The year 2010 marks the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Ramblers Association, Britain's biggest charity working to promote walking and to improve conditions for all walkers.

As part of the celebrations of the 75th Anniversary a series of 'Baton Walks' has been organised. It began in January, in Cornwall. Ramblers' Groups are carrying a specially designed 'baton' through the length and breadth of the country.

Herefordshire is carrying the baton during February and last weekend it was the turn of the Ross Group to carry the baton on its walk.

Twenty-six walkers arrived at Ganarew for the start of an eight mile walk, led by Neville. The first stop came shortly after the start when the walkers arrived at the Jubilee Tree on the hillside overlooking Ganarew. The tree was planted to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935.

At this point the 'Baton', actually an inflatable plastic tube, was blown up and a photograph of the Group was taken. The group continued the steep climb to reach Hazel Wood then continued, through Hayes Coppice, to the coffee stop near Newton Court.

By now, the theme of the day, deep snow underfoot and wonderful views had been established. The walk continued by descending into the valley and across part of Monmouth Golf Course, along a partially obstructed path.

Muddy tracks through Grist Castle and Buckholt Woods eventually brought the walkers to Mill Farm with its collection of waterfowl. Walking along the ridge near Mill Farm the snow was about six inches deep, but the views to the west were truly stupendous as the snow covered hills and mountains really stood out in the clear air.

By now the group was getting hungry so the lunch stop at Welsh Newton Church was very welcome.

After stopping in Welsh Newton churchyard at the tomb of St John Kemble, Herefordshire's only Saint, the party climbed up onto another ridge and again, marvelled at the superb views. One walker estimated the visibility to be between 35 and 40 miles as several of the higher peaks in the Brecon Beacons could be seen clearly. The return leg crossed Welsh Newton Common before descending back to Ganarew.

This walk was one where the snow made for hard walking in places but totally transformed the lovely views into something very special and made the day truly memorable.

The Group's Tuesday walk last week was a four and a half mile ramble in the Hope Mansell area. Led by Joyce, the walk started at Bailey Lane End and dropped through the woods, on a track made truly awful by forestry work.

On leaving the woods the walkers climbed the steep hill then dropped down to Hope Mansell.

A climb just after the village took the group to an area thatused to be a problem due to a barbed wire fence followed by a very difficult stile. Both obstacles have been replaced by gates, making the route much easier. Ross Ramblers have been reporting these problems for a very long time and it was good to see Herefordshire Council has, at last, fixed them. The return along a muddy lane concluded a good walk with lovely views.