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 September 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 Chair’s Comments

 5 AGM Report

 8 Christmas in Derbyshire

 8 GOC Ski Trip 2024

 9 Regular Events

 10 Out and About

 36 Associated Clubs
Cover Design: Peter van der Walt

Please send your copy for the October

2023 issue to Peter Blackburn; email
editor@goc.org.uk , by Monday 11th
September 2023, and please have your
events online by then so that they will
appear in that issue’s Out & About diary.

© GOC August 2023

‘Gay Outdoor Club’ and ‘GOC’ refer to Gay Outdoor Club Ltd, a
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
Well, if you didn't manage to make the
trip to Canterbury to attend the Club's
Annual Outdoor Gathering, you missed
a treat! Over a great weekend, the
University of Kent provided excellent
accommodation and delicious food for
our members to enjoy. We offer a big
‘Thank you!’ to Aaron Speed, both for
his organisational skills and for his
'ever present' attention, providing
assistance to those who needed it.
East Kent Group excelled by arranging
ten walks for both Saturday and
Sunday, plus extra ones for those who
were still there on the Monday. We
offer another big ‘Thank you!’ to the
organisers and walk leaders. I would
also like to thank Graeme Brown who
provided two cycling events over the
weekend, plus Peter and Charles who
organised the coach and rail trip to
Dungeness. Both were well supported. I
am pleased to report that I have
received several positive messages from
members who attended the AOG.
We are now looking forward to
Northampton and AOG 2024, which
will form part of our 50th Anniversary
celebrations. So please get involved and
make this a special year to remember!
Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair
Report on the AGM
The Gay Outdoor Club’ AGM was held
at 18:00 on Saturday 29th July in the
Keynes Lecture Theatre. 142 members
attended, including the club secretary
and the returning officer who directed
the formal business of the meeting.
After Jim Cornwell had welcomed
everyone, he proposed a vote of thanks
to Aaron Speed and his team for all
their hard work in organising the AOG.
Then Peter Blackburn proposed and
Gabriella Giuffre seconded that Jim be
appointed to chair the meeting. This
was passed on a show of hands.
In his chairman’s address, Jim first paid
tribute to our late secretary Ivor Rose,
and to Alex Barr, who took on Ivor’s
responsibilities at very short notice.
He then turned to membership. After
thanking membership secretary Kevin
German for his work in this area, he
highlighted the steady increase in
membership over the past two years,
with around 40 new members signing
up each month, approximately sixty per
cent of whom go on to become full
members. As a result, over the past
twelve months, membership has grown
from 1695 to 1819. Jim then went on to
look at various aspects of our
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recruitment strategy, including
refreshing our website design, putting
ourselves ‘out there’ at Pride events,
and our efforts to make the club more
diverse and inclusive.
During the remainder of his report, Jim
ranged over the club’s healthy financial
position, the excellent work being
undertaken by our group coordinators,
the formation of several new specialist
groups, including Online, History &
Culture and Gardens, the need for us to
recruit members to fill the vacant posts
of group liaison and membership
engagement. Finally, he reflected on his
experience of going around the country
to walk with different GOC groups, and
all the acts of kindness that he had seen.
These are, he said, what make the club
truly special.
In his treasurer’s report, Roger stated
that during the last financial year the
club had once again made a small
surplus, although he predicted that for
the current financial year, we were
likely to incur a small deficit. At the end
of 2022, the balance of funds held by
the club stood at £91871.
The meeting’s next business was the
election of trustees, which was
supervised by Returning Officer
Graeme Brown. The nine trustees
whose term of office came to an end at
the AGM had offered themselves for
re-election, and all were
overwhelmingly endorsed by the
members.
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We then moved on to the resolutions
proposed by the board. The resolution
that Patricia Jane Ward be appointed as
the independent accountant was passed
unanimously. The special resolution to
amend the Articles of Association in
order to bring the club’s terminology
into line with current usage was also
passed, with 89.2% of those voting
being in favour, which comfortably
exceeded the 75% that special
resolutions require. No resolutions had
been proposed by members.
Jim then announced that AOG 2024
would be held at the University of
Northampton from Friday 26th to
Sunday 29th July, and that local group
coordinator Martyn Cook has already
recruited ten walk leaders. Further
details will be published in due course.
Under questions to the board, some
dissatisfaction was expressed with the
slow pace at which the board is
spending the club’s excess reserves.
However, Sue Brown pointed out that
running a club on a voluntary basis
takes a lot of time and effort. Spending
and investing the monetary assets of a
charity has to be spread in a sensible,
measured way in order to maximise the
benefit obtained.
David Ledsham asked if GOC had the
facility to provide bursaries to less
well‑off members to enable them to
attend the AOG. Treasurer Roger
Sheldon replied that no such hardship
funds were currently available, but that
the board would consider the matter at
its next meeting.
New member Keith Wood, attending
his first AOG, expressed his gratitude
for all the kindness that club members
attending had shown him.
Finally, Jim thanked all the members
present for their attendance, before
giving a special thank you to Peter
Blackburn for all the work he has done
for the club in the positions of secretary,
magazine editor and chairman. Peter
was then presented with a framed
pen‑and‑ink drawing of his home by
artist Bill Fuller, for which Peter
thanked Bill and all those present.
The AGM ended at 19:10. Afterwards,
the board held a short meeting at which
the trustees unanimously elected Jim
Cornwell to be club chair for the
coming year.
Peter, Editor
If you wish to read the minutes of the
AGM, please go to the website and
select News. Then select AGM Minutes
and click on the link.

Advance Notice: Christmas in the Derbyshire Dales!

