Rob Gray Posted 3 November , 2006 Share Posted 3 November , 2006 Most woods in the Somme area are privately owned and fenced in order to deter visitors. Many contain old trenches, but as Martin rightly says, they are heavily shot at this time of year, particularly on a Sunday and the locals will not thank you for flushing all of the birds out under their noses, so steer well clear until next Spring. The best place to see preserved trenches on the Somme is at Newfoundland Park, a 5 minute drive from Aveluy Woods. The park is maintained by Canadians who are more than happy to give guided tours, all you need to do is ask. Rob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 4 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2006 What is the best way to visit Aveloy Wood, what I mean by this is, can you walk through it or is it best to walk the perimeter. As I have read in an old guide book about the trenches still being there, I was going to visit the area but some old threads mention the shooting that happens there, when is the French shooting season? Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Bennitt Posted 4 November , 2006 Share Posted 4 November , 2006 when is the French shooting season? Now, and for a few months yet. Don't know about Aveluy Wood but round my village they shoot anything that moves, including each other, on Sundays. In some places they're allowed another day in the week as well. go carefully cheers Martin B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 4 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Thanks for the replies chaps, I have been to most of the areas listed in the guide books, but wanted to visit the less well known ares, such as Aveloy/ Thiepval Woods. I particularly enjoyed the area at the Sheffield Pals memorial and wanted to see similar. What worried me slightly was the thought of me inadvertently strolling into a shoot! Also are the trenches at Thiepval any more accessible, as when I was there in Sept, the only visits allowed were at specific times, which clashed with my return, so I couldn't visit them! Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Wayman Posted 4 November , 2006 Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Also are the trenches at Thiepval any more accessible, as when I was there in Sept, the only visits allowed were at specific times, which clashed with my return, so I couldn't visit them! Mick D Contact Teddy at the Ulster Tower centre - he can usually arrange visits. Regards Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 4 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Ken, Pardon my ignorance but is the Ulster Tower open every day, and what times ? ps is there a charge for visiting Thiepval Woods? Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_J Posted 4 November , 2006 Share Posted 4 November , 2006 It's open every day except one if I remember right (Mondays?). There is no charge for the visits - Teddy explained that the reason they have to be accompanied has to do with the cost of insurance if visitors are unaccompanied. There is a thread on this going somewhere - they are well worth a visit, and Teddy takes groups over fairly regularly, so although you might have a shoirt wait you should get to see them. If it looks like being a bit of a wait, there is plenty to see at the Ulster Tower itsled, also Connaught and Mill Road cemeteries are very close and worth a visit. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 4 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Thanks for that Alan, i will visit (also noted similar thread on-going!) Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_J Posted 4 November , 2006 Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Mick, Just a thought - because of shooting rights, the wood (and the trenches) are closed on Sundays in November - so avoid those if possible. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 4 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2006 Thank you, wouldn't have known that. Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Wayman Posted 5 November , 2006 Share Posted 5 November , 2006 It's open every day except one if I remember right (Mondays?). There is no charge for the visits - Teddy explained that the reason they have to be accompanied has to do with the cost of insurance if visitors are unaccompanied. There is a thread on this going somewhere - they are well worth a visit, and Teddy takes groups over fairly regularly, so although you might have a shoirt wait you should get to see them. If it looks like being a bit of a wait, there is plenty to see at the Ulster Tower itsled, also Connaught and Mill Road cemeteries are very close and worth a visit. Alan That was quick off the mark Alan! And you know more than I do! Cheers Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattina646 Posted 11 November , 2006 Share Posted 11 November , 2006 Hi I help out at the Ulster Tower and take tours when Teddy is occupied or if there is a small group wishing to go. Guided tours to the wood are everyday (except Mondays because the Shop is closed) at 11am and 3pm from the begining of March to the end of November. There were shoots i the wood on a couple of Sundays in November so it wasnt possible for a tour on these days (for obvious reasons!!) hope that was helpful Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 12 November , 2006 Author Share Posted 12 November , 2006 thank you, that was more than helpful, hope to see you next year! Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now