On July 21, twelve Maldon u3a Strollers gathered at The Green Man Pub, ready to commence our 4 mile walk around Wickham Bishops.

Although we have previously joined a few of these Sunday walks it was the first time we had the responsibility of arranging a walk. On reflection we were rather over cautious with our planning, checking that our first aid kit was up to date should we need it and we had stocked up on antihistamine cream just in case we came across a swarm of bees, in the event, we are pleased to report no injuries at all.

After an early short rain shower, we were blessed with perfect weather for the circular walk.

We walked through the village turning right into Mope Lane until we joined a waymarked footpath at the side of Thistle Hall which led us through footpaths across the Benton Hall Golf Course onto to Isham's Chase.

Further along we reached Glen Chantry where we admired the beautiful garden. We walked across open fields into woodland and onto Witham Road where we had good views over open countryside.

In no time at all we had reached The Green Man having worked up a good appetite. The food was excellent, as was the company and lunch was enjoyed by all.

The October walk will start from the The Star pub, The Street, Steeple, CM0 7LF. Please arrive for 10:00 when we will be able to pre order our lunch.

The walk will start at 10:30 and is some 4 miles across farmland and up onto the sea wall with views across the Blackwater and the mud flats.

We will continue through woods and farmland with part being on public roads before returning to the pub for lunch. Cars can be parked in the pub car park.

Please email Irina ([email protected]), register your interest in joining the walk and if you will be staying for lunch, by no later than the September 9. 

Maldon u2a are a non-commercial organisation for people in Maldon and surrounding areas who are no longer in (nor seeking) full-time employment .

They are part of a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun.