Walking
WALKING
What: Our parameters for the benefit of recent and potential future members are: - We are now a singular Group but offer the same walk on two days i.e. the first Thursday and then the following Wednesday, every month except December when we do not walk at all. Options each month therefore are: -To walk Thursday, to walk Wednesday, to walk both days, not walk at all (equally important to know when members respond to the circulated Walk Details, as requested.
We will travel to, then start from anywhere within a broad 20-mile radius of Bearsted, returning to the walk starting point. Walk distance range is between 3.5 to 4.5 miles, average 2 hours duration, but not precluding an occasional pre-advised shift either way.
We meet at 9.45am, for a prompt 10.00am start, which generally gives a 12-noon finish, enabling some members time to attend other activities in the early afternoon, if necessary. Always mindful of members physical capabilities, so avoiding terrain and gradient extremes, advising stile/frequency and other potential hazards., but not precluding an appropriate level of challenge with seasonal and anticipated weather also a walk selection consideration.
Not always possible but will also be trying to couple our walking with one of our many available forms of local history interest. The lack of a vehicle, or inability to drive should not inhibit membership, with notice we can usually between us arrange pick up and returns. In recent years there has been a pull towards finding a pub/restaurant parking and walk start combination. where though with no obligation to use there is at least a light eating facility afterwards for any so inclined.
Where: The group will visit various locations in Kent.
When: The group meets at the agreed starting point on the first Thursday of the month 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. The walk is replicated on the following Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon for those who cannot make the Thursday or for those wishing to enjoy the same walk again.
How to join: Send an email message to Geoff the Walking Group co-ordinator or Linda the Interest Groups Co-ordinator using the blue pigeon Send a Message button on the top right hand side of this page for more details.
Annual Report 2023
Walking - Geoff
The group walks on the first Thursday and following Wednesday each month, except in December when there is no walk. The change from the Tuesday to Wednesday for the second walk has been a success with a higher attendance than was previously the case.
We welcomed Paul as a new walk leader, especially as this has relieved some of the pressure on the other leaders. The walks themselves have been very enjoyable and varied. Early in the year, when it was particularly muddy underfoot, we walked predominantly on lanes. This did not make the walks any less pleasurable as they took in the pretty villages of Loose and Wye. We spread our wings later on and have walked on the North Kent marshes at Oare, the Greensand Way at Sutton Valence and again at Linton, and on top of the Downs above the River Medway amongst other locations.
Most walks ended with lunch at a local inn, though the second walk at Great Chart near Ashford left us hungry because of a problem in the kitchen!
Following our November walk we will rest in December and recommence operations in January. The leaders would like to thank group members for their appreciation of the efforts of our walk leaders.