Events

4.75 mile circular walk from Great Bedwyn Square

All welcome to come along on this walk to Bloxham, the Roman Road and the Holloway. A moderate walk with mud as standard sadly, two railway crossings, a steady incline up from the canal on the track of the Roman Road – but the good news is no stiles! On the way we walk through a field of sheep so dogs on leads please. If this walk sounds too challenging then do contact me and we can offer to take or fetch you from a halfway point if required.

I can’t guarantee that we will see these beautiful little funghi which I saw on the recce yesterday but I can show you where these Scarlet Elf cups grow.

Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day with us on this Sunday morning walk, followed maybe by a shot of Irish Whiskey at the Three Tuns afterwards… well that’s where you’ll find me!

4.25 mile circular walk from Great Bedwyn Square.

This month’s group walk leaves from the centre of Bedwyn, meet in the square at 11.00 a.m. We’ll set off along to Little Bedwyn by Kelston Rd, up to Burridge Heath and back via Jockey Green and Galley Lane to the cricket pitch.

It should be relatively easy going so we should be able to stride along at a reasonably good pace. I’ve tried to avoid muddy areas and for much of the walk’s length we’ll be walking on hard surfaces. I’ve also avoided the towpath because there are canoe trials taking place and the towpath might be muddier than usual.

There is the option to have a lift to or from a halfway point if you prefer a shorter walk but contact me know beforehand if you’d like to do this. Parking: Be aware that parking space will be tight in Bedwyn centre that morning because of the canoe supporters’ vehicles so if you need to bring a car to the start let me know and if possible I’ll find you a space at ours.

For this month’s walk we are going to try a new walking area with the prospect of a visit to a warm pub at the end of our winter walk so I’ve have arranged to start and end our walk at The Plough, Shalbourne. We’ll meet in the car park at The Plough (park there or beside The Green opposite) and take a 3.5 mile circular walk past the watercress beds, up the hill and across the road to zig zag our way to Shalbourne Heath Plantation & Baverstock’s Copse – a remote area but criss-crossed by many footpaths, bridleways & tracks. Then it is back to Shalbourne, past the church, where inside can be seen a plaque commemorating Jethro Tull (the agriculturalist – not the rock band!). He farmed at nearby Prosperous Farm. We’ll arrive back at the pub about 12.45pm – in time for an optional Sunday lunch there.

If you would like to stay for lunch at The Plough afterwards, please book with them directly in advance 01672 870295 www.ploughshalbourne.co.uk. When you book, tell them to note that you are with Bedwyn Footpaths Group and they will seat us together if they can. You will need to give them your menu choices a few days in advance so that they can cope with a group arriving all together.

The incline up from Shalbourne is quite steep but it comes at the beginning of the walk and we’ll take it slowly. After that the walking gets much easier, some on hard surface, broad grass tracks and woodland paths. Expect mud in places – or ice depending on the temperature!

Dogs on leads on the walk please – sheep in fields & busy road crossings. Please check with the pub if you want to take dogs inside.

This December our group celebrates its 4th anniversary and for our traditionally short Christmas walk we’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable member of the Bedwyn History Society who will lead us on a gentle walk of an hour or less around the village, stopping at various points of historical interest. Even if you already know Bedwyn well, I hope that you will find that some historical context will add to your enjoyment of future walks.

Meet in the square at 11.00 am. Contributions to a gift for our guide would be appreciated.

This walk is open to members, family and friends. Please let us know by email or phone if you are coming, so that we know what numbers to expect.  bedwynfootpaths@gmail.com

Come to the village square Saturday 17th Nov, 11.00 am to join us for a 4 mile circular walk through the countryside around the village to enjoy autumn colours and open views.  The walk is open to all, easy going, no stiles

4 mile circular Walk. Sunday 14th October

Meet 11.00 am Great Bedwyn village Square, in front of The Stores

 

Meet at the Pelican Inn, Froxfield at 11.00am for a 4.6 mile walk to Jugg’s Wood and back through parkland and along the Long Walk through Stype Wood.  Optional pub lunch afterwards, contact to book lunch.

An early morning walk to listen to our local birds singing to greet the dawn. We’ll be accompanied by an expert naturalist and birder who will help us to identify the birds.