HG Archive
Sunshine, Carols, a Walk and a great lunch – what more do you want at Christmas!
Sunshine smiled on the 60 Henley and Goring Ramblers as they enjoyed their annual Christmas Carol Service, Walk and lunch this year. In 2009 the event had to be called off as the pub in the Hambleden Valley where the lunch was to be held was cut off by snow! In 2010 half of the people who had booked a place weren’t able to get to the start point because of the snow. This year, mindful of the problems of access, it was decided to avoid the higher hills and valleys so the walk was centred on Checkenden church. The group met at the Bird in Hand pub in Sonning Common then set off in two groups to do a walk before meeting at the church for a service of carols and readings.
After the service the walkers took a short route back to the Bird in Hand where they were served a splendid hot lunch. All enjoyed the day and were very impressed by the quality of the food and efficiency of the service at the lunch. Those for whom it was the first experience of this annual event commented on how well it was organised with such large numbers taking part. They wanted to thank the main organiser, Susan Maguire, and all involved in making the day such a success.
Trip to the Italian Dolomites, September 2012
The towering dramatic peaks and impossibly steep sided valleys of the Italian Dolomites provided a wonderful setting for Henley & Goring’s 2012 overseas trip in September. The great advantage of walking in these mountains is that ski lifts or the excellent public bus service take a walker up to the high slopes and passes so that one can walk at high altitudes in stunning scenery without having to climb 2000 metres on foot to get there.
About to tackle a via ferrata
The group stayed at Haus Valentin in Pedraces Badia, just down the valley from Corvara, in a chalet run by Colletts Mountain Holidays. The chalet is run by a group of young people who share out the work and also act as guides on walks and via ferrata climbs. Each day they offer two guided walks and two guided via ferrata, one easy and one hard. A local chef cooks delicious meals and wine is provided as part of the price for the holiday. We were all impressed by the friendliness, efficiency and talent of the young people who worked at the chalet. They made us feel very welcome and were unfailingly friendly and helpful.
On an easy grade walk in the Dolomites
As we started most of the walks high and the weather was clear and sunny we were able to marvel at the spectacular views of the big mountains of the area – Marmolada (3343 metres) with its shrinking glacier, Gruppo del Sella (3151m.) big and lowering with multiple peaks and Sassongher, a beautiful jagged shark’s tooth of a mountain dominating Corvara.
Made it! The top of the via ferrata
Our walks were varied and enjoyable. Some involved high level traverses and climbs to cols or minor peaks, others walks from lake to lake on the lower slopes. Four of the group tried out a via ferrata and thoroughly enjoyed it. Of particular interest was one walk along a high ridge that had formed the front line in the world war one battle between Austria and Italy. A trench had been dug in the rock all along the ridge to the summit. There was a large gap in the ridge at one point where the Italians had tunnelled under the ridge and exploded a large mine killing many of the occupying Austrian troops.
We were very lucky with the weather. The week before we arrived there had been severe weather warnings but we enjoyed cloudless skies and warn sunshine until the last day when the rains came. As we left the mountains new snow on the upper slopes made the area look even more beautiful. This certainly was a trip to remember and an area to return to.
Last view of the mountains with new snow
Exmoor in the sun and rain
In June a group of 21 went to Simonsbath in the heart of Exmoor for a 4 day trip staying in the Simonsbath Country House Hotel. Set in the beautiful Barle valley there are many walks right from the doorstep of the hotel and the group sampled one of them on the second day. Unfortunately we didn’t see too much as the rain and cloud obscured the views and we had to watch our footing on slippery paths. As heads were all firmly tucked in hoods, it became quite interesting trying to work out who was who from the colour of their rain proofs and the way they walked! Fortunately the weather improved for the rest of the trip.
Picnic on the SW coastal path between Lynmouth and Porlock
There was a choice of walks each day but all were able to enjoy a stretch of the dramatic SW coastal path from Lynmouth to Porlock Weir. By way of contrast, the next day the walk started at the hotel then went along the Two Moors Way to Watersmeet. After refreshments in the National Trust cafe, we followed the river down to Lynmouth where there was time to visit the museum and find out about the disastrous flood, before taking the funicular (or the many steps for the fresh and foolish) to Linton to catch the hotel bus back to base.
The Lorna Doone Valley
The last day provided another contrast: a circular walk around Badgeworthy and the romantic Doone valley. This is a great walk starting in a lovely remote valley, then open moors, wonderful wide views and Exmoor ponies before descending to the valley for an al fresco lunch at Cloud Farm to set you up for the drive home. Thanks to the organisers for two another enjoyable and memorable trip!
An effective, if unorthodox way of crossing a stream on Exmoor
Walking in the Gower Peninsula
On Sunday 6th May 2012, 22 members of Henley and Goring ramblers met at Reynoldston Village on the Gower Peninsula for 3 days of spectacular walking. Staying at the King Arthur Hotel, a traditional country inn. very close to Arthur’s Stone and the Gower Way and nestling under Cefn Bryn, everyone was well catered for with delicious 3 course evening meals every night, and huge Welsh breakfasts every morning.
Each day there was a choice of fast longer walks or slower shorter walks led by members of the group Susan and Bruce. We were treated to beach and cliff walks, moorland and woodland walks all with stunning scenery and wonderful far reaching views. On arrival all the group set off from the hotel up to Arthurs Stone which proved difficult to reach because of rather boggy conditions but once reached the views from the Stone were well worth the effort. Then on to the coast and 3 Cliffs Bay where a tea stop was enjoyed in sunshine on the beach before returning cross country back to the hotel.
The following day some walkers went up on Rhossilli Down while others took a lower route to Llangennith In the afternoon both groups ascended Llanmadoc Hill with views over Whiteford Nature Reserve and Loughor Estuary. Continuing over Ryers Down, and Cefn Bryn before descending back to the Hotel.
The next day everyone enjoyed a coastal path walk either from Oxwich Bay or Port Eynon . Both finishing in Rhossilli. The brilliant sunshine and sparkling sea showed the Gower Coast at its best. This really was a brilliant walk. On reaching Rhossilli some members then took advantage of low tide to cross over the causeway to Worms Head. While waiting for the bus everyone enjoyed tea in the sunshine overlooking the lengthy Rhossilli beach.
