Bogtrotters Programme: January to April 2010

Name:

Dunstable & District Walking & Hostelling Group

‘The Bogtrotters’

Programme

January-April

2010

www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk

Ramblings from the Chair ………

Welcome to the first walking programme for the year 2010. Welcome to all new members who have joined so far this year and welcome back to all those who have rejoined from last year. At the time of writing membership is approaching 70 and this has given us the opportunity to widen and expand the range of activities we undertake.

Mike Elliot is starting a new series of Midweek Meanders on Wednesdays and these will complement the weekend short walks being run by Dave Tompkins and Roger’s Thursday Midweek Meanders. In addition our social activities have been so well attended that we have decided to increase the number and variety of these, varying our chosen restaurants and adding a quiz, indoor picnic and even swimming!

For those of you looking for a full day of walking Dennis will be continuing his series of walks along the John Bunyan Trail and other members will be doing occasional day walks as well.

We will also be running a number of weekend trips away starting with our visit to Sherwood Forest. Don suggested this hostel as being a good combination of clean and modern but still retaining the atmosphere of a traditional YHA. Although this has now passed its closing date for bookings it is quite likely that there may be a few places still available at the last minute.

In March we are off to the Wetherdown Eco Hostel in The Sustainability Centre in Sussex. This is a private hostel and will be a bit of a first for us. It has single and double rooms or you can come along and camp if you want! A good location for walking on the South Downs or, if you prefer, I see that the centre is running courses on Shingle Making and also an Introduction to Wood Fuel on that weekend! (Could be interesting but perhaps not…!).

www.sustainability-centre.org/html/wetherdown_eco_hostel.html

Don will be leading a trip to the west of the Lake District at Easter. This will involve 4 nights at 3 or 4 different YHA hostels and moderately rugged mountain walking. An opportunity to properly get away from it all!

Then, on the first May bank holiday, Don is organising a trip to a Bunkhouse (equivalent to a simple traditional YHA hostel) near Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales. Not too far up the motorway, Derbyshire has become our home from home.

Following his successful trip to Mallorca, Roger will be heading for Tenerife in June. I think he intends heading off up the Pico del Teide (3717m) but I don’t think it will be compulsory! There is a funicular!

At the AGM and then subsequently at the committee meeting, it was decided that this year we would make a donation to raise money for the Disabled Ramblers’ Organisation who will use it to improve access to the countryside for disabled people. Dunstable Rotary is also raising money and all donations are being match funded so anything we can raise will have a double impact.

You can view details on their website here www.disabledramblers.co.uk.

Julian

COMMITTEE

POSITION NAME TEL. NO. E-MAIL

Chairman Julian Clark-Lowes 07979435856

74 Leafields

Houghton Regis

Beds LU5 5LX

Secretary Elaine Morgan 01582 696718

104 Houghton Road

Dunstable LU5 5AE

Treasurer Colin Meacham 07835936793

Flat 36, The Maltings,

Beale Street,

Dunstable LU6 1JS

Membership Secretary Sue Jenkins 01582 865966 suejenkins13@yahoo.co.uk 74 Leafields

Houghton Regis

Beds LU5 5LX

Social Organiser John Buckley 01582 896215

Publicity Officer Roger Pepworth 01582 538414 roger.pepworth@hotmail.co.uk

Mike Elliott 01582 668406 elliottm89aol.com Malcolm Gladman 07841596358

Eila Goss 01582 731026

Ruth Harris-Small 01582 758483

Paul Ridgeway 01582 601252

Jackie Taylor 01582 527618
Dave Tomkins 01582 526588

( Christine Brock 01494 786470

Other ( John Gabbitass 01582 664036

Contacts ( Wendy Hopkins 01582 602235

( Mervyn Kempster 01525 222257

( Dennis Smith 07966493699

( Don Snoad 01582 601852

NOTICES

· Midweek Meanders. These are currently planned to be accessible by public transport. However bus times and even bus services are subject to change and walk details will sometimes vary to those set out in this programme. It is advisable to ring or e-mail the walk leader to obtain up-to-date information. Their contact details can be found above this notice.

