January Friday 25th to May Friday 27th to June July October
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Monday 28th
Weekend Away
Peak District
Andy and Mel
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Monday 30th
Weekend Away
Lake District - B&B
John
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2011 |
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Saturday 1st |
EXTRA WALK Clive has opened up a walk he is planning to any of the group who would like to come along - Meet 11am outside the pub in Shutlanger, walk to include Alderton, Grafton Regis and Stoke Bruerne with a pub stop. Distance 6 to 8 miles. Maps of Walk Start Clive leader |
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Wednesday 5th |
Pub Meet The Queen Adelaide, Kingsthorpe Meet from 8pm. |
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Sunday 9th |
New Members Walk New members are always very welcome to join our group at any time, but as we recognise that early in the new year is a popular time to take up a new activity or look for different opportunities, we provide this special walk to encourage new walkers along. This is a walk of two halves, ideal if you're thinking of joining us for the first time but aren't sure about a full days walking! Setting off from the historic market town of Olney, Bucks. Lots of free parking in the town, meet at the Market Square for a 10.30 start 2 loops - morning loop is 4m and goes to Clifton Raynes via the River Great Ouse and back The afternoon is out to Emberton via the country park and is 5m Bring a packed lunch, if unsure what else you will need see our Equipment Page Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Sunday 16th |
Local Walk Hanslope Meet for a prompt 10.30 start outside Hanslope school. (SP 802471). Please park safely and considerately around the village. The morning walk is approx 5 miles. We will take the route out of the village past the school towards Castlethorpe which is approx halfway point of the morning section. There will be a drinks stop at the Motte and Bailey historical site in Castlethorpe before making our way back to Hanslope for lunch. Meeting point for afternoon walk and lunch is at the Watts Arms pub (SP 801471) where we are allowed to eat lunch in the pub garden as long as we buy a drink. fair comment. We aim to be at the pub for 12.30 or sooner if we get off to an earlier start in the morning. After lunch we aim to set off again by 1pm approx and head out past post office and out of Hanslope where we head under the M1 and through Stokepark wood, crossing back by the motorway and picking up a footpath which eventually comes to a road which leads us back into Hanslope , in daylight, fingers crossed. The afternoon session is approx 5 miles too. Fingers crossed for good weather and not too muddy a field. Maps of Walk Start Elaine & Paul leaders |
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Sunday 23rd |
Area AGM 3.00pm at Irchester Bowling Club, High Street, Irchester (GRSP926661). Parking available in the community car park or on street in the immediate vicinity.
The Wellingborough Group is hosting the event and have arranged two walks preceding it, as follows:- 10.00am - 9.3 miles, bring packed lunch. Leader John Ledger (01933) 387645 12 noon - 4.5 miles, bring packed lunch. Leader Sue Alcock (01234) 713526
The Guest Speaker for the AGM is Keith Wadd, member of the Board of Trustees. Keith played a leading role in setting up the 'concerned ramblers'. Please give this event your support. Contact for AGM: David Craddock (01604) 455443. For more info and map link see Area Committee Site |
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Sunday 30th |
Local Walk A figure of 8 walk starting at 10:30am for the morning and 1:00pm for the afternoon Setting off from Abthorpe village in South Northants, grid ref SP 649 465. Both halves will be approx 4 miles. Please meet in front of the church after parking thoughtfully around the village. In the morning we'll walk out over streams and fields, to the villages of Slapton and Wappenham before returning to Abthorpe. Lunch will be approx 12:15 to 1:00pm after which we'll set off south for a stroll around Bucknell Wood before again returning to Abthorpe. Please bring a packed lunch. We'll visit The New Inn in Abthorpe at lunchtime (serves real ale) and will eat our packed lunch there if possible or elsewhere in the village if not. If the weather is wet beforehand some paths will be quite muddy I think, sorry! If you've any questions please let me know. Maps of Walk Start Leader Mel
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Wednesday 2nd |
Pub Meet The Old Red Lion, Litchborough Meet from 8pm |
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Sunday 6th |
National Walk: Scenic country walking in Leicestershire just south of Melton Mowbray. We will meet, for a prompt 10:30 start, in the car park of Burrough Hill Country Park (located between Burrough on the Hill and Somerby, approximately five miles south of Melton, East Leicestershire. The nearest postcode is LE14 2QZ). The original plan was to meet in Somerby but this has been revised to start in the park itself as this allows for the walk to be a figure of eight so no need to carry a pack as we'll picnic in the park. Please see the bottom of walk description for estimated timings and distances for those only wanting to do a portion of the walk. The car park has a pay and display which is £1.50 according to 'tinternet'. There are also 'public conveniences' for maximum walking comfort! The Country Park is on the site of an old fort which, in addition to being a site of historical significance, is a great place to fly a kite. So for any aeronautical enthusiasts among us you are encouraged to bring said equipment!! The walk will be approximately 10 miles in length and the terrain will be gently undulating with a combination of country lanes, tracks and open fields....a 'little' on the muddy side so please come prepared!! The pub stop on this walk is in the afternoon section and will find us sampling the delights of Grants in Burrough on The Hill. It's a free house featuring real ales brewed by none other than Baz at The Parish Brewery (The brewery happens to be next door to the pub...and both establishments are owned by...you guessed it...Baz).....sounds like an opportunity not to be missed. I've devised the walk so we can take the country road from the lunch stop directly to Burrough on the Hill. I thought this might be nicer for all rather than emerging from a very soggy and muddy field into the village and pub. Apres pub stop we head north west towards Thorpe Satchville and then at the village head back towards the Country Park. The three parts of the walk are approximately 4.5 miles in the morning, 1.5 miles to the pub and then a remaining 4 miles in the final afternoon section. I would anticipate finishing the morning section by about 12.30 - 1.00 so if anyone would like to join us for the afternoon portion or just do the morning part then this is an option. If anyone is contemplating this and would like to contact me on the day please feel free to give me a call. For those that don't have my number please E-mail Emma and I'll send it to you. Oh and a final note, Somerby, which is just a stones throw from the Country Park, (and we'll drive through it on the way home) boasts a pub called the Stilton Cheese so if any one fancies a cheesy-post-walk-pint this is always an option too. For car sharing meet at Sixfields (near Frankie and Bennies) for a 9.30 departure Maps of Walk Start Leader Freddie - with assistance from Emma as being a dog he can't hold the map! |
