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LOCKED UP AND STARVED OF VICTUALS
Shock horror! Mark nearly misses breakfast. (This is what happened to the most gourmand of our members, when holidaying with our group of 18 in the locality of Southwold over the May Day holiday weekend.)
Pam M had ensconced us in three delightfully diverse lodgings – B&B at Poplar Hall (the site of the breakfast disaster), an inn in Wangford and some in self-catering appartments. We met at The Crown at Snape for lunch on the Friday, followed by a circular walk via Blaxhall Common and Iken Cliff led by Sarah.  Trees on Kessingland Our group was joined by Roy and Sue W of former EHR fame, on all but Sunday's walk. Pam took us to Dunwich Village and Warbelswick; with David we enjoyed sea breezes along the coastal Benacre National Nature Reserve, passing the roofless walls of Covehithe church. Malcolm led us inland to enjoy the wrath of a local landowner, (soon put in his place by Roy), and Ellough church with its brasses and roof braces. Finally Sarah educated us around Minsmere RSPB nature reserve on Tuesday morning, the day of our return. We shared some memorable meals, although Daphne, Mark and Sarah went bat watching one evening; to enjoy bat en croute perhaps? Sarah and Margaret celebrated their birthdays by kind permission of Daphne. who had laboured over a hot stove, or a piece of cleverly designed marzipan, to produce an artistic goat which we soon all destroyed with gusto! We saw a myriad of wildlife and some domesticated, living in detached, corrugated des. res. for Suffolk is pig country. Some other noteworthy delights were: - The lost village of Dunwich with the church bells ringing, metaphorically, in our ears. - Sizewell on the horizon - The view of Southwold across the river Blyth from Walberswick - A plethora of habitats - shingle seashore, sand dunes, freshwater reedmarsh, lagoons, mixed woodland and heath - Widlife spotting from deer to hares and from butterflies to egrets and avocets - Visiting Blythburgh church with its angels roof and seven deadly sins poppyheads, to include Slander, Gluttony, Hypocrisy and Sloth - Retail therapy at Minsmere RSPB shop Many thanks go to those who made this holiday possible.  Walking in all directions To put the story straight, Mark was able to escape with the help of a screwdriver winched to his bedroom window in a bucket. Was this a wise move? Posted on 02 Sep 2009 by Brenda
WALKING GEAR - THEN AND NOW
Talk on walking gear at Nomad, Bishop’s Stortford
On the evening of 6th May several EHR members, along with other like-minded local people, attended an entertaining talk on walking gear, “then and now” by Paul Goodyear of Nomad Travel. We were shown how technology has improved the manufacture of waterproof jackets and walking boots, how traditional merino wool is still the most effective and lightweight material for base-layers, and that waterproof socks could save you money on your next pair of boots. The evening included nibbles and drinks and attendees also received a 20% off voucher - this has enabled a few of us to invest in some high-fashion togs! Many thanks to Nomad for organising this event. Posted on 02 Sep 2009 by Brenda
CHAIRMAN'S RAM-BLOG 2nd September 2009
The year continues to fly - another Newsletter and Walks Programme to write for. The previous programme has been well supported, thank you to all the walk leaders.
This programme includes our 30th Anniversary Walk when we are hoping to recreate the first group walk from 30 years ago. Chris will lead this walk as he led the original walk. Delving into the archives (original documents supplied by Chris) has revealed some interesting data regarding the history and etiquette of the group: - September 1979 - A request from Ramblers HQ to set-up a local group. - 8th December 1979 - Group formation meeting at Place House Ware where 14 people attended. The resulted in the formation of the South East Hertfordshire group. - 16th December 1979 - First group walk from Ware station to Standon led by Chris. - The original walks all started from or near various railways stations in the area. - The subscription was £3.50. Joint membership (husband and wife) £4.40. - 11th February 1980 - First committee meeting held. - Always walk behind the leader. Inform the leader if you intend to leave the party during the day, otherwise everyone could be inconvenienced looking for you. (Note – these recommendations still apply today!) - Carry a first aid kit and torch. Next year I am hoping to include in the programme a series of chain walks (bring your own chains!) around Hertfordshire. This will be a series of 16–17 walks linked together as a series of figure-of-eight walks for everyone to enjoy especially if you are only available for half-day walks. This is also an opportunity for new leaders as most of these walks have already been tried and tested by the East Herts Footpaths Society. Another milestone to note is the demise of the East Herts Ramblers Working Party after 16 years, as a result of re-alignment of the CMS working parties. A big thank you to all those people who have contributed to the numerous tasks over the years, improving our footpaths and bridleways. The East Herts Ramblers road show has been out in July and a good time was had by us all, see below. A date for the diary - we are planning a Barn dance on Saturday 6th March 2010, all members and friends welcome. Finally, if you would like to join the Committee, we are always looking for new members. Posted on 02 Sep 2009 by Brenda
EHR TURNS 30
In December it will be East Herts Ramblers 30th anniversary. In December we are hoping to recreate the first group walk from 30 years ago. Chris will lead this walk as he led the original walk back in 1979.