· Throughout this programme various meeting points are mentioned. For those new members who may not be familiar with Dunstable the following may be helpful:-

Chew’s House is in High Street South, virtually opposite the junction with

Friars Walk.

Priory Middle School is in Britain Street, in the SE quadrant of Dunstable.

The Yum Yum is a café in West Street with a public car park to the side

which offers free parking on a Sunday.

The Square, Dunstable, is in High Street South, a turning point for buses.

Dunstable Fire Station is in north Dunstable. At traffic lights turn off the A5 into Brewers Hill Road. The Fire Station is on the left. Drive past and take the next left down into the car park. You will be asked to sign in.

French’s Avenue is a residential road, off the A5, in the north of Dunstable, at traffic lights.

Please be aware that French’s Avenue has now been introduced as a meeting point for some of the walks that take us north of Dunstable.

· All Bogtrotters are reminded that they are most welcome to attend any and all of our meetings – Committee, Planning and Annual. Should anyone wish to see the minutes then please contact our secretary who will furnish you with a copy.

· Children are welcome on our walks if accompanied by an adult member of their family. Any children who come will remain the responsibility of the accompanying adult.

· If members wish to bring dogs on our walks please contact the walk leader first to check on suitability.

· Photos of our activities, together with names of those participating, frequently appear on our website. Please let us know if this is not acceptable.

· On day walks or weekend trips members may choose to share cars or take their own. Before leaving the meeting place please make it clear to the walk leader if you are prepared to take passengers, if you are willing to use your car to transfer drivers when this is necessary and if, for any reason, you will need to leave the walk early. Please do not leave the walk without telling the leader and letting him know which passengers you will be taking, if any.

· Hostelling trips. Members who wish to arrange their own bed & breakfast accommodation whilst the group is staying in a nearby hostel are welcome to do so. They can then join us for the daytime activities and evening meal, if they wish. They would still be welcome to share travel arrangements.

· Don’t forget – bring a torch for all day walks, those in the afternoon & the breakfast ramble.

January

Saturday 2^nd

Garden Centre Circular Short Walk Leader John Gabbitass

Today’s short walk starts from the car park at Wyevale Garden Centre, Pipers Hill, Great Gaddesden – just off the A4146 between Dagnall and Hemel Hempstead. Our route takes in water meadows, an attractive 19^th century bridge over the River Gade, deciduous woodlands, a children’s farm, Buddhist Temple, 12^th century church, one village and 2 hamlets!

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance 4 miles

Monday 4^th

Fish & Chip Supper Social Contact John Buckley

Join us for our annual Fish and Chip Supper and Awards Evening (vegetarian option available). If you are going to attend please could you let us know in advance by ringing 01582 896215 or emailing enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk. We will get back to you to organise your food order. Please book well in advance. We will however be able to take a few orders on the night, so no problem if you just want to turn up then.

Our speaker this year will be Harold Avis, formerly the Estate Manager at Woburn Abbey.

The nominations are your opportunity to reflect on the high and low points of the previous year’s walking and present the worthy and the perpetrators with an appropriate award.

All we need now are your proposals for awards and nominations, which should be sent to: nominations@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk.

Meet time 7.45 pm Cost £6 approx

Meet in Chew’s House, Dunstable

Saturday 9^th

John Bunyan Trail part 5 Short Day Walk Leader Dennis Smith

In December we did not finish part 4 of this Trail so today we will catch up by walking from Pavenham into Bedford. This route may be circular or linear and will be a short day walk – longer than a half day, but NOT a short walk.

Meet time 9 am Return not known

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance not known

Sunday 10^th

Aldbury Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

A circular walk around Aldbury and the surrounding area of Barley End with a coffee stop on our return.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5.25 miles

Wednesday 13^th

Aston Clinton/Wellonhead Bridge Short Walk Leader Mike Elliott

This short winter walk will follow the Wendover Arm of the canal back to Marsworth Lock, finishing off in one of the 2 pubs whilst waiting for our return transport to Dunstable. If time permits we can stroll around the reservoir checking out the winter wild life. The only refreshment stop is at the end so please bring a flask and a snack, if needed.

