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 April 2025
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
 2 Who’s Who

 5 Comments from the Chair

 6 Out & About

 35 Regular Events

 36 Associated Clubs

Cover Design: Peter van der Walt

Please send any copy for the May 2025

issue to Peter Blackburn; email
[email protected] , by Monday 7th
April 2025, and please have all your
group’s events online by then so that
they will appear in that issue’s Out &
About diary.
© GOC March 2025 ‘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
Robert Davies
email: [email protected]
For all general enquiries

Treasurer
Jim Cornwell Ian Widdowson
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 Membership Engagement
Chris Ng David Millar*
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
For changes of address and newsletter Works to improve the way that the club
delivery problems. communicates with its members.

Magazine Editor Diversity & Inclusion

Peter Blackburn * Gabbie Giuffre
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
For 'Outdoors' articles, reports & diary. Works to promote diversity and inclusion
Cover Design & Advertising within GOC.
Peter van der Walt * Archivist
email: [email protected] Simon Ball *
Graphic design for ‘Outdoors’ covers and Email: [email protected]
other GOC publications and ‘Outdoors’ Maintains the club’s archives
advertising sales.
* Not a trustee; all others are trustees of
GOC.

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Comments from the Chair Training & Learning Courses:
Coming to an end: I am delighted to report that
In April, I will attend my last board initiatives from our Group Liaison
meeting as chair of the club. This has Officer Richard Smith, supported by
been a short but exciting period in my Chris Loy and Member Engagement
life that has enabled me to meet and Officer David Millar, to provide
talk to our members around the training for leaders and potential
country, which has been most leaders to develop their skills are now
enjoyable. What I will take away from well underway. Please take advantage
this is the friendship, love, support, of these courses, which hopefully will
and enduring respect that GOC club see current and new members
members have for each other. I stepping forward.
cannot recall any other organisation AOG 2025 at Lancaster
that I have belonged to where this The sale of tickets for this year's
was so much in evidence. Annual Outdoor Gathering has been
So here is a reminder of why we going so well that we have already
continue to be members of GOC. gone back to the University and
Health: Keeping active is so good for requested additional accommodation.
us physically. Exercise improves our As a result, we have been allocated
mental health, plus we can enjoy our seven more double rooms that are
beautiful countryside. now available for members to book.
Friendship: Today, with many people Less than four weeks after booking
living a solitary life style, meeting up opened we have sold 65 per cent of
with friends generates social contact. the twin rooms, 71 per cent of the
Having a good chat and the single rooms and 78 per cent of the
occasional laugh helps our wellbeing! double rooms. I am delighted to see
Support: As set out in our Articles of such a large take-up at this early
Association, GOC provides support stage! So the message is simple: don't
and opportunities to people who miss out, book your place now!
might otherwise be socially isolated. Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair

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 Fri 04 April - Mon 07 April
Adventure Out, Scotland Loch Ossian
and Corrour. This is a remote area on
the fringes of Rannoch Moor to the east
of Fort William. It can only be accessed
on foot or by the railway that connects
Glasgow to Fort William at the remote
railway halt of Corrour. The area
includes some remote Munros and
Corbetts: Beinn na Lap, Leum Ulleim,
Carn Dearg and Sgor Choinnich
surround the Loch, and our
accommodation will put these hills
within easy reach. There are also
April 2025
opportunities for low‑level walking for
those not wanting strenuous walks or if
Advance booking for GOC events is we encounter poor weather. We have
only required for events for which secured exclusive use of Loch Ossian
numbers are limited, or events which
Youth Hostel, Corrour, Fort William
have to be paid for. However, if you
plan to attend an event, it will help the PH30 4AA for the weekend two weeks
event organiser considerably if you before Easter. (Easter is almost as late in
indicate your intention by using the 2025 as it can be, and having the meet
‘Join’ button on the website. in early April makes it possible to better
space out the early season Adventure
For many events, lifts to/from the Out weekend meets, including our
event, or collection from train stations annual trip to Mallorca.) The YH offers
can be organised via the comments at basic but comfortable and economic
the bottom of the event listing on the accommodation. People intending to
website, or by using the ‘Contact Event
take part in this event should read
Organiser’ form, which you will also
GOC's document Safety in the Hills.
find on the website.
Based on 16 people, the cost of 3 nights'
accommodation, including breakfasts is
£100. Tickets are already on sale. Please
More details of these events may be on
the website now. There you can also note that we make no profit on
contact the event organiser, view the this type of event. The GOC price is the
meeting point and indicate your cost price of the food and
intention to attend. accommodation only. If the event is
See www.goc.org.uk under‑subscribed, GOC can make a
loss. If you need to cancel your

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booking, we can only offer you a refund out. I will need help to carry breakfast
if the event is fully subscribed supplies in from the station. You will
and someone else can take your place. need to provide for a Friday evening
OS Landranger maps 41 and meal and your own packed lunches,
42 cover the area. If you intend to travel although there should be enough bread
to the area by car, probably the best and butter supplied for your
places to leave it and join a train are sandwiches. Tea, coffee, and milk are
Crainlarich or Tyndrum Upper stations. communal. On Friday 4th April, please
However, if coming from the north, do not arrive at the hostel before 16:00.
park at Tulloch and take a train south to The event contact is David on 07890 874
the next stop. Parking at Tulloch was 726. Grid ref: NN 371 671
free last time I did this, but check at the
Sat 05 April
station before you leave your car.
Trains from Glasgow Queen St to Fort Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford In
William will stop on request at Corrour. Search of Agatha Christie Part Two.
The journey takes roughly three hours. This 7‑mile walk will be a further
When next year’s timetables are instalment of our exploration of
published, http:// Wallingford and its surroundings, in
www.nationalrail.co.uk/ will provide search of Agatha Christie. This time, we
up‑to‑date details. I believe that there will explore the route of the former
are about four trains per day. The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway,
hostel is about a mile down a track which conveniently passes Cholsey
from Corrour station which should take Church and Cemetery where Agatha is
around 20minutes. A longer walk in laid to rest. If it is not waterlogged, we
from Rannoch can be made by using will return along the River Thames Tow
The Road to the Isles path. Breakfasts Path. This walk is fairly level
comprising cereals, porridge, toast, throughout. Please meet for a prompt
jams and marmalade, bacon and eggs, 10:30 start at the former Winterbrook
(as stocks allow) are included in the Lane triangle on Wallingford Rd which
cost. However, we have not included is cut off by the new bypass. It is at the
evening meals, but if there is a southern end of the town, just north of
consensus, we may club together to the A4130 roundabout with the A329.
fund a communal meal. In addition, the The nearest postcode is OX10 9ED.
restaurant at Corrour Station may be There is free on‑street parking here,
open. If so, I will try and book this for a with no restrictions. The nearest
meal on one of the nights. There are no railway station is Cholsey, on the
shops in the area, and re-supply will Reading to Didcot line. The station is
not be practicable for the duration of about 3/4 mile from our starting point.
our stay. All food will need to be If you need a lift, please contact Bill on
carried in and all refuse taken back 07769 702 338 as soon as possible so
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that we can arrange to pick you up. Sun 06 April
Lifts back to the station can also be Cambridgeshire Shepreth and Beyond.
provided. There is a frequent bus This is a moderate 9‑mile walk around
service from Oxford, Reading, and three beautiful South Cambridgeshire
Henley. Please check timetables for villages of Shepreth, Barrington and
details. Please bring a packed lunch and Harlton. There will also be a shorter
something to drink. We hope to have a 4‑mile walk option available from
pub stop either enroute or at the end. Shepreth to Barrington only. There are
Details will be posted on the event many thatched cottages to admire as
webpage. The event contact is Bill well as chalk rivers and a large village
Fuller on 07769 702 338. Grid ref: SU green. The walk combines some typical
604 882 flat river valley landscapes with some
Gardens, South Wales, Women Cardiff rolling chalk downland. There are two
Short Walk and Social Event in a chalet steepish hills which cross a ridge,
garden. A leisurely 2‑mile walk, led by giving extensive views to the North and
Peter, from Llandaff Railway Station, South. There are no stiles but, in an old
partly along the banks of the River Taff, quarry en route, there are some short
to Ian and Bert's chalet garden at the steep inclines. We will be walking on
edge of Bute Park. The walk will generally good paths but they may be
include a visit to Llandaff Cathedral muddy in places, so walking boots are
and St.Teilo's well, and features a Roald advised. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
Dahl connection. After our visit, some start at Shepreth Railway Station car
members will venture through Bute park, Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ,
Park into the city for a drink. Please where free parking is available. The
note that this is a Saturday station is on the North side of the
event. Please meet for a prompt 12:00 village. Shepreth station is on the
start in the car park of Llandaff North Cambridge to London Kings Cross line.
Rail Station, CF14 2EZ, which adjoins If you are coming by train, please
the ‘towards Pontypridd’ platform. The contact the event leader Roger Orpin on
11:30 train from Cardiff Central arrives 07813 360 456 to discuss details. Please
at Llandaff at 11:42. There is also a bring a packed lunch, something to
frequent bus service to and from drink and something to sit on. Tea and
Cardiff. Nibbles and refreshments are cakes will be available after the walk.
kindly offered by the hosts. The event The event contact is Roger Orpin on
contacts are Peter Kingsbury on 07866 07813 360 456. Grid ref: TL 392 482
551 431, and Ben on 07951 001 676. Grid Cornwall, Devon Stonehouse and
ref: ST 149 796 Royal William Yard. This 4.5 mile walk
will start in Devonport and take in the
magnificent views of Plymouth Sound
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and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire
We will follow the waterfront from the and North Somerset The sights and
edge of the Dockyard to the Mount sounds of South Cotswolds in Spring.
Wise Observation Tower and the This 7‑mile walk offers splendid views,
nearby 37‑foot high Scott Memorial. We including the Severn Vale, the Welsh
will then walk inland, over the bridge Mountains and the Malvern Hills,
at Stonehouse Creek and past the taking in meadows and
slipway for Cremyll Ferry on our way woodland. Dogs are welcome. but
to the Royal William Yard. From there, must be kept on leads around
the walk will take us along part of the farmland. The terrain is hilly for about
waterfront known, mainly to the locals, half the walk, with two steep ascents
for its views, swimming facilities, and and descents. However, we will take
level paths that lead to views of the the ascents at a reasonable pace and
Britanny Ferry terminal. Finally, we there will be rest stops at appropriate
will take a bus back to our starting points. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
point where there will be the option for start at Coaley Peak Viewpoint free car
tea and cakes at a local café. The walk is park, which is just off the B4066 Stroud
mainly level, on paved paths, roads and to Dursley road. The nearest postcode
pavements. There are two sections is GL11 5AU, but there are no buildings
where we climb metal stairs (there is an nearby, so this is not very precise. The
alternative level paved path avoiding car park is between the two turnings for
one of these stairs). There is also one Nympsfield on the B4066. Look out for
ascent up steps. Please meet for a the road sign, "Picnic area, Viewpoint,
prompt 11:00 start in the café at Market Nympsfield Long Barrow". Parking
Hall, Duke Street, Devonport, here is free and unrestricted in time, but
Plymouth, PL1 4PS, where food, there is a height restriction of 2.5
beverages and toilet facilities are metres. Unfortunately, there is no
available. Free on-street parking is suitable public transport to this
available near the Market Hall on James location. Please bring a packed lunch
Street, PL1 4HH. If you are travelling to and something to drink. The event
the walk by bus, take Stagecoach contacts are John and Martin on 07704
services 21 and 21A at 10:20 or 10:35 328 143. Grid ref: SO 794 012
from Royal Parade towards Barne West Kent Brasted circular. A 9‑mile
Barton, and get off at Cumberland circular walk starting in Brasted and
Gardens bus stop, Devonport. Please heading south, mainly through fields
bring a packed lunch and something to and woods, then onto Ide Hill where
drink. The event contact is Mike we plan to stop for lunch, as the green
Hocking on 07779 292 450. Grid Ref: SX has several benches. There is also a pub
453 544 (The Cock Inn) for anyone wanting a

