Walking Group 2020
Walks take place on the third Tuesday of each month. The meeting point is Abberley Village Hall car park, normally at 9.30am, where members will then car share to the start point for the walk. Most walks end with lunch at a nearby pub or cafe. The walk dates for this year are as follows:
January 21st, February 18th, March 17th, April 21st, May 19th, June 16th, July 21st, August 18th, September 15th, October 20th, November 17th
January 21st - Kinver Edge
A circular Walk around Kinver Edge, three plus miles.The sandy soil in this area made easy walking apart from a short pull uphill and equally a short tricky distance downhill. All seven ladies on the walk were fortunate to have the sunshine through some mist/low cloud for most of the time. The views on the way up were of Worcestershire and Shropshire, including Titterstone Clee and Brown Clee. We then joined the Staffordshire Way for amazing views from the top as far as Birmingham, the Lickeys and Clent – these views were a bit obscured by the low cloud. On our walk downhill the forest floor surrounding the paths had been cleared of trees to let more light in and encourage honeysuckle and other low shrubby type plants to accommodate butterflies and insects. Not all the walkers saw the huge Nanny’s Rock on the way down because they were busy chatting and too far ahead to be called back! We enjoyed lunch at the Colliers Arms.
February 18th - Martley
This was another walk that had to be carefully plotted to avoid mud, not altogether successfully! However 9 members and a dog turned up for a 3.5 mile circuit from The Cob House around the outskirts of Martley with views to Laugherne House and the Malverns. Signs of spring were doing their best despite the rain. A cosy lunch at The Admiral Rodney was very welcome
March 17th - Abberley
Today's walk was the last WI activity possible as the Government's corona virus precautions took hold and stopped all meetings. We reckoned the fresh air was the best place to be, but sadly had to forgo our ritual pub lunch. Jen led 7 of us on a fabulous and enjoyably challenging 6 mile walk around the hills between Abberley and Rock and the valley of Dick Brook. The day was grey but dry and we enjoyed wonderful views of Abberley Hill, Heightington, Clee and glimpses of St Mary's Church. There was lots of interest, the race horse gallops, medieval Worsley House and lots of spring flowers and pussy willow starting to show. Photos show us 'spaced out'!
JULY 21st - A walk from Eastham Village Hall - back after lockdown!!
Our first walk since lockdown! A beautiful sunny day as we explored around Eastham.
August 18th - Around Abberley
Despite a couple of light showers we did a good 4 miles around Abberley, enjoying views of the village and hills and debating the Neighbourhood plan . It was fine enough to have sandwiches on the village green afterwards
September 15th - Abberley Hill
On a glorious late summer's day we explored Abberley Hill and its surrounds and once again had lunch on the green, needing the shade of an old oak tree in the welcome warmth.
October 20th - Eardiston to Mamble
The walk started off rather wistfully as we had to divide into two groups walking separately in order to comply with covid regulations. It felt all wrong! However it was a lovely autumn day and the trees looked wonderful. The walk led us uphill via Dumbleton Lane and through pretty farmland to Mamble. Unfortunately there was no stopping allowed at the pub but one group sheltered in the porch of Mamble church for elevenses. The views along the Teme Valley and back to the Abberley Hills were glorious.
