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 October 2023

BM GOC, London WC1N 3XX

Email: info@goc.org.uk Affiliated to The Ramblers, The British Caving
Web: www.goc.org.uk Association, Cycling UK, and the Youth Hostels
Association.

Contents
 4 Who’s Who

 5 Newsdesk

 6 Regular Events

 7 Out and About

 35 A Special Offer

 36 Associated Clubs

Cover Design: Peter van der Walt

Please send your copy for the

November 2023 issue to Peter
Blackburn; email editor@goc.org.uk , by
Monday 9th October 2023, and please
have your events online by then so that
they will appear in that issue’s Out &
About diary.

‘Gay Outdoor Club’ and ‘GOC’ refer to Gay Outdoor Club Ltd, a
© GOC September 2023 company registered by guarantee in England & Wales number
08020133, Registered Charity number 1,158,873.
Printed by Newman Thomson, 1 Jubilee Road,
Victoria Industrial Estate, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL

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 ?
Chairman
Who’s
Who
Secretary
Alex Barr
email: secretary@goc.org.uk
For all general enquiries

Treasurer
Jim Cornwell Roger Sheldon
email: chair@goc.org.uk email: treasurer@goc.org.uk
For all questions about club policy, For expense claims and questions about the
publicity, insurance and safety. club’s finances.

Group Liaison Web Manager

To be appointed Martin Gilbraith
email: groups@goc.org.uk email: website@goc.org.uk
Contact for GOC group coordinators and Manages the website and the club’s IT
associated clubs. resources.

Marketing Women’s Representative

Edward Voelcker Al Evans, email: women@goc.org.uk
email: ehvo@hotmail.com Promotes and encourages the participation
Contact for strategic planning, of women in the activities of the club.
marketing and publicity.

Membership Secretary Member Engagement

Kevin German, 38 Sunnyhurst Park, To be appointed
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 2HR. Works to improve the way that the club
email: membership@goc.org.uk communicates with its members.
For changes of address and newsletter
delivery problems. Diversity and Inclusion
Gabby Giuffre;
Magazine Editor email: glafenice@yahoo.com
Peter Blackburn Works to promote diversity and inclusion
email: editor@goc.org.uk within GOC.
For 'Outdoors' articles, reports & diary.
* Not a trustee; all others are trustees of
Cover Design & Advertising GOC.
* Peter van der Walt
email: design@goc.org.uk
Graphic design for ‘Outdoors’ covers and
other GOC publications and ‘Outdoors’
advertising sales.

Archivist
* SimonBalll
email: archives@goc.org.uk

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Comments from the Chair
Members of the Club will be pleased to
know that I recently had an
opportunity to wear my 'Rainbow' suit
again recently at Reading Pride. It was
a great day. The team from our
Berkshire and Mid-Thames Group, led
by coordinator Simon, excelled both in
the parade and at their GOC stall. Bill
Fuller came from Oxford to provide
additional support. The day ended with
a refreshing glass of beer and an
evening meal; both well earned!
In October, I'll be at the University of
Northampton, where the board
members are meeting. The board works
hard to ensure the Club functions
effectively and provides the
membership with help and support.
We chose this location mainly because
it is where we are holding our Annual
Outdoor Gathering in 2024, and so we
will have an opportunity to look at the
venue and plan accordingly.
In November, I'm travelling north to
Hebden Bridge to meet up with the
Transpennine Group. In this delightful
location I will have the opportunity to
meet the members and hear about their
plans for next year.
Finally, please let me hear about your
plans to celebrate our 50th Anniversary
in 2024. These might be individual
challenges, group based meetings, or
what you would like to see at our
Annual Outdoor Gathering. It would
be great to receive your ideas and
suggestions!
Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair
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 Regular Events

Badminton
Cardiff
South Wales Gay Badminton, a friendly, non-competitive group, meets each
Monday evening at the Sport Wales Centre in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. New
members are welcome! You can find further details at the club’s website,
www.swgb.club , or you can contact them by email to swgbadders@gmail.com .

Climbing
Sheffield and Leeds
Through the colder months, members meet at indoor climbing walls, on Tuesdays
or Wednesdays in Sheffield and on Wednesdays in Leeds, where there is a choice
of lead and bouldering walls. In the summer, weather permitting, we meet at
outdoor crags. The venue is decided week by week. Please contact Jill on 07952
796 755 for further details, and to find out where the next meet will be.

Running
Leeds
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, come and join the North
East/Transpennine running group. We meet each Saturday at 09:00 outside the
Lakeside Café in Roundhay Park, LS8 2ER. As the location does vary occasionally,
before your visit please call Andrew Frazer on 07801 812 928.

Goslings Swimmers
London
Goslings Swimmers meet at the Oasis outdoor lido, Covent Garden
(https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre/
facilities) on Thursday evenings between 19:15 and 20:30. Goslings lost its private
hire during the pandemic, so we swim in the public session - you have to book
individually via the Better App. We socialise afterwards at the nearby Bloomsbury
Tavern. Full details are on Goslings’ webpage, or you can contact the group
coordinator, Jeremy Palmer, at goslings@goc.org.uk .

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October 2023
Advance booking for GOC events is
only required for events for which
numbers are limited, or events which
have to be paid for. However, if you
plan to attend an event, it will help the
event organiser considerably if you
indicate your intention by using the
‘Join’ button on the website.
For many events, lifts to/from the
event, or collection from train stations
can be organised via the comments at
the bottom of the event listing on the
website, or by using the ‘Contact Event
Organiser’ form, which you will also
find on the website.
More details of these events may be on
the website now. There you can also
contact the event organiser, view the
meeting point and indicate your
intention to attend.
See www.goc.org.uk
Sun 01 October
Cambridgeshire Clare, Suffolk. This is
a 7‑mile circular walk in the Stour
Valley, passing through the village of
Cavendish. We will be walking on good
paths which may be muddy in parts.
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
the car park for Clare Castle County
Park, Maltings Lane, Clare, CO10 8NW,
where parking is available for a fee of
£5 for all day. Roadside parking in
Clare should also be available. Please
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink. The event contacts are David
Mills on 07973 617 769 and Ian
McQueen on 07951 133 521. Grid ref: TL
770 452
Devon Meldon Reservoir and Viaduct.
This 5‑mile circular walk in a moorland
setting affords views of the reservoir,
and takes in various points of interest
including Meldon Quarry and the old
railway terminus. There are long spells
of level walking as well as some ascents
and descents. The paths may be uneven
in places, as well as muddy and wet
after recent rain, so strong, waterproof
footwear is recommended. Please meet
for a prompt 11:00 start at Meldon
Reservoir car park, EX20 4LU, where
the parking charge is £2 for all day.
Public toilets are available in the car
park. Please bring a packed lunch and
plenty to drink. The event contact is
Mike Hocking on 07779 292 450. Grid
ref: SX 561 917
West Kent The Chartwell Loop. This is
a circular 8‑mile walk around the
Chartwell estate. It is a moderate walk,
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but includes two steep ascents. Please Please note that some of the paths are
meet for a prompt 11:00 start at The not well maintained, so a stick or
Green, Ide Hill, opposite the Cock Inn, walking pole may be useful. As some
TN14 6JN. You may park on the street places may be muddy and very wet,
through the village, or half a mile away good footwear is essential. Please meet
in the Ide Hill village car park, TN14 for a prompt 11:00 start in the car park
6JG. There is no public transport in the centre of Laugharne, where there
available on Sundays. Please bring a is a £5 charge, to be paid in coins. You
packed lunch and plenty to drink. The might be able to park in the main street,
event contact is Nick Stanley on 07833 but if you do, please park considerately.
433 810. Grid ref: TQ 486 518 Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
West Wales Laugharne. On his birthday to drink. The event contact is Jim on
one October, Dylan Thomas went on a 07510 924 442. Grid ref: SN 302 107
walk in the early morning from his Boat Western Midlands Trent Valley; a
House residence. On this 6‑mile walk, waterside wander from Branston. This
we will follow his footsteps from the 8‑mile ramble takes in many of the
centre of Laugharne along the estuary man-made lakes that have been created
and into the woods of St. John’s Hill. alongside the Trent in recent years.
His poem ‘October’ illustrates that day Starting at Branston, a place that gave
and what he saw. We will, like him, pickle to the world, the majority of the
look down on the salt marshes and take walk is alongside water. This makes it a
in all the wild life and beauty of the perfect day out for wildlife lovers and
area. We continue past Salt House Farm bird spotters as well as keen ramblers.
and then climb up a narrow path The route, which is easy and largely
through the woods to reach the main flat, includes Barton Marina,
road. We by-pass Broadway and Tuckleshome Lake and Branston Water
descend back to Laugharne via The Park. The start and finish point is by a
Lacques. It’s wet in that area as the pub with a beautiful garden, ideal for
water finds its natural way to the sea. enjoying a post-walk tipple! We will be
After lunch, we will visit the shed walking on a mixture of paved and
Dylan Thomas used for his writing and muddy/grassy paths. There is one
look down on the Boat House before footbridge with steps. Please meet for a
climbing up to the high point prompt 11:15 start at the entrance to the
overlooking the River Taff. Coming Riverside Hotel car park, Riverside
back down, we will visit his grave in St Drive, Burton-on-Trent DE14 3EP. If
Martin’s Church before walking into you are driving, leave the A38 at the
the town, passing Brown’s Hotel, his Branston (Burton South junction). The
favourite drinking hole. Refreshments Riverside Hotel is two minutes from
will be available at the end of the walk. this junction. People who are going to