Meet time 9.50 am to catch 10.02 to Aylesbury Return about 3 pm

Meet at Bus Stop F, West St., Dunstable Distance approx 5 miles

Sunday 17^th

Chiltern Villages Day Walk Leader Christine Brock

This great walk starts in Old Amersham, goes through Coleshill, Winchmore Hill, Penn Street and Little Missenden to end back at Old Amersham, where there are tea shops. There is a steep hill to start with but then the walking is reasonably easy, however be prepared for a lot of mud! There are plenty of pubs where we will be able to get lunch or drinks. The walk starts from Old Amersham car park (off Broadway) at about 10.15 am.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 4.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 10 miles

Thursday 21^st

Midweek Meander Day Walk Leader Roger Pepworth

A linear walk – some “new” paths from Harlington to Harlington Wood End, then north to meet the John Bunyan Trail to Steppingley and on to Ampthill, through Ampthill Park, to get the bus home.

Meet time 9.30 am Return 4.15 pm

Meet at bus stop D, High St North, Dunstable Distance 8 miles

(Toddington/Bedford bus)

Saturday 23^rd

Studham Working Party Contact Julian Clark-Lowes

A bit of a first for us. We are off to the “2009 ‘Big Bash’ Work Party” at Studham. This usually involves a hot breakfast in the Village Hall followed by some practical work on the Common, then back to the village hall for a lunch followed by some more practical work to finish off the day. They tell us that they always have a great time with a good turn out of people. All tools are provided. You can see details of last year’s event at their website www.foscomm.org/.

Please let me know if you are planning to come so that I can let them know & they can organise catering. Please ring Julian for details of where to meet, at what time & we will organise transport.

Note that on this day we will be working as volunteers for and under the direction of the Friends of Studham Common. Be aware that our group insurance does not cover us for this activity.

Sunday 24^th

Woburn Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

Woburn. A circular walk round Paris House, clockwise this time for a change.

Meet time 9.30am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5miles

Monday 25^th Committee Meeting

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Dunstable Fire Station

Saturday 30^th

Post-Christmas Walk & Lunch Half Day Leader Dennis Smith

Once again we will be walking to The Plough at Wingfield, hopefully repeating last year’s coffee stop at the church in Houghton Regis. If you wish to book a meal please speak to Sheila (on Dennis’s mobile, evenings and weekends) regarding the menu and prices.

Meet time 10 am Bookings required by

Meet at Priory Middle School 20^th December please

February

Monday 1^st

Digital Slide Show Social Contact Julian Clark-Lowes

Another chance to view our digital images of recent events on my new projector. Last time I did most of the talking, this time we’ll start with your images. So get a gallery together, photos or videos, onto a memory stick, USB drive or whatever and come along.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Dunstable Fire Station

Saturday 6^th

Ledburn Circular Day Walk Leader Mervyn Kempster

Starting in Ledburn this walk takes us to Mentmore and Slapton where we hope The Carpenter’s Arms will still be able to provide refreshments. However, as so many of our public houses are closing or ceasing to prepare food, please bring with you a packed lunch and something to drink.

Meet time 9.30 am Return by 5 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance 7 miles

Sunday 7^th

Milton Bryan Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

This circular walk starts from the pretty hamlet of Milton Bryan (the birth place of Joseph Paxton who designed the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition in 1851). We will park near the pond, admire the ducks and read all about the old Methodist Church, whose feet used to rest in the water.

Meet time 9.30 am Return 1 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5 miles

Saturday 6^th-Sunday 7^th

Sherwood Forest Hostel Trip Leaders Sue Jenkins/

Julian Clark-Lowes

This is a first for the group. The hostel is modern and purpose-built, set on the edge of Sherwood Forest and offers a high standard of en-suite family accommodation. We have managed to secure some 2 bedded and 4 bedded rooms. If you are interested in this trip please contact Sue Jenkins asap to book a place. Travel arrangements will be decided nearer the time. Approx cost £16.

Monday 8^th Programme Planning

Please come along with your suggestions for the May to August 2010 Programme. This is your chance to put your ideas forward. Even if you do not wish to lead a walk or hostel trip, or become involved in the club’s social activities, your input is always welcome.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Dunstable Fire Station

Wednesday 10^th Short Walk Leader Mike Elliott

Redbourn/Hemel Hempstead

This continues a walk led by Roger in October of last year and follows the Nicky Line from Redbourn into Hemel Hempstead. We will start with refreshments in Redbourn and finish, similarly, in Hemel whilst waiting for our transport back to Dunstable.