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Sunday 13th |
Local Walk We meet for a 10:30 start at the Royal Oak in Blisworth. The pub is on the High Street right where the road forks off towards Towcester and Stoke Bruerne (Grid ref. SP 726 534) The walk will be about 10 miles in length mainly across slightly undulated fields, which hopefully will offer some nice views as well as passing through some wooded areas. We head first towards Shutlanger where we will stop for lunch pretty much halfway into the walk. The landlord of The Plough Inn has kindly allowed us to have our packed lunch in their outside sitting area as long as drinks are purchased at the bar. We will then be heading back to Blisworth taking in a little bit of the Grand Union Canal towards the end of the walk. Maps of Walk Start Leader Francisco For car sharing to this and any future walks see the new Car Sharing Page |
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Friday 25th to |
Weekend in the Peak District (N.B. Date has changed from original plan) Fully Booked 2 x 8 person cabins are booked and have now been filled. There is a waiting list operating for up to 2 x 6 berth cabins which is now full Total including lunches and breakfasts will be approx £65 per person Karaoke will be on the Saturday night We'll do walks in the areas on the Sat and Sun and possibly Mon depending on interest If interested contact Mel or Andy
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Wednesday 2nd |
Pub Meet The Piper, Windmill Ave, Kettering. NN15 6PS This pub offers a wide range of real ales as well as soft and hot drinks (so Mel will be OK!) and bar food. Meet from 8pm For more info see Their Website |
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Sunday 6th |
Local Walk Meet at Shustoke Reservoir car park, Warwickshire, for walk of 7.5 miles starting at 10.30am The walk takes us out to Hoggrill's End and Nether Whiteacre and then to the Griffin Inn (as seen on Oz and Hugh's Best of British) where we will have lunch (the landlord has said we can eat our sandwiches inside!) The walk then continues through fields tracks and woods - the latter will have bluebells at some point but not in time for the walk, but there should be some daffodils out with a bit of luck! We then return to the start via the village of Shustoke. Please note that this walk has been amended from the previous figure of 8 but is largely the same route. Maps of Walk Start Leader Andy For car sharing to this and any future walks see the new Car Sharing Page |
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Sunday 20th |
Local Walk - Farthingstone Meet in the car park of the Kings Arms on the main street in Farthingstone for a 10:30 start. The pub car park is not the biggest so please park considerably around the village. The walk will be a figure of 8 walk with the morning loop being around 5.5 miles and the afternoon loop around 3.5 miles. We should be back in the village for lunch between 12:30 and 1pm. Meet at the pub between those times if you only want to do the afternoon walk. The morning walk will take us out of the village and a gentle climb up some slightly more than normal undulating Northamptonshire countryside will offer some nice views of Farthingstone, and Litchborough and the surrounding area. We will walk through the village of Litchborough past the War memorial and back to Farthingstone. Back at the pub they importantly have some nice real ale on tap and we can have our lunches on benches in the garden which believe me is very unique and not to be missed! In the afternoon we will go the opposite way out of the village, along parts of the Knightley Way, past Farthingstone golf course and skirting round some woodland before making our way back to the village. Maps of Walk Start Leader Dave For car sharing to this and any future walks see the new Car Sharing Page |
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Sunday 27th |
National Walk Start at Snibston Discovery Museum in the heart of the National Forest. 10.30am start 8 mile walk with time to look round the museum at the end. For car sharing meet at Sixfields (near Frankie and Bennies) at 9.20 for 9.30 leave. Parking at Snibston Museum grid Ref SK 416 144 Taking in Donington le Heath Manor House and Sence Valley Forest park where we will have lunch Pub stop tbc Maps of Walk Start Leader John For car sharing meet at Sixfields at 9.20 or see the Car Sharing Page
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Wednesday 6th |
Pub Meet The Griffin Inn, Pitsford Village. Meet from 8pm. Monthly pub meets are a chance for regualrs to catch up on what is happening but also an ideal opportunity for potential new members to meet up with us and find out more. The Griffin was Northants Camra pub of the Season Summer 2010 and has a range of real ales including those from the Potbelly Brewery. There is a bar menu for light meals or snacks and tea and coffee is available. There is also a restaurant attached if you want more than a light meal! The pub is in the centre of the village. For more info see the following links - |
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Sunday 10th |
Local Walk Park considerately around the village, and meet for a
10:30am start outside Hartwell Village Store in the centre
of the village The morning walk is 5 miles long, and takes us across the M1 (don't worry, there's a bridge!) to Piddington where we stop for lunch at the Spread Eagle pub. In the afternoon we're walking 5.5 miles back through Salcey Forest and under the M1 (through a tunnel with a great echo) back to Hartwell. Maps of Walk Start Leader Andy D For car sharing to this and any future walks see the Car Sharing Page |
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Sunday 17th |
National Walk A 9 mile walk from Woodstock around Blenheim Park, the grounds of Blenheim Palace, which were landscaped by Capability Brown. There are lakes and several monuments dotted around the park, with many splendid views of the house. Please bring a packed lunch, we will stop for lunch on the village green at Combe before popping in to the Cock Inn for a quick drink. The walk starts at 10:30am from the free car park in Woodstock on Hensington Road, behind the fire station (grid ref SP447167). If you are driving from the A34, Hensington Road is on the right, just past the Punch Bowl pub and before the pedestrian crossing. Doesn't look like asnybody will be meeting at Sixfields so see below for car sharing. Maps of Walk Start Walk leader Tim For car sharing to this and any future walks see the Car Sharing Page |
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Monday 25th |
