“Out and About Walking Group”

The Out and About Walking Group was formed in march 2003 at each walk we collect for Hope House Children's Hospice (we have collected over £770 so far).

We have 12 Saturday walks a year on the first Saturday of each month, most of the walks are in Shropshire, the base of the group is Telford.

It is advised to wear suitable footwear
Be prepared for all sorts of weather.
Dogs are not allowed on the walk
Car share to the walks when ever possible

For More information:

email Greg Vernon gwv@btinternet.com

Last Walk

This was at Shifnal, we meet at the village hall, a sunny morning set us on our way, we made our way to Evelith Mill, (King Charles II passed by here during his escape after the battle of Worcester, near by is a wood called Kings Charles wood). We made our way back to Shifnal along the Wesley Brook and Lodge Hill. Agroup of 36 was led by Greg Vernon and the backmarker was Jane Banks.

We are collecting old mobile phones (with battery) for motor nerone. I if anyone has one can they give it to Greg or Christine Vernon many thanks.

Saturday Walks 2008:

Date:	Approx Distance:	Venue:	Meeting Place (click to open a map):
5th January 08	3 miles	Telford	Sainsburys, Telford Forge Retail Park
2nd February 08	3 miles	Tong	Church lay-by
1st March 08	4 miles	Shifnal	Village Hall car park
5th April 08	5 miles	Coalbrookdale	Dale End c/p p&d
3rd May 08	4 miles	Wenlock Edge	n.t.c.p. on the B4371
7th June 08	6 miles	Chirk	bring food & drink Railway Station c/p
5th July 08	7 miles	Cannock Chase	cafe stop Marquis Drive
2nd August 08	5 miles	Whitchurch	group picnic Sherrymill Hill c/p
30th August 08	5 miles	Stipperstones	hilly Snailbeech c/p
4th October 08	4 miles	Colehurst	The Four Alls Public House
1st November 08	5 miles	Limekiln Wood & The Ercall	The Square in Wellington
6th December 08	4 miles	Little Dawley	mince pie walk Castle Pools c/p
Meeting time for all Saturday walks is 10:00am

Summer Evening Walks for 2008

Meeting at 7.p.m. distance approx 3 miles

FRIDAY JUNE 27TH - We will meet at 31 Stratford Park, Trench and afterwards for tea and biscuits.

FRIDAY JULY 25TH - we will meet at the main car park of Granville Country Park and afterwards
for a drink at The Clock Tower, Donnington, TF2 8LE.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Having thoroughly enjoyed Greg's walks, may be some of you feel ready for something a little more challenging? Then how about considering walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The classic trail to the Inca citadel is a four day/three night trek but there is a six day trek which combines the classic trail with a more difficult add-on, or another option is to choose a one day trek over the final few miles to the citadel but this again is quite a lengthy and tough day.

The overall distance of the Inca Trail from the start point to the citadel is 45 km which is not particularly lengthy when spread over four days but the maximum altitude reached is 4215 metres above sea level. Most people start from Cusco where the altitude is 3500 and where they acclimatise for three days.

On day 1 of the trek, a bus transports the group to the start point and the walk from there to the camp is graded as easy and a distance of about 12 km. The 2nd day is the most difficult when about 11 km is covered but the ascent to the first pass is to 4215 metres and there is very little of that distance on the flat. The second half of the day is all downhill but almost totally uneven and big steps. The sight of the camp at the end of that day is very welcome! The 3rd day is considered to be unforgettable because of the magnificent scenery but that depends on the weather, of course. In actual fact, this day is quite difficult too as of the sixteen or so km covered, there is a continuous stretch of four miles deep and uneven steps which can be hard on the knees. Day 4 is relatively short at about 7 km and considerably easier than the other days, apart from one short climb. The arrival at the Sun Gate for the first view of Machu Picchu is absolutely incredible.

You forget all that hard work and it is by far the best way to visit the site (it is possible to travel by train from Cusco). It is a memory which must last until the end of time and is well worth it. The guides, porters and cooks are all excellent and a party of 18 was looked after by 36! The food was quite delicious with a four-course lunch and dinner each day. It is a one-way trek so the journey back to Cusco is by train.

Social Diary 2008:

Date:	Details:
Saturday 1st March 2008	5th Anniversary Celebration. We will meet at 7:00pm inside the Red House public house at Lilleshall for a meal (order on the night)
Saturday 10th May 2008	Skittles, soup & buffet evening at the Bell Inn, Tong, £5 per person, payment in full to Greg by 5th April please.
Saturday 19th July 2.00pm	A visit to Halfpenny Green Vineyards and Craft Centre, Wombourne, near Wolverhampton. to include a cream tea. The cost is £7.50 per person, an envelope enclosing the fee and bearing your name and telephone number would be appreciated to Carole Evans by the normal June walk thanks.

Last Social

We had an evening at the Red House, Lilleshall, this was to celebrate 5 years since the group was formed, we all had a meal and a toast was made to the first 5 years, in that time the group has gone from strength to strength long may it continue.

More photos at http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/5328927

Facts & Figures for the Saturday Walks

	Walks	Walkers	Avg per Walk
2003	10	77	7.7
2004	12	167	13.9
2005	12	293	24.4
2006	12	312	26
2007	12	371	30.9
Totals:	58	1220	21

Making Tracks

A local walking shop, "Making Tracks" of Newport, Shropshire is offering a 5% discount to the group.

Group Rules:
All walkers who take part in any of the walks of the “Out & About Walking Group” do so at their own risk and will have to abide by these rules.
No 1. Stay with the group at all times
No 2. Do not walk in front of the leader.
No 3. Follow all instructions given by the leader/back marker
N0 4. Walk single file on roads