Worcester

U3A Long Walks

Our walks start and finish at various locations every Friday throughout the year. Most walks are within Worcestershire but we do occasionally cross the border into Gloucestershire and Herefordshire locations.

The walks are a minimum of 5 miles and up to 7 miles. The aim is to alternate the "challenge" of the walks between flatter, less challenging walks and those with inclines which require a bit more effort. The start/leaving time for the walks is 10.00am. However in the summer months during hot weather, we may decide to start at 9.30am. This will always be indicated on the details of the walk which is sent out in advance.

Leader and Contact: Shan South shansouth@btinternet.com Mobile: 07736656004
The deputy is Bev Webber

Please see Dates for your Diary below for the current Walking Programme.

Our meeting place for the walk often (but not always) starts from a pub. By arriving early we are usually able to use their facilities and pre order/book our lunch/snack as required with the publican. Because we have asked permission to use the car park and facilities of the public house; it is hoped that walkers will have the courtesy to stay for refreshments after the walk whenever possible to do so; even if this is just for a drink/tea/coffee.

Around the halfway point on a walk we stop for a short "banana break"- usually about 15 minutes. Its a good idea to have something to sit on especially in the winter months when the ground is likely to be wet and cold.

Walks are planned and led by the group members ensuring a wide variety of locations. Help in planning walks is always available and new walk leaders are encouraged. Click below for the following useful guides:

• Risk Assessment - Long Walks;
• Guide for Walk Leaders;
• Library of Walks;
• Cancelling a Walk._

The group combines with the other U3A Walking Groups once a year to hold an Annual General Meeting. This is usually in January each year. Occasionally, a nominal subscription of £1 per person is collected at the meeting to help pay for maps, paper, ink etc.

If you would like to join the Long Walks 2 Group, first join the U3A, then email your U3A number and details to Shan South. U3A policy is that dogs are not allowed on U3A walks.

We also organise an annual walking holiday, which is open to all group members and is based in one of the hotels operated by HF Holidays. There are a selection of walks organised by group members available each day providing a choice of terrain and distance. Hotel bookings are full board and walks are organised by group members. Worcester U3A Walking Group is affiliated to HF Holidays and enjoys exclusive benefits and discounts. Walkers make their own way there and numbers are usually such that we have exclusive use of the hotel. Holidays are popular and usually fill up quite quickly and a non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place. The next Walking holiday planned for April/May 2023 will hopefully be St Ives, Cornwall, but this has yet to be confirmed with definite dates etc.