Local Bluebell Walk - Preston Capes Meet on the grass verge near the telephone box on the main street going through Preston Capes grid ref SP576548 for a 10.30am start. The walk is approx 5 1/2 miles and comprises of some quite hilly lanes, across a golf course and towards Farthingstone before we end up entering Everdon Stubbs to hopefully see some bluebells, (although I think, we still might be a tad too early to see them in full splendour. I usually visit 1st-2nd week in May and take the grandchildren and plonk them in the middle of the bluebells for their annual photo. Fingers crossed though.) We will have our lunch stop in the woods just as we enter. I had planned for us to have some fun on the swing that is there but someone has cut it down!!, and its been there for years .......................... so sorry folks. The afternoon walk is approx 3 1/2 miles and takes us towards Everdon village and through the fields back to Preston Capes. We do go through fields with horses in and one was particularly friendly. Any dogs need to be on leads as there is a field with sheep in and they may have lambs with them by the time we visit and go through the field. No pub stop I'm afraid so pack your sandwiches and flasks and we shall hopefully enjoy our lunch break with a lovely view. Fingers crossed for good weather. We reccied the walk in glorious spring weather, blue skies and sunshine. There are some lovely views to be seen of across Northamptonshire if the weather is kind to us. Maps of Walk Start Elaine and Paul leaders For car sharing to this and any future walks see the Car Sharing Page
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Wednesday 4th |
Pub Meet & Evening Walk World's End Pub Walk, Ecton Kicking off the season of Evening Walks here is a walk that offers a slice of urban and country walking! Starting from the World's End Pub, Ecton, you will go past riding stables and take in the tranquility of Sywell country park. The walk also goes through Earls Barton and past some surprisingly posh houses before returning through the pretty village of Ecton, A bit of everything ending in a decent pub that serves drinks and one real ale. All we need is some sunshine! Approx 5 miles. Prompt 7.30 pm start at the World's End pub (to get back in the light) Maps of Walk Start Sarah leader |
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Sunday 8th |
National Walk Cotswolds A 7.5 OR 10 mile walk from Bourton on the Water taking in a riverside walk including hopefully some bluebells (now seems unlikely!) and the very pretty villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Park in the car park of the "Cotswold School" which is £1 per day (or was last time) or elsewhere in Bourton (more expensive). Meeting point for the walk will be the War Memorial by the river in the centre of Bourton (just in case the School is not offering parking on the day) (Grid Ref SP 167 206). Meet there for a 10.30am start. The walk as originally planned (7.5 miles) does not feature a pub stop but following some concern over this there is the option of an extended version of 10 miles which does. The pub is unreccied so we will eat our sandwiches elsewhere either way! For car sharing from Northampton please Contact Andy or use the Car Sharing Page. Departure from Northampton will be 9am. Map of School Car Park Entrance Maps of Walk Start Andy leader |
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Friday 13th to |
Waendel Walk Weekend This year's Waendel Walk will be on May 13th to 15th. The following walks are available for Saturday and Sunday - 26 Miles - Ramble 26 Miles - Cycle/Walk 16 Miles - Ramble 16 Miles - Cycle/Walk 9 Miles - Ramble 6 Miles - Ramble 3 Miles - Walk - Road Usually our members will do 26 miles on Saturday and / or Sunday A list of who is doing what when has now been sent out to the group. |
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Wednesday 18th |
Pub Meet & Evening Walk Twywell Hills and Dales (Evening Walk) 2½ -3 miles. Meet for a 7.30 start at the Old Friar in Twywell, Lower Street, Twywell NN14 3AH (SP 953 782) Please park considerately around the village. Maps of Walk Start Steve & Gayle leaders |
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Sunday 22nd
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Local Walk This is a 9 mile circular walk. Meet outside the church for 10:30am at Church Stowe (Grid Ref SP 638 576). Please park considerately around the village. The morning walk will be 4.5 miles heading through Upper Stowe and along the fields past the villages of Grimscote and Pattishall. We also pass by the "Radar" monument which might be of interest to some people. Lunch stop is planned to be at the pub in Eastcote, so please bring a packed lunch with you. The afternoon walk will also be 4.5 miles and will take us back along the Grand Union Canal past Bugbrooke and back to Church Stowe. Please note there is a low tunnel which we pass through towards the end of the walk. This walk also has a lot of hills. Maps of Walk Start Chris G leader |
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Friday 27th to |
Bank Holiday Weekend Away (Unfortunately details of this weekend have been lost!) |
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Wednesday 1st |
Pub Meet & Evening Walk 7.30 pm This evening walk is based around the Village of Harrington. (SP 775803) Postcode of the Pub NN6 9NU Please make you way to the Village and park sensibly past the pub (Tollemache Arms) on the left if coming from the A14/A6 Junction The walk is about 4.5km in length and took me and Mel 1Hr 30 mins to get round. The walk starts frrom the gap in the wall out of the village meeting up with the A14 and then heading towards Thorpe Underwood. Then we sneak through a garden to delve back to the valley floor before rising to the Church and back to the pub for a swift half. Maps of Walk Start Ian leader |
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Saturday 4th |
Annual BBQ and AGM Andrew P has kindly offered to provide his house / garden for the AGM and annual BBQ. The house is in Collingtree Park, full details have been e-mailed to members but will not be published here. There's room on the driveway for 4 (maybe 5) cars depending on the parking and the same or more on the street. Garden size is about 60' square (less that taken by the pond and ornaments) so there should be plenty of room for people to spread out and pitch tents if needed. The usual procedure is to bring BBQ food and drinks, only bring as much food (in quantity) as you will eat but this does not mean you have to just eat the food you brought and cook it separately as happened last year!! With drink you will drink your own which you bring - a polypin has been aquired but is reserved for those who pre-booked it! You also need to bring a folding camping chair (or any other style of chair you can fit in your car) or something else to sit on (eg picnic blanket) or otherwise it will be the floor for you! If you want to stay over on Saturday night (tent in the garden, floor or spare room) please Contact Andy to give an idea of numbers. Part of the event will be the AGM - details have been sent out to all members |
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Sunday 5th |