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visit the pub afterwards are allowed to
park in the car park. Otherwise, there is
plenty of on‑street parking on Riverside
Drive, Lansdowne Road or Warren
Lane. On Sundays, the Midland Classic
X12 bus runs from Lichfield to Burton
once an hour. The most convenient one
for our 11:15 start leaves Lichfield bus
station (opposite Lichfield City station,
perfect for travelling from Birmingham)
at 10:47, stopping at Lichfield Trent
Valley station (on the West coast main
line) at 10:51. It arrives at the Warren
Lane/Regents Park stop (code:
stadgmgw ) at 11:08. This is a 2‑minute
walk from the Riverside Hotel. These
bus times were correct at time of
writing (April 2023) but please check
the current timetable: https://
www.midlandclassic.com/routes-and-
services/ . Please bring a packed lunch
and plenty to drink. If anyone prefers to
buy food along the way, we can detour
past a Co-op at the midpoint of the
walk. The event contact is James Bailey
on 07904 114 414 Grid ref: SK 227 210
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North
Somerset Bristol Harbourside Hike. A
7‑mile circular walk from central
Bristol, taking in a big boat, a bridge
and hopefully some autumn colour.
This walk is particularly public
transport friendly. Leaving central
Bristol, we head along the south bank
of the harbour. We say ‘goodbye’ to the
wet bit at Ashton and head up into the
Ashton Court estate where we should
be greeted by the trees in their autumn
colours. Crossing the suspension bridge
with good views to the south, we’ll stop
for lunch above the bridge at the
observatory. Suitably refreshed, we’ll
walk down through Clifton village,
rejoining the wet bit at Hotwells,
followed by a stroll along the north side
of the harbour back to the start. Given
good weather, this should be a lovely
autumnal walk. We will be walking
mostly on paved paths or gravel tracks.
There are no stiles, but several gates,
and dogs will need to be kept on a short
lead while passing through the deer
park. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
start next to the statue of King William
III in the middle of Queen’s Square. The
nearest postcode is BS1 4LU. Parking in
Bristol is notoriously difficult, but it is
possible to park on single yellow lines
on a Sunday. There are car parks in the
area, but please allow time to get to the
start and check your compliance (or
not) with the Bristol City Council clean
air zone. Our starting point is some ten
minutes away from Temple Meads
railway station and the same distance
from Bristol bus station, the terminus
for country buses. Most city buses stop
even closer, on the Centre, which is less
than five minutes’ walk from the start.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. There are shops at the start
and in Clifton village on our descent
back to the harbour. King Street,
adjacent to Queen’s Square affords
several opportunities for refreshments
after the walk. The event contact is
Maxwell Kenyon on 07791 098 024.
Grid ref: ST 587 725
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Tue 03 October
Devon Social Event: Devon GOC go
Ten Pin Bowling again! After the
outstanding success of our first ten pin
bowling event, we are taking to the
lanes for a second time for a fun,
relaxing 10‑pin bowling session at The
Hollywood Bowl, Torquay. As
previously, we will meet up in town for
coffee around 11:00 and begin bowling
at 12:00 noon. Please meet at 11:00 at
Burridge's Café, 8 Victoria Parade,
Torquay Harbourside, TQ1 2BB. This
will allow time for people to arrive for
coffee and a chat and give people who
may be delayed an hour’s window, so
we can all arrive at the bowling
together. Alternatively, meet at the
Bowl in Torwood Street, TQ1 1DS by
12:00 noon. The cost is around £11 per
person for two games and a drink!
Payment to be made at the venue on the
day. Shoes can be given out on the day,
but players’ own soft-soled shoes are
acceptable on the lanes. Refreshments
are available at the venue if required.
This event is about having fun and all
abilities are welcome, so please come
along! Afterwards, we are likely to find
a local eatery for refreshments. The
event contact is Neil Hough on 07857
866 642. Grid ref: SX 921 635
Sat 07 October - Sun 15 October
Adventure Out, Cycling, Events
Abroad, London Mallorca Cycling and
Walking Week, Palma de Mallorca, 7th
to 15th October 2023. The core week for
the club trip is 7th to 15th October 2023.
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While the group activities will be
centred around that week, you can
book a stay for a longer or shorter
period, ideal for adjusting travel days
for the best airline price. Mallorca is a
Spanish island in the Mediterranean,
offering everything a cyclist or walker
may wish for. There are beaches along
the south coast, a central plateau with
isolated hills with castles and
monasteries to visit, and mountains
plunging into the sea along the north
coast. The mountains are green all year.
In October there is fruit in the
vineyards, the start of autumn colour
and the sea is warm. We have been
cycling there for many years; walking is
more recent. We have visited the
island in the autumn a number of times,
taking advantage of weather that is less
hot and an absence of summer crowds,
but still nicely warm if you like lazing
on the beach. In October, daytime
temperatures are typically around 20°C,
pleasantly warm and sunny but not
tediously hot. Rain is a possibility and
you should bring waterproofs (that’s
why the island is green) but we’ve
never had a day completely written off.
More than one wet day is unlucky.
Cycling is very popular and there is the
infrastructure in place to support it,
including dedicated cycleways through
the island capital Palma, near
traffic‑free back lanes designed for
cycling across the island, cycle racks
outside cafés and restaurants, and
secure cycle storage inside the hotel.
Although there is nothing to stop you
taking your own bike out to Mallorca,
most of us hire out there, since good
quality carbon road bikes are available
at a competitive price compared with
flying your own out, and it is much less
hassle. E-bikes are also readily
available. Bike hire options will be
included when registering. For this trip,
returning cyclists are more focused
towards recreational cycling. Still full
days of cycling, but top speed or metres
climbed come second to enjoying the
countryside, the views and the coffee
stops. Walking is not yet quite so
organised, but there is plenty to do. We
have a member who lives part time on
the island and knows the walking area.
The island has the famous GR221 route
running the length of the northern
mountains and many other well
documented routes. Walking is up to
the walkers to organise, making use of
buses, trains and taxis, or perhaps
hiring a car. As the actual cycling and
walking programme will develop with
those attending, so it will give the
opportunity for predominately cyclists
to join some walks or for walkers to join
some bike rides. Bikes can be hired by
the day locally. For everyone, there is
the historic centre of Palma and its
cathedral, the quaint port town of Sóller
accessible by narrow gauge railway,
and also rustic traditional towns and
villages in the middle of the island, and
an assortment of places of interest. We
use the Hotel Helios in Ca’n Pastilla,
just to the east of Palma and at the end
of the wide sandy Palma Bay, and a
short bus ride from the airport and city
centre. We have an agreed discount. Its
restaurant offers a very good quality
buffet for breakfast and evening dinner.
It’s a resort with all the facilities you
might expect, but a long way from the
infamous party spots of Palma Nova
and Magalluf and quite genteel, and is
situated on the 13km cycling and
walking coastal paths. The island offers
costal, countryside and mountains so
cycling and walking can range from
medium to challenging. To book on the
website, please select “Book Event” to
join the attendance list and then send
me, Peter the Event Organiser, a
message. I will then e-mail to you
within a day or so with the booking
details and discount code for the hotel
and bike hire details. You then book
and pay the hotel (and bike hire)
directly. What dates and type of room
is your choice. The web-site messaging
system can be used to facilitate room-
sharing should you wish, but GOC
takes no responsibility for this. The
hotel is the Hotel Helios, Mallorca,
Postcode: 07610. Details at https://
www.hoteleshelios.com/en/helios-
mallorca-hotel-apartamentos/ The hotel
operates ‘dynamic pricing’ – the prices
are likely to go up closer to the date of
your stay, and in previous years the
hotel has been completely full at times,
so don’t leave your booking too late.
Prices in £ are also affected by exchange
rate fluctuations. You are free to choose
your room type and booking/
cancellation offer.
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You will need to arrange appropriate
travel insurance and get a GHIC if you
don’t have a valid EHIC. Entry rules to
the EU are changing - check https://
www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-
norway-iceland-liechtenstein . You will
need to book your own flight to Palma
airport. Bus A2 from the airport, see
https://www.emtpalma.cat/ca/linia/-/
L/21/aeroport-s-arenal The fare is five
euros each way; pay on the bus. An
8‑euro return ticket can be got at the
machine at the bus stop. More details
will be provided when you book. You
can also get a taxi, but this will cost at
least 20 euros as there's an airport
surcharge. To make the most of the
social atmosphere of the group, we
recommend that you book 'half-board'
from the hotel, which covers ‘all you
can eat’ buffet breakfast and dinner.
You won't get as good value for dinner
nearby. The hotel caters for a wide
variety of dietary requirements, but
specific needs should be arranged
directly with the hotel. Lunch is readily
available at numerous cafés and bars
across the island. The event contact is
Peter Impey on +44 7971 704 206. It’s
best to use SMS text or whatsapp.
Sat 07 October
Berkshire and Mid Thames,
Oxford Ewelme, Near Wallingford,
Oxon. By popular request, we return to
this moderate 8‑mile circular walk,
exploring the contrasting landscape of
the area around Ewelme, near
Wallingford. Once an important
watercress growing village situated on
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one of the rare "Chalk Streams", we
shall get a "steady speed" walk across
the higher chalk fields before venturing
along the narrow, twisting paths over
interesting bridges to follow the water
course back up through the village.
There will be the option for stopping at
the local pub as well as the Village Store
that has a café. Be prepared for stinging
nettles along some of the narrow, less
walked sections, so it would be helpful
to take a walking stick. Please also bring
a packed lunch and plenty to drink.
This is a fairly level walk with no steep
inclines. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at the Village car park. Follow the
main Street till it turns right. Go
straight on. Follow signposts to the
most easterly side of the village,
postcode OX10 6HU, where there is a
free car park, with no height barrier.
There is no rail or bus service to the
village. If you need a lift, please text the
event contact Bill Fuller on 07769 702
338 as soon as possible so that we can
arrange it. Near the end of the walk, we
may stop for a drink at the Village Store
Café. When we do reach the end, we
may also stop at the pub, as this is the
first building we reach on returning
into the village. Grid ref: SU 648 912
Cornwall, Devon, Gardens, Somerset,
Women RHS Rosemoor Gardens Tour
and Festival of Flavours. To ensure
attendees get the most from the visit,
numbers are limited. If you are unable
to book a place, please let us know if
you would like to be added to the
waiting list.
Come and join us to explore the
renowned RHS Rosemoor Gardens, see
the autumn colours and attend their
Festival of Flavours, which is taking
place over this weekend. We will
wander around the gardens and visit
the various activities relating to the
festival. Spending time in their cafe is
also highly likely! Nestled in the North
Devon Torridge Valley, Rosemoor is an
enchanting place to visit and blends
formal and informal planting to
magical effect. The garden has
expanded over the years and there are
now more than 65 acres of garden to
explore. Its autumn colour should be
doing its thing and is well worth
seeing. Free admission for RHS
members; for non‑members it costs
£13.85. The walk around the gardens is
around three miles, mostly on level
well‑made paths. Please meet by 11:00
outside the entrance by the ticket office
where there is a large car park. The
nearest postcode is EX38 8PH. There
should be plenty of onsite parking, but
there will also be a free shuttle bus
service from Great Torrington South
Street Car Park from 10:00. It may also
be possible to arrange a lift from
Umberleigh railway station. The 09:15
train from Exeter Central reaches
Umberleigh at 10:15. If you require a
lift, please contact us asap. You will
have the option to join us for food in
the onsite cafés and there is likely to be
food on sale as part of the festival. If
you prefer, you may bring a packed
lunch, but you may not be allowed to
eat it in the café, but there are lots of
spots in the garden for a picnic lunch.
The event contacts are Neil on 07808
502 527 and Roy on 07747 815 070. Grid
ref: SS 499 181
Gardens, History & Culture,
Transpennine Lyme Park Gardens
event. Located at the edge of the Peak
District National Park, Lyme Park is a
large estate south of Disley, Cheshire,
England, managed by the National