Delving into the archives (original documents supplied by Chris) has revealed some interesting data regarding the history and etiquette of the group: September 1979 - A request from Ramblers HQ to set-up a local group. 8th December 1979 - Group formation meeting at Place House Ware where 14 people attended. The resulted in the formation of the South East Hertfordshire group. 16th December 1979 - First group walk from Ware station to Standon led by Chris. The original walks all started from or near various railways stations in the area and the annual subscription was £3.50. Joint membership (husband and wife) £4.40. 11th February 1980 - First committee meeting held. Walk instructions included: Always walk behind the leader. Inform the leader if you intend to leave the party during the day, otherwise everyone could be inconvenienced looking for you. (Note – these recommendations still apply today!) Carry a first aid kit and torch. Posted on 21 Aug 2009 by Brenda
BROXBOURNE OPEN DAY
At 11.30 on 4th July and under a blue sky, we installed ourselves beneath a spreading cedar in the grounds of Bishops College, the venue for Broxbourne Open Day.
Our wares of ramblers' materials from head office, included leaflets, balloons and badges. Edward soon had the bright idea of pinning the latter to every passing child as a free walking advert for us. Brenda's treasure hunt on an OS map of East Herts proved popular. It will soon be a case of shop 'til you drop in M and S for one lucky winner. Here we are in our lookalike boys blue polo shirts, thanks to Brenda's brainwave and my VAT saving mentality (from the left Julie, Dennis, Brenda and Edward).  EHR publicity team Dennis used his IT skills (with a little bit of help from the computer club stall), to produce a power point presentation of our recent holidays on my unfamiliar laptop. We all did our proactive bit in going out to meet the public, receiving plenty of protestations and promises about giving ramblers a go. Time will tell! Thanks to the team for an excellently executed publicity campaign. Posted on 08 Jun 2009 by Brenda
WINTER SUN AT ALBUFEIRA
A Pilot Walking Holiday on the Algarve - Nigel Thomas
At the invitation of a Mid-Herts Ramblers member, a group of nine East Herts Ramblers went to check out the walking from this popular resort over two weeks in February. Staying in the off-season at the self-catering ‘Clube Praia da Oura’ apartment complex this promised to be a bargain at £13 a night, particularly when combined with Easyjet return flights to Faro for £66. Flights were in some doubt however the day before departure as Luton airport was completely snowbound and closed! Very fortunately it cleared on the Tuesday and we departed as planned, arriving at Faro in pouring rain. Our luck held too, as after an exceptionally wet January on the Algarve this turned out to be our wettest day there and after some light showers in the first few days conditions steadily improved to give bright sunshine and shorts weather: a real tonic. Now in mid-summer I can imagine that Albufeira might seem like hell for some of us! The proliferation of ‘English’ bars, pubs, and cafes and existence of a ‘Las Vegas style’ nightclub ‘strip’ not far away looked ominous but don’t be put off: many of these businesses were closed for the winter and in fact it was quiet and pleasant. In February there is a rather different, mainly older, clientele escaping a cold, grey winter at home. The apartments were spacious and well equipped: seven of us had a view over the large swimming pool and garden area from three adjacent ones, Daphne and Sarah (who booked later) were further up the hill but at ground level overlooking a pond with frogs. A lovely beach with golden sand beckoned just below the complex, from which there were very pleasant and scenic walks in both directions. The introductory walk, led by Peter and Glenys, on the first full day showed us that Albufeira is a large resort with many facilities: it takes half a day to walk from Praia da Oura to the marina on the other (west) side of town. Local buses were frequent however and cheap if you bought a prepayment card and we took full advantage of this on most days. Undoubtedly the most spectacular walking was along the coast, particularly to the West where there were high cliffs with spectacular erosion and wonderful colours in the varied strata, pounded by the Atlantic rollers. Close up there were layers of fossilised sea creatures, whilst the colourful shells of their current descendants could be picked up on the shoreline. Lush vegetation above included palm trees and eucalyptus woods, prickly pear cacti, and exotic flowers.  