Meet time 9.15 am for 9.20 bus to St. Albans Return about 3 pm

Meet at Bus Stop D, The Square, Dunstable Distance approx 5 miles

Saturday 13^th

John Bunyan Trail part 6 Day Walk Leader Dennis Smith

Bedford to Shefford. We walk out of Bedford to Elstow then into open countryside and on to Haynes, finishing at Shefford.

Meet time 9 am Return about 5 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance approx 10 miles

Monday 15^th

Ruchi, Woodside Social Contact Eila Goss

This Indian restaurant was formerly The Harrow. They have a Banquet Night on a Monday which is £9.95 per person and includes any starter, main dish, side dish, rice or nan plus coffee. They offer several vegetarian options + a few basic English dishes (including chicken or steak and chips) and serve alcohol at reasonable prices. For those young lovers amongst us this is the Monday after Valentines Day (perhaps, if love is in the air, we can look for new beaus!). Can those interested ring Eila or email enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk two weeks before so that she can confirm numbers. Twelve places have been provisionally booked but it may be possible to add a few extra bodies without too much trouble. If anyone has a problem with transport contact Eila and she will try to organise lifts for them.

Meet time 7.30 pm

Meet at Ruchi, 80 Woodside Road, Lower Woodside, Nr Caddington, LU1 4DQ.

Thursday 18^th

Midweek Meander Day Walk Leader Roger Pepworth

A bus to Piccotts End. We will walk through Nettleden via the Golden Valley to Little Gaddesden for a lunch stop, then home through Studham and Whipsnade.

Meet time 9.10 am Return bus from Studham at 4.30 pm

Meet at The Square, Dunstable Distance to Dunstable 12.5 miles

Saturday 20^th

Tilsworth/Stanbridge Circular Day Walk Leader Wendy Hopkins

From north Dunstable we will follow footpaths to Sewell and Tilsworth, skirt the edge of Eggington and head for Stanbridge for lunch. Those walkers with a packed lunch will find the village green an attractive place to sit; others may prefer the Five Bells at Stanbridge. Sewell Greenway is our return path to Dunstable and straight back to our cars.

Meet time 9.30 am Return 4 pm

Meet at French’s Avenue, Dunstable Distance 8.5 miles

Sunday 21^st

Ashridge/Beacon Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

This circular walk takes us to Ashridge and up to the Beacon, which should blow away any February cobwebs.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at the Yum Yum Distance 5.5 miles

Wednesday 24^th

Swimming/Aquasplash Social Contact Sue Jenkins

Why not come and enjoy an evening of fun and frolics at Aquasplash at Hemel Hempstead. Not a lot of swimming involved. There will be waterslides, flumes, rapids and lots more! This will be a first for the group. We will meet at Priory Middle School to sort out lifts to Hemel. The session finishes at 9 pm so it would be good to get down there for 7 pm approx so we have lots of time to enjoy ourselves.

Meet time 6.15 pm Return between 10 & 11 pm,

Meet at Priory Middle School depending on drinking time.

Cost: £4.20 or £3.70 concessions + 20p non-returnable locker fee.

Sunday 28^th

Stockgrove for Breakfast Early Morning Walk Leader Wendy Hopkins

This morning’s circular route starts outside Stockgrove Country Park and uses some paths well known to us: the Cross Bucks Way and the Greensand Ridge Walk, taking us to the village of Soulbury. An early morning walk in February? Of course! And why would you want to? Because the log cabin at the end provides hot sausage sandwiches and steaming tea and so much more. And you will be home in time for lunch, feeling very smug. Bring a snack and a drink for the halfway point + a torch.

