Coordinator - Martin Richards
This is a very active, popular and sociable group who enjoy each other’s company whilst tramping the local fields, highways and byways, marvelling at the wonderful Warwickshire scenery so close to us.
We meet twice a month, on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday at 10.00 am. Details of the next walk are given below.
We have a number of walk leaders, from the membership, who take it in turn to select a walk of about 5 to 6 miles. They choose where to go and where we meet. Newer members are encouraged to offer to lead a walk either singly, as a couple or a small group, after they have settled in with us but there is no compunction to do so!
We try to start within 10 miles of Balsall Common and most frequently find pub car parks very suitable for our starting/finishing points! Many members stay for a drink and /or a meal after the walk.
The membership of the group is about 80 of whom most are active.
A walk averages around 18-25 members with a high of 36! Walks take place in most kinds of weather with one major exception being snow!The cost is very low - there is a joining fee of £2 and to date no other costs. However, members are asked to pay for their own drinks/meals after a walk!
With the joining fee money raised so far we have bought and kept up to date 3 first aid kits for the leaders to take on their walks and future funds will be available to buy maps, written up walks, etc.
If you would like to join or require any other information please contact Martin Richards (the coordinator) by telephone: 01676 533429, or email: ramblers@balsallcommonu3a.org . Prospective new members can also "try us out" by just turning up at a walk starting point and joining us for that particular walk. Please note, however, if you are not already a u3a member you will not be covered by the u3a insurance scheme. Following that if you wish to continue you will need to join the u3a and the Ramblers group.
If anyone wants to lead a walk please contact the coordinator. Lots of help is at hand for anyone who has never lead a walk before.
If anyone wants to create a ramble route, either for the U3A or for personal reasons try out the following site: http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm
For Archived Photographs for the years 2011 to 2017 Please Click Here
The archive is on the members Page so Username and password required
If you have forgotten them please click here
For Photographs of Ramblers in 2018 Click Here
For Photographs of Ramblers in 2019 Click Here
For Photographs of Ramblers in 2020 / 2021 Click Here
For Photographs of Rambleers in 2022 Click Here
From July 19th all Covid-19restrictions are lifted, however walkers must read the new Ramblers Risk assessment shown below.
Click here to see Ramblers Risk Assessment Statement updated 21st July 2021
First June Walk 2022
When: Tuesday 7th June
Where: Meriden
Meet: 10:00am Queen’s Head, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP
Travel: From Balsall Common travel along A452 towards Stonebridge. At the Hampton in Arden roundabout turn right onto B4102 towards Meriden. At the roundabout in the village turn right. Note 20 mph speed limit through village. After almost 1 mile, take left fork into Old Road. Queen’s Head is approx 200 mtrs on left hand side. An alternative route is Meriden Road out of Berkswell and turn right at duck pond in Meriden. Old Road is approx half mile on left.
Walk details: Through Eaves Green, east to Harvest Hill, north along country lanes past Couchman’s Farm. We then take bridleway south west and through Meriden Shafts, returning to the Queen’s Head via Lodge Green Farm and Walsh Hall. Open farmland, paths, bridleways, woodland, quiet lanes. Having covered sections of the route before, we have decided to use quiet roads rather than open fields in some places to avoid unnecessarily encountering cows with their young. Some short inclines but generally easy walking with only two stiles. No muddy areas when Peter Calver and I did the recce (May 13th). Distance approx 5.5 miles.
Lunch: The Queen’s Head would like bookings in advance. If you wish to have lunch, would you please let me know your choice by 6.00 pm on Monday 6th June. I will confirm the booking with you. Click here for the lunch menu.
Walk Leader: Alan Buckland tel 01676534357 / 07973130269 email alan.buckland@virgin.net
Covid Precautions: Please see latest Ramblers Risk Assessment
04/01/2022
Liz Cowley & Sheila Jones
19/01/2022
Barbara & Phil Hammonds
01/02/2022
Jim/Bernie Henry
16/02/2022
Martin Richards
01/03/2022
Keith Simpson
16/03/2022
Juliet Hancox
05/04/2022
Peter Calver
20/04/2022
Liz Cowley & Sheila Jones
03/05/2022
Matthew Stephens
18/05/2022
Leslie and Carolyn de Chernatony
07/06/2022
Alan Buckland
15/06/2022
Sandra Heard & Frances Critoph
05/07/2022
Lynn & Tony Brinkworth
20/07/2022
Keith Simpson
02/08/2022
Peter Calver
17/08/2022
Geoff Kennedy
06/09/2022
Richard Drake
21/09/2022
Richard Glynn
04/10/2022
Merryl Muat and Christine Harris
19/10/2022
Geoff Kennedy
01/11/2022
Matthew Stephens
16/11/2022
Alan Buckland
06/12/2022
Richard Drake
21/12/2022
no walk - Xmas lunch?