Walking with the University of the Third Age (U3A) Bridgwater Branch

As the name suggests this is a walking group made up largely of people aged 60 and over with one or two in their 80s. There are three objectives of the group namely to keep fit, to mix with people of like mind and to enjoy country and coastal walks in the surrounding area and sometimes a bit further afield. In addition to this we have a yearly walking holiday to other parts of the UK. Leaders, of which I am one, are all members of the group. We have also provided leaders for other U3A groups who have visited the area.

Walks are varied in length and difficulty from easy relaxed rambles, often with a pub lunch at the end, to more strenuous walks on the Quantocks, the Mendips and occasionally on Exmoor. The shortest walks are about 4 miles and the longest between 8 and 10 miles. Whatever the grade the walks are generally pretty laid back. The programme of walks from May to August this year includes Withypool, Dunster, Swell Wood and Long Suttton. Previous programmes have included Tarr Steps, Langport, Priddy and Burrow Mump.

You do need to be a member of a U3A branch, for insurance purposes, but we also welcome people who come along initially to try us out. If you would like more information on Bridgwater U3A and the various groups, including walking, full information can be found on our website www.bridgwateru3a.org.uk. Or telephone one of the group leaders, Lynda Clark, 01278 653344 or Carol Taylor, 01278 732046.

Elisabeth Woolcock