Cliffs from Ferragudo Inland the scenery was pleasantly undulating: the highest point we got to being just under 1000 feet. Typical terrain consisted of orange, almond, and olive groves (many seeming to be abandoned with the fruit left to fall) dotted with ancient farmhouses and ubiquitous barking dogs! Footpaths here tended to be sparsely marked but improvements are being made.  View from Paderne Castle For birdwatchers among us (Daphne, Dorothy and myself) Sarah and Daphne led a day trip out to the Ria Formosa nature reserve, situated on the marshy, low lying coastline East of Faro. Although it was officially closed at the weekend (!) one could easily walk in via the seafront and we enjoyed some excellent views of Storks, Stilts, Spoonbills, Avocets, and overflying Flamingos. Luckily the star attraction (a very rare Purple Gallinule) made an appearance ‘on cue’ just before a warden with waterdogs politely invited us to leave. Not having our own transport we found that on most days it was necessary to start with a bus to the main bus station, then take another to the various starting points for the walks. With waits for connections this could involve two hours of travelling each way and a cost of about £10 per day, so for a future visit it would be worth considering hiring cars. Interestingly though the local trains were quicker and cheaper, but an 8 Euro taxi ride was necessary to get to the station. If you didn’t want to spend time travelling though I found that one could enjoy a day or two just beachcombing, dodging the incoming tide, and exploring the bays and coastline immediately below our basecamp.  Goats going for a ramble With the abundance of restaurants and cafes there was no shortage of options for eating out, with an evening meal costing about £12-16 (Fresh sardines highly recommended!) Alternatively several supermarkets near the apartments supplied all that was needed for self-catering, but imported goods were expensive! Basically it was necessary to allow £30 per day for food and transport, but this could be reduced considerably by walking locally, eating in, and bringing some staples with you. General verdict? As an economical winter sun option, this is probably about as near to home as you will get! Provided that the weather is decent one can enjoy really interesting and spectacular coastal walking, some of it setting off directly from the apartments. There are also nature reserves and small fishing ports (with fresh sardines) to be visited. Inland it is less dramatically scenic , but there are castles and interesting local towns to visit at Silves, Paderne, and Estoi (when open!) and ‘Don Quixote’ type windmills among the hills. If the weather is not so good there are entertainments in Albufeira itself, or one could go further afield eg by train to Lisbon. I would certainly recommend it for a group visit next year, and would like to thank the walk leaders Mike, Mark, Peter, Glenys, Daphne and Sarah for their contribution to the success of the holiday. Posted on 27 Apr 2009 by Brenda
REPORTING FOOTPATH PROBLEMS
If you come across an obstructed path whilst out walking it is helpful if you can report it. Make a note of the location, preferably with a grid reference and photo and send the details to Herts County Council:
Countryside Access Officer, Rights of Way Section, Environmental Management Group, Environmental Department, County Hall, Hertford SG13 8DN. Within our area we have vacancies for Footpath Secretaries - contact Chris for more information. Posted on 20 Mar 2009 by Brenda
NI GROUP HOLIDAY - SEPTEMBER 2008
Twenty-two members of East Herts Ramblers enjoyed an energetic and sociable week walking in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The walking programme had been planned and lead by Pam N. The coach driver likened her to a member of the SAS – finding roads he didn’t know existed on the way to our start of the Moyle Way.
 Dunluce Castle Some of the highlights of our week included:  Colours of Rathlin We ended the trip with Sunday lunch in Portrush where we had been staying in excellent B&B accommodation. Posted on 17 Dec 2008 by Brenda
AREA COMMITTEE
EHR is part of the Herts and North Middlesex Area, the committee of which is formed from members of the seven local groups. They are also looking for new members: this forum is the liaison between our group and the Central Office of the RA – members from Area Committee attend the General Council meetings – so this could provide an opportunity for us to influence future RA policy.
Sarah is our rep – talk to her if you are interested in learning more. Posted on 25 Aug 2008 by Brenda
WASHED OUT AND BLOWN AWAY
On two Saturdays in July, Pat Hemmings and I took the EHRA roadshow to the Ware Festival and Hallingbury Flower Show where we exhorted the general public to take up rambling. Despite the weather we had two very enjoyable days.
