Walking off lockdown stiffness

BOTH the Monday Ramblers and Thursday Explorers walking groups ffrom the U3A Vall de Pop closed down at the start of the coronavirus lockdown in March. In September they started weekly summer walks, threehour lowlevel walks starting at 09.00 and ending at a suitable bar before the hottest part of the day. They were offered to both of Paul and Jan’s groups, and they got sufficient support to keep them going all month.

During lockdown Paul and Jan had decided to reorganise the two groups:

The Monday Ramblers offering shorter morning walks of 34 hours mostly lowlevel walks, with one slightly more challenging walk each month.

The Thursday Explorers would continue to offer day walks of 56 hours, to include the most popular hill walks in and around the Jalón Valley.

The current restrictions mean that they have to restrict each walk to a maximum of 10 people. All walkers also have to wear face masks in builtup areas but can remove them when walking in the ' campo'. Despite these restrictions both groups have enjoyed the walking experience so far, and all agree that it is a real treat to be able to walk in the fresh air and forget for a few hours about the depressing “new normality”.

Because of the number restrictions Paul and Jan have introduced a booking system for both groups, with the first ten accepted for each walk, and those who are not able to walk are offered priority on the next walk.

So if you would like to explore the area in the company of a friendly group, just email paulleniston@ hotmail. com, and enjoy the chance to walk off your lockdown stiffness whilst we still have the autumn warmth during the day. More info at www. u3avalldelpop. com.