2026 Reports Photos

Beacon Hill A group of 16 members and friends met in the Lower Car Park at Beacon Hill on a bright sunny morning. Emma, a member and a local to the area told us that there had been a new statue erected in the park to commemorate David Attenborough’s 100 birthday, so we went to view it before continuing our route. Our morning 15-minute break was at a well-hidden shelter with grass growing on its roof, fortunately we didn’t need it today. We continued up and down the hills until we reached the beacon right on the top, overlooking the Leicestershire countryside for another photo call near the trig point and another short breather. Paula and Ron were extremely pleased with themselves by being able to get up the rough terrain and touch the trig point. An interesting rock formation on our way down called for yet another group photo. We wound our way down and then up again to the picnic area for lunch break and a well-deserved rest. As several of our members were getting a little tired it was a group decision to curtail the last part of the route and head for the café in the car park for teas, cakes and ice cream at the end of our last National Ramble. However, we intend to run some Regional Rambles in the future and will be there as visitors on other rambles, so watch this space. Judy & Bernard

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Calke Abbey On a bright sunny morning 23 members and guests met up today at Calke Abbey. We were joined by 2 visitors from the National Forest who came to talk with members and learn more about what we do. There were 2 presentations before we started. The Wenman Cup was awarded to surprised Mike and Wendy Clark who have been towers and helpers for many years and we thanked them for all their service. Bernard and I were also thanked for our 10 years of service in many roles to Disabled Ramblers and we were presented with a plant, chocolates, and a card with many well-wishing signatures on. This will be our final week of National Rambles, but we intend to still do the occasional Regional Ramble and of course attend some of the rambles planned. Finally, we set off from the car park and headed towards the back of the visitor centre to look at the young deer under the trees before continuing to the House for a group photo. We continued on our route across the grassy and gravel tracks to our coffee break where the 2 National Forest visitors left us. After coffee our route then joined the Tramway, through the trees passing the lambs in the fields and through the tunnel eventually returning to the Visitor Centre for a rather later than planned lunch break. During the lunch break there were a few spots of rain but nothing very much. The afternoon route went in the opposite direction passing the old deer barn and the church and down the hill to Staunton Harold Reservoir which really looked lovely in the sunshine for another photocall before returning to the Visitor Centre and ending another enjoyable day of rambling. Judy & Bernard

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Elvaston Castle We set off with quite a few more ramblers today with the weather a little warmer and brighter. We had a visitor from the Ramblers Gail Graham, Community Engagement Officer who came to learn more about Disabled Ramblers by talking to members who shared their knowledge with her about our organisation. She told the group that it had been a beneficial and enjoyable experience. Also new to Disabled Ramblers were Rosemarie and Steve who we met the previous day at Shipley Country Park. We set off on time towards the lake where there were numerous ducks and geese plus 2 groups of baby Canadian geese who were more interested in food than us. We continued through the rhododendron gardens where the bushes were full of lovely colours. We passed an area where there were wood carvings done from fallen trees on our way to the River Derwent and to our coffee break by the weir, alongside the River Derwent where we spotted a heron on the far bank looking for his lunch. At our lunch break we stopped in the grounds of the castle fortunately we were under cover when the heavens opened. Luckily, it was short and sharp, when we continued into the formal gardens the sun came out again and stayed out all the way round until we returned to the car park. Judy & Bernard

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Shipley Country Park We started our ramble this week at Shipley Country Park with overcast skies, but it was dry and the further we went the sunnier it became. We were a small group of 14 and everyone got on well and enjoyed themselves. The ramble took us from the Visitor Centre to Mapperley Lake calling in at a picnic area for our coffee break on the way. We continued on and then stopped to admire the lovely views and wildlife over the lake. We also met another visitor with his wife who came to ask us about what we do and took away a leaflet. They decided to become members of Disabled Ramblers and joined us on the 2 following rambles. From there we gradually climbed the hills to Shipley Hill where once there had been Shipley Hall. We had a leisurely lunch break in the sunshine before continuing again on our circular route. At the end of the ramble, we called in at the café at the Visitor Centre where we had the usual refreshments before heading back to the car park tired, but a good day was had by all. Judy & Bernard

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Starting from the Kielder Waterside Park on a cloudy but bright day, 4 scooter riders and 11 walkers set off along the Lakeside Way around Kielder Water. This well maintained and continuous route around the lake stretches for 26 miles, but we focused on the loop around Bull Crag Peninsula. We made a brief stop at Freya’s cabin to read of the ancient tale of Freya and Robin on the opposite sides of the lake. We then continued on to the art installation Timelapse for a coffee break. Alex Maclennan from Forestry England spoke about the forest around us and the iconic Osprey often seen in the skies around Kielder. Continuing through the trees, we had lunch on the Headland although the northern exposure meant we had to take shelter a little further into the forest up a track to keep out of the wind. Passing along the old road from before the reservoir was created and along the north side of the peninsula, we caught sight of the brass rubbing stones along the way, before closing the loop and returning to Kielder Waterside Park. A big thanks to Forestry England, Calvert Kielder and Northumbrian Water for their help in the planning of the event. ITV also made a lovely segment on our day out, which can be found at the link below: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/disabled-ramblers-put-kielder-forest-paths-to-test-for-the-first-time-in-10-years/t87pjm2 Jonathan & Sophie.