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quick drink. From Ide Hill, we will Western Midlands Ebrington Hill: the
head back north and west, passing highest point in Warwickshire. This
through Emmetts Gardens and onto 8‑mile walk was originally done last
French Street. The remainder of the year, one of a series visiting the highest
walk is mainly along paths and a long points in the Western Midland region,
track back towards Brasted. The walk, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Gay
which includes several moderate Outdoor Club. Unfortunately, this walk
climbs, can be shortened slightly if the encountered Storm Ashley, the first
weather and ground conditions on the named storm of the winter season. We
day are unfavourable. If this happens, hope that this time we will have a
we will probably bypass Ide Hill and storm‑free visit to this wonderful area.
have lunch in Emmetts Gardens. Please Along the way, we will pass through
meet for a prompt 11:00 start in the car Ilmington, Hidcote and Ebrington,
park in Church Road, next to St admiring the views of Warwickshire
Martin's Church, Brasted. The nearest and the North Cotswolds. Although
post code is TN16 1HZ. Parking in this the highest point in Warwickshire is not
location is free, but there are limited publicly accessible, we will get to
spaces. Free parking should also be within a stone's throw, but please don't
possible in nearby residential streets, throw stones! Please ensure you have
but these are mainly narrow, so please clothing and footwear suitable for the
allow at least five minutes extra to forecast weather conditions on the day.
reach the starting point. There is no Apart from a rather lengthy ascent at
reliable public transport to Brasted on a the start, this is a fairly easy walk. It is
Sunday. The nearest train station is in mostly on lanes and established paths,
Sevenoaks, a short taxi ride away. Train but there may be some mud in places.
times may be checked using the Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start
following website: https:// near Ilmington Church of England
www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/ If Primary School on Back Street/Lane in
you are travelling by train, please check Ilmington. The nearest postcode is
for any weekend engineering work CV36 4LJ, but please remember that
which may affect your journey(s), in rural post codes can cover large areas.
order to ensure that you arrive in time On Sundays, there is plenty of on‑street
for the start of the walk. Please bring a parking near the school. As far as we
packed lunch and plenty to drink. The know, this walk cannot be accessed by
walk will end near the Stanhope Arms public transport. Please bring a packed
pub in Brasted, which also serves food lunch and something to drink. At the
on Sundays. The event contact is Julian end of the walk, there are two pubs in
Smith on 07484 609 302. Grid ref: TQ Ilmington for refreshments. The event
468 555 contact is Ray Bowmer on 07400 001
725. Grid ref: SP 209 436
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Mon 07 April Tue 08 April
Devon, Dorset, Gardens Abbotsbury Online Welcome Social. Are you
Subtropical Gardens near Weymouth. interested in meeting or socialising
This subtropical botanical treasure online with other GOC members from
trove of rare and exotic plants on the the comfort of your home, and helping
Dorset Jurassic coast is world to welcome newcomers to GOC and
renowned, with over 30 acres and a encourage them to join us? If so, please
plant collection of over 6,000 species join us for our new Online Welcome
from across the world. This magical Social on Zoom, on the second Tuesday
garden includes an eighteenth-century of every month from 19:00 to 20:00. This
walled garden, ornate lilyponds and a is an opportunity for new and
viewpoint over the Jurassic coast World experienced GOC members to connect
Heritage site. We will see towering with each other, and with newcomers
drifts of Himalayan rhododendrons, to GOC who book from our new GOC
spectacular Magnolias, colourful Meetup group. For these newcomers, it
Camellias and exotic Chusan palm is an opportunity to meet GOC and
trees. We will also visit the popular some of our members, and to consider
café’s wooden veranda and courtyard, joining as a member themselves. We
which is surrounded by subtropical start each online social with a quick
planting! Well-behaved dogs on leads round of introductions. If you have
are welcome throughout the Garden, as something in particular that you would
well as outside and inside the coffee like to share or ask, this is your chance
shop. Entry is free for members of the to let others know what that is. Then we
Historic Houses Association. For non- spend most of our time mingling and
members, various other discounts are chatting informally, in small breakout
available. You will find further details groups if there are many of us. We close
on the event webpage. Our tour around each session by gathering all together
the garden will amount to around two again to hear something of what we all
miles of easy walking on well‑made shared or enjoyed during the session.
paths. Please meet at 11:00 by the ticket Our Zoom meeting room is accessible
office for which the postcode is DT3 on a computer, tablet or smartphone
4LA. We will probably be in the café via an app, or with more limited
from 10:30. There is plenty of onsite functionality via your browser or you
parking. After our tour, there is the can even dial-in by telephone. See our
option of lunch in the garden café or member-only page: How to use Zoom.
feel free to bring a packed lunch. The To join the GOC Online group and
event contact is Neil on 07808 50 2527. receive updates of news and events,
Grid ref: SY 556 849. please go to My Preferences, and
include Online in your selection of

