Severnside Ramblers

A selection of photos taken on recent walks.

 

Beacon Batch - Mendips - Claire CoxSevernside Ramblers smaller 

 We can't promise good weather but always good company.

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Link to - 2023 Photos

Link to - 2022 Photos



2024 Photos

December

 01 Dec - Buckland Dinham. A walk led by Don F, photos taken by Claire Cox.  

A 10 mile walk with Severnside Ramblers starting from Buckland Dinham and taking in the Orchardleigh Estate, the River Mells, Great Elm and St Andrews Church at Mells. Thanks to Don F for such an interesting walk and for his great historical knowledge of the area!. We will forgive him for the mud, because the rain stayed at bay! Photos taken by Claire Cox. 

November

22 Nov - Portishead. A walk led by Jean Aellen, photos taken by Kim Carey.  

Friday amble around Portishead. Many thanks to Jean Aellen for leading this walk. Photos taken by Kim Carey. 

 10 Nov - Redbrook to Monmouth Circular. A walk led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Claire Cox.  

A few photos of Severnside walk from Redbrook via Kymin, the Wye at Monmouth and back. After the days and days of grey, we had some sunshine, though the views from Kymin were hazy and disappointing. We observed the 2 minutes silence at the Kymin viewpoint. Claire C. 

 08 Nov - Blaise Estate A walk led by Jean Williams, photos taken by Kim Carey.  

Lovely autumn ramble around Blaise Estate. Many thanks to Jean Williams for leading this walk. Kim. 

October

 13 Oct - Hawkesbury Upton A walk led by Monica Davis, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

Today's Severnside Ramble was a very pleasant 10 miles from Hawkesbury Upton with wide open views and lots of interest along the way. Thank you very much for leading us, Monica Davies. Photos taken by Claire Cox.. 

 06 Oct - Redbrook & Bigsweir A walk led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Monica Davis. 

Claire led an enjoyable walk today with was it 10...11...12 people? In the end we all agreed on 11. No rain apart from a little bit of very light drizzle. Some good climbs out of Redbrook, and some nice views along the way before dropping down to Bigsweir and crossing the Wye to then make our return along the River Wye. Thank you Claire. Photos taken by Monica Davis. 

September

29 Sep - Chepstow Castle and the Wye Valley Way A walk led by Dan Miller, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

A  vigorous 10 mile walk with Severnside Ramblers from Chepstow Castle along the Wye Valley. The terrain was tricky, but the views were great! Thank you, Dan Miller for such a good work out! Photos taken by Claire C.

15 Sep - A Dursley Loop walk led by Allan Davis, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

An excellent 9 mile walk with Severnside Ramblers - starting in Dursley, over Stinchombe Hill, around the golf course and back to Dursley - such varied terrain and excellent views! Thank you Allan Davies for such a good day out and for keeping the rain at bay! Claire C.

13 Sept - Aust walk led by Heather Rickards, photos taken by Ken Mill

A nice sunny day for 18 Severnsiders to enjoy a circular 4.5 mile walk between Aust and Northwick including part of the re-arranged Severn Way and the new sea defences along the River Severn. A mostly flat walk on paths and fields with views of Wales and exploring the unfinished Northwick wetlands. Ken M.

01 Sep - Bradford on Avon walk led by John Davis and Monica Davis, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

We were so lucky with the weather today. Despite warnings of thunderstorms, it didn't start until we had taken our boots off! A lovely, varied 10 mile walk from Bradford-on-Avon, along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Avoncliff Viaduct, and then to Monkton Farley for lunch and back around to Bradford. Thank you John D and Monica for such a good walk. Claire .

August

30 Aug - Prior's Wood, Portbury walk led by Christine Pankhurst, photos taken by Gill King. 

Thank you, Christine, for a lovely walk from Portbury through Prior’s Wood. Gill.

