On a dry and bright day, a party of 22 Ramblers did a 6½ mile walk between Sharpness and Berkeley. The walk started at the Sharpness picnic area, close to the docks, and next to 2 rows of white painted workers’ cottages.
After passing through the village of Sharpness, which lies at the junction of the River Severn and the Gloucester Sharpness Canal, the walk continued along paths across farmland to the attractive and historic town of Berkeley.
Lunch was taken in the parish churchyard, close to the home (now a museum) of Edward Jenner, the discoverer of a smallpox vaccine, and to Berkeley Castle, which although in a beautiful setting has a bloodthirsty history.
We then proceeded along Berkeley Pill, a winding creek which flows into the River Severn. Just before reaching the Severn, the decommissioned Berkeley power station loomed in the near distance.
On arriving at the Severn, we had a brief drinks and photo stop to take in the views across to the Forest of Dean and downriver to another decommissioned power station at Oldbury, and beyond to the Severn Bridges.
The walk continued along the banks of the Severn before finishing at the starting point in Sharpness.
Path Maintenance Volunteers required to clear paths
In Berkeley we passed the home of the "Father of Immunology"
Refreshment break over at Berkeley Church
Some disinterested sheep and horses
We reach the River Severn
A clear view to the Severn Crossings