REPORTS

A trip back in time

Pang Valley Ramblers pride themselves on being up-to-date and modern, but on Wednesday 26th June 2024, we stepped back over 200 years with an afternoon trip on a horse drawn narrow boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal, run by the Kennet Horse Boat Company. The canals that were dug in the mid-18^th century provided a huge technological advance in transport, compared to the rough roads or flowing rivers. One horse could pull barges heavily laden with coal or other commodities on the comparatively still water, and this form of transport competed with the railways in some places even up to the mid-20^th century.

15 of us began the day with a varied 5 mile walk starting from Kintbury station; the remaining 10 avoided the scorching heat and joined later for the barge trip. The car parks around the station are free, but in some ways that is a problem, as for those who drove there finding a space was the first excitement of the day. Those people being environmentally conscious and arriving by train were rewarded by the train being late. We set off in debilitating heat, passing through the churchyard, open fields and woods. At one point we were accompanied by a little dog who had escaped from an isolated house. One of our members elected to return the dog, only to be met by a disgruntled dog sitter, who told him” You shouldn’t have bothered”. We duly arrived back at the station to scoff some lunch and/or try to cool down with a swift drink at the Dundas Arms. Then the real part of the day began.

Our horse power was provided by Monty, who plodded along the towpath with the rope attached and we glided serenely along behind him. As we passed moored barges there was great activity overhead to ensure that the rope didn’t snag, and of course bridges provided another problem to be negotiated. It must have been quite frenetic when the canals were busy with barges passing in both directions.

It was a gentle way to pass the afternoon. At one point, the lady on the boat asked us to be silent to appreciate the peace and serenity surrunding us. Sadly, it was soon interrupted by a nearby train passing! The people operating the barge were friendly and helpful, and Monty appeared not to mind too much. I expect we were an easier cargo than a barge weighed down with coal. Many thanks to Diana for her expert organisation, as always. A trip to be repeated.

Alistair

FISHY QUIZ 2024

What better way to spend a cold wet February evening than joining in PVR’s exciting, enjoyable and tense Fishy Quiz held in Pangbourne Village Hall – a bit different from a ramble! 6 teams pitted their wits against each other – all in great humour with no hint of physical blows! PVR is definitely an imaginative group – evidenced not only by their quiz answers but also in their team names – Quizzy Rascals, Six of Diamonds and We Can’t Remember to name but a few!

The 8 rounds sorted us out. The 2024 round was not good for those who had been too busy last year enjoying themselves rather than following the news; the food and drink round was perfect for foodies who knew what things like tahini paste and couscous are made from; the skeleton round providing an advantage to the forensic scientists amongst us and those devoted to TV programmes like Silent Witness; and a dismal performance by all on the Oscars round, perhaps indicating the homework that needs to be done before participating in any future quizzes? The Lost Cause team were winning all the way through but were pipped at the post by the rounds on naming Celebrities and completing a blank Monopoly board with the right street names and utility companies. Clearly the Lost Cause team did not have a misspent youth wasting hours playing Monopoly, whilst other teams clearly had, dredging up almost all the names from their distant past!

A close run competition, with congratulations to the winning team, Shamrockers, with 155 points, Lost Cause in second place with 143 points and Quizzy Rascals third with 141 points.

Many thanks to Diana for organising the event and the raffle, Chris B, the quiz master and Sarah for collating the scores and organising the raffle,successfully managing to keep us all in order, and those fetching the very tasty fish and chips – much needed after the mental energy expended! And a personal thank you for excluding any flag questions!!

Most importantly of all – a good evening was had by all!

Caroline

PVR PRE-XMAS WALK & PUB LUNCH, 11^th December 2024

I joined 21 other walkers for Diana’s pre-Xmas Pub Lunch on a dry, if slightly overcast December morning outside the Packhorse Pub on the edge of Chazey Heath. Having returned to walking with PVR last year, I renewed acquaintances with some and also met new faces.

