2nd &/or 4th Tuesday in the month. Over 42 different walks with fine views, wild flowers & butterflies, trees & birdsong. Wear walking shoes or boots. Bring sun-hat, rain-gear, picnic, drink, and something to sit on, e.g. a plastic bag. Also, as required of all U3A Groups by the U3A Trust, carry next-of-kin contact details & your own first-aid kit. Wildlife is readily frightened, so not suitable for dogs.

All rambles accessed by public transport, returning to start mid to late afternoon. For a map showing the position of the Royal Parade bus stops, CLICK HERE.

To contact the leader, go to Members > Members Portal > NATURAL HISTORY RAMBLERS.

♣   WINTER PROGRAMME 2024-2025 (October to March)

Winter rambles begin with the No. 1 bus, with members joining the bus at various stops. If you park at the George P&R, you may need to park in a nearby street as the park can be full. If a bus leaves Royal Parade (or any subsequent stop) before the times shown below, then it’s a previous service running late, you can catch it, but be sure to get off at the George P&R to wait for the bus at the ‘departing northwards’ time below. From then on we are all together.

22nd October. Although the forecast was a bit iffy, seven of us enjoyed a ramble in fine weather. We encountered a mallard diving in perfectly transparent water, several earthstars, lots of  tiny delicate lilac-coloured cup-fungi , and a sprightly group of jackdaws.

12th November. Windy but a fine sunny day for a walk. We enjoyed the views, paused to examine several groups of small fungi, and looked at the many fascinating survivals of four major enterprises of the 19th and 20th centuries.

10th December. Nine turned out on a thankfully dry day after the recent 70mph storms, and finished up—as the intended picnic spot was a bit exposed to the north wind—in the warmth of a local cafe.

14th January (or if cancelled due to weather, then two weeks later on 28th). Along 1859 steam railway, Grenofen to Horrabridge. LINEAR 2½ miles. Join bus No.1 either at Stop 20 Royal Parade 10:00, Mutley 10:07, (leader joins 10:10), Derriford 10:23, George P&R (the northwards bus!) 1031. Includes a dark tunnel, so you might like to bring a rain hat or umbrella (to keep off drips falling from the roof) and a torch (to see where any puddles are).

11th February (or if cancelled due to weather, then two weeks later on 25th). Glimpses of the 1859 steam railway, Horrabridge to Yelverton. LINEAR 2½ miles. Join bus No.1 either at Stop 20 Royal Parade 10:00, Mutley 10:07, (leader joins 10:10), Derriford 10:23, George P&R (the northwards bus!) 1031.

11th March (or if cancelled due to weather, then two weeks later on 25th). Along 1810 transportation canal, Gulworthy to Tavistock. LINEAR 3 miles. Join bus No.1 either at Stop 20 Royal Parade 10:00, Mutley 10:07, (leader joins 10:10), Derriford 10:23, George P&R (the northwards bus!) 1031.

After which will be our

♣   SUMMER PROGRAMME 2025 (April to September)