Meet time 6.30 am Return lunch time

Meet at French’s Avenue (beyond the houses please) Distance 9.5 miles

March

Monday 1^st

The Globe Social Contact John Buckley

This is your chance to sample the excellent atmosphere and beer offered by this real ale pub close to home.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at The Globe Pub, 43 Winfield Street, Dunstable

Saturday 6^th – Sunday 7^th Hostel Trip Leader Dennis Smith

The independent Wetherdown Hostel is part of a Sustainability Centre which promotes environmental awareness and low impact living. It is on top of the South Downs and is an award-winning example of an eco-renovation and a comfortable place to stay. If the weather is bad Winchester is about an hours drive away. For a group of 8 or more the overnight B&B cost will be £19.50 pp. Less than 8 will be £22 pp B&B.

Sunday 7^th

Ridgmont Circular Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

This is a pleasant walk with good views all round. We will choose on the day whether to travel clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5 miles

Monday 8^th Committee Meeting

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Dunstable Fire Station

Wednesday 10^th

Grand Union Canal Short Walk Leader Mike Elliott

The Aylesbury Arm of the GUC. From Marsworth lock to Aylesbury (or vice versa, depending on the weather). We will start and end with refreshments but it will be dry in the middle so bring a drink unless we detour to another pub.

Meet time 9.50 am to catch 10.02 to Aylesbury Return approx 3.30 pm

Meet at Bus Stop F, West St., Dunstable Distance 6 miles

Saturday 13^th

John Bunyan Trail part 7 Day Walk Leader Dennis Smith

Shefford to the Warden Hills. A day walking through the Bedfordshire villages of Meppershall, Shillington, Apsley End, Hexton and Barton-le-Clay. We then come down off the Warden hills to finish near the golf course.

Meet time 9 am Return about 5 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance approx 12 miles

Thursday 18^th

Midweek Meander Day Walk Contact Roger Pepworth

Another linear meander from Fenny Stratford through Bow Brickhill, across Woburn Golf Course and woods, through Battlesden and Potsgrove to Hockliffe, from where we will either bus or walk home. Bring lunch. Hockliffe will be the only pub!

Meet time 9.35 am Return 4.35 pm Winston Churchill

Meet at bus stop D, High St North, Dunstable (MK bus) Distance 10 or 13 miles

Thursday 18^th

Wetherspoon Curry Night Social Contact John Buckley

Enjoy a curry with all the trimmings for £4.99 and this includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from a wide selection. (Note that parking is free at the adjacent Asda car park after 6 pm.) More details can be found on the website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/food-and-drink/ food/ wetherspoon-clubs/curry-club.php

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at “The Gary Cooper” Wetherspoons, Court Drive, Dunstable (adjacent to Grove Theatre)

Saturday 20^th

Hemel Hempstead & Redbourn Day Walk Leader John Gabbitass

We drive to Hemel Hempstead (Gadebridge) and leave our vehicles beneath the trees at the freebie open-air car park ….. It’s where the Park and Ride buses start from on the A4146. We shall then wend our way on foot, through Gadebridge Park and Hemel old town, before joining the Nicky Line, proceeding as far as the village of Redbourn – most probably for an early lunch stop. From past experience the next part of the walk towards Stags End may be muddy in places so be warned! Whatever the state of the path, be cheered by the prospect of a hot cuppa to come as it is intended that we should next head for Piccotts End and the Garden Centre tea shop. From there it’s but a short hop back to our cars.

Meet time 9.30am Return about 6 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance 11 – 12 miles

Sunday 21^st Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

Parking in Studham we walk to Whipsnade, in reverse this time. See if I can get lost again on golf course!!!

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5.25 miles

Monday 22^nd Contact Sue Jenkins/

New Members’ Welcome Evening Social Julian Clark-Lowes

An opportunity to meet prospective members and enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles as well as photographs, slides etc of the past year’s activities.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Chew’s House, Dunstable

Saturday 27^th

Lilley Half Day Leader Eila Goss

Starting from Treasures Grove car park on the minor road between Streatley and Lilley (where the Icknield Way and John Bunyan Trail meet, not far from Telegraph Hill) we follow a little of the Icknield Way and the John Bunyan Trail round towards Lilley. Here we hope to stop at the Lilley Arms before returning through Kingshill Plantation back to the start. This is a fairly easy walk with only one stile but at least one fairly steep hill. However there should be some good views of the valley, villages and Bedfordshire's Chiltern AONB.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance approx 6 miles

Sunday 28^th

Three Churches – All Different Day Walk Leader Julian Clark-Lowes

Saxon, Norman and Perpendicular. A circular walk starting at Wing where we can view the Saxon church, on to Stewkley with its fine Norman tower, over to Cublington where there are supposed to be some nice perpendicular windows. This is the area which was once going to be the third London airport. Cublington was going to be under the runway. This is the day after the clocks go forward and so to be kind we will start at 10 am. If it starts to get dark early we may shorten the walk a bit. Some decent pubs along the way but bring some lunch anyway - we might need to push on.