Trust and consisting of a mansion
house surrounded by formal gardens
and a deer park. The house is the
largest in Cheshire and is recorded in
the National Heritage List for England
as a designated Grade I listed building.
The formal gardens include a Dutch
Garden created by William Legh with
formal flower beds around a central
fountain. There is also an orangery
designed by architect Lewis Wyatt in
the 1800’s, a reflection lake, lawns,
rhododendrons and rose gardens. The
exterior of Lyme Hall was used during
the filming of the BBC adaptation of
Jane Austen’s classic Pride and
Prejudice in 1995 in which Mr Darcy
(played by Colin Firth) walked out of
the lake and set many a heart fluttering,
not just the ladies either! The extensive
grounds are home to both red and
fallow deer. Our walk up to the Cage
(overlooking the main house) gives a
good chance to see the deer from this
elevated spot. We shall be visiting the
gardens as the final throws of summer
vibrancy fade away and the garden
enters its autumn phase and takes on a
different look.
13
There will still be some nice colour
around in the borders, and the
surrounding trees will just be on the
turn and starting to change colour.
Perfect timing for a last look around
before a 5km walk through the
surrounding parkland. If you don’t
want to eat at the café onsite, then
please bring a packed lunch. Please also
bring plenty to drink. Please meet for a
prompt 10:30 start near the
Refreshment Kiosk which is next to the
main car park. Please park in the
marked bays only, limited parking is
available for large vehicles. We can then
decide if we want to do the house and
the garden or just the garden,
depending upon the weather! Please
note: For National Trust members,
entry is free, but you will need to show
your NT membership card. For non-
members, entry to the park and gardens
costs £6.00; entry to the house, park and
gardens costs £13.00. For more info visit
the National Trust website: NT Lyme
Park. Our walk around the park and
gardens will be around three miles over
easy terrain. The house and gardens are
a 5‑minute walk from the car park up a
steep incline. To reach the car park, use
the postcode SK12 2NR. Further travel
details are available on the NT website.
Lyme Park can be accessed from the A6
in Disley. Please respect the local
community by only parking at the park
itself. If you can, please consider
visiting by public transport. There will
be a café available. The event contact is
Peter Moffat. Grid ref: SJ 963 824
14
Mon 09 October
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Dorset,
Gardens, History & Culture, Solent,
Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire
and North Somerset,
Women Stourhead’s Autumn colour
and a house of Hoares! New England
eat your heart out! Autumn is a great
time to visit Stourhead, as the trees
begin to turn and put on their
wonderful display of yellows, orange
and crimson. It is one of the best places
to see this annual show as the season
changes. The man‑made garden vistas
at the National Trust’s Stourhead
Garden in Wiltshire are, quite rightly,
world famous in terms of their design
and historic importance. It also has a
fine house with many interesting
features. There is a wonderful selection
of garden structures including Classical
temples, Temple of Flora, Temple of
Apollo plus a rock bridge and cascade,
all of which are situated around the
tranquil lake. The view from the temple
of Apollo has been described as one of
the most picturesque scenes in the
world. You can also visit Stourhead
House, a Palladian mansion with a
fantastic regency library and beautiful
art collection. The garden gets very
busy, especially at weekends, at this
time of year, so we have chosen a
Monday in the hope that will be
quieter. There will be the option of
having food onsite at the end of the
walk or you can bring your own. Dogs
(on leads) are welcome. Admission is
free for National Trust members, but
costs £19 for non-members. For more and to consider joining as a member
details about Stourhead please see themselves. We start each online social
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ with a quick round of introductions. If
wiltshire/stourhead . Our walk around you have something in particular that
the garden will be roughly three miles you would like to share or ask, this is
over generally easy terrain. There are your chance to let others know what
some steady ascents and descents on that is. Then we spend most of our time
well‑made paths around the woods and mingling and chatting informally, in
gardens. If it has been wet, the paths small breakout groups if there are
may be slippery, so please wear robust many of us. We close each session by
footwear. Please meet for a prompt gathering all together again to hear
11:00 start by the entrance to the Gift something of what we all shared or
shop near the main entrance. The enjoyed during the session. Our Zoom
nearest postcode is BA12 6QE. Look out meeting room is accessible on a
for Neil Barry wearing a GOC badge. computer, tablet or smartphone via an
There is plenty of onsite parking which app, or with more limited functionality
is free for NT members. We are via your browser or you can even dial-
awaiting info re parking for in by telephone. See our member-only
non‑members. We will update the page: How to use Zoom. To join the
website when we have this information. GOC Online group and receive updates
The event contact is Neil on 07808 502 of news and events, please go to My
527. Grid ref: ST 776 340 preferences and include Online in your
selection of groups. If you are not
Tue 10 October
already a member of GOC, please Join
Online Online Welcome Social. Are you us! To receive an automated email
interested to meet or socialise online reminder of our online socials 24 hours
with other GOC members from the in advance, with the link to follow the
comfort of your home, and help to next day, please email
welcome newcomers to GOC and online@goc.org.uk and ask to have your
encourage them to join us? Join us for address added to the calendar invite. ==
our new Online Welcome Social in Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
Zoom, on the second Tuesday of every scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
month from 19:00 to 20:00, starting Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
from June 2023. This is an opportunity into your browser: https://
for new and experienced GOC us06web.zoom.us/j/89593878113?
members to connect with each other, pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ
and with newcomers to GOC who book KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
from our new GOC Meetup group. For join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387
these newcomers it is an opportunity to 8113; Passcode: 324840
meet GOC and some of our members,
15
Somerset Frome, Somerset. Join us for
an easy, 4‑mile stroll taking in the
sights of the fascinating town of Frome
in the east of Somerset. As well as the
ancient streets and new developments,
we will explore the River Frome. The
route is mainly flat with a couple of
short climbs, which you can avoid if
you wish. We'll take one break on the
way round and finish at a convenient
hostelry. Please bring something to
drink! We will be walking mainly on
good, level paths, with only one set of
steps to negotiate, and one climb.
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start on
Welshmill Lane, Frome, BA11 2AA, at
the bridge crossing the River Frome by
the weir. The nearest landmark
building is Gracewell of Frome nursing
home. There is adequate space for
on‑street parking close to our meeting
point. Frome is well served by public
transport, although it's a twenty-
minute or so walk from the railway
station to our rendezvous. The nearest
bus stop is only a couple of minutes
away in Market Place. If you need a lift
or can offer a lift, please post a notice in
the Discussion Forum, which you’ll
find on the event’s webpage. Car share
is a good option to help members
without transport enjoy our walks,
reduce vehicle parking at the meeting
place and reduce the travel miles. In
the tradition of the U3A, the passenger
should give the driver a pound coin on
each journey; it keeps things cordial!
We will be passing food outlets on the
route and finishing in a local hostelry.
Grid ref: ST 777 486
16
West Wales, Women Landsker
Borderlands trail, from north of Garron
Pill near Lawrenny to Canaston Bridge.
This 9‑mile walk is the final leg of the
Landsker Borderlands 60‑mile walking
trail. Please note that the date of this
walk might change to Thursday 12th
October if weather is forecast to be
inclement on Tuesday 10th! Starting
to the north of Garron Pill (near
Lawrenny) and ending at Canaston
bridge, where we started this trail on
8th August, so the circle will be
complete. The walk will consist of
walking by the estuary, quiet country
lanes and in Minwear woods. Just
before the end of the walk, we come to
Blackpool Mill, where we are hoping to
get some celebratory coffee and cakes.
This whole trail has been epic walking,
through some beautiful countryside
well off the beaten track that we would
not ordinarily have walked. It has been
truly special. Please meet for a prompt
10:15 start at the Canaston Bridge free
car park. From Canaston Bridge
roundabout on the A40, take the exit
for Llawhaden. Immediately turn left,
and you will soon see the car park on a
bend in the road. We will then share
cars and drive to just north of
Lawrenny, where the walk will start.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. We are hoping to get
refreshments at Blackpool Mill just
before the end of the walk. The event
contact is Al on 07791 408 184. Grid ref:
SN 065 152
Fri 13 Oct - Mon 16 Oct
Dorset, Solent 2023 Isle of Wight Long
Weekend Away. Following the
successful weekend away in 2022, we
are revisiting the Isle of Wight to
explore the southern and eastern side of
the island. Our expectation is that
attendees will attend all the walks
below, meaning there is no need to sign
up to individual walks. Should anyone
wish to attend just one or two walks
(e.g. Saturday and/or Sunday) please
contact the group leader who will give
any further information or help
required. We have planned the
following walks:
Friday 13th Oct Godshill - 5.0 miles
Inland Fields, Woods and Downland;
(walk leader Ian Martin). Please meet
for a prompt 12:00 start at Godshill free
car park, PO38 3JD. This is opposite
The Griffin Inn which serves full
English breakfast from 09:00 to 11:00.
Timings allow for breakfast to be taken
before the walk. We suggest that you
catch the 09:00 ferry from Southampton
to Cowes. We are planning to eat out in
the evening if we can find a suitable
hostelry, but this will depend on
numbers.
Saturday 14th Oct Brightstone - 8.6
miles Coastal, Downland and Woods;
(walk leader Bernardo Chapero).
Please meet for a prompt 11:00. start in
Brook Chine Car Park, PO30 4HA,
which is free for NT members, but costs
£7 for four hours for non-members. In
the evening, we plan to have a group
microwave Indian/Chinese meal and
drinks back at our accommodation in
the holiday park.
Sunday 15th Oct Blackgang Chine and
St Catherine's Point - 6.0 miles Coastal
and Downland; (walk leader Ian
Martin). Please meet for a prompt 10:00
start in Blackgang Chine free car park,
PO38 2JB. We plan to have a late
Sunday Lunch if we can find a suitable
hostelry, but this again will depend on
numbers.
Monday 16th Oct Bembridge & Culver
Down - 5.6 miles Coastal & Downland;
(walk leader Stephen Crichard). Please
meet for a prompt 10:00. start in
Bembridge car park, at Fishermans
Walk, PO35 5TD, where a car park fee is
payable. We plan to have an after‑walk
drink before ferry departures The
suggested accommodation is Park Dean
Resorts, at Nodes Point near Bembridge
where there are a variety of Chalet/
Caravans to rent. The walk leader has
booked the Northwood-type Caravan
sleeping four at a cost of £229. There are
several other slightly cheaper options.
Attendees are obviously free to choose
alternative accommodation. We also
suggest using the Red Funnel Ferry
from Southampton to East Cowes, with
an outward journey on Friday 13th
October at 09:00, with the return trip on
Monday 16th October at 15:30. These
timings will allow for travellers to have
breakfast in Godshill before the first
walk and a group drink at the end of
the last walk. The cost of a car ferry to
include up to five occupants was
17
£134.25 (age over 60). Again, there are
many alternative routes and timings.
Attendees are responsible for booking
their own ferry crossings and
accommodation with the operators, and
we suggest that they form themselves
into small groups to keep costs down. If
you need more information, please
contact the group leader who will be
happy to help. Based on costs above, a
group of four will pay £91 per head and
a group of three will pay £121 per head.
The planned walks will vary a little, but
will be easy to moderate and within all
capabilities. Meeting points and
parking facilities for each walk are
shown above. The event contact is Ian
Martin on 07803 056 989.
Fri 13 October
North East Film Premiere Screening.
We are invited to the premier screening
of Tortu, the latest production from
Iodin Films. This is a new gay feature
film, set in North‑East England and
France. The dress code is smart casual.
Please meet by 12:30 at The Arc,
Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecote St,
Stockton on Tees, TS18 1LL. There is a
public carpark close to the venue. Grid
ref: NZ 442 189
Sat 14 October
Adventure Out, Scotland Gare Loch to
Loch Lomond. This 8‑mile linear walk
with 300m of climbing connects Gare
Loch and Loch Lomond. We will use
