden, a
through the outskirts of Bath, we will shop, toilets and a washing-up area.
walk through residential streets and up Please book directly with the campsite
to open commons, before descending on 01328 823 262. Ask for Val, and state
through streets and a golf course to that you are booking as part of Kevin
admittedly the best view of the Royal and Paul's GOC camping weekend.
Crescent and across to The Circus; Although this event is advertised as
finally dropping down to Bath's Friday to Sunday, many members
shopping centre. There is something extend their stay, so feel free to stay
incongruous about walking through longer if you wish.
with a rucksack and walking boots,

35
The walk on the Saturday will be an accommodation (bed only) is £73.00
easy seven miles. The campsite is each for a bed in a dorm. All bedding is
located on the B1355, about four miles provided, but you will need to bring
from Fakenham and six miles from your own towels. You can book your
Burham Market. Coming from the A148 place on the event webpage. Please note
it is the third campsite on the right. that we make no profit on this type of
Grid ref: TF 879 344 event. The GOC price is the cost price of
the accommodation. If the event is
Fri 14 June - Sun 16 June
under subscribed then GOC can make a
Adventure Out, Cumbria, Scotland, loss. If you need to cancel your
Transpennine Eskdale Weekend. For booking, we can only offer you a refund
this weekend, we will be based at if the event is fully subscribed and
Eskdale Youth Hostel, Boot, Holmrook, someone else can take your place. There
Cumbria, CA19 1TH, which is located is an OS 1:25000 outdoor leisure map of
at the head of Eskdale. See https:// the area, and Harveys also produce
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-eskdale. maps in 1:25000 and 1:40000 scales.
There are many attractive mountain There is parking at the hostel, but you
and low level walks that can be done may need to log your registration
directly from the hostel door without number when you check in. Main line
the need to drive anywhere, including trains run to Ravenglass. The
Scafell and Harter Fell. Eskdale Hostel Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge
is one of the English hostels currently railway will then take you up the valley
up for sale, so this may be the last as far a Boot. From there, it is about two
opportunity we have to stay here. miles to walk to the hostel. See: https://
People intending to take part in this ravenglass-railway.co.uk/files/
event should read GOC's documents/8214-R-ER-ChipShop-
document Safety on the Hills. The aim 2023%20v3.pdf . An internet search did
of the weekend is to undertake not show a bus service up Eskdale. We
mountain walking on rough hills, but have not included any meals in the
there are low‑level walking alternatives costs. Breakfasts, lunches and evening
in the event of poor weather. We have meals can be purchased from the hostel,
booked 12 places in the following or there is a members’ kitchen where
rooms: 1x2 bed room, 1x4 bed room you can prepare your own food. You
and 1x6 bed room. If the event is will need a packed lunch for the hill
showing as being fully booked you can walks. The event contact is Peter Moffat
always make your own booking on 07743 174 197. Grid ref: NY 195 011
directly with the YHA. The cost of YH
accommodation, especially at the
weekends, has gone up considerably in
recent years. The cost of two nights’
36
Fri 14 June ornate metal bridge, we begin the
John O'Groats to Lands End 2024, steady climb away from sea level on to
South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire, Mynydd Y Dref (Conwy Mountain) at
Gloucestershire and North first on pavements and then on good
Somerset JOGLE Day71: Bath to Bristol. paths as we enter the open ground on
We will be following the riverside path, the North Wales Path. Walking on the
Brassmill Lane onto the old Bath to landward side of the mountain, we
Bristol Railway Route, which is now enjoy views towards the foothills of
mainly used by cyclists. It has some fine Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri and back
embankments and viaducts with fine toward Conwy, its Castle and the Afon
views. We will leave the old railway Conwy as it snakes towards the Grade 1
route at Bitton Station, turn right on the listed suspension bridge. We cross to
A431 to the roundabout and then the seaward side of the mountain,
follow a path on the left down to the avoiding the highest point. Here we
River Avon. Turning right we will walk will pause for lunch with views of Y
alongside the river until we reach Gogarth (The Great Orme) Llandudno,
Bristol Temple Meads Station where and Bae Conwy. Our route back
today's 14‑mile walk will end. This is provides panoramic views of the coast,
easy walking along a cycle route and Y Gogarth, Llandudno and Deganwy.
riverside paths. Please meet for a Finally, we will retrace our steps along
prompt 09:15 start on the riverside path the coast to our starting point. After the
on the north bank of the river Avon, on walk there will be time to visit the
the west side of Midland Street Bridge castle, the suspension bridge or enjoy
BA2 3FP. Please bring all your food and some retail therapy or refreshments in
drink requirements for the day. The Conwy before returning to your
event contact is David Stockwell on accommodation at a time of your
07934 182 614. Grid ref: ST 743 646 choosing. Bring a packed lunch and
dress for the weather which can change
Sat 15 June quickly on the coast. The route includes
North Wales, Western Midlands some uneven paths but no scrambling.
Conwy: castle, coastline and mountain Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start on
views. We will start our 6.5‑mile walk the Quayside opposite The Liverpool
with a gentle stroll along the quayside, Arms, at the junction of the High Street
passing the smallest house in Great and Lower Gate Street, LL32 8BE. There
Britain, and enjoying views of the are public toilets on the Quayside.
estuary and Deganwy on the opposite Please use one of the public car parks,
shore, as the facade of the impressive and allow time to walk to the starting
Conwy Castle disappears behind us. point. Please research buses etc
Crossing the railway tracks via an depending upon where you are

37
travelling from. The are numerous Dorset, Solent The New Forest and
places to buy food in Conwy but once Knightwood Oak. This is a 9‑mile
we start the walk, there will be no meander through the New Forest to
refreshments or toilets available. The view its oldest oak tree plus the site of
event contact is Paul A on 07891 584 the Portuguese Fireplace. The varied
461. Grid ref: SH 782 776 walk includes forest tracks, open
countryside, lakes and paths through
Sun 16 June
an arboretum. The walk is mainly flat
Adventure Out, Cycling, Scotland East on good paths, but they may be muddy
Neuk of Fife. Join us for a picturesque in places after recent rain. Please meet
cycle ride in the East Neuk of Fife. for a prompt 10:00 start in Brook Hill
Starting in the coastal town of Leven, Forestry Commission free car park
recently reconnected to the rail which is just off the A35. The nearest
network, our 43‑mile route will follow postcode is SO42 7QB. Please bring a
rolling countryside north eastwards packed lunch and plenty to drink.
towards Kingsbarns. We will then head There will be a drinks’ stop and a lunch
south towards the charming coastal stop, with option of visiting the Oak
village of Crail, with its quaint little Inn. The event contact is Ian Martin on
harbour and traditional stone buildings. 07803 056 989 Grid ref: SU 266 057
Our return route will take us through a
string of old-fashioned fishing villages, North Wales, Western Midlands Llyn
including Anstruther, famed for its Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd with a
award‑winning fish and chip shop, Mountain Between. This 7‑mile walk
Pittenweem and St Monans. If you want will take us from Llyn Crafnant
to keep up with what's happening in through the northern edge of the
Scotland, please join our online Gwydyr Forest as we descend to Llyn
community on Telegram. Today’s ride Geirionydd. We will then walk upward
includes around 500m of climbing, and over Mynydd Deulyn (Mountain of
mostly in the first half. Please meet at the Two Lakes) catching sight, weather
11:20 for a prompt 11:30 start at Leven permitting, of Crimpiau (1558ft) and
Railway Station, KY8 4QU. There is a Craig Wen (1798ft) before dropping
free car park about 200m east of the down to Llyn Crafnant. The section
station on Leven Promenade. There is a before lunch will see us walking on
train leaving Edinburgh at 10:15, uneven paths with exposed tree roots
arriving in Leven at 11:22. There will be and rock. You will need to be agile and
a lunch stop, probably in Anstruther, be able to clamber over exposed rocks.
but you should carry some snacks and We will take a refreshment break on
plenty of water in case the weather is reaching Llyn Geirionydd. We then
warm. The event contact is Douglas on traverse a short section over more
07717 576 248. Grid ref: NO 379 004 exposed rock to reach our lunch stop.