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groups. If you are not already a April, the weekend will kick off in
member of GOC, please Join us! To Oxford with a city walk led by Andrew
receive an automated email reminder of Walker. On Saturday 12 April, there
our online socials 24 hours in advance, will be two options: a 7‑mile walk in the
with the link to follow the next day, Southern Chilterns and a garden visit to
please email [email protected] and ask NT Cliveden, near Maidenhead. On
to have your address added to the Sunday 13 April, there will also be two
calendar invite. == Gay Outdoor Club is options: a 7‑mile circular walk in West
inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Berkshire, and a visit to NT Basildon
meeting. To join the Zoom Meeting, Park. On Monday 14 April the weekend
copy and paste this link into your will finish with a 7‑mile circular walk in
browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/ the countryside near Henley. Details of
j/89593878113? each of these events are given below
pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ under the appropriate date heading.
KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/ You will need to arrange your own
join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387 accommodation. In order to facilitate
8113 Passcode: 324840 car sharing, we suggest that you base
yourselves in Reading where there is a
Fri 11 April - Mon 14 April
wide a variety of hotels, Airbnbs, guest
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Gardens, houses and hotels. Booking.com and
London, Milton Keynes and other travel apps can provide details.
Buckinghamshire, Oxford, Solent, For those who have their own
South Wales, West Wales, transport, one of our members David
Women Reading Weekend 2025. Woodward has an Airbnb in the village
Welcome to a weekend away based in of Sonning about three miles outside
Reading, and jointly run by the Reading. airbnb.co.uk/h/
Berkshire Mid Thames (BMT) and sonning airbnb.co.uk/h/
Oxford Groups. In May 2022, the West sonning2/ and airbnb.co.uk/h/sonning3/
Wales Group kindly invited BMT and If you are interested in camping or
Oxford members to a weekend away caravanning, please follow the
based in the Gower peninsula. The appropriate links on the event
Reading weekend was agreed in webpage. On the Saturday evening, we
principle many months ago in plan to have a communal meal together
conversations between BMT at Cote beside the Kennet Canal in
Coordinator Simon Scaddan and West Reading town centre, meeting at 19:30.
Wales Coordinator Al Evans. The Nearer the date, we will check how
Reading weekend is the culmination of many members wish to attend. Other
those discussions. Members of other opportunities to sit, eat and drink
GOC Groups who would like to join us together will be available on the various
will be most welcome. On Friday 11
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walks and garden visits. As some of our Reading, the easiest way to travel to
walks are not readily accessible by Oxford is by train. An adult return
public transport, we encourage ticket from Reading to Oxford costs
members to car share wherever £12 without a rail card; less than that if
possible. The Oxford city visit on 11th you have a railcard. After the walk we
April can be reached easily by train will find a suitable place for light
from Reading at a very reasonable refreshments. The event contact is
price, especially if you have a railcard. Andrew Walker on 07774 595 693. Grid
The event contact for the weekend will ref: SP 504 063
be Simon Scaddan on 07854 743 829. Somerset Stroll Bruton, Somerset. Stroll
Together with Bill Fuller, Coordinator the streets of lovely Bruton and take in
for the Oxford group, we look forward the architectural gems and some
to seeing you at this our first GOC railway heritage, starting and finishing
weekend in Reading. We very much at Hauser & Worth's, Durslade Farm
hope you will enjoy your stay and the where we will tour the farm and the art
programme we have arranged for you! gallery before taking lunch. https://
Fri 11 April www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-
Berkshire and Mid Thames, History & hauser-wirth-somerset/ The total
Culture, Oxford, South Wales, West distance including the farm is just
Wales An interesting tour of Oxford. under four miles. Note that while the
Welcome to an exploration of the walking is easy, there are some mild
features and exhibitions, museums and inclines. We may also encounter some
places of interest in the centre of Oxford rougher paths in the allotments and on
under the guidance of Andrew Walker, the farm, so stout footwear is advised.
one of our members. Andrew has lived You should carry a drink for the walk,
in the city for many years and has an and maybe a snack, Please meet for a
extensive knowledge of it. The walk prompt 11:00 start in the car park at
will be around five miles, following a Dursdale Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton
serpentine route along hard‑surfaced BA10 0NL, where there is adequate
footpaths and city streets, starting at the parking. The nearest railway station is
Railway Station. Please meet for a Bruton, a short walk from our meeting
prompt 14:00 start at the eastern place. Take any bus to Bruton. Dursdale
entrance to Oxford Railway Station, Farm is a short walk from the town
OX1 1HS, as this is convenient for many centre. If you need a lift, please post on
routes out of and back into the city. the event webpage. Car share is a very
Unless you are staying in Oxford itself, efficient way to get more people to our
we would advise you to park on the events. We plan is to retire to the café at
outskirts and use the park-and-ride Dursdale Farm at the end of the walk,
service. However, if you are staying in but you are welcome to bring your own

13
food if you prefer a picnic, for which stay later. At the time of year we go,
there is some nice outdoor seating. daytime temperatures are typically
Lunch options include the Roth Bar (see around 20°C, pleasantly warm and
the event webpage) or the Farm Shop sunny but not tediously hot. Rain is a
(https://dursladefarmshop.co.uk/) possibility and last year for the first
which does teas and coffees and a range time we had cold as well. You should
of sourdough sandwiches and other bring waterproofs (that’s why the
snacks. It's also a delicatessen, butcher, island is green) but we’ve never had a
off-licence, etc. so bring lots of money day completely written off. More than
and a shopping bag! The event contact one wet day is unlucky. Walking is up
is: Chris Chatfield. Grid ref: ST 688 343 to the walkers to organise, making use
of buses, trains, and taxis, or perhaps
Sat 12 April - Sat 19 April
hiring a car. There is no formal
Adventure Out, Cycling, Events programme, but see https://
Abroad Mallorca Spring 2025 - walking www.seemallorca.com/walking/guide
and cycling. Mallorca is a Spanish and published guide-books. There is
island in the Mediterranean, offering also the historic centre of Palma and its
everything a walker may wish for. cathedral, the quaint port town of Sóller
There are beaches along the south coast, accessible by narrow gauge railway,
a central plateau with isolated hills and also rustic traditional towns and
bearing castles and monasteries, and villages in the middle of the
mountains plunging into the sea along island. There is a sauna too. Our 3*
the north coast. The mountains are hotel is in Ca’n Pastilla, just to the east
green all year, and in Spring there are of Palma and at the end of the wide
lots of flowers. The sea may still be a bit sandy Palma Bay, and a short bus ride
bracing though! We have been walking from the airport and city centre. It’s a
there for a few years now and resort with all the facilities you might
familiarity with options is expect, but a long way from the
increasing. The trip coincides with the infamous party spots of Palma Nova
visit of Cycleout, so there will be lots of and Magalluf and quite genteel.
gay cyclists around as well. Their trip is Tourists are more likely to be from
now fully booked, but there is a waiting elsewhere in Europe rather than from
list, so please ask me if you need the UK. If you have any questions,
details. The trip is notionally from please contact the trip coordinator via
Saturday 12 April to Sunday 19 April, the link on the event webpage. Daytime
with activities happening from the activities range from city tourism and
Sunday to Saturday within this. You easy walks to demanding mountain
are welcome to arrive early, but there walks. Cycle rides can range from 30
will be nothing formally miles to 100 miles.
organised. You are also welcome to
14
Once you have signed up on the Palma (code PMI) is served by
website, please e-mail me and I will scheduled airlines from many places.
supply a discount code for the You can take bus A2 from the airport;
hotel. The process is not automatic; I last year, the fare was 5 euros each way.
will not realise that you have signed up Alternatively, a taxi will cost around 20
unless you tell me. You then book and euros. We recommend that you book
pay the hotel directly using the code. half-board with the hotel (breakfast and
What you book with the hotel is up to dinner). Lunch is readily available at
you. You are free to choose your room many cafés across the island. Breakfast
type and booking/cancellation and dinner are both buffet-style and
offer. We will get a discount on the cater for a range of dietary
hotel advertised prices. GOC is requirements and appetites, although
facilitating you establishing contracts we are not sure about vegan. Please
directly with the suppliers, and neither contact the hotel directly if you are
GOC nor trip organiser take any concerned. The event contact is John
responsibility for the performance of Heathcote on +44 7857 897 989. E-mail
the suppliers. The web-site messaging strongly preferred before the event. The
system can be used to facilitate room- local postcode is 07610
sharing should you wish, but GOC Adventure Out, Events Abroad
takes no responsibility for this. The Mallorca Spring 2025, Walking Events:
hotel is the Hotel Helios, Mallorca, This is a list of walks that are currently
details at https:// being planned for the week. They are
www.hoteleshelios.com/en/helios- subject to change based on the level of
mallorca-hotel-apartamentos/ The hotel interest and the weather.
operates ‘dynamic pricing’ which
means that prices are likely to go up Sunday 13th April: 10:00 Walk from the
closer to the date of your stay. In hotel into Palma; a 10km flat, easy walk
previous years, the hotel has been along the coast. (Provisional Leader:
completely full at times, so do not leave Peter Blackburn)
your booking too late. Prices in £ are Monday 14th April: Part of GR221, the
also affected by exchange rate famous national route across the
fluctuations. It is your responsibility to mountains of the island. (Leader: Gavin
arrange appropriate travel insurance, Hose)
check that your passport will be valid Tuesday 15th April and/or Wednesday
(the rules have changed since Brexit) 16th April: Another part of the GR221
and get a GHIC if you do not have a (Leader: Jerry O'Sullivan)
valid EHIC. Arrangements for visiting
EU countries are due to change during
2025, so please check in good time.

15
Thursday 17th April and/or Friday 18th Bedford & District, Hertfordshire
April: Depart hotel circa 9am (depends Springtime in Harpenden,
on bus times). Bus into Palma etc. A Wheathampstead and the surrounding
moderate 8.0km (5‑mile) Walk from countryside. This 10‑mile circular walk
Saint Elm to the ruins of La Trapa will take in Batford Nature Reserve, the
Monastery. (Leader: David White). River Lea, Wheathampstead, and
Saturday 19th April: A selection of easy Heartwood Forest. This is a moderate
flat walking to long hill walks on rough walk for people with country walking
paths. We will convene in the hotel experience and a good level of fitness. It
lobby for each walk at a time to be may include some steep paths and open
advised. country, and may be at a brisk pace.
You will need walking boots or trail
Arrangements for these walks will be shoes and good weather‑related attire.
finalised once we are there. Travel will Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start
be arranged for each walk. It may be by outside Costa Coffee, Station Road,
public bus, taxi or train. We will also Harpenden, AL5 4SW, which is around
advise on what food to take, which will 50 metres from the train station
depend on the walk destination and the entrance nearest to Platform 4. There is
expected facilities enroute. The event a car park Harpenden Train Station
contact will be the person leading on which is operated by APCOA. Please
that day. download the app in advance!
Sat 12 April However, there is a free car park nearby
in Lydekker Park, which is around
Bedford & District, East Midlands,
seven minutes’ walk from our starting
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire,
point. Harpenden is on the Bedford
Northampton & District
branch of the Thameslink line which
Ravensthorpe. This is an easy 5‑mile
has numerous stops in London. Please
morning circular walk, with the option
check train times in advance. Please
to visit Coton Manor in the afternoon.
bring a packed lunch, snacks, and
Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start
something to drink. There will be
outside The Chequers pub, NN6 8EH. It
benches available at our lunch stop, and
may be possible to get to this location
two cafés nearby, including one that
by train. Please check this out with the
does hot sandwiches. The event contact
event contact Martyn Cook on 07802
is Khris. Grid ref: TL 136 142
867 723. We plan to have a pub lunch at
The Chequers after the walk. Grid ref:
SP 667 701