Our circuit of just over 3 miles used a mix of minor roads and tracks near the hamlets of Tokers Green and Trench Green above Caversham. The terrain was varied including some copses and open fields. At one point we had the luxury of a concrete farm track which we shared with several vehicular users!

Although I have walked in this area previously it was a long time ago and I had forgotten what an expansive view opens here down to and beyond the river meadows. It was also amazing to think that in this quiet countryside how close we were to the fast A4074 and the town of Reading.

On our return to the pub, we were joined by 12 others PVR members. We took over one part of the dining facilities where we had crackers as well as a lovely lunch. Thanks to Diana and all involved in organising the event.

Fiona

Christmas Walk and Christmas Lunch 6^th December 2023

Quite a large group of hearty walkers gathered at The Packhorse Pub at 10.45am in absolutely brilliant sunshine. This was such a delight after the rain of recent weeks.

Michael Howes, our walk leader, outlined the walk before we set off with warnings of the busy road crossings and unsurprisingly, the possibility of mud. Many had come prepared and were wearing gaiters. (read more…)

PVR social gathering at the British Legion Tilehurst Friday 17^th January 2025

On Friday 17^th January 2025 a group of 26 Pang Valley Ramblers gathered for a coffee morning at the British Legion in Tilehurst.

This has blossomed from an idea first suggested by Lee a couple of years ago and it was the best turnout we’ve had. It was good to see some members who no longer walk and some who have not attended this event before.

Most people stayed for lunch. The food offered is very good value and portions are generous. Examples of food offered are omelettes, toasted paninis, jacket potatoes, fish finger sandwiches and chilli con carne with rice.

It is planned to repeat this event around twice a year in the winter months, so if you haven’t joined us before or were unable to come this time, we look forward to seeing you at the next event in the late autumn, date to be announced.

Diana

Social Secretary

Boxing Day was the first dry sunny December day in weeks. The dreary weather and rain had stopped and the blue sky and sunshine raised our spirits. After the excesses of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a ramble was the perfect excuse to be outdoors.

We met our walk leaders, Sue and Gordon at Mapledurham playing fields car park. They had both been unwell for weeks but still turned up to lead the walk. It was good of them to host the Boxing Day ramble as they had done in previous years.

Seventeen of us set off towards Mapledurham on mainly tarmac paths. As in previous years, we had our Christmas jumpers and some people wore Christmas hats. I gave George some grief as he said he didn’t own a Christmas jumper, so I suggested he might like to go to the sales to invest in one. It was lovely that George’s family and grandchildren could also enjoy the walk.Michael had a hat and had grown some very elfish ears, which seemed to attract a lot of attention. Gordon had a huge reindeer jumper that didn’t go unnoticed.

We rambled past woods and fields enjoying the views of the Thames Valley, whilst chattering about the highs and lows of Christmas. A steep incline back to the start awakened our legs and hearts.

We arrived at Sue and Gordon’s garden. Despite their illness, Sue had cooked an amazing amount of delicious mince pies and cakes, served with an aromatic mulled wine.

It was very generous of Gordon and Sue to host the Boxing Day ramble and provide hospitality for us all. We finished with a toast and Happy New Year to all! Thank you.

Lee ( PVR member)

Autumn Walking Break Taunton 19^th to 21^st September 2025

The base for our holiday was the gothic Corner House Hotel on Park St complete with gargoyles and turrets. It was originally a house built for a retired Bishop of Winchester but unfortunately, the poor chap died before he could move in. Bishops of Winchester become a common theme throughout the following days. Our first walk in glorious sunshine included a tour of the town. Sue gave us a brief history of many of the interesting buildings we passed. Taunton Minster was a particularly impressive sight. Apparently, the donkey used to move stone during the building work was hauled to the top of the tower on the Minsters completion to admire the view! The walk continued along the Bridgewater and Taunton canal and the river Tone.