38
After lunch, the walk will follow much South Wales Brecon Beacons Classic.
easier pathways. Please note, however, To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary
that we gain height gradually and so year of the Gay Outdoor Club, we will
there is no strenuous climbing climb to the highest point in our area.
involved. We strongly recommend This is a fairly strenuous, but very
using walking boots and please ensure rewarding 9‑mile walk to the highest
you have clothing for changeable ground in the Brecon Beacons. Apart
weather which can happen in an from two shorter, stiff sections, the rest
instant! Please meet for a prompt 10:00 of the climbing is steady. From the
start at the free public car park at Llyn escarpments, there will be fine views of
Crafnant, where toilet facilities are also the Taf Fechan valley and the two
available. Please note the earlier-than- Neuadd reservoirs, and the walk will
usual start time! Access by road is from reach the summits of Corn Du and Pen
the village of Trefiw, which lies on the y Fan, the highest peaks in Southern
B5106. If you are travelling in a Britain, with fine views in all directions,
southerly direction, you will need to weather permitting! After a steep
take a sharp right just after 'The Old descent from Pen Y Fan, the walk then
Ship' pub and climb the very steep hill continues down into the rocky saddle
(without turning left or right) which of Bwlch ar y Fan between the peaks, to
leads into Crafnant Road and follow an ancient Roman track through
eventually to the carpark, which is on the beautiful Taf Fechan valley back
your right at Llyn Crafnant. If you are down to the start. Although quite
travelling north, the turning off the strenuous and not for the unfit, it is
B5106 is on the left, by the 'Fairy Falls manageable for the average walker. We
Hotel'. At my last visit the hotel was will be walking on clear, well-trodden
closed, so signage may be different in paths, with boggy patches, and some
2024. Parking is limited so please broad rocky tracks. Walking boots are
maximise the number you carry as this essential, and dogs must be kept on
will help to keep down the number of leads when near livestock. Please meet
cars we need and minimise the risk that for a prompt 10:30 start at Neuadd
some prospective attendees cannot find Reservoir Car Park, north of Pontsticill.
anywhere to park. There is no public The nearest postcode is CF48 2UT
transport to this location. Please bring a Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
packed lunch, snacks and plenty to to drink. The event contact is Ben on
drink. The event contact is Chris T on 07951 001 676. Grid ref: SO 038 169
07837 149 375. Grid ref: SH 755 618 Clasur Bannau Brycheiniog I ddathlu
hanner canmlwyddiant y Clwb Awyr
Agored Hoyw, rydym yn dringo i
bwynt uchaf ein hardal. Mae hon yn

39
daith gerdded 9 milltir eithaf egnïol, graveyards. We will be walking on
ond gwerth chweil, i dir uchaf Bannau reasonable, mostly level paths, but it
Brycheiniog. Ar wahân i ddwy ran can be very windy! Weather permitting,
fyrrach, anystwyth, mae gweddill y this will be an interesting walk with
dringo yn gyson. O’r tarenni, bydd great views. Along the way, we will
golygfeydd gwych o ddyffryn Taf stop for a drinks’ break. Retail sales
Fechan a dwy gronfa ddŵr y Neuadd, a may be available but are not
bydd y daith gerdded yn cyrraedd guaranteed. Afterwards, members can
copaon Corn Du a Phen y Fan, copaon return to Llandudno on foot or by tram,
uchaf De Prydain, gyda golygfeydd as desired. We can also explore
gwych i bob cyfeiriad, y tywydd. Llandudno's Happy Valley, described
caniatáu! Ar ôl disgyniad serth o Ben Y in Victorian advertising blurb as a
Fan, mae’r daith yn parhau i lawr i 'veritable amphitheatre of loveliness' –
gyfrwy creigiog Bwlch ar y Fan rhwng which is on the left, just past the pier.
y copaon, i ddilyn llwybr Rhufeinig Please meet for a prompt 10:00 start at
hynafol drwy ddyffryn hardd Taf Victoria Station (the tram terminus) on
Fechan yn ôl i lawr i’r man cychwyn. Church Walk. The nearest post code is
Bras amcan pellter: 9milltir. Tir/Her: LL30 2NB. Please park on the street as
Taith egnïol, nid yw’n addas i'r required. The event contact is Chris T
cerddwr gwan, dibrofiad. Llwybrau clir on 07837 149 375. Grid ref: SH 778 827
a thraciau creigiog llydan, rhai mannau
Wed 19 June
corsiog- esgidiau cerdded yn hanfodol;
cŵn ar dennyn ger da byw. Man John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
cyfarfod: Maes Parcio Cronfa Neuadd South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire,
i’r gogledd o Pontsticill. Côd post Gloucestershire and North
agosaf CF48 2UT. Parcio: Maes Parcio Somerset JOGLE Day 72: Bristol to
Cronfa Ddŵr Neuadd, i'r gogledd o Portishead. From Bristol to Bridgewater
Bontsticill Bwyd: Dewch â digon o and Watchet to Minehead, we will be
fwyd a diod. Cyswllt ar y dydd: Ben - following Damian Hall's guide
07951 001 676. Grid ref: SO 038 169 Somerset Coast Path printed by Aurum
Press. We are not sure whether there
Mon 17 June will be any signs to follow. We will
North Wales, Western Midlands begin our 14‑mile route by following
Y Gogarth (Great Orme) St. Tudno's the River Avon footpath out of Bristol,
Church, Tom, Jerry, Copper and Queen with the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Victoria. Having accessed the Great high above our heads. The path leaves
Orme by tram (£) we will undertake a the riverside at Chapel Pill Farm, along
bracing 4‑mile walk through the with the cycle track, to go through a
historic mining area of the Orme as well tunnel. It returns to the riverside at Pill.
as visiting St. Tudno's church and The route then comes a little inland to
40
go under the M5. It immediately turns Alternatively, you can take the
left, alongside the M5 and then a Brownsea Ferry from Poole Quay (£12
railway and Drove Rhyne, bearing right return fare) in time to meet us at 11:00
to a road and sheep way. A path leaves at the island entrance. A landing fee of
the road and goes to the right £7.90 is payable by non‑NT members.
of Portishead Ashlands Nature Reserve. Our walk around the island will
It follows an embankment to Portbury include a visit to the wildlife sanctuary
Wharf and Pier, where it reaches the (£2 suggested donation). There are no
open sea. Finally, we will head along refreshments enroute so bring a packed
the sea shore around Portishead Point lunch and something to drink. Time
and past Marine Lake to Portishead permitting, we will be able to visit the
Beach. Today’s terrain includes river NT tearooms at the end of the walk.
banks, a cycle route, field paths, The event contact is Chris Metz on
marshes, lanes, and roads. Please meet 07986 839 707. Grid ref: SZ 037 870
for a prompt 09:30 start at the entrance John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
to SS Great Britain, Great Western South Wales, West Wales, Wiltshire,
Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 Gloucestershire and North
6TY. Please bring food and drink to Somerset JOGLE Day73: Portishead to
cover the whole day. The event contact Clevedon. Today’s walk is a
is David Stockwell on 07934 182 614. straightforward 7‑mile stroll along the
Grid ref: ST 578 724 coast path to Clevedon. Please meet for
Thu 20 June a prompt 09:30 start at the Lakeside
Dorset A day on Brownsea Island. This Cafe, Lake Road, Portishead, BS20 7JA.
will be an easy 5‑mile stroll around Please bring a packed lunch and
Brownsea Island to enjoy nesting something to drink. The event contact is
seabirds, red squirrels, peacocks and David Stockwell on 07934 182614 Grid
deer. There are a couple of alternatives. ref: ST 462 770
Either meet at 10:15 sharp at the Fri 21 June
Sandbanks Jetty, BH13 7QN, to take the Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford,
10:30 launch to Brownsea Island for Pride & Other Marketing Events,
which you need to book in advance. Solent GOC 50th Anniversary walk and
Park on the mainland and take the ferry Celebratory Picnic at Berkshire's
across to Sandbanks Jetty on foot (free Highest point on the longest day of the
over; £2 back). There is free parking on Year. Come and join us to celebrate the
Studland Road, BH19 3BA, near the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Outdoor
ferry tollbooth, and metered parking in Club (GOC), a national organisation
Brownsea Road, BH13 7QP. founded in 1974 and which originally
focussed primarily on camping and
walking, but has over the years evolved
41
into the lively and exciting organisation we will have a good turn out to
it is today. Welcome to all from the welcome him. He will be bringing with
LGBTQ+ community! Our celebratory him the GOC 50th Anniversary banner.
3‑mile walk will start and finish at the The event contact is Simon Scaddan on
highest point in West Berkshire (974 ft) 07854 743 829 Grid ref: SU 369 620
on the longest day of the year. We will John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
stroll along Wayfarers Way, part of the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North
Test Way Walk along the spine of Somerset JOGLE Day 74: Clevedon to
Walbury Hill passing Gallows Down, Weston Super Mare. On today’s 17‑mile
the site of a gibbet originally trek, the Coast Path goes inland to cross
constructed in 1676 which was used to the river Yeo, turning away from the
display the bodies of two local sea just south of Gullhouse Point. It
criminals. Our walk will continue follows Back Lane past the sewage
around and down Walbury Hill. We works to Channel View Farm. Our
then pass through the small hamlet of route turns left then right down
Combe and make the longish climb Broadstone Lane. There is meant to be a
back to our starting point, where we Yeo bridge being built near here. If it is
will have our celebratory picnic. This is built, please let me know! For the
a moderate walk with a relatively easy moment, we turn right to Britton's
descent and a steeper ascent towards Farm, and right again to go over the
the end. Please meet for a prompt 18:00 M5. Then a final right turn will take us
start in the free car park on the west across the River Yeo at Phipp's Bridge.
side of Walbury Hill, (not on the east We will then turn left under the railway
side!) The nearest Postcode is RG17 and up to the A370, walking along the
9EL. Walbury Hill is not easily road. Turning right onto a minor road
accessible by public transport. The over the railway, we cross over the M5
nearest train station is Newbury. If you as we head to Bourton. After turning
need a lift, please contact Simon left towards Ebdon, we reach the coast
Scaddan on 07854 743 829 at least one again at Kewstoke. We then follow the
week ahead of the walk to see if coastal road around the bay, turn right
transport can be arranged. After the to follow another coastal road through
walk there will be a celebratory picnic woodland round Anchor Point with its
to commemorate the 50th Anniversary pier. Finally, we reach Weston, with its
of GOC. To mark the occasion, it would seaside funfairs and Grand Pier. We
be appreciated if those attending could will be walking on a mixture of coastal
each bring along a food contribution to roads and field paths. Please meet for a
be shared by all. Please bring your own prompt 09:15 start at the landward end
drink. Joining us on our picnic will be of Clevedon Pier, The Tollhouse, The
GOC Chairman Jim Cornwell. I hope Beach, Clevedon, BS21 7QU.

