National Web Site: www.ramblers.org.uk
Shropshire Area Web Site: www.shropshireramblers.org.uk
Oswestry Group
Programme & News Letter
March to June 2016
National Web Site: www.ramblers.org.uk
Group Web Site www.oswestryramblers.org.uk
Shropshire Area Web Site: www.shropshireramblers.org.uk
Page 2
Chairman’s Chat
Welcome everyone to our new Spring programme and may I wish you all a great and happy
2016. A lot of effort, time and planning has gone into this from our programme co-ordinators
and walk leaders so I hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy through the
coming months.
We have re-introduced an AWAY DAY in the Thursday programme and one will come in the
Sunday programme for July. The idea is that we go to a venue further afield, partake in a
walk of approximately the usual mileage and have time to visit the local town before our
return to the Oswestry area. Let us know what you think!
We have also planned to run a practical walk leader training day on Thursday 18th Feb for
all interested members so please sign up for this. We also need experienced leaders as
well as those who may be thinking of trying one. The course will include information about
what a leader needs the planning & recce’ing and what to look out for when on the walk. It
will have a practical element of an actual walk. It will take place at Trefonen Village Hall
commencing at 10.00 am, finishing about 3.00pm. The more members who can attend the
better the day will be for everyone. Thank you.
For walk leaders, please let the PP3 group (01691 780722) know of any obstruction or
overgrown path/stile that you may come across so that it can be put into the maintenance
programme. Also if you have to cancel or change the walk please let the appropriate walk
co-ordinator know of it.
Thank you all and good walking,
Colin, Chairman Oswestry Ramblers
Area News
•
•
•
•
The Area AGM is at 2pm on the 13th February 2016 at the Gateway Centre, Shrewsbury.
The summary Area report can be found at
http://www.shropshireramblers.org.uk/news/Area_report_Abridged_2014-15.pdf.
We are honoured to welcome as guest speaker Kate Ashbrook – President of the Ramblers.
Members are urged to attend what will undoubtedly be a lively and interesting talk.
Members on email will have already seen our reservations regarding the Ramblers.
Governance review. Briefly, Area Council does not believe that the Trustees have followed
the instructions from General Council and that the proposals as currently framed will not add
to or improve the way that the Ramblers operate.
Area is working with Shropshire Council to rationalise the route of the Shropshire Way so
that it becomes a promotable “single route” long distance path.
Big Pathwatch – Shropshire – Initial headline summary
o Survey closed 31st December 2015
o Total number of squares in the area = 3491 – This includes Telford
o Total number of squares completed = 1852 (53%) – This includes Telford
o All 400 Target Squares were completed – 200 in each council area
o Top reported positive features = Attractive countryside, helpful and welcoming
signs, impressive trees
o Top reported negative features = Paths could not be located, missing signs on
paths, missing signs on roads
Our thanks to all who participated and helped Shropshire become one of only a
handful of areas that managed to complete all target squares
Page 3
Dates for Your Diary
•
•
•
•
•
•
13th February 2016 – Area AGM at 2pm the Gateway Centre, Shrewsbury
Thursday 18th February – Walk Leaders day – 10:00 am; Trefonen Village Hall. If you have
not already booked to attend but would like to do so please contact Peter Carr; Telephone
01691 780722
MAY - Monday, 16th - Wednesday, 18th May 2016 ABERAERON HOLIDAY. Fully booked with
waiting list. Details of the walks plus more information will be available at a later date.
Contact Barbara Pryce Jones 07866 532979 or [email protected]
JUNE - Thursday, 30th June 2016 SUMMER WALK AND PUB LUNCH. Ceinwen and Peter
Danby have kindly offered to organise this new event replacing the BBQ. More information
will be available at a later date. Contact Ceinwen and Peter Danby 01691 661 714.
OCTOBER - Friday, 14th - Monday, 17th October 2016. The 3-night HF HOLIDAY at Coniston
is fully booked, for to be included on a waiting list or for information please contact Jane
Hadlow 01691 650 470.