26 Aug - Machen Circular walk led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

Ten hardy folk joined me on my Machen walk today despite the dire weather forecast. We were lucky till lunchtime when a nasty drizzle set in. However, later on it dried up and was really very pleasant, though a tad muddy underfoot!  Claire.

18 Aug - Brockweir & St Briavels walk led by Les Davison, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

A lovely summer's day for our walk from Brockweir up to St Briavels, down to Bigsweir and back to Brockweir along the river. A very pleasant 9 mile walk. Thank you Les Davison for such a good walk!  Claire.

July

28 July - Box Walk walk led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

A few photos from Severnside's 8 mile walk from Box. A very hot sunny day, relieved by a pleasant breeze when at the high points of the walk. Lots of ups and downs, but pleasant nonetheless!. Claire.

19 July - Codrington & Kingrove walk led by Allan Davies, photos taken by Kim Carey. 

A mainly flat walk with some stiles. Following part of the Monarch Way over fields, bridleways, tracks and country lanes. Kim.

14 July - Tresham, Ozleworth & Newark walk led by Don Ford, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

A very pleasant 8.5 mile walk from Tresham, through Ozleworth, Newark Park and Alderley. Thank you very much to Don for such a varied walk and for his pearls of wisdom along the way! Claire.

07 July - Lynmouth (coach trip) walks led by Jean Williams and Chris Turner, photos taken by Kim Carey. More photos taken by  Gill King.  More photos taken by Ken Mill.  More photos taken by Peter Spring. 

A grand day out in Lynmouth with Severnside Ramblers. Many thanks to Jean Williams and Chris Turner for excellent walks, good company and good weather. Ken.

June

23 June - Thornbury, Oldbury on the Hill and River Severn walk led by John Davis, photos taken by Monica Davis.

A good turnout for the Thornbury walk today led by John. We started from the car park and walked on field paths and lanes to reach the lovely church of St Alridas , one of two churches names after this pre Norman saint. We stopped for our break in the churchyard and met up with two well known Severnside Rambler members who came to meet us there. Leaving the church we walked towards Cowhill and then over to the River Severn with lovely vies across the river, and Northwards towards Oldbury Power Station. Stopping at Whale Wharf John told us the story of the beached Whale that caused great interest in 1885. Then we walked over to Littleton on Severn and uphill to make our way back to Thornbury. A good walk and see the sheep that was a little tyred . John's joke!

21 June - Northwick walk led by Heather Rickards, photos taken by Kim Carey.

9 June - Swineford to Primrose Hill led by Patrick K, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A beautiful day for eight Severnside Ramblers on this walk, devised and led by Patrick, from a small car park under trees in Swineford. A steady ascent out of the village ran through North Stoke to arrive at Prospect stile, overlooking Kelston Round Hill with that familiar glorious view. Climbing Kelston Round gave us a great spot for a coffee stop. Our way then descended to, then through, Weston before swinging north-west to cross Lansdown. The path stayed at a good altitude before a descent through Upton Cheyney to return to our cars. This very respectable 10 mile walk was much appreciated by all who took part - many thanks to Patrick for leading the group on such a pleasant walk, and day! A mix of landscape and architecture photos below to give an impression of the experience... Andy P.

2 June - Sugar Loaf walk led by Chris Turner - Just 4 intrepid walkers headed out to Abergavenny for a stunning days walk along the riverside from the castle up to Sugar Loaf. It was steep and hot but well worth it. Return was also initially steep but then delightful dappled shade through old oak woodland. Chris T - A couple of photos;

May

26 May - Crug Hywel & Grwyne Fawr valley  led by Kathy Strawbridge, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A terrific 8.5 mile walk today for eight Severnside Ramblers from Crickhowell - up rapidly to Table Mountain with a welcome coffee stop on the way. Mostly sunny, followed by a brief 'splash' of drizzle on the way down towards civilization, then it dried up again for us to be nicely dry by the time we got back to the cars. Glorious views all the way round this route - as far as Pen-Y-Fan, south to the Llangattock Ridge which reaches south-east to Blorenge, then further east to Sugar Loaf, and beyond that to Hatterall Hill with Offa's Dyke running along the top! Later this walk also took in lower level, pleasant paths near the river 'Grwyne Fawr' through Llangenny, before returning to the cars via a higher level route with even more fine views across the valley of the river Usk. Many thanks to our leader Kathy Strawbridge for this most rewarding day. A photographic record (70 photos) in Flickr. Andy P.