16
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Gardens, car park in the Walled Garden at the
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, top of the estate. Please see the NT
Oxford, South Wales, West website for full details. If you are
Wales Garden Visit: NT Cliveden. staying in Reading for the weekend and
Uncover over 300 years of history at need to car‑share, please call event
Cliveden. The estate has been home to contact Bill Fuller on 07769 702 338
dukes, earls, viscounts and a prince, before the visit to see what can be
and during the First World War it was arranged. There are food facilities in the
even used as a hospital. For grounds of the estate.
generations, Cliveden was a glittering Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford,
hub of society, hosting exclusive parties South Wales, West Wales A circular
and political gatherings. In the early walk near Maidensgrove and Russell's
1960s, while the Cold War was slowly Water Common. This is a moderate
chilling British politics, Cliveden House 7‑mile walk around the hills and valleys
(now a hotel) was engulfed in a sultry in the beautiful South Oxfordshire
summer of sweltering heat. Cooling off countryside. If the weather is good, we
in the now-famous outdoor pool, was should see some wonderful
Christine Keeler, a nineteen-year-old views. After the walk we will have a
mistress of a suspected Russian spy. light lunch at a popular local venue.
Among the other guests was John The walk includes some hills. Climbing
Profumo, the up-and-coming them will require some effort, but they
Conservative Secretary of State for War. are not too steep. Please meet for a
Following their chance meeting at prompt 10:00 start at Russells Water
Cliveden House, Profumo and Keeler Common, immediately after the Five
embarked on an illicit affair which was Horseshoes pub where roadside
to force his resignation, and irrevocably parking is available. As parking is
damage the Prime Minister's sometimes difficult, please car‑share
reputation, impacting the course of wherever possible. There is no easily
British politics. For more details about available public transport to this
the National Trust at Cliveden please location. If you are attending the
see link https:// Reading weekend and need a car‑share,
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ please call event contact Simon Scaddan
oxfordshire-buckinghamshire- on 07854 743 829 to see what he can
berkshire/cliveden/things-to-see-in-the- arrange. We plan to eat a light lunch at
garden-at-cliveden For NT members, the Cheese Shed in Nettlebed. See
entry to the gardens is free. For non‑NT website: https://
members, an adult entry ticket costs www.nettlebedcreamery.com/the-
£19. Our tour of the gardens will be cheese-shed, or bring a packed lunch.
around two miles of easy walking. Grid ref: SU 712 889
Please meet at 11:30 in the main visitor
17
Transpennine Lyme Park. This is a Please bring a packed lunch and
moderate 8‑mile circular walk, taking in something to drink. Wear suitable
a section of the Macclesfield Canal, clothing and boots for the weather
followed by a fairly steep ascent onto conditions. The event contact is Gary on
the moor in Lyme Park. If the weather 07472 475 244. Grid ref: SJ 945 833
is clear, we should have fine views from
Sun 13 April
here as far as Manchester and even
beyond. We will be walking on a mix of Berkshire and Mid Thames, Gardens,
canal towpath, field paths and tracks, Oxford, South Wales, West Wales Visit
some of which can be very muddy. to NT Basildon Park. Sitting elegantly
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic
the Nelson Pit car park on the parkland and gardens, the main
Macclesfield Canal, Lyme Road, Higher building is an 18th-century house
Poynton, SK12 1TH, which is just past purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in
the Boar's Head pub. This is a pay and the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned
display car park and the charge for after the Second World War. With
parking all day is £3.70 (cash or extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought
card). We should return by around Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a
16:00. If you bring a dog, please keep it collection of fine furnishings and
on a lead especially on the moor in carefully selected Old Masters. It has
Lyme Park, where there are sheep. also been used over the years as a film
After the walk, we will stop for drinks location and most recently for the
at the Boar's Head. From the A555 Netflix series Bridgerton. The wooded
Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road, parkland offers glorious seasonal
take the A5149 to Poynton. As you colour, with spring bluebells, summer
reach Poynton, bear right/straight on at buttercups and autumn leaves, while
the roundabout and proceed with care the landscape has been carefully
along the busy and cluttered Poynton restored to offer wonderful views,
main street. After around 0.6 miles, peaceful trails and picnic places. For
turn left on to Middlewood Road, more details see https://
signposted to Davenport Golf www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/
Club. After a short distance, turn right oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-
onto Anson Road (signposted to Anson berkshire/basildon-park For NT
Engine Museum). At the cross roads by members, admission to the gardens is
the pub go straight over and you will free. For non-NT members the price of
see the car park on your left. Poynton admission is £17. Our tour of the
Station is about 2.5 miles from our gardens will amount to around one
meeting point, but there are buses mile of easy walking in the immediate
available; check online for details. vicinity of the main house. It includes
some gentle inclines, both ascents and
18
descents. Please meet for a prompt Lambourn valley from the hill above.
11:00 start in the NT car park adjacent Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start in
to the main entrance to the park, where the car park of the Ibex Inn, 39 Main
there is plenty of free parking. Basildon Street, Chaddleworth, RG20 7ER. As
Park is not easily accessible by public well as the pub car park, additional
transport. If you need a lift, please call parking is available a little further
event contact Bill Fuller beforehand on down the village in Sheephouse Lane.
07769 702 338 to see what he can The event contact is Simon Scaddan on
arrange. There is a good NT café onsite, 07854 743 829. This walk is not easily
or you can bring your own food. Grid accessible via public transport. The
ref: SU 609 784 nearest railway station is Hungerford. If
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford, you are considering travelling by train
South Wales, West Wales A circular and require a lift, please contact the
walk from Chaddleworth, exploring the walk leader Simon Scaddan in advance
Berkshire Downs and Lambourn to see if this can be arranged. If you are
Valley. This will be an easy 7‑mile spending the weekend in Reading,
circular walk starting in the picturesque please contact Simon to see if he can
village of Chaddleworth in west arrange a car‑share. After the walk, we
Berkshire. We pass by the mainly will be eating at the Ibex Inn at
Norman church of St Andrews and Chaddleworth. If you intend to eat
head across paddocks. We cross a here, please let Simon Scaddan know
couple of unusual stiles and skirt the your menu choices by Saturday 5 April
West Berkshire Golf Club with its 2025, either via email, via the GOC
immaculate greens. Thereafter, we head website or by text on 07854 743 829.
downhill across fields and open Grid ref: SU415772
countryside looking out towards Great Dorset Lawrence of Arabia circuit via
Shefford. Skylarks can sometimes be Clouds Hill and Moreton. This is a
heard as they twist and turn above the 7‑mile forest circuit, taking in Lawrence
fields. On a clear day, the views can be of Arabia’s cottage, accident site and
spectacular. Our walk then skirts the grave as well as the Army Tank training
village of Great Shefford as we head area and a ford (with a bridge!) over the
along the Lambourn Valley towards Frome river into picturesque Moreton
Elton Farm where we turn left and head village, which involves one minor
back to Chaddleworth and the Ibex Inn. climb. We will also visit Moreton
After passing RAF Welford, we will church (with its celebrated etched
find ourselves back near West Berkshire windows by Whistler) and picnic in the
Golf Club. We will be walking mainly walled gardens. This is a moderate
on good paths in open countryside. walk with one climb. Some muddy
There is one gentle descent to the stretches are possible after wet weather.