Group AGM – provisional date Nov 29th 2016
Programme
Dogs- Only ‘Registered Assistance Dogs’ are allowed on Oswestry Group walks
Details of the Oswestry programme can always be found our group Web Site at
www.oswestryramblers.org.uk. Any late changes or additions to the programme will be published
here. Details of walks by other Groups in the Shropshire Area can be found at
www.shropshireramblers.org.uk
Walk meeting points, grades and guidelines.
Times stated in the programme are at the meeting point. Please arrive early to allow time for
leaders to issue instructions and arrange car sharing.
Note: If you intend going directly to the walk start point, it must be understood that if, due to
unforeseen circumstances, the walk has to be changed or cancelled, the leader is unlikely to travel
to the walk start point. If in doubt check with the leader on the day of the walk.
•
Thursday morning walks.
Approximately 4 to 5 miles, maximum grade Moderate and walked at a moderate pace.
Normal meeting time 10:00 in Gatacre car park, Oswestry.
•
Sunday long walks.
Usually more challenging walks, grade up to and including Strenuous. Normal meeting time
9:30 in the main Oswestry Car park in front of the flats.
•
Sunday medium walks.
6 to 8 miles, maximum grade Moderate and walked at a moderate pace. Normal meeting
time 10:00 in the main Oswestry car park in front of the flats.
•
Sunday afternoon walks.
4 1/2 miles maximum and grade up to Moderate. Normal meeting time 13:15 in the main
Oswestry Car park in front of the flats.
Our walks are graded in accordance with the Ramblers national guidelines. Full details can be found
at http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/about-group-walks/walksdifficulty.aspx
In order to provide transport to participants without cars and to keep the number of cars to a
minimum, the majority of walks have a central meeting point before proceeding to the starting point.
Page 4
It is suggested a voluntary contribution towards fuel costs, as detailed on our Web Site, be
offered to car drivers.
To simplify matters each walk in the programme is assigned a travel zone.
When parking at the walk start, please ensure that cars do not block gates. Please take passengers
in your car if driving to the walk start point rather than the official meeting place.
Date &
meeting time
Thurs 03/03/2016;
10:00
Sun 06/03/2016;
10:00
Thurs 10/03/2016;
10:00
Sun 13/03/2016;
10:00
Thurs 17/03/2016
10:00
Sun 20/03/2016;
09:30
Thurs 24/03/2016
10:00
Sun 27/03/2016;
10:00
Thurs 31/03/2016
10:00
Sun 03/04/2016;
09:30
Sun 03/04/2016;
13:15
Thurs 07/04/2016;
10:00
Sun 10/04/2016;
09:00
Thurs 14/04/2016;
10:00
Description
A moderate walk on lanes and field paths with some
ascents.Zone A
A moderate walk from Llanarmon DC alongside Mynydd
Bach, passing Nant Caledwynt, dropping down river
valley to Tregeiriog,return over fields to Llanarmon. One
steep ascent at the start. Zone B.
A moderate walkfrom Llanrhaeadr ym Monchant along
lanes, across fields with some ascent. Zone B
A circular walk from Colemere using field paths and
lanes to Welshampton. Zone B.
This walk will climb up on to Caer Caradoc summit and
follow the path back to the start. Zone D
From Loggerheads Country Park Visitor Centre (fee
paying car park) A moderate walk over Moel Famau on
heather, moor, forest and farmland. 8 stiles. Zone C.
Meet at Tesco car park – Ellesmere for 10:15. The route
follows Elson---Criftens---Greenhill---Newnes using field
paths and lanes. ZONE A
From Pontfadog, at a leisurely pace, using lanes and
field paths with some ascent to get good views before
descending back to the valley. Zone B.
This walk will go up from Glen Ceiriog round on a 5 mile
circuit with the opportunity to add a further 5 miles if
desired .ZoneB. This a two part walk based on a figure
of eight and will have some good ascents
A Moderate plus walk from Penybontfawr along tracks,
field paths and through forestry, lovely views with some
ascent and descent. Zone B.