the Three Lochs Path and sections of
the John Muir Way to walk between
Craigendoran railway station on the
18
shores of Gare Loch, and Balloch on
Loch Lomond, traversing the hills
between the two lochs. The walk is
coordinated around trains from
Glasgow Queen St to Craigendoran and
return trains from Balloch. The walk
may be extended by a few miles by
walking along the River Leven path,
and getting the train back from one of
the stops along the way (Alexandria,
Renton or Dalreoch). The route is on the
Walkhighlands website, but will be
done in reverse to what is described
there. We will be walking on a mixture
of paths from pavement to open moor.
In addition to the climb and descents,
there are likely to be some boggy
sections after rain, but nothing serious.
Please meet for a prompt 10:00 start at
Craigendoran Railway Station,
Helensburgh G84 7BQ. Parking is
available on Station Road. The 09:02
train from Glasgow Queen St is
scheduled to arrive at 09:44. Return
trains from Balloch are every 30
minutes, at 8 minutes and 38 minutes
past the hour. Change at Dalreoch if
you need to return to Craigendoran.
These trains are also every 30 minutes,
at 2 minutes past and 32 minutes past
the hour. Please bring a packed lunch
and something to drink. At the end of
the walk, there are cafés by Loch
Lomond in Balloch where we will get
refreshments. The event contact is
Douglas Bodie on 07474 308 179. Grid
ref: NS 310 813
Hertfordshire Much Hadham and
Bakers' End. This undulating 11.5‑mile
circular walk will start and finish in
Much Hadham. The route takes in the
glory of rural East Hertfordshire, with
long views of curvaceous countryside,
rolling hills and sensuous textures. The
village of Much Hadham has an
affluent history, represented by
picturesque grand old buildings,
nowadays decorated with expensive
cars on the driveways. There are few
settlements to visit on this route. The
route uses parts of the Greenwich
Meridian Trail and the Harcamlow
Way. Please bring a packed lunch, lots
to drink and something to sit on. Lunch
will be sat on the ground. The route is
largely exposed, so as well as sturdy
boots, please wear windproof clothing
and apply sun block. At the end of the
walk, there will be an optional pub
stop. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
start at the northern end of Much
Hadham, on the B1004 High Street,
SG10 6DB, in view of St Andrew's
Church. On-street parking is available
close by. Please park on the eastern side
of the road (southbound side), next to
the pavement. There is no viable public
transport to the start point, so please
arrange with another member for a lift
from a nearby railway station. These
include Bishops Stortford, Ware (both
from London Liverpool Street) or
Watton-at-Stone (from London Kings
Cross, St Pancras or Moorgate). The
event contact is Martin on 07947 035
000. Grid ref: TL 428 197
Transpennine Goyt Valley. This is a
moderate 6‑mile walk from the Goyt
Valley to the Shining Tor Ridge,
returning via Pym Chair. The walk
allows an appreciation of the ruins of
Errwood Hall, built around 1840 and its
environs. The walk is along
well‑defined paths which are uneven in
places Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at Errwood Hall car park, SK17
6SX, which is free. Immediately south
of Kettleshulme, which is located on the
B5470, turn south into Side End Lane.
Continue for approximately for two
miles, passing Windgather Rocks on the
left, to the T‑junction at Pym Chair.
Turn left (east) into the Street, passing
over a cattle grid, and continue
downhill for one and a half miles.
Errwood car park is located on the
right, virtually at the bottom of the hill.
This walk cannot be accessed by public
transport. Please bring a packed lunch
and plenty to drink, and wear good
walking boots and weatherproof
clothing. The event contact is: Paul A on
07772 916 808. Grid ref: SK 014 757
Sun 15 October
Berkshire and Mid Thames,
Oxford South Oxfordshire Circular.
This will be a reasonably easy 8‑mile
circular walk through woods and open
fields, with wide ranging views across
open countryside. There should be
some good photo opportunities if the
weather is fair. A highlight of the walk
will be homemade cakes by one of our
walkers at the end of the walk. But to
taste them you need to join us!
19
The paths may be muddy in places.
Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start at
The King William IV Pub at Hailey,
OX10 6AD where there is plenty of
parking to the rear. As there is no
suitable public transport, a car will be
required to reach the start of this walk.
If you need a lift, please contact Simon
Scaddan on 07854 743 829. Please bring
a packed lunch and plenty to drink. We
will stop at a convenient point to have
our lunch. As the pub does not serve
food after 15:00, following the walk,
there will be no pub lunch, but Andrew
Walker will provide some home baked
cakes. There will however be the
opportunity to have drinks in the pub.
If you require a full meal, there are
pubs in nearby Wallingford and
Goring. The event contact is Andrew
Walker on 07774 595 693. Grid ref: SU
642 858
East Midlands, History & Culture,
Women From Shenton Station to
Bosworth Battlefield Trail. Starting
from Shenton Train station, on this easy
8‑mile walk we will follow parts of the
Bosworth Battlefield Trail and the
Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal. At a
leisurely pace, it should take us around
three hours. Most of the walk is on flat
terrain following footpaths and the
canal towpath. There are some short,
slightly uphill sections. There is a nice
little café and antique shop towards the
end of the walk if we want to stop on
our way back to our cars. Please meet at
11:15 for a prompt 11:30 start at
Shenton Station, Shenton Lane,
20
Nuneaton, CV13 6DJ, where parking
costs £2.50 for all day. Please bring a
packed lunch and plenty to drink. The
event contact is Gabbie Giuffre on
07887 797 164. Grid ref: SK 397 003
Essex Danbury Common Circular. This
easy 9‑mile walk will take us through
the common, farmland and woods.
Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start at
the National Trust car park, Bicknacre
Road, Danbury, CM3 4JH, where
parking is free, although there is an
honesty box for donations. (People
often put in £0.50). As there is no pub
stop available until the end of the walk,
please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. The event contact is John
Gregory on 07737 034 653. Grid ref: TL
781 043
South Wales Gwent Levels, Magor and
Redwick Circular. Walk/Gwastadeddau
Gwent - Magwyr - Taith Gerdded
Gylchol Redwick. This is an easy to
moderate 7‑mile walk, along farm
tracks, quiet country roads and
footpaths, along the eastern Gwent
Levels, a historic landscape of flat fertile
fields, criss-crossed by drainage
channels and reeds. The Gwent Levels
were first reclaimed from the sea in
Roman times. The walk also takes in
the section of the Wales Coastal Path
between Major Pill and Redwick, as
well as the historic villages of Magor
and Redwick. If there has been recent
rain, it will be a bit muddy in places,
and it can get breezy along this section,
next to the Severn Estuary. This is a flat
walk on good surfaces.
Please meet for a prompt 10:45 start at
Major Square Car Park, Magor, NP26
3HY. Magor is south-east of Junction
23A of the M4. Exit at this junction and
follow signs for Newport on the A4801,
Newport’s Southern Distributor Road,
(SDR). After about 200 metres take the
filter lane to the left signposted for
Magor and at the roundabout take the
third exit onto the B4245. A quarter of a
mile after this roundabout, take the
right‑hand turn (Newport Road)
signposted with the brown tourist
information sign for Historic Magor
Square and Magor Marsh Nature
Reserve. The car park is south of
Magor Square and can be accessed by
driving through the Square, or by
following Redwick Road and watching
out for the parking signposts. If
travelling east on the SDR from
Newport, take the left‑hand turn
signposted for Magor, Wales 1 Business
Park and the hotel, just prior to the
Junction 23A roundabout. At the traffic
lights turn left onto the B4245
signposted Caldicot and Magor. Go
straight across at the roundabout, and
then pick up directions, as in the
paragraph above. Parking at Magor
Square car park is free, but if this is full,
please park considerately on local
residential streets. If you need a lift,
please message the event contact who
may be able to arrange a lift from
Severn Tunnel Junction Railway
Station. The X74/74 bus between
Newport and Chepstow also stops in
Magor. Please bring a packed lunch and
plenty to drink. We will probably lunch
near to the Rose Inn in Redwick,
although this may be busy serving
Sunday lunches. There are two pubs
and a shop close to Magor Square, our
start and finish point. The event
contacts are Stephen Gregory on 07788
608 460 and Ben on 07951 001 676. Grid
ref: ST 425 871
Western Midlands Along the Beacon
Way and a little‑known canal in
Walsall. On this 8‑mile meander around
the countryside to the east of Walsall,
we will walk alongside the little known
Rushall Canal through two flights of
locks. We will follow the Beacon Way
through nature reserves, and climb up
to the war memorial on Barr Beacon,
with far reaching views around the
area, given reasonable weather. We will
be walking along a canal towpath, a
good deal of which is well maintained,
but is single file in places. There is also
some walking along tarmac roads,
woodland paths and other footpaths.
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
the lay-by at the northern end of
Longwood Lane, just off the A454
Walsall to Aldridge Road. There is a
roundabout on the A454, the nearest
postcode to this is WS9 0GG, which is
for the Peugot Dealers by the
roundabout. Longwood lane is the only
other road off this roundabout. The lay-
by is just on your right as you leave the
roundabout down Longwood Lane.
There is a Hot and Cold Food sign at
the entrance. It is diagonally opposite
the entrance to Hayhead Wood Nature
21
Reserve on Longwood Lane. Parking Hardcastle Crags. Follow the road up
here is free. Unfortunately, the café in and out of Hebden. About a mile
the lay-by is closed on Sundays and further on is a left turn, also signposted
there are no toilet facilities. Park where
for Hardcastle Crags. The car park is at
you can; there is plenty of room! There the end of this road. We will walk up
are buses from Walsall bus station the valley and past Gibson Mill. The
(which is a 5‑minute walk from the ascent/descent of Hardcastle Crags is an
train station). The number 6 (for Sutton optional detour from the main path.
Coldfield) goes along the A454 and From there, we will head over low
stops near to the roundabout, close to moors to the lower reservoir and the
the start of the walk. If you are using Pennine Way where we stop for lunch.
this, then please check the bus Afterwards, we will continue down the
timetables before setting out. There are Pennine Way and the Calderdale Way
regular trains from Birmingham New to Heptonstall, before returning along
Street to Walsall. Please bring a packed wooded valleys to our starting point.
lunch and something to drink. The The car park is free for National Trust
contact on the day is Peter Mansell on members and disabled badge holders,
07941 592 534. Grid ref: SP 041 991 but NT members must bring their
membership card and use it at the
Tue 17 October
machine to get a ticket. For other users,
North East, North Wales, parking costs £5 for all day. The
Transpennine Tuesday Trekking: machine only accepts coins. It is
Autumn Colour in Calderdale. This is a possible to park at places along the
9‑mile walk through wooded valleys road, but some bits are for residents
and over low moors, to include a hilltop only, or are subject to parking
village. You will need walking boots, restrictions on a single yellow line. You
waterproof jacket and trousers, warm will then need to walk up to the start
clothing, trekking pole(s) if normally point. You could come to Hebden
used, a packed lunch and plenty to Bridge by bus or train, but please check
drink. The walk will include rocky train or bus times from your departure
paths, a few wobbly stiles, and low point before setting out. I can collect up
moors, with some steep ascents and to four walkers from Hebden Bridge
descents. Please meet for a prompt Train Station and take them to the start
10:30 start at Hardcastle Crags National point. Please let me know by using the
Trust car park, near Midgehole/New comments section if you would like to
Bridge, about two miles north of take up this offer. You will need to get
Hebden Bridge. Coming from Halifax, to Hebden Bridge Station by 10:00. The
just after as you drive into Hebden event contact is Alex Barr on 07703 896
Bridge, take the right‑hand turn, 360. Grid ref: SD 988 291
following the brown signpost for
22
Wed 18 October
Devon Seaton Trams and Town. This
relaxed social event will see us meet at
Colyton and take the tram down to the
town of Seaton. A fare applies; a day
ticket costs £13. It gives lots of
opportunities for you to explore
different areas, including the trams, the
nature of the wetlands area, and Seaton
town. Depending on your choice, you
might wish to bring a packed lunch or
choose to eat in Seaton. Depending on
the return tram we take, there should
be an opportunity to alight at the
'wetlands' station to explore this area
before returning to Colyton. This will
involve a walk of around four miles,
almost entirely on level ground. Please
meet by 10:45 on the station platform in
Colyton. We plan to take the tram at
11:00, so please make sure you leave
enough time to park and purchase your
ticket. Trams run at 20‑minute intervals.
Parking at Colyton station is free. The