On the second day the rain held off until late afternoon. We started walking out into open country via Vivary park (formerly fish ponds for the Bishops of Winchester!). We continued via several beautifully planted flower meadows to the Queens Arms at Pitminster. Before lunch there was a chance for those who wanted to see Pitminster church with a beautiful window depicting Christ asking the disciples to become ‘Fishers of Men’. Walkers then enjoyed a very hearty lunch and the odd pint or two of ‘Old Lane’. The second leg of the walk to Orchard Portman gave us beautiful views of the Blackwater Hills. We stopped to admire St Nicholas church at Corfe. Return to Taunton was achieved via a rather delayed bus.

On the last day we walked in a westerly direction to Cotford St Luke through more land owned at some point by the Winchester diocese. Sue demonstrated her horse whispering skills when we needed to go through a field with some skittish occupants! Cotford St Luke is a modern village on the site of a former hospital. Lunch was taken in the hospital chapel which has been tastefully converted into an eating venue (Chapale available, the local ale). The last leg in glorious sunshine took us to the Quantock brewery at Bishops Lydeard.

Thank you, Gordon and Sue for a brilliantly organised trip. A lovely hotel with French inspired food, two excellent stops for lunch on Friday and Saturday and a good location near the centre of Taunton for those who did not wish to attempt all the walks. Your planning, attention to detail and kindness is legendry.

Janet and Diana

Out of the blue, I was asked to write a report of this year’s Pang Valley Ramblers’ ‘Fishy Quiz’, which surprised me as I am more of a ‘numbers’ man than a writer. The adjacent team might disagree with that statement & I apologise for the error marking their score. Anyway, onto the report.

Pang Valley Ramblers’ annual ‘Fishy Quiz’ event took place on 3^rd November 2023 in Pangbourne Village Hall. The event was extremely well organised. On arrival, the participants were greeted by a list of teams (8) and the corresponding table letters. The quizmaster Chris B and his very capable assistant Sarah were situated at the top table and the team tables appeared to be carefully spread out. Thank you to those who arrived early to set out & clean the tables and set up the tea station.

As participants found their tables and got to know their teammates, pleasant conversation flowed between interesting people; on this occasion from a seated position rather than while strolling through our beautiful local countryside.

This year’s picture round, ongoing throughout the evening, was based on TV and radio programmes. At least one team was very pleased it was not a repeat of last year’s picture round, which was based on flags. A round based on TV programmes meant it was difficult to resist the temptation to impersonate our favourite catchphrases without giving away answers to nearby teams. Catchphrases such as: ‘I don’t believe it!’, ‘beautiful plumage’, ‘suits you sir!’ and ‘four candles’ (or should that be ‘fork ‘andles’?).

After the early rounds it became clear that there was to be a closely fought battle between two or three teams. Unfortunately, our team was not to be one of them!

During the interval, hot fish and chip meals were efficiently delivered. A big thank you to Pete and Steve who did the fish and chip run. Eat your heart out Deliveroo! Also, during the interval there was a raffle draw, again carried out very smoothly.

 At the end of the quiz very few points separated the winning teams. Chris B the quizmaster stated that this was a sign of a well-judged quiz. I would agree with that sentiment. Congratulations to “No More Flags” the winning team. Also, congratulations to “Same Again”, and “The Kites” and “Shamrockers” who came second and joint third respectively. My only suggestion would be to adjust the scores of the picture round so that it carries the same weight as the other rounds (just don’t ask me to do that without a spreadsheet!)

Thanks to Diana and Sarah for organising the quiz, Chris B the quizmaster for providing the quiz, Sarah for collating the scores, Sarah and Chris C for running the raffle, and everyone else involved who made it a very enjoyable evening. I would just like to end on a controversial note: Can we have the flags back next year?

Chris P

Ray Clayton, after over 25 years of service to the Pang Valley Group, decided to step down from the committee at the recent AGM. At that meeting the membership voted unanimously and with some enthusiasm to appoint him Honorary Life President in recognition and sincere appreciation of his long service and outstanding dedication to the group. I had the honour to present him with a certificate regarding his appointment.