Chilling Out at Chilham Castle Gardens,

One of the Places We Visited During the AOG

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 Advance Notice: GOC Christmas in Derbyshire
Come and enjoy Christmas with the
East Midlands group, where we all en‑
joy good food, a few drinks, and beauti‑
ful walks in the Derbyshire hills. How‑
ever, if you just want to relax, that's fine
too! We also enjoy some evening enter‑
tainment put on by group members. If
you wish to participate, you will be
more than welcome! We all work as a
team to make it a successful Christmas.
We will be based at YHA Alstonfield,
Gypsy Lane, Ashbourne, DE6 2FZ. We
will arrive on Saturday 23th December,
stay for four nights, and depart on
Wednesday 27th December. The price
for the event includes meals for the four
days. Unless the weather prevents it,
there will be walk each day in the de‑
lightful countryside surrounding the
hostel.
Advance Notice: GOC Ski Trip 2024
The GOC ski trip for 2024 will run from
Saturday January 27th to Saturday 3rd
February. If you wish to come on the
ski trip, you will need to book with
Crystal Ski Holidays. We will be
staying in the 4‑star Family Hotel
Schloss Rosenegg (Yes! It’s a converted
castle!) in Fieberbrunn. Please see the
Crystal website for further details. Two
members went there in March 2023,
and enjoyed it so much that we have
chosen it as our destination for 2024.
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Early booking is recommended, as the
event fills very quickly. Please use the
new ticket booking system to reserve
your place. Paul will contact you nearer
the time to pay for the event. The price
will be for a four‑night stay. Unfortu‑
nately, we cannot take part payment for
a shorter stay.
Please note this year’s event starts on
Saturday 23rd December. This is to
help members travelling to the event on
public transport. Please do not arrive at
the hostel before 15:00. There is plenty
of parking at the hostel and close by.
All meals will be provided, but please
bring your own treats and alcohol.
Grid ref: SK 135 557
Currently, the ski pass costs about £310
for the Skicircus, which includes free
local bus and train service to Kitzbuhel.
There is a very good bus service from
the hotel to the lifts, and there is a ski
hire shop near the lifts where boots and
skis can be left. If you are unable to stay
for the whole week, or if you would
prefer an apartment, for example, you
can book separately and let us know
that you would like to join us.
 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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September 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
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Sat 02 September
Berkshire and Mid Thames, London,
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire,
Oxford, Pride & Other Marketing
Events, Solent, Surrey, Wiltshire,
Gloucestershire and North
Somerset Reading Pride. The Berkshire
and Mid Thames group have secured a
pitch at this year's Reading Pride
annual ‘Love Unites’ Festival and
Parade which will be held on Saturday
2 September. The costs of hiring the
pitch have been met from GOC’s
marketing budget. We will be seeking
volunteers, primarily from the
Berkshire and Mid Thames Group to
run the stall and provide information
about GOC and what it does, and
hopefully attract new members from
across the LGBTQ community.
Members from other groups are of
course most welcome to join us on the
day and, if interested, help on the stall.
There will be a parade before the
festival, which kicks off at 12:00 noon,
and is planned to have a full line-up
across multiple stages. There will also
be a funfair, a family area, plenty of
food and drink stalls and a marketplace
where we will have our stall. Reading
became known within the homosexual
world in the late 1890s when Oscar
Wilde was imprisoned in Reading Gaol,
after having served time in Pentonville
and Wandsworth prisons, having been
found guilty of 'acts of gross indecency
with other male persons'. Decades later,
in a far more enlightened society, Pride
in Reading first took place in 2003,
created by a group of local volunteers
to represent and support the
LGBTQIA+ community. Since then,
attendance has risen steadily each year,
with up to 15,000 people attending the
event and 1,500 people participating in
the parade. The Reading Pride charity
works throughout the year to promote
equality, and the Pride Parade and
Festival are completely free for
everyone. Details of the event can be
found at: https://pride-events.co.uk/
event/reading-pride/ It would be nice to
see as many of you as can make it on
the day. It is usually a fun event with
lots of music and stage acts. If you plan
to attend and are willing to help, please
contact group coordinator Simon at
berkshire@goc.org.uk , or leave a
message on our group’s webpage.
Pride & Other Marketing Events,
South Wales Pride in the Port,
Newport, Gwent. After the success of
Newport City's first pride event last
year, Pride in the Port plan a bigger
event this year with the first ever Pride
Parade through Newport. We have
booked a place for the GOC to take part
in the parade, so please come and join
us! The parade will be around a
one‑mile walk on flat, hard surfaces.
There are numerous car parks around
the city centre. Newport is also
well-served by buses and trains
throughout the day. There are also
many cafés, coffee shops and eateries
around the city centre, but it may be a
good idea to bring something to drink.
Further details will be posted on the
South Wales group page. The event
contact is Ben on 07951 001 676. Grid
ref: ST 312 883. Meeting time: 11:00
Balchder yn y Port, Casnewydd
Grid ref: ST 312 883 Meeting Time:
11:00
Sun 03 September
Cambridgeshire Pegsdon,
Bedfordshire. We will be doing a
9.6‑mile circular walk starting from
Pegsdon. We will make our way to
Lilley and return to Pegsdon via the
Pegsdon Hills. Elevation ranges from
235 feet to 604 feet, with 1008 feet of
ascent and descent. We will be walking
on good paths but they may well be wet
and muddy in places, so boots are
essential. Please meet for a prompt
11:00 start outside The View public
house, Pegsdon Way, SG5 3JX, where
roadside parking is available nearby.
Please bring a packed lunch, something
to drink and something to sit on. The
event contact is Julian Smith on 07817
691 420. Grid ref: TL 119 303
Devon Princetown and around. This
walk was scheduled for last year but
was cancelled due to very poor
weather. It is a two‑part walk starting at
11:00. After a short walk across open
moorland, we join the disused
Princetown Branch Line Railway. The
walk will loop around King’s Tor and
its quarry, with Foggintor Quarry in the
distance as we head towards
Princetown for our lunch stop. After
lunch, we will try and arrange for
participants to catch a lift with a fellow
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group member to the start point. The
second part of the walk is the shorter
walk back to the start point, leaving out
the loop around King’s Tor. So this
walk can be either five miles (loop‑1
only) or nine miles with loop‑2 added.
This is a moderate walk but it crosses
open moorland which is sometimes
uneven under foot. As always with
walking on Dartmoor, be aware that the
weather can change very quickly, so
appropriate clothing and footwear are
essential. Please meet for a prompt
11:00 start at Sharpitor Car Park on the
B3212 between Dousland and
Princetown. On the Dousland to
Princetown Road you will go up hill
and under a railway viaduct, then cross
a cattle grid as you hit the higher moor.
You will then go downhill. When you
reach the bottom, Sharpitor Car Park is
on your left. If approaching from
Princetown, the car park will be on
your right. The car park has no
facilities. Lunch can be purchased to eat
in or takeaway at the Old Police Station
Cafe/Fish and Chip Shop in
Princetown. Alternatively, bring a
packed lunch to eat on one of the many
benches or covered shelters on the
green next to the main car park in
Princetown. In either case, bring
something to drink! The event contact is
Mike Hookway on 07935 396 149. Grid
ref: SX 560 708
East Midlands The National Forest and
Ashby Canal. This is an 8‑mile
figure‑of‑eight walk through the
National Forest, starting near the
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Leicestershire village of Miora. The first
loop of the walk will be approximately
4.5 miles and will include a section
along the disused Nuneaton to Ashby
Railway and the bridal path through
the woods near Castle Gresley. The
walk will then pass Albert Lake before
returning to the start point where we
will stop for lunch. The second loop is
around 3.5 miles and will be in the
opposite direction to the first loop. It
includes a section of the Ashby Canal
with views of the Miora Furnace before
joining a different section of the disused
Nuneaton to Ashby railway line before
passing through a nature park back to
the starting point. The majority of the
walk will be along a mixture paved
walkways and cycle and bridal paths
mostly over a flat terrain. If you wish to
walk only one of the loops, please let
the walk leader know beforehand so
that we can arrange timings. This is a
moderate walk, mostly on footpaths,
cycleways and bridal ways. While this
is not a camping trip, there is a
campsite a short distance from the walk
start point where the walk leader will
be staying. If anyone wishes to camp,
please book directly with the campsite
at https://
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.
uk/campsites/uk/derbyshire/
swadlincote/conkers-national-forest-
camping-and-caravanning-club-site/
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
the Conkers Discovery Centre where
there is ample free parking. Please be
aware that there are two Discovery
Centres at Conkers. This walk will start
from the Waterside Centre, Bath Yard,
Swadlincote DE12 6BA, which is just off
Bath Lane, Moira. For anyone who
wants to camp for the weekend the
Caravan and Camping Club Site is