42
Please bring the food and drink you Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN,
require for the day. The event contact is although the best postcode for your
David Stockwell 07935 182 614. Grid satnav is WA16 6SG. Please bring a
ref: ST 401 719 packed lunch and a drink as the café in
the park can get very busy! The event
Sat 22 June
contact is Peter on 07743 174 197. Grid
Gardens, History & Culture, ref: SJ 751 790
Transpennine Tatton Hall Gardens.
Join us for a visit to Tatton Hall North Wales, Pride & Other Marketing
Gardens. Tatton Hall, which was the Events, South Wales, West Wales,
family seat of the Egerton family, came Women Pride Cymru 2024. The parade
into the hands of the National Trust in starts at 11:00 in Castle Street, Cardiff,
1958. It is unusual in that it is owned by (alongside Cardiff Castle), but we have
the National Trust but it is financed and to be in our place in the parade in
run by Cheshire East council. The Castle Street by 10:30. The parade route
gardens occupy 50 acres, and each is about a mile long on flat, firm
successive owner from the Egerton surfaces and normally takes about two
family played a part in shaping the hours to complete. Please meet at 10:30
layout that survives today. There is the outside the Angel Hotel, on the corner
Japanese Garden, the walled kitchen of Westgate Street and Castle Street, so
garden, the Palm House and the Italian we can take our place in the parade in
Garden. Members who wish to do so good time. If you are a bit late, please
will be able to visit the Japanese Garden come and find us in the parade. If you
on a guided tour at either 11:30 or 1:30 do not plan to join the parade, please
at a cost of £5 per person, payable at the come and cheer us on along the route,
entrance on the day. Tatton Park is and feel welcome to join us in Laguna
famous for its deer herds which include Bar, Park Plaza Hotel, Greyfriars Road,
both red deer and fallow deer, so we for a bit of a social afterwards, at about
might see some of them as we walk in. 13:00. Cardiff will be busier than usual
Our walk around the park and gardens for parking, so we encourage people to
will be around three miles over travel into the city centre using the
moderate terrain. Please meet at 10:30 good public transport links. Please
at the Knutsford entrance to the park, bring something to drink on the parade.
as there is ample free parking in The event contact is Ben on 07951 001
Knutsford village. Please note: as an 676. Grid ref: ST 179 764
NT member, you still have to pay to
park your car in Tatton Hall (£9.50).
From the entrance, we will walk in
around a mile through the park to reach
the gardens. The full address is Tatton
43
Sun 23 June However, I will be able to collect up to
Bedford & District, Berkshire and Mid three people who can reach Leighton
Thames, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes Buzzard railway Station (on the West
and Buckinghamshire Caddington. Coast Main Line from London Euston)
This 8.5‑mile circular walk will start in by 10:00, and return them there for a
the village of Caddington in South train at around 17:00. If you wish to
Bedfordshire, and will traverse the take me up on this, please call me on
borders of Bedfordshire and the number below. Please bring packed
Buckinghamshire. We will enjoy the lunch, lots to drink and something to sit
edge of the Chiltern Hills, just behind on. The event contact is Tom Munn on
Dunstable Downs. The Chilterns are a 07742 577 509. Grid ref: TL 062 195
great area for walking, with rolling John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
hills, many woods, and picturesque Somerset JOGLE Day 75: Weston Super
villages with ancient churches and Mare to Burnham on Sea. Today we
colourful cottages of brick and flint. will follow the King Charles III Coast
This walk offers glorious views of Path. First, we will follow the long
rolling curves of countryside, a mixture beach from Weston super Mare, beyond
of agricultural land typical of the area. Uphill, joining a river embankment
Refreshments afterwards at the nearby around the river Axe and a side
Chequers pub. This will be a tributary. Passing the side of the marina
moderately easy walk for people with and birding area, we make our way to
country walking experience and a good Bean Cross Sluice where we cross the
level of fitness. It may include some River Axe. We then follow the West
steep paths and open country, and may bank of the Axe back to the sea and up
be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and to the distinctive shape of Brean Down.
waterproof clothing are recommended. After walking both sides of Brean
Please meet for a prompt 10:45 start on Down, there is a long walk on the beach
the Village Green in front of the side of Berrow Flats into Burnham on
Caddington village sign, just across Sea. This 16‑mile trek includes long
from Caddington Post Office, which is sandy shorelines, a river embankment,
on Manor Road, LU1 4EE, just off the and the island‑like promontory of
Dunstable Road. There are other shops Brean Down. Please meet for a prompt
near to the Green where you can 09:15 start at the landward end of the
purchase supplies. There are no Grand Pier in Weston, BS23 1AL. Please
parking restrictions on Manor Road or bring all your food and drink
the streets nearby. I will double check requirements for the day. The event
and post an update 10 days in advance contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182
of this walk. Caddington is not 614. Grid ref: ST 316 614
accessible by public transport.

