On Sunday 21st July 17 members, including members from South Cotswolds, Gloucester and Stratford on Avon groups, met at the picnic area at the port of Sharpness to begin a 6.5 mile circular walk. They followed an old track from Sharpness into the small town of Berkeley, passing colourful bikes and the site of Commonwealth War Graves (6 from WW1 and 7 from WW2).
On reaching the Market Place they walked along the High Road before taking a left turn up Church Street to reach Berkeley's three main attractions, the Jenner Museum, Berkeley Castle and the 13C church. Dr Edward Jenner (1749- 1823) who pioneered the smallpox vaccination is buried in the church.
A coffee stop was taken in the churchyard and much refreshed by the lovely cake donated from a Stratford on Avon member, who joined us for the walk, we continued along Jumpers Lane to cross the rather overgrown fields passing above Berkeley Pill.
After stopping by Hamfield Lane we sat under the shade of the trees for a lunch break. Suitable refreshed, we continued across fields to reach the banks of the River Severn, where we were glad of the slight breeze on this very hot day, to return to Sharpness Dock.
A few days of rain muddied the path towards Berkeley
Bikes in Berkeley!
Commonwealth War Graves in Berkeley Cemetry
Edward Jenner Museum
Coffee break in the Churchyard
Back in Sharpness Docks at the end of the walk