19
Please meet for a prompt 10:00 start at arriving back in Christchurch Gardens/
Culpeppers Dish car park, for which Leamington Town Centre in time for
the nearest postcode is DT2 7HX. This lunch. After lunch, we will reconvene at
is best reached by taking the Tolpuddle the Pump Rooms Gardens for a wander
exit B3390 off the A35 Puddletown around Victoria Park and along the
Bypass. Follow the signs for Affpuddle River Leam, the River Avon and Grand
and continue south past Affpuddle for Union Canal before arriving back at the
about a mile. At the top of the hill, in Pump Room Gardens and a libation in
the forest, turn left. Ignore the first car a local hostelry. If all goes to plan,
park; you will then reach Culpeppers today’s trek will be around eight miles
Dish after around 500 metres, where of easy, urban walking. However, the
ample free car parking is available. If last part is subject to weather. If there is
you need a lift to/from the event, or too much rain in the week or so prior to
collection from a train station, please the walk, the paths may become
leave your request in the Comments inaccessible. Please meet for a prompt
section at the bottom of the event 11:00 start at the Royal Pump Rooms,
listing, or use the contact event Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA. Should
organiser form. If you can offer a you wish to have a coffee and cake
car‑share, please post a message in the prior to the walk, the pump rooms open
Comments on the event webpage. We at 10:00. You can park in St Peter’s car
will picnic enroute at Moreton Walled park, Bath Place, or Leamington Spa
Gardens where the Dovecote Cafe Station for longer term parking.
(01929 462243) is available for On‑street parking is restricted to two
refreshments/lunch, or you can bring a hours. Click on the following link for
packed lunch. The event contact will be the current information provided by
Laurence B on 07833 902 134) Grid ref: Warwickshire District Council on Car
SY 814 924 Parking in Leamington Spa. https://
History & Culture, South Midlands A www.warwickdc.gov.uk/directory/27/
Guided Tour of Leamington Spa’s car_parks_in_warwick_district/
Highlights, Take 2. After having to category/361 Leamington has good
abandon our last jaunt around public transport connections, both by
Leamington due to Storm Darragh, we train and by bus. See the internet for
will resume our walk from the Pump rail and bus routes and timetables to
Room Gardens by the Royal Pump suit your requirements. There will be a
Rooms, where a café and toilets will be short coffee stop. Leamington has a
available pre‑walk. Following a history wide variety of coffee shops, pubs and
walk via The Parade, The Regent Hotel restaurants for those that would like to
and Regent Grove, we will ramble partake of a bite or a drink at
around Newbold Comyn Country Park, lunchtime, or perhaps extend their day
in the town after the tour. If you prefer,
20
please bring a packed lunch and River Rheidol, and pass the National
something to drink, to enjoy in the Library, Aberystwyth University, and
beautiful Leamington setting. The event Parc Natur Penglais, which hosts a
contact is Clifford on 07817 627 792. glorious bluebell display in springtime.
Grid ref: SP 318 655 Much of the walk is on tarmac paths
Lincolnshire, Women Near the but be prepared for tracks and grass
Lincolnshire Coast. Enjoy the vast around Pen Dinas and Parc Natur
Lincolnshire skyscape on this flat 7‑mile Penglais. The route is available on the
walk. Please meet at 11:15 for a prompt Ceredigion County Council
11:30pm start at Toft Close, Wainfleet St Website. Our route includes seven
Mary, PE24 4HU. This is just behind the gates, two bridges, 54 steps, and
A52 Boston to Skegness road, on the approximately 313m of ascent, with one
edge of Wainfleet St Mary, where challenging climb to Pendinas (154
on‑street parking is available. Please metres in 1.6km/1mile). There is a
park with consideration for local halfway point where walkers can easily
residents and take care not to block head back into Aberystwyth. Please
driveways. The main walk is about meet for a prompt 13:00 start outside
seven miles. Please phone Philip Dixon Athro Lounge, SY23 1LF. This is very
on 07954 237 814 if you would prefer a close to the train station, but please note
shorter option. Most routes to our that the main entrance is in the court
starting point involve passing over a yard, not on Alexandra Road. The walk
level crossing, possibly causing lengthy will conclude at the Glengower Hotel
delays, so please allow plenty of time on the promenade where there will be
for your journey. There is a railway an optional dinner and social, which
station in Wainfleet itself, but allow for you will need to book via this event
a good walk to Wainfleet St Mary. webpage. Parking is available on the
Please bring a packed lunch and sea front for up to four hours, and other
something to drink. There will be a parking is available in Aberystwyth
lunch stop about halfway through the including Tesco/M&S car park, Park
walk. The event contact is Philip Dixon Avenue, where you can park free of
on 07954 237 814. Grid Ref: TF 499 578 charge for up to three hours.
Maeysrafon car park, which is nearest
Mid-Wales Aberystwyth Circular to the bus/train station, and North
Bluebell Walk. This moderate 5.5‑mile Road/Park Avenue, car park, which is
circular walk takes in several nearest to the end point of the walk,
interesting locations, including the both charge £6.60 per day. The train
promenade, harbour, and Trefechan station and bus interchange are near
beach. We will also circumnavigate the our meeting point. Breakfast/Lunch will
historic Pen Dinas (the historic iron age be available in The Athro Lounge.
capital of Wales), walk alongside the
21
Please bring something to drink on the Spring air from the top of Wolstonbury
walk, plus any snacks you may want. Hill (just north of Brighton) and the
The event contacts are Simon Robson impressive Danny Tudor mansion, as
on 07915 822 021, and Gary Reed on well as passing through the lovely
07970 681 151. Grid ref: SN 584 815 Sussex town of Hurstpierpoint. We will
North East Beamish Circular Walk. This start in little Clayton village to ascend
8‑mile walk will take us along quiet the 150 meters to the top of
roads and over fields, with a couple of Wolstonbury Hill. From here you can
short inclines. There will also be some see the Devil's Dyke, the sea, Brighton,
walking along the pavement on a busy much of the South Downs, and north
road. From our meeting point we will across the Weald to the North Downs.
head down a quiet road and follow a Burial sites, an Iron Age fort, and many
right of way skirting the grounds of Saxon artefacts have been found here.
Beamish Museum. We will then join a We will then descend and the rest of the
single‑track road near Beamish Hall route is relatively level. Danny House is
and follow this for several hundred a stunning 28‑bedroom Tudor mansion,
yards before joining a right of way to now luxury apartments housing well-
Causey Arch picnic area. From here we heeled retirees, with alpacas in the
will follow the Tanfield railway line and adjacent fields. The original house was
the edge of a field to meet a busy road built by George Goring in the shape of
where we walk along the pavement for a giant capital 'E' to tempt the monarch
about 0.25 miles. After more field Elizabeth I to visit, which she never did.
walking, we will head uphill along a Sand Field in Danny Park is the site of
quiet road before joining the old the oldest identifiable cricket ground in
railway track bed and returning to our the world. In the twentieth century,
starting point. We will be walking on Lloyd George lived here for four
reasonable paths throughout. Please months during the First World War in a
meet for a prompt 10:30 start outside menage a trois with his wife and his
the Shepherd and Shepherdess pub, secretary. It was also here that the
Beamish, DH9 0RS, where free parking Imperial War Cabinet agreed the terms
is available in the small car park on of the armistice and passed them to
your left as you approach the village, or Woodrow Wilson for negotiation. At
on the roadside in front of Railway our lunch stop in Hurstpierpoint we
Cottages. Please bring a packed lunch may pause to admire St Lawrence
and something to drink. The event Church before returning to Clayton.
contact is Jan. Grid ref: NZ 220 538 Last-minute additions to lunch,
including coffees, will be available in
Sussex Wolstonbury Hill, Danny and the High Street. We are also offering the
Hurstpierpoint. This 7.5‑mile walk option of a shorter 3.5‑mile route,
takes in the spectacular views and fresh taking in Wolstonbury Hill, but missing
22
out Danny and Hurstpierpoint. The Henley. If we have any Dusty
walk leader can provide a map of how Springfield fans with us, we can pay a
to return to our starting point. Another short visit to the Churchyard of St
alternative is to join the walk for the Marys, where she was buried. The
entirely level second half. If you wish to church is immediately by Henley
do this, please contact the walk leader Bridge. There will also be an option to
in advance to arrange a suitable visit the Henley River and Rowing
meeting time and place. Bring a packed Museum. This is an easy walk with
lunch and something to drink, and much of it on level ground beside the
wear clothes appropriate for the Thames. There is a gentle ascent up the
weather and terrain. If we have had hills behind the hamlet of Aston. Please
recent rain, parts of the route can get meet for a prompt 10:00 start at the
very muddy. Dogs are welcome if kept main entrance to Henley Station, RG9
on leads whenever near livestock, on 1AY, where there is a long‑stay car park
roads or if requested by the walk which has a cards‑only ticket machine.
leader. This is a moderate walk with See link https://www.apcoa.co.uk/
one ascent. For anyone wanting post- parking-in/henley-on-thames/henley-on
walk refreshments, the walk will end -thames-station/ Henley is on a branch
close to the very agreeable Jack & Jill line from Twyford which has good
Inn. Please meet for a prompt 10.30 connections both to London and the
start in the Clayton Recreation Ground West country. Train times and fares can
free car park. The nearest postcode is be found on the GWR website or on the
BN6 9PJ. There are buses from Trainline app. If you are part of the
Brighton, and Hassocks station is a mile weekend group, please contact Simon
away. If you want a lift, please post a Scaddan on 07854 743 829 if you need a
message in the comments on the event car share and he will see if this can be
webpage, or message Steve Hayes, the arranged. You are welcome to bring a
event contact and walk leader, on 07976 packed lunch and we will arrange a
438 963. Grid ref: TQ 301 139 suitable stop to eat. Alternatively, at the
end of the walk you can eat at the
Mon 14 April
Chocolate Café at the Henley River and
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford, Rowing Museum, which is
South Wales, West Wales An easy conveniently situated near the river
7.5‑mile circular walk starting and footpath in Henley. See link https://
finishing in Henley on Thames. From rrm.co.uk/ Anyone interested will be
our starting point, we will walk able to visit the Museum after our meal.
alongside the Thames with a return to The entry fee is £10 for adults and £8
Henley via Hambleden Lock and the for senior citizens. Entry to the Café is
hills overlooking Remenham. After the free. The event contact is Vas Caramb
walk, we plan to have a café lunch in on 07805 378 986. Grid ref: SU 763 823
23
Wed 16 April social, we plan to arrive by 12:00 noon
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Oxford for a 12:30 lunch. Please note that there
Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. This easy is limited parking at the pub. If this
5‑mile route is another in our series of does not work out, we will make our
gentle Wednesday walks, to be way to Roots Garden Centre Café
followed by a social at a local public which is located on the main Didcot to
house or garden centre café. On this Wallingford Rd. Any change to these
occasion, we will explore arrangements will be notified! The
Brightwell‑cum‑Sotwell, between event contact is Bill Fuller on 07769 702
Didcot and Wallingford, Oxfordshire. 338. Grid ref: SU 580 913
As this is a midweek walk, we will only Devon Fingle Bridge. This 5‑mile walk
explore the central historical timber is entirely within woodland. We will
framed parts of this combined village. follow the River Teign from Fingle
From our starting point on the "High Bridge to Clifford Bridge. We will then
Road" we will follow a fairly gentle climb up to Wooston Hill Fort (200
route down into the village. From there, metres above sea level ) which was
the rest of the walk will be on the level. constructed in the Iron Age between
We will be walking exclusively on hard 700BC and 42 AD. It is one of three hill
surfaces; there are no muddy fields! forts in the area. Its purpose is a bit
Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start mysterious, but one theory is it was
near "Thatched Cottage", High Road, used as an enclosure for animals. From
Brightwell, OX10 0QR. There are here, there are good views to the North
several laybys and being the former and East and up the Teign Gorge. We
Turnpike Road (now bypassed) there is will then descend back into the woods
plenty of on‑street parking, including and return to Fingle Bridge. There are
two main laybys. Travel to this location toilets at Fingle Bridge, and The Inn
by train is not practical! However, there there does hot drinks, cakes and cream
is a frequent bus service through village teas, so it may be a good post‑walk
from Didcot and Wallingford, stopping refreshment stop. This is a
at our meeting point. Please check the moderate‑to‑strenuous walk on
timetables before you travel. If you well‑made gravel forest tracks with one
need a lift, please text walk leader Bill short road section. There is one long,
on 07769 702 348 as soon as possible. steep climb and one long descent.
After the walk, we plan to eat at the Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
Red Lion Public House, Brightwell St, Fingle Bridge. Travelling from Exeter,
Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Wallingford, leave the A30 at Cheriton Bishop and
OX10 0RT (01491 837 373) - follow the signs for Castle Drogo. Drive
www.redlionbcs.uk. See link for menus. through Drewsteignton and turn left,
For members wishing to attend only the following the sign for Fingle Bridge.