adjacent to the Waterside Centre. The
nearest train station to Conkers is
Burton Upon Trent. The number 9a bus
service between Burton-on-Trent and
Ashby de la Zouch calls Swadlincote
Civic Station. From there, visitors
would need to take a taxi to Conkers.
Please bring plenty to drink and a
packed lunch, which we will eat by the
canal at the centre. While there is plenty
of space available, there is limited
outside seating so you may want to
bring a seat for the lunch stop. As the
lunch will be at the car park these can
be left in the cars while we walk.
Alternatively, the lunch stop is adjacent
to The Canalside Café which is open
from 10:00am to 5:00 pm and offers a
range of cakes, toasted sandwiches, and
lunch items and hot and cold drinks.
The event contact is Adrian Kinning on
07504 647 485. Grid ref: SK 304 157
Gardens, History & Culture, Mid-
Wales, West Wales,
Women Aberglasney,
Carmarthenshire. This will be an easy
2‑mile stroll through a beautiful garden
which includes well‑designed
ornamental gardens, a lake, woodland
and productive wall gardens. Its
Elizabethan Cloister Garden is the only
example of its type that survives in the
UK today, and is bounded by a three-
sided, arcaded walkway made of solid
stone and ancient herringbone paving.
It also boasts a Ninfarium and is set in
the rolling countryside of the Towy
Valley, close to the pretty market town
of Llandeilo. Dogs are not allowed!
Admission costs £12.50 per person. For
more details, visit: https://
aberglasney.org/ Please note that some
parts of the garden are reached by
steps. Please meet for a prompt 11:00
start by the ticket office. The nearest
postcode is SA32 8QH. There is free
onsite parking. There is a good tearoom
onsite and a picnic area outside the
gardens. The event contact is Neil on
07808 502 527. Grid ref: SN 579 221
West Kent Penshurst and
Chiddingstone Circular Walk. Starting
at Penshurst, this moderate 9‑mile walk
explores the lush Eden Valley,
following an old track, field paths and
woodland trails to the charming and
timeless National Trust village of
Chiddingstone, where both the church,
historic Castle Inn and the Chiding
Stone are well worth a visit. The return
route passes through the Penshurst
Estate, crossing some fine parkland
with good views of the mansion and
the delightful surrounding countryside.
There are two significant climbs, but
nothing too strenuous. Please meet for a
prompt 11:00 start in the extended lay-
by on the B2176, just north of Penshurst
village, opposite the long wall of
Penshurst Place, TN11 8DB. If the layby
is full, please park in the village itself.
There is a train station in Penshurst.
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However, it is actually in
Chiddingstone Causeway, quite a
distance from the start of this walk. If
you intend travel by train, please check
for any engineering works affecting
your journey, and allow plenty of time
to walk to the starting point. Please
bring a packed lunch and something to
drink. After the walk we will have
plenty of village pubs to choose from!
The event contact is Mark Tomkins on
07734 321 646 on the day of the walk, or
via the GOC website beforehand. Grid
ref: TQ 525 438
Western Midlands The Southern
Shropshire Hills This is an 8‑mile
circular walk in the lovely hills of
southern Shropshire. Making our way
from Craven Arms to Stokesay Castle
and then south in the direction of
Ludlow, we climb a steepish hill
through woodland to the highest point
of the walk. As we leave the woods,
wonderful views open up in the
direction of the Clee Hills to the east
and the Long Mynd to the north. We
gradually descend through the
disarmingly named Aldon Gutter (it's
lovely wooded parkland, honest!) to the
hamlet of Onibury Bridge. Here, we
head back to the north, crossing the
railway and the River Onny as well as
the A49 to take a shaded woodland
path along the base of a steep
escarpment. On the recce, the only
sounds here were the calls of buzzard
and jay. We leave the woods to join a
quiet lane which will take us back to
Craven Arms and the welcome prospect
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of tea and cake! We will be walking
mainly on quiet tracks and field paths,
with occasional stretches on minor
roads. There are surprisingly few stiles!
The overall ascent is 230m, which
includes the initial steepish climb.
Please meet for a prompt 11:00 start at
the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre,
SY7 9RS, which is just off the A49 on
the south side of Craven Arms. There is
ample parking space at the Discovery
Centre, with adjacent overflow parking
on reinforced grass. The charity which
runs the centre requests a donation of
£1 per car for the day. There is a
collection box under the porch. For
once, there may be access by train!
Using the main line between
Shrewsbury and Hereford, alight at
Craven Arms Station and walk south
along the A49 for about 15 minutes till
you reach the meeting point. Please
check with the train operator before
committing to this option. Please bring
a packed lunch and plenty of fluids.
Tuffins supermarket in the centre of
Craven Arms opens at 10:00 if you wish
to buy locally. The Discovery Centre,
which also opens at 10:00, has an
excellent cafe and we plan to call there
at the end of the walk for tea and cake.
There is also a gift shop and access to
toilets. The event contact is John W on
07855 035 385. Grid ref: SO 434 824
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North
Somerset Longleat, Horningsham and
Maiden Bradley. At the start of this
7‑mile walk, we will head through
Heavens' Gate, and weather permitting,
there will be fine views of Longleat
house and the surrounding
countryside. Descending further into
the estate, we will walk to
Horningsham and along Cock / Forest
road, through the woods to Maiden
Bradley. Those who did the Maiden
Bradley walk a while back will
appreciate the geographic relationship
between the two walks. After lunch, we
will undertake an undulating walk back
to Horningsham, with a possible visit to
the church, which precludes a steepish
climb back to the car park. This is an
undulating walk with a few short
inclines. Please meet for a prompt 10:30
start at Nockatt Coppice car park. The
nearest postcode is BA12 7JW. From the
A36 Warminster bypass, take A362
signposted to Longleat and Frome. At
the next roundabout, follow the signs to
Longleat. The car park is on the left
after just over one mile. Parking is free.
Please note that the car park shuts at
21:00. Therefore, there is no overnight
parking for those who like to stop the
night before. Please also note that this is
a popular spot and so you may wish to
allow extra time for parking. Please
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink. The event contact is Steve on
07305 075 522 Grid ref: ST 828 424
Tue 05 September
Dorset, Solent Throop Mill and Stour
Valley Way. This is an easy, flat 2.5‑mile
circular walk via Merritown, with the
likelihood of spotting some water-bird
life. We will be walking by the riverside
on Stour Valley Way and on a very
quiet country lane. Please meet for a
prompt 10:30 start in Throop Mill free
car park, BH8 0DN. This is best reached
via Broadway Lane from the
roundabout on the A3060 Castle Lane.
If the car park is full, try roadside
parking in Broadway Lane There are no
refreshments available enroute, but
after the walk there will be the option of
lunch at the Broadway Pub (01202 512
708) The event contact is Ron Roskell on
07570 217 400. Grid ref: SZ 111 958
Fri 08 Sept - Sun 10 Sept
Camping and Caravanning,
Women Monstay Farm Meet Up! Let’s
enjoy another weekend camping event,
exploring and chilling, this time in
Shropshire. We will be staying at
Monstay Farm Campsite, Burrington,
Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HE, a small
friendly campsite which is also a
working farm with large informal fields
for camping. £9 per person; ehu £7.50
per night, and free use of the shower
block. Tents, caravans, camper vans and
motorhomes are welcome. There are
also several shepherds’ huts and a
stargazing tent for hire. The site is
surrounded by Mortimer Forest. We
will be there during the weekend of the
Ludlow Food Festival, so if there are
any specific events you wish to attend,
it’s best to book them online in advance.
There are several castles and museums
nearby, and the Severn Valley Steam
Railway is 20 miles away. Off‑ground
open fires are allowed. First book with
campsite, and tell them you are part of
"The Monstay Meet Up".
15
Then add yourself to the event on the
GOC website where you will find travel
directions. Do not follow the Satnav!
There is a train station at Ludlow, four
miles from the campsite. We plan to eat
in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday
evening. The event contact is Jamie
Harris on 07854 425 859, or by email to
songofthearth@gmail.com . We will
meet from 14:00 onwards.
Sat 09 September
Adventure Out, Cycling,
Scotland Ride to the Radar! This is a
74‑mile joint ride with Out Velo taking
in Scotland’s highest village and a
bonus climb to Scotland’s highest
tarmac road. Starting in the upper
Clyde valley, we’ll head up into the
Lowther Hills through the villages of
Leadhills and Wanlockhead, from
where there is an option to cycle up
onto Lowther Hill (725m) and Green
Lowther (732m). These hills are fully
accessible via a tarmac road and
adorned by a golf-ball like radar
station, radio mast and other scientific
furniture. We’ll then descend into
upper Nithsdale before returning to
Carstairs (or possibly Lanark
depending on timing and availability of
return trains) via Crawfordjohn. In total
there will be 1528m of climbing. A map
of the proposed route can be found on
the website. If you want to keep in
touch with other GOC members in
Scotland, please join our new chat
group on Telegram and follow GOC
Cycling on Facebook. Please meet for a
prompt 10:45 start at Carstairs railway
16
station, ML11 8PP. There are free
parking bays in Strawfrank Road, just