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The Friday ramble at Woodchester Park was enthusiastically supported by the NT staff and we had the company of two Ramblers reps wanting to learn from what we do. In all we had 16 scooters and 20 walkers and guests. All were very taken with the scenery in this lovely valley with all the spring flowers and new leaves on the trees. Again sunny and this time warm throughout. No incidents despite a rough passage through Kennel Wood where timber extraction had churned up the path somewhat for our recce but was much firmer and drier on the day. Cafes at the Mansion and at Tinkley Gate were appreciated. Only downside is poor (absent) signage on the approach roads to Tinkley Gate. The W3W was a good help to navigation. One member ended up in the wrong car park but generally we did well on timings though the lunch stop was later than planned - return to car park for 1600. Heartfelt thanks to Glyn our tower and all the helpers every ramble day of the week, to Rhiannon for the excellent paperwork and also the members who made it all worthwhile. Plus we may have added one new member as a result of the Woodchester ramble. Everyone managed to find suitable accommodation for their needs which is fundamental to running these events. John.

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Ramble 2603 23rd April 2026. Sudeley Castle We met in the car park to the grounds of the Castle on yet another sunny day with clear blue skies. There were 13 scooters and 14 walkers, the bigger groups do make it a much more sociable ramble. We set off through the estate passing lots of sheep and lambs going through kissing gates fitted with Radar key locks, that had be modified to fully open. Then through fields to begin the long climb up to the ridge, stopping for coffee to take in the view and to give the walkers time to recover before climbing up again. We chose to stop by a wall, as we did on Monday for lunch but this time the wall kept the breeze off us and it got quite warm. The ramble continued on good gravel paths, some dirt tracks and some minor roads which had little traffic. We descended back to the Castle, finally arriving back crossing the estate fields to the carpark just in time to have a nice cuppa which most people ordered. This was a long and difficult 7 mile ramble with quite steep climbs and the walkers must of been glad to get back !! Sarah & Pete.

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The Tuesday ramble around the NT Ebworth Estate was very well received by our group of 13 riders and 10 walkers and guests. Weather was sunny and for the most part warm except where we were exposed to the cool breeze. All enjoyed the woodland stretches and the early lambs we saw towards the end. All coped well with the steeper and stony segments and loved the views particularly from Sheepscombe Common and over Cranham. Car park was not completely full with our vehicles and we all left in good time. No incidents and we finished towards 1530. John.

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Ramble 2601 20th April 2026 Cleeve Common We had lovely sunny blue skies , white fluffy clouds but a cool breeze for the first ramble of the year. There was an excellent turn out with 13 scooters and 11 walkers and it was great to see so many familiar faces. The ramble set off from the golf club carpark and meandered over the grasslands of Cleeve Common. The walk sometimes ran along side the golf course but it didn't hinder our progress. We stopped for coffee overlooking Winchcombe with one of the many fine views the ramble offered. The ramble was mainly on grass paths with a few stoney tracks over rolling hills and a few steep inclines, which seemed to have most people excited to try. Lunch was taken by the new Cotswold stone Memorial Wall but the wind had picked up and cooled down and was blowing directly at us so the wall provided no shelter at all !!! The view was great , over Cheltenham and across the Vale of Evesham to the Malverns. In the distance you could just see the Severn Bridge. We climbed up to the trig point, the highest point in Gloucestershire at 330 m above sea level. From there we rambled back to the golf clubhouse and ended our day with a nice cup of tea and cake. The dry weather and the views helped make this a lovely start to the Rambling season. Sarah & Pete.

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Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs: With 11 scooter riders and 13 walkers we set off in a northerly direction on the newly updated and well maintained path around Fewston reservoir. Although the path follows the edge of the reservoir, there was a surprising amount of ascent and descent as the path tracked around streams and other inlets, providing a nice challenge for the walkers. After a brief stop for coffee in the northern most car park, closed for construction, we continued on to our lunch spot. A nice, partially shaded, secluded beach on the shores of Swinsty reservoir looked out over the water to the surrounding wooded watershed. After passing Swinsty Hall we took a short diversion along the Six Dales Trail returning to the car park, much to the excitement of the waiting ice cream van! Jonathan and Sophie.

