| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: | |
| Group email: | Walking (6-8 miles) group |
| When: | On Thursdays 2nd Thursday of the month 10.15 for a 10.30 am start, if walk is extra long or short days in winter the start time may be brought forward as per the risk assessment |
| Cost: | This is a free event. |
There is no charge to join our group but you must be a u3a member. This group walks between 6 and 8 miles on the second Thursday of each month.
Full details of each walk are sent to members, including the risk assessment for the walk, but walk information is also available each month at the u3a Monthly Meeting and from the Events page of the website. You will also find these walks on the calendar but they might or might not take place depending upon the weather. Details of changes or cancellation due to bad weather are sent out by email. We welcome offers to lead walks from members during the year.
Walkers must wear suitable walking boots and clothing as detailed on the Risk Assessment and are asked to carry a card giving any essential medical information and emergency contact details. Please make sure you have signed the insurance disclaimer. This makes the u3a walks possible. Copies of the disclaimer are available at the start of the walk.
Few walks are in excess of 8 miles but they still may take place if requested. The walks may include hills and stiles and information on these will be included on the risk assessment. The walks include hills, fields, rough tracks, stiles and pavements, and take place in all types of weather so strong footwear and water resistant clothing is recommended. Information for each walk is provided in the specific risk assessment. Group members are expected to be able to average a minimum of 2 miles per hour walking speed.
Should you wish to join the group, please contact John on the mail link and you will be added to the email list and be sent regular updates on the group’s activities.
Forthcoming events
Recent Walks with the 6-8 mile group
Here are some memories from our recent walks.
-
Tunstall Reservoir
Read more: Tunstall ReservoirIn June there were only four of us on this walk for various reasons. From Demesne Mill car park we headed north. Initially there was a steep ascent past a 400-year old oak tree through the woods to Tunstall Reservoir as seen in a photo below. It was a lovely fine day and we walked… ¹
-
Byers Green Circular
Read more: Byers Green CircularIn April we walked a circular route, beginning at Coundon Station, opposite the Park Head Hotel. We walked along the old railway line towards Spennymoor along country footpaths towards Whitworth Hall. We stopped at the pretty Whitworth Church for our picnic lunch then walked more country footpaths to Byers Green then back to the Park… ¹
-
Shildon Inclines
Read more: Shildon InclinesAs a new u3a member I signed up for the 6/8 mile walking group, it had no walks and no leader. I waited patiently for something to happen, it didn't. Gerald Cumming appealed for volunteers to lead for the group and I responded. It was either that or continue to wait patiently. Life's too short… ¹