On the last day the weather changed but everyone enjoyed the misty walk across the downs and fields through a magical woodland filled with bluebells primroses and other wild flowers beside a babbling brook and back along Rhossilli beach. Although all were soaked by the end of the walk everyone soon warmed up and dried out in the Bay Bistro with excellent home cooked food, making a fantastic finish to a wonderful and memorable trip to the Gower Peninsula.
Tilley Smith
Walking the Greensands Way in Winter
We’d done the North Downs Way, the South Downs Way, the Cotswold Way, the Wessex Ridgeway, the Three Castles Way - what was left for Henley and Goring group for a winter linear walk that was not too far away from home? Of course – The Greensands Way!
As many of you no doubt know The Greensands Way is a 108 miles route starting at Haslemere in Surrey and ending at Hamstreet in Kent. We wanted to finish at the coast so we added on the first section of the Saxon Shore route which starts at Hamstreet, and walked on to Rye. We celebrated the end of the walk, which was done over five weekends from October to March, with sparkling wine and nibbles on the beach at Camber Sands.
The Greensands Way follows the ridge of greensand rock across Surrey and Kent, to the edges of Romney Marsh and almost to the Kent coast. Running broadly parallel to the North Downs it takes the walker along paths which give wonderful views in places, to the south across the Weald and northwards to the North Downs. Much of the land is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the tower at Leith Hill, at 1000feet, the highest point in the southeast of England. The route is varied with many points of historical and cultural interest as well as the attractive countryside it passes through. This winter walk provides great opportunities for atmospheric photographs; Kentish oast houses or mediaeval churches looming out of the mist; wide sunlit landscapes seen from the higher ridge sections; blossom on the many orchards and new born lambs reminding us that spring is on the way on the March weekend; a lone seal at the furthest point of the tidal river before the lock that protects the military canal. I would recommend that a group considering this linear walk does extend it to include the first stage of the Saxon Shore Walk to finish in Rye. The walk across the Romney Marshes to Rye gives a fascinating glimpse of a landscape that is unfamiliar to many of us (but not to the Dutch member of our party). It is rich in literary and historic associations, though as we crossed the marsh on a glorious sunny spring day it was hard to imagine Abel Magwitch leaping out of the gloomy mist to terrify poor Pip in ‘Great Expectations’!
Rye, one of the Cinque Ports, is worthy of a visit in its own right and certainly provided a pleasing place to end a memorable and enjoyable walk.
AGM 2012
Another year, another enjoyable AGM and supper! We are lucky to have so many good cooks and willing helpers among our members! The business side of the meeting was led by our new Chairman, Peter Stone. He reported on a successful year for the group; our finances are in good order and membership is holding up. There are a few changes on the committee. Secretary Eileen Burroughs stood down after ten years doing a wonderful job. A new recruit, Judith Hill will take on some of her role. We are sorry to lose Anna Dowling, who joined last year to coordinate the Walks Programme. After two years of trying to resign as Publicity officer Joan Clark has finally done so but will continue on the committee as Area Representative and will also take over production of the newsletters from Susan Maguire. Inge Mikkelsen joins the committee taking on some of the publicity officer role. We are still looking for volunteers for a number of tasks. Contact Peter!
Committee members for 2013, shown above, are:
Chairman Peter Stone
Minutes Secretary Judith Hill
Treasurer Chris Corti
Area/ Newsletter Joan Clark
Footpaths Susan Maguire
Membership Gill Heaven
Social Tilley Smith
Walks organiser Peter Stone
Members Inge Mikkelsen, Robbie Hanson
Chantry House lecture January 2012
Following the success of the 2010 Chantry House Lecture, ‘Curiosities in the Chilterns part 1’ members were pleased to welcome Alan Copeland back as our 2012 Chantry House lecturer for ‘Curiosities of the Chilterns part 2’. We weren’t disappointed! In a lively, entertaining and informative illustrated talk we were taken on a tour of the Aylesbury and Thames area and learned about interesting features to look out for on future walks. As always, the 70 or so people who came enjoyed a pleasant social evening meeting friends and enjoying a glass of wine and delicious nibbles provided by committee members. I think this is our 7th annual lecture and the evening proves as popular as ever.
Turkey October 2011
I have just returned from a walking holiday in Turkey with Henley and Goring Ramblers, and I have to say it is one of the most memorable, not to say the most relaxing holidays I have ever spent. It all began in early October when 18 intrepid Ramblers left London Gatwick bound for Antalya in southern Turkey, not knowing quite what a week of sheer delight lay ahead! This was to comprise a week of sunshine, walking and sea bathing, all from the delightful base of the Ceneviz Hotel situated in the equally delightful and unspoilt village of Adrasson.
We experienced four days of wonderful walks, following the ancient Lycean Way in each direction, affording us spectacular views of the exceptionally beautiful coastline of southern Turkey which increased in magnificence as we climbed up the rocky mountain tracks. We also visited the fascinating historical ruins of the ancient Roman town of Olympus, and the amazing natural phenomenon of the flames of Chimaera.
The middle of the week found us on a locally chartered boat with opportunities to swim in the crystal blue waters of several small secluded coves which punctuate this magnificent coastline. A delicious lunch of freshly caught fish was served on board, only confirming the ladies’ belief that they had all become Shirley Valentine for the day! As well as experiencing the satisfaction of completing quite challenging walks we had time to relax on the beach, swim in an invitingly warm sea and sample the excellent cuisine of our family run hotel.
All our meals were enjoyed outside, either in the early morning sunshine or under the starry evening sky. Lastly, a huge thank you to Bruce Gomersall and Marilyn Payne of Henley and Goring Ramblers for organising such a wonderful holiday and allowing us to share for a week their personal corner of Paradise.
Cotswolds Weekend 16th-17th October
Being somewhat of a dilettante walker, I have avoided going away with the Ramblers for fear of not being able to keep up with those who walk far more regularly than I do, so when I saw this weekend advertised, I though this might be a good initiation – only two days, in the glorious Cotswolds and a choice of a longer or shorter walk each day. This is for us, I told my husband and how right I was! The weather was absolutely fantastic – especially on Sunday, the company excellent and the walks we chose (the shorter ones) quite within our limits. We set off from Burford car park on Sunday morning, divided into two groups – ours led by Bruce Brown and the longer walk by Peter Stone. We followed the Windrush and made our way to Widford, where there is a splendid church but little left of the village which effectively died at the time of the plague. The church is on the hill looking down on the river and the views are quintessentially English. There was some dry stone walling being done by a group of volunteers, all round the Church . 
