The Yardley and District Rambling Club is affiliated to the RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION.
Events
In addition to the bi-weekly walks, the club hold a number of other events throughout the year. Here's a description of a few of our recent events as described by club members.
Recent Events and Rambles
Tenby 2010 (5 Day Spring Break)
Eastbourne 2009 (5 Day Spring Break)
Selected Sunday rambles
OAKHAM on the Macmillan Way (8.5 Miles)
Day 1. We jumped on the local bus to take us to the start of our walk on the A6003 at Hambleton Road. We then headed east over a railway line and climbed to the top of a hill, with views of Oakham to our right. We then went south descending the hill on the Macmillan Way to the pretty village of Brooke and visited the local church. We left the village still going south until we reached the top of a ridge turning east on the Macmillan Way following the ridge all the way with spectacular views of Rutland Water in front of us to the village of Manton and lunch. We went north from the village and followed the path along the shoreline till we arrived at Egleton Bay bird watching centre. We then headed northeast and back to the hotel in Oakham.
Day 2. We parked in Upper Hambleton by the church, and then walked south passing the church on our right and taking a footpath on our left leading us down to the shoreline. We then followed the well marked footpath east and walked round the peninsula watching a great variety of bird life enjoying the autumn sun. After 4 miles we arrived back at the church.
BIDFORD ON AVON (8.5 Miles)
From the Saxon fields CP we crossed Bidford bridge to join the Heart of England Way FP to Barton. Turning Ist left after the Cottage of Content PH we followed field tracks to Brickmarsh Hall and the Honeybourne Road. After a short distance on the road an overgrown FP led us around The Gliding Club and then via three more fields to our lunch stop at the IVY INN North Littleton. The village has a 13 century Tithe Barn (NT) built by the Monks of Evesham Abbey and a 17 century stone Manor House. After lunch we walked up to join the hill top bridleway of Cleeve Hill (220 feet above sea level) and continued along the ridge to Marcliffe village. A short river walk led us back to Bidford.
CHARLECOTE PARK (8 miles)
Our walk started from the NT car park opposite the entrance to Charlecote House. Charlecote is the ancestral home of the Lucy family and was built between 1551 and 1558 by Thomas Lucy lst. He was subsequently knighted here by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, favourite and deputy of Elizabeth I. The park was landscaped by Capability Brown in the 17th century with many water features.
From the car park we headed in the direction of Wellesbourne and crossed the B4086 to meet with a path to Newbold Pacy. Then via local pathspast Newbold Hall to our lunch stop at the CottageTavern in Ashorne. After lunch we followed field paths to the village of Wasperton to meet a direct path back to Charlecote.
MORETON IN MARSH (8.5 miles)
From the rail station car park we followed the Monarch's way to Batsford Park House. The house is late 19 century and built in the Cotswold Elizabetan style. The Monarch's path passes to the left of the house and rises steeply to join the road. A short walk along the road and field path led us to the hill top village of Bourton on the Hill. The church here is not notable but has Norman pillars supporting the south arcade. Down the road on the right is an old mansion house, 15th century tithe barn, and dovecote. We continued along the ridge track via Sezincote Park with excellent views to the left. Above us to the right the large pointed dome of Sezincote House. It was built in 1805 in Indian style by Sir Charles Cockerill of the East India company and was the inspiration for the Brighton Pavilion. About 30 minutes later we arrived at the village of Longborough and our lunch stop at The Coach Horses Inn. After lunch we picked up the Monarch's way again to Moreton in Marsh.
SOUTHAM to NAPTON on the Hill (8 miles)
The walk started at the island junction of the A425/423 via the bridle way along "The Gainsborough way" to New Zealand spinney. We headed out to the right on a well defined path leading to the road and the Napton Bridge Inn. Crossing the road near to an industrial site, a series of way markers led us up and over the hill to our lunch stop at the Crown Inn. After our break we headed for the windmill perched high up on the edge of the escarpment with good views in all directions. The path down meets with the canal towpath and 40 minutes later we arrived at a canal side pub. called "The Folly". Previously known as The Bull Butcher, it was reopened under its new name in 1990. Various field paths lead to Welsh road and Southam.
LAPWORTH (8 miles)
Leaving the car park in Broome Hall Lane we followed the the Grand Union canal tow path and field paths to Rowington Church. Then via Mousley Hall farm to the Wroxhall Abbey estate. The Wroxhall Abbey Mansion Hotel hosts business / wedding functions and the Broadwood bar / restaurant is open to visitors. We were made very welcome and most members enjoyed a mid day drink in luxurious surroundings. Before leaving we had a photo call on the steps of the stately mansion to record the event. Our return to Lapworth was via Hay wood and Baddesley Clinton.