The first four (Autumn 2013) walking 'in the footsteps of' Laurie Lee in his beloved Slad Valley; WH Davies, around Nailsworth (when walkers met Davies' great-nephew); recreating Robert Frost and Edward Thomas 'walks-talking' around May Hill on the centenary of their meeting; and up Ivor Gurney's beloved Crickley Hill on Remembrance Sunday, were a success, and another six are planned for this year. Book for one, or all six!

2014 PROGRAMME

Sunday 16^th March
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BEATRIX POTTER

In 1903 world famous author Beatrix Potter published the book she declared as her personal favourite, The Tailor of Gloucester, inspired by her visits to the city. Follow in her creation's dainty footsteps around the picturesque College Court area, call in at the Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop, visit the stunning Cathedral associated with that other famous potter, Harry Potter, and hear tales of White Rabbits and Mad March Hares along the way! A great introduction to this historic city. Ideal for families. 2-3 miles. Gentle.

On this walk we follow in the footsteps of Dymock Poet and playwright, John Drinkwater, who memorably wrote of 'Cotswold Love' in April ('When April comes to Amberley/With skies of April blue/And Cotswold girls are briding/With slyly tilted shoe.). We walk from Far Oakridge, home of an artists' colony, through beautiful villages along the Golden Valley – reciting Drinkwater's odes as we go. 3-5 miles. Moderate. Steep in parts.

George Orwell spent the last year of his life convalescing at Cranham Sanitorium – suffering from TB. Here, he edited proofs of his masterpiece, 1984. When his son visited he stayed at the nearby Tolstoyan Whiteway Colony. Starting in the village, we will wend our way to Whiteway and then to Cranham Woods nature reserve, and onto Coopers Hill, famous for its cheese-rolling and poetic associations, before returning to the Black Horse 17^th Century Inn. Blending biography, politics, a famous composer and an athletic postwoman, this walk has something to offer for everyone! 5-7 miles. Moderate. Steep in parts.

In celebration of Laurie Lee's centenary year, walk in the footsteps of the great Gloucestershire writer through his beloved Slad Valley – finding inspiration en route for your own writing. We'll visit the newly opened Laurie Lee Wood, and key locations featured in Cider with Rosie. After paying our respects at his grave, a drink in his local, The Woolpack, (be it Rosie cider or a cup of coffee) will slake your thirst before returning to Hawkwood College for lunch. Led by local writer and keen walker Kevan Manwaring. 5-7 miles. Moderate. Steep in parts ***PART OF THE LAURIE LEE FESTIVAL 2014***

Ledbury-born Poet Laureate (1930-1967) John Masefield, famous for his poem 'Sea Fever' and his classic children's novels, The Midnight Folk and Box of Delights, lived in the Malvern Hills area. On this walk we'll be following in his wake along a section of the spectacular Malvern Ridge – visiting the British Camp, associated with the Romano-British Chieftain Caracatus, and with the 14^th Century classic Piers the Plowman by William Langland. We'll recite Masefield's work, and whistle with Elgar, who walked and composed on the hills. 5-7 miles. Moderate. Steep in parts.

Controversial playwright Dennis Potter (Pennies from Heaven; Singing Detective; Lipstick on your Collar) hailed from the Forest of Dean. The eldest son of a Forest coal miner, he was born inColeford and grew up in its close knit community, surrounded by the verdant landscape of the Forest, which he once referred to as 'this heart shaped land'. On this walk we'll visit those 'Blue Remembered Hills' of his childhood, wending our way to the heights of Symonds Yat, with its dramatic views of the river Wye. Schoolboy shorts and childish behaviour optional. 5 miles. Moderate. Steep in parts.

Each walk is led by writer and keen walker, Kevan Manwaring. Meet Hawkwood carpark 9.30am, depart 9.45am (lifts to be shared). Lunch 1pm. Finish by 2pm (approx). Walking boots and waterproofs advised. Good mobility and a reasonable level of fitness required (some steep, muddy parts). Bring pen, notebook, water, flask and snacks as required.