forest
Saturday 26th November – Salcey Forest Afternoon Walk
Visit the nearest densely wooded area to Cranfield University the beautiful Salcey Forest. Enjoy the magnificent views from the top, as we follow its tree top trail.
Walk itinerary:
Meet in front of the Cafe Bookshop by the large chestnut tree Depart at 13.00 hours Return: circa 17:30 hours
Total walk length: circa 10 km/ 6miles
Lunch/ Refreshment stop at Salcey Forest cafe at the start of the walk. Bring your own lunch or purchase.
Number of places: only 8 – more places will be available if more volunteer drivers come forward. If you are a driver, get in touch.
Cost: £3 (members), £6 non-members
Book your place online here.
Surface mostly suitable for trainers. Bring a waterproof jacket and a bottle of water with you.
About Salcey Forest: A former medieval hunting forest, it can be found in the south of the county of Northamptonshire, to the east of Hartwell village and about 23km east/north of Cranfield University. Map of the forest can be found here.
The Tree Top Way rises to 15 metres above the woodland floor, with a crow’s nest platform at 20 metres reached by steps. The structure offers stunning views across Salcey Forest and the adjoining woodlands of Yardley Chase.
Reminders of the forest’s past are visible, such as miles of ancient woodbanks, building remains and ancient trees. The ‘druids’ or veteran oaks in Salcey are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are believed to be over 500 years old.
It is said that during the Second World War, elephants from circuses were put to use to fall trees in the forest. There is a pond named The Elephant Pond where the elephants could bathe at the end of the day. The forest was served by its own railway station on the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway until 1908.
More info: Forestry Commission
Photos: @Cranfield University's Walks
Geocaching at Salcey Forest (Sat. 08/02/14)
Walk above the trees and look for hidden treasures during the Geocaching walk in Salcey Forest!
About SALCEY FOREST: Salcey Forest is a former medieval hunting forest in the south of the county of Northamptonshire in England.
A tree top forest walk was constructed which has attracted many visitors and rises through the forest to a height of about 15 metres (49 ft), at a gradient not exceeding 1 in 12. At the end, a raised viewing platform sits above it at 18 metres (59 ft) from the ground, which is accessed by stairs.
There are public footpaths through the forest and a range of wildlife can be observed. The forest is a remnant of the medieval royal hunting forest. Reminders of the past can still be found, with many miles of ancient woodbanks, building remains and ancient trees. The ‘druids’ or veteran oaks in Salcey are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are believed to be over 500 years old.
The forest has a café in one of the main parking areas.
During the Second World War, elephants from circuses were put to use to fell trees. There is a pond named The Elephant Pond where the elephants could bathe at the end of the day. The forest was served by its own railway station on the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway until 1908.
About GEOCACHING: Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt where players try to locate hidden containers called ceocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and then share their experiences online. For more information visit: http://www.geocaching.com/
If you want to try to hunt some caches during this walk, we suggest to bring:
- Pen
- GPS or smart phone with GPS. If you bring your smart phone, ensure that your GPS works without wifi and that you have an App that allows you introducing coordinates and tracking them. Two suggested FREE Apps:
Geocaching Intro (By Groundspeak Inc.): It’s a trial FREE version, and I think it only works for a limited number of searchs, so try not to use it until the hike. Watch out, and don’t download the full version for this walk, it is quite expensive. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/geocaching-intro/id329541503?mt=8
Commander Compass Lite (By Pavel Ahafonau): FREE compass with navigation options. https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/commander-compass-lite/id340268949?mt=8
| Activity date: | Saturday 8th of February 2014 |
| Meeting point: | The Cafe Bookshop, Cranfield University |
| Departing time from Cranfield: | 10:00 |
| Arriving time to Cranfield (approx): | 14:00 |
| Walk length (Km): | 10 Km (approx) |
| Club members only?: | No |
| Sign up at: | walking@Cranfield.ac.uk, write “Belen – Geocaching at Salcey” in the subject. To make possible this walk we will need cars and volunteering drivers, so if you have a car and you are willing to drive, please state so in the email. Needless to say that fuel and parking expenses are covered. |
| Sign-up deadline: | Friday 7th at 12:00 |
| Price: | £2 for members, and £3 for non-members |
| Meal provided?: | No. Bring snacks and packed lunch. |
| Gear: | Comfortable and waterproof clothes. Hiking boots are recommended, the paths will be muddy and we may need to get into the woods. |
| Other information: | The weather forecast is not pleasing… Do not forget to carry sufficient water with you. |
Marston Moretaine forest – Spooky Walk (Thu. 31/10/13)
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Activity date:
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Thursday 31st of October 2013
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Meeting point:
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The Café Bookshop (Cranfield University)
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Departing time from Cranfield:
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19:00
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Arriving time to Cranfield (approx):
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22:00
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Walk length:
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6 Km (approx)
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Club members only?:
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No
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Sign up at:
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walking@cranfield.ac.uk with “SPOOKY WALK” in title
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Sign-up deadline:
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Tuesday 29th (this is absolute as we need to order transport, cakes and book tables in the pub)
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Price:
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£5 for members £8 for non-members. Have with you the exact amount of money the day of the walk.
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Meal provided?:
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Cake and warm drinks at
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Gear:
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Check the weather forecast beforehand, warm clothing is advised
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Other information:
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Walk involves areas of recorded paranormal activity!
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Sunday 4th August – Geo Caching Walk in Salcey Forest
Join us for this 6 mile circular route through the woodlands at Salcey forest And see the magnificent view from the top, as we trace the beautiful tree top trail. Also, be a part of the secret group who hunt for discretely hidden treasures (Geo Caches) in select locations around the world.
Meet at NatWest bank at 9:30 AM
(Photo from Google Images)
The walk will cost £5 to cover transport. Sign up by dropping a mail to the walking society (walking@Cranfield.ac.uk) by Friday 2nd August at 13:00
Please make sure to include your contact details while signing up. And you can bring in the money on the day of the walk. Also, please let us know if you will be able to drive a few people to the walk location. (Fuel charges will be reimbursed)
Note: the weather is predicted to be cloudy. But knowing how unpredictable the weather can be, please come prepared! (Walking boots, a water proof jacket in case it rains, lots of water and some food as we will stop for lunch)
Finally, for those unfamiliar with GEO CACHING
GEO CACHING Unleashed -By Belen
Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt where players try to locate hidden containers called ceocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and then share their experiences online. For more information visit: http://www.geocaching.com/
If you want to try to hunt some caches during this walk, bring:
1. Pen
2. GPS or smart phone with GPS. If you bring your smart phone, ensure that your GPS works without wifi and that you have an App that allows you introducing coordinates and tracking them. Two suggested FREE Apps:
Geocaching Intro (By Groundspeak Inc.): It’s a trial FREE version, and I think it only works for a limited number of searchs, so try not to use it until the hike. Watch out, and don’t download the full version for this walk, it is quite expensive.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/geocaching-intro/id329541503?mt=8
Commander Compass Lite (By Pavel Ahafonau): FREE compass with navigation options.
https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/commander-compass-lite/id340268949?mt=8
Cranfield University's Walks 