A leisurely walk from the Old racecourse car park across
fields then along lanes and field paths picking up
Oswalds Trail and Offa's Dyke path back to the car park.
Zone A
A moderate walk from Llangollen up hill on a lane to join
a path to lead us to Berwyn station where we can cross
the Chain Bridge to follow the canal towpath back to
town. Zone B
A moderate walk from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. In & out
of Clocaenog Forest, return over open country. Zone D.
This walk will be in the Clive and Grishill area using field
and woodland paths and quiet lanes to give some good
views .Zone C
Page 5
Grade &
Distance
(Miles)
Leader
Moderate
4.5
Moderate
7
Dave M
07816 293401
Peter & Ceinwen
01691 661714
Moderate
4.5
Moderate
7
Moderate
6
Moderate
8
Jane
01691 780764
Gwen
01691 623362
Janet and Huw
01691 658134
Carole & David
01691 624643
Moderate
5.5
Gwen
01691 623362
Moderate
5.5
Linda and Colin
01691 679069
Moderate
5
George
01691 718427
Moderate
8
Dave
07816 293401
Leisurely
4
Linda and Colin
01691 679069
Moderate
4.7
Jane and Ray
01691 650470
Moderate
8
Moderate
5.3
Phil
07815 869902
Christine
01691 624797
Date &
meeting time
Sun 17/04/2016;
09:30
Sun 17/04/2016;
13:15
Thurs 21/04/2016;
10:00
Sun 24/04/2016;
09:30
Thurs 28/04/2016;
10:00
Sun 01/05/2016;
09:00
Sun 01/05/2016;
10:00
Thurs 05/05/2016;
10:00
Sun 08/05/2016;
09:00
Sun 08/05/2016;
10:00
Thurs 12/05/2016;
09:00
Sun 15/05/2016;
08:30
Sun 15/05/2016;
13:15
Thurs 19/05/2016;
10:00
Sun 22/05/2016;
09:00
Description
Grade &
Distance
(Miles)
Leader
A moderate plus walk exploring the Dyfnant Forest from
Pennyford, south of lake Vyrnwy. Zone C.
Ffom Wylfa Cafe we climb up through the woods to the
castle and back across fields. Zone A
From Trefonen past Woodhall House on good tracks
and paths through woodland and along a disused
railway. Zone A
From Llanfyllin, a moderate plus scenic walk on the hills
to the north of Llanfyllin - Mynydd Du - Penbryn - Domen
Castell. Zone B.
From Chirk along quiet lanes and field paths descending
to Pont-y-Blew,we then ascend to join the Maelor way to
Gledrid. Our return is along the canal and across the
aqueduct back to Chirk. Zone A
A moderate walk from Acrefair to the Ty Mawr and Cae
Llwyd Reservoirs. Zone B.
Rhos Chapel, good tracks and field paths taking in views
of Cau Llwyd and Ty Mawr reservoirs, some open
moorland. Zone B.
This walk will start in St Martin's using field paths ,lanes
and canal towpath reaching Moor's Bank and
Glynmorlas. Zone A
Join Kirsten on her favourite walk from Beddgelert. A
moderate walk in a beautiful area. Zone F.
A leisurely walk from Gatacre across fields to Hengoed,
across to City Lane, round past Daywell, back across
fields passing the Hillfort. Zone 0.
This is a special away day walk from TOWYN. It will be
of the usual distance for the day but you will have time to
visit the local sites. Detailed instructions for getting to the
start will be e-mailed later. We will aim for an 11 o'clock
start at Towyn.
From Bethania a moderate plus, walked at a moderate
pace - Watkin Path - Bwlch Cwm Llan - Yr Aran (short
section of easy scrambling) - Craig Wen - Llyn Dinas.
(Low level alternative dependant on weather conditions).
Zone F.