Local Walk - Following the Annual BBQ An 8.5 mile walk starting from the AGM BBQ location of Andrew's house in Collingtree Park, Northampton. Walk starts at 11am Please park on the street if not attending the AGM/BBQ. The walk will take in the villages of Courteenhall, Roade and Milton Malsor. There will be definitely be a pub stop, but it may be half way round the afternoon section, so please bring a packed lunch (although there's a garage in Roade that normally has a sandwich or bag of crisps for sale if you want to risk it, but you'll be taking your chances!) Details of the start location are:- Grid ref SP 750 566. Directions from the A45 mini-roundabout by the Toby Carvery and Shell garage are to head towards East Hunsbury, then take a left at the next roundabout (Windingbrook Lane), take the third right into Turnberry then right into Belfry Lane. Shorts-friendly rating = likely to be nettles! If you want more accurate detail, let me know if you want to expose your legs and I'll give you a better idea once I've walked it (I think you can already tell that I haven't yet!) Maps of Walk Start Mel leader |
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Sunday 12th |
National Walk Shere, Surrey Approx 10 miles 2 hrs travel time from Northampton. The car park to meet at is just off London Lane, and just before you get to the main village of Shere. It is Pay and Display. We can all have a tea or coffee in the Old Tea rooms before heading off. The walk can also be reached by train to Gomshall station, people can be collected at the train station if arranged before the day of the walk. The walk will start in the pretty surrey village of Shere (Grid Ref TQ 073 479) then on to Hollister farm > Newlands Corner > Keppers Cottage > St Martha's Hill > Albury Estate > Silent Pool > Silver Wood > Shere. There may not be a pub stop enroute, definitely pubs in Shere for a drink before leaving for home, Please bring a packed lunch. Shere is a very pretty village in the heart of the Surrey Hills, en route we will visit Silent Pool, which is apparently haunted. There is a pay and display car park on the edge of the village, there is a charge, details to follow. Walk will start promptly at 10.30am. Car sharing has been organised by Vicki, please Contact Her if you would like to car share or just to say you will be going if making your own way there. The car share meeting point will be at Grange Park by the hotel - meet for an 8.30 departure. Maps of Walk Start Vicki leader |
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Wednesday 15th
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Pub Meet & Evening Walk The walk will start from the Royal Oak, Cogenhoe - meet for a 7.30pm start The walk goes - Cogenhoe > Along river Nene via Towing path > Whiston > Whiston Spinney > Cogenhoe Approx 5 miles Maps of Walk Start Vicki leader |
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Sunday 19th |
Local Walk PLEASE BRING YOUR FATHERS ALONG. The walk is a figure of 8 and can be set at a pace to suit those that decide to attend so don’t be put off by thinking your father may not keep up!! The walk will be a figure of 8 with the morning and afternoon being around 4 miles each. The morning walk will start from Foxton Locks (near Market Harborough) top car park, Grid reference SP 692 891. If I remember rightly the car park charge is £1.50 for the day; there are also toilets here for those that may have driven a long way! Meet time is 10.15 for a 10.30 prompt start. We will start by walking down alongside the locks and out across fields to Gumley and finally walking back along the canal to the 2 pubs at the bottom of the locks! This will be the lunch stop for those staying for the afternoon. I am hoping for us to be able to eat our pack-up in the pub gardens but this is yet to be confirmed. For those wishing to attend the morning only getting back to the cars is by a 10 min walk back up the locks, the same way we came down at the start of the day. If anyone wishes to do the afternoon only you can either park at the above grid reference and walk down to the pub or park at the lower car park GR SP 693 897 although this car park may be very busy as it’s popular for those just lunching at the pub. I think the lower car park is more expensive as well as it’s right on the canal. The afternoon walk meet time will be around 12.30 somewhere around the Foxton locks inn (prob in the garden) and will take in a bit more of the canal, then will cut back across fields and through Foxton village to end up back at the pub where those that choose can have a drink and those that don’t can head back up to the top car park to finish the day. Dogs are obviously more than welcome but having done the walk already with my staffy and greyhound there are a few stiles that dogs WILL need to be lifted over. Maps of Walk Start Gina leader |
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Sunday 26th |
***Extra Walk *** Vicki and a few others are doing the Malvern Midsummer Marathon this year on June 25th. They will be stopping over after the Marathon and doing a walk on the Sunday on our way back, so here are the details if any of you wanted to do the Sunday walk. Lickey Hills, Barnt Green and the Bittell Reservoirs OS grid reference SO997753 Start time 10.30am If you did want to join us them contact Vicki or John H Maps of Walk Start John and Vicki leaders |
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Sunday 3rd |
National Walk WIMPOLE ESTATE WALK AND FAMILY DAY OUT The walk today is a 5.5 mile walk across the National Trust Wimpole Estate and is a mere 1 hour 20 minutes away from Northampton. There is a Pay & Display Car Park on site which costs £2 and is free for NT members displaying their car sticker. When you reach Wimpole village please follow the brown NT tourist signs, the postcode for sat navs is SG8 0BW (Grid Ref TL 335 509). We will meet in the picnic area in front of the Stable Block adjacent to the car park for a 10.30 start. There are toilets in the stable block for anyone who needs to go before we go! We´ll walk across the park to pick up the estate boundary, the terrain is track and grassland with no hills. As it´s July (and hopefully hot) most of the walk is in the shade of the woods. The walk should take about 2.5 hours and includes time to appreciate the many photo opportunities of the ruined Folly and the Hall (including the compulsory bridge shot). We will be back at the cars by 1pm ready for a picnic on the grass so please bring your picnic rugs and your PICNIC! After lunch you can either depart or spend the afternoon exploring the estate which has the Hall, Gardens, Farm, various shops in the Stable Block and a restaurant. The Hall & Gardens (not the farm) are free to National trust members if not a member please refer to the NT website for entry fees As there are many things to explore and the walk is relatively short then this may be a good day out for family members, they can either join us for the walk (there is the option to cut the walk short after 3 miles, if people which to join us for part of it) or spend the morning milling around and then meet up for the picnic. Maps of Walk Start Debs leader |
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Wednesday 6th |
Pub Meet & Evening Walk Meet out side the church at 730 (Grid Ref SP926660) Park considerately around the village. Walk will take in Irchester Country Park and will be around 2.5 miles We will finish at the Carpenters Arms. Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Hadrian´s Wall Trip 2012 Proposed dates: 7th-14th July The walk is 84 miles (135km) from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend (in Newcastle). I have decided to do the walk from the West to East coast. I need to have a fixed number of people as its going to involve book multiple B&Bs/bunk houses so this will be for 12-16 people depending on initial interest.