car park is in Cownhayne Lane off
Station Road; postcode EX24 6HA. If
you’re coming from the A3052, we
recommend going through Colyton to
get to Colyton Station. Some SatNavs
will take you north along Cownhayne
Lane. Instead, please take Coly Road
and allow your SatNav to update your
route. Please keep a careful look-out, as
the sign into Station Road can be
missed. Food will be available in
Seaton, but you may wish to bring a
packed lunch. The event contact is Roy
Stephenson on 07747 815 070
Thu 19 October
Dorset Kingcombe Meadows and
Powerstock Common. This moderate
6‑mile walk around the nature reserves
of Kingcombe Meadows and
Powerstock Common is largely flat and
on firm paths. Please meet for a prompt
10:00 start at the Kingcombe Meadows
Centre, DT2 0EQ, where there is ample
free parking. It is best reached from the
A356 Crewkerne-Maiden Newton road,
passing through Toller Porcorum.
There are no refreshments enroute so
please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. After the walk, we will retreat
to the cafe at the Kingcombe Centre
(01300 32 0684) The event contact will
be Martin W on 07419 585 547. Grid ref:
SY 555 991
Sat 21 October
London, Surrey Surrey Downs and
Heathland: Merstham to Epsom
Downs. This 11‑mile walk, to be led by
Jon Barker, was originally planned for
May but had to be postponed. The first
half of our walk runs west from
Merstham following the North Downs
Way. It soon reaches Gatton Park,
which was landscaped by Lancelot
“Capability” Brown. The walk attains
the top of the North Downs escarpment
at Reigate Hill from where there are
excellent views to the south and along
the North Downs ridge. We will stop a
short while at Reigate Fort before we
walk further along the North Downs
Way to Colley Hill, another fine
viewpoint.
23
Leaving the escarpment, we turn north,
crossing the M25 and passing the tiny
village of Mogador. We then cross the
wide‑open spaces of Banstead Heath to
Walton on the Hill. The walk ends on
Epsom Downs Racecourse with a
panoramic view of the London skyline.
The walk is mainly along country
footpaths which may be muddy and
slippery in places. There are some steep
ascents and descents. Please meet for a
prompt 10:40 start at Merstham station,
ready to leave by 10:40, following the
arrival of trains from London at 10:31
and Horsham at 10:33. As this is a linear
walk with different start and end
points, it is not really suitable for travel
by car, and so the organisers have not
researched parking. Provisionally,
Thameslink trains run every 30 minutes
from St Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars
and London Bridge to Merstham,
enroute to Horsham. You may wish to
check trains running from Victoria and
Clapham Junction. The recommended
train from London departs St Pancras at
09:45, Farringdon 09:49, Blackfriars
09:54, London Bridge 10:00, and arrives
at Merstham at 10:31. For your return
journey, Southern trains run every 30
minutes from Epsom Downs.
Connecting services are available at
Sutton for Blackfriars, Farringdon and
St Pancras. If you leave the walk a little
earlier, it may be more convenient for
you to catch a train from Tattenham
Corner to East Croydon and London
Bridge. These trains run every 30
minutes. The walk may be shortened by
24
about 1.5 miles as we will pass close to
Tadworth station, which has the same
trains as from Tattenham Corner.
Alternatively, extending the walk by
about a mile brings you to Epsom
station, from where there are trains
every 30 minutes to Waterloo via
Clapham Junction and at the same
frequency to London Bridge. The walk
leader should be able to assist with the
various options. Please bring a packed
lunch and plenty to drink. The event
contact is Jon Barker on 07941 121 949.
Grid ref: TQ 291 532
Sun 22 October
Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire
and North Somerset Follow the Edges!
Starting from Uphill, Weston-Super-
Mare, we will follow the edges of the
sea, the Mendips, and the Somerset
Levels on this easy-to-moderate 7‑mile
circular walk. Highlights include the
beach, views over the Levels, a pretty
village, and reed‑land bird life. The
terrain is largely flat, but includes a
couple of moderate climbs, the largest
ascending 50 metres, and one very
steep descent, which can be bypassed.
We will be walking on a mixture of
paths, quiet roads, and a mile of beach
where we'll walk on firm sand. There is
one section where we may encounter
mud after heavy rain. Please meet for a
prompt 11:00 start outside The
Boathouse Cafe, Uphill, BS23 4XE.
Please park with consideration in the
small informal car park off Uphill Way /
Links Road, just before the café. (Look
for signs to Uphill Marina & Touring
Park). If this is full, there are car
parking spaces a hundred metres away,
opposite numbers 96-106 Uphill Way.
Sunday buses are very limited. It's
about a 45‑minute, 2‑mile walk from
Weston-super-Mare train station. If you
need a lift or can offer a lift, please post
a notice in the Discussion Forum, which
you’ll find below the Book Event
section of this event’s notice on the
GOC website. Car share is a good
option to help members without
transport enjoy our walks, reduce
vehicle parking at the meeting place
and reduce the travel miles. In the
tradition of the U3A, the passenger
should give the driver a pound coin on
each journey; it keeps things cordial!
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. There is a small village shop in
Uphill. Refreshments will also be
available at the Boathouse Café. There
is a pub around the half-way point
where we may stop for a drink, but we
won't have time (and they likely won't
have space) to stop for their Sunday
lunch. Afterwards, we can choose
between the Boathouse Café or one of
the pubs nearby. Grid ref: ST 314 584
Surrey Vale of Homesdale. A favourite
8‑mile walk around Westcott, Abinger
and Wotton, an area once known as the
Vale of Homesdale, which lies between
the North Downs and Leith Hill. Our
moderate circular walk will take us via
Abinger Roughs, Abinger Hatch, Friday
Street, Wotton and back. There are no
major climbs but a few short steep
sections. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at Abinger Roughs car park on
Whitedown Lane, a quarter of a mile
north of the A25. The nearest postcode
is RH5 6PZ. As this car park can get
quite busy, you might need to find a
spot along the lane. Please bring a
packed lunch, plenty to drink and
something to sit on. Tea and coffee will
be provided at the end of the walk so
please bring along your culinary
delights to share! The event contact is
Patrick Childs on 07397 296 720. Grid
Ref: TQ 111 480.
Thu 26 October
Online Online Members Social. Are
you interested in meeting or socialising
with other GOC members online, from
the comfort of your home? Perhaps
you don't find it easy to join many of
our outdoor events for one reason or
another, or you're interested in
connecting with members beyond those
that you usually meet in person? Join
us for our new Online Member Social in
Zoom, on the fourth Thursday of every
month from 19:00 – 20:00, starting from
June 2023. Whatever your interest, and
whatever your level of technical
experience or expertise, you are
welcome! This is a continuation of our
longstanding Online Social in Zoom.
From June 2023, it will take place every
month on the fourth Thursday,
instead of fortnightly, to complement a
new Online Welcome Social each month
on the second Tuesday. Do please join
either or both!
25
We start each online social with a quick
round of introductions. If you have
something in particular that you would
like to share or ask, this is your chance
to let others know what that is. Then we
spend most of our time mingling and
chatting informally - in small breakout
groups if there are many of us. We close
each session by gathering all together
again to hear something of what we all
shared or enjoyed during the session.
Please consider offering to share a brief
report afterwards on the GOC website,
to share something of your experience
and to encourage others to attend in
future. Please take a screenshot of
those present, with their permission of
course, and upload it afterwards with a
few lines of text at Submit a new event
report. See recent reports on the Online
group page as examples. Our Zoom
meeting room is accessible on a
computer, tablet or smartphone via an
app, or with more limited functionality
via your browser or you can even dial-
in by telephone - see our member-only
page How to use Zoom. To join the
GOC Online group and receive updates
of news and events, please go to My
preferences and include Online in your
selection of groups. If you are not
already a member of GOC, please Join
us! To receive an automated email
reminder of our online socials 24 hours
in advance, with the link to follow the
next day, please email
online@goc.org.uk and ask to have your
address added to the calendar invite. ==
Gay Outdoor Club is inviting you to a
26
scheduled Zoom meeting. To join the
Zoom Meeting, copy and paste this link
into your browser: https://
us06web.zoom.us/j/82898130104?
pwd=Qk41bjFhTUtDd1NXVFNPUmFy
R2NKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
join and enter: Meeting ID: 828 9813
0104 Passcode: 377718
Sun 29 October
Berkshire and Mid Thames, History &
Culture, Oxford, Western
Midlands Georgian Pershore and the
River Avon. A delightful 7.5‑mile circuit
from the centre of Georgian Pershore,
near the town house of punk
phenomenon Toyah Wilcox. Our path
from Abbey Park takes us past a
crinkle‑crankle wall towards the ancient
stone bridge and wartime artefacts., We
then enter Wick Village and see the
Manor House. A short optional road
walk affords an opportunity to view
RHS Pershore College’s Perennial
Garden. Following the River Avon
footpath westward, an easy ascent takes
us into Tiddesley Wood nature reserve.
Our route back into town includes a
chance to see inside the landmark
Abbey, now a Parish Church, with its
famous lantern tower. Various
hostelries, including the famous Angel,
provide a warming end to our day in
`Plum Country`. This is an easy to
moderate walk, mainly flat, but may be
muddy in places. Please meet for a
prompt 11:00 start at the Abbey car
park, WR10 1LX, off Abbey Road,
where there is free parking on Sundays.
Look for the Abbey Tower just west of
the town centre. If the car park is full,
there is on‑street parking nearby, as
well as public toilets. Pershore Railway
Station is not within easy walking
distance, but has direct trains from
London Paddington, Oxford through to
Worcester and Hereford. If you need
transport from the station to the start of
the walk, please let one of the event
contacts know as soon as possible. A
limited bus services is also available.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. There will be an option to eat
and drink in town afterwards. The
event contacts are David Millar on
07818 022 300, and Glyn Coventry on
07722 566 494. Grid ref: SO 946 458
Dorset Jurassic Coast: Kimmeridge to
Tyneham Circular. A 7-mile coastal
circuit to the abandoned village at
Tyneham from Kimmeridge via Gad
Cliff and Worbarrow Bay, returning
along the coastal ridge. It includes two
moderate climbs which will yield
magnificent views of the Purbeck coast.
It is likely to be muddy in places if we
have had recent rain. Please meet for a
prompt 10:00 start in the Quarry car
park, where free parking is available.
This is on the hill just before
Kimmeridge Village, BH20 5NZ. From
the east of the county follow the A351
past Wareham, heading towards
Swanage. Turn right at the Stoborough
roundabout for Furzebrook and
beyond, to head up and over Creech
Hill. At the bottom junction, go straight
across and continue for two miles to
reach Kimmeridge Lane. Turn left, and
immediately turn left again. From the
north and west, the most obvious route
is via Wool, Coombe Keynes and East
Lulworth, turning left up to the ridge
and continuing down to the
Kimmeridge turn off. There are no
refreshments enroute so please bring a
packed lunch and plenty to drink. At
the end of the walk at around 14:00,
there will be an opportunity for tea or
late lunch at Clavells Restaurant in
Kimmeridge. (Booking on 01929 480
701 is advisable.) The event contact will
be Laurence B on 07833 902 134. Grid
ref: SY 918 800
East Kent An autumn walk from
Walmer. This is a moderate 10‑mile
circular walk starting and finishing at
Walmer Station. It will take in
Ringwood, St Margaret's and
Kingsdown and a variety of
countryside including open downland,
clifftop, woodland and shingle beach.
Our lunch stop will be near St
Margaret's, with an optional pub stop
during the afternoon. Along the way,
local items of interest will be pointed
out including ancient trees, a ship
swallower and an admiral’s love nest.
We will be walking across downland,
cliffs and beach. There are plenty of
rolling hills but only one short steep
climb. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at Walmer Station, CT14 7RN,
where parking is available on Station
Drive for a charge of £1 per day (correct
at the time of writing). Parking may
also be available on local roads, but not
on nearby Mayer's Road which is a very
27
narrow, congested cul-de-sac. Once
train times are known, the walk’s start
time may be adjusted to suit. Please
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink. We will stop for lunch in St
Margaret's where hot drinks will be
available to purchase. The event contact
is Martin Brandon on 07525 252 118.
Grid ref: TR 364 503
Norfolk, Suffolk Pulhams Circular. A
moderate 6.5‑mile walk across open
country between the villages of Pulham
Market and Pulham St Mary, often on
the edges of fields (which might be
muddy) but also on quiet and more
sheltered lanes. There are no stiles, but