44
Somerset Ramble Burnham-on-Sea to take our break. However, if things
(Supporting JOGLE Day 75) How many work out, we are planning to have
legs on the lighthouse? Join our walk to some tea and cake after the walk. Grid
find out! Join our gentle, 7‑mile ramble ref: ST 316 475
at Burnham-on-Sea to welcome our Somerset Stroll Burnham-on-Sea,
GOC JOGLERS to Somerset. We will supporting JOGLE Day 75. Join our
walk north from Highbridge to short, easy, 4‑mile stroll along the beach
welcome the long-distance walkers on at Burnham-on-Sea to welcome our
their epic trek from John o' Groats to GOC JOGLERS to Somerset. We will be
Land’s End. When the two groups walking north from Burnham-on-Sea
meet, we will turn around to join the Pier to welcome the long-distance
south-bound walkers to complete our walkers on their epic trek south from
ramble back to the starting John o' Groats to Lands End (the
point. Please join us to support David JOGLE). When the two groups meet,
on his epic trek in support of two we will turn around to join the south-
charities and to mark the GOC's Fiftieth bound walkers to complete our ramble
Year. Our route is on good paths with a back to our starting point. Please join
few steps and no climbing. We will be us to support David on his epic trek in
following the River Brue, the River support of two charities and to mark
Parrett and the Burnham Beach with the GOC's Fiftieth Year. Our route is on
splendid views west to Hinkley C, the firm sand with no climbing with
Quantock Hills, Exmoor and South splendid views west to Hinkley C, the
Wales. You will get a lot of fresh sea air Quantock Hills, Exmoor and South
and hopefully, a bit of sunshine! The Wales. You will get a lot of fresh sea air
tide is going to be halfway out at 11:30 and hopefully a bit of sunshine. Please
and fully out by about 15:00. Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start on the
meet for a prompt 11:00 start in Esplanade by the slipways at the
Morland Road, Highbridge, Somerset junction with Pier Street, Burnham-on-
TA9 3BB, at its junction with Gulliford Sea, TA8 1BU. For easy access to this
Close by the Newtown Lake. Morland meeting place, you will need to pay for
Road is the turning by the Co-op off the parking. The closest car park is Pier
main B3139 Burnham Road through Street Car Park, TA8 1BT. The nearest
Highbridge, where there is ample on- railway station is Highbridge. Local bus
street parking. Trains and buses serve services with a drop-off in Pier Street
Highbridge and Burnham from Bristol, are Nos. 20 (Weston-super-Mare), 21
Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and (Taunton) and 67 (Wedmore). Please
Taunton. Please bring food and drink bring food and drink for the walk as
for the walk as facilities are not there are no facilities at the lunch stop.
convenient at the points where we want Grid ref: ST 303 488

45
Surrey June walk. Details will be (which may be going with the main
posted on the website shortly. Meeting road). At Halsey Cross, we turn left
Time: 10:30 towards Marsh Mills, where we turn
right on South Street. This will take us
Mon 24 June
into Nether Stowey. It was whilst
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, staying in Nether Stowey, Samuel
Somerset JOGLE Day 76: Burnham on Coleridge, the Romantic poet, wrote
Sea to Bridgwater. The River Parrett has some of his best poetry, including The
a mighty estuary that takes the coast Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla
path a long way from the sea, so Khan. Where he stayed is now called
today’s 14‑mile route soon becomes a Coleridge Cottage. This 13-mile route is
riverside rather than a coastal walk. We all on minor roads, which can be hard
will follow the shoreline path most of on the feet! Please meet for a prompt
the way, but come inland to the village 09:30 start by the south entrance to St
of Pawlett to avoid going around the Mary's Church, St Mary's Street,
Pawlett Peninsula. When the river Bridgwater, TA6 3ED. Please bring all
meets the A38 at Dunball Wharf, the your food and drink requirements . The
path stays alongside the A38, until it event contact is David Stockwell on
reaches Wylds Road, which leads to the 07934 182 614. Grid ref: ST 297 370
Drove Bridge over the River Parrett and
into Bridgwater. The terrain includes Wed 26 June
coast and riverside paths, field paths, John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
and pavements. Please meet for a Somerset JOGLE Day 78: Nether
prompt 09:15 start at the landward end Stowey to Watchet. Today we visit our
of Burnham on Sea Pier, The Esplanade, third Area of Outstanding Natural
Burnham on Sea, TA8 1BF. Please bring Beauty, the Quantock Hills. From
all your food and drink requirements. Nether Stowey, we follow Coleridge's
The event contact is David Stockwell on Way, climbing through the woods of
07934 182 614. Grid ref: ST 303 488 Duke's Plantation, and over Woodlands
Hill with views towards the sea, before
Tue 25 June
descending into Holford. Still on
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, Coleridge's Way we contour around the
Somerset JOGLE Day 77: Bridgwater to hills with views towards the sea,
Nether Stowey. Today we leave through the wooded deer park to West
Bridgwater on West Street, Durleigh Quantoxhead. After crossing the A39,
Road and Spaxton Road to Spaxton. We we follow minor roads into Watchet. In
then turn right on Pearwater Road, Watchet there is a statue depicting
which ends in a Y‑ or T‑junction just Coleridge's Ancient Mariner. This
past Radlett Cottages. We turn left and 11‑mile route includes woodlands,
then a right at the next Y‑junction, open grasslands and minor roads.
46
Please meet for a prompt 09:00 start very limited bus service to the area, so
outside Coleridge's Cottage, 35 Lime this is probably not an option. Please
Street, Nether Stowey TA5 1NQ. Please bring a packed lunch and something to
bring your food and drink drink. There will be opportunities for a
requirements for the day. The event coffee break and a longer lunch break.
contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182 There are no food outlets near the start/
614. Grid ref: ST 191 398 end of the walk, or along the way. The
Western Midlands A midweek walk to event contacts are Giles Howell on
the Top of the Worcester Beacon. This 07717 752 051 and Adrian Pearson on
5‑mile walk will take us to the top of 07900 493 038. Grid ref: SO 770 469
the highest of the Malvern Hills, which Thu 27 June
is the highest point in Worcestershire. John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
Throughout the walk, our third to Somerset JOGLE Day 79: Watchet to
celebrate GOC's 50th, you will be Minehead. On today’s 8‑mile route, we
treated to frequent views over the follow the Somerset Coast Path which
surrounding countryside. On a clear hugs the shore, first over open cliff
day at the top of the Worcester Beacon paths and through woodland, before
you can see over the county of turning left onto the B3191 which
Herefordshire and well into the Welsh returns us to the shore and continues to
mountains to the west, past The Wrekin Blue Anchor and its steam railway
and towards Cannock Chase to the station on the West Somerset line. The
north, past Bredon Hill to Edge Hill to path now follows a flat coastline all the
the east, and past the Cotswolds to the way to Minehead, with the steam
Bristol Channel in the south. The ascent railway and Dunster Castle on our left
to the summit of around 300 metres is and the beach and sea to our right.
quite reasonable, as is the descent that Please meet at for a prompt 09:00 start
follows. We will be walking mainly on at The Ancient Mariner Statue, 11 The
hard surfaces although there could be Esplanade, Watchet TA23 0AJ. Please
some muddy stretches if there has been bring your food and drink
recent rain. Walking sticks are requirements for the day. The event
recommended where appropriate. The contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182
total ascent is about 300 metres (980 ft). 614. Grid ref: ST 072 433
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start in
the Clock Tower car park in North Online Members’ Social. Are you
Malvern, where there are ample spaces. interested in meeting or socialising with
The nearest postcode is WR14 4LT. The other GOC members online, from the
parking fee is £5.25 per day (Feb 2024). comfort of your home? Perhaps you
The nearest railway station is Malvern don't find it easy to join many of our
Link (about 1 mile away). There is a outdoor events for one reason or
another, or you're interested in
47
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. Whatever of news and events, please go to My
your interest, and whatever your level Preferences and include Online in your
of technical experience or expertise, you selection of groups. If you are not
are welcome! This is a continuation of already a member of GOC, please Join
our longstanding Online Social in us! To receive an automated email
Zoom. It takes place on the fourth reminder of our online socials 24 hours
Thursday of each month, in advance, with the link to follow the
complementing the new Online next day, please email
Welcome Social held on the second [email protected] and ask to have your
Tuesday of each month. Do please join address added to the calendar invite. ==
either or both! We start each online Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
social with a quick round of scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
introductions. If you have something in Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
particular that you would like to share into your browser: https://
or ask, this is your chance to let others us06web.zoom.us/j/82898130104?
know what that is. Then we spend most pwd=Qk41bjFhTUtDd1NXVFNPUmFy
of our time mingling and chatting R2NKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
informally - in small breakout groups if join and enter: Meeting ID: 828 9813
there are many of us. We close each 0104 Passcode: 377718
session by gathering all together again
Fri 28 June
to hear something of what we all shared
or enjoyed during the session. Please Gardens, Solent Midweek Walk and
consider offering to share a brief report Garden Visit; The Test Valley and
afterwards on the GOC website, to Mottisfont Rose Garden. This is a flat
share something of your experience and but attractive 5‑mile walk over
to encourage others to attend in woodland fields and paths with a lunch
future. Please take a screenshot of stop for fish and chips at The Mill Arms
those present, with their permission of in Dunbridge. Please note this is a
course, and upload it afterwards with a Friday walk to take advantage of the
few lines of text at Submit a new event fish and chip pub special offer!
report. See recent reports on the Online Afterwards, there will be an optional
group page as examples. Our Zoom visit to the house and famous historic
meeting room is accessible on a rose gardens at Mottisfont. Entry is free
computer, tablet or smartphone via an for NT members, for others the
app, or with more limited functionality admission price is £18.

