Cambridge Rambling Club

On 16th March, we cancelled all Club walks for the foreseeable future. We followed government guidance and took particular note of the policies of the Ramblers Association (RA), to whom the Club is affiliated. But from 1st July the RA  is supporting the resumption of ‘official’ group walks, provided that the group size is limited to 6 and specific precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all participants.

The Club’s Executive Committee has consulted its Walks’ Group Secretaries for their views on the resumption of formal Club walks in the near future. The over-riding response is that it is too early to offer a programme now. The major obstacle is the very low number of walkers who are currently allowed to meet up, even at a 2 metre ‘social distance’. It would be extremely difficult to recruit leaders and organise booking arrangements to join a walk of only 6 people.

So, for the present, the Club continues to encourage its members to get together for informal walks of up to 6 people. We know that many people are doing this and we want to help facilitate small group walks. Please do contact your Walks’ Secretary if you feel left out and they may be able to put you in touch with fellow members who are walking together.

When the government announces that larger groups of people can meet up outdoors the Executive Committee will consider how a programme of ‘formal’ led walks can get going again. We are very keen to get back to some sort of ‘normality’, but aspects may look different from the past.

Watch this space – we will keep you updated!

The National Trust has announced that the parkland and gardens at local properties Ickworth, Wimpole and Anglesey Abbey will re-open on Wednesday 3rd June. However, in order to manage numbers and ensure social-distancing can be maintained, access will be by timed ticket, which must be booked in advance. Tickets can be booked from Friday 29th May online and provide access to the car parks. Tickets are free for NT members; non-members will have to pay but the charges have not yet been advertised. The grounds and toilets will be open, but at present all other buildings, including houses, mills, cafes and shops, will be closed.

In the case of Anglesey Abbey, the car park will remain freely available for anyone walking in the surrounding area. Tickets for entry to the grounds will be available at 30 minute intervals, starting at 9.30. The grounds will close at 16.30. Tickets must be booked by 15.00 the day before any planned visit. Information relating to Ickworth and Wimpole should be available on their respective websites very soon.