WALKS NEWS!! 

The Thame & Wheatley group walks programme can be seen by clicking on 'walks' in the right hand column. All are welcome on our walks and for most of them there is no need to book, but please check the website regularly as walks are subject to change.

In April 2023 we introduced 'Supershort' walks for those wanting gentle, social exercise.  These walks usually occur on the second Tuesday of every month and are always less than three miles.  They include a coffee or lunch stop at a cafe or garden centre.

As well as planning their walks, our walk leaders consider the risks on the walks they are leading with the aim of ensuring that all walks are enjoyable and that everyone is safe. However, it's the responsibility of the walkers to ensure they have clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions, have packed sufficient food and drink, that they follow the instructions of the leader and are in contact with other members of the group at all times.

Here are templates of the Risk Assessment form that is completed for each walk - pdf / Word.

We have twenty or so walk leaders in the Thame & Wheatley group and the group submits about 10 walks each month to the Oxfordshire Ramblers Walks programmes. Most of our walks are moderate, of a distance between 6 and 8 miles, but there are also longer ones usually at the weekends. The number of people coming on our walks varies between about 6 and 20 with most attracting around 14 walkers.

During the summer we have evening walks of a distance of about 4 miles with a pub supper at the end.

We also have exploratory walks where we might investigate the flora and fauna, or history associated with a walking route.  In particular in May and June there are walks taking us through nature reserves to see orchids.

Once a year we organise an Away Day when we arrange a walk of about ten miles in an area within a couple of hours drive.  In August 2024, on a day with perfect weather, the group went to Adlestrop.  The figure-of-eight walk included Chastleton House and tea and cakes in the neighbouring church.  Then in 2025 the Away Day walk was from Uffington White Horse Hill on a warm, clear day so the views were extensive.  In the afternoon we enjoyed refreshments at the White Horse PH in Woolstone before the climb back to the car park.  For this year's Away Day we will explore the Chess Valley in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, starting from Little Chalfont, with a morning walk from Westwood Park and an optional afternoon walk.

Come and try us out, we have something to suit everyone!