The Walking Group normally meets at 09:45 (for at 10:00 start) on the third Thursday of every month for a walk of 5 to 6 miles from a pub of the leader's choice. The leader is responsible for planning the walk, making the pub reservation and obtaining the pub lunch menu, so that walkers can make their choice of meal before the walk commences. The turnout of walkers is usually between 15 and 22 (depending on weather conditions) and we normally return to the pub by 12:30. Lunch is not mandatory and walkers may leave after the walk, or just stay for a drink.

If you’re interested in joining a walk, just roll up at the appropriate time at the correct pub, as there’s no need to book and although the walks are never too strenuous, please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the forecast weather conditions.

If you have any concerns or questions about the 316 walks, then please contact Bob Whaley (Walks Coordinator) via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Walks Programme

The current programme of walks is detailed in the Walking Group Details page of the Members Area of this website. There are also reports of recent walks, with maps of the route and group photos of happy walkers !

History

Thursday 19th September 1991 dawned bright and fresh with some cloud bubbling up, ideal walking weather! At Philip Wise's suggestion, 10 members of the 316 club met at Great Offley near the car park of the Red Lion for a walk of approximately 6 miles. Phil had planned the walk and following in his footsteps were Phil's wife Margaret, Peter & Myrle Cannell, Joan & Maurice Beadsmoore, Bob Moggridge, Douglas Clegg, Alf Bennett and Jim Sommerville. Over a pint in the pub afterwards, it was agreed that "we should do this again" and thus the start of the 316 Walking Group became established with Phil Wise as walks manager and members taking turns to lead.

The 316 group has continued unabated with a walk the 3rd Thursday in each month throughout the year affected only by the foot & mouth outbreak which closed the countryside for March to July in 2001. However, the enterprising John Boylett produced a walk along Regent's Park Canal in the May, starting a programme of London walks led by Tom Byrne, and Maurice Beadsmoore devised a walk from the Rose & Crown at Aston following Stevenage town footpaths that took in Fairlands Valley park.

Phil continued to manage the 316 walks programme until 1998 when Brian Walker assumed the role until 2007. At this point Ron Vincent ran (walked?) the programme until his hip replacement which stopped him walking during 2012/2013. Bob Clough then took over until his hip problems then Ron was back in the lead at the beginning of 2014 until the end of 2017, when Alan Hutchinson took over the role. Bob Whaley took over in 2020.