Exciting trails with the young ramblers who celebrate 10th anniversary

From weekends in the Peak District and Lake District to canoeing on Bala Lake, the Shropshire Young Ramblers (SYR) were this week celebrating their ten-year anniversary.

It began with six to eight regular walkers who met up to ramble around the county, the first walk was in Ironbridge.

Walks were held once or twice a month with the first weekend away in the Lakes, including a walk up Cat Bells and around Derwent Water.

From these humble beginnings, SYR has blossomed and today has 56 members.

Their newest member Louise Oldfield got hooked half way round her first walk last month.

Verity Gray, chairman and publicity officer of SYR, said the group was about more than just walking.

She said their members enjoyed a "fantastic" social calendar including trips to the cinema, museums, cycling, and meals out organised by Social Secretary Andrew Baxter.

Ms Gray said: "Over the years there have been many fantastic weekends away various places, from walking and canoeing to surfing and camping on the Gower Peninsula.

"Annual trips to Snowdonia are always exciting with a fantastic turnout where the weather is never guaranteed.

"Paul Tanner was an integral part in its creation, wanting to make a walking group for younger people. It began with six to eight regular walkers and Shropshire Young Ramblers was born."

The group undertakes a variety of walks, in both distance and difficulty.

It includes leisurely short walks along places like Ellesmere canal paths, to moderate and strenuous walks often climbing to the summits of some of the highest mountains.

The SYR group has also seen romance blossom and this summer will see two weddings, of members Sarah Stretton and Will Tandy and Emily Harrison and Richard Parson-Jones.

It comes after Andy and Jane Biggs tied the knot in 2013. The couple met through the group, and their first child is almost one.

Ms Gray added: "The Long Mynd, muddy Pontesbury, unique Stiperstones, the stunning Shropshire hills of Clee Hills, Ragleth and Cadair Berwyn have all been, and still are the locations for our great walks and laughter.

"The walks are led by a variety of members, some members, like myself, only lead one or two a year sharing their favourite places with others.

"The experienced long term member and walks co-ordinator Will Tandy has put on over 30 brilliant challenging walks since joining. In true SYR style, every walk ends in a tea shop or pub to put all the burnt calories back on. SYR is about meeting new outdoor people and making friends. I have made lots of brilliant friends within the group, and have had smashing times together."

New member Louise Oldfield said: "SYR has given me a new lease of life."

In 2013, five adventurous members climbed north Africa's highest mountain, Toubkal in Morocco. Chris Fletcher and Jon Hancox saw 2015 in while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru. Some members have challenged themselves to conquering mountains in England, such as Scarfell Pike. The next weekend away will be to the Brecon Beacons in June and all are welcome to get involved.

Walks planned for the coming months include the breathtaking Llangollen and cycling the Elan Valley trail and the Ludlow Spring Food Festival will one of the socials coming up.

Will Tandy said: "SYR has no limits, it can lead to fantastic adventures and joining the group is the best things ever done."

For more information visit www.syr.org.uk or email syr.update@gmail.com

The Ramblers' Association (RA) is a registered charity.