The itinerary will run something like this: Day 1 Car share to Carlisle. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing in the City. Stay in B&B. Day 2 Bus/Taxi to Bowness-On-Solway to the start of the walk. Walk back to B&B in Carlisle. 14¾ Miles (23.8km. Day 3 Move cars to long stay parking. Walk from Carlisle to Walton. Stay in Bunkhouse. 11 miles (17.8km) Day 4 Walk from Walton to Steel Rig. Stay in Youth Hostel. 16¼ Miles (26.3km) Day 5 Walk from Steel Rig to Chollerford. Stay in bunkhouse. 12 Miles (19.3km) Day 6 Walk from Chollerford to Heddon-on-the-Wall. Stay at North Farm. 15¼ Miles (24.5km) Day 7 Walk from Heddon-on-the-Wall to Newcastle. Walk ends at Wallsend. Spend the night in B&B. 15 miles (24km). Night out in Newcastle. Day 8 Train back from Newcastle to Carlisle. Drive home. Option of spending the day sightseeing in Newcastle or straight home.
Costs involved: 7 nights accommodation which will range from £20 to £35 a night. Petrol for drivers from home to Carlisle and back. Train fare from Newcastle to Carlisle (approx £13) Taxi fare from Carlisle to Bowness on Day 2. Food (most accommodation will include breakfast but not all) There are many tourists attractions on the walk but most of these you will need to pay for if you want to visit. Share of 5 days parking at Carlisle. Luggage transfer. If you don´t wish to carry all your luggage you can pay £5 a day to get this transferred to the next hostel/B&B. I will need to know quite early on if you want this service or not. I also imagine there will be a maximum bag size.
More information:
If interested please Contact Jayne Ideally you should register your initial interest by the end of October 7th |
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Thursday 14th |
"A Taste of Jogging" Walk / Jog Sarah is putting on an extra evening walk this coming Thursday, with a bit of a twist as it will also include an element of jogging (optional) Meet outside Brixworth church starting a 7.30pm. We would walk through the village, before descending some fields, then hitting the Brampton Valley wAy, where the jogging would begin. The walk would finish by walking through the rest of the village back to the start. If you would like to do this just turn up on Thursday, or contact Sarah in advance Maps of Walk Start Sarah leader |
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Sunday 17th |
Local Walk A circular walk of approximately 8 miles long. Starting at the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, GR 743,500, the walk will cross the canal heading up the hill towards the church. We will then leave the village and head towards Shutlanger with views looking across to Towcester racecourse. The walk will then bear left and head towards the picturesque village of Alderton. The walk will then carry on south for approximately a mile before heading northeast towards Grafton Regis for lunch. The White Hart pub have agreed we can eat our lunches in the garden providing we buy drinks, however they are usually busy due to Sunday lunches so we need to bear that in mind. The afternoon section of the walk is quite short and takes the canal back to Stoke Bruerne. Unfortunately whilst doing the recce part of my route was blocked off by electric fences. Therefore I had to do a last minute re think, hence the short afternoon stint. Parking. There are two main car parks in Stoke Bruerne. The main one is situated behind the Canal Museum and is clearly signposted. The downside is that it costs £2.50. The other car park belongs to the church and is situated up the hill on the road to Shutlanger. They again ask for a contribution of £2.00. Failing those then please park considerately around the village as some of the roads are quite narrow. We will meet outside the front of the Canal Museum by the lock gates for a 10:30 start. Sorry for the late release of these details I have discovered planning a walk is not as easy as you first think! Maps of Walk Start Justin leader |
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Wednesday 20th |
Pub Meet & Evening Walk Pub Meet & Evening Walk The walk will start from the Eastcote Arms, in Eastcote. We then head down to Astcote, over the A5 to Cold Higham and then through Pattishall back to Eastcote. Total 3.4 miles. Park considerately around Eastcote for a 7.30 start or meet at the pub from 9pm. Maps of Walk Start Andy leader Andy leader |
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Sunday 24th
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National Walk The walk will be approximately 10 miles, starting from Froghall in Staffordshire, which is around 1h45m from Northampton. This is a green and attractive area that is also rich in industrial heritage, including a scenic length of canal and the preserved Churnet Valley Railway. There is also an "outstanding" pub on the route - The Black Lion at Consall Forge - where we will stop for a drink. Lunch will be taken before the pub stop in the picnic area of the Consall Nature Park, since the pub serves food and is likely to be busy on the day. The walk starts at 10:30 from the Visitor Centre car park at Froghall Wharf (SK026476); there are toilets here too. Somewhat coincidentally, there will be more trains than usual (steam and diesel) running on the railway, because of a special "rail ale" event in conjunction with several local pubs and the Titanic brewery. My original plan on discovering this event was for us to do a linear walk using the train, but then I realised that it was unrealistic to expect people to pay £11 for what is a fairly short train ride. Instead there will hopefully be time for anyone interested to take a return trip afterwards (also £11), or just visit the tea rooms at Froghall station. For car sharing meet at Sixfields for an 8.30am departure Maps of Walk Start Chris B leader
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Wednesday 3rd |
Evening Walk Meet in the square in Yardley Hastings - just near the Rose and Crown pub as you go into the village from the A428 at 7:30. The walk will be around three miles long and start by leaving the village past Waterfall Farm and crossing some fields, followed by a short section of road walking. We will then do a loop adjacent to the village across some more fields with pleasant views before returning via the top of the village for a cheeky half at the Rose and Crown where they have ample outside seating if it is a nice evening. If we don´t get attacked by a swarm of midgies like I did on my recci it should be a very nice walk! There should be adequate parking in the square and close by but please park considerately as ever. Maps of Walk Start Dave W leader |
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Sunday 7th |
Local Walk Starting in Grendon at 10.30am outside church. Please park considerately around village. Walk goes across fields, through the picturesque village of Easton Maudit, through more fields to Yardley Hastings. Picnic lunch planned on green in Yardley Hasting, followed by tea/cake/shopping at Castle Ashby Shopping yard. Then its a short walk back to Grendon. Approx 8 miles in total Maps of Walk Start Lee and Kath leaders |
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Sunday 14th |