24 May - St Arvans, Chepstow  led by Bob Smyth, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A great morning of walking today for 15 Severnside Ramblers in the area of St Arvans. Just north of Chepstow on the Tintern road where we parked at the Piercefield Inn and set off on this 4.5 mile circular route following a clockwise trail and more or less circumnavigating the Chepstow race course where a huge music festival was underway. The route took in fine views across the river Wye, especially from the viewpoint at The Giants Cave - I think the cave has shrunk a bit since any ‘giant’ lived in it - not a massive cavity! A small collection of photos here in Flickr to act as a reminder for those who came and maybe to give some idea of where the various locations are - the sad ruin of a large manor (Piercefield) looks like it’s in need of full renovation - any owner would have some glorious views and good company, being so close to the race course (if they were ‘into’ horse racing?). Many thanks to Bob for leading on the day. I’m sure those who took advantage of the menu at the Piercefield Inn enjoyed their meals. We (sadly?) had to ‘split’ just as the walk finished due to further events booked for the afternoon… Andy P.

19 May - The Gordano Round  photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

With the cancellation of today's walk due to illness, we (two Severnside Ramblers) took ourselves out to check an untried route of nearly 11 miles called (part of) The Gordano Round. This looping route runs in a long three-legged way taking in Clevedon, Portishead, Clapton in Gordano, Priors Wood, and as far east as Abbots Leigh. A long (27 miles) meandering route with loops and forks where a certain amount of confusion could arise?! Our take today was to complete the eastern circular section which turned out to be a little under 11 miles. Our only problem was the lack of waymarking in a complicated area of many intersecting footpaths - we went wrong twice as may be seen on the map here, not very serious as we recovered quite easily, but in places the proper way was very difficult to ascertain. The day was completed comfortably with considerable relief! A route of undulating field & woodland paths with occasional fine views, that's Crook Peak in one shot, and across the Severn with Portishead & Avonmouth in panoramic view. The way through Prior's Wood should have given a much better viewing of bluebells a few weeks ago - a traditional destination to fully appreciate bluebell's sight AND scent. We may be back some time to check out the rest of this 'Round' - we could then claim to have walked the entirety? A set of 40 photos below for the record of our first partial lap of this Round... All our best wishes for your full recovery to walking fitness Claire Cox - this in tribute to you, we look forward to seeing you out again soon...  Andy P.

12 May - Devil’s Pulpit Loop  led by Dan Miller, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A fine dry day (most of it!) for 9 Severnside Ramblers today on this excellent, and quite long (nearly 11 miles), walk in the Wye Valley area. It started at the car park on the B4428 at Tidenham Chase and rolled off through woods over fields and passed through Hewelsfield with its quaint church. Many ups'n'downs continued taking in some good views across to the Severn in places and to the Wye opposite, before finally reaching that spot on Offa's Dyke called The Devil's Pulpit overlooking Tintern Abbey. Many thanks to our leader Dan Miller for a great day's outing. That bracketed phrase at the start refers to the last 20 minutes of the walk - a loud rumbling of thunder directly above us followed by some good splashes of rain just as we got back to the cars. Our drive home was along roads awash with flooding, all observed through flashing high speed windscreen wipers! That was fun - but the walk was great! A selection of photos in Flickr. Andy P.

