It was dry, but only just above freezing, when 19 walkers and two dogs set off from Speech House Hotel for an easy five mile walk on Tuesday morning, December 30th.

The route was west and south from the arboretum as far as New Fancy, and then a western loop back northwards to the Forestry Commission car park. The Forest of Dean was quiet, with groups of sheep and deer undisturbed by the walkers and occasional cyclists enjoying the cycle trail.

The walkers were happy to maintain a fairly brisk pace to keep warm, appreciating the near absence of stiles to slow things down but also the prospect of a warm bar at the finish.

On Saturday, October 3rd, walkers set off from Brinkley Hill (Brockhampton) Picnic Site on a very bright morning, with the temperature still well below freezing. Birds were singing beside the path down to the river bank and along to Fownhope. The party surprised a fox near the site of the one-time Mancell's Ferry.

Anybody still feeling chilly was quickly warmed up by the climb up through the woods to join the Wye Valley Walk and onwards to Common Hill.

The lunch break was taken in warm sunshine on a bank with views towards Capler Camp, and with interest provided by a buzzard which sat obligingly on a succession of posts just below the bank.

Then it was onwards through Lea and Paget's Wood, an important area of ancient semi-natural woodland managed by the Herefordshire Nature Trust. This was once the site kilns for quicklime manufacture, using limestone from nearby quarries and wood fuel from the woodland coppices. Some of the limestone quarries had been passed earlier on the route.

At one point in the woods, several deer were silhouetted against the skyline. Completing the enjoyment of this eight-mile circuit the winter views on the last section, especially looking south down the Wye Valley from the Romans' Capler Camp, were outstanding.

On Saturday, January 10th, the walk will be seven miles around Trellech. Ramblers should meet at 9.10am at Wilton Road car park or 10am at OL14/501052 in the car park in Trellech. Bring a packed lunch. Details from Neville on 01989 564878.

Ross Ramblers welcome non members on its walks, at their own risk. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear for country walking and contact the leader if you are in doubt about the grade of walk.