Ray joined Pang Valley in 1996, and in 1998 became the walks coordinator, fulfilling this role without help until 2015 when he shared it with Michael for a while before Michael took over. This included editing and formatting the programmes and dealing with distribution and postage. In the early days this was for all the membership. He often had to write the walk descriptions when walk leaders offered only vague and sometimes erroneous information. As his knowledge and memory of footpaths around Tilehurst is so extensive, he would pick up walks when the walk leader wanted to cancel at the last moment. He more recently initiated the series of short Saturday walks. It is not an exaggeration to say that without his enthusiasm and efforts over many years, Pang Valley Ramblers might not exist. (read more…)

On Sunday 17^th September, 20 Pang Valley ramblers made their way to the Old Fourpenny Shop Hotel in Warwick for a 2 night walking break. We all started arriving around lunchtime, plenty of time to snatch a swift drink in the bar and some of us had brought a packed lunch. John and I were lucky in that our room, in the courtyard, was ready, so we sat outside at the little table to enjoy it.

We then gathered outside the hotel for the first walk, an introduction to the historic town of Warwick. Sue gave us some facts about the history, including a fire in 1694, and the castle which was home to the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker and prison to kings, during the Wars of the Roses in the 15^th century. As we walked round, we saw a statue of the boxer Randolph Turpin, who became world middleweight champion in 1951, when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson. Other highlights of the walk were the ancient Eastgate, views of the castle next to the River Avon, the Lord Leycester, one of the best preserved examples of medieval architecture in England. In the 16^th century, it was given to Robert Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth 1. We also walked past some Tudor houses, some of which had electric car charging points and Amazon parcels on the doorstep! In the second part of the walk, Sue and Gordon led us out of the town, where we visited a canal-side pub before negotiating a narrow lock gate (perhaps we should have done this before the alcoholic refreshments but no mishaps occurred). After walking by the water, we returned to the hotel by crossing the racecourse (no racing that day!) Did the lock gate and racecourse go in the risk assessment?!! (read more…)

Nineteen people, PVR members and their guests attended the PVR coffee morning organised by Lee on Friday 21st April 2023 at the Tilehurst British Legion. Many of them also stayed for lunch. It was good to catch up with members who no longer walk and who we don’t see regularly. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet up and have a chat in a social relaxed environment over a coffee or something stronger and a bite to eat at a reasonable price. It is planned to repeat this social gathering early next year in the colder winter months.

Diana

Social Secretary

Pre-Lunch Walk & CHRISTMAS LUNCH at the Pack Horse

On the 7th December 2022 nineteen Pang valley Ramblers gathered on the doorstep of the Pack horse for the start of our pre-Christmas lunch walk.

The weather was bright as only a cold winter sunny day can be and despite many woolly hats,gloves and puffy coats I never heard anyone’s teeth rattling or falling out! So the weather and our walk leader did us proud. (read more…)

Pang Valley hosted the 2022 Berkshire Area AGM on Saturday 26^th November in the wonderful setting of Purley Barn. There was an excellent turnout from Pang Valley members and most of the other groups in Berkshire were represented. The two walks, led by Chris and Pete, went well and people returned to the hall for their packed lunch, supplemented by Pang Valley cakes and tea and coffee (well organised by Diana and her helpers). (read more…)

It’s Friday evening and the checklist for the Fishy quiz seems complete.

We have mustered the necessary six participants for our team with a mix of experience and knowledge which we hope can cover all the bases. I’ve found some old fan fold printer paper in the cupboard which needs using up (20 years old?) and packed pens, bottles and nibbles to keep us going until the fish and chips arrives. On arrival we decide on the essential team name and settle at our table for we hope will be an entertaining evening. (read more…)

Whilst studying for my A Level in Biology I’d spent a week at the Marine Biology Station in Port Erin and some years later I visited Ramsey when my father, a Glass Furnace Engineer, was working at Manx Crystal. I’d always wanted to return to the Isle of Man, so in January this year when I retired, I joined the Ramblers and signed up for Walk the Isle of Man 2022. (read more…)