We then went on to Swinbrook, which has strong links with the late Lord Redesdale and his famous daughters, the Mitfords, four of whose graves, Diana, Unity, Pamela and Nancy, I found in the churchyard of St Mary’s. The church itself is very interesting, with some splendid tombs. We lunched in the garden of the Swan, owned, I am told, by the dowager duchess of Devonshire and then made our way back to Burford where we spent a happy hour pottering about before joining the other group and setting off in convoy to the Mill house hotel at Kingham, where we were treated to a delicious cream tea before going off on our own to explore the beautiful village of Kingham. The day ended with an excellent dinner in the hotel. On Monday morning, after a very hearty breakfast, we drove in convoy to Adelstrop and set off on our walk to Chastleton and circumvented Chastleton house, which the National Trust has taken under its wing and then on through Dalesford – where we went through part of the Stud . Some of us took a shortcut back but we soon met up again with the main group who joined us for a picnic lunch , including hot soup, all provided by the hotel, in the grounds of Adelstrop village hall. It really was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and our sincere thanks go to Bruce Brown, who organised it all and to Peter and Jeanne Stone, who helped plan the walks.
Dorset, September 2011
As you can see on the photographs the group had extremes of weather on the trip to Eypes near Bridport in Dorset. The wind varied from brisk to ferocious and when it was at its strongest the stormy seascapes off the Jurassic Coast and scudding clouds overhead made for unforgettable experiences of the power of natural forces. At one point on the coastal path a gust was so strong we all had to lie down to avoid being blown back down the hill! We did enjoy lots of sunshine too.
The group spent three nights in the Eypes Mouth Hotel near Bridport where we enjoyed warm hospitality and excellent food. The walks were organised by one of our members who lives part of the year in the area, so knows it well. On the day we drove down we walked in the Lulworth area visiting Tyneham and Durdle Door. Two full days walking along the coastal path, first east, then west of Bridport brought spectacular coastal scenery and exhilarating walking. On the final day we walked to a large Iron Age fort near Powerstock. After an excellent pub lunch we set off for home. Many thanks to Bob, Jacqueline and Colin for organising such a successful and enjoyable trip.
Bank Holiday BBQ, May 2011m.jpg)
Last year it was sunshine, sizzling sausages, salmon and scrumptious salads at our August Bank Holiday BBQ. This year there were two changes: of date, from August to May Bank Holiday and of weather, from sunshine to showers! However, the other sizzling ingredients, including Colin Heaven’s jazz band to entertain the diners, were all present. Despite the weather about 40 members enjoyed a choice of walks led by John and Jane Case. Ray Maguire set up the BBQ in tithe shade of a tree and an umbrella and normal excellent cooking service was maintained. The quality and quantity of the salads and sweets contributed by the members was a tribute to their cooking and Tilley’s first class organisational skills. Thanks to all involved!
Walking the Wessex Way
Starting at Avebury and finishing at Lyme Regis, the Wessex Way is a wonderful walk packed with historical interest and spectacular scenery. Be warned, however, the way marking is decidedly patchy. Make sure you have good maps, a guide book and, preferably, someone with a GPS system or you might find yourself lost in the middle of a ploughed field!
A group of Henley & Goring Ramblers, having completed the Cotswold Way over the winter months last year, embarked on the 136 miles long Wessex Way starting with a day trip to the Marlborough White Horse, then weekends from November to April. The first weekend began in leisurely fashion wandering round the lines of stones at Avebury before a 12 miles walk and an overnight stay in Devises. The Sunday walk took us to West Lavington. Subsequent weekends involved walks varying in length from 10 to 14 miles with overnight stays in Westbury, Shaftesbury, Antsy and Lyme Regis. The route goes along ancient paths via the edge of Salisbury Plain and Cranbourne Chase to the Dorset coast. Devised by local Ramblers and opened in 1994, it is waymarked on maps, but waymarking on the ground is variable, in places excellent, in others nonexistent! 
The route is very varied and full of historical interest: iron age forts and long barrows, Old Wardour Castle dating in parts from the 14th century, interesting villages, romantic old pubs and manor houses, the bleak landscape of Salisbury Plain (with very dramatic big skies when we were there - bright sun and black thundery clouds), ridge walking with great views, fields and woods plus the not so welcome occasional muddy ploughed field. Much of the time walkers are in very rural surroundings making us feel almost as if we had gone back in time to a pre industrial England.
We were a group of 23 walkers, though not everyone managed to do every stage. This made organisation a big job, so it was shared among the group. A small core group worked out the route and decided on the different stages and responsibility for organising accommodation, meals and transport was shared among the rest of the group. This is certainly a long distance walk that we can recommend. It compares well with the Cotswold Way, and we thought that was brilliant.
Montgomery Easter 2011
Dry and sunny? Wales at Easter? Can’t be true, but it was for Henley & Goring Group’s trip to Montgomery, where Powys meets Shropshire and Offa’s Dyke reminds us of a turbulent past. There was nothing turbulent about the present in this quiet but lovely part of the country. The twenty people who made the trip were welcomed by the friendly hosts at the 17th century Dragon Inn, a coaching in the centre of the village sized town. The imposing castle ruins looming over the town attest to its former importance but quiet rural charm is a more apt description these days. The surrounding countryside with rolling hills and some sharp inclines is lovely and the group took full advantage of the good weather with walks on all four days of the trip.
On the first and last days we all walked together but on the middle days there was a choice of a long walk, a short walk and on one day a shorter walk as the short walk the previous day was described by those doing it as a long short walk!
The first walk took us to up the castle and nearby monument giving us excellent orientation views of the rolling landscape. A choice of walks was offered on our first full day. Both went over the border into Shropshire and took in sections of the Shropshire Way. The longer walk went along the Stiperstones Ridge with its superb views as we walked or enjoyed a lunchtime picnic. The shorter walk also enjoyed great views and included a lunch time pub stop at a charming pub at Norbury. A spectacular thunderstorm with hailstones made a dramatic end to the day but we were near to the cars at this point and the brief storm cleared the haze from the air. The next day’s walks, taking in sections of Offa’s Dyke, were more challenging and some of the inclines were decidedly steep! The shorter walk covered much of the same country as the long walk, just starting closer to Montgomery. This led to a third walk being offered – the short, short walk – taken up gratefully by those of the group who were still recovering from the previous day’s ‘short’ walk!