outside the station. Carstairs can be
reached by train from both Glasgow
Central (dep. 09:40) and Edinburgh
(dep. 10:20). We’ll set off promptly on
arrival of the latter at 10.47. We will aim
to stop for lunch around the half-way
point in Sanquhar. You should carry
plenty of water and snacks to eat along
the way. The event contact is Steve on
07815 421 038. Grid ref: NS 951 454
Bedford & District, Hertfordshire,
London, Milton Keynes and
Buckinghamshire Markyate,
Caddington and Kensworth Circular
Walk. This will be an easy 10‑mile
circular walk starting in the village of
Markyate in north-west Hertfordshire,
and traversing the borders of
Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We
will enjoy the edge of the Chiltern Hills,
just behind Dunstable Downs. This is a
great area for walking, with rolling
hills, many woods, and picturesque
villages with ancient churches and
colourful cottages of brick and flint.
Please bring plenty to drink, a packed
lunch and something to sit on. Please
wear sturdy boots. As much of the
route is exposed, please dress for the
weather! At the end of the walk there
will be an optional pub stop. Please
meet for a prompt 11:00 start at the car
park adjacent to 1 Hicks Rd, Markyate,
St Albans AL3 8LJ, where free parking
is available. Alternatively, there are no
parking restrictions on the streets
nearby. Markyate is accessible only by
car. If you need to use public transport,
Tom has offered to collect up to three
people who can reach Leighton
Buzzard railway Station not later than
10:00 on the day, and return them for a
train at around 17:00, but please contact
him in advance! Leighton Buzzard
railway station is on the West Coast
Main Line from London Euston. The
event contact is Tom on 07742 577 509.
Grid ref: TL 062 163
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Milton
Keynes and Buckinghamshire,
Oxford Lane End and Moor Common
Circular. This is an undulating 6‑mile
walk in the Chilterns between High
Wycombe and Henley. We will be
walking on good footpaths and farm
tracks through woodlands and open
farmland on the top of the Chiltern
Ridge. There are some gradients, but
nothing too strenuous. After the walk,
we will have a communal meal in a
local pub. Please meet for a prompt
16:00 start at the free car park in Finings
Road, Lane End, HP14 3ER, which is
behind some buildings opposite the
Village Hall. There are some restricted
time bays near the entrance but most of
the car park is unrestricted. There are
public toilets in the car park. The
nearest rail station is High Wycombe
with regular trains from Marylebone.
It’s a 15‑minute walk from the station to
the Bus station. Arriva bus service 48
leaves High Wycombe Bus Station at
15:15, arriving at the Lane End
terminus at 15:31. There is no bus
service back to High Wycombe after the
walk, but lifts can be arranged. Please
bring drinks and snacks. We will be
eating after the walk at either the
Grouse & Ale in Lane End, or The Yew
Tree at Frieth. We will provide more
details on the website nearer the event.
The event contact is David Ledsham on
07722 442 829. Please let him know by
2nd September if you want to eat. Grid
ref: SU 807 918
Berkshire and Mid Thames,
Oxford Cholsey and Blewbury. This is
an 8‑mile circular walk from Cholsey
railway station, passing through the
pretty villages of Aston Upthorpe and
Aston Tirrold and onwards to
Blewbury. The return route takes us
over Blewburton Hill and past the Iron
Age Fort. This is a moderate walk along
field paths and tracks. Please meet for a
prompt 10:30 start at Cholsey railway
station, OX10 9LN, where parking is
available but charges apply. Trains
from Reading, Didcot and Oxford stop
at Cholsey. Check the GWR website for
timetables. We may stop for a drink in a
village pub along the route, but please
bring a packed lunch and something to
drink. The event contact is Bill on 07769
702 338. Grid ref: SU 584 861
Transpennine Rowarth to Lantern Pike
and Cown Edge. A 7.8‑mile circular
walk from the pretty hamlet of
Rowarth, Derbyshire on the edge of the
Peak District, not far from New Mills
and Marple. We will follow a packhorse
route, forming part of the Pennine
Bridleway, around Lantern Pike and
then ascend to Cown Edge, the highest
17
point of the walk. On a fine day, there
are excellent views of the Sett Valley,
Kinder Scout and beyond. Please bring
walking boots, warm clothing,
waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat,
sun cream, trekking pole(s) if normally
used, a packed lunch and plenty to
drink. We will be walking mainly on
well-defined paths, with a total ascent
of 1374ft. Please gather from 10:45 for a
prompt 11:00 start in the public car
park off Goddard Lane in Rowarth. The
nearest postcode is SK22 1EF. From
Mellor, turn sharp left off Moor End
Road onto Shiloh Road. Then turn right
onto Hollinsmoor Road at the sign for
Rowarth. Pass Children’s Inn on left,
then turn left onto the single‑track
Goddard Lane, signposted 'Rowarth
(only)'. Please note that this sign may be
obscured by vegetation! The car park is
then a short distance on the right. From
New Mills, take Mellor Road, pass the
Pack Horse Inn, turn right onto Shiloh
Road, then as above. This public car
park is currently free, but it is not
marked on Google Maps and is not the
one at the Little Mill Inn, further
along Hollinsmoor Road! The hamlet
of Rowarth is only accessible by car.
The nearest stations are Marple (12
mins drive) and New Mills Central (10
mins drive) both on the Manchester
Piccadilly to Sheffield line. For
refreshments after the walk, the nearest
options are The Little Mill Inn,
Hollinsmoor Road, Rowarth, SK22 1EB,
which is 5 minutes’ walk, or the Pack
Horse Inn, Mellor Road, New Mills,
18
SK22 4QQ, which is a 5-minute drive.
The event contact is Robert G. on 07779
873 589. Grid ref: SK 011 891.
Sun 10 September
Bedford & District, Milton Keynes
and Buckinghamshire Marston Vale
Walk, based on the Timberland Trail.
This 14‑mile walk is one of the
occasional longer walks provided by
the group, so a good level of fitness will
be needed. Set in a site of special
scientific interest (SSSI), we will be
walking mostly on footpaths and
bridleways. It may be muddy in places
if there has been recent rain. There are
also some short steep stretches, and trip
hazards in the forest. There are no
other identified risks at present.
Among the interesting features in the
area are the Rectory Wood which was
begun in 2003 and finished in 2013. It is
home to many butterflies including the
Black Hairstreak, which enjoys the oak
and blackthorns that were planted here
in abundance, and St Mary's Church,
which dates from the 14th century and
has a detached 70 ft tower which is
grade‑1 listed, and is unusual for the
east of England. There is a café and
toilets at Forest Centre, plus a pub and
shops in Marston Moretaine and
Cranfield. See the Timberland Trail
leaflet (contact marstonvale.org) for
further details. Please meet for a
prompt 09:45 start at Forest
Centre, MK43 0PR. We believe that the
parking charge will be £3.00 for the
day. This is to be confirmed. There is a
station at Stewartby, but the rail service
is currently provided by a replacement Please note that Fen Road is the B1180,
bus service and is erratic on Sundays and that the start time is later than
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty usual in order to allow anybody
to drink. The event contact is John C. on coming by bus from Lincoln to join us.
07956 362 436. Grid ref: TL 004 417 The number No.2 Stagecoach 11:00
Dorset Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach. service from Lincoln stops at the foot of
This is a moderate 6‑mile walk with one Park Lane, Washingborough,
climb and one descent, from historic immediately after turning off Fen Road.
Abbotsbury via the downland ridge to This is just around the corner from our
a prehistoric hill fort; returning along starting point. Please also note that this
the geological phenomenon of Chesil service is two‑hourly and finishes
Beach and St Catherine's Chapel. Please during the afternoon. Please check the
meet for a prompt 10:00 start in the free current timetable! Parking is available
car park opposite the Swan Inn at the at Washingborough Community
entrance to Abbotsbury, DT3 4JL, which Centre, but if this is full, on‑street
is reached by taking the B3157 turn off parking is available not far away. Please
to Abbotsbury via Portesham from the bring a packed lunch and plenty to
A35 at Winterborne Abbas. The car drink. The event contact is John Stones
park is on the right, at the start of the on 07500 738 962. Anyone who would
village. There are no refreshments prefer to do the shorter 3-mile walk
available enroute, so please bring a should contact him well in advance for
packed lunch and plenty to drink. We details! Grid ref: TF 026 708
may be able to stop for a drink or ice South Midlands Moreton-in-Marsh
cream at the kiosk on Chesil Beach. At and Sezincote Social. This is a beautiful
the end of the walk, (circa 1400) we will 7‑mile walk through rolling Cotswold
retreat to the Swan Inn (01305 871 249) countryside, with far-reaching views
for refreshments and/or lunch for and the extraordinary Indian palace
which booking is advisable. The event that is Sezincote House. This is an easy
contact is Laurence B on 07833 902 134. ramble, with an emphasis on relaxation
Grid ref: SY 579 852 and socialising. There is a steady, gentle
Lincolnshire, Women incline as we follow the Monarch's Way
Washingborough. This is a moderate out of Moreton, past Batsford
8‑mile walk, with the option of a Arboretum. At Bourton-on-the-Hill we
shorter 3‑mile walk from a different join the Heart of England Way, taking
starting point. For the main 8‑mile us past Sezincote House. As in 2022 we
walk, please meet at 11:15 for prompt plan to stop at Alan and David's garden
11:30 start at Washingborough on the Sezincote estate for an extended
Community Centre, Fen Road, picnic lunch stop, where tea, coffee and
Washingborough, LN4 1AB. cold drinks will be provided, but don't

