Club History

The Club was founded in 1980 following a parish circular inviting residents to indicate their interests. 

There were 12 founder members and the Club was initially affiliated to the Ramblers Association. 

However, membership of the Association was not renewed in 1982. 

This was because many members were not happy with the more militant attitude that was being adopted by the Ramblers Association as it was seen to conflict with our own policy of cooperation with landowners.

This policy remains current but individual members are free to take out personal membership of the R.A. if they so wish.

Many of the footpaths and stiles in the 7 parishes from Munstone to Pencombe owe their reinstatement and continued existence to the Bodenham Ramblers Working Party (or Geriatric Playgroup as it was known) which was in operation between 1989 and 2000.  During this period Bodenham Ramblers restored some 35 miles of rights of way, erected 75 signposts, built 141 stiles, 13 footbridges and installed 11 kissing gates.

Since then the purpose of the Club, to ramble, has continued apace. attracting more and more walkers until non-resident members now outnumber those living in Bodenham!

As many of our members are retired our walks are programmed on a 10/11 day cycle of Sundays and Wednesdays. Walks during the summer season are approximately 5/6 miles with a picnic lunch whilst the winter programme involves walks of 4 miles finishing at a pub for lunch whenever possible.

Until 2020, in late Spring the Club organised a 4 day walking holiday.  Many members enjoyed these successful holidays in St David’s, Wales, North and South Devon, Cornwall, Llandudno and Tenby. 

In the latter years the club decided to link up with HF holidays and these proved very popular with walks organised for all abilities.

Starting in 1999 a day trip by coach became an annual event for many years allowing us to broaden our horizons and venture further afield.  We have walked along the coastal path from Borth to Aberystwith, other coastal paths in the area and in the Gower and Somerset. Outings normally finished with a fish and chip supper.  These trips did however take a lot of organisation and regrettably were discontinued some years ago.

Our AGM is held in Bodenham Parish Hall in March every year. The meeting is usually followed by a slide show of photographs taken on walks during the preceding year after which refreshments are provided by the members. This turns the evening into a pleasant social gathering usually attended by around 40-50 people including social members.

Social membership, at a reduced subscription is available to accommodate members who are no longer able to walk but wish to keep in contact with club members and their activities and arrange other get togethers.  The number of social members sometimes exceeds the number of full members.

The club continues to develop, attracting new members from all over Herefordshire, and this website is our latest venture.