Meet time 10 am Return about 5.30 pm Meet at French’s Avenue Distance approx 12 miles

Monday 29^th

Indoor Picnic Contact Ruth Harris-Small

Come to a picnic whatever the weather. Bring some finger food to share.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Chew’s House, Dunstable

April

Friday 2^nd – Tuesday 6^th

Easter Trip to the Lake District Hostel Trip Leader Don Snoad

The western fells are less frequented by us and by the tourist hordes but offer some superb walking and excellent hostels. We plan to stop at different hostels – Eskdale, Wastwater, Ennerdale and perhaps even the iconic Black Sail. Book early as the Lakes hostels are very popular at this time of the year.

Saturday 3^rd

A Lazy Day in London Day Walk Leader Sylvia Gabbitass

From the canal basin at Little Venice the walk proceeds beside an attractive stretch of the Regent’s Canal to Regent’s Park. This is followed by a circuit of this superb area, including a visit to the ornamental Queen Mary’s Gardens. A short detour to the summit of Primrose Hill provides a grand panoramic view over London. There will be cafes and pubs on our route but please also bring a packed lunch. Currently the cost of the train to London is half price if 4 or more people travel together. Please contact Sylvia nearer the time for up-to-date prices.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 5 pm

Meet at Luton Station (not Parkway) Distance 5 miles

Sunday 4^th

Caddington Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

Just a short stroll over Blows Downs to Caddington and back.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5 miles

Saturday 10^th

Thriplow, Cambs Day Walk Leader John Buckley

We venture a little further afield than usual to Thriplow, just over the Hertfordshire border, in Cambridgeshire, on a circular walk that follows good paths (but includes some road walking). There are good views from three hills and the walk includes several interesting/unusual war memorials as well as three pubs en route.

Meet time 9.30 am Return by 5 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance 8/9 miles

Sunday 11^th

New Members Introductory Walk Half Day Leader Julian Clark-Lowes

This 5 mile circular starts at Streatley, goes over Sharpenhoe Clappers, down into Sharpenhoe, bearing off towards Harlington and back to the Chequers at Streatley for a refreshment stop before home. A walk in which new and prospective members are invited to come along and meet the rest of us. Don’t be shy, if you’ve always meant to join but haven’t got round to it then this is the one for you. I’ve made the start time slightly later than usual so that those who don’t like getting up early on Sundays can work their way into it gradually.

Meet time 10 am Return 2 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5 miles

Monday 12^th

Don’s Slide Show Social Contact John Buckley

This popular slide show will include views of hostel trips undertaken by the group as well as walks enjoyed closer to home. Come and remind yourself why you’re a Bogtrotter! It would be appreciated if those attending contribute £1 towards the cost of the room.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Chew’s House, Dunstable

Wednesday 14^th

Markyate/Redbourn Short Walk Leader Mike Elliott

From Markyate via Flamstead to Redbourn following the Hertfordshire Way. This should be a more energetic walk over fields etc. We would hope to start with refreshments in Markyate, a tipple at Flamstead and a late lunch in Redbourn whilst waiting for the bus back to Dunstable.

Meet time 9.15 am to catch 9.20 bus to St. Albans Return about 2.30 pm Meet at Bus Stop D, The Square, Dunstable Distance 6 miles

Saturday 17^th

John Bunyan Trail part 8 Day Walk Leader Dennis Smith

Warden Hills to Sundon Country Park. To end the Bunyan Trail we are today going through Lilley and Streatley before finishing back at Sundon Country Park.

Meet time 9 am Return about 5 pm

Meet at Priory Middle School Distance approx 10 miles

Sunday 18^th

Woburn Sands/Aspley Heath Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

A circular walk in a very pretty and varied area.

