Based on the Cathedral City of Salisbury the South Wiltshire group meets mainly on a Tuesday and Thursday for shorter walks and on Sundays for all day walks.
We have a varied programme of walks to
suit most abilities. These may be in the immediate locality or some
distance away. You don't have to be a member of the Ramblers to join us
for a walk. So if you have a spare few hours and fancy some exercise,
check out our latest walks programme and come and join us.
- John will be leading the REDBRIDGE - TOTTON - ROMSEY walk on the 29th January instead of Ken. John can be contacted on 01980 862458.
- The MOD newsletter for February 2012 is now available. This provides details of planned restrictions to footpaths across the ranges. This may help if you are planning to walk in those areas, but you should always check for the latest details by phoning 01980 674763.
- Heavy Gang Install Gates in Tisbury
- The Heavy Gang install a Set of 35 steps in Allington
- The Light Gang clear a footpath in Semley
- During August, the Heavy Gang installed two kissing gates and a bridle gate on Woodford FP2
Sometimes it is hard to see how we can make a difference being a
member of the Ramblers, but a recent project taken on by the Heavy Gang
and a couple of before and after photographs pretty much sum up the
impact we can have.
Have you ever come across a bridge to nowhere - or should we say a
bridge in trouble? Here is a perfect example! This is the
old bridge which crosses the River Loddon between the Sedgehill FP1 and
Mere FP41 paths.
With a little bit of effort we now have a slightly improved
situation and no Muddy Boots!!! If you want to include this
bridge on one of your walks you can find it at SU
851 294 on the Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase map.
With the stringent cuts that will take place in
the highway department of Wiltshire Council, volunteer work
of this type by The Ramblers will become more important
and probably essential if we wish our footpath network not
to deteriorate. More able volunteers would be much appreciated, so
that we could perhaps run an additional heavy gang day per month
If you fancy joining in, and have a few hours to spare then
please feel free to give us a hand by contacting Graham Read
by Email or
telephone on 01722 710796.
Have you ever thought about why you enjoy walking in the countryside? How pleasant it is to get away from traffic and walk along paths clear of obstructions such as brambles and overhanging branches? The responsibility for looking after our public rights of way lies with the Highway Authority, ie Wiltshire Council. Unfortunately, whilst they have a duty to maintain them, their ability to do this is severely limited by financial and workforce restrictions.
This is where we can help. Our footpath group liaises with the Right of Way Team at Wiltshire Council and assists them with clearing footpaths (Light Gang), and replacing stiles and bridges (Heavy Gang). The work benefits all walkers and contributes to the charitable aims of the Ramblers.
Over the year the Light Gang has cleared paths in the parishes of Woodford, Ansty, Tisbury, Bowerchalke, Berwick St John, Sedgehill and Semley, Grimstead, and Downton. I wonder if any of you have noticed?
The work is not too taxing. We use
light-weight tools, - secateurs, loppers, shears, and the occasional
saw, and we finish by lunchtime. Looking back on a well-finished job
gives one a tremendous sense of achievement. But because it is the
nature of plants to keep growing, rather like painting the Forth
railway bridge, our work is never finished! That is why the Light Gang
needs more volunteers. Why not come along and give it a try?
The Light Gang meet on the second Wednesday of each month. We supply all tools and gloves, and, where possible, transport to the various locations.
Please contact Patricia Dashwood on 01722 710869, or via email
The Sunday meeting point, unless otherwise stated is at Salt Lane Car Park, Salisbury.
Week day walks are normally on Tuesday and Thursday and there are occasional walks on a Saturday. These walks normally meet at the starting point.
In order to reduce the number of cars travelling and the pressure on parking at walk start points, please arrange to share cars whenever possible. If you do get a lift to the walk start point, we suggest a donation to the driver of £2 for journeys taking up to ½ hour; £3 for journeys taking between ½ and 1 hour; £4 for journeys taking over 1 hour.
On very rare occasions alterations to the starting point of a walk shown in the programme prove necessary. If you are driving direct to the start, you should phone the leader beforehand to establish whether any such alterations have been made.
Next 7 Days Walking | ||||||
Sunday 5th February 2012 | NO WALK OFFERED | |||||
Tuesday 7th February 2012 | GOODWORTH CLATFORD - WHERWELL 6m Paths, woods and part of the Test Way. S: 10:00 EX131 SU 371 422 (CP at junction of A3057 and B3420) Pub Possible. Dogs Not Allowed. Leader(s) David and Jilly 01722 412954 Mobile: 07787 801730 | |||||
Thursday 9th February 2012 | BECKINGTON 6m Field paths with one uphill stretch, passing through five villages. S: 10:00 EX143/142 ST 801 518 (Rear of Woolpack Pub in side road off high street. (not in pub CP)) Pub Possible. Leader(s) Celia and Sarah 01225 862748 Mobile: 07743 187297 | |||||