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A wet forecast and sharp downpours greeted 9 scooter riders and 13 walkers in the car park at the start of the day, but the sky soon brightened as we made our way around to the deer park. Passing St Mary's Church and a small gathering of Red Stags at the gate we continued across the park to the old Stable Block with views down the Oak Avenue to Ripon Cathedral. As we stopped for coffee overlooking 2 large herds of Sitka and Fallow deer we began to wonder if our luck was running out with the weather. A sharp downpour passed as we sheltered under a couple of trees, then on through a water crossing to lunch at the end of the Seven Bridges Valley. We weren't so lucky on the return after lunch as a heavy shower passed as we went through the water crossing for the second time. The scooter riders all committed to the crossing this time and hardly noticed the rain coming down. In the afternoon we entered the Studley Royal entrance into the paid area of the National Trust property, taking in the wonder of the World Heritage Site Water Gardens, along the High Ride, alongside the River Skell and on to the ruins of Fountains Abbey. After a quick look at Fountains Hall we returned up the hill to the Welcome Centre for some well earned ice cream! Jonathan and Sophie.

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8 scooter riders and 6 walkers gathered in the Scar House Reservoir car park in what was turning into an increasing cold and wet day. The conditions created some very atmospheric images as we passed along the south side of Scar House Reservoir. The bird life was plentiful with spottings of Curlew, Oystercatcher and Lapwings, amongst others along the way. Stopping for a coffee at the inlet of Angram reservoir it was evident that the scooter riders were feeling the cold so we decided to curtail the route and head back to the car park for lunch. Even so, we still managed 4.5miles, and all agreed what magnificent surroundings we had seen. Jonathan and Sophie.

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Returning to civilisation after the rugged extremes of the day before, 8 scooter riders and 6 walkers headed along the Nidderdale Greenway from Ripley towards Bilton. A calm, treelined former railway, initially sheltered from the light wind by embankments on either side, then opening out into farm fields. We enjoyed dramatic views from the Nidd Viaduct during our coffee break then around a wild flower meadow and short stretch of woodland before finding a quiet corner of the meadow for lunch. Returning the way we had come, the greenway rounded out a varied programme of rambles in Nidderdale. Thanks go to all the helpers who made the week a success, in spite of the weather! Jonathan and Sophie.

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Ashridge Estate National Ramble 13th July 2026 A lovely sunny day at Ashridge. Pete was leading this ramble without me due to a prior commitment. Due to an unknown road closure, everyone except Pete, arrived quite late due to the loong diversion! At one point he did think he was going to be on his own! Once everyone had arrived, there were 2 new members joining the day. They had a brief history of Ashridge Estate by Grace from the National Trust. The house was sold separately and became a business school. The house is still not owned or run by the National Trust. The grounds were designed by Capability Brown. The estate is now run by the National Trust. Setting off a little later than planned, they headed down past the Bridgewater Monument and into the coolness of the woods. An early coffee break in the shade then back to the visitor centre for lunch. After lunch, the group went to the south side of Ashridge, first of all in the trees, then passed the house, where the group photo was taken. The ramble was finished going down the “Princes Ride” with views of the Bridgewater Monument in the distance. Thanks to everyone for coming along and persevering with the diversion! Also, a special thanks to our lovely volunteers Andy, Tony & Helen. Not forgetting Pete, for doing a great job without me! Paula & Pete Brunt

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Wendover Woods 14th July 2026 Another sunny start to the day. It was going to be a hot day, but most of it was in the shade! We had a couple of guests from The Ramblers with us Stephen and Vanessa. We also had Kate come along on a trial ramble. Kate had seen my post on Facebook and had emailed me the night before. It was lovely to meet her. Wendover Woods, dates back to the iron age and has been inhabited since around 1500AD. It is managed now by Forestry England. Facilities are excellent and include a changing places toilet and a disabled toilet. In the morning we rambled through the woods. There were some very steep hills, so our walkers were tested a bit! Unfortunately, my planned group shot at the “Gruffalo” had to be cancelled, due to workmen doing work in the area! A much needed coffee break, before the uphill hike around Boddington Hill Fort. We stopped at the visitors centre for lunch. After lunch, we continued through woodland, stopping at a “viewpoint” for a photo op. The viewpoint is not a viewpoint anymore as the hedge has grown too high for anyone to see anything. There is a plaque telling you what you could see, this included Didcot power station. The chimneys for Didcot have long since gone. I wasn’t very popular towards the end of the ramble, as there was one last killer of a hill back to the car park! By then it had also got extremely hot. Ice creams to follow helped. Stephen and Vanessa really enjoyed the day. I received this email afterwards from Stephen: “Just to say, once again, a huge thank you for yesterday. Seriously one of the nicest days I've had since working at the Ramblers! (I'll overlook that it was a day spent with another organisation!). It was so lovely to see people getting out and about and the sense of community that this can create. Everyone was so nice to talk to and I learnt a lot.” Thank you again to everyone for making it a great day. Paula & Pete Brunt