24
If you are travelling along the A30 from Buttsbury. After progressing through
the west, you can follow the same the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary,
instructions as above, or you can leave we will traverse horse country and flirt
the A30 at Whiddon Down and follow briefly with the outskirts of Billericay.
the A382 towards Moretonhampstead. Finally, we will pass through the
Turn left, following the signpost for recently planted woodland to Georgian
Castle Drogo; then drive to Mountnessing Hall and its adjacent St
Drewsteignton and Fingle Bridge. Giles church before returning to
Please be aware that your satnav may Ingatestone. Although the walk is not
take you down a single track road all challenging, much of it is across arable
the way from Whiddon Down to fields. There are several stiles, and you
Drewsteignton, so following signposts should expect some mud. Please note
may be a better option! As you that there are no facilities, or dropping
approach Fingle Bridge, there is plenty out places, along the route. Please meet
of free parking on the left‑hand side of for a prompt 10:45 start at the main
the lane. I suggest parking here and entrance to Ingatestone Station, Station
meeting in this area. Parking nearer to Lane, Ingatestone CM4 0BW, where
the pub is for customers only and this is parking is available. The walk will start
clearly marked, with the threat of wheel following the arrival of the 10:18 train
clamping for non‑customers. There is from Liverpool Street (10:25 from
also a free car park on the opposite side Stratford). Please bring a packed lunch,
of the very narrow Fingle Bridge. Cars something to drink and something to
can use this car park, but larger vehicles sit on, as there are no benches near our
can get damaged trying to cross the lunch stop, or anywhere else on our
bridge, where there are currently no route. After the walk, we may visit one
width restriction signs! Please bring a of the pubs or cafés Ingatestone. Grid
packed lunch and something to drink. Ref: TQ 648 990
The event contact is Alan Mirren on
Sun 20 April
07504 338 353.
Dorset, Solent Milford-on-Sea to
Sat 19 April Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. A flat, easy
Essex, London Ingatestone Circular: 7‑mile walk from Milford-on-Sea along
Rural Essex. This is a physically the Coast to Keyhaven, where we will
undemanding 7‑mile stroll through the have a lunch stop, followed perhaps, by
Essex countryside, starting and a short optional boat ride to Hurst
finishing in the small and pleasant Castle (EH) before returning. Please
town of Ingatestone. We get a glimpse meet for a prompt 10:00 start at
of Ingatestone Hall – a fine Tudor Milford‑on‑Sea car park, SO41 0PH,
country house – and pass (and perhaps where there is ample parking, but
visit) the isolated church of St Mary's, charges apply. Please bring a packed
25
lunch and something to drink. At our walk, and the Millenium Bridge, before
lunch stop in Keyhaven, there is a pub returning to New Mills. Please note that
and a garden. The event contact is this walk is on Easter Sunday. The Peak
Martin Cregan on 07564 338 279. Grid District tends to be very busy on bank
Ref: SZ 291 914 holidays, but this route is likely to be
Essex South Woodham Ferrers circular. quieter than more popular places. This
A moderate 9‑mile circular walk is a typical Peak District walk,
around the marshland of the River including some steep climbs. It is
Crouch and hills to the north of South mainly on good tracks with some
Woodham Ferrers (SWF). Please meet muddy footpaths. Please meet for a
for a prompt 10:30 start at Compass prompt 10:30 start at New Mills
Gardens car park, Creekview Road, Railway Station, SK22 3BG. There are
CM3 5YL, where there is free parking. many places to park around New Mills,
It is adjacent to the Skate Park. From and there is a good rail link from
the B1012 heading towards Burnham Manchester. Please bring a packed
on Crouch, go straight over at the lunch and plenty to drink. After the
roundabout at the end of SWF by-pass, walk, we will find a café for tea and
into Ferrers Road, where the B1012 goes cake; venue to be advised. The event
left. The car park is just off Ferrers contact is David H on 07740 844 192.
Road; turn left at the roundabout Grid ref: SJ 997 854
signposted to Compass Gardens. The Thu 24 April
car park is around 0.7 miles from SWF Online Members’ Social. Are you
station. As there will be no pub stop, interested in meeting or socialising with
please bring a packed lunch and other GOC members online, from the
something to drink. The event contact is comfort of your home? Perhaps you
John Gregory on 07737 034 653. Grid don't find it easy to join many of our
ref: TQ 817 972 outdoor events for one reason or
Transpennine New Mills Skyline. another, or you're interested in
Starting at New Mills railway station, connecting with members beyond those
this 10‑mile circular walk starts with a that you usually meet in person? Join
fairly stiff climb up to Mellor Moor and us for our new Online Member Social in
a hidden trig point (on open‑access Zoom, on the fourth Thursday of every
land) with excellent views of month from 19:00 – 20:00. Whatever
Manchester and the Peak District. The your interest, and whatever your level
route keeps to high ground with more of technical experience or expertise, you
spectacular views over to the Kinder are welcome! This is a continuation of
Scout plateau before another short but our longstanding Online Social in
optional ascent up Lantern Pike. We Zoom. It takes place on the fourth
will then descend to The Torrs riverside Thursday of each month,
26
complementing the Online Welcome [email protected] and ask to have your
Social held on the second Tuesday of address added to the calendar invite. ==
each month. Do please join either or Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
both! We start each online social with a scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
quick round of introductions. If you Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
have something in particular that you into your browser: https://
would like to share or ask, this is your us06web.zoom.us/j/82898130104?
chance to let others know what that is. pwd=Qk41bjFhTUtDd1NXVFNPUmFy
Then we spend most of our time R2NKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
mingling and chatting informally - in join and enter: Meeting ID: 828 9813
small breakout groups if there are 0104 Passcode: 377718
many of us. We close each session by
Sat 26 April
gathering all together again to hear
something of what we all shared or Bedford & District, Cambridgeshire,
enjoyed during the session. Please Hertfordshire, History & Culture,
consider offering to share a brief report London, Milton Keynes and
afterwards on the GOC website, to Buckinghamshire Letchworth Garden
share something of your experience and City. On this 8‑mile tour around the
to encourage others to attend in Western World’s first garden city, we
future. Please take a screenshot of will explore the history of politics,
those present, with their permission of philosophy, economics, design, and
course, and upload it afterwards with a spirituality before, during and after the
few lines of text at Submit a new event building of Letchworth Garden City.
report. See recent reports on the Online Letchworth’s story is packed with juicy
group page as examples. Our Zoom details, some of which will ooze into
meeting room is accessible on a the narrative and may well challenge a
computer, tablet or smartphone via an modern audience. Along the way we
app, or with more limited functionality will look at the problems that the
via your browser or you can even dial- Garden City movement sought to solve,
in by telephone - see our member-only the philosophy behind the Garden City
page How to use Zoom. To join the movement, the planning and design
GOC Online group and receive updates approaches that Letchworth Garden
of news and events, please go to My City pioneered, the major achievements
Preferences and include Online in your of Letchworth Garden City, some of the
selection of groups. If you are not “unforeseen consequences” and the
already a member of GOC, please Join extent to which design choices of
us! To receive an automated email Letchworth Garden City continue to
reminder of our online socials 24 hours influence building design today. Please
in advance, with the link to follow the wear comfortable shoes, up to sturdy
next day, please email trainers. Walking boots will not be
27
required as the route is mainly flat and www.north-herts.gov.uk/garden-
largely on hard‑standing, with some square-multi-storey-car-park. There is
parkland and woodland tracks. We free, on‑street parking on Icknield Way,
expect minimal mud. If you have a which is around twenty minutes’ walk
portable seat, please bring it as we will from the station. The tour starts from
be standing for prolonged periods Letchworth railway station. Letchworth
during this event. Please wear is served by Thameslink trains on the
windproofs and waterproofs. It’s April, line between London Kings Cross and
so expect showers! Please bring plenty Cambridge, with stops at Stevenage,
to drink. Lunch and coffee are available Hitchin and Royston. The event contact
from various shops in the town, but is Martin T on 07947 035 000. Grid ref:
please buy these before we meet, or TL 217 327
bring a packed lunch. Public toilets are Cambridgeshire, Norfolk Shouldham:
few and far-between. There are public field and forest. This is an easy, largely
toilets at the first narration stop (use flat 7‑mile walk that includes country
strongly recommended); the next toilets roads and paths through the forest and
will then be over an hour away. At the over fields. Please meet for a prompt
end of the walk there will be an 11:00 start on the village green in
optional pub stop, either at the Shouldham, by the flag pole in front of
Letchworth Brewers, The Wynd, or at the Kings Arms pub, PE33 0BY. The
Craft Beers, Leys Avenue. Please note village of Shouldham is situated two
that this event is totally miles north of the A1122 between
weather‑dependent. If the weather Downham Market and Swaffham.
forecast is for continuous rain during Parking should be available on a road
the day, (rather than just a few sporadic that runs at the back of The Green. This
showers) or for a maximum is not the road that passes in front of
temperature lower than 10°C, we will the pub as this is too narrow and has an
postpone the event to another day. 'S' bend! Alternatively, park in front of
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at the village hall which is around the
Letchworth Garden City railway corner in Eastgate Street. There is a very
station, SG6 3AN. Limited parking is limited bus service that runs between
available at the station, and costs up to King's Lynn and Marham (Lynx no: 39)
£4.50, from APCOA, https:// but please check before you travel to
www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/ make sure that it will get you there in
letchworth/letchworth-garden-city/ . time! Please bring a packed lunch and
Garden Square multi-storey costs up to something to drink. The event contact is
£5, from North Herts District Council. David Willis on 07876 800 807. Grid ref:
Please ensure that you park on the TF 677 088
correct level, as you must park in the
long-stay areas for this tour. https://
28
South Wales, West Wales, Women immediately take the first turning on
Margam; the bluebell walk. This West your left (Ten Acre Wood) where there
Wales walk is one week earlier than is a brown sign to Margam Stones
usual in order to avoid the Bank Museum. After about 200 yards there is
holiday when Margam may be busy a right-hand bend. Take the left fork
with events. It is a 6.5‑mile figure of here, and travel around 150 yards to the
eight walk, where it is hoped there will pond, where there is free parking. The
be fabulous carpets of bluebells!! We nearest postcode is SA13 2TA. Please
start off in the lovely woodland of park as neatly as you can. Do not go to
Graig Fawr, on a path that is easy in the Museum car park unless the one
parts and stony in others. After below is full. If you do park there, it is
climbing a little, we join the inland five minutes’ walk to Margam Pond for
Wales coast path. This involves a climb the start of the walk. If you are
on man‑made steps up to a high‑level travelling from the north or east, drive
path with fantastic views out over Port past the main entrance to Margam Park,
Talbot, the coast and over to Swansea. It then turn right at Ten Acre wood and
is an incredible vantage point. The path proceed as above. Please bring a
undulates before passing through packed lunch and something to drink.
another woodland and heading down The event contact is Al on 07791 408
to an abandoned chapel, where we will 184. Grid ref: SS 802 864
have lunch. We will then descend on
Sun 27 April
man‑made steps back to the start before
going deer spotting in Margam, with Bedford & District, Cambridgeshire,
another loop in the park itself. This Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire,
path goes high up on a grassy bank or Northampton & District, Oxford The
earth track, reaching another panoramic Drover’s Way, from Winslow to Salden
viewpoint before dropping down, Chase and back. This 10‑mile walk runs
looping around and returning to the along the old cattle drover's way that
start. Hopefully, we will spot some deer was used to walk livestock to
along the way. With or without Smithfield from Oxfordshire farms.
bluebells, this is a delightful walk. It Walking east from Winslow towards
includes a few climbs, on grassy and Bletchley railway station is a long wide
stony paths as well as an ascent and track that runs along the ridge between
descent on man‑made steps in the the two, and has nice views across open
woodland. Please meet for a prompt countryside. It is flat and easy to walk.
10:30 start by Margam Pond. If you are Our outbound route loops through the
travelling from the south or west, exit pretty village of Little Harwood, along
M4 at Junction 38 for Margam. Take the country tracks and through bluebell
first turning off the roundabout onto woodland. There will be a café stop at
the A48 towards Margam. Then the end in Winslow. This will be our
29
last chance to walk this historic route 10:30 start at Higham Train Station,
through great countryside before the School Lane, Higham, Rochester, ME3
opening of East West Rail, when noisy 7JQ. There is plenty of parking in the
trains will run. There are six stiles, station car park, but a charge applies. If
including only one that is somewhat you are planning to use public
iffy. Please meet for a prompt 11:00 transport, please check train and bus
start by the main entrance of the hall timetables for details. Please bring a
car park in the public car park at packed lunch and something to drink.
Winslow Public Hall, off Elmsfield Near the start, we will pass a shop in
Gate, Winslow, Buckingham, MK18 Higham Village which will be open for
3DG, where there is plenty of parking you to purchase what you need. If it is
which is currently free on Sundays. open, there is a potential cafe stop
Please note that this walk cannot be along the way. The event contact is
accessed by public transport. Please Nick Garrod on 07867 557 801. Grid ref:
bring a packed lunch and plenty to TQ 715 726
drink. We will stop for lunch at the East Midlands Canal Boat Trip. A
Recreation ground behind St Nicholas' relaxing trip along the Ashby Canal in
Church in Little Horwood, MK17 0PF. two boats, beginning at 09:15 and
If you would like to join us, we should ending at about 17:00. Please bring
be there between 12:30 and 13:30. The something for a shared lunch and a
event contact is: John on 07956 362 436. little extra. We are self-steering, so we
Grid Ref: SP 790 308 hope that you all have a go! The cost is
East Kent The Larkin and Dickens £27 per person, including tea and
Walk. From our starting point, we will coffee. This year because of insurance
walk up to the village to see The Larkin restrictions, there are only 16 spaces
Monument, which honours Charles available, so please book early to avoid
Larkin (1775–1833) for his role in disappointment. On these trips, we
promoting the Parliamentary Reform of usually have a few non‑members
1832. From there, we will pass by Gads attending who have been booked by a
Hill Place, once the home of Charles member. If you are booking for a
Dickens, before heading out into the non‑member please let me know as I
countryside. Our fairly easy 7‑mile will need to collect their money from
route takes us towards Shorne Woods, you. I can then adjust the number of
where we will stop at the café if it is boat places available, and add their
open. After passing through Shorne name as a guest. Unfortunately,
Village, we will make our way back to because of the limited space available,
the start. The walk includes a few the only pets allowed are guide dogs. If
climbs and descents, but nothing you have a guide dog, please let me
strenuous. Please meet for a prompt know by calling me on 01788 561 602 or

