News for members of the Walking group

Thanks to everyone that got back to me, and for your understanding about my inability to keep to the original date.

Particular thanks to Richard North who volunteered to lead the walk on the original day.

The day that suits most people (sorry, Martine) is the following Friday 23^rd August, so I've changed the date on the web site.

Andy

The weather is looking good for our walk tomorrow (Friday). Cold but dry with a light wind.

After our mulled wine and mince pies, we'll head off towards Mengham. Distance is under 2½ miles. Margaret and I took less than 90 minutes for our recce. The route is mostly on all-weather surfaces with muddy sections and a few puddles to negotiate. No stiles or hills!

See you tomorrow,

Andy

I propose an 8½ mile walk around the Mardens on Friday 12^th October with a fall-back date of Friday 19^th if the weather is not good.

Click here for more details including map, route and car share arrangements.

I plan to do a recce walk between now and then. If you can't make the proposed date (or you'd like to do the walk twice!) let me know - I'd welcome the company.

Andy Henderson

I've managed to do a recce of the route and I've made a small change that means we'll be using a woodland path for some of the walk instead of a stony one. You can see the updated map here.

The walk is in three parts. From Eartham Woods to the Nore Hill Folly is undulating with some lovely views to the East, South and West. There were Buzzards overhead and I came across several flocks of Pheasant. There is one relatively steep uphill but nothing dramatic. There is a short section where the path was a little overgrown by brambles and nettles but not a problem for me in long trousers. Otherwise all the paths on the entire route were well-used and clearly-marked. No styles. This section has the only bit of road walking as we go through Eartham.

From Nore Hill towards Bignor hill is mostly walking in tranquil woods. There is a steep downhill to start with but, again, nothing dramatic. I would, however, suggest ankle protection and/or trekking poles. After that it is a steady, but gradual uphill towards Bignor.

At the northern tip of the walk, the countryside opens out to reveal more dramatic views to the south and west. A great place to stop for lunch. There's a bench here but I picnic'd on lush grass. From here we follow the Roman road - Stane Street - all the way back to our starting point. This time a steady, but gradual downhill. It's exhilarating to think we're following in the footsteps of 2,000-year-old travellers!

The weather is looking good for Friday. Be prepared for some wind in the exposed sections, however.

There will be at least one car at the West Town car park at 9:15 if you need a lift.

If you're planning to come, please let me know if you haven't already just in case you're delayed on the way to Eartham. Otherwise I don't need to know if you can't make it.

Andy

I propose an 8 mile walk around Eartham and the Slindon Estate on Friday 14^th September with a fall-back date of Friday 21^st if the weather is not good. The route includes a chunk of the Stane Street Roman road which is traffic-free.

Click here for more details including map, route and car share arrangements.

I plan to do a recce walk between now and then. If you can't make the proposed date (or you'd like to do the walk twice!) let me know - I'd welcome the company.

Andy Henderson

Thank you to everyone that responded to my enquiry about dates.

Friday is, once again, the most popular day. I will therefore meet everyone that wants to come on the Thorney Island walk in the Emsworth car park (see map, car share arrangements and other details here) at 10am on Friday 15^th June.

Apologies to those who can't make it.

Andy

I'm proposing a longer U3A walk around Thorney Island. The total distance is around 8.5 miles (taking in a pub stop). More details about the walk - including start point and time - here. I've put a stake in the ground for Friday 15th June, but that's up for discussion. Here are several dates that I can make:

• Thursday, June 14^th
• Friday, June 15^th
• Monday, June 18^th
• Tuesday, June 19^th

If you'd like to come on the walk, can you please let me know, for each date, which applies:

• Yes, I can make it
• Yes, but I'd rather not
• No, I can't make it

Note that the Thursday and Friday will provide the best opportunities to see basking seals off the south of Thorney.

That will help me spot the best date and - if the weather forecast isn't good - a suitable alternative date.

Thanks,

Andy

I previously proposed a longer walk than usual for Thursday May 10^th. More details about the walk - including start point and time - here. I got a mixed response to the suggested date.

If you're not interested in going on the walk, you need read no further.

To see if I can get a consensus on the best date for the walk, here are several dates that I can make:

• Thursday, May 10^th - the original date
• Friday, May 11^th
• Monday, May 14^th
• Tuesday, May 15^th

Can you please let me know, for each date, which applies:

• Yes, I can make it
• Yes, but I'd rather not
• No, I can't make it

That will help me spot the best date and - if the weather forecast isn't good - a suitable alternative date.

Thanks,

Andy