Shaftesbury & Gillingham
University of the Third Age
SGU3A Registered charity No. 1078452
Group walks for 4–5 miles. Relatively easy walking but often includes some stiles,
some hills and some mud! There is a mid-walk break about noon for a snack, drink
and rest. The group leaders arrange the programme of walks by asking different members
to lead them. All paid up U3A members who walk with the group are covered by the
U3A Public Liability Insurance. Sorry but we do not allow dogs.
What level of knowledge is required?
Just come along. The Group Leaders are experienced walkers who will have reconnoitred
the walk beforehand and will have a map and basic first aid kit. They will appoint
one walker to act as ‘backmarker’
What materials are needed?
Walking or Wellington boots; suitable outdoor clothing; stick if needed; plastic
bag to sit on, and a drink and snack.
How many in the group, and are there any vacancies?
We have 30-40 members. Numbers vary from 10-20 for each walk. New members are always
welcome, just turn up at the start. The programme is advertised well in advance in
“In Touch” magazine.
Where do the meetings take place?
The walks start mostly anywhere up to 5-6 miles radius of Shaftesbury or Gillingham.
The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month throughout the year starting promptly
at 10.00am and finishing about 1.00pm.
1st May - Gillingham - Meet in the car park behind Gillingham Library. Parking here
all public car parks in town costs £1 for up to 4 hours (current cost). Please DO
NOT use the supermarket car parks. Level walk around the Gillingham fields for 4.5
mls approx. Grid ref: ST 804262.
5th June - Wardour Castles and Park. A Jubilee Walk Meet Old Wardour Castle c/p
(free) Grid Ref: ST938264 OS Explorer 118. 3.5 to 4 miles. 6 stiles. Possible picnic/refreshments
after. Details to follow.