National Walk Great Missenden Meet at the Amersham Railway station (Grid Ref SU961984) and park in the station car park (free) at 1045 to catch the 1106 train to Great Missenden (cost £3.60) where we will walk 10 mile back to Amersham taking in South Heath and Little Missenden where we have a pub stop. Meet at Sixfields at 9.25 to leave at 9.30 Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Wednesday 17th |
Evening Walk Meet at the Vane Arms in Sudborough for a 7.30 departure. The walk will be a gentle stroll through woodland and also offer some panoramic views as we emerge into the undulating environs of Lyveden New Bield We won't be taking in the property as time won't permit but I can point in it's direction for your future reference!! We return to the Vane Arms, which is dog and rambler friendly, for a tipple. They always have a real ale of tap and have had some good variation of late. Not that I've been sampling it or anything ;-) Darts and skittles are also available if anyone fancies! This walk comes with a moderate nettle and thistle warning! Maps of Walk Start Emma leader |
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Saturday 20th to
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4 Holiday Cottages have been booked close to the Mourne Mountains in County Down N Ireland. The plan is to do some walking in the Mountains plus to fit in a trip to Antrim to do the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Giants Causeway, we can also take in Dublin either by train or tag on an extra night before or after the week in the cottages. If we fill all the accommodation the accommodation price will be approx £90 for the week, with a maximum of £150. Places are first come first served with a £50 deposit. Transport to get there will depend on those attending - flights are available into Dublin or Belfast and then cars can be hired- alternatively people can take the ferry across and come in their own cars. It works out as about 80 to 90 minutes drive from the airports. If you are interested contact Gayle |
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Sunday 4th |
National Walk Charlecote Park, Warwickshire A walk taking in the deer park of this National Trust property, with the option to visit the house and grounds afterwards. Unfortunately my original planned walk was defeated by the lack of a bridge or any other means of crossing a rather wide and deep river! I did consider making it a "challenge walk" where everyone would have to work out a way across the river - building a raft etc or just bring your swimwear - but I sensed this may not be too popular!! So instead I have come up with an alternative walk - this is 4.5 miles and heads into the village of Wellesbourne and out again back to Charlecote Park. This doesn't include the deer park as I couldn't work out any other way of including the path in the walk, so on our return to the start we will do the 2 mile walk along the path through the park and back. After this those who wish to can enter the house and its grounds, for which there is a charge of 9 pounds 50p for non NT members. The meeting point of the walk is outside the gates of the National Trust car park, on the verge next to the road - the car park is stated as being only for those visiting the property or the adjacent garden centre so best not to be too blatant about meeting there - but I doubt anyone will notice! If you are not going to visit the house after the walk I suggest you call in on the garden centre though - no need to actually buy anything! Lunch stop will be a picnic in the deer park after stage one of the walk - there is also a pub but only does very expensive food! Start time is 10.30 or meet at Sixfields for a 9.30 departure. Start of walk is approx 43 miles from Sixfields (approx 1 hour) Maps of Walk Start Andy leader |
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Wednesday 7th |
Pub Meet (no walk) The Wooden Walls of Old England, Collingtree Meet from 8pm, we will be in the "bottom room" and there will be sandwiches. I will clarify if other food is available to order. As it is now too dark there will be no walk before the pub meet :( Maps of Pub Location |
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Friday 9th to |
Weekend in the Alps Now Fully Booked |
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Sunday 25th |
Local Walk Borough Hill, Daventry, 9 miles Borough Hill is just East of Daventry town centre; the walk will take us around the hill (no significant climb!), and into the village of Norton. We'll then join the Grand Union canal at Whilton Locks and follow this to our lunch stop (a pub by the canal) just after Long Buckby wharf. After lunch we'll stay on the canal heading back towards Daventry and then head through / explore(!) Daventry Country Park where there are facilities (toilets and refreshments). It's then a short walk back to the cars. The morning will be 5 miles and the afternoon 4. The meeting point is the car park at grid ref SP 585 621 or as shown on the link below, usual start time of 10:30am. Please note that the lane leading up to the car park is very pot-holed, so if you value your suspension you can park at the bottom of the lane and walk up! (I'll look out for people at the bottom of the lane as well anyway). There is a lot of lay-by space on the road at the bottom of the lane so this should be a suitable alternative. Travel time is 25 minutes from the centre of Northampton. The easiest way from the East (where I'm guessing most people are likely to come from), is to take the A45 I think through Flore and Weedon. After Weedon crossroads there's a long stretch of road; at the first roundabout you eventually come to take the 3rd exit, then again take the 3rd exit at the next one and you should be on Admirals Way which is where the lay-by and road up to the car park are. Maps of Walk Start Mel leader |
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Sunday 25th |
Local Walk Borough Hill, Daventry, 9 miles Borough Hill is just East of Daventry town centre; the walk will take us around the hill (no significant climb!), and into the village of Norton. We'll then join the Grand Union canal at Whilton Locks and follow this to our lunch stop (a pub by the canal) just after Long Buckby wharf. After lunch we'll stay on the canal heading back towards Daventry and then head through / explore(!) Daventry Country Park where there are facilities (toilets and refreshments). It's then a short walk back to the cars. The morning will be 5 miles and the afternoon 4. The meeting point is the car park at grid ref SP 585 621 or as shown on the link below, usual start time of 10:30am. UPDATE - I previously said that you may want to avoid the lane that leads up to the car park as it was terribly pot-holed, but it has now been resurfaced and is spangly smooth tarmac! I'd like to think it's because we're very important and they clearly knew we were coming, but I think it's more like a fortunate coincidence! So please meet at the top of the (minor) hill, or walk up to meet us if you still want to park at the bottom. There is a lot of lay-by space on the road at the bottom of the lane so this should be a suitable alternative. Travel time is 25 minutes from the centre of Northampton. The easiest way from the East (where I'm guessing most people are likely to come from), is to take the A45 I think through Flore and Weedon. After Weedon crossroads there's a long stretch of road; at the first roundabout you eventually come to take the 3rd exit, then again take the 3rd exit at the next one and you should be on Admirals Way which is where the lay-by and road up to the car park are. Maps of Walk Start Mel leader |