19
forget your packed lunch! From there,
it's an easy stroll across level
countryside back to our starting point.
The terrain is generally easy to
moderate, with nothing too strenuous,
other than a bit of an incline from
Batsford Arboretum up the hill to
Bourton. There is one main road to
cross, but otherwise we follow good
paths and bridleways which should all
be dry, unless there has been recent
rain. There are a small number of stiles,
and some of the fields may contain
livestock. Please meet for a prompt
11:00 start outside the Town Hall, (also
known as the Redesdale Hall), in the
centre of Moreton-in-Marsh. This is
located on the High Street, (the A429
Fosse Way), close to its junction with
Oxford Street, (the A44). The nearest
postcode is GL56 0BA. There is plenty
of on-street parking available in the
town centre and side roads. Please park
considerately. Moreton-in-Marsh
railway station is in the town centre, a
few minutes’ walk from the meeting
point. The town is on the Cotswold
Line, with services from London
Paddington, Oxford and Worcester.,
but please check the timetable on the
day. Please also bring a packed lunch
and plenty to drink, especially if the
weather is warm. There are small
supermarkets and other food shops in
the centre of Moreton-in-Marsh. After
the walk, there are pubs and cafes
aplenty for those wishing to relax
before travelling home. The event
contact is Ian on 07831 433 996. Grid
ref: SP 204 325
20
Tue 12 September
Online Online Welcome Social. Are
you interested to meet or socialise
online with other GOC members from
the comfort of your home, and help to
welcome newcomers to GOC and
encourage them to join us? Join us for
our new Online Welcome Social in
Zoom, on the second Tuesday of every
month from 19:00 to 20:00, starting
from June 2023. This is an opportunity
for new and experienced GOC
members to connect with each other,
and with newcomers to GOC who
book from our new GOC Meetup
group. For these newcomers it is an
opportunity to meet GOC and some of
our members, and to consider joining
as a member themselves. 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.
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 scheduled Zoom
meeting. To join the Zoom Meeting,
copy and paste this link into your
browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/
j/89593878113?
pwd=UWZvTk1yQXZEdEs5OEhLSEZ
KQnpKUT09 Or go to https://zoom.us/
join and enter: Meeting ID: 895 9387
8113 Passcode: 324840
Somerset Stroll Taunton! Take a
delightful 4‑mile stroll around Taunton,
Somerset's county town. Enjoy
exploring the lesser‑known walks by
the River Tone and the Bridgwater and
Taunton Canal. This is an easy, level
walk with one set of steps to negotiate.
We'll be crossing the main railway line
and may experience the thrill of a one-
hundred-mile-an-hour train putting in
a brief appearance. The trains are
obliged to sound their horns for the
crossing. Take this stroll to be surprised
at Taunton's discrete charm. We'll finish
at an eatery in central Taunton. Please
meet for a prompt 11:00 start in the
centre of Taunton on the steps of the
Market House, at the south end of
North Street at its junction with Fore
Street and The Parade, TA1 1JD.
Charges apply to parking near the
meeting point. You might like to
consider a Park & Ride, which will cost
you £1 each way on the bus, or pay to
park in central Taunton. Taunton
Railway Station is one mile from the
meeting point. Many bus routes pass by
the meeting point. Bus fare in Taunton
is £1. Please bring plenty to drink! We
will finish at a café or pub for
refreshment in central Taunton. Grid
ref: ST 227 244
Wed 13 September
Berkshire and Mid Thames, Gardens,
History & Culture, Milton Keynes and
Buckinghamshire, Oxford Gardens
Visit: NT Cliveden. Uncover over 300
years of history by taking a leisurely
2‑mile stroll around Cliveden. The
estate has been home to dukes, earls,
viscounts and a prince. During the First
World War, it was even a hospital. For
generations, Cliveden was a glittering
hub of society, hosting exclusive parties
and political gatherings. In the early
1960s, while the Cold War was slowly
chilling British politics, Cliveden House
(now a hotel) was engulfed in a sultry
summer of sweltering heat. Cooling off
in the now-famous outdoor pool, was
Christine Keeler, the nineteen-year-old
mistress of a suspected Russian spy.
Another guest was John Profumo, the
up-and-coming Conservative Secretary
of State for War. Following their chance
meeting at Cliveden House, Profumo
and Keeler embarked on an illicit affair;
an affair which was to force his
resignation, irrevocably damaging the
Prime Minister's reputation, and impact
21
the course of British politics forever. For
more details about the National Trust at
Cliveden please see link https://
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/
oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-
berkshire/cliveden/things-to-see-in-the-
garden-at-cliveden Adult entry
tickets cost £17. NT members free.
Please meet at 10:30 in the Main Visitor
car park in the Walled Garden at the
top of the estate. The nearest postcode
(for the hotel) is SL6 0JF. There are food
facilities in the grounds of the estate.
The event contact is Simon Scaddan on
07854 743 829.
Devon Branscombe and Beer. This will
be a 6‑mile circular walk beginning in
the beautiful coastal village of
Branscombe. We will walk to the
charming seaside town of Beer. There
will be some spectacular views of the
Jurassic Coast and some interesting
geological features. Some of the walk
will be on the Coastal footpath. The
walk should be moderate, although
there will be some notable ascents and
descents. For anyone who wants to join
the outing but does not want to do the
whole walk, there are great facilities at
Branscombe Beach. There are excellent
cafés on the beach at Branscombe and
in Beer. The meeting time is expected to
be 11:00, but both that and the meeting
point will be posted on the website
shortly. The event contact is Alan
Mirren. Grid ref: SY 196 885
22
Fri 15 Sept - Mon 18 Sept
Adventure Out, Scotland The Isle of
Coll. This trip continues our
exploration of Scottish Islands that we
have been doing over the last few
years. Coll is quite a flat island. It's
probably the flattest island we've ever
been to, the highest point at Ben Hogh
being just 130m high. However, it will
offer good coastal walking and
stunning beaches. We will stay on the
island at the comfortable Coll Hostel for
three nights from Friday 15th
September to Monday 18th
September. There may be an option to
also visit Tiree on a day trip - check out
https://www.tireeseatours.co.uk/isle-of-
coll for more info on this. Bicycles can
be hired on the island to explore the
road network if desired, or you might
want to bring your own bicycle across
on the ferry. There will be a variety of
coastal and moorland walking which
will be rough and pathless in places.
The event is based at The Coll Hostel,
PA78 6SY, (https://collbunkhouse.com/)
in the main village of Arinagour. This is
where the ferry from Oban docks. We
can meet on Friday 15th September at
Oban in time for the Cal Mac Ferry, and
we will leave on Monday 18th
September morning to catch the ferry
back to Oban. We've made a booking
for ten places in a 4‑bed and a 6‑bed
room. The cost of three nights’
accommodation including breakfasts is
£96.00. You can book on the event by
taking one of the tickets on the website
booking form. Please note that we make
no profit on this type of event; we aim
just to cover the cost of the
accommodation and food. If the event
is under-subscribed, we 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. OS
Landranger Map 36 covers both Coll
and Tiree. The ferry service is run by
Cal Mac, sailing from Oban. There is
one sailing daily in the summer
months, on Fridays the ferry departs at
06:10, arriving at Coll (via Tiree) at
10:55. The ferry on Monday departs
12:45, arriving Oban 15:25. Booking is
not usually necessary for foot
passengers but it is advised! http://
www.calmac.co.uk/timetables. The
early ferry on Friday will mean that
most participants will need
accommodation on Thursday 14th Sept.
Please make your own arrangements.
Parking is available in Oban. In the past
we've found free places to park in the
housing estates behind Oban Harbour
without any issues. There is also limited
and quite expensive car parking at
Oban Harbour. Oban is accessible by
train or bus from Glasgow. Breakfasts
are in included in the event costs;
breakfast will comprise porridge,
cereal, toast, jams and marmalade,
bacon and eggs. There is a hotel nearby
(https://collhotel.com/) where we can
choose to eat out if we wish (with
advance booking probably.) We will
coordinate this nearer the time. We may
do a communal meal on one of the
nights but this will need forward
planning as there is limited shopping
on the island. You should bring your
own food for lunches and any other
evening meals. There will be communal
tea and coffee plus there is usually
enough bread and butter supplied for
people to make their sandwiches. The
event contact is Dave Archer on 07890
874726. Grid ref: NM 222 572 Postcode:
Meeting Time: 07:00
East Midlands Blackpool Social
Weekend! Come and join us on a social
weekend in Blackpool. Double rooms
cost £85 per night; singles £55 per night.
This includes breakfast, and an evening
buffet at the hotel on Saturday. Early
booking is advised as in the past this
event has been very popular. We will be
staying at Chaps Hotel, Cocker Street,
Blackpool, FY1 1SF 01253 620 541.
When booking, please say you are with
Paul and Kevin’s GOC weekend. Pay
and display car parking is available
nearby (in the same road). Food:
Breakfast included and a buffet on
Saturday night. (Food can also be
arranged at the hotel on other nights at
an extra cost.) Grid ref: SD 307 368
Fri 15 September
Gardens, Mid-Wales, North Wales,
South Wales, West Wales Gardens -
Treborth Botanic Garden, Bangor - part
of All Wales Weekend. Located around
ten miles from Llanberis and offering