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Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Abbey Gardens 16th July 2026 An impressive group of some 17 scooters and 18 walkers (and several very well-behaved dogs) assembled at Woburn Abbey on another hot and sunny morning. Our route took us along the Estate road down from the car park, crossing the public road that bisects the Deer Park. From here we climbed a gently sloping path across open grassland, up to the perimeter fence of the Safari Park. We continued along the Estate road to the Safari Park entrance, passing enclosures with wildebeest, bison and goats, and more distant views of Bactrian camels and giraffes. Our coffee break was taken here, in the welcome shade of a wooded area and with access to the Safari Park’s facilities. After coffee, we ascended along a grassy track through the woods, back on to the roadway skirting the Safari Park. Our first mishap occurred here, when the steering linkage on one of our members’ Tramper collapsed. There was much consternation as to how this might be remedied – until Barry came to the rescue with just the right sized nut to fix the problem, so we were able to continue without undue delay. Descending again to the public road, we crossed onto the open grassland of The Plain, used as Woburn Airfield for many years in the early to mid-20th century. There were many deer cautiously watching as we progressed slowly along our route. Our second mishap was here, with a wheel bearing problem this time, as we headed towards Horse Pond. Fortunately, our intrepid team of helpers performed a rapid wheel change – almost as quick as a Formula 1 pit stop! – and we were able to continue with minimal delay. We continued along the track past Shoulder of Mutton Pond, which was occupied by a large flock of swans. From here we had a splendid view of the impressive Abbey itself, which is in the closing stages of a major restoration and conservation project which started in 2019 and is expected to complete in 2027. Our lunch stop was well sheltered, in a copse called Coldbath Clump, from where we enjoyed long views over Basin Pond and the Abbey, with the bronze statue of Mrs Moss (a racehorse brood mare) at the end of the avenue. After lunch we continued along the Estate road towards the Paris House restaurant – so named because in the mid-19th century the 9th Duke had it dismantled, shipped from Paris and re-erected here. Many deer were seen here crossing and criss-crossing the road in front of us. The final part of our route took us through further parts of the Deer Park – again with a multitude of deer watching us. We skirted round the back of the Abbey Gardens, returning to the car park. We were joined here by Martin Towsey, Woburn’s Estates and Gardens Manager. The Gardens are part of the overall Abbey restoration project, based on the original designs of Humphrey Repton from 1805. We were privileged to be the first visitors to see the work done to date. Martin gave us a fascinating talk about the restoration work and the way the project is linked to the history of the Abbey and its occupants. This rounded off what had been a thoroughly enjoyable – if hot - day’s ramble! We are grateful to The Duke of Bedford for permitting us to ramble in private areas of the Estate and for arranging the Garden visit.

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Dunstable Downs 17th July 2026 The final day of rambles. After a very hot and busy week for us all, we were all a bit tired! The route was a bit shorter than the others and mostly on level ground. Before we set off, we welcomed our latest new member, Kate, who had enjoyed the ramble so much on Tuesday, she became a member. We set off across the Downs, passed the Visitor Centre. In recent weeks, a new accessible walk had been opened by the National Trust. This was about a mile long, so I had added part of it to the route as we went past it. We had a nice wander through the trail and there were some lovely view-points, offering views over the Downs and the fabulous countryside. We carried on from there to the “Whipsnade Tree Cathedral”. The cathedral was the idea of Edmund Blythe in 1930. He wanted the cathedral to be a place of peace and remembrance of people killed in the First World War. Initially it was managed by a small group of people in the local village, it is now cared for by the National Trust. We had our coffee break here. It is certainly a fabulous place, and is also very peaceful. After coffee, we continued on our route, through some fields, with plenty of sheep and their by- products! We had really good views again and overlooked a gliding club. Lunch was back at the visitor’s centre. After lunch, the afternoon session was all along the top of the Downs again with great views. We enjoyed watching the gliders being towed by planes as they took off. Then the photo call, look out for 2 Andy’s in the group shot! He managed to end up on both sides of the group! Heading back, most of us had, what can only be described as the biggest ice creams going! Thank you to our towers, Andy & Tony, who made this week possible for those without scooters. Their help was invaluable. Thank you also to everyone else who helped throughout the week. It was a really enjoyable week. Paula & Pete Brunt

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