As part of our activity we had a Treasure Hunt using a local OS Explorer Map and the two lucky winners of £10 M&S gift cards were Mr M Tidey of Much Hadham and Mr H Neville of Bishop’s Stortford. Some of the feedback we had indicated that people were unsure that they could come along and straightaway manage a walk of 10 miles so I have put a much shorter walk on the programme in September to see if this will tempt new members to give EHRA a try! Posted on 25 Aug 2008 by Brenda
WEYMOUTH WEEKEND
The weekend’s walking started with a toddle along the Piddle when we set off for Tolpuddle going via Throop and Affpuddle.
With glorious weather on Saturday we set off for a cliff top walk round St Aldhelms Head. Having climbed a particularly uppish bit we were able look down over Chapman’s Pool before going onto St Aldhelms Chapel. The afternoon saw us walking across a non-descript field before entering an ancient sunken lane filled with flowers to reach Harman’s Cross Station where we caught the steam train back to Corfe Castle. As it was a Bank Holiday weekend the weather decided not to be so pleasant for Sunday so some quick thinking by Daphne enabled her to change the planned walk to one in Puddletown Forest. In the afternoon we explored Maiden Castle and Chesil Bank.  Exploring Chesil Bank The Fox at Anstey was our gathering point for Monday. Our reward for slogging up the hills was a stunning view over the varied countryside around Anstey. Having slithered through the Dorset Gap we made our way back via Melcombe Bingham were we met some very handsome Highland cattle. After lunch at the Fox we climbed Bulbarrow Hill; with more spectacular views and a sense of achievement. Tuesday saw us at Lulworth Cove for the last walk of the weekend. The sun was out in force as we strolled up the path to Durdle Door. It was a very pleasant surprise to find an ice cream van waiting for us there! A few of us continued on for a circular walk whilst the rest returned to explore Lulworth Cove and the Heritage Centre. After lunch in the Castle Inn we all set off for home.  Durdle Door We had a very good weekend, which I for one thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you very much to Pam M for finding our accommodation and to Daphne and Mark for leading the walks. Posted on 25 Aug 2008 by Brenda
AGM 2008
The AGM will be held at Little Hadham Hall on Saturday 8th November. There will be a morning walk led by Malcolm.
If you are interested in joining the committee at the AGM please tell one of the Committee Members. Our Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer will be standing down so these positions will need to be filled. Committee meets three times a year, usually at Place House in Ware and meetings last about two hours. After the AGM there will be an illustrated talk from Dorothy Pretious on her recent Ramblers Holiday to New Zealand. Posted on 15 Jul 2008 by Brenda
ST CUTHBERTS WAY: 01-09 September 2007
Nigel (The Scribe) Thomas
The idea of a trek across the Scottish border must have appealed as 23 of us booked, enough for Gus to hire a proper coach from Glen Valley Tours in Wooler, discovered by Pam (2). After doing the school run this took us to the start of the walk each day and met us at the end, transporting the luggage between digs: an excellent service which saved a lot of hassle. Finding accommodation for this number obviously took a great deal of searching: at Melrose we were all together at the ‘George and Abbotsford’ hotel, but at Kelso and at Berwick we had to be distributed between five B&Bs. The standard varied a bit, but those in Kelso were particularly hospitable: mine had a croquet lawn, free whisky, and home-made bread at breakfast! Conscientious as ever, our leader, Pam used her local knowledge to check out suitable eating places beforehand and evening meals were booked and ordered in advance on six of the eight evenings, an excellent idea with a group this size. Most of the party opted for the scenic train journey from Stevenage to Berwick, transferring to Melrose by bus. Mark saw them off at the station and then drove up but we all arrived about 5pm, time for a brief look round Melrose before supper in the hotel. Sunday dawned rather grey and damp and after a good breakfast we set off on the first lap. Morale dropped when a rain squall immediately sent us scurrying to don waterproofs before we had covered 100 yards, but fortunately this blew over within 10 minutes and in fact the conditions steadily improved to give us perfect sunny weather for most of the week.  Ready to go... First though most of us had the challenge of an immediate ascent of the Eildon Hills: distinctive twin peaks, which dominate Melrose and were visible for several days as we progressed Eastwards. (In fact they could just be seen in the far distance from my B&B in Berwick.) A bracing climb, which tested fitness: at the saddle six went up to the rather windy viewpoint, rejoining the others near the village of Bowden where we admired the church. On then to Newtown St Boswells where we had lunch outside the huge modern regional council headquarters. Reaching the river Tweed we crossed and took a peek at Dryburgh Abbey before climbing up to the imposing Wallace Statue on the Haig Estate, then followed the river to our RV with the coach at St Boswells, opposite a gunsmiths! Getting back early there was time for a visit to the magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey, complete with a ‘pig playing bagpipes’ gargoyle to amuse Daphne and Sarah. (Together with Mark they followed a different route via the River Tweed to Abbotsford on an ‘official’ visit to Sir Walter Scott’s house at Abbotsford to examine an unusual lion’s skull.) Monday’s journey took us along a pleasant stretch of the Tweed to the village of Maxton, then across country to the Roman road of Dere Street which was followed to the visitor centre at Harestanes for tea. Mark led the more energetic to look at the ‘Barons Folly’ (where we were intercepted by the farmer in his 4wd who, however, rather to our surprise proved helpful rather than admonitory!), and then the impressive Waterloo Monument: a tall column like a lighthouse. Unfortunately it was locked up, so we were unable to climb to the viewing platform. Met by the coach at Harestanes, we then transferred to Kelso.  