The last day brought a complete contrast as the full group walked a delightful section of the Montgomery Canal from Berriew to Powis Castle. The weather was glorious again and most people enjoyed a visit to the castle, a leisurely lunch and an ice cream before driving home We could have had a better Easter weekend away! Many thanks to the
organisers!
Carols in the Snow
Strangely enough ‘Good King Wenceslas’ was not on the carol sheet when Henley & Goring Ramblers went to Fingest Church for the annual carol service walk and lunch. However, the ‘snow lay all about, deep and crisp and even’! Last year the service had to be cancelled as the vicar couldn’t get to the church and the pub had not had a food delivery because of the snow. This year the snow came a little earlier so despite quite a few members not being able to make it, the roads were mostly clear and we went ahead. We were glad we did! The historic church, one of only two with a double tower in the country, dates from Norman times and is well worth a visit in its own right. Beautifully decorated with natural foliage it was lovely setting for the traditional Christmas service of nine carols and readings.
After the service two walks with a similar route but one longer and at a faster pace than the other, followed. The area around Fingest, Skirmett and Turville is one of the loveliest in the Chilterns and it was looking magical in the snow. Having worked up a good appetite the walkers returned to the village pub, the Chequers, for a buffet lunch. The warm welcome and the log fires encouraged lingering into the dusk of the late afternoon. All agreed we had had a great day out – spiritual uplift, healthy exercise and a good meal. What more could you ask for to put you in the mood for the festive season?
H&G Ramblers 75th anniversary baton walk
This month the Ramblers 75th anniversary baton reached South Oxfordshire on the final leg of its journey around Britain.
Throughout the year a special Ramblers baton has been carried from region to region, celebrating the Ramblers work to make Britain one of the most walking friendly countries in the world. This week it reached Henley.
It began on New Year’s Eve in Cornwall with the infamous ‘Trencrom Tipsy Toddle’- an annual amble to Trencrom fort with mulled wine and mice pies - then wound its way up the West of the country, through Wales, up into Scotland before heading back down the East side of England. Last month Ramblers from across London and the surrounding area carried the baton around the entirety of the 180 mile London Loop. 
Then it was our turn. Ramblers from across Oxfordshire have been walking sections of the Oxfordshire Way during October and November. On a cold but sunny day Henley & Goring Group members joined Didcot & Wallingford Group for lunch at The Crown at Pishill then took over the baton and carried it on the final Oxfordshire stretch from Pishill to Henley.
Actually the baton almost didn’t make it. When it arrived it wasn’t recognised for what it was – a blow-up baton! The Henley publicity officer seeing it in its deflated state assumed it was a plasticised banner and cheerfully stuck it onto a display board with drawing pins! Happily a replacement was sent in time for the baton passing walk.
Autumn in Tuscany
The wonderfully welcoming Hotel Giardini in San Marcello, north west of Florence was H&G’s base for a week of walking, sightseeing and Italian cookery lessons in October 2010. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offer this trip as an exclusive group holiday if the numbers are right. 
They were for us and we enjoyed a great week in this lovely part of Italy.
The walking was varied both in terms of terrain and difficulty. On the easier walks we wandered through colourful woodlands over a carpet of chestnuts and acorns to villages with fascinating buildings and histories. The villages, usually on top of hills, looked as if they had been placed where they were by a landscape designer in order to achieve maximum picturesque effect! We crossed a gorge on the longest foot suspension bridge in the world: exhilarating or quite an ordeal depending on your susceptibility to vertigo! 
We climbed the delightfully named Libro Aperto (open book) because of its shape, which rises to just under 2000 metres and has spectacular views across the Tuscan hills. We took a long cable car ride with the intention of walking a high ridge. Unfortunately the clouds were down, the wind was cold and we might as well have been on a ridge in the Chilterns for all we could see, so we acknowledged that Italy can be like England in autumn, and turned round for a welcome hot cuppa in the cafe at the cable car station.
One day was spent sightseeing in Florence –a tantalising experience as there was too much to see and marvel at even for those who had visited the city before. An enjoyable aspect of this holiday was the food and drink. 
The bravery, patience and good humour of our hostess as she let 22 people into her kitchen to make classic Italian dishes like ravioli, minestrone, pesto Genovese, pizza, and tiramisu was amazing. Even more amazing was that the food we made was served for dinner and actually tasted good! Two evening entertainments stood out: the wine tasting, with fine local wines that were new to many of us and the final night of singing and dancing led by our host Rudi. Rudi, who has a passing resemblance to Tom Jones, entertained us with song and we danced as he couldn’t persuade any of us to try the karaoke! We may be shy about singing but I think we surprised the locals with the variety of our dancing – including a variation on an eightsome reel to the music of Abba!
Henley & Goring tackle the Yorkshire Big 3
Just before our departure the Met office predicted heavy rain and strong winds but fortunately over 3 days the intrepid group conquered the 3 peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent missing the bad weather nearly all the way.
The group of 10 met up at Ingleton to walk the Waterfalls Trail, through ancient oak woodland and magnificent Dales scenery; then on to our base, The Golden Lion Hotel, in the market town of Settle. The hotel was a delightfully traditional 17th century coaching inn where the staff where very obliging and welcoming. 
On arrival there was some disarray as the tenant manager had gone bankrupt the previous week. They had us booked for the right number of rooms but not the right combination of beds! However this was admirably sorted out and we enjoyed a comfortable, great value stay.
Settle is the starting point for the Settle to Carlisle Railway and we travelled on this excellent railway, over the Ribblehead viaduct of 24 arches, to Dent Station, then joined the River Dee and followed the Dales Way to the summit of Whernside, returning to Ribblehead station and the pub just before the rain started.
Our walk up Ingleborough started with a bus ride to Clapham, idyllic village shame about the name! 
From there we followed Clapham Beck which passed through spectacular limestone country going through Trow Gill and passing Gaping Gill which is one of the largest caverns in the Dales. On descent the route took us across an unusual section of limestone pavement where we were tempted to stop and soak up the sunshine like lounging lizards.
For the third peak, Pen-y-Ghent, it was back on the train, and the walk started and ended in the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Our route included a few steep scrambles, a quiet ridge and valley walk and we passed the magnificent chasm of Hull Pot and Hunt Pot. Mission accomplished! With thanks to Colin Sutton, Susan Maguire and Brain Maunder, the organisers.