48
We hope to catch the gardens in full as moderate. Please meet for a prompt
bloom and expect to enter them after 10:00 start at the South West Coast Path
14:30 in an attempt to miss the main Monument, Quay Street, Minehead,
mid-day crowds. Please meet for a TA24 5UJ. It looks like two hands
prompt 11:00 start in Spearywell Wood opening a folded map displaying grid
car park, which is just north of lines and a coastline. Please bring your
Mottisfont on the B3084. The nearest food and drink requirements. The event
postcode is SO51 0LS. This car park is contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182
quite small but should be adequate. The 614. Grid ref: SS 971 468
alternative is Mottisfont car park which
Sat 29 June
is a 20‑minute walk away but we expect
this car park to be very busy in the Berkshire and Mid Thames, Essex,
morning. As we are planning to have Hertfordshire, London, Pride & Other
lunch at The Mill Arms, there is no Marketing Events, Surrey, West Kent,
need to bring a picnic, but please carry Women GOC march at London Pride
something to drink. The event contact is 2024! This year, we have the exciting
Ian Martin on 07803 056 989. Grid ref: news that GOC has been awarded up to
SU 315 277 100 places in London Pride. If you were
intending going on the march - or not -
John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024, we would love you to walk with the
Somerset JOGLE Day 80: Minehead to Club! One thing we ought to be quite
Porlock. Minehead marks the start of good at is walking! As places are
the South West Coast Path National limited this will be a ticketed event.
Trail, a 630‑mile route from Minehead Places will be allocated on a first come,
to Poole, currently Britain's longest first served basis. Each marcher will
National Trail, which we will follow as need to wear a wristband. The GOC
far as Land's End. We also enter muster point will be in Grosvenor
Exmoor, our fifth and final National Square (where the American Embassy
Park. The path starts at low level, but use to be). Our Chairman, Jim
soon begins a zig‑zag climb. Where the Cornwell, will be very visible wearing
path divides, we will take the higher his 'Rainbow Suit’ and will bring the
option, which contours below club’s 50th Anniversary banner. Please
Selworthy Beacon. The two paths then feel free to wear suitably colourful
merge before descending Hurlstone attire! The route of the parade is almost
Combe to Hurlstone Point. The path three miles, but although it is
then proceeds to Bossington at a low categorised as ‘easy’ walking slowly on
level. Further on, we will leave the hard surfaces can be tiring. Please meet
Coast Path at Sparkhayes Lane which in Grosvenor Square not later than
takes us up to Porlock. This 10‑mile trek 10:30, ready to set off at roughly 11:00.
is largely along cliff paths and is graded

49
Take the Central, Jubilee or Elizabeth Our walk around the garden will be
line to Bond Street, or the Central line around two miles. Please note that the
to Marble Arch. Please ensure you have terracing throughout the sloping
plenty to drink, especially if the garden means that some areas are not
weather is hot, and maybe some snacks that easy to access. The main courtyard
to keep you going through the march. can only be accessed by steps. For the
The event contact is Jim Cornwell on cathedral visit, please meet at 12:00
07510 924 442 Grid ref: TQ 282 807 outside the café. The postcode is LD3
Gardens, History & Culture, 9DP. Look out for GOC logo which Neil
Mid-Wales Brecon Cathedral and will be wearing. For the garden visit,
gay‑owned NGS garden. Join us on a meet at 14:30 at postcode LD3 8HW.
charity open day for the National From Brecon, follow the A40
Garden Scheme (NGS) at this westbound. At the second signpost,
gay‑owned garden about six miles from follow the signs for Trallong, which
Brecon. The gardens around Lower will take you to the right. After
Wernfigin Barns have been created over descending, cross the river. Then head
the past ten years by the owners from a uphill to Trallong Common and follow
bramble and nettle infested plot the yellow signs. Travelling on the A40
surrounding a ruined barn which has east from Sennybridge, take the first
become their home. Now there is a sign to Trallong then as above. Look
terraced, south‑facing front garden with out for the GOC logo which Neil will be
dense planting of herbaceous wearing. The event contact is Neil on
perennials and shrubs and a rear 07808 502 527. Grid ref: SO 043 289
garden planted with hydrangeas, Gardens, Transpennine Fountains
azaleas and rhododendrons. For more Abbey and Studley Royal Gardens
details, follow the link on the event Walk. This is a moderate 3.5‑mile walk
webpage. Admission is £6. We are with a possible guided tour. For those
reliably informed that they do very who are not NT members, a National
good cream teas! Before the garden Trust entry fee will be required on the
visit, some of us will visit Brecon day. Please meet at 10:30 outside the
Cathedral, which started life in 1093 Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, HG4
and is the seat for the Diocese of 3DY, where parking is available. Please
Swansea and Brecon. It is about six bring a packed lunch and something to
miles from the Garden. We may have drink. The event contact is Kevin
an early lunch in the Cathedral café Nuttall. Grid ref: SE 272 687
before looking around the building and John O'Groats to Land’s End 2024,
then heading to the Garden. However, Somerset JOGLE Day 81: Porlock to
there is no obligation to joins us if you Lynmouth. On our last day in Somerset,
just want to visit the Garden. we return to the coast path, walking
50
down Sparkhayes Lane to the low‑level Compton Street and on into Brewer
path to picturesque Porlock Weir, Street, where we will turn left into
which was visited by Coleridge, Great Windmill Street. We will stop at
Wordsworth and some say Byron. 22 Great Windmill Street where in the
Heading away from Porlock Weir, we summer of 1974 the young university
climb through Culbone Wood to men met in a basement bar to establish
Culbone Church, the smallest complete our club. From there, we will walk (via
parish church in England, being only 35 Oxford Street and the BBC) to Regents
ft long and 12ft 4in wide. Where the Park for a picnic. The picnic area chosen
path divides, we will take the lower is the Queen Mary’s Garden. If you
option which takes us on a long have a packed lunch, this is an ideal
woodland adventure. The two paths space to eat it as there are lots of
merge at peeps of rocks called Sir benches and (charging) toilets.
Robert's chair. The path returns to However, if you prefer, The Regent’s
woodland but eventually emerges to Bar and Kitchen is on hand, offering
give us fine views of Foreland Point. drinks and a variety of hot and cold
After walking over open Butter Hill, food. Following our lunch break, we
close to the A39, we will arrive in will head through the park towards
Lynmouth. This 14‑mile route includes London Zoo. We will then cross the
woods and cliff paths. It is officially main road to climb Primrose Hill for a
designated as moderate, but strenuous mass photo shoot. The walk is around
in places. Please meet for a prompt 5.5 miles and is expected to end at
09:15 start outside The Piggy in the approximately 15:00. It is easy walking,
Middle Fish and Chip Shop, 2 High mainly on paved surfaces, with a
Street, Porlock, TA24 8PS, which is on significant climb at the end, so
the corner of High St (the A39) and comfortable shoes are essential. Please
Sparkhayes Lane. Please bring all your meet for a prompt 11:00 start in Soho
food and drink requirements. The event Square, London W1D 3HD. The nearest
contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182 tube station is Tottenham Court Road.
614. Grid ref: SS 886 467 Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. Food and drinks can also be
Sun 30 June
bought nearby at the lunch stop. The
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Essex, event contact is Jim on 07510 924 442.
Hertfordshire, London, Surrey, West Grid ref: TQ 297 812
Kent London Club walk and 50th
Anniversary Celebration. The London Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End
Club Walk is to celebrate the founding 2024 JOGLE Day 82: Lynmouth to
of GOC in 1974. Starting from Soho Combe Martin. For a final testing day
Square, we will head south along Frith on Exmoor, we will begin with a
Street before turning right into Old zig‑zag climb up to Lynton before

