Striders - more challenging walks
The Striders walking group evolved from the original U3A walking group and was set up on 1st September 2015 to cater for members with the fitness level and aspiration to tackle longer walks and/or significant ascents. During 2022 the group undertook a review and has updated its way of working and continues to provide a more challenging range of walks.
Walk Grades are based on a simple, standardised points-based walk grading system. The 2023 walk programme (accessed by clicking the link on the right-hand side of this page) shows our planned walks and the colour code/points information.
Our walks are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month and typically, start at 10:00am. Walks are in the region of about 12km may take 4 to 5 hours including breaks. We have a coffee break and one stop for a packed lunch. Ideally, we end the walk by visiting a nearby pub or cafe to recharge our batteries.
As part of the 2022 review the Group agreed to trial two black walks in 2023 (on alternative Wednesdays) Moel Siabod and the second The Glyders (Fach and Fawr) from Pont Pen-y-benglog.
Walks at this grade would normally visit mountain tops and could include Snowdon, the Glyderi and the Carneddau.
Walks are over varied terrain in equally varied weather conditions, so appropriate clothing and footwear are essential. Some walks are local, but most are further afield and we car share wherever possible to get to the starting point. Each group member takes a turn to lead once a year – with support if needed - in line with the U3A ethos of self-learning/helping and supporting others to learn.
Walk Programmes are developed to cover January-June and July to December. Each walk will have a Walk Description provided by the Walk Leader and circulated to members by e-mail. Our joint conveners, Toots Williamson and Diana Carr, hold records of walks and a register of members in the group.
If you are a member of Tarporley and District U3A and would like to join the Striders Walking Group, please contact our Interest Groups Co-ordinator using the Contact tab above.
Striders currently has a waiting list - please register your interest and the Convenors will contact you as soon as possible.
Click on a picture below to see it full-size with more details.