| Status: | Active, full but can join waiting list |
| Leader: | |
| When: | Monthly on Wednesday afternoons Monthly on first Wednesday |
Meet: First Wednesday afternoon of the month in 2026, in Winter at 1.30pm, Spring and Summer at 2pm when we tend to do longer walks in more varied terrain.
The Group continues to thrive, currently with 16 members which is really enough if everyone turns up but as this is rare, I haven’t turned anyone away - as yet! We meet on the first Wednesday afternoon of every month, in Spring & Summer at 2pm, but in Winter when the clocks change as it becomes dark sooner and it also gets colder, we start at 1.30 pm. In these months we tend to do shorter routes on firmer terrain than in the warmer, brighter ones when we cover up to 5 miles, over hills, fields & stiles, taking about 3 hours, the time taken often dependent on numbers.
The walks for 2026 have yet to be planned, by me and, hopefully, by others who will help by finding routes. If travelling is involved lifts are usually shared. I ask that members do let me know if they are coming as there could be last minute changes or even a cancellation.
We meet at various places, mostly reasonably local, where parking is possible & lifts may be arranged. We enjoy rambling through the lovely countryside, over hills & down dales sometimes with stiles to negotiate. It is fun, sociable and invigorating!
We say ‘Walking for Pleasure’ but it isn’t like a walk in the park! We usually cover at least 4-5 miles, starting at 2pm & back by 5pm, but walks for the winter months are likely to be shorter and will start at 1:30pm. Please let us know if you are coming. If there are last minute changes or cancellation we can let you know. Group Leader: Felicity Taylor. Our walks 2024/25/26 (normally the first Wednesday of the month) are shown below:
July 2026
This time, one of our members, Andrew, led the walk which started in Kilmersdon and took us through lanes, fields, woods & some roads taking in Babington House grounds and the lovely little church there. A few of us indulged in a meal at the Joliffe beforehand which was most enjoyable. We were very fortunate with the weather which was pleasantly warm but not too much for walking walking & the route wasn’t too long or arduous, taking all eleven of us about 2 hours.
Felicity Taylor
June 2026
10 of us met at Newton St Loe from where we had a lovely walk led by Julia. We walked through the grounds of Bath Spa University admiring the old buildings as well as the sensitively designed newer ones. Then we were in the countryside walking through fields mainly and also visiting the interesting Church of St Lawrence in Stanton Prior Village. We then made our way to the beautiful lake before walking back to our cars. The weather was kind, with only a smattering of rain and the views were spectacular. We all enjoyed it immensely even though we walked about 6 miles, a little longer than usual. It was certainly worth it and I’m grateful to Julia for organising it.
Felicity Taylor
May 2026
We were blessed with a sunny day and lovely views on this walk which took us on a circular route starting from Timsbury and taking in Priston village. It was about 4.5 miles with some roads but mostly paths, bridleways and fields. We enjoyed beautiful views even looking across to Lansdown at one point.
Felicity Taylor
April 2026
On 1st April ( & we’re no fools! ) 12 of our NR u3a Walking Group set off from Compton Dando on a 4.5 mile circular walk to and from Hunstrete led by one of our members, Julia. It was, fortunately, a fine day and the terrain was only slightly muddy. There were lovely views along the way and two fishing lakes to admire. It was most enjoyable and I am very grateful to Julia for its planning & execution. Fliss
March 2026
Owing to the copious amounts of rainfall over the last few months, I decided we should avoid fields which, at best could be a bit muddy, and, at worst very unpleasant, even dangerous. So I chose a walk that several of us have done in the past, taking us from Radstock, up to Haydon and down into Kilmersdon outskirts via Jack & Jill Hill. We were very fortunate with the weather which was not only dry but also warm & sunny. Although it was a little shorter than usual, everyone enjoyed it. Next month a walk will be led by one of our members & it will be possible to go over fields and footpaths. Felicity Taylor
February 2026
The walk in February was led by Helen & John. This took the group around Shoscombe, largely on the lanes. It was very enjoyable, especially as the sun shone!
January 2026 Walk
On the first Wednesday of the month & of the year, 13 of us ventured out into the cold (but not freezing) weather. We started in Midsomer Norton from John & Ethne’s house, walked along the Greenway, almost to Radstock & returned via the Silver Street Station. It was about 3 miles over solid ground and under clear blue skies. The refreshments they offered afterwards, in their cosy, warm house were most welcome, especially Ethne’s homemade mince pies! The next walk should be on 4th February but has yet to be decided. I am away so I am hopeful that one of the group will organise something.
Fliss
December - The Crescents of Bath
It being that time of year again the group relaxes a bit and celebrates as well as doing a reasonable walk. So I booked a table at the Ram Widcombe for 12.30. Thirteen of us enjoyed a delicious meal after which most of us walked into Bath avoiding the Christmas Market, starting at Laura Place and subsequently climbing up & up & up to the views above the city. One of our team, Mark, had very kindly planned a walk around the Crescents of Bath and he didn’t disappoint us. We saw most of them , one of which, confusingly, was named Somerset Place, with lots of interesting information provided by him on all that we visited. It was well worth the uphill climb and the weather, though a bit chilly, was very pleasant.
