The Walking Group, which is open to all members of Thornbury U3A currently has approx.70 members. Membership costs £2 per year per person.

Walks, which take place on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month throughout the year provide exercise in a friendly, social environment. Generally, there is a choice of two walks of different length and possibly difficulty which are led by group members on a voluntary basis. (All members are encouraged to lead a walk from time to time). “A” Walks are typically some 7 to 10 miles, whereas “B” Walks tend to be 4/5 miles in length. Walk Leaders will indicate whether there is a picnic or pub lunch. Members wishing to join a walk are asked to contact the Walk Leader, usually by phone on the Saturday prior to the walk.

It is the responsibility of each member to ensure they have appropriate walking gear/equipment and also that the walk they wish to join is within their level of ability.

A monthly newsletter is distributed to all members. It includes descriptions of forthcoming walks e.g. terrain and distance. It will also provide contact details of the leader in order that members can reserve a place on a walk.

Walkers usually meet at the Thornbury Leisure Centre carpark (rear) in time to arrange transport and leave by 9am. Car sharing is the norm and 10p per mile is paid to the driver split between all passengers.

Each January there is the AGM and meal and later in the year there is a Coach Trip/away day. Recent destinations have included Brecon, Glastonbury and this year we plan to have a trip to Bath.

This is an example of a typical Walking schedule that our members regularly receive:

Date and Type	Description	Time and start point	Leader Details
Feb 20th A	Slimbridge to Sharpness circularWalk  of approximately 8½ miles on a well maintained canal path with no stiles and an optional short diversion to look at the Purton Hulks.Bring a packed lunch and coffee as usual.	Meet LCCP 9:00 or 9:30 Slimbridge Car Park 30 GL2 7BP on RHS (just before Tudor Arms pub on LHS and before you cross the canal.)
B	Falfield to ThornburyLinear walk, No 60 bus from Thornbury to Falfield and walking back.4.5-5 miles 60m climb and some stiles.Bring coffee.	Meet 9:40 outside Aldi to catch the 9:59 bus.
Mar 6th   A	Harry Stoke to Cabot CircusLinear walk using the T1 bus . Mainly paved paths , no stiles, some woodland tracks which can be muddy. Bring coffee and lunch. 7.5 mile	T1 bus from Thornbury Health Centre at 9.13am or Leisure Centre at 9.20am.  Walk starts from the Harry Stoke bus stop. (let Peter know if you plan to meet at start point)
B	Old down CircularA 4 mile walk with one descent, one ascent and a few stiles. Most of the walk is on field and woodland paths. Leaving Old Down, we descend to Olveston and return via Tockington.Bring coffee.	Meet 9:30 Old Down Football/Cricket Club car park.
Mar 20th A	Slimbridge and Frampton10 mile circular, very flat walk, with plenty of mud and approx 10 straight forward stiles, across fields, through Frampton, along the canal towpath, more fields and a surprise ending called Ryalls Cottage "New Piece"!Bring coffee and lunch.	Meet LCCP 9:00 or 9:30 at Slimbridge village hall car park GL2 7BJ
B	Thornbury Circular5 mile Thornbury circular using good paths and pavements, flat with 2 easy stiles. Coffee at skatepark to finish.	Meet LCCP 9:30