free admission, Treborth Botanic
Garden comprises planted borders,
species‑rich natural grassland, ponds,
23
an arboretum and an orchard, a
Chinese Medicinal Garden, ancient
woodland and a rock shoreline habitat.
Six glasshouses provide specialised
environments for tropical, temperate,
orchid and carnivorous plant
collections. The outside garden has free
access to the public at all times and the
glasshouses are open at selected times
when staff or volunteers are present.
There is wheelchair access to some of
the glasshouses and part of the garden.
The Wales Coast Path runs through the
woodland and is surfaced, but most of
the borders can only be accessed over
the grass. Dogs are welcome as long as
they are kept on leads. The garden is
owned by Bangor University and is
used as a resource for teaching,
research and public engagement and
enjoyment. Utilising the Wales Coast
Path, there is also a good walk for
people who aren’t interested in the
garden, taking you through the
woodlands, underneath the historic
Britannia Bridge then along the Coast
Path as far as you like! You can also go
in the other direction, and walk over
the (also historic) Menai Suspension
Bridge into Menai Bridge village where
there are plenty of cafés. More details
about the garden can be found
at: https://treborth.bangor.ac.uk/ For
those remaining in the garden, we will
be walking around two miles on
well‑made paths. Please meet for a
prompt 13:30 start at the main entrance.
The nearest postcode is LL57 2RQ.
Travelling from Bangor, drive towards
24
Menai Bridge and take the second exit
at Antelope roundabout. Just before
going over the Bridge, turn left and
follow the road past a small industrial
estate, and then between two stone
pillars. Follow the track through
woodland. The lawns of the Botanic
Garden open up on the right. The
offices are on the left by the small
parking area. If there is space, cars may
be parked outside the offices. However,
if this area is full, or there is an event
on, there is additional parking beyond
the garden at the athletics track. Bus
numbers X4, 4A, 57 and 62 run from
Bangor Rail Station and Bangor Bus
Station to the Antelope Pub. There are
no catering facilities onsite, so please
bring your own refreshments. Although
there are cafes just across the bridge, as
people from outside the area will
probably wish to check into their
accommodation, we may not have time
for a coffee at the end. We will decide
on the day. The event contact is Neil on
07808 502 527. Grid ref: SH 555 711
Sat 16 Sept - Sun 17 Sept
Adventure Out, Mid-Wales, North
Wales, South Wales, Transpennine,
West Wales, Women All‑Wales
weekend, Llanberis, North Wales. This
year, the All‑Wales weekend will take
place in Llanberis, at the foot of
Snowdon/Yr Wddfa, and will explore
the fascinating mix of wild mountain
landscapes and the substantial remains
of the area’s slate industry. The walk
routes will follow parts of the North
Wales Slate Trail. Two walks on the
Saturday and one on the Sunday (the
latter a half-day walk), will take us
deep into the slate quarries that are so
common in the area, as well as treating
us to some of the memorable mountain
views on the foothills of Snowdonia/
Eryri. There will be a choice of walks on
the Saturday, one strenuous and one
moderate. The walk on Sunday will
traverse the most northern foothill of
the Snowdon massiff on Cefn Du, with
stunning views of the mountains,
before descending through the remains
of Glyn Rhonwy quarry. For those
interested, there will also be visits to
two of North Wales' most renowned
gardens; Treborth on the Friday 15th
Sept and Bodnant on Monday 18th
Sept. See specific event entries for
further details. For all walks, please
meet for a prompt10:00 start at the large
'rusty sword' sculpture next to the Llyn
Padarn lake, close to the centre of
Llanberis village, LL55 4EU. Most
accommodation will include parking
spaces, although some Air BnBs may
not. Parking can be very difficult in and
around Llanberis, especially on sunny
weekends, so please use the ‘Sherpa’
bus service and park and ride facilities
to avoid parking problems. Illegally
parked cars may be towed away. For
those not driving, there are 'Sherpa' bus
services from Bangor (with a link to the
rail station), Caernarfon and
Betws‑y‑Coed. Please remember to
bring a packed lunch and plenty to
drink. The event contact is Paul on
07800 966 667. Grid ref: SH 577 603
Sat 16 September
North Wales, South Wales, West
Wales, Women Dinorwig Slate quarry
scenery walk. This walk is part of the
All‑Wales Weekend and is open to all
members and visitors as well as those
attending the weekend event. There are
two walk options: a slow-paced
moderate walk and a quicker-paced,
more strenuous one. Both versions start
from the same place and follow Llyn
Padarn lake, on a circular walk of about
six miles. There is also the option to
walk a further four miles on a more
strenuous route, including Llyn Peris
lake. We will be following parts of the
Slate Trail with engrossing views of
now abandoned slate quarries, as well
as super views along the dramatic
Llanberis Pass and to Snowdon (Yr
Wyddfa). We will leave Llanberis and
walk around the western edge of the
lake, Llyn Padarn, along an old railway
track, on a predominantly level
route. We then round the head of the
lake with one of the classic views of
Snowdonia/Eryri towards the Llanberis
Pass. Both routes then follow a country
lane through a beautiful wood for a
kilometre or so, rising gently for about
200 metres before heading along an old
path through wooded slate country
with beautiful views.
The moderate route then passes the old
slate quarry hospital, the National Slate
Museum and Vivian Quarry, with
opportunities to view remains of the
quarry and workshops. We then return
to Llanberis and a café for tea and cake.
25
The more strenuous route heads along
a woodland path to rise up to Dinorwig
and a footpath through the heart of the
abandoned Dinorwig Quarry. The walk
through these immense quarry remains
is unforgettable, and conveys a good
idea of the vast size of what was once
the world's largest slate quarry. After a
short distance, there is a footpath out
along an old waste tip to a superb
viewpoint along the Llanberis Pass to
Pen‑y‑Pass. We return to the main
footpath and go further through the
quarry remains, then descend on an
easy zig-zag path to the end of Llyn
Peris lake, with magnificent views up
the Llanberis Pass on this descent. We
will then follow the road back to
Llanberis, with more outstanding views
over the lake and the remains of the
quarry. Please meet for a prompt 10:00
start near the large 'rusty sword'
sculpture alongside the lake, Llyn
Padarn, at the edge of a short stay car
park on the A4086 village bypass. The
nearest postcode is LL55 4ER, but
please do not park here for the walks!
Please see the website for details of
where to park. There is more pay &
display parking on the road off to the
National Slate Museum, about ten
minutes’ walk from the meeting point.
Parking places within the village are
extremely limited. Parking outside a
house may lead to conflict with
residents, so please use the pay &
display car parks. ‘Sherpa’ buses run
from Bangor, Caernarfon and Betws y
Coed to Llanberis with connections to
26
other buses and rail stations at Bangor
and Betws y Coed. Bus time details will
be uploaded to the website when
available. Please bring a packed lunch,
snacks, and plenty to drink. Cefn Du is
an exposed summit. In wet and windy
weather, good protective clothing is
essential. After the walks, we will visit a
café for tea and cake. The event contacts
are Paul on 07800 966 667, and Ben on
07951 001 676. Grid ref: SH 578 604
Sun 17 September
Gardens, Mid-Wales, South Wales,
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North
Somerset Llanover House and the Rare
Plant Fair near Abergavenny. Visit
these lovely gardens and browse the
stalls at Llanover House's Rare Plant
Fair. This 18‑acre Grade II listed
garden, set within a beautiful park,
features a walled Round Garden, two
Arboreta and extensive herbaceous
borders and lawns. The Rhyd-y-Meirch
(Ford of the Stallions) stream flows the
entire length of the garden, tumbling
into ponds, over cascades and beneath
flagstone bridges. Llanover Garden was
established in the late 18th century by
Benjamin Waddington, the great-great-
great-great grandfather of the present
owner, Elizabeth Murray. Visitors can
admire the magnificent London Plane
trees planted over 200 years ago, and
the unusual trees and shrubs planted
between 1960 and 1999 by Elizabeth’s
father, Robin Herbert CBE VMH, a
former President of the Royal
Horticultural Society. For more details,
visit: https://www.rareplantfair.co.uk/
our-fairs/2023-llanover-house-nr-
abergavenny/ Admission costs £7 and
going around the garden involves a
walk of around a mile, mostly on
well‑made paths and over flat grassy
areas. The garden is long and narrow,
with paths on either side of streams and
ponds, which can be crossed by
flagstone bridges. The paths are mostly
grass or gravel. The main drive is
smooth tarmac. The garden has some
slight inclines and many grass or gravel
paths which unfortunately can make
pushing manual wheelchairs hard work
in places. Please meet at 11:00 outside
the main entrance, for which the
postcode is NP7 9EF. John, who is the
event contact, will be wearing a blue
scarf. There is plenty of on‑site parking.
Teas and light refreshments will also be
available. John may be contacted on
07833 302 995. Grid ref: SO 318 082
North Wales, South Wales, West
Wales, Women Cefn Du, Slate Trail
Walk, Llanberis. This 5‑mile walk is
part of the All‑Wales Weekend,
exploring the scenery of the Slate Trail
in North Wales, but is open to all
members and guests, not just those
attending the weekend. Beginning in
Llanberis, we will follow the Slate Trail
up a lane, which becomes a path to
Bwlch y Groes (Cross Pass) and then
break off to ascend to the summit of
Cefn Du (442 metres) passing through
slate scenery with views to the
mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri). Cefn
Du offers superb wide-ranging views of
the mountains, as well as across the
Menai Straits to Anglesey (Môn). In
the early 20th Century, it was home to
the massive antenna for Marconi's first
transatlantic wireless transmissions and
some remains still litter the summit
area. Weather permitting, the summit
is a great spot for lunch. We will then
descend right through the middle of the
old slate workings and close to large
quarried holes. More fine views to
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and the
Glyderau mountains are revealed, as
we descend back to Llanberis, where
we will stop at a café for tea and cake.
This is a moderate walk on tarmac and
rough paths, with one very short
section of steepish ascent. The total
ascent is 350 metres. Please meet for a
prompt 10:00 start near the large 'rusty
sword' sculpture alongside the lake,
Llyn Padarn, at the edge of a short stay
car park on the A4086 village bypass,
the nearest postcode is LL55 4ER.
Please do not park here for the walk;
see the website for details of where to
park. Parking places within the village
are extremely limited, and parking
outside someone’s house may lead to
conflict with residents, so please use the
pay & display car parks. ‘Sherpa’ buses
run from Bangor, Caernarfon and
Betws y Coed to Llanberis, with
connections to other bus and rail
stations at Bangor and Betws y Coed.
Bus timetables will be uploaded to the
website when available. Please bring a
packed lunch, snacks and plenty to
drink. Cefn Du is an exposed summit
and in wet and windy weather, good
27
protective clothing is essential. At the strenuous, but these are interspersed
end of the walk, we will visit a café forwith flatter stretches. We will stay on
tea and cake. The event contacts are established paths and proceed at a
Paul on 07800 966 667 and Ben on 07951 steady pace, taking short breaks, as
001 676. Grid ref: SH 578 604 required. Please meet for a prompt
Solent Hawkley to Steep. This is a 11:00 start at North Quarry Car Park,
glorious 8‑mile walk in the South North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14
Downs (William Cobbett described 4LT. North Malvern Road is the B4232
them as: ‘Beautiful beyond and is off the A449 (Worcester Road).
description’). These beech wood hills, Approaching from the Worcester
known locally as Hangers, include two direction, you will need to take a right
steep climbs, climaxing at the Shoulder turn to access the B4232. The car park
of Mutton. We shall take time can take about 30 cars. Some roadside
ascending the two main summits parking may also be available. The car
which, though arduous, provide far parking fee is £5.25 for all day (cash or
reaching views. Please meet for a card). The nearest station is Malvern
prompt 10:00 start in Hawkley by the Link. To get to the North Quarry car
village green and church, where there is park from the station, turn right and
free on‑street parking. The nearest walk up the hill (Worcester Road), past
postcode is GU33 6NF. Please bring a the traffic lights and Holy Trinity
packed lunch and plenty to drink. At Church. North Malvern Road is on the
the end of the walk, we shall retire to right. The number 44 bus from
the Hawkley Inn. The event contact is Worcester stops near to Holy Trinity
Ian Martin on 07803 056 989. Grid ref: Church. Please bring a packed lunch
SU 745 291 and plenty to drink. Please ensure you
have sturdy boots to support your
Western Midlands Around the Hills! ankles. Survivors are welcome to my
This is a 7‑mile figure‑of‑eight walk on place for tea afterwards. The event
the beautiful northern and central hills contact is Glyn Coventry on 07722 566
of the Malvern chain. Expect panoramic 494. Grid ref: SO 771 469
views to the east and west, as well as
shaded woodland as we progress Mon 18 September
through the surrounding slopes. Along Gardens, History & Culture, Mid-
the way we'll come across familiar Wales, North Wales, South Wales,
landmarks to many Western Midlands Transpennine, West Wales NT
members, including the Worcestershire Bodnant is a Grade I listed historic
Beacon (the highest point), the Holy garden. It is a gem in the collection
Well, St Anne's Well and Earnshaw National Trust’s Gardens; its 80 acres
Lake. The walk includes climbs and including formal gardens, shrub-filled
descents that some members my find glades, meadows and woods, dells and
28
water gardens. It is also home to
historic plant collections and offers
great views of surrounding
countryside. Free entry for National
Trust members; the price for
non‑members is £15. Full details can be
found at https://
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/
bodnant-garden . A full tour of the
gardens involves a walk of around two
miles over varied terrain. See website
for further details. Please meet at 11:00
at the main entrance. The nearest
postcode is LL28 5RE. If you don't
know anyone, look out for GOC logo!
There is plenty of onsite parking. There
is an onsite cafe and tea room where we
can have lunch if people wish, plus a
picnic area by the car park, which is not
within the gardens. The event contact is
Neil. Grid ref: SH 800 723
Wed 20 September
Berkshire and Mid Thames,
Oxford Iffley village and meadows. A
gentle 3‑mile ramble around Iffley
village. We will walk by meadows and
along to Iffley Lock, finally visiting the
very fine Norman church. Afterwards,
you are invited to tea at Paul’s to
celebrate his recent 70th birthday. This
is a level walk on tarmac and gravel
paths. Please meet at 14:00 at Paul’s
home in Henley Avenue, OX4 4DJ.
Parking is available nearby in Iffley
Turn, OX4 4HN. Henley Avenue is on a
bus route. Bus numbers 3, 3A and X40
stop near Iffley Turn. You are invited to
afternoon tea at Paul’s home after the
walk. Send text to event contact Paul on
07974 846 835 for house number and
directions. Grid ref: SP 532 042
Thu 21 September
Dorset Piddle Valley, White Lackington
and Piddlehinton. This is a moderate
8‑mile figure‑of‑eight stroll around the
Piddle Valley, across gently rolling
chalk downland. Please meet for a
prompt 10:00 start in South View,
Piddletrenthide, DT2 7QS, where there
is free parking. South View is off the
B3143. Coming from the south, this is
best reached from the Puddletown
interchange on the A35. If coming from
the north, take the A3030 just after
Bishop's Caundle. Please bring plenty
to drink. Lunch options include the
Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton (01300 348
270) or bring a packed lunch. Our
leader Andrew R on 07805 851 025,
cordially invites everyone for tea at the
walk’s endpoint. Grid ref: SY 712 984
Sat 23 September
Adventure Out, Scotland The Eildon
Hills. Starting from the railway station
at Tweedbank, we will walk along the
River Tweed to the pretty town of
Melrose and climb the Eildon Hills, the
highest being Eildon Mid Hill
(422meters, c1400 ft). There are options
to climb all the hills in the group, but
the climbs up Wester Eildon Hill can be
avoided if desired. These are quite
small hills by Scottish standards, but
the slopes are quite steep and Eildon
Mid Hill is quite rocky in places with
some scree on the ascent and descent.
Paths can be muddy after rain.
29
This 10‑mile walk is graded as difficult.
We expect it to take us between five and
six hours. There are good paths
throughout, but some steep climbs and
descents. Please meet for a prompt
09:50 start at Tweedbank Railway
Station, TD6 9BJ, where there is free
parking. After returning to Melrose,
where there are café and pub options,
we will retrace our steps to Tweedbank
station. You will need good boots, and
waterproof/windproof clothing. It
could be cold, so a hat and gloves may
also be required. There is a route on the
walkinghighlands website, which will
give you a guide to the terrain
expected. https://
www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/
map2_1bd.shtml . OS Landranger map
73 covers the area. The 08:43 train from
Edinburgh arrives in Tweedbank at
09:41. Return trains from Tweedbank to
Edinburgh are every half hour, at 20
mins and 50 mins past the hour. For the
return, we'll aim for the 16:50 train,
arriving Edinburgh Waverley at 17:52.
It’s a 30‑minute walk back from
Melrose to Tweedbank, but we can use
the local Borders bus service if
necessary. This leaves the square at
Melrose at 16:27 to connect with the
16:50 train. Please bring a packed lunch
and plenty to drink. We will go for
refreshments in a café in Melrose if
there is time. The event contact is Colin
on 07769 199 150 Grid ref: NT 523 349
30
Gardens, History & Culture, South
Wales, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and
North Somerset Dyffryn National Trust
Gardens near Cardiff, with free entry to
all! Under CADW's 'Open Doors 2023'
scheme, (https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/
whats-on/open-doors) many places are
giving free access on specific
dates. Discover Dyffryn's intimate
garden rooms including the Pompeiian
garden, Paved Court, Reflecting Pool
and Mediterranean garden. The
enormous great lawn is bordered by
seasonal bedding and a croquet lawn.
There is also a large glasshouse,
statuary collection, and an arboretum
featuring trees from all over the world,
as well as the Log Stack play area which
is great for kids and adults alike. The
Estate was sold to a coal magnate in
1891 who in 1903 commissioned the
famous garden designer Thomas
Mawson to create a garden on a great
scale, a combination of landscape style,
plus Garden Rooms in the Arts and
Crafts Style. There is a nice little video
on Facebook. Please note that the house
is currently closed. The scaffolding is
due to come down in the autumn, but
may still be there when we visit. For
more details, please visit the National
Trust website. There is free parking
onsite, and the option of lunch in the
café afterwards, or you can bring a
packed lunch to have in the picnic area
near the car park. A full tour of the
garden is around three miles, mostly on