Meet time 9.30 am Return approx 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5.5 miles

Monday 19^th Committee Meeting

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

Meet time 8 pm

Meet at Dunstable Fire Station

Tuesday 20^th Quiz Night Contact Malcolm Gladman

At the time of printing a venue for this evening’s Quiz had not been booked. Please check our website early in April for up-to-date information.

Thursday 22^nd

Midweek Meander Day Walk Leader Roger Pepworth

We shall walk over Ivinghoe Beacon and then through the woods to Ashridge for coffee and cake. A small, leisurely detour and then lunch at The Valiant Trooper and back to Ivinghoe. What more could be asked? Of course we’ve arranged the weather!!

Meet time 10 am prompt (bus at 10.02!) Return 5.20 pm

Meet at West Street bus stop Distance approx 11 miles

Sunday 25^th

Chesham Area Day Walk Leader Christine Brock

Circular walk in the Chiltern hills around Ley Hill and the outskirts of Bovingdon. Tea and cakes at Chris's house at the end of the walk. Our outward journey will be a drive to 22 Five Acres, Chesham, HP5 1NN.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 5 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 10 miles

Monday 26^th

Carvery Evening Social Contact Julian Clark-Lowes

The Red Lion on Bidwell Hill is currently offering a carvery for £3.69. Malcolm and Leslie have been and say it was quite good, so we thought we would give it a try.

Meet time 7.30 pm

Meet at the Red Lion on Bidwell Hill just outside Houghton Regis

FUTURE TRIPS/EVENTS

May

Friday 30^th April – Monday 3^rd May

Derbyshire Dales & the White Peak Bunkhouse Leader Don Snoad

Enjoy 3 nights away from it all in a cosy bunk barn with a wood burning stove and all the usual facilities. We’ve booked the barn, which has sleeping accommodation for 12 and plenty of room for camping outside. Just two miles from the historic market town of Wirksworth, with bags of fine walking, pubs and cafes in the vicinity.

Booking fee is £37.50 for the 3 nights.

Sunday 2^nd

Studham/Dagnall Short Walk Leader Dave Tomkins

Now known as “the Bluebell Walk” - though this circular stroll may be too early for bluebells.

Meet time 9.30 am Return about 1.30 pm

Meet at The Yum Yum Distance 5.5 miles

June

Monday 7^th- Monday 14^th

Tenerife Hostel Trip Leader Roger Pepworth

A budget holiday in Tenerife. We aim to avoid totally the tourist areas and walk in the north and would hope to climb Mt Teide at just over 12,000 ft – the 3^rd highest volcano in the world – and the highest point in Spain. OK, there is a cable car, if you must! We will stay in budget hotel/hostel accommodation. Half Term week is impossible (the air fare alone is £300+). We plan then to travel on 7^th June and return on 14^th. At present the air fare is £145 return (but it is from Gatwick). The visit will be similar to the Mallorca trip last year with people free to opt in/out of walks and to do their own thing (and there’s oodles of possibilities). Please contact Roger on 01582 538414 or roger.pepworth@hotmail.co.uk asap.

July

Sunday 4^th

Tanners Marathon Day Walk

30 miles in 10 hours walked in the Surrey countryside – but if you succeed you gain a personal certificate! Look for further details in our next programme

Booking Form for Trips

Name: ____________________________________ Tel No._____________________________

I would like to be included in the following trips

Hostel/Destination/Date_________________________________________________________

I enclose £ (A separate £5 deposit for each trip please)

Cheques to be made payable to

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT WALKING & HOSTELLING GROUP

and posted to our Treasurer, Colin Meacham

____________________________________________________________

Dunstable & District Walking & Hostelling Group

Annual Subscription Form

Name/s _________________________________________ Tel No _____________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

E-mail address ________________________________________________________________

Please delete) I/we wish to receive a printed paper copy of the programme

as applicable) I/we wish to receive a copy of the programme by e-mail

Please find enclosed my/our annual subscription for the year Sept 2009-Aug 2010

£10 per person, £15 family membership. If you have not already paid for the current year please

send your subscription to our Membership Secretary, Sue Jenkins, at your earliest convenience.