Out & About August 2017

OA feature

morning inspecting the paths in the area, cutting back vegetation and replacing waymarks, before meeting back

In 1967, a meeting was held at the Baptist Church Hall in Newbury to discuss how best to save the local footpaths in our parts, and on Easter Monday the group went on their first walk together – to Greenham Common. The following year was an important one for the group as it took on the challenge of surveying the effect of the route of the new M4 on the current footpaths. Since then, the group now known as the West Berkshire Ramblers have been involved in actively campaigning on footpath and countryside matters and regularly respond to issues such as diversion proposals and planning applications that may impact the footpaths. WORK UP AN APPETITE Chatting to various members of the rambling group, it doesn’t take long to realise that the visits to the pub for lunches and drinks after walks are – for some, at least – a very important part of the appeal. Most walks start and finish at a village pub and usually those taking part that day need to put in their lunch order before starting off, so the kitchen doesn’t get overwhelmed when the group arrives back en masse. In fact, membership secretary Chris Reynolds, who accompanied me on the walk, is also a member of CAMRA and is the representative for West Berkshire Brewery at meetings. For him, his passion for preserving the countryside goes hand-in-hand with supporting the local pub communities and local produce – especially beer. If you really fancy working for your lunch, then you should get involved with the work parties that take place on alternate Fridays. These heroes of the countryside spend the

at a pub to share their progress

over a snack. The

association also has a team that works in collaboration with

West Berkshire Council, primarily tasked with replacing stiles with gates, although it occasionally installs other types of structures. The team goes out 20 or so times a year and since 2005 has completed more than 250 installations. Chris Reynolds informs me that any members of the public that discover paths that are badly maintained should report their findings to the council, who will then pass on details to the relevant people. Over the years, these referrals have led to groups of volunteers taking out their tools to hack back stinging nettles and brambles, so that we can all enjoy using the footpaths once again. WALK THEWALK On any given week, West Berkshire Ramblers usually lead four or more walks. While there can be variations, the general annual programme is currently: n A morning walk of 5 to 6 miles each Tuesday, followed by lunch. 

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