10 May - Stinchcombe Hill  led by Allan Davies, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A fine morning's walk for 21 Severnside Ramblers on one of their fortnightly Friday Ambles. The venue was the result of a change of plan due to extreme mud conditions on the scheduled route originally planned - our win! The start point was outside the doors of Leaf & Ground situated by the Dursley road as it passes Cam - a lovely spot at the foot of a steep(ish) climb up to Stinchcombe Hill and its Golf course. The climb was well worth the effort for the fabulous views as we circled the top on a bright, sunny day with clear air giving terrific views across to the Welsh hills, up to May Hill and the distant Malverns, not to mention both Severn crossings away to the south-west. All this topped off by drinks & snacks at Leaf & Ground, Dursley - do give this wonderful place a try if you're in the area. Many thanks to Allan Davies for leading - looking forward to the next one!  Andy P.

April

28 Apr - Wotton-under-Edge to Newark Park led by Monica & John, photos taken by Andy Pearson. More photos by Claire Cox. 

A day of unpredicted weather for 16 Severnside Ramblers (the count including several welcome visitors from other groups) today - it was supposed to be wet! - no, dry all the way and it warmed up considerably, though the 'going' remained soft underfoot in many places. A varied route taking in Wortley, Hillesley, Alderley and finally Newark Park with its huge park rich in Bluebells, Wild Garlick and visitors (being a National Trust estate). Many ups'n'downs along the way including stretches of The Cotswold Way on this route of nearly 10 miles (9.8 according to GPS). Many thanks to our leaders Monica & John for a job well done. A selection of photos for the record (nearly 50) in Flickr. Andy P.

26 Apr - Thornbury paths & streams led by Colin & Cathy, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A fine, dry day yesterday! for a Severnside Ramblers 'Friday Amble' - all of 20 members showed at the start point ready for a good breath of Thornbury air. This 4 mile route, by Colin & Cathy (many thanks to both) took in a wide range of environments - slightly muddy grass lined footpaths, urban pavements/roads, several stretches of the Streamside paths which are well tree lined, where you might forget that you're in the middle of a busy town, and the forecourt of Thornbury Castle! - very 'posh' location so no stopping for tea/cake there! A few 'snaps' here to give an idea of what sort of landscape we passed through. The walk terminated at the excellent hostelry, The Swan Inn on the High Street - very recommendable for lunch/drinks/snacks, whatever - they also have a fine function room upstairs - hireable for 'zero' fee, as long as you use their facilities and place donations in the box to the charity they support. Enough advertising for now! Come to Thornbury and enjoy our 'new' high street! That selection of photos as promised Andy P.

21 Apr - Offa’s Dyke & River Wye led by Bob Smyth, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

Another pleasant day's walking for 15 Severnside Ramblers today in the spectacular environs of the Wye Valley. This route took us on a north/south excursion covering woodland carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic followed by river-side stretches on the return leg. Several changes in altitude were involved (ups'n'down that is!) which gave us some grand landscapes then closer views along the river through fields of sheep grazing & lazing. Most enjoyable with dry weather varying from warm sun to cool breeze in the shade of the odd dark cloud. Many thanks to Bob for leading today with much detail at times of the industrial archaeology of the area. Difficult to imagine today that a lot of the Wye was a 'hell hole' of industry back in 'the day' - replaced by placid waters, woods & fields, making for a most pleasant day for the whole group. Thanks again Bob - a grand job all round. A 70 strong photo record in Flickr. Andy P.

14 Apr - Wotton circular led by Jean Aellen, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

I don't know if Severnside Ramblers has enjoyed such a glorious day of weather combined with a stunning walk of this quality this year so far! Eight members covered this near 9 mile route with much pleasure - sun and bright skies of thin, high cloud with a series of fabulous views as we gained more height at various times. The Cotswolds take some beating, and to have these landscapes within just a short travel time makes us feel very lucky. A 'figure of 8' route centred on Wotton-under-Edge took in Wotton Hill which is topped by a walled copse of trees surrounded by park benches that afford the best views across the Severn Vale. Many thanks to our leader Jean Aellen - very clever, Jean, setting up this walk on such a wonderful day! A huge collection of 80 photos here to serve as a reminder of this very memorable day. Andy P.