More details will be found on our web site
Moderate
7
Moderate
3.5
Moderate
5
Averil
01691 662834
Jane and Ray
01691 650470
Pat
01691 656132
Moderate
8
Gwen
01691 623362
Moderate
5
Diane & John
01691 622651
Moderate
10
Moderate
6.5
George
01691 718427
Pat
01691 656132
Leisurely
4.4
Dave M
07816 293401
Moderate
8
Leisurely
6
Kirsten
01691 652645
Jane and Ray
01691 650470
Moderate
6
Dave
01691 679069
Moderate
10
Dave C
01691 656359
Leisurely
4
We will start in Acrefair & go up onto the hills above. At
the end of 6 miles there will be an opportunity to
continue for a further 4 miles, or return to the car park.
Zone B
A circular walk to the west of Clun to Offa's Dyke,
returning by the Shropshire Way. Zone D.
Moderate
6
Bob
01691 679646
M 07891 094431
George
01691 718427
Moderate
9
Phil
07815 869902
Page 6
Date &
meeting time
Thurs 26/05/2016;
10:00
Sun 29/05/2016;
10:00
Sun 29/05/2016;
13:15
Thurs 02/06/2016;
10:00
Sun 05/06/2016;
09:30
Thurs 09/06/2016;
10:00
Sun 12/06/2016;
08:30
Sun 12/06/2016;
13:15
Thurs 16/06/2016;
10:00
Sun 19/06/2016;
09:00
Sun 19/06/2016;
10:00
Thurs 23/06/2016;
10:00
Sun 26/06/2016;
09:00
Sun 26/06/2016;
13:15
Thurs 30/06/2016;
10:00
Description
For this walk we meet at Tesco car park in Ellesmere
10:15 before setting off across fields,woods and lanes to
Swanhill---Gamebuck---Rough---Spout wood and Sand
lane. Zone A
From Whitchurch along quiet roads and lanes to the
Hamlet of Bradley Green, return along the canal
towpath. Zone C.
This walk will be in the Rednall area on lanes and field
paths. Zone A
This walk will go from Cefn Blodwell to the Moelydd and
round. Zone A
A circular walk from Pulverbatch, to Habberley, Earls
Hill, and Pontisford Hill. Field paths, tracks and quiet
lanes. Zone C.
From the car park at Brown Moss, Near Whitchurch, the
walk will be via field paths and quiet lanes to Melverley
Farm (hay meadows) and back. Zone C
From Tanygrisiau Lakeside Cafe, at a moderate
unhurried pace we will explore the Quarries, mines,
caverns, caves and tunnels. A torch may be useful but
not essential. Moel-yr-hydd, Foel Ddu, Rhossydd
Quarry, Cmn Morthin. Zone F.
A gentle walk from Meifod along the bank of the river
and returning on the opposite side.Zone C
This walk at a leisurely pace, will begin in Llandegwyn
and climb up through the woods and up again to reach
the splendid views over the Tanant valley, before
returning, after lunch stop, back to Llandegwyn. Zone B
Midsummer Mystery Marathon. A moderate plus walk
from Glyn Ceriog. Zone B.
From Llanfyllin a moderate walk using Field paths,
forestry tracks and quiet lanes. Zone B.
This walk will start in Llanfechain and follow lanes,paths
and fields in a cicular walk back to the start.Zone B
From Ysbyty Ifan a moderate plus walk south to
Migneint, return over Foel Ddu. Zone E.
This walk will go from Gatacre across the fields to
Hengoed and return past the Hill Fort. Zone A
From the Sun Trevor the walk will go around Trevor
rocks before returning to the Sun Inn for lunch. Booking
is required. Zone B
Grade &
Distance
(Miles)
Leader
Moderate
5.5
Gwen
01691 623362
Moderate
7.5
Gwen
01691 623362
Leisurely
4
Moderate
4.5
Moderate
9
Kath
01691 656 165
Peter C
01691 780722
M 07789 808825
Diane & John
01691 622651
Moderate
5.5
Christine
01691 624797
Moderate
5
Dave C
01691 656359
Leisurely
4
Moderate
5.5
Pat H
01691 682272
Linda and Colin
01691 679069
Moderate
14
Moderate
6
Moderate
5
Moderate
9
Leisurely
4.5
Moderate
5
George
01691 718427
Jane
01691 780764
Jane
01691 780764
Phil 07815
869902
Kath
01691 656165
Peter & Ceinwen
01691 661714
Membership
Most walks listed here are primarily intended for Ramblers members. Non-members are welcome to
join us as guests on two or three walks, though if you walk with the group regularly you will be
expected to join the Ramblers. Membership forms are available from the Membership Secretary.
