Home page > Walks photos <		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk 07 07 07 Hulks walk 7 July 2007 A special date and a special ramble! The ramble, led by Bernard, was preceded by a conducted tour of the remains of the boats which were beached to inhibit erosion on the Severn bank at Purton. .
		Patrick and Angela arrived by boat .
		The group assembled by the canal bridge at Purton .
		Our leader, Bernard, explained that Paul would be organising the first part of the day .
		Paul had completed much research in trying to identify each wrecked boat and to trace its history .
		Evidence of a wreck could be seen in the mud at low tide .
		Concrete barges were built to replace boats lost through enemy action in war. They were built at Barrow and used in many estuaries in the UK .
		Holes were made in the boats so that they would sink and form bank protection .
		The hollow here is where the concrete barge, now at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester, was taken away in order to preserve her .
		The remains of the boat Dispatch. She was one of only three craft to have a mechanism for pulling in the sides of the ship to keep her from sagging outwards when loaded. .
		Paul described the history of this boat .
		The group then walked along the towpath towards Sharpness .
		After checking the compass bearing, the group crossed a wheatfield in single file .
		Next, they skirted a hay field .
		They then walked through grassy meadows back to the village of Purton. This had been an unusual walk which was appreciated by all. .
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		Thanks to Patrick and Angela for providing the photos and captions, as well as navigating their boat to and from the ramble.
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	As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our walks programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the national Ramblers' Association.