level, well‑made paths. Please meet at
11:00 by the entrance to the shop,
postcode CF5 6FZ. Numbers are
limited, so please book your place on
the website. The event contact is Neil
on 07808 502 527. Grid ref: ST 095 724
Sun 24 September
East Kent East Kent villages and varied
countryside. Though slightly longer
than average for East Kent, this 10‑mile
walk over an undulating landscape is
rated as moderate. It will include a
typical Kentish village, woodlands,
fields and meadows with some
excellent views. We shall walk through
Covert Wood before passing through
the village of Bossingham. On our
return leg, we shall walk through the
hamlet of Lynsore Bottom and a small
group of buildings, one of which is
called Heart’s Delight. Please bring a
packed lunch and plenty to drink.
Please meet for a prompt 10:30 start by
the village shop in Barham, CT4 6NX.
There is parking along Valley Road in
Barham, which is the main road
through the village. We advise people
to share vehicles and park on the
village shop side of the road. As you
enter Barham from the north, this is
will be on the right‑hand side of the
road. Bus number 17 stops in Barham,
but please check the timetable to make
sure you can reach the starting point on
time. Please bring a packed lunch and
plenty to drink. At the end of the walk,
we may have time to visit the village
pub in Barham for a drink. The event
contact is Gary Taylor on 07376 780 137.
Grid ref: TR 206 497
Somerset Crewkerne Ramble. On this
easy to moderate 6‑mile walk, we will
explore the charming historic market
town of Crewkerne and the
surrounding idyllic countryside. En
route, we will visit the impressive 16th
church built in the Perpendicular style.
On our way back to Crewkerne, we will
also pass through the village of North
Perrott. The walk includes some gentle
inclines, some stiles and crosses two
main roads. Please meet for a prompt
11:00 start at Henhayes Car Park, just
north of the Henhayes Centre in central
Crewkerne, near Waitrose and Lidl,
postcode TA18 8DA, where there is free
parking on Sundays. Crewkerne station
is on the Exeter to London Waterloo
line, about one mile out of town. There
are no Sunday bus services. Please
consider a car share: If you need a lift or
can offer a lift, please post a notice in
the Discussion Forum, which you’ll
find in the ‘Book Event’ section on the
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 plenty to
drink and a packed lunch. Afterwards,
you are cordially invited to Michael's
house for afternoon tea. The event
contact is Michael Copp on 07591 766
534. Grid ref: ST 443 097
31
South Wales Llanthony valley and
Ffawyddog Ridge Walk. This is a quite
strenuous, but glorious 9‑mile trek
along the Ffawyddog Ridge, high above
the Llanthony valley at the southern
end of the Vale of Ewyas in the Black
Mountains. The first stage of the walk is
almost four miles to Capel-y-ffin from
Llanthony, along lanes and the lower
Offa's Dyke Path on a low level, slightly
undulating route. From here, there is a
strenuous climb up to the ridge. We
will be stopping at times to catch our
breath on the climb, but it is
manageable, and flatter in places, and
takes less than an hour to climb. The
reward is a fabulous mountain ridge
walk with sweeping views of Sugar
Loaf, Skirrid, and beyond, down to the
Bristol Channel (in good weather). The
route eventually drops steeply from the
ridge on a well‑trodden path that
allows great views of the valley and the
priory. Good walking boots and
adequate mountain weather clothing
are essential. There are toilets at
Llanthony Priory, and the walk will
finish at the café/pub in the grounds of
the priory itself, where soft drinks,
alcoholic beverages and food are
served. The Half Moon Pub is within
close walking distance. There are only
two stiles, along the Offa's Dyke
Path. It’s a great walk for dogs, but
there will be sheep around on the climb
up and wild horses on the tops. Please
meet for a prompt 10:00 start Llanthony
Priory, Llanthony, off the Abergavenny
to Hereford Road NP7 7NN, which is
32
the A465. Please note the earlier start
time, and do not attempt to arrive from
the north over the Gospel Pass, as the
The Capel-y-ffin to Llanthony road is
blocked by a landslide. Please allow
plenty of time to get to the starting
point. The road to Llanthony soon
narrows to lanes with several blind
bends and is not the place to be
rushing. There is free parking in either
the main car park or the overflow car
park at Llanthony Priory. Public
transport is not an option. If you need a
lift, please let us know. Please bring a
packed lunch, snacks and plenty to
drink. The event contact is Ben on 07951
001 676. Grid ref: SO 288 278
Cwm Llanddewi a Chefnen
Ffawyddog Mae hon yn daith eithaf
egnïol, ond gogoneddus 9 milltir ar hyd
Crib Ffawyddog, yn uchel uwchben
dyffryn Llanddewi ym mhen deheuol
Dyffryn Ewyas yn y Mynyddoedd
Duon. Mae cam cyntaf y daith gerdded
bron i bedair milltir i Gapel-y-ffin o
Landdewi, ar hyd lonydd a Llwybr
Clawdd isaf Offa ar lwybr lefel isel,
ychydig yn ddi-dor. O'r fan hon, mae
yna ddringfa egnïol i fyny i'r
grib. Byddwn yn stopio ar adegau i
ddal ein gwynt ar y ddringfa, ond
mae'n hylaw, ac yn lletchwith mewn
mannau, ac yn cymryd llai nag awr i'w
ddringo. Ar ôl cyrraedd y garnedd sy'n
nodi'r copa fodd bynnag, mae'r dringo
egnïol drosodd, ac mae'r wobr yn daith
gerdded mynydd wirioneddol wych ar
draws y grib, gyda golygfeydd ysgubol
o Sugar Loaf, Skirrid, a thu hwnt, i lawr
at Fôr Hafren (mewn tywydd da). Yn y
pen draw, mae'r llwybr yn disgyn yn
serth o'r grib ar lwybr wedi'i droedio'n experience or expertise, you are
dda sy'n caniatáu golygfeydd gwych o'r
dyffryn a'r priordy. Mae esgidiau
cerdded da a dillad tywydd mynydd
digonol yn hanfodol. Mae toiledau ym
Mhriordy Llanddewi a bydd y daith
gerdded yn gorffen yn y caffi/tafarn ar
dir y priordy ei hun, lle gweinir
diodydd meddal, diodydd alcolig a
bwyd. Mae Tafarn Half Moon o fewn
pellter cerdded agos. Dim ond dau
gam, ar hyd Llwybr Clawdd
Offa. Taith gerdded wych i gŵn, ond
bydd defaid o gwmpas ar y dringo i
fyny a cheffylau gwyllt ar y topiau.
Sylwch fod daith hon yn dechrau am
10:00. Bras amcan pellter: 9 milltir.
Grid ref: SO 288 278; postcode: NP7
7NN; meeting Time: 10:00
Surrey The outskirts of Godalming. A
walk to be led by Robert Liston.
Meeting Time: 10:30. Full details will be share something of your experience and
posted on the website shortly.
Thu 28 September
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
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! 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
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
33
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 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: 377 718
Sat 30 September
Norfolk, Suffolk Lounds Lakes near
Hopton, Gt Yarmouth. This is a
provisional announcement about a
walk that will take in Lounds Lakes. At
this point, we estimate that the walk
will be around six miles, largely on
level ground, but this may be changed
when full details are posted on the
website. The walk is due to be led by
Stuart Buchan and provisionally set to
start at 11:00, but if you have any
queries before the full details are
posted, please contact David Willis, the
Norfolk Group Co-ordinator. You will
find his contact details on the Norfolk
group page on the website.
34
Sun 01 October
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 on
the day 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,
but includes two steep ascents. Please
meet for a prompt 11:00 start at The
Green, Ide Hill, opposite the Cock Inn,
TN14 6JN. You may park on the street
through the village, or half a mile away
in the Ide Hill village car park, TN14
6JG. There is no public transport
available on Sundays. Please bring a
packed lunch and plenty to drink. The
event contact is Nick Stanley on 07833
433 810. Grid ref: TQ 486 518
Western Midlands Trent Valley: A
waterside wander from Branston. This
8‑mile ramble takes in many of the
man-made lakes that have been created
in recent years alongside the Trent.
Starting at Branston, a place that gave
pickle to the world, the majority of the
walk is alongside water. This makes it a
perfect day out for wildlife lovers and
bird spotters as well as keen ramblers.
The route, which is easy and largely
flat, includes Barton Marina,
Tuckleshome Lake and Branston Water
Park. The start and finish point is by a
pub with a beautiful garden, ideal for
enjoying a post-walk tipple! We will be
walking on a mixture of paved and
muddy/grassy paths. There is one
footbridge with steps. Please meet for a
prompt 11:15 start at the entrance to the
Riverside Hotel car park, Riverside
Drive, Burton-on-Trent DE14 3EP. If
you are driving, leave the A38 at the
Branston (Burton South junction). The
Riverside Hotel is two minutes from
this junction. Parking in the car park is
allowed for those who are going to visit
the pub afterwards.
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
wishes to buy food along the way, we
can detour past a Co-op just before the
midpoint of the walk. The event contact
is James Bailey on 07904 114 414. Grid
ref: SK 227 210

Full details
of all October’s events will be in
the October 2023 issue of Outdoors,
which is due out on 27th
September.
See also www.goc.org.uk

35
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 11th September 2023 , 9th October 2023
sessions a week. Socials afterwards. Coaching
and 6th November 2023. An advertisement in
available. New swimmers and visitors welcome. Mark
Outdoors does not imply any endorsement of a
on 0121 441 3768 or see www.moseleyshoals.org.uk.
product or service by the GOC or its trustees. The
Northern Wave: Manchester swimming. Two
views and opinions expressed in Outdoors do not
sessions per week. Also water polo. See
necessarily reflect those of the GOC, its editor or its
www.northernwave.org or Trevor on 0161 872 1990 or
trustees.
northernwave@btopenworld.com.

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