Anna and Tim Dowling
Bank Holiday BBQ 2010
Sunshine, sizzling sausages, salmon, sumptuous salads, super sweets and serenades from 'Jazz Moves' ! What more could you want after a lovely walk?
Between 50 and 60 H & G members enjoyed a great day out in the country on Bank Holiday Monday. We started with a choice of walks from Bix village hall, led by John and Jane Case. The longer walk took in Greys court, Merrymoles and the Fleming Estate; the shorter walk went to Bix Bottom and Catslip. Food was organised by Tilley Smith and she and a team of cooks led by Chief Chef Ray Maguire stayed behind to get it ready for the returning hungry walkers. The pleasure of the excellent meal was greatly enhanced by music, provided by Colin Heaven's band. As usual many members contributed to the success of the day making salads and sweets or helping with setting up and clearing away. Thanks to all for making it such an enjoyable day!
75th Birthday Celebrations in the Sunshine
On a glorious day in June, 75 Ramblers from all corners of Oxfordshire converged on Shirburn Hill overlooking Watlington. Morning walks were arranged by six Oxfordshire groups, each starting from a different point and converging at lunchtime high on the Chilterns with wonderful views over the Oxford Plain. The Ramblers is 75 years old this year we celebrated with a picnic on access land. Pat Lonergan, Oxfordshire Area Chairman, welcomed the groups in turn and particularly thanked Henley & Goring Group, the main organisers of the occasion. John Killick, who has been involved in the campaign to gain right of access to land in Oxfordshire, including Shirburn Hill, spoke about that campaign and some of the ironies involved. 
To put forward the case for access detailed reports on the land use had to be drawn up, but the owners’ barristers then claimed that the reports should not be admitted as evidence as the report writer must have trespassed on the land in order to write the report! Some fights were won, others lost. Luckily Shirburn Hill was one of the wins! Dr. Alan Bryden, Oxfordshire Ramblers President, welcomed the walkers and invited them to raise a glass to the next 75 years of walking and campaigning for the countryside. Birthday cakes, champagne and other drinks were passed round before walkers dispersed for short afternoon walks and the return to their own parts of the county. Chiltern Challenge Walk, 6 June 2010
Over 200 hundred walkers took part in the Sue Ryder Annual Chiltern Challenge Walk and more than £5000 was raised for the Nettlebed hospice. Although the numbers walking were lower than last year, those who took part were very positive in their feedback about the walk. The superbly signed 13 miles walk to Fingest and Turville took in some of the most glorious Chilterns countryside. Checkpoints and water points were well placed and welcoming. Even the weather was kind; fine all day but not too hot for comfortable walking. Many people said that it was the best route they have ever had for the Chiltern Challenge. As a first time Chiltern Challenge walker, I can’t compare, but I can say that it was an excellent walk and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a must for next year’s diary!
Joan Clark
Cardigan, June 2010
Two spectacular cliff walks along the Pembroke and Ceridigion coastal paths and an exploration of the Teifi estuary were the highlights of a recent trip by 20 Henley & Goring Ramblers to historic Cardigan . The Ceridigion coastal path was only opened in 2008. We started with a tour of the town learning something of its colourful history from the battles between the Normans and the Welsh to the bustling 19th century port that was the second busiest in Wales. 
Now Cardigan is a small pretty market town with a castle, a nature reserve and some great walking potential. Situated at the junction of the Pembroke and Ceridigion coastal paths, Cardigan offers a choice of estuary, river and cliff walks. We enjoyed all. We explored the Teifi estuary and wildlife reserve and the gorge like section leading to Cilgerran where we visited the romantic ruins of Cilgerran castle before returning to Cardigan via the paths and boardwalks across the estuary marshes of the wildlife reserve. 
The cliff walks provided dramatic scenery and the chance to spot seals and dolphins as well as a range of birds. We did not entirely escape the rain, although one heavy shower kindly confined itself to the time we were having lunch in the pub, another did not and a bedraggled group were very glad to see a cafe that was open after a wet cliff top walk. Still the sun came out in the afternoon and we all dried out. Some of the ladies spotted a charity knit-in notice, appealing for people to knit squares to make a giant cardigan depicting the land, river and townscapes of Cardigan. Knitting squares proved to be a popular way of relaxing between the end of a walk and dinner time. The finished products were handed over at the local Tourist office. This was a new area for our Group but everyone enjoyed the trip and we can certainly recommend the quality and variety of the walking in this part of Wales.
Skittles Evening, 14 May 2010
A skittles evening and pot luck supper held recently at the Salisbury Club, Queen Street, Henley proved to be a fun evening for members. We were divided into teams of four who competed to see who could thread the ball through the narrowest gap without knocking down any skittles. I don’t think that was what we were meant to be doing but it seemed that most people found it easier to miss than hit the skittles! As always the contributions to the pot luck supper were splendid. We have some excellent cooks in our Group! Raffle prizes were donated by members of the committee and the winning team was presented with bottles of wine.
A walk and afternoon tea in memory of Mavis Richardson, 14 April 2010
Mavis, who died in November, was one of the Group’s longest serving walk leaders. A large group met at Henley Town Hall at 10.30 for a 9 miles walk via Bix and Greys Court. Friends and fellow group members were asked to bring a packed lunch, as Mavis’s walks always featured a picnic rather than a pub lunch. At the end of the walk people went for tea in the Margaret Day Room with home made jam tarts cakes provided by members who have enjoyed the many cakes, tarts and pies Mavis made for Henley & Goring social occasions over the years. A small charge covered the cost of room hire and a donation was made to Cancer Research in memory of Mavis.
Get Walking Weekend in Henley, May 2010
What a difference the weather makes! Last year we sheltered shivering in our display tent in a rain swept empty Falaise Square. This year any sheltering was from the hot sun! Last year our most notable visitors were a group of bedraggled Duke of Edinburgh award walkers who took advantage of our offer of a few minutes shelter from the driving rain in our gazebo. This year Falaise Square was buzzing with 
activity and we had a steady stream of visitors with quite a few of these signing up to join. We are likely to get about 25 new members as a result of the day. The Square was buzzing with activity as we shared the space with the first Henley Festival of Flowers. Last year our intrepid walks leader and two others braved the cold and the rain for the Get Walking Day walk. 