51
contouring around to the Valley of the Dorset, Solent 50 years of Dorset GOC:
Rock, an unusual valley, parallel to the We will celebrate fifty years of Dorset
sea, with many pinnacle rocks. Legend GOC with a meat BBQ and vegetarian
has it Jack (the Devil) returned home to buffet in Herston. Please meet at 12:00
find his wife in the midst of an orgy. So midday at 74 Bell Street, Herston, BH19
furious was he that he petrified the 2SB, but please park around the corner
participants! After passing Lee Abbey in Marsh Way, BH19 2TE, where there
and Lee Bay we enter the woods is free roadside parking. This event is
around Woody Bay, emerging near accessible by bus. Taking the Purbeck
Hollow Book Waterfall. A steep descent Breezer number 40 between Poole and
will take us into Heddon Mouth Valley. Wareham; alight at Herston Cross and
This is followed by a steeper, twisting walk up Bell Street. Please bring a
ascent, before a walk on the cliff top, bottle. The event contact is Chris M on
another climb and then a contour 07986 839 707. Grid ref: SZ 017 786
around Holdstone Hill before a descent East Kent The Little Stour river and
into Sherrycombe. From there, we will open landscapes. Today we will walk
make the steep ascent to the highest an area of Kent that we know well, but
spot on the whole South West Coast may have passed by on many
Path, Great Hangman at 318m (1,043 ft). occasions. This easy 7‑mile walk is
From Great Hangman we will proceed shorter than usual, due to the expected
to Little Hangman and around Lester warm weather at this time of year. The
Cliff before descending into Combe Little Stour is a peaceful but beautiful
Martin. Combe Martin is said to have tributary of the River Stour. It is about
the longest High Street in England, and nine miles long and starts near to the
a pub made to look as if it was a pack of village of Littlebourne, before it joins
cards standing upright, called the Pack the main river at Plucks Gutter. We will
o' Cards. This 14‑mile trek includes walk along it for about two miles, the
many climbs and descents on high rest of our route going through fields
cliffs, and is officially designated as and orchards, as well as passing
strenuous. Please meet for a prompt through the settlements of Elmstone
09:15 start at the base of the Cliff and Preston. Please meet for a prompt
Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, 11:00 start outside The Anchor Inn,
EX35 6EQ. Please bring all your food High Street, Wingham, CT3 1BJ. There
and drink requirements with you. The is a car park opposite The Anchor Inn
event contact is David Stockwell on in St Mary's Meadow Street. It appears
07935 182 614. Grid ref: SS 721 496 to be free, but it is often busy, so we
recommend that you aim to be in
Wingham by 10:30 to find a parking
space there or in the side streets.

52
If you plan to travel by bus, please cashless payments (code: 15029). The
check local bus timetables online. Please nearby George Street (Lower) Car Park
bring a packed lunch and something to has 11 spaces. It also costs £4.00 per day
drink. After the walk, we will (RingGo code: 15058) but has a different
undoubtedly visit the Anchor Inn for a machine for pay and display situated at
drink. The event contact is Gary Taylor the entrance. Please note that roadside
on 07376 780 137. Grid ref: TR 243 576 parking in Compstall is for resident
Transpennine Compstall to Lymefield. permit holders only. The nearest
This is a moderately strenuous 8.6‑mile railway stations are Romiley and
walk from Compstall to Broadbottom Marple, which are on the Manchester
on the edge of the Peak District. A Piccadilly to New Mills and Sheffield
varied and hilly walk, on a fine day it Line. Circular bus routes 383 and 384
offers spectacular views over Greater run between Stockport Central Bus
Manchester, the Etherow Valley and the Station and Compstall Village. They
Pennines. Our route will include pass both Marple and Romiley Stations.
Ernocroft Wood in Etherow Country There is a path from near the Compstall
Park, Higher Chisworth, Lymefield bus stop to the car park. Before the
and Broad Mills Heritage Site, walk, Etherow Park Café, which is next
Broadbottom Gorge and Werneth Low. to the Visitor Centre, normally opens at
Please bring walking boots, waterproof 09:00 and serves tea / coffee and snacks.
jacket and trousers, sun hat, sun cream, After the walk, there are several options
trekking pole(s) if normally used, a for refreshments, including The
packed lunch and plenty to drink. We Andrew Arms, The Northumberland
will be walking mainly on well-defined Arms and The Windsor Castle. The
paths or lanes, with a total ascent of event contact is Robert G. on 07779 873
1489 ft. There will be some walking 589. Grid ref: SJ 965 908
through open farmland. Please gather Mon 01 July
from 10:15 for a prompt 10:30 start near Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End
the Visitor Centre, Etherow Country 2024 JOGLE Day 83: Combe Martin to
Park car park, George Street, Compstall, Woolacombe. Today we enter our
SK6 5JD. From the B6104 in Compstall, fourth Area of Outstanding Natural
turn onto George Street. There are Beauty, the North Devon AONB. The
brown heritage signs indicating the coast path and A399 seem to meet and
way to the Country Park. Etherow part, as the path visits each point and
Country Park car park has 91 spaces bay. It is not flat, with steps shown
and currently costs £4.00 per day. The many times. We meet Watermouth, a
machine for pay and display is situated gothic looking castle now an
near the toilets and entrance barrier. 'entertainments centre'.
The mobile app RingGo can be used for

