© Val Green 2011

BLACKWATER VALLEY U3A

WALKING GROUP

Contents

 Walking Overview

 Walking Area

 Equipment and Safety

 Walk Definitions

 Walk Diary

Walking Overview

Walking is a popular pastime (especially if you have time to enjoy it). It does not need any special skills or equipment. It is an easy way of relaxing and getting some exercise, and of enjoying nature and the changing seasons.

We are a small friendly group (of generally 10 to 18 people) who meet once a month (first Thursday), and enjoy the camaraderie and peace of mind offered by guided walking. At the end of the walks, we always manage to find a local hostelry and partake of their services! The walks are mainly organised by Roy Spencer and Frank Heckscher

Walking Area

We stay fairly local in the winter months and go further afield during the summer time, also the winter walks tend to be slightly shorter in length.

The walks focus mainly on Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. The rich variety in these county's landscapes makes walking there specially rewarding. It is a countryside of gentle contrasts, which for the most part is surprisingly unspoiled.

Equipment and Safety

The most important single item of equipment for country walking is a pair of sturdy walking shoes or boots.  Boots give better support to your ankles, especially in rough or uneven terrain, and your feet need to be kept warm and dry in all conditions.

With the unpredictability of the climate, the next essential is warm and waterproof clothing. However, you do not need to spend a fortune for a top specification jacket for walking in the Candovers, a good anorak will do, or there are many efficient and breathable alternatives which need not cost the earth. Waterproof trousers can also a good idea, especially in winter to keep clean and warm.

Finally, a small rucksack is useful, to carry other items like water and head wear, (hats to keep warm in winter and protection from the sun in summer), gloves or maybe a spare jumper.

Walk Definitions

All of the walks in the programme detailed below require people to wear proper walking boots/footwear.

EASY: Gentle walks with some moderate uphill sections and possibly step stiles

MODERATE: Pleasant walks, generally on well-marked paths of varied terrain. May include some longer/harder uphill sections or duration.

HARD: NOT included in any of our walking programmes

Diary for 2011    Silchester

NOTES

1. These walks are organised for members of the Blackwater Valley U3A, however, we would be happy for any U3A member to join us
2. All walks, unless specified, start from Frogmore Campus lower car park.  No need to book, just turn up.  N.B. we leave at 09:15 prompt
3. If in doubt as to whether the walk will go ahead, (i.e. bad weather etc.) please contact the Walk Leader by 8.45 a.m. on the day for confirmation
4. Please be aware that everyone who takes part in a U3A walk, does so entirely at their own risk

DATE OF WALK	LOCATION OF WALK	WALK LEADER	WALK TERRAIN
JANUARY  6th	Pirbright, Basingstoke Canal and Brookwood	Roy Spencer  01252 874416	±5.5 Miles (9 Kms) Easy walking
FEBRUARY 3rd	Eversley Circular	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±6 Miles (9.6 Kms) Heath/woods/farmland
MARCH  3rd	Cooksbury Hill and Seale	Roy Spencer  01252 874416	±6 Miles (9.6 Kms) Heath/woods/farmland
APRIL 7th	Bramley	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±6.5 Miles (10.4 Kms) Farmland – Down land
MAY 5th	TBA	Ken  Lambert 01276 32692	±6.5 Miles (10.4 Kms)
JUNE 2nd	Micheldever and Bluebells	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±7 Miles (11.2 Kms) Heath/woods/bluebells
JULY 7th CHANGE	Aldermaston Wharf & the Kennet Valley	Ken  Lambert 01276 32692	±6 Miles (9.6 Kms) Easy country walk
AUGUST 5th	Preston Candover	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±7½ Miles (12 Kms) Woodland, open heath
SEPTEMBER 1st	Thames Path or Preston Candover	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±6.5 Miles (10.4 Kms) River/woodland walk
OCTOBER 6th	Wisley, RHS Garden and Ockham Mill	Roy Spencer  01252 874416	±6.75 Miles (10.9 Kms) Easy country walking
NOVEMBER 3rd	Frensham Little Pond and the Lion’s Mouth	Roy Spencer  01252 874416	±6.0 Miles (10.0 Kms) Heathland & fine views
DECEMBER 1st	Christmas mystery walk   Including Xmas lunch	Frank Heckscher 01252 879006	±5.5 Miles (8.6 Kms)

                                                         
Autumn

Last updated -27 August 2011

All photos © Roy Spencer