This year 18 donned their sun hats for the guided walk. The walkers, a mix of new and existing members were taken on a tour of Henley’s historic buildings before heading into the countryside to Rotherfield Greys to see the impressive Knollys effigy tomb in the church there and learn something of stories of the families who owned Greys Court over the centuries.
Cotswold Way October 2009 to March 2010
Doing long distance linear walks in winter inevitably involves risks of bad weather. Undaunted Henley & Goring Ramblers completed the 100 miles plus of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Camden to Bath over five weekends between October and March. Winter linear walks are getting to be a regular feature of the Group programme. The South Downs, North Downs, Three Castles and Shakespeare Ways have all been walked and a 160 mile walk from Pewsey White Horse to Lyme Regis taking in parts of the Wiltshire White Horse circuit and the Wessex Way is being planned for winter 2010/2011.
What were the highlights of the Cotswold Way? They were many: five inches of perfect untrodden powder snow on the hills round Uley Bury and Wotton under Edge on the February stage; the glorious glowing colour of the Cotswold stone in the many picture postcard villages; the views over the Bristol Channel and the Severn bridges; tea in Sally Lunn’s in Bath at the end of the walk. One delightful group tradition reinforced each month on this trip, is pre-dinner champagne provided by whoever in the group has a birthday that month. Fortunately for me as there were 22 walkers on the February leg, two others also had birthdays that month!
Chantry House Lecture and social evening, January 2010
For the last six years, the end of January has brought an enjoyable and informative evening out for our members and friends: the annual Chantry House lecture. This year was no exception. Alan Copeland took us on a fast moving photographic tour of some of the curiosities of the Chilterns. His pictures of the odd, the rare and the unusual, together with his lively commentary provided fascinating insights into the history, customs and lifestyles of people in our area in times past. The delightful surroundings of Henley’s only grade 1 listed building, a glass of wine, light refreshments, the chance to chat to old friends and make new ones added to the enjoyment. No Carols this Year: Snow Stops Service!
One of the most popular events in our programme is the annual Carol Service, Ramble and Lunch held just before Christmas. This year looked to be no exception with over 60 people booking a place for the carol service in Fingest Church, a walk in this lovely area of the Chilterns and lunch at the lChequers Inn. Sadly we were all disappointed! The snow came down in such quantities that there was no chance of getting up the hills to the church by car. The pub, while it might not have been the pub with no beer, had been snowed in and food deliveries had not got through. With great regret we had to cancel the whole event. This is the first time this has happened since we started the event a few years ago. Our members hope we won't have to do it again!
Walk Leaders and Helpers Festive Dinner, December 2009
We have had a Christmas Dinner for walk leaders for a number or years, but this year we decided to extend the invitation to the many people who help on a regular basis in a variety of ways. The invitation went out to setters-up, washers-up and clearers-up; to all the talented cooks who make delicious contributions to our suppers and picnics; to BBQ chefs and assistants and to all who help make our social events as well as our walking and trips programme so successful. The outcome was an enjoyable evening together at a Henley restaurant for almost 40 members. The food was good with a rage of options for those who did not feel like Turkey and Christmas Pud. Everyone enjoyed the evening; I think this is an innovation that we will continue in future years.
AGM and Supper, November 2009 Our AGMs have been well supported for a number of years, possibly because a good supper is provided afterwards! The 2009 meeting was no exception with over 60 members attending. The Chair, Susan Maguire, thanked the committee and the members for their contributions to the Group’s ongoing success. She gave a special thank you to three committee members who were standing down after at least 5 years: Carolyn and Brian Maunder and Tony Brown. Gill Heaven was unanimously approved as new Membership Secretary. The Treasurer, Alan Reeves, explained that groups had been asked to reduce their funding allocation from central office. Budgets have been adjusted to comply with this request. One consequence is that the Area Annual Report and our Group’s Update mailing, usually sent by post in January, will be sent by email only in order to reduce costs.
The committee for 2010 is
Chair: Susan Maguire
Secretary: Eileen Burroughs
Vice Chair: Eileen Burroughs
Treasurer: Alan Reeves
Footpaths: Robin Hanson
Publicity: Joan Clark
Membership: Gillian Heaven
Trips: Peter Stone and Susan Maguire
A Powerpoint presentation, devised by Susan Maguire, showed highlights of the Group’s activities and trips in 2009, and those planned for 2010. The finale of the evening was a delicious supper organised by Tilley Smith with many dishes supplied by the members.
Our AGM and Supper was an enjoyable evening demonstrating the co-operation and friendship within the group.
The Lake District, September 2009
On a bright and sunny day in September, 22 members of the Henley & Goring Ramblers met up in Keswick for a 5-day break. This was the third holiday organised by the group in 2009, the earlier ones being to the French Alps and Devon.
The first day the whole group walked over nearby Latrigg Fell enjoying watching the paragliders. The following day the weather was not set so fair, and torrential rain and the forecast of gale force winds meant that the walks had to be curtailed. Some retail therapy in Keswick’s many equipment shops cheered up several members.
Two levels of walks were offered each day and the return of fine weather meant that all were able to take place, although the lower level walks close to the lakes were very muddy underfoot. The higher-level group had wonderful views from Helvellyn, seeing as far as the Solway Firth and the Scottish mountains. Blencathra proved an exhilarating climb too, particularly for those who ventured on Sharp Edge ridge.
A lower level circular walk from Keswick up to Walla Crag produced its own spectacular views, enhanced by the Air Ambulance landing just off the path on a training exercise.
Accommodation was in two comfortable B&Bs, and the evenings were extremely well organised, with meals in various restaurants and a visit to the Theatre on the Lake.
The holiday ended with a leisurely return via Coniston with a sail on the lake and a visit to John Ruskin’s house. It had been a friendly, challenging and enjoyable few days.
June 18th-25th - Verchaix in the French Alps
There aren’t many days when you can get a clear view of the magnificent Mont Blanc massif with all its needles and teeth, but the last day of Henley and Goring Ramblers’ recent trip to the French Alps was one of them. The Group had taken a “green” route using Euro star, TGV and hired cars for the final stretch from Lyon to Verchaix. Verchaix is a small village, between Chamonix and Geneva, some 60 m above the river Giffre in the Haute-Savoie on a south-facing slope. The hotel, La Terrasse de Verchaix, a small family owned and run hotel positioned well-above the valley floor, with clear views and a large terrace, was outstanding. The accommodation was excellent, as was the hotel food (which was local).