Page 7
Your Responsibilities
All sporting & leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them & rambling is no
exception. Safety of participants in group walks is always the paramount concern; however,
accidents will occasionally occur. It is important therefore, that when entering into the activity, each
participant appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the
activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.
Please make sure that you are fit enough to undertake the walk you intend to join. If you are unsure
of your fitness level, try a short walk first. Most walks are off road in rural areas. Please have
suitable footwear (normally boots) and clothing for the walk you intend to join, also you will
need some food and drink. Leaders can refuse to accept participants who, in their opinion,
are inadequately equipped or not sufficiently fit.
Accidents/Incidents
Any incident or accident however minor must be reported to a programme secretary within 7 days of
the completion of the relevant walk. This instruction includes participants on recces.
Parish Paths Partnership [PPP]
The PPP group who are unpaid volunteers, assist Shropshire Council Countryside Services in the
footpath maintenance programme, undertaking stile installation, footpath clearance and erection of
waymarks. If you would like to assist, please ring Peter Carr on 01691 780722. It would also greatly
help us in our efforts if all members took a pair of secateurs when they are on a walk and just
snipped back any overhanging vegetation. This will stop paths getting completely blocked.
Path Problems
Path problems should be reported to the relevant council. For Shropshire Council report problems to
Outdoor Partnerships; problem report forms can be found at
http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/media/213108/or-prow-problem-report.pdf.
If you prefer you can inform the Footpath Secretary’s (Chris Jenkins or Peter Carr)
[email protected] as to the nature of the problem; giving the location, with grid
reference if possible.
Postage Costs
The ever increasing postage costs puts a strain on our group budget and uses money that would be
better directed to campaigning to protect and improve our footpaths.
Over three quarters of our group members already receive their programmes via email. To the
group this reduces the cost of providing the programmes considerably and we thank them for this.
To those members who do receive email programmes it enables us to provide information quickly
and conveniently as to last minute changes to walks, of which there were several during the life of
the last programme.
We ask that if you do have email, but don’t currently receive your programme that way, please
consider if you could receive future programmes by email and help us to contain costs and also
keep you better informed as to group activities.
To receive programmes via email, simply send an email with subject line ‘email programmes’ to:
[email protected]. In the body of the email please give your full name, postal
address and if possible your telephone number.
Page 8
Oswestry Group Committee
Responsibilities
Chairman
Name and contact details
Colin Chandler
01691 679 069
[email protected]
Vice Chairman
Pat La-Garde 01691 656 132
[email protected]
Secretary
Jacki Knight 01691653541
[email protected]
Treasurer
Jane Hadlow 01691 650 470
[email protected]
Footpath Secretary
Chris Jenkins 01691 654 066
Peter Carr
01691 780722
[email protected]
Peter Danby 01691 661 714
[email protected]
Publicity & Press
Programme co-ordination,
publishing and Web Site
Peter Carr
01691 780 722
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Thursday & Sunday
afternoon Programme
Colin Chandler
01691 679 069
[email protected]
Ceinwen Danby
01691 661 714
[email protected]
Sunday Morn Programme
Diane Smith 01691 622 651
[email protected]
Area Council Rep
Access & Countryside
Bob Kimber 01691 679 646
[email protected]
Membership Secretary
Barbara Pryce-Jones 07866 532979
[email protected]
Social
Pat La-Garde, Jane Hadlow, Barbara Pryce-Jones (as above)
P3
Peter Carr
01691 780722
[email protected]
Independent Committee
Member
Pat Harper
01691682272
[email protected]
The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by
guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment,
Page 9