Next year is still at the planning stage except for January when we hope that two of our members, Ethne & John will lead a local MsN walk followed by hot drinks at their home.
Fliss
November - Peasedown St John to Carlingcott
This month, we did a shortish walk in my neck of the woods, from Beacon Hall, Peasedown St John to Carlingcott and back through some of the newer estates in the village. As it was November, we avoided fields and kept to roads but still were able to enjoy some lovely countryside views. In fact the weather was decidedly unseasonal as we had warm, dry conditions. Although the terrain was easy walking, the steep gradients of the roads certainly got lungs and hearts pumping!
Next month, it being the Festive Season, we will be enjoying a lunch followed by a walk around interesting places in Bath, to celebrate a year of successful walks.
Fliss
September - Adapted from Radstock Circular Walks Book
This month’s walk was led by Frances & Helen and was a slightly adapted one from the Radstock Circular Walks Book. We debated about doing it thanks to the prediction of heavy rain. However, on meeting at the start on Waterloo Road, Radstock, we decided to risk it. We did have one torrential downpour but most of the time we enjoyed blue skies & even some sun. We did about 4 miles via Foxcote & the outskirts of Writhlington going through woods, fields, tracks and lanes. There were some steep parts and some muddy areas but nevertheless it was a pleasant walk with lovely views & excellent company! I am really grateful that the pressure was off me as leader and that everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
Fliss
August - 'Up the Sleight'
We did the August walk which was taken from 'Twenty Circular Walks in and around Timsbury' and was entitled 'Up the Sleight'.
The Sleight is a small escarpment rising to 645 ft, There were wonderful views during the walk and sometimes if it's a clear day, the Clifton Suspension Bridge can apparently be seen although we couldn't spot it even though the weather was good!
It was a shorter walk than usual, about 3.2 mls, but worked out well as it was rather warm and humid so it proved to be for the best as everyone seemed to enjoy it.
July - Folly Farm Nature Reserve
July's walk was a circuit leading up to the round hill at Folly Farm Nature Reserve where we looked down the Chew Valley and marvelled at the volume of other ancient sites around us. Though we were all well prepared for the sun, it was so hot we cut the walk short and wondered whether that was a first in the history of the group.
June - Camerton Circular
The last walk,taken from 'Twenty Circular Walks in & around Timsbury' was the 'Camerton Circular'. We chose the 4.3 mile route which took us through Camerton Court grounds . There was a bit which was a little confusing but ,fortunately, we found our way. It was a varied walk ,both the terrain and the weather but we all enjoyed it.
May - Hinton Blewitt
On 7th May, fourteen of us met at Hinton Blewitt and did a lovely walk in the countryside over grassy hills,along the river,passing fields of sheep with their lambs & round Litton Reservoir which looked lovely in the sunshine. I'm grateful to our members,Helen & John for leading the walk which everyone enjoyed. Felicity Taylor
April - Mendip Hills area
The Walking for Pleasure Group's walk in April was led by Francis and was a beautiful route on the Mendips, mainly on paths through woodlands & fields and had fabulous views over the lakes. It involved a few short slopes and was under 4 miles. Everyone enjoyed it immensely - I was sorry I had to miss it.
Felicity Taylor
March - Bath riverside
Due to concerns once again about conditions underfoot due to the wet weather, I arranged another Bath walk, this time alongside water. As we were starting from Widcombe it seemed a good idea to suggest lunch at the Ram beforehand. Then 12 of us took the route alongside the river, in to Bath, through Henrietta Park & Sidney Gardens and along by the Canal back into Widcombe. It wasn’t our usual 4 or 5 miles but very pleasant and with glorious sunshine all the way.
The next walk will be much more our style-about 4 miles going from Farrington Gurney, on the Mendips, going through fields with glorious views. This is being organised and led by one of our members, Frances. Felicity Taylor
Winter 2025 walks
Our January Walk was a week later than usual due to the New Year’s Day date. This was led by Ethne & John, going from their house along the Greenway, almost to Radstock, and back there for lovely refreshments of coffee or tea and mince pies. It was well supported and all most enjoyable.
In February we reverted to the usual first Wednesday and went to Shepton Mallet. I was concerned about the original route some of which was over fields which, due to the very wet weather, would have been very muddy. So, I altered it to cover just part of the town, some residential areas, Collet Park, the Church of St Peter & St Paul and the Prison. It was a shorter distance than usual but included a hot drink in the Prison Cafe which was very welcome.
As yet no decision has been made about the route for March but I am hopeful that a couple of members, Andrew & Mark, will arrange something. In April, another member, Frances, is planning to organise a walk. I am particularly pleased about these offers because, although I am technically the leader, as with all u3a groups, it should be a team effort with everyone contributing. Felicity Taylor
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