Tyler Grange X Stride Treglown X Freshwalks - The PDE Hike: Westonbirt, Didmarton & Leighterton

Introduction

Welcome to this fourth South West edition of the Planning, Development & Environment Hike, brought to you by Stride Treglown & Tyler Grange and delivered by Freshwalks.

Bringing together innovators and thought leaders to reflect upon mutual challenges and connect with other professionals. Swapping your daily pressures for the great outdoors, we hope you'll be able to switch off for a few hours to reconnect with nature and benefit from the fresh air, head space and excellent peer company.

For this special autumn edition, we invite you to join us at Westonbirt Arboretum where the autumnal colours should be at their spectacular best. We’ve taken care of your admission fee (which includes parking) and we also invite you to join us for some complimentary lunch and drinks at The Royal Oak, Leighterton.

Please note this event is strictly for professionals working directly in Planning, Development and Environment disciplines.

Route description

We begin the day with a glorious circuit of Westonbirt Arboretum, exploring the historic Old Arboretum before following the elevated walkway which snakes through the towering trees of Silk Wood. Leaving the Arboretum behind, the route heads into the rolling South Gloucestershire countryside, passing through the attractive village of Didmarton for a well-earned drinks stop before continuing to Leighterton for a leisurely late lunch at the welcoming Royal Oak. The return journey completes a memorable day combining one of Britain's finest arboreta with peaceful Cotswold villages and countryside.

Route: Westonbirt – Old Arboretum – Silk Wood – Didmarton – Leighterton – Westonbirt

Distance: 17km

Grade: Medium (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 174m / Total ascent: 191m

Schedule:

09:15 Parking & arrival, Westonbirt Arboretum
09:30 Registration & coffee
09:45 Walk starts, Old Arboretum & Silk Wood
12:30 Drinks stop, The Kings Arms, Didmarton
13:45 Lunch & drinks, The Royal Oak, Leighterton
16:30 Walk finishes, Westonbirt Arboretum

Meeting location: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS

Parking: Large guest car park at Westonbirt. Please car share where possible.

Public transport: We plan to co-ordinate lifts from the nearest train station, Kemble which has hourly direct services to Cheltenham, Gloucester and London. There is also a morning 620 bus service from Stroud which runs directly to Westonbirt. More details will be provided within our event welcome pack.

Food & refreshments: We intend to provide hot drinks prior to the start of the walk, a complimentary drink at The Kings Arms, Didmarton and lunch will also be on us at The Royal Oak in Leighterton.

Toilets: Public toilets will be open at Westonbirt on our arrival and we also intend to stop at two country pubs on our walk (see schedule above) so plenty of opportunities.

FAQs

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

An event pack will be sent out 1-2 weeks before the walk. This should answer most questions but feel free to email michael@freshwalks.co.uk with any questions you may have. If you've not received the pack by this time, check your email junk or spam and then contact us. Receiving this pack is essential as it includes important disclaimers and health and safety information.

Dogs

Welcome on the rest of our planned experience but unfortunately, the Old Arboretum at Westonbirt is a dog-free zone. We intend to spend approximately one hour at the beginning of the day on this initial loop and can co-ordinate a mid-morning meeting point for those of you who wish to bring a canine companion.