the walk does include a short hill
climbing up to 53 metres, with the
reward of long views across south
Norfolk. As some stretches of the walk
are very exposed with little shelter,
please come prepared if the weather is
wet and windy. The walk can be
shortened if it gets too grim, or
lengthened if we are enjoying ourselves
so much! Field edges can be lumpy, but
the paths are clear. Please meet in
Pulham Market, in the small free car
park in Falcon Road, opposite The
Falcon pub, IP21 4SU. This is at the
northern end of the village green, in the
centre of the village. Apart from the
Falcon Road car park, there is on‑street
parking further down Falcon Road, and
parking outside the village hall. This
walk cannot be accessed by public
transport. Please bring a packed lunch
and plenty to drink, as the Pennoyer
Centre in Pulham St Mary will not be
28
open. However, both pubs in Pulham
Market serve food on Sundays. The
event contact is Richard 07968 025 157.
Grid ref: TM 197 862
Mon 30 Oct - Tue 31 Oct
Adventure Out, Cycling, Events
Abroad ‘Make your own’ Mallorca
2023. You can travel any time before 31
October 2023. Mallorca is a Spanish
island in the Mediterranean, offering
everything a cyclist or walker may wish
for. There are beaches along the south
coast, a central plateau with isolated
hills bearing castles and monasteries to
visit, and mountains plunging into the
sea along the north coast. The
mountains are green all year. In the
April/May there are lots of flowers and
in October there is fruit in the
vineyards, the start of Autumn colour
and the sea is warm. We have been
cycling there for many years; walking is
more recent. We have been visiting in
the Spring and Autumn for many years,
taking advantage of weather that is less
hot and an absence of summer crowds,
but maybe you like lazing on the beach
in the heat? We have an agreed
discount with the Hotel Helios all
season. In May and October, daytime
temperatures are typically around 20°C,
pleasantly warm and sunny but not
tediously hot. Rain is a possibility and
you should bring waterproofs (that’s
why the island is green) but we’ve
never had a day completely written off.
More than one wet day is unlucky.
Cycling is very popular and there is the
infrastructure in place to support it,
including dedicated cycleways through
the island capital Palma, cycle racks
outside cafés and restaurants, and
secure cycle storage inside the hotel.
Although there is nothing to stop you
taking your own bike out to Mallorca,
most of us hire out there since good
quality carbon road bikes are available
at a competitive price compared with
flying your own out, and it is much less
hassle. E-bikes are also readily
available. Walking is not yet quite so
organised, but there is plenty to do,
including the GR221 running the length
of the northern mountains. Walking is
up to the walkers to organise, making
use of buses, trains and taxis, or
perhaps hiring a car. See https://
www.seemallorca.com/walking/guide
and published guide-books. For
everyone, there is the historic centre of
Palma and its cathedral, the quaint port
town of Sóller accessible by narrow
gauge railway, and also rustic
traditional towns and villages in the
middle of the island. There is a sauna
too. The Helios is in Ca’n Pastilla, just
to the east of Palma and at the end of
the wide sandy Palma Bay, and a short
bus ride from the airport and city
centre. It’s a resort with all the facilities
you might expect, but a long way from
the infamous party spots of Palma
Nova and Magalluf and quite
genteel. The Helios has increased its
prices quite significantly this year and
we will be investigating possible
alternatives in April, when some of us
will be out there. To book, you ‘buy a
ticket’ and the GOC discount code will
be e‑mailed to you within a day or so.
You then book and pay the hotel
directly using the code. The choice of
single or double booking on the web-
site is for our management purposes
only. What you actually book with the
hotel is up to you. The web-site
messaging system can be used to
facilitate room-sharing should you
wish, but GOC takes no responsibility
for this. The hotel is the Hotel Helios,
Mallorca, details at https://
www.hoteleshelios.com/en/helios-
mallorca-hotel-apartamentos/ The hotel
operates ‘dynamic pricing’ which
means that the prices are likely to go up
closer to the date of your stay, and in
previous years the hotel has been
completely full at times, so don’t leave
your booking too late. Prices in £ are
also affected by exchange rate
fluctuations. You are free to choose
your room type and booking/
cancellation offer. It is up to you to
arrange appropriate travel insurance
and get a GHIC if you don’t have a
valid EHIC. Entry rules to the EU are
changing - check https://www.gov.uk/
visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-
liechtenstein Bus A2 from the airport,
see https://www.palmaairport.info/
public-transport/taking-the-bus-from-
palma-airport/#route%20twentyone
The fare is 5 euros each way. More
details will be provided when you
book. You can also get a taxi, but this
will cost at least 20 euros as there's an
airport surcharge.
29
We suggest that you book 'half-board' direction to pass directly in front of
from the hotel, which includes an ‘all Alexandra Palace. If the weather is
you can eat’ buffet at breakfast and good, we will have spectacular views
dinner. You won't get as good value for over North London. Finally, we will
dinner nearby. The hotel caters for a swing right-handed down South
wide variety of dietary requirements, Terrace until we reach Alexandra Palace
but specific needs should be arranged Station, where the walk will end. The
directly with the hotel. Lunch is readily walk climbs steadily to one of the
available at numerous cafés and bars highest points in the capital but
across the island. Please note that GOC gradients are generally gentle. There is
will not be involved in organising this a short, steeper section in Queens
trip and there will be no GOC contact Wood. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
onsite. Postcode: 07610 start outside the main entrance to
Finsbury Park Station, N4 2DH, which
Wed 01 November
is on Station Place, by the bus
London The Parkland Trail; Finsbury interchange. If you’re coming to the
Park to Alexandra Palace. At around 5.5 walk by train or tube, when you leave
miles, the Parkland Trail is the longest the station, turn right. We will meet in
linear nature reserve in London, and the area between the tube station
follows the former railway line entrance and Seven Sisters Road.
connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Driving to this one‑way walk is not
Palace that opened in 1873. GOC has recommended. As a city‑based walk,
covered parts of it several times before, parking is likely to be limited and
but this time we are following its whole expensive. For your outward journey,
length. We will begin by heading north Piccadilly and Victoria lines serve
through Finsbury Park before joining Finsbury Park, as do Great Northern
the first part of the nature trail which and Thameslink services from Kings
will take us to Highgate. From there, Cross, Moorgate and other Thameslink
we will head through Queens Wood, stations. For the return journey, Great
emerging on Muswell Hill Road. After Northern and Thameslink services from
crossing the road, we will turn Alexandra Palace station go to
northbound, following the track that Moorgate via Finsbury Park.
follows the edge of Highgate Wood, Alternatively, Wood Green station on
where there are several benches that we the Piccadilly line is about 15 minutes’
can use for an informal lunch stop. walk away. The walk may be
When we reach the northern edge of the conveniently shortened at various
wood, we will join the second part of points served by bus routes and most
the nature trail which climbs steadily conveniently at Highgate station,
north-east to bring us into Alexandra served by the Northern line.
Park. We will then continue in the same
30
Please bring a packed lunch and
something to drink. Social refreshments
may be held at the end of the walk
according to demand! The event contact
is Peter Blackburn on 07804 329 532.
Grid ref: TQ 313 867
Fri 03 Nov - Sun 05 Nov
Adventure Out, Cumbria, Scotland,
Transpennine Coniston Hostel
Weekend, Borrowdale A weekend meet
using the comfortable Coniston Holly
How Youth Hostel, Far End Bungalow,
Coniston LA21 8DD, which is close to
the centre of Coniston village. Please
see: https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha
-coniston-holly-howdale. On the
Friday, please do not arrive at the
hostel before 16:00. There are many
attractive mountain, hill and low‑level
walking routes possible directly from
the door of the hostel without the need
to drive anywhere, including The Old
Man of Coniston and Dow Crag. The
photographs on the webpage, of
Coniston Old Man and Swirl How, are
from past meets in this location. We
will be undertaking mountain walking
on rough hills. Members intending to
take part in this event should read
GOC's document Safety on the Hills. In
the event of poor weather, there will be
low‑level walking alternatives. You will
need to book your place on the website.
We have made a booking of twelve
places in three 4‑bed rooms. If the event
is showing as being fully booked, you
can always make your own booking
directly with the YHA.
The cost of YH accommodation,
especially at the weekends, has gone up
considerably in recent years. The cost of
two nights’ accommodation (bed only)
is £66.00 each for a bed in a dorm. All
bedding is provided, but you will need
to bring your own towels. Please note
that we make no profit on this type of
event. The GOC price is the cost price of
the accommodation. If the event is
under‑subscribed, GOC can make a
loss. If you need to cancel your
booking, we can only offer you a refund
if the event is fully subscribed and
someone else can take your place. There
is an OS 1:25000 outdoor leisure map of
the area, and Harveys also produce
maps in 1:25000 and 1:40000 scales.
There is parking at the hostel. Please
note that you may have to log your
registration on arrival. If you intend to
travel by public transport, there are
main line trains to Oxenholm, a branch
line service to Windermere and buses
from there. Please see: http://
www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and https://
www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/
cumbria-and-north-lancashire/505/
coniston-kendal/xnao505.i . We have
not included any meals in the costs.
Breakfasts, lunches and evening meals
can be purchased from the hostel, or
there is a small members’ kitchen
where you can prepare your own food.
In addition, you'll need a packed lunch
for the hill walks. The event contact is
Peter Moffat on 07743 174 197. Grid ref:
SD 302 981
31
Sun 05 November which offers fine views across the
Cambridgeshire River Ouse and valley. We will return via Hayes Wood
Fenland Skies from Over, and Hayeswood Lane to our starting
Cambridgeshire. We will be doing a point, where we will have the option of
9‑mile circular walk, starting in the visiting Otterton Mill Café, Otterton,
village of Over. From the village, we EX9 7HG, for a cream tea and cakes.
will walk north west to join the River Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
Ouse Path and follow the river for three the free Village Car Park in Hayes Lane,
miles. The river to our right and gravel East Budleigh, EX9 7EB. This is a small
pits to the left provided a sparkle car park, and so spaces are limited. If it
during our planning walk. Leaving the is full, you can park next to the village
river, we will walk south for about a shop in Wynards Road. Please bring a
mile. We will then walk east to skirt the packed lunch and plenty to drink. The
villages of Fenstanton, Fen Drayton and event contact is Neil Hough on 07857
Swavesey before returning on a wide 866 642 Grid ref: SY 065 848
track to Over. We will be walking on Dorset, Solent Around the New Forest
good paths but they are likely to be near the High Corner Inn. A flat,
muddy and wet in places, so boots are moderate 6‑mile walk in the New
essential. Please meet for a prompt Forest, around the High Corner Inn.
11:00 start at St. Mary's Church, Church Paths may be muddy if we have had
End, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NH. recent rain. Please meet for a prompt
Roadside parking is available in the 10:00 start at the High Corner Inn,
Linwood, BH24 3QX. The Inn is best
village, but these are residential streets,
so please park considerately. Please reached by taking the A338 from
bring a packed lunch and something to Ringwood towards Salisbury. After two
drink. There will also be an opportunity miles, the Inn is signposted off to the
for refreshments after the walk. The right. Continue ahead following the
event contacts are Martin on 07804 918 signposts for about four miles before
960 and Carl on 07804 918 959. Grid ref: turning left down a track for half a mile
TL 372 707 to reach the Inn, where free parking is
Devon East Budleigh Circular. This available. There will be no refreshments
6.5‑mile walk begins and ends in the available enroute, so please bring a
village of East Budleigh, the home of Sir packed lunch. We'll stop for lunch at
Walter Raleigh. The route will take us the High Corner Inn (01425 473 973) at
south west, across country to Bear the end of the walk. Our leader Gareth
Lane, where we will swing right along cordially invites everyone back home
Dalditch Lane, passing Squabmoor for tea in Westcliffe, Bournemouth after
Reservoir and Bystock Pools before the walk. You may contact Gareth on
arriving at East Budleigh Common, 07443 626 484. Grid ref: SU 196 107