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Sunday 2nd |
National Walk Circular walk in the Clent Hills, North Worcestershire. This HILL walk of approximately 10 miles in length will start at the visitor centre of Waseley Country Park at 10.30am Walking across the pleasant undulating countryside until we reach Walton Hill just before lunch. If the weather is good we'll stop on the top of this hill to eat our lunch, enjoying the views from the Malverns, the Black Mountains and across to the Shropshire Hills too. Dipping down into the valley for a pub stop (of course) before climbing the Clent Hill for more views. We head back to Waseley on the North Worcestershire long distance footpath, with a pleasant mix of open common ground and woods, with a length of road walking thrown in. Cow sightings: low- medium Inclines: a few steep hills are included during the day... ! Directions: This is about 1h15- 1h30m drive from Northampton. The nearest motorway junction is Junction 4 of the M5, postcode for the country park is B45 9AT. There are toilets and a café at the visitors centre. Parking is £1.20 for the day. Car Sharing: Meet at Frankie and Bennies at Sixfields for 8.45am. Maps of Walk Start Richard and Belinda leaders |
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Wednesday 5th |
Pub Meet (no walk) Meet at the Vane Arms in Sudborough from 8.00pm The pub is dog and rambler friendly, and they always have a real ale of tap and have had some good variation of late. We have an area reserved for us - they are remodelling the back room so will set aside the dining area for us. Come in the front entrance, turn left then this is the area we'll have reserved. If you want food then this is also available as food is served until 9. Emma says she can vouch for the new menu, it's very good! We will also be planning the Walks Programme for Jan to June 2012, so need volunteers to lead all the walks. Maps of Pub Location |
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Sunday 9th |
Conker Championships Local Walk This is a 6 mile walk combined with an optional visit to the World Conker Championships (really, there's actually a World Conker Championships?!? Oh yes, and it's on our doorstep!) that is taking place in the same village, as we thought it might be nice to join the two together and get us feeling all autumnal! Feel free to bring your own conker(s) on string as we'll aim to have our own mini-tournament during the walk too, although I'll bring quite a few along with me as well as it would just be wrong not to. Meeting time is the usual 10:30, and I'm suggesting we head to the Conker Championships car parking, which is free and shown on the map links below, just slightly west of the village of Polebrook (near Oundle). Signs should guide you in as it's probably just a field, so please follow any signs you see but allow for extra traffic on the day as the Championships begin at 10:30 as well! The postcode for Sat Navs is PE8 5LL. We'll do a 6 mile walk finishing at around 12:45, then anyone that doesn't want to go the Championships can head off, and those of us that do want to see conkers being bashed about can head there to eat lunch (I'm sure there will be places to buy food there on the day too), with a £4 entrance charge. The event finishes at 3pm so we should get a good couple of hours there for our money. I'm feeling confident that anyone not going to the Conkers will be able to park there without any problems (if you don't advertise the fact that you're not going!), but if you feel uncomfortable with that or there appear to be any issues on the day (such as we are funnelled from the car to the pay gate!), then head to Polebrook church, let me know, and we'll collect you en route! In anticipating an organisational nightmare I'm hoping I'll avoid one! There is of course also the option of just coming for the conkers! Let me know and you can meet us there at 1pm. If you have any questions or would like the walk leader's mobile number for on the day, if you're thinking of coming and don't have it, please let walk leader Mel know Get hunting for that champion conker! There will be a prize for the winner! Maps of walk start:- More Conker Championships Info Mel leader |
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Sunday 23rd |
National Walk A 9 mile walk starting at 10:30am from Adlestrop village
hall car park in the Cotswolds The village is just off the A436 Stow on the Wold road, and the car park is on the right hand side of the road leading to the village. The walk goes through the pretty Cotswolds countryside, visiting several pretty villages, a fine Jacobean house, a dovecote, and we pass a organic farm-shop famous for its prices & poshness (Google... Daylesford Organic if you're curious). Please bring a packed lunch, we will be visiting the Red Lion pub at Little Compton for the all important pub stop. For car sharing meet at Sixfields, near Frankie and Bennies, for a 9.30 departure. Maps of walk start:- Tim leader |
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Sunday 30th |
Local Walk Walk starts from Chapel Brampton, which lies on the A5199 heading out of Northampton and being a fairly small village without a public car park I would ask everybody to park in considerate manner around the village. Meet at 10:30 AM in front of The Spencer Arms for an approx. 10 mile walk (Grid ref. 731 662, the postcode for Sat Navs is NN6 8AE). We will then be heading through nicely undulated countryside with great views towards East Haddon where we will stop at The Red Lion for lunch. We are allowed to use the outside space of the pub to have our packed lunches. From there it´s another 4.5 miles back to Chapel Brampton. Maps of walk start:- Francisco leader |
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Monday 31st |
Hallowe'en Walk Harlestone Firs Walking through the woods, across the fields down to the Fox and Hounds in Harlestone (for a swift drink), across the road up to Harlestone Church (gorgeous little church with a graveyard around it near the golf course but suitably spooky), somehow back to the layby by Wyevale and then back to Belinda's for apple bobbing. Of course, dressing spookily will be highly recommended (as will pumpkin carving). Meet at 7.30 in the layby outside the garden centre. Postcode of garden centre is NN5 6UJ Maps of walk start:- Belinda leader |
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Wednesday 2nd |
Pub Meet The Queen Adelaide, Kingsthorpe Meet from 8pm. |
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Sunday 13th |