Waterloo Monument From Harestanes on Tuesday we crossed the Tweed on a suspension bridge near Monteviot House, stopping to tighten some of the nuts on the side, which were working loose! Picking up the route of Dere Street again we climbed past a remote lapidiary workshop (with very erudite geologist owner) to the ruins of Cessford Castle and then to the village of Morebattle. From there Wednesday’s walk took the main group on a steady climb to the top of Wideopen hill for lunch whilst Mark, Daphne and Sarah ascended the opposite peak of Grubbit Law. Leaving the view of the Eildon Hills behind the vista opened out Eastwards and there followed a descent to Kirk Yetholm, at the Northern end of the Pennine Way. Passing the local cemetery on the route we noted the interment ceremony for the wife of the local postmaster: which seemed to be attended by most of the local people! Those who wanted to shop in Kelso then had an opportunity to return early on the local bus whilst the rest waited for the coach. Kirk Yetholm to Wooler at 13 miles was the longest stretch of the walk, climbing up to the moorland north of the Cheviot hills. A mile to the East of Halfwayhouse we crossed the border into England, then followed the track to Hethpool for lunch and a look at the local waterfall. A long trek over more moorland took us past the hillfort on Yeavering Bell to the outskirts of Wooler where the path detoured round the common before entering the town. It was with some relief that we reached the ‘Tankerville Arms’ where we had booked dinner. Afterwards the coach then took us on to our next base at Berwick. On the penultimate day we were joined by a member of the Edinburgh volunteer group responsible for some of the waymarking on the Scottish section.  Follow the signs The route from Wooler to Fenwick passed a school sporting stone lions carved by Italian prisoners of war, crossing Westwood Moor before descending to a fine bridge at Weetwood and then lunch by the Hetton Burn. A short walk then took us to St Cuthbert’s Cave, where the bones of the Saint are supposed to have rested en route from Holy Island to Durham, then over Greensheen Hill where we at last had a clear view of the sea, with Lindisfarne castle prominent on its rocky pinnacle.  At the Cave Saturday saw the climax of the walk when we crossed the A1 at Fenwick, passing an interesting collection of old farm buildings and equipment at Fenwick Granary. Soon we crossed the main East Coast railway line, then reached the shore at an impressive double line of second world war anti-tank blocks which was followed to the start of the Lindisfarne causeway. Following the road here we crossed the bridge (with refuge box) to find the start of the Pilgrim’s Route: straight across the sands to the island at Chare Ends. In traditional fashion we removed boots and socks and then split into two parties: the naturalists first treading quietly to ‘watch and listen to the wildlife’, then the ‘pilgrims’ half a mile behind, singing lustily (or raucously depending on your point of view) as they walked and paddled the two mile crossing. Re-united we then followed the road into the village, and thence to the end of the St Cuthbert’s Way at Lindisfarne Priory where the English Heritage lady kindly took a group photograph.  EHRA members in the Abbey Grounds, Lindisfarne Island 08 September 2007 We then had a few hours for lunch and a chance to explore the island before being collected by the coach for return to Berwick and a final dinner at the local Wetherspoons. Most opted for a visit to the castle and/or its restored Gertrude Jekyll walled garden though Julie bravely had a swim from the beach west of the church! After a final opportunity on Sunday morning for a walk round the city walls of Berwick most of us then departed on the 11 o’clock train back to Stevenage and home. All in all it was an excellent week, blessed by good weather and nice walking conditions through scenery which varied from attractive stonebuilt border towns and villages to riverside paths, deep dark conifer woods, sunny deciduous woods, breezy hill climbs, rolling moorland, ruined castles and abbeys, sandy beaches, lonely farms and tumbling streams. Particular thanks must go to Gus for all of her hard work in organising the week and in particular for finding and booking the accommodation, and to Pam for the original idea, preliminary reconnaisance, meal arrangements, and for leading the walks each day. Posted on 19 Dec 2007 by Brenda
WORKING PARTY
On 11th September the working party installed a new bridge over the ditch crossed by Little Berkhamsted 2, just to the east of the golf course at Essendon (OS GR 283 087). Quite a bit of clearing work was undertaken before the bridge could be set in place and then it needed testing to ensure it could withstand the weight of several walkers!