The patient attention of our hosts to personal needs and dietary idiosyncrasies could not be faulted. The picnics were tasty and sustaining, although eating them was a challenge to those of the group with aging chewing apparatus! Food and fellowship are important for a good holiday, and the group had those in abundance, but how about the walking, the ostensible purpose of the trip? The walks were very varied: easy and seriously hard; along streams and rivers; through woods and forests; across low and high pastures; steep ups and steep downs; but all wonderful! There were unexpected challenges to test the group’s mettle, which wasn’t always up to the test! For instance some were daunted by a very wobbly footbridge across a deep gorge, other by a bridge and part of a footpath that had been washed away by storms. There were fixed wire ropes in some of the more scary spots where there was severe exposure. At times people got very hot but at other times, above 2000 metres, they were freezing (even with woolly hats and gloves and winter jackets on). The experiences were challenging but hugely enjoyable.
Late June is clearly peak season for wildlife. Sheep and cattle, carrying bells, were on the high pastures, together with marmots, chamois, red squirrels, foxes, ibex and many birds. The pastures themselves were a sea of colour, with a great variety of wild flowers, some of them quite rare. On two days the group had an excellent local guide, Patrick, who was very knowledgeable about plants and animals, and especially the medicinal uses of plants. The trip proved to be a veritable feast for the senses and a really memorable experience.
Barn Dance, June 2009
On Saturday June 27th forty H&G members and friends met at Nettlebed Hall for a very succesful Barn Dance. Dancing to a live band, The Old Mole, the dancers were ably led through each dance by caller Ben Lobley who had flown back from New York that afternoon especially for the event. Everyone enjoyed a sumptious two course meal prepared and served by June Cross ably assisted by members. All agreed they had enjoyed an excellent evening out.
Hope Cove, South Devon, May 2009 - A Walk and a Devon Cream Tea Every Day
A picturesque fishing village on a secluded bay, a welcoming hotel with stunning views of the craggy coastline, a riot of wild flowers, the song of skylarks, lambs and calves in every field, dramatic coastal and inland walks - what more could the visiting 22 Henley & Goring Ramblers ask for? Oh, yes, cream teas at the end of the walks, splendid dinners and Alan’s quizzes and games. Walks started from the hotel and people could choose a short or a longer route. 
Sunny skies and sparkling turquoise seas enhanced the coastal path towards Salcombe. Hedgerows, fields and woods were ablaze with the pinks, blues, mauves and yellows of the abundant wild flowers. A walk in the Bantham hills was enlivened by the lovely views of the Devon countryside with fields of cows and sheep guarding their young and the heady smell of the white wild garlic flowers. A final day’s coastal walk ended with a stroll along a sandy beach and a paddle in the sea. Appetites honed by the exercise of the day, the group tucked into five course dinners, then exercised their brains with Alan’s quizzes and puzzles. The ingenuity of the answers provided great last night entertainment and much good-humoured banter between the two teams. Amazingly the result was a draw! This was a trip with the feel good factor. Many thanks to Tilley and Tony for introducing us to one of their favorite hotels and for organizing the trip so wonderfully.
Yorkshire dales in April 2009
Amazing hot sunshine, superb home cooking, wonderful walking, and excellent company sums up the Henley & Goring’s Easter trip to Yorkshire .Led by a true Yorkshire man, Bruce Gomersall, 14 group members were shown all that was good in Yorkshire. Based at a farmhouse near Pately Bridge in Nidderdale we enjoyed true Yorkshire hospitality and real home cooking from hosts Mark and 
his Mum. Each day was spent walking up hills onto deserted moors, down dales and through idyllic villages surrounded by daffodils. Every walk culminated in either a cream tea or a beer sitting outside basking in the sunshine. Walks passed through places of historical interest. At Scar House Reservoir, built to supply water to Bradford, an historian told the fascinating story of the 
village built there to house the workers during the fifteen years it took to build thedam. At Middlesmore we visited a beautiful daffodil surrounded church with a dramatic view over the dale much admired by Ramblers’ Vice President, Janet Street Porter. The trip culminated with a walk in the grounds surrounding the imposing ruins of Fountains Abbey. Get Walking Day, June 2009
This was a glorious sunny day enjoyed by groups all over the country with record turnouts for their walks. Unfortunately for Henley & Goring the Square was booked on that day and we had to have our Get Walking Day event on 6 June. Glorious June it was not! I think it was the wettest day of the year so far! Nothing daunted we pitched our smart new gazebo, festooned it with our smart new banners, blew up the balloons and set out our posters and publicity material. Two led walks were laid on and people actually came and did the walks despite the weather! It would be an exaggeration to say that we were overwhelmed by walkers or that people flocked eagerly to the gazebo to find out more about Ramblers, but there was a steady trickle of interest and the people who did the walks said they enjoyed them and would come again.
Day out around the Northmoor Trust Estate, March 2009
Henley and Goring Ramblers enjoyed a varied and interesting day at the Northmoor Trust Estate near Little Wittenham in Oxfordshire in March this year. We met at the impressive Trust education and visitor centre, Hill Farm, for a welcome coffee on a sunny but cold spring day. The Trust has been around for some time, but the Hill Farm centre, partly funded as a millennium project, was only built recently. It’s a lovely building in which the Trust can host a wide range of activities: conservation work; projects with schools; family days; walks and talks and courses for adults. On the day we visited a group were learning how to weave baskets and families with children were coming to see the lambing and visit Timescape, the interactive exhibition that explores our landscape over geological and well as historical time.
But for us, all that came later. First came the walk itself: very varied and interesting. We climbed Wittenham Clumps, a famous Oxfordshire landmark that can be seen for miles around. One of the chalk Clumps, Castle Hill, was once a Bronze Age hill fort and still has curved ramparts and ditches from the later Iron Age. A highlight of the walk was a visit to Saint Peter’s church at Little Wittenham, a Norman church based on an earlier Anglo-Saxon building. Another highlight was Day’s Lock and the bridge across the Thames which is host to the annual Pooh Stick competition, due to take place the following day. Volunteers were preparing the bridge for the expected crowds of children keen to compete to see whose stick would pass under the bridge first. Apparently last year’s winner was a two year old!