12 Apr - Snuff Mills and Oldbury Estate Loop led by Christine Pankhurst, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A mild, dry & sunny day has treated 25 Severnside Ramblers for this Friday Amble. A little mud in places on this route from Frenchay to Snuff Mills by way, mostly, of the Frome Valley Way. This spectacular and quite deep gorge offered much bird life (spotted a Kingfisher too!) and plenty of water falls and weirs to enhance the experience. Over 4 miles for this happy band who thoroughly enjoyed the morning before adjourning to The White Lion in Frenchay for lunch sat in the sun! Many thanks to our leader Chris Pankhurst for leading this fascinating route. Some 45 photos here to show what an enjoyable day it was. Andy P.

March

31 Mar - Bath Spa station to Bradford on Avon  led by Geoff Mullett, photos taken by Claire Cox. 

A fascinating 10 mile walk from Bath to Bradford on Avon led by Geoff Mullett for Severnside Ramblers. We saw a confusion of canals and rivers and lots of points of interest! Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you, Geoff!

24 Mar - No Cider with Rosie  led by John Davis, photos taken by Andy Pearson.  More photos by Claire Cox. 

A day of many ups & downs (total ascent of over 1600 feet!) for 11 Severnside Ramblers on this 9 mile route in the Painswick area. We took in plenty of local history, including that of the author Laurie Lee, by passing through Slad and enjoying our lunch stop in the church yard where we noted his memorial stone (pictured). Many thanks to John and Monica for leading today - some photographic records of the day in Flickr (70+ shots). Andy P.

17 Mar - Between the Two Severn Bridges   photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A last minute 4 mile stroll for two Severnside Ramblers members this afternoon on a Sunday with no walk on the programme. We just had to get out for some air, especially after SO much wet weather, and this route was at least pretty light on mud. This route took us from 'Old' to 'New' Passage along the new coastal defences, now open after the long rebuild job. Plenty of birdlife on view and pleasant views both ways along the river to the two crossings. All this topped off by managing to 'bump into' a third member! All our best wishes HeatherAndy P.

15 Mar - Tytherington  led by Jean Williams, photos taken by Andy Pearson. 

A brave 17 Severnside Ramblers ventured into a muddy countryside yesterday in the Tytherington area for a 4 mile 'Friday Amble'. We started out in rather unpleasant wind-blown, fine rain but it dried up soon and we even saw a 'splash' of sun! The mud was a bit extensive but some of the route was along surfaced, quiet roads and tracks. Our coffee stop gave us good views across waterlogged fields which made us relieved that we were walking higher ground. Many thanks to Jean W. for leading & guiding us with added cheerful comments when appropriate. A welcome coffee/tea/snacks in the Dobbies cafe at the end gave a nice opportunity to dry out and chat about the weather! Andy P.

10 Mar - Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common  led by Kathy Strawbridge, photos taken by Andy Pearson. More photos by Claire Cox. 

A small turnout of 6 Severnside Ramblers today for this very pleasant 8 mile walk in the Minchinhampton/Rodborough Common area. Fine views, dry but dull weather and lots of lovely Cotswold landscapes and architecture. Our leader - Kathy - made one or two minor changes to the planned route, which worked very well, giving us some interesting extra views of old cottages built on steep hillsides. You'd need to be pretty fit to live in those! Many thanks to Kathy for leading. Andy P.

03 Mar - Itton, Shirenewton and Llanmelin Hillfort Circular led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Andy Pearson.

WOW! Who ordered the weather for today's Severnside Ramblers walk? After such a long period of indifferent, unpredictable wet & windy conditions - and SNOW the previous day, we get a glorious, sunny, mild 'spring' day for this cracking route taking in Shirenewton and surrounding countryside. All this 9(ish) mile route was enjoyed to the full by all 13 members/visitors. The 'going' was wet/muddy underfoot but the views were amazing and there was plenty of interest along the route, as you can tell from the sizeable collection of photos/video below (over 100). Many thanks to Claire Cox for leading the group (ably assisted by Bob Cox!). Andy P.