 The bridge takes the strain! Anyone wishing to join the Working Party should contact the new Co-ordinator – Betty (01992 582362). Posted on 19 Dec 2007 by Brenda
THE SHROPSHIRE WEEKEND: 04-07 May 2007
Nigel (The Scribe) Thomas
Thanks to diligent searching by Gus our party of 11 was accommodated and able to meet up at teatime on Friday at the ‘eci’ guesthouse on the outskirts of Ludlow. Actually the Cecil guesthouse as the end letters had dropped off the sign on the wall! (Despite this ominous appearance the rooms were comfortable and our hosts hospitable.)  'eci' guesthouse Five members began with a Friday afternoon climb on Clee Hill led by Mark to look at some industrial heritage with a visit to the Titterstone Incline, skirting the existing quarry. Foraging in Ludlow later we discovered that the Spring Fair was in full swing, so it was difficult to find a good pub for an evening meal, but fortunately we rediscovered an upstairs room at ‘The Bullring’, where we had eaten in 2004 and this served us for the next two evenings. At some point later Daphne was persuaded to be catapulted into the air on some infernal fairground ‘attraction’ (a Centrifuge), but I did not witness the event! Saturday was a lovely sunny day and we drove up to parkland at Whitcliffe, overlooking the town and the castle. Daphne and Sarah led us on a delightful climb South West through woodland to Mary Knoll and the Mary Knoll Valley, then through a splendid field of bluebells at Climbing Jack’s Common to Richard’s Castle where we found the pub closed! Undeterred Mark strode on a mile or two for a prawn baguette at Orleton whilst the rest of us enjoyed lunch by some tennis courts.  Bluebells at Climbing Jacks Common The afternoon route took us through the fields past a vast wireless transmitting station and various neglected or obstructed stiles near Moor Park School (with escaped Rhea?) to Overton, Hucks Barn, and then past Ludford House back to Ludlow. It was evident that the Herefordshire footpaths were less well maintained than those across the border in Gloucestershire, but this may have been a local aberration. Sunday was cooler and cloudy. From the ‘eci’ we headed South East, climbing up to the very large and impressive Iron Age fort at Caynham Hill which offered good (but hazy) views over the valley.  Ludlow from Caynham Hill Coffee break in the graveyard followed a descent to Caynham Church, where Sarah’s parents had been married! Passing through the grounds of Whitton Court we reached Bennett’s End where there was a choice of two adjacent pubs for lunch: the commoners dined frugally at the ‘Bennetts End Inn’, peering over the fence at the rich members enjoying their sumptuous repast at the ‘Penny Black’. In the afternoon we passed through the grounds of Hope Court before a rain squall, reaching Knowbury where there were remains of old coal workings and evidence of furnace slag. Descending the hill and heading back west on the Shropshire Way we reached an interesting mill at Ledwyche Pool before crossing the A49 to return to the guesthouse.  On the Shropshire Way Bank Holiday Monday saw some of us departing home or in my case for North Somerset, whilst others enjoyed a morning exploring Ludlow itself, well worth doing. All in all it was a very enjoyable weekend: special thanks to Gus for organising it, Daphne, Mark & Sarah for stepping in to lead the walks, and to the drivers! Posted on 03 Aug 2007 by Brenda
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