32
History & Culture, West Kent
Chevening and the North Downs. This
is a moderate 5‑mile walk around the
parkland of Chevening in the Kent
Downs AONB. There will be a vigorous
climb or two up onto the Downs where
we will walk along a small part of the
North Downs Way, with a lunch stop
near the village of Knockholt, and
views out towards Sevenoaks and over
the country estate of Chevening.
Chevening has a history dating back
around 800 years, but the house we see
today is almost entirely the creation of
seven generations of the Stanhope
family, building on the original
Lennard family’s house of around 1630.
For 250 years, the Stanhopes served
their country as soldiers and statesmen,
and at Chevening as patrons of
architecture and art. When, sadly, the
line ran out, the 7th Earl’s munificent
gift of Chevening to the nation ensured
that the distinguished history of the
family and the estate was preserved for
future generations. It is especially
appropriate that the house has become
the country residence of a cabinet
minister, and thus continues to play its
part in the political life of the nation.
The Estate consists of some 3,000 acres
stretching between Sevenoaks and
Biggin Hill in Kent. The gardens
include a lake, a maze, a parterre and a
double‑hexagonal walled kitchen
garden, amounting in all to some 40
acres. Over 530 acres of mixed
woodland surround the extensive park.
The walk includes a couple of steep
climbs. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
start in the estate village of Chevening,
outside St Botolph's church, TN14 6GH.
To reach Chevening, leave the A25 at
Sundridge and go north along the
B2211 signposted to Chevening. After
two miles, turn left up a minor road
signposted to Chevening. If coming
from London on the A21, take the A224
south towards Sevenoaks, then take the
B2211 southbound, and after a mile or
so turn right onto the minor road
signposted to Chevening. Please park
sensitively in the village, near the
church, where the public road ends.
There is some off‑road parking behind
the church, accessed by a lane, and
there may be space to park along the
verges before reaching the church. The
public road is a dead end, so there is no
through traffic, but do not drive on into
the private area of the estate, which has
high security, and obey any ‘No
Parking’ signs! There is no reliable
public transport to Chevening on a
Sunday. The nearest train station is in
Sevenoaks, a short taxi-ride away.
Please ensure you allow sufficient time
to arrive for the start of the walk. Please
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink, as there is no convenient pub
stop on the route. The event contact is
Jeremy Palmer on 07495 250 836, on the
day only, please. Grid ref: TQ 489 577
South Wales, West Wales, Women A
View of Heaven (or maybe Swansea!)
This is an 8.5‑mile circular walk around
the Clydach area, with a mixture of hills
and canalside walking.
33
The walk starts and ends with easy
walking next to the Swansea Canal. We
follow a footpath along the Lower
Clydach river, and then through
greenery to Cwm Clydach nature
reserve. From there, we will undertake
a long gentle climb along the river until
we reach Pont Lechart. This will be
followed by some very quiet road
walking to Gellionen Chapel. From the
chapel, there are views of Swansea,
Mumbles and Gower in the far
distance. Taking the path along
moorland, we join a bridleway down to
Trebanos. There are steps down to the
footpath along the canal, and an easy
walk back to Clydach. Although this is
a moderate walk, mostly along canal
paths, it ascends to open moorland at
around 300m, and includes some long,
gradual climbs, so please dress for the
weather! Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at Coed Gwilym park in Clydach,
SA6 5NS. Your satnav may take you
short of the park, but keep driving until
you see the brown tourist sign. Exit the
M4 at junction 45, take A4067 to the
River Tawe. Take the first exit from the
roundabout for the B4291 towards
Clydach. At the mini roundabout, turn
right onto Pontardawe road. The park
entrance is just after the primary school.
There is a large free car park as you
enter the park. You may also reach the
park using the X6 bus service. For
times, see www.traveline.cymru .
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty
to drink. The Clydach Heritage Centre,
which is near the car park, sells drinks
34
and snacks until noon on Sundays, but
it is run by volunteers, so don't rely on
it for your lunch! The event contact is
Russ Harris on 07790 033 547. Grid ref:
SN 698 015
Western Midlands Eccleshall and Cop
Mere Circular Walk. This 9‑mile loop
trail around Eccleshall, northwest of
Wolverhampton, is considered to be a
moderate route and takes an average of
three and a half hours to complete. It is
great for walking, and we are unlikely
to encounter many other people. Dogs
are welcome, but must be on a leash. It
is a field-heavy walk around Eccleshall,
over to Bishop's Offley and back. There
are a few pubs in Eccleshall itself that
may be open post walk to refresh
ourselves. If we have had recent rain,
the paths may be muddy in places, so
please wear waterproof boots or shoes.
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
The Little George Hotel, 1 Castle St,
Eccleshall, Stafford, ST21 6DF. Parking
is available on the high street and
surrounding roads. Our meeting point
is on the B5026. There is no public
transport available on Sundays. Please
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink as there are no shops enroute.
There is a Co-op supermarket a stone's
throw from the meeting point, and
several cafés in the vicinity. At the end
of the walk, we plan to retire to suitable
eating/drinking establishment, most
likely The Flour and Co Bakehouse. The
event contact is Eamonn McQuade on
07535 270 038. Grid ref: SJ 831 291
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North
Somerset A country estate and two
rivers, accessible by train. This is a
pretty 6‑mile walk with some good
views, featuring the Rivers Avon and
Trym, a limestone gorge and an
extensive country estate to the west of
Bristol, with good public transport
access by train. It is a mainly easy walk,
with some very short ascents and
descents. Please meet for a prompt
11:10 start at the front of Sea Mills
Railway Station, BS9 1DX, where the
10:46 train from Bristol Temple Meads
is due to arrive at 11.04. Return trains to
Bristol Temple Meads are hourly. The
station is on a minor road, a short
distance from the A4 Bristol to
Avonmouth road.
The A4 can be accessed from the M5 via
Junction 18, or from Bristol. If travelling
by car, please park considerately on
nearby roads. At the time of doing the
trial walk, there was plenty of space.
Please bring a packed lunch and
something to drink, but hot drinks and
light refreshments should be available
about halfway through the walk. The
event contacts are John and Martin on
07704 328 143, on the day only please.
Grid ref: ST 549 758
Full details
of all November’s events will be in
the November 2023 issue of
Outdoors, which is due out on 28th
October.
See also www.goc.org.uk

