Newsletter
January 2002
Reports
HUNSTANTON 7 – 9 September (Easy/Moderate)
Most of the twelve people attending the event arrived at the hostel on Friday night. The hostel, which is just round the corner from the beach, is at the only east coast resort that faces west.On Saturday we were joined by several day walkers (plus a dog) and started out along the promenade, dodging the high tide waves. We continued over the striped cliffs and past the ruins of St Edmunds chapel. In spite of the breezy weather some of the group decided to go for a swim in the sea, before we headed inland via the Lavender Marsh Nature Reserve and Peddars Way to Ringstead Downs, where we saw the flying sheep! After visiting the teashop at Norfolk Lavender, where most people tried lavender tea, or lavender scones, we returned via Heacham and back along the promenade to the hostel, completing 12 miles. After an evening meal and then a meditation on 'I am the Light', some of the group went for a night walk.
On Sunday we were made welcome at the Union Church, around the corner from the hostel, for a lively Harvest Festival. Afterwards we headed off to Sandringham Visitor Centre to eat our lunches, and then walked 6 miles through the forest and heath land, also visiting Dersingham Sea Cliffs (no sea!) and Wolferton station (no trains!). We didn't see any corgis though! Many thanks to Hilary for organising an excellent weekend.
Alison Perkins - Hertford.
ILAM HALL 21 – 23 September (Moderate)
A warm welcome awaited us at Ilam Hall YHA, set in the beautiful Peak District. The Hall is a converted Manor House, owned by the National Trust in wonderful grounds. A National Trust teashop was on site awaiting our return. Pat Mead and her prospective husband were present prior to getting married a couple of weeks after the event.The walks took us alongside the River Dove, which meanders along Dove Dale. A highlight on the first day's walk was the famous Thor's cave - some of us were even brave enough to venture inside - but Thor was not present. We also visited Thorpe Cloud. On the way back, we were confronted by a rather butch bull, which decided to retreat when confronted with Pat's considerable charm.
Sunday started at the Anglican Church in the grounds, but the service was delayed due to the absence of the vicar! Eventually, we had a lovely service, with a solo flute played by a young child. Prayers were said for America.
All in all, a lovely weekend, best wishes to Pat & David on their marriage, God Bless.
Andrew Pickles
OKEHAMPTON 27 – 30 September (Hard)
A small contingent of CRC members gathered for a weekend’s walking in the Dartmoor National Park. On Friday two walked; this doubled to four on Saturday, but dropped to three on the Sunday.The youth hostel is a nice interesting place situated just on the fringes of the Park. It is a converted railway building right next to the track. The two staying there shared it with around 80 children on a school outing. The staff were helpful and considerate and there was no scrimping on the puddings.
Dartmoor is famous for its Tors, and its letterboxes. No letterboxes were spotted, although at one time there were thousands in the Park - a bit strange!
On Friday we walked about eight miles, nice scenery enhanced by a number of splendid little Dartmoor ponies enjoying the grass as much as we were. The main walk on Saturday was a 13 mile circular, including several Tors, with the last one, Saunton Tor, being the most scenic. Here we viewed the slopes going up to the moors in the south, and the countryside below north ways, and the grass and rocks underfoot, while basking in warm sunshine.
Thank you Andy.
John Gosling - Stockport
SWANAGE 5 – 7 October Moderate
C.R.C. advises its leaders to read local guides - but Arnold Cade was our local guide. So atop the cliffs on Saturday morning he dispelled the old myths about smugglers at Tilly Whim caves, telling of Mr. Tilly and the "whim" (donkey engine) that lifted out quarried stone. Day-walkers had boosted our number to about twenty, and early drizzle soon changed to sunshine as we "bimbled" past more quarries and a lighthouse, and waves crashed below. Lunch was on Saint Aldhelm’s Head, sheltered from wind by the stone chapel wall.The group divided before heading inland over the limestone hills to the stone-built village of Corfe Castle, with the steam enthusiasts taking a shorter route to catch the last train to Swanage. The remainder approached the sunlit castle ruins across the brown hump of Corfe Common, finally returning to Swanage by bus and walking up steeply to the large, well-equipped hostel.
Sunday worship was either in the Parish Church or in lively style with the Baptists. Both celebrated harvest festival, with a theme of "bread". Afterwards, with strong winds and steady rain, further walking somehow lost its appeal. But we left with happy memories of good landscapes and good fellowship. Thanks, Arnold.
James Severn
MALVERN / LEOMINSTER 5 – 7 October (Cycling)
A good start to a cycling weekend does not usually include a weather forecast of heavy rain and strong winds, coupled with pedalling from hostel to hostel through a hilly area.Happily, it was a dry Saturday morning in Malvern, as five doughty cyclists set off, quickly coming to the steepest hill I think I have ever pushed my bicycle up! Of course, dropping down the other side made it almost worthwhile! As we wove our way through acres of apple orchards, the route seemed especially designed to ensure we didn't miss going up every possible hill. Amazingly we managed to dodge the rain all day – though it was much in evidence through muddy roads and imposing clouds.
Any one planning a trip to this area should be warned that many of the pubs do not serve lunch – though we can thoroughly recommend a local store with homemade pasties! However, what the pubs lack in food, they almost make up for in their facilities for watching World Cup qualifier football matches!
Sunday morning saw us celebrating Harvest at Leominster Priory. By the time we set off, the rain had firmly set in. After some furious pedalling up and down wet and windy country lanes, a very soggy little band arrived back in Malvern, where we celebrated completing just over 70 miles, with tea and teacakes. Thanks Geoff for organising and leading a most enjoyable weekend.
Alison Perkins - Hertford
CORNISH COAST WEEK 20–27 Oct (Moderate)
Shorts, suntan lotion, an extra bottle of water… this was not a summer holiday but the Cornish week at the end of October!We started at Golant where the wardens served two suppers – one for the hostellers and one for some local badgers! On Sunday we walked from Looe to Fowey in perfect weather. After "Badgerwatch" we met for fellowship led by Peter Whale and Mary Breeze (Valerie’s sister).
On Monday a short walk from Menabilly was followed by a visit to the