30
by email to [email protected] this walk are outstanding at any time of
Please book using the ticket system on year, as well as the industrial heritage,
the event webpage. Once you have but particularly so in the Spring (hence
booked a ticket, I will contact you with the timing of this walk) when the wild
the bank transfer details. When I have orchids are in flower. Following the
received your payment, I will contact initial steady ascent, we have to
you again to confirm your place. Only negotiate a steep descent from the top
then will your place be guaranteed! If of the quarry. This is rocky and
you cancel your booking, we can give potentially slippery in places, and is not
you a refund only if we can fill your suitable for all. Please meet for a
place. Any questions please contact me prompt 11:00 start at The Cross Guns
as above! Please meet by 09:00 at Pub, Pant, SY10 9QR, where free
Ashby Boat Company, Canal Wharf, parking is available. This is on the main
Stoke Golding, Warks CV13 6EY. Our A483 road between Oswestry and
tradition is to bring a share lunch. Welshpool. If time permits, we will stop
Basically, we ask everyone to bring there for a drink afterwards.
food for themselves plus a bit extra to Well‑behaved dogs and humans are
be shared by the people on their boat. most welcome! Please bring a packed
(There will be eight people per boat.) lunch and plenty to drink. The event
The contact on the day will be Kevin on contact is Michael on 07484 838 301.
07546 497 609. Grid ref: SP 392 971 Grid ref: SJ 273 220
Mid-Wales, Western Midlands The Somerset Ramble Hawkridge, West
limestone landscapes of Llanymynech Somerset. Enjoy a challenging 7‑mile
and Llynclys. This is a moderate 8‑mile ramble in the Quantocks, setting off
walk on the Shropshire side of the from the Hawkridge Reservoir and
Welsh border, taking in the SSSI climbing up to Lydeard Hill, taking in
reserves of Llanymynech Rocks and splendid views north across the Bristol
Llynclys Common. Starting with a Channel and south to the Brendon
steady ascent along quiet country lanes, Hills. You will enjoy nature in full force
we will make our way through whilst getting a sweat on with the
woodland and meadows to reach the climb. This is a challenging walk that
top of the former limestone quarry with includes climbing on rough paths that
spectacular views of the Welsh hills and are very muddy in places. Please meet
the Shropshire Plain. We will then for a prompt 11:00 start in the car park
descend (carefully) to the quarry at Hawkridge Reservoir. This is on
bottom and beyond to the Montgomery Lawyer's Hill, west of Spaxton,
Canal, taking in the numerous Somerset, TA5 1AJ, which is to the west
interesting architectural features of the of Bridgwater. There should be ample
abandoned lime works. The views on parking in the car park on the roadside