Saturday 3^rd September began looking as if it might be a fine sunny day and just right to sit outside and chat with fellow members and enjoy the refreshments provided by the hosts David Pick and Jenny Cottee. But we had a shower from about 12 noon for about 30 minutes, just at the time many of us were making our way to the party minus things like coats or umbrellas. This meant sheltering under a tree waiting for the rain to pass. Guests started arriving soon after noon to find we sat under gazebos arranged in the beautiful garden sheltered from the weather. We enjoyed a glass of wine while we compared the past walks we’d been on, recent holidays, Covid or the energy increases. (read more…)

If you had asked me a few years back about the pleasure of walking I would have stared at you with an open mouth and a very puzzled expression. Sheep farming after all is just walking or shouting at the collies who always know better how to work sheep than the farmer does. We are doing a job. It’s not always a pleasure, we can’t cancel if the weather’s inclement. Never once did I count the steps that were done every day to see the mileage. Oh no. We had to count the sheep and if any had disappeared, doing things that only sheep can do, we had to walk the boundaries again! Never once did I see a cafe with coffee and cakes or better still a pub for a meal. (read more…)

Back in the autumn, Lee had an idea to organise a coffee morning at the British Legion in Tilehurst to enable PVR members who no longer walk to meet up, socialise and have a catch up. It was thought that it would be good to do this in the winter months. Eventually, one was organised for mid February. Unfortunately, due to storm Eunice, this had to be cancelled, as it was deemed too dangerous for people to venture out in such a severe storm. It was therefore rearranged for Friday 18th March. It was a great success. 20 people attended, most of whom had lunch, and it was good to see some members who don’t walk now but still welcomed the opportunity to see people they hadn’t seen for a while. It’s hoped that we can arrange another one in the autumn, possibly November, date to be confirmed.

A jolly group of Pang Valley Ramblers gathered near Colchester for  our Autumn break in early October as organised by Sue and Gordon Spires. Sue and Gordon  had found us a well sited Hotel in Marks Tey on the outskirts of Colchester. There was quite a confluence of alarmingly busy roads round the station but pedestrians were well catered for with footbridges and pelican crossings.

For our first walk on Sunday afternoon  we took the bus to the centre of Colchester. I must have bypassed Colchester many times but never visited. I was pleasantly surprised by our tour. It’s an historic town dating back at least to Roman times when it was a capital city. There is Wide variety of architecture ranging from Roman city gates in brick, stone and tile to the modern art gallery, an interestingly shaped building covered in what seemed to be rusty steel. The side streets contained many different styles of building with impressive public buildings in the centre. Sue and Gordon’s tour guided us around the local highlights including “Jumbo” – a monster monument to Victorian bricklaying, actually a water tower, and easily visible from wide around. We returned independently and met later In the bar for a convivial evening including dinner in the hotel restaurant.

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This was our first HF Holiday with PVR and possibly not our last!! Our journey was uneventful until nearing York when we encountered a traffic holdup.

We thought tune in to a local station for an update, after a couple of seconds we heard….Ayup here t’traffic report ..we knew we were in Yorkshire. (read more…)

Whether it was by uncanny foresight on the part of the organisers, Pauline and Diana, or mere serendipity, our group holiday began on the very day that Covid restrictions were eased for hospitality venues. The arrival of our group of twenty walkers marked the first welcome that the Whitby HF house staff had for guests after a long closure. The weather omens weren’t good as severe storms had been forecast for the north of the country; happily, they mostly blew themselves out in the north-west, leaving us with – generally, though there is one exception – enjoyable weather for the walks. (read more…)

The weather forecast for our week away in mid May was not good. I was prompted to check my waterproof kit, and debate how many layers/changes of clothes would be needed. My misgivings were kept in check by the excitement of a visit to a new part of the world, including a new-to me stretch of coast the  break from pandemic life, with the congenial company of walking friends would be good. (read more…)

Pang Valley Ramblers is delighted to announce that Sue and Gordon have each been given Rambler’s Commendation Awards. (read more…)

This year’s AGM was held in Shiplake Memorial Hall. The morning began at 11:00am with a 3.5 mile walk around the area led by Chris. Members than returned (read more…)

It was that time of year when Pang valley Ramblers packed up their boots (and waterproofs!!) for their annual Autumn Walking Break. This year it was to Limpley Stoke, near Bath.