53
Later, we come to Ilfracombe, the Today’s 16‑mile trek includes cliffs,
largest harbour in North Devon, and dunes, and river banks. It is graded
where the MS Oldenburg departs for moderate to Croyde Bay and easy
trips to Lundy Island. Beyond thereafter. Please meet for a prompt
Ilfracombe, the A‑road has gone, but we 10:00 start at The Esplanade Car Park,
will follow lanes and tracks until we are Woolacombe, EX34 7DH, which is
just short of Bull Point with its behind the beach at its northern end.
lighthouse when we are back on lonely Please bring your food and drink
paths. The way out to Morte Point is requirements for the day. The event
even wilder. At Morte Point, there is a contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182
reflex‑angle turn back to Grunta Beach, 614. Grid ref: SS 457 437
a little curve to Barricane Beach, and a
Wed 03 July
bigger arc to see the expanse of sand
which is Woolacombe Bay. This 14‑mile Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End
section is designated as moderate, but 2024 JOGLE Day 85: Braunton to
strenuous in parts. Please meet for a Appledore. On today’s 13‑mile route
prompt 09:15 start in Kiln Car Park, 1 we will follow an old railway line from
Hangman Path, Combe Martin, EX24 Braunton that has been converted into
0DN, which is behind Combe Martin's cycle track, up the Taw estuary to cross
small beach. Please bring your food and the river on the Long Bridge in
drink requirements for the day. The Barnstaple. We will then walk along the
event contact is David Stockwell on other side of the river to Instow where
07934 182 614. Grid ref: SS 577 472 we will catch the Instow to Appledore
ferry across the river Torridge. The
Tue 02 July ferry does not run at low tide. (The low
Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End tides for Wednesday 03 July are set for
2024 JOGLE Day 84: Woolacombe to 09:27am and 21:58.) This is basically a
Braunton. We start today walking flat cycle route. Please meet for a
behind the long expanse of prompt 09:30 start at the Quay Cafe,
Woolacombe Bay, before walking Unit 4 Velator, Braunton, EX33 2DX.
around the long promontory of Baggy Please bring the food and drink you
Point to reach Croyde Bay, much will need for the day. The event contact
beloved by surfers. From Croyde Bay, is David Stockwell on 07934 182 614.
we walk around the promontory of Grid ref: SS 486 357
Saunton Down and along the road to
Saunton. We then turn right behind the
golf course and Braunton Burrows to
the narrow entrance of the Taw estuary
before making our way to Braunton
alongside the rivers Taw and Caen.
54
Thu 04 July Fri 05 July
Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End Devon, John O'Groats to Land’s End
2024 JOGLE Day 86: Appledore to 2024 JOGLE Day 87: Clovelly to
Clovelly. From Appledore, we follow Hartland Quay. We set off through
minor roads around to Appledore woods but it will not be long before we
Bridge. We will then follow paths encounter the deep valleys at
between the dunes and the river to the Blackchurch Rock and Windbury Head,
narrow entrance of the Taw estuary, followed by exposed cliff tops all the
and back on the open sea side of way to Hartland Point, a gnarly
Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! exposed headland which normally
(the only place name in Britain to end blows a hooley. From here, the nearest
with an exclamation mark). After point on the mainland, there are fine
Westward Ho! the cliff path becomes views towards Lundy Island. We then
more undulating, with several deep, turn to the south, crossing a couple of
narrow valleys ideal for smuggling, deep valleys before we reach Hartland
particularly at Bucks Mills and Quay, a most isolated cluster of
Clovelly. Before reaching Clovelly, buildings that make up a solitary Hotel
there is the 19th Century Hobby Drive, at the bottom of the cliffs.
built by French POWs during the On this 11-mile stretch we will have to
Napoleanic Wars, as a project to keep traverse many deep valleys, and so it is
them occupied. Clovelly is very special graded as moderate to strenuous.
with its steep cobbled streets leading to Please meet for a prompt 09:30 start at
a small harbour. Charles Kingsley the Clovelly Visitor Centre, EX39 5TA,
wrote the Water Babies and Westward which is near a car park where charges
Ho! there. This 16‑mile trek involves apply. Please bring the food and drink
lots of climbs and descents on the cliff you will require for the day. The event
paths. It is graded as easy to Westward contact is David Stockwell on 07934 182
Ho! and strenuous for the rest of the 614. Grid ref: SS 315 249
way. Please meet for a prompt 09:00
start outside the Seagate, The Quay, Sat 06 July
Appledore, EX39 1QS. Please bring all Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford,
the food and drink you will need. The Solent Greenham and Crookham
event contact is David Stockwell on Commons Walk. A visit to the
07934 182 614. Grid ref: SS 465 304 Greenham Common Control Tower to
learn more about the base and the
Common will be followed by an easy
8‑mile walk.

55
On the walk we will pass the Cruise of climbs and descents, this being one
Missile silos, the fire training plane, of only five sections that the South West
both on Greenham and Crookham Coast Path Association has graded as
Commons. We will then head via some severe! Having said that, wave
ponds to Headley Ford and the River watching is great and the walking is
Enborne, before returning to the exhilarating. Highlights include Speke's
Control Tower. Drinks and a meal can Mill Mouth Waterfall, St Catherine's
then be had at the Swan Inn at Tor and Hawker's Hut. Hawker was a
Newtown, a short drive away. This is a vicar who was surrounded by
reasonably flat walk on the Commons, smugglers and wreckers. Apparently,
but there are a few inclines heading to he tried to use his hut to warn ships
and from the ponds and the river. away. He also had a reputation for
Please meet at15:30 in the Greenham wearing bright clothing, taking drugs,
Common Control Tower car park, RG19 and excommunicating cats. However,
8BZ, where there is plenty of free the real stars here are the cliffs! Please
parking, (but they do appreciate any note: this is a severe 15‑mile cliff walk!
donations!) On Saturdays, the Control Please meet for a prompt 09:00 start at
Tower and its café close at 16:00. There Hartland Quay Car Park, Stoke,
is a bus and railway station in Hartland, EX39 6DU. Please bring food,
Newbury, but this is about two miles drink and plenty of snacks with you!
from the Control Tower, so if you need The event contact is David Stockwell on
a lift from there, please contact me. For 07934 182 614. Grid ref: SS 222 247
the walk, please bring something to
Sun 07 July
drink and possibly some snacks.
Afterwards, we will be heading to the East Kent, West Kent Rochester, Upnor
Swan Inn at Newtown for a drink and/ and Hoo Marina, followed by GOC
or a meal. The event contact is Ian 50th Anniversary Celebration Tea. This
Widdowson on 07740 090 400. Grid ref: will be a varied 9‑mile walk, taking in
SU 499 651 parts of historic Rochester, Rochester
Bridge, Upper and Lower Upnor, and
John O'Groats to Land’s End
Hoo Marina. After setting off, we will
2024 JOGLE Day 88: Hartland Quay to
cross Rochester Bridge and walk along
Bude. From Hartland Quay to Bude the
the River Medway to Frindsbury,
land structure is west to east, while the
where a short sharp climb will afford
coast runs north to south. As the sea
views over the Medway Towns. We
bashes the coast from the west, the
will then descend past the Royal
result is lots of lines of resistant rock
Engineers' Water Activities Centre
going out to sea, interspersed with
before arriving in Upper Upnor with its
small, deep valleys and coves. This
Tudor castle, (now owned by English
means that we will be undertaking lots