31
by the reservoir. The nearest rail and junction with Whitestone Car Park
bus services are in Bridgwater. If you opposite. Follow the forest road up to
need a lift, please post in the Comments the main car park and picnic site. If you
on the event webpage. You will need to need a lift to/from the event, or
carry food and drink for the whole collection from a train station, please
walk as there are no facilities along the leave a request in the comments section
route. Grid ref: ST 205 359 at the bottom of the event webpage, or
South Wales, Women Woods, Walls, use the ‘Contact Event Organiser’ form.
and Water: Upper Llandogo and Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
Cleddon in the Lower Wye Valley. This to drink. The event contact is Ben on
is a beautiful 7‑mile walk from 07951 001 676. Grid ref: SO 525 030
Whitestone to the Narth, following Wed 30 April
ancient pathways through bluebell Gardens, Northampton & District,
woodlands on the western side of the Oxford, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and
Wye, with some outstanding views North Somerset A guided walk
along the way. This is a moderate walk, through Westonbirt Arboretum near
but it does include a steep descent Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Following our
down a narrow path with some stone wonderful visit in October 2024 we
steps fairly early in the walk, followed have been invited for another visit,
soon afterwards by a couple of steeper where we will be hosted by their
climbs up through the forest. We return community team. By then, the trees will
for the last few miles mainly along (hopefully) be showing their fresh
forest tracks via Cleddon Falls with green spring foliage. There should be
some shorter climbs. Generally, this is a lots of bulbs in bloom too! Full details
very dog‑friendly walk, although there will be posted shortly, but if this visit
is one stile where larger dogs may need follows a similar format to the one last
to be lifted over. Please note that this is October, we will start with a guided
the owner’s responsibility! Please meet tour, before lunch around a fire pit,
for a prompt 10:30 start at Whitestone with the option of another activity after
picnic site at Bargain Wood, Upper lunch. Admission costs £16. Those on
Llandogo, which is off the A466. The universal credit/pension credit pay
nearest postcode is NP25 4TN. From £1.00; evidence will be required.
the village of Tintern, follow the sign Admission for carers is free. On our
for Catbrook and Trellech. At the tour of the Arboretum we will walk
junction adjacent to the Wye Valley around three miles, mostly on flat
Hotel, about half a mile from Tintern, well‑made paths, but we recommend
travel for approximately a mile up this wearing walking boots. We will meet
road. Ignoring the left turn to Catbrook by the main entrance at 10:30. There is
about half way up, go straight on to the plenty of onsite parking but you may
32
have to park some distance from the Tonbridge to Redhill railway was built
entrance. The relevant postcode is GL8 in 1842 to the south of the village,
8QS. It usually takes around 20 minutes bringing further growth in
from Junction 18 of the M4 or Junction population. The Fleur De Lis was
13 of the M5, but the roads are likely to originally built as cottages by Thomas
be busy so please allow extra time. Baily in 1855, but was bought by a local
Please bring a packed lunch and brewery, Bartrum and Company, in
something to drink as the onsite food 1870. From the middle of the
outlets are likely to be busy which Napoleonic Wars until 1934, the Leigh
could cause a delay. The event contact Powder Mills site was used for the
is Neil on 07808 502 527 or Mandy from production of various types of
Foresty Commission on 07799 142 586 gunpowder and other later explosives.
Grid ref: ST 856 895 Currently, little remains of the early
factory workings, but the site does
Sun 04 May
represent an industrial archaeological
West Kent Leigh, Haysden, and feature that is very unusual in southern
Penshurst circular. This is a 9‑mile England. In 1982, Southern Water
clockwise circuit using parts of completed the Leigh flood storage area
the Eden Valley Walk, taking in Powder (FSA). The FSA reduces the risk of
Mill, Haysden Country Park, The flooding to around 1,200 homes and
Tonbridge Flood Barrier, Penshurst businesses in Tonbridge and
Place, and Penshurst Park. The name of Hildenborough. It works by storing the
the ‘Leigh’ derives from the old peak of a flood upstream and releasing
English ‘leah’, meaning a forest glade it in a controlled manner once the peak
or clearing. It is thought to have grown has passed. When full, it covers
from a hamlet, evidence of which dates approximately 278 hectares. It is formed
back to the late 11th century. Much of of a 1.3 kilometre long, 5‑metre high
the land around the village was earth embankment across the Medway
acquired in the 14th century by Sir John valley. The original medieval house of
de Pulteney, owner of nearby Penshurst Penshurst Place is one of the most
Place. In 1533, the estate passed to the complete surviving examples of 14th-
Sidney family, who retained ownership century domestic architecture in
of most of this land until the early 20th England. William Sidney was created
century. The village grew substantially the first Viscount De L'Isle in 1956,
in the 19th century when the Baily and having inherited Penshurst Place in
Morley families built many of the 1945. Following neglect during World
distinctive buildings present today, War One, much of the modern
including Hall Place, East and Old restoration of Penshurst is due to him
Lodges, The Square, Forge Square and and to his son, the second Viscount.
The School Master's House. The Penshurst Place opened to the public in
33
1946 to help offset the cost of wartime Shakespeare’s parents celebrated after
damage, and remains open to this day. their wedding. Although a meal is not
We will be walking mainly on level planned as part of this event, the pub
tracks, lanes and paths that may be has a Sunday menu if anyone wants to
muddy and slippery in places. Please eat there afterwards. This is a moderate
meet for a prompt 11:00 start by the walk through fields and woods, with
village sign on Leigh village green/ some stiles and possibly some mud.
common, just off the B2027, Penshurst Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start on
Road, where free parking is available. the green opposite Aston Cantlow
The nearest postcode is TN11 8RJ. Village Hall, Bearley Road, Aston
Although there is a train station at Cantlow, near Henley in Arden B95
Leigh, engineering works scheduled for 6HZ. The trustees of Aston Cantlow
this weekend will mean that no trains Village Hall have kindly agreed to
will be running! Please bring a packed allow us to park in the car park at the
lunch and something to drink. We will rear of the hall, for a donation of £2.00
have an afternoon tea stop at the per car, so please make sure that you
Porcupine Cafe at Penshurst Place, and have with correct change with you. In
a post walk pint in The Fleur De Lis addition, there is limited on‑street
pub. The event contacts are Graeme parking in Guild Rd. Please note that
Brown on 07947 515 177 and Nicholas there is no public transport to our
Thompson on 07837 493 150. Grid ref: starting point. As there are no shops
TQ 548 465 enroute, please brink drinks and
Western Midlands ‘As You Like It’: A packed lunch for our usual lunch and
Warwickshire Wander at Aston coffee stops. The event contact is Joe
Cantlow and Wilmcote. Another Wood on 07812 827 787. Grid ref: SP
favourite Warwickshire Walk, this 138 599
8‑mile circular takes in villages,
woodland and farmland. Starting from
the green opposite Aston Cantlow
For full details of all May’s events,
Village Hall, the nearby St John the
please see the May 2025 issue of
Baptist Church is where William
Outdoors, which is due out on
Shakespeare’s parents married in 28th April
1557. As we walk via Billesley and See also www.goc.org.uk
Wilmcote, we will pass the 11th century
All Saints’ Church, Billesley Manor
Hotel, and Mary Arden’s house. We
will return to our start point where a
welcome drink can be enjoyed at The
King’s Head Pub, reportedly where

34
 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] .

35
 Associated Clubs
These clubs offer outdoor, sporting or other active pursuits
that welcome GOC members. Some offer concessions on NOT SO TRAD: LGBTQ+ Climbers.
event fees for GOC members. Contact Lynn Liu (President) on Kyra Leyland
(secretary) via https:www.notsotrad.org.
CycleOut: Gay cycling group based in London and
Instagram: notsotrad
the SE. Recreational day cycling plus weekends and
Out on Sunday: walks in the Lancs/Cheshire/Derbys
holidays further afield in the UK and Europe. Tel.
area. Phil: [email protected] and at
01634 826 060. www.cycleoutlondon.org.uk.
http://www.outonsunday.co.uk/
Devon Pals: Lesbian group with monthly walks and
The Freedom Club: camping & caravanning. Annual
occasional socials. Contact Nicky at
national meet. www.freedomclub.co.uk.
[email protected]
Truegrip Badminton Glasgow. Meets Thursday
Gay Caravan and Camping Club:
evenings at the National Badminton Academy. See
www.gaycaravanclub.com; e-mail:
our Facebook page or call Paul Tulloch 07708 514 676 /
[email protected]; Tel. 07977 317
[email protected].
872 (Ian Elesmore - Chairman)
WWW (Women Walk Wales). Monthly meets.
Glasgow Gay Rambling Group. Walks on the 2nd
Anglesey to Snowdonia. Rosie on 01248 601064 or
Saturday of each month. Robert Watt on 0141 950
email: [email protected].
1081, 07594 036 962 or e-mail: [email protected]
GLUG: National Gay & Lesbian Underwater Group
(scuba diving). Monthly London meets.
www.glug.co.uk; [email protected]
Goslings London Badminton Club: several weekly
badminton sessions and socials in London, details at
www.goslingslondon.com
Irons Golf Society: a society for gay and lesbian
golfers. www.ironsgolf.org.uk
Lilidots: for women walkers in Scotland. Tel: Karen
Radford on 01475 633 090.
Midlands Out Badminton: LGBT group open to all
abilities. Meets Saturday mornings at Aston Universty,
Birmingham. [email protected] or call
Andy on mobile 07813 330 003 or see
www.midlandsoutbadminton.co.uk
Moseley Shoals: Birmingham swimming. Three
sessions a week. Socials afterwards. Coaching
available. New swimmers and visitors welcome. Mark
on 0121 441 3768 or see www.moseleyshoals.org.uk.
Northern Wave: Manchester swimming. Two
sessions per week. Also water polo. See
www.northernwave.org or Trevor on 0161 872 1990 or
[email protected].

36