February

11 Feb - Blackvein, Mynydd Machen and Sirhowy Valley led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Andy Pearson.  

Very much a 'Grand Day Out' for 17 Severnside Ramblers today over in the Welsh hills beyond Newport. A nearly 10 mile route from Crosskeys and UP into the hills - total ascent for the day was over 1600 feet! A rapid climb to the summit trig point of Mynydd Machen afforded wonderful views across the Severn to the Somerset coast with the Holm islands on show, and down the Welsh coast beyond Cardiff Bay. A welcome coffee stop here gave us time to take in the views before circling west around Graig-goch - with more 'ups' & 'downs' - until resting for lunch under a row of ancient trees. The going was a bit soft in places with plenty of mud & puddles, but the weather held dry, with plentiful sun as the day wore on, during a steady and clean descent via an ex-railway route, finishing at the cars after an easy stroll through a long sports & leisure park. Many thanks to Claire Cox for leading us round her old 'stomping ground' - well, not SO old! A large crop of photos for this virtual tour of the hills. Andy P.

04 Feb - Prinknash Abbey and Painswick Beacon led by Sue Lancaster, photos taken by Andy Pearson.

A great day's walking today in the Cotswolds for 17 Severnside Ramblers. We parked up in the Prinknash Abbey car park and set off uphill to cross the A46 to join the Cotswold Way for taking in Cooper's Hill - of cheese rolling fame! The route took us through Cranham, then followed footpaths through Buckholt Wood before crossing the A46 again to reach Painswick Beacon. Wonderful views across to The Malverns and even the Shropshire tops in the distance, not to mention May Hill beyond Gloucester. We finally took in the cafe at Prinknash Abbey - well, it had to be done having parked there! A brilliant 10 miles-plus walk put on by Sue Lancaster - many thanks Sue for this day of views, undulating paths and mild, dry weather. Apologies for so many photos of the robin who joined us at the cafe, obviously attracted by the rustle of a bag of biscuits - he just sat there and posed for me. Enjoy the left overs fella! Photos in Flickr as usual. Andy P.

January

28 Jan - A Bristol ramble with a strong country feel led by Claire Cox, photos taken by Andy Pearson.

A wonderful day's walking for this 'huge' turnout of 21 Severnside Ramblers (including a few guests from other groups who are most welcome) from Blaise Castle - taking in Combe Dingle, Sea Mills (with its Roman harbour), Shirehampton Park, then Kings Weston House (with cafe! - lunch stop), to finish by following the Community Forest Path - which passes the folly 'castle' in Blaise Estate. A clever and varied route, as depicted on the map, devised by our leader of the day - many thanks to Claire Cox for this cracking day of 7.5 miles in excellent weather conditions. Andy P.

21 Jan - Badminton walk led by Kathy Strawbridge, photos taken by Claire Cox. More photos taken by Andy Pearson.

Another very good Severnside walk, taking in Badminton Village, Luckington and back through parts of the Badminton Estate. Thank you, Kathy Strawbridge for a blowy, and interesting walk! Claire Cox.

14 Jan - Haresfield Beacon walk led by Sue Lancaster, photos taken by Claire Cox. More photos taken by Andy Pearson.

A lovely 9 mile walk today with surprisingly little mud and some sunshine! Thanks to Sue Lancaster for a taking us to places I had never visited before! Claire Cox.

 07 Jan - Kendleshire Round Walk led by Les Davidson, photos taken by Ken Mill. More photos taken by Andy Pearson.

A circular walk on the Northeast edge of Bristol starting from Lyde Green park and ride. The route followed the Dramway north before crossing Kendleshire Golf Course and returned via Frome Valley Walkway and Leap Valley. Many thanks to Les Davidson for leading 16 Ramblers on this 8-mile route. A nice sunny day but wet and muddy underfoot. An enjoyable walk and good company. Ken M.