56
Heritage). After walking to Lower Rochester is well served by trains from
Upnor, we will do either a clockwise or Kent and London. Please check the
anticlockwise circuit of the Upper and following Southeastern train website
Lower Saxon Shore Way to Hoo for details of train times, and for any
Marina. Our arrival time, tide timetable possible engineering works which may
and tide height will be the determining affect your journey(s): https://
factor. The Lower Saxon Shore Way www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/ Please
path which runs along the River bring a packed lunch and plenty to
Medway can be flooded at high drink. When we return to Rochester
tide! Hoo Marina is fun if you have an you can either depart, or you can join
interest in boats. It hosts a variety of the GOC 50th Anniversary Celebration
boats, including three light ships, which Tea. Please see below! The event
are now floating residential contact is Graeme Brown on 07947 515
homes. Once back in Lower Upnor, we 177. Grid ref: TQ 748 681
will retrace our steps, giving views of East Kent, West Kent GOC’s 50th
the new development in St Mary's Anniversary Celebration Tea. West Kent
Island. Other than one steep climb, this GOC is pleased to host a 50th
is a reasonably flat walk on Anniversary Celebration Tea after its
well‑defined paths. Please meet for a monthly walk on Sunday 7th July. GOC
prompt 11:00 start at Rochester Train Members from East Kent, London and
Station, ME1 1NH. There are several elsewhere are warmly invited to join us
car parks close by but be aware that the at the celebration tea. The walk leader
cost of parking for more than five hours invites participants back to his house in
can be excessive! Rochester multi‑storey the centre of Rochester. He hopes to
car park is more reasonable at £6.50. create a celebration party atmosphere to
Alternatively, find free Sunday off- mark the occasion of the GOC's 50th
street parking, for example, the birthday. The GOC Trustees have
following roads offer free parking on kindly agreed to make a financial
Sundays. All are within 10 minutes’ contribution to the event, to purchase
walk of the station and are handy for some provisions. For this reason, and to
both the start of the walk and the help with the planning, it is essential
celebration tea: Crow Lane (ME1 1RQ); that you pre-book your attendance at
Maidstone Road (ME1 3EL); King the Celebration Tea by Wednesday 3rd
Edward Road, ME1 1UB; Lockington July at the latest. If you would like to
Grove, ME1 1RH; St Margaret's Street, attend the 50th celebrations and have
ME1 1UF; Roebuck Road., ME1 1UE; pre-booked a place, please contact
The Esplanade, ME1 1EB; and Victoria Graeme for his address, either by email
Street, ME1 1XH. at [email protected] , or by
SMS on 07947 515177.

57
We will meet from 17:00. Please see Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start to
details given for the walking event the west of Cleobury North on Park
above for advice on parking and Gate Lane which can be reached from
transport. The event contact is Graeme the country lane running between
Brown on 07947 515 177. Cleobury North and Ditton Priors. The
Western Midlands A 50th Anniversary nearest postcode is WV16 6TB.
Walk over the Clee Hills. This 7.5‑mile Cleobury North lies on the B4364 south
50th Anniversary Walk takes us to west of Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Park
Abdon Burf at the top of the Clee Hills. on the verge on the north eastern side
At 540m, Abdon Burf is the highest of Park Gate Lane, which can be found
point in Shropshire. This is a re-run of a at the map reference given
walk that took place in November 2023, below. Anybody who has been on my
but this time we will go anti‑clockwise previous walks over the Clee Hills will
to take in Abdon Burf near the start of recognise the spot. Please park on the
our walk. We will go down the other verge/layby. Space is limited, so please
side of Abdon Burf to Abdon Liberty share transport if possible and park
before crossing some fields to join a considerately at right angles to the
quiet country lane that takes us to road. Travel by public transport to this
Cockshutford. A track then takes us up event is not feasible, but please contact
Clee Liberty to Burwarton Pole and the event leader if you would like a lift
then descends along the side of Big from Wolverhampton. There are no
Wood to return to our starting point. shops enroute, so please bring a packed
This walk is graded as moderate to lunch and plenty to drink. The event
strenuous. contact is Julian Donald on 07757 012
640. Grid ref: SO 608 872

Full details
of all July’s events will be in the
July/August 2024 issue of Outdoors,
which is due out on 28th June.
See also www.goc.org.uk

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 Regular Events

Badminton
Cardiff
South Wales Gay Badminton, a friendly, non-competitive group, meets each
Monday evening at the Sport Wales Centre in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. New
members are welcome! You can find further details at the club’s website,
www.swgb.club , or you can contact them by email to [email protected] .

Climbing
Sheffield and Leeds
Through the colder months, members meet at indoor climbing walls, on Tuesdays
or Wednesdays in Sheffield and on Wednesdays in Leeds, where there is a choice
of lead and bouldering walls. In the summer, weather permitting, we meet at
outdoor crags. The venue is decided week by week. Please contact Jill on 07952
796 755 for further details, and to find out where the next meet will be.

Running
Leeds
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, come and join the North
East/Transpennine running group. We meet each Saturday at 09:00 outside the
Lakeside Café in Roundhay Park, LS8 2ER. As the location does vary occasionally,
before your visit please call Andrew Frazer on 07801 812 928.

Goslings Swimmers
London
Goslings Swimmers meet at the Oasis outdoor lido, Covent Garden
(https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre/
facilities) on Thursday evenings between 19:15 and 20:30. Goslings lost its private
hire during the pandemic, so we swim in the public session - you have to book
individually via the Better App. We socialise afterwards at the nearby Bloomsbury
Tavern. Full details are on Goslings’ webpage, or you can contact the group
coordinator, Jeremy Palmer, at [email protected] .

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 Associated Clubs
These clubs offer outdoor, sporting or other active pursuits
that welcome GOC members. Some offer concessions on NOT SO TRAD: Southern Lesbian & Gay Climbers.
event fees for GOC members. Contact Phillipe Torres at [email protected] or
Roslyn McKendry at [email protected]
CycleOut: Gay cycling group based in London and
Out on Sunday: walks in the Lancs/Cheshire/Derbys
the SE. Recreational day cycling plus weekends and
area. Phil: [email protected] and at
holidays further afield in the UK and Europe. Tel.
http://www.outonsunday.co.uk/
01634 826 060. www.cycleoutlondon.org.uk.
The Freedom Club: camping & caravanning. Annual
Devon Pals: Lesbian group with monthly walks and
national meet. www.freedomclub.co.uk.
occasional socials. Contact Nicky at
[email protected] Truegrip Badminton Glasgow. Meets Thursday
evenings at the National Badminton Academy. See
Gay Caravan and Camping Club:
our Facebook page or call Paul Tulloch 07708 514 676 /
www.gaycaravanclub.com; e-mail:
[email protected].
[email protected]; Tel. 07977 317
872 (Ian Elesmore - Chairman) WWW (Women Walk Wales). Monthly meets.
Anglesey to Snowdonia. Rosie on 01248 601064 or
Glasgow Gay Rambling Group. Walks on the 2nd
email: [email protected].
Saturday of each month. Robert Watt on 0141 950
1081, 07594 036 962 or e-mail: [email protected]
GLUG: National Gay & Lesbian Underwater Group Advertising in Outdoors. We offer quarter, half
(scuba diving). Monthly London meets. and whole page colour spaces. A whole page
www.glug.co.uk; [email protected] ad is £60, a half‑page is £40 and a quarter page
Goslings London Badminton Club: several weekly is £25, each is for one insertion. For the whole
badminton sessions and socials in London, details at page, you have the option of bleed. For a
www.goslingslondon.com series, discounts of £2 per insertion are
Irons Golf Society: a society for gay and lesbian available for a run of three or more. As an
golfers. www.ironsgolf.org.uk advertiser, you will get a free link to your
Lilidots: for women walkers in Scotland. Tel: Karen business on our website for the duration of
Radford on 01475 633 090. your ad. There is a one-off design charge of £40
(unless you send in artwork that requires no
Midlands Out Badminton: LGBT group open to all
further work). If you want to provide your
abilities. Meets Saturday mornings at Aston Universty,
own artwork, we can accept pdf or jpg files at
Birmingham. [email protected] or call
300dpi. Please contact [email protected] to
Andy on mobile 07813 330 003 or see
discuss your requirements.
www.midlandsoutbadminton.co.uk
Outdoors is published ten times a year. The next copy
Moseley Shoals: Birmingham swimming. Three
deadlines are 5th August 2024, 9th September 2024
sessions a week. Socials afterwards. Coaching
and 7th October 2024. An advertisement in Outdoors
available. New swimmers and visitors welcome. Mark
does not imply any endorsement of a product or
on 0121 441 3768 or see www.moseleyshoals.org.uk.
service by the GOC or its trustees. The views and
Northern Wave: Manchester swimming. Two
opinions expressed in Outdoors do not necessarily
sessions per week. Also water polo. See
reflect those of the GOC, its editor or its trustees.
www.northernwave.org or Trevor on 0161 872 1990 or
[email protected].

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