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Fifteen of us enjoyed a week walking in the beautiful countryside in West Sussex. For some of us, it was our first experience of an HF holiday. Abingworth Hall provided a country house atmosphere with friendly helpful staff and very comfortable accommodation.

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Thirty two Pang Valley Ramblers gathered at the Wallingford Sports Park at 7pm for a thoroughly enjoyable evening playing skittles. (read more…)

Fourteen ramblers met at Oxford railway station for a walk round the city of dreaming spires – Oxford – on Wednesday morning 3rd April. We started walking at 10.45am led by David and Gillian. (read more…)

This seems to be the flagship event of Pang Valley Ramblers! Hosted by our quizmaster Roger and his team of Lin and Roo, yet again it was a sell-out. (read more…)

On Wednesday 12^th December, 36 people assembled for a short pre-lunch ramble, led by Michael, around the lovely undulating countryside north-west of Reading.

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The walk, lunch and AGM for 2018 were very well supported this year with a record breaking 59 members attending. (read more…)

Autumn Walking weekend in Canterbury, Kent from Friday 12the October to Sunday 14th October.

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A full day walk from Orpington to Hayes stations in Kent via Downe village and Down House, home of Charles Darwin.

The original rationale of this walk was to repeat one undertaken on June 18th, 1892. On that occasion a co-leader was William Erasmus Darwin, the first son of the famous Charles.  The Victorian walkers (over 120) were entertained to tea at Down House by Charles’s widow Emma Darwin.  (read more…)

The name says it all! Hosted by our very own quizmaster general, and his team, the Pang Valley Fishy Quiz was once again a sell-out event. (read more…)

The walk round Sonning Common to see the Christmas Lights & mulled wine & mince pies on Sunday 10^th Dec was attended by 13 members. (read more…)

Autumn Walking Weekend in Wells, Somerset Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October 2017 (read more…)

A day of seaside, cliff, valley and downland views with a 5 or a 11 mile walk. 

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On Wednesday 9th August we held what is now one of our regular events, a walk  round Aldworth and tea in St Mary’s Church.

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Sixty-five ramblers gathered at Purley Barn, Tilehurst to honour Ray Clayton who has been awarded a Commendation from Ramblers “for his significant impact on behalf of Ramblers”. This is the highest award that Ramblers bestow. (read more…)

A 4 mile walk followed by tea and cakes in the Village Hall in Checkendon.

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Pang Valley Ramblers’ first social event of this year was our signature event of a Fish and Chip Supper and Quiz Night. We had a full house with sixty enthusiastic members and friends in ten teams of six. (read more…)

Twenty-seven Pang Valleyers braved the M25 to arrive in picturesque and historic Bramber for a weekend’s walking in early October.

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What was the Walk About festival?

Walk About festival took place from Saturday 3 – Sunday 11 September 2016. It aim was to get people to try walking with us – through Ramblers group walks, health walks, Ramblers Routes – and for them to keep walking with us after the festival.

Who was the Walk About festival for?

We want to attract people who will continue to walk with us after the festival.  This includes non-walking existing members who could benefit from group walks and/or Ramblers Routes. (read more…)

Pang Valley Ramblers Holiday at St Helier, Jersey – June 25th to July 2nd 2016 (read more…)

Coach trip and walking around Bourton-on-the-Water.