Local Walk Approx 9 miles This walk starts from Great Addington grid ref SP 959 749, opposite the (closed) Hare and Hounds pub car park, for a 10.30 start. this morning section is approx 4.5 miles long and takes in parts of the Nene Way, Ringstead and Denford. the lunch stop will be at the Denford inn. The afternoon section will be approx 4.5 miles long and we will head out towards the busy A14 and then walk along part of the dismantled railway line before turning off to head into Woodford and then back to Great Addington. lets hope we have some nice weather as there are some nice views to be had. fingers crossed. Maps of walk start:- Elaine leader |
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Friday 18th to |
Weekend in Brecon Beacons Accommodation will be in a 4 star bunkhouse near Merthyr Tydfil with two 4 bed rooms and an 11 bed room. All beds are singles/bunks and there are plenty of toilet/shower rooms dotted around. Catering will be self-sufficient and the bunkhouse has a more than adequate kitchen, although for those that want a cooked breakfast this can be provided by the bunkhouse owners for £5.00 (I will certainly be taking up this option on both mornings!). Also Sat evening meal will be at a local pub followed by some relaxing drinking!!!. Apparently the food is really nice, however maybe a little on the expensive side but I think we'll all deserve a good meal after the walk. So if you are having the cooked breakfast and pub meal you will only need to bring food for lunches, some drinks and sort yourself out with dinner on fri evening. Cost will be £45 for accommodation although if we fill the bunkhouse (minimum 15 people, max 19 people) this cost will be reduced to only £30 and a refund will be given!! The plan will be to arrive in our own time on the fri and probably meet at the bunkhouse, or for late arrivals, the local pub; on Sat a mountain walk will be planned of approx 9 miles taking in corn ddu (an 823m peak). I would then like to offer two activities for the sun; mountain biking and a lower level walk, more than likely through some woods. If people can get their own mountain bikes there then will obviously be no cost for the biking. For those that can't do this hire is available at £30 for the day which includes bike, helmet, repair kit but also a mechanical assistance service that will come out to you whilst on the trail if you have a problem with the bike or an injury (a pretty good service I'd say!! which the rest of us with our own bikes won't get!!!!). The biking will not be too difficult although may involve a fair bit of uphill pedalling and will be around the 15 mile mark. . If it gives anyone peace of mind whether they want to do it or not I am a qualified mountain bike instructor so can help people were necessary. Before the trip (during the summer perhaps) I can also offer a mountain bikes skills day to just go through basic off road skills ready for the ride and anybody that feels they might be a bit 'wobbly' on a bike should try to come to this. If you wish to go on the trip and secure yourself a place please contact myself directly by email gina_gilbert@hotmail.com . I will require full payment asap so that I can book accommodation and if you are biking and need a hire bike I will also need the £30. I know the trip is a while away but I will need to know some final numbers by the end of july as we don't want to lose the accommodation but in the same way we need to practically fill it to make the trip cost effective. Nearer the time I will enquire about who wants the cooked breakfast (this will cost you extra on top of the £45) and I can let them know a couple of weeks before we go. Dogs are allowed in the accommodation and I will be taking Sonic (my staffy dog). If anyone wishes to bring a dog please let me know asap as I need to pre-book them in with the bunkhouse; there also may be a limit on the number of dogs allowed. I think that's it but any questions feel free to ask away. See This Link for a 360 degree tour of the accommodation. Organised by Gina |
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Sunday 20th |
Area AGM Unfortunately we have double booked ourselves for the Area AGM with a weekend away already planned (see below) But those not going on the trip are strongly encouraged to go along to the AGM, here are the details - The Northamptonshire Area AGM is being held on Sunday 20 November at 3:00pm in Weedon Village Hall, West St., Weedon NN7 4QU. The Hall has its own car park and on street parking is also available. Our Daventry Group is hosting the event which is preceded by two walks:- 10.00am start - 9.5 miles, Leader Roy (01327) 340836 11.00am start - 6 miles, Leader David (01327) 300394 Both walks start from the Hall car park. We are very pleased that our Guest Speaker is Rodney Whittaker, The Ramblers National Chairman, who will be able to give an update on current and future policy issues. |
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Sunday 27th |
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Wednesday 7th |
Pub Meet (no walk) Royal Oak, Blisworth Meet from 8pm |
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Sunday 11th |
National Walk 8 miles Meet at Sixfields at 930 to get the the Pear Tree Park and Ride in Oxford at 1030. It will cost £2.20 return on the bus The walk starts from the centre of Oxford, taking in the colleges then walking along the banks of the thames to Wavercote where we will stop for lunch at the Trout Inn overlooking the river. Then back along another branch of the river into the city and finishing the tour of the centre. John H leader |
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Sunday 18th |
Local Santa Hat Walk The day after the soiree is the now legendary "Santa Hat Walk" which we are hoping once again will be lead by Santa himself (although he is very busy at this time of year!) Everyone walking must wear a Santa hat or otherwise dress in a Christmas theme. Due to possible hangovers from the night before the walk traditionally starts a bit later than usual , so meet for 11am on the triangular green in the centre of Milton Malsor, near the Greyhound pub, after parking thoughtfully around the village (pub car park seems to be customers only). We will head out to Rothersthorpe via the Northampton Arm of the grand Union Canal, please note that we have to cross via the lock gate as the bridge is broken! Not too difficult though although could be for any dogs. The plan is to head on to Gayton where we will lunch on the green before heading to the pub - hopefully the Eykyn Arms if it is open. They do food apparently so we cannot eat inside and there does not appear to be a garden. If weather is bad there is the option to miss out Gayton and go along the canal instead, which will be more sheltered. Either way we will end up in Blisworth (barring extreme weather!) and then head back to Milton Malsor where the plan is for a drink in The Compass or if shut we could go to The Greyhound. Around 8 miles in total. Maps of walk start:- Andy leader |
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Monday 26th |
Local Boxing Day walk Note New Start Time - 10.30am Meet at Swineshead (grid ref TL056659) Parking considerately around the village Taking in Upper Dean where we will stop at the pub for lunch (tbc) and Melchbourne 6.5 miles Maps of walk start:- John H leader |