A Special Offer from the Ramblers

In a recent survey, many of our affiliated clubs suggested that we should give
their members a discount on membership of The Ramblers. We think this is a
great idea, and so we would like to offer GOC members a 20 per cent discount if
they take up new Ramblers’ membership by direct debit before 30th September
2023. All you have to do is to use the discount code E23VYA when joining online
(Search for: Join the Ramblers) or calling us on 020 3961 3232. Joining The
Ramblers will help us to continue our campaign for rights of access and all the
other things that matter most to walkers, so please check it out!
Nicola Fickling, Head of Membership, The Ramblers

This offer has now been extended to 31st October, so if you missed the original
deadline, you can use discount code G23DAW to get your 20 per cent discount.
However, we understand the price will be a little higher as The Ramblers’
membership fees are due to increase at the beginning of October.
Peter, Editor

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Associated Clubs
These clubs offer outdoor, sporting or other active pursuits
that welcome GOC members. Some offer concessions on NOT SO TRAD: Southern Lesbian & Gay Climbers.
event fees for GOC members. Contact Phillipe Torres at pxt119@btinternet.com or
Roslyn McKendry at roslynmckendry@hotmail.com
CycleOut: Gay cycling group based in London and
Out on Sunday: walks in the Lancs/Cheshire/Derbys
the SE. Recreational day cycling plus weekends and
area. Phil: philip.gledhill@virgin.net and at
holidays further afield in the UK and Europe. Tel.
http://www.outonsunday.co.uk/
01634 826 060. www.cycleoutlondon.org.uk.
The Freedom Club: camping & caravanning. Annual
Devon Pals: Lesbian group with monthly walks and
national meet. www.freedomclub.co.uk.
occasional socials. Contact Nicky at
devonpals@hotmail.co.uk Truegrip Badminton Glasgow. Meets Thursday
evenings at the National Badminton Academy. See
Gay Caravan and Camping Club:
our Facebook page or call Paul Tulloch 07708 514 676 /
www.gaycaravanclub.com; e-mail:
tullscot22@gmail.com.
gccchairman@margate54.fsnet.co.uk; Tel. 07977 317
872 (Ian Elesmore - Chairman) WWW (Women Walk Wales). Monthly meets.
Anglesey to Snowdonia. Rosie on 01248 601064 or
Glasgow Gay Rambling Group. Walks on the 2nd
email: rosie.crake@yahoo.co.uk.
Saturday of each month. Robert Watt on 0141 950
1081, 07594 036 962 or e-mail: cdaggg@mac.com
GLUG: National Gay & Lesbian Underwater Group Advertising in Outdoors. We offer quarter, half
(scuba diving). Monthly London meets. and whole page colour spaces. A whole page
www.glug.co.uk; info@glug.co.uk ad is £60, a half‑page is £40 and a quarter page
Goslings London Badminton Club: several weekly is £25, each is for one insertion. For the whole
badminton sessions and socials in London, details at page, you have the option of bleed. For a
www.goslingslondon.com series, discounts of £2 per insertion are
Irons Golf Society: a society for gay and lesbian available for a run of three or more. As an
golfers. www.ironsgolf.org.uk advertiser, you will get a free link to your
Lilidots: for women walkers in Scotland. Tel: Karen business on our website for the duration of
Radford on 01475 633 090. your ad. There is a one-off design charge of £40
(unless you send in artwork that requires no
Midlands Out Badminton: LGBT group open to all
further work). If you want to provide your
abilities. Meets Saturday mornings at Aston Universty,
own artwork, we can accept pdf or jpg files at
Birmingham. midsoutbadminton@gmail.com or call
300dpi. Please contact design@goc.org.uk to
Andy on mobile 07813 330 003 or see
discuss your requirements.
www.midlandsoutbadminton.co.uk
Outdoors is published ten times a year. The next copy
Moseley Shoals: Birmingham swimming. Three
deadlines are 9th October 2023, 6th November 2023.
sessions a week. Socials afterwards. Coaching
and 8th January 2024. An advertisement in Outdoors
available. New swimmers and visitors welcome. Mark
does not imply any endorsement of a product or
on 0121 441 3768 or see www.moseleyshoals.org.uk.
service by the GOC or its trustees. The views and
Northern Wave: Manchester swimming. Two
opinions expressed in Outdoors do not necessarily
sessions per week. Also water polo. See
reflect those of the GOC, its editor or its trustees.
www.northernwave.org or Trevor on 0161 872 1990 or
northernwave@btopenworld.com.

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