The weather forecast for that week had been very unpromising, torrential rain the day before and rain threatened for the actual day but miraculously, we escaped any precipitation and it was a typical summer’s day, sunshine, a bit of cloud, a breeze….all we could ask for! (read more…)

On Saturday December 5th, 2015 we went by coach to Salisbury to visit the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Old Sarum, the Christmas markets, the cathedral and to walk around the city. (read more…)

The 2015 Members’ Annual Lunch, Social and Walk was held on Sunday 1st November at Purley Barn. (read more…)

Fifteen Pang Valley members were picked up in Sonning Common and Pangbourne and went by a delightful small coach/minibus to Cheriton from where we walked to Hinton Ampner. (read more…)

On Wednesday August 12th 18 Pang Valley Ramblers enjoyed a five mile walk along the Downs  starting  from The Bell at Aldworth  and followed by tea at St Mary’s Church. (read more…)

Pang Valley Ramblers celebrate 20 years

The Pang Valley Ramblers Group walk in South Oxfordshire, West Berkshire and the mid Thames Valley and this year marked the 20th anniversary of their founding. (read more…)

Twenty three members walked in the Elan Valley, Powys over the weekend of June 12th-14th with some staying on for a further two days. (read more…)

The second of our Fish and Chip Supper and Quiz Nights was held in Pangbourne Village Hall on Friday 6th February. The evening was, as last year, a sell-out. Sixty of us, both members and guests, had an immensely enjoyable evening. Our chairman Chris welcomed us all and at 7:30pm battle commenced. There were six people in each team and ten teams, and again the quiz was organised for us by Roger, Lin and Roo. (read more…)

The PVR held another very successful event in its social calendar on Friday 5th February at Pangbourne Village Hall, when another sell-out group of sixty members and guests enjoyed an evening of mind-stretching questions  broken only by delicious freshly-fried fish & chips ferried from the local chippy in Pangbourne. (read more…)

On a cold, crisp December morning 37 members and friends of Pang Valley Ramblers set off for a day visit to Winchester, to visit the Christmas Markets and for a city walk. (read more…)

This year’s AGM was held at Sonning Common Village Hall at 1.30pm on Sunday 23 November 2014 following the Annual Walk, Social and Lunch. (read more…)

Twenty two members of PVR  met at the Pines Hotel in Swanage for the annual autumn walking weekend. We walked on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday around the Swanage area, in lovely weather! (read more…)

On Sunday 27th July, twenty six of our members met in Upper Basildon for a delightful walk through the woods and hillsides of the Berkshire Downs. We separated into two sub-groups, one led by Susan and one by Peter, for a five mile walk in glorious summer sunshine. We returned to their house and met up with four or five non-walkers for a picnic lunch to which we had all contributed. Good organisation had ensured we had an excellent range of savoury and sweet dishes. Tea and coffee and soft drinks were provided but we also took our own drinks. It was very pleasant  to sit around chatting, eating and drinking in their beautiful garden. Many thanks to Susan and Peter Twitchett for hosting this event again this year.

On Saturday 28th June, thirty three members booked places on the coach to Avebury; it was the first wet day for weeks! Eleven walkers were dropped initially ten miles from Avebury and walked along the Ridgeway with beautiful views despite dodging the odd shower. Two participants opted to go straight into Avebury and the rest walked five miles into the village. (read more…)

On Saturday 14th June, after a night storm that seemed endless, nine members of the Pang Valley Ramblers somehow managed to get to Luton in time to board the 6.50am flight to Slovenia.

Our Wizz Air flight departed on schedule and by midday we had checked into to our hotel at Bohinj Bistrica and we had the afternoon free to explore the village. (read more…)

The weather forecast for the weekend was dire but, undeterred nine courageous members of Pang Valley left Reading Station at 10.42 on Friday 18 October bound for Great Malvern.  2.30pm found them, along with nine more members of Pang Valley Group, on the doorstep of our hotel prepared to tackle the hills and the elements.

The weekend break had been organised through Secret Hills who supplied three walk leaders to cover two walks of different grades on Friday afternoon, and two walks on Saturday and Sunday. (read more…)