Well exercised, feeling hungry and glad to be out of the wind, we returned to Hill Farm for lunch - good food at very reasonable prices. Our guide for the aftenoon was Jane, who took us back up the Clumps with their wonderful 360 degree views of the area, to show us more of the work of the Trust which focuses on environmental sustainability and practical conservation research.
We ended the day with a visit to Timescape and the firm intention of doing something like this again.
Oxfordshire Area Ramblers’ AGM hosted by Henley & Goring Ramblers, 31 January 2009
Nettlebed Village Club and Henley & Goring Ramblers played host to the Oxfordshire Area Annual General Meeting last Saturday. The nine Oxfordshire local Ramblers’ groups take it in turn to host the AGM and Henley & Goring organised a day that was combined the business of the AGM with an enjoyable day’s activities. Ramblers from all over the county were greeted with warm drinks before forty of them set out in glorious winter sunshine for a hilly walk that showcased the wonderful countryside we enjoy in our area. Despite the many stiles and the large number in the group, they all made it back for a splendid hot lunch prepared by Henley member, Alison Broadbent and her helpers.
Janet Davies from the National Ramblers’ Association gave a presentation about the work being done to ensure that ‘lost’ paths and rights of way are researched and recorded on the definitive map before the cut-off point in 2026. The scale of the task can be seen by noting that Oxfordshire alone has a backlog of 100 applications to process and only manages 3 or 4 a year. The process of getting a right of way on to the definitive map is slow and cumbersome. Janet is a member of a working group looking for ways to speed up the process.
The AGM followed the presentation. Ways of encouraging people to use public transport to get to the starting points for walks and changes to the way the grades of walks are defined were discussed; the creation of a database of information about good starting points for walks to help walk leaders with their planning was announced and the representative from a new group, Oxon Weekend Walkers, welcomed. The existing committee were re-elected. Tea with homemade cakes, provided once again by the ever-willing Henley members, brought a useful and enjoyable event to an end.
Fifth Annual Chantry House Lecture, January 2009
Henley’s historic Chantry House was packed to capacity for Henley & Goring Ramblers’ fifth Chantry House lecture and social evening. This year’s topic was History Night: the stories behind the stones, the latest in a series that has included Red Kite Night; Rocks Night; River Night and Maps Night. The lecturer, Lynn Holmes, wove a fascinating tapestry of historical facts, legends, features of art and architectural interest together with the stories of the families in our local area who rose to power and often came to a sticky end. The focus of the lecture was local churches. These quiet walls hide many dramatic stories and links with great events and famous people from the past. The audience were particularly interested to hear about the de la Pole family of Ewelme, builders of God’s House with its school, church and chantry houses. A beautiful marble effigy on the tomb of the redoubtable Lady Alice, daughter of Geoffrey Chaucer, married three times to powerful men all of whom met violent ends, gives no hint of the turbulent life this feisty survivor of political turmoil lived.
The idea behind the lecture series is to add to the interest of walks in our area by knowing a bit more about the things we see. After History Night we will certainly look at churches with new eyes!
Carol Service and Ramble: Vicar of Dibley Leads the Service, 18 December 2008
A lovely carol service was held in St. Bartholomew’s Church at Fingest, the location of the TV Series, The Vicar of Dibley. The real Vicar of Dibley, well, she is actually vicar of six local churches, led almost sixty Henley & Goring Ramblers in the service during which they sang their favourite carols and listened to Christmas bible readings by members. Thus spiritually refreshed, the Ramblers, led by their Chairman Susan Maguire, set off on a leisurely ramble through the lovely countryside, undoubtedly some of the best in the county. They walked through Turville, Skirmett and Frieth under mostly grey skies. Rain threatened at times, some of the tracks were muddy but nothing deters determined Henley & Goring Ramblers! Even the hilly bits were not too strenuous thanks to careful planning by the leader! By the time of the return to Fingest the group were hungry, thirsty and rather muddy of foot. The Chequers Inn was warm and welcoming and the group were well looked after by ‘mine host’ and his team. A delicious hot buffet was served followed by a particularly delicious trifle. Everyone enjoyed the day enormously and departed reluctantly to cars and home. This was the first annual carol service walk to be held at Fingest, but I suspect that it won’t be the last.
AGM and Social at the Christchurch Centre, 29 November 2008
Once again this proved a popular event with almost 60 members attending. The new committee (pictured) were elected and a lively discussion about the merits of kissing gages and the control of dogs on walks followed. A slide show on trips past and future provided interesting and sometimes amusing pictures; our compiler cannot be bribed by members to take out embarrassing photos! The sit-down supper, a joint effort by members and the Social Secretary was superb as usual.
Walk Leaders’ Annual Christmas Dinner, 12 December 2008
The Old House at Warren Row is a delightful place to gather for a festivel occasion. The food wasn’t bad either! Walk Leaders’ and committee members, with their partners, enjoyed a convivial evening that gave us a good preparation for what is to come at Christmas; we all ate too much!
Rambling in Bavaria, September 2008
Twenty-four members from Henley and Goring Ramblers arrived in Bayerisch Eisenstein in Bavaria for a weeks walking led by Malcolm Wade. On the first day we walked through the forest and crossed over briefly into the Czech Republic. This crossing of the`border` was remarkable, given that a few years ago this would have been a heavily guarded area.
Now there was little evidence of any border. The train station was also divided, with one half in Germany and the other in the Czech Republic. Malcolm and Lore led the main walks up to tops of mountains with a welcome café at the summit. They also suggested harder and easier walks to suit the range of abilities and inclinations of a varied group.
One highlight was a trip to Cesky Krumlov, a delightful walled Czech ancient town. The accommodation was excellent with a fine breakfast and the evening meals taken at a local hotel, which served gargantuan helpings. The weather was kind to us and everybody enjoyed a fine week.
HG contact us
Chairman: Peter Stone 01491 641287
Minutes Sec.: Judith Hill 01491 834795
Treasurer: Chris Corti 0118 9478343
Footpaths officer and Social Secretary: Susan Maguire 01491 680109
Membership Secretary: Gill Heaven 0118 9475300
Newsletter and Group representative to Area: Joan Clark 01491 574968
Walks Coordinator: Alie Hagedoorn 07894 580413
Committee member: Robbie Hanson 0118 9343126
(updated December 2013)