Jo Durrant interviews some walkers on a windy day in preparation for the Winchcombe Walking Festival. In recent weeks Kate Clark’s Saturday Lunchtime Programme has covered Cheltenham Rambling Club on Cleeve Hill, Cleeve Group on Stoke Orchard WW2 walk, GWG at Tewkesbury and the Cotswold Wardens at Bourton on the Water. Listen from about 2 hours in for the walks!
All to help demonstrate it’s not only enjoyable out walking, but it’s good for mental and physical health and can be good for the local economy. Let’s hope Jo is ok with the photo!

Ramblers President Kate Ashbrook witnessed an historic friendship agreement between Winchcombe and Japan last week.

Walkers are Welcome UK and the Footpath Association of Japan got together and signed a Friendship Agreement in Winchcombe, (sometimes called the “walking capital of the Cotswolds). Japan will now start its own Walkers are Welcome Towns’ Network, the first overseas country to adopt the idea that started in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, in 2007.

Also present Sheila Talbot, Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome, Mike Dawson, CEO of Tewkesbury Borough Council, Jim Mason, chair of Winchcombe Town Council

Winchcombe has benefitted hugely since becoming a member of the Walkers are Welcome Network in 2009. More and more walkers are visiting the town every May to attend its annual walking festival. Others come all year round to walk the Winchcombe Way and Isbourne Way or try the self-guided walks that are available from the winchcombewelcomeswalkers website.

Mr Kosei Hamada and Mrs Ruriko Izawa brought the Friendship Agreement from Japan, which had already been signed by Joichi Ishizaka, President of the Footpath Association of Japan. Sheila Talbot signed on behalf of Walkers are Welcome UK, in her capacity as Overseas Ambassador for Walkers are Welcome. Also present at the signing was Kate Ashbrook, Patron of Walkers are Welcome, General Secretary of the Open Spaces Society and Ramblers President.
http://www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk/2015/02/waw-concept-travels-to-japan/
https://campaignerkate.wordpress.com/2015/02/07/walkers-are-welcome-goes-international/

7 miles of  great walking from Clydach up Gilwern Hill.

It had everything: Old railway and tramway tracks, Industrial archaeology and   geology, river and canal, hill and valley, snow, sun and a snow storm.
There was even a rainbow or should that be a snowbow?
Thanks to John for assisting with navigation, Pam for looking after me and all the intrepid walkers who braved not only the weather but also my navigation. A truly magnificent day.

Barbara

www.fodramblers.org.uk

20 December to 4 January 2015

Have a look at  our GR Walks page for 2 weeks of Winter Walks!

Everyone’s invited

Our Festival of Winter Walks is open to everyone. We hope to have short fun walks that children will love; leisurely strolls for people new to walking; and longer walks for those that want a good leg-stretch over the Christmas break.

Choose a walk

Whatever your age or walking ability there’s a walk for you. You can also join health walks under 5 miles; tag along with our working age walkers or find a fun festive-themed walk.

Walks take place across Gloucestershire, some down urban streets and across country fields. Plus all of our walks are run by friendly and welcoming walk leaders who’ll make sure you never get lost.

So put on your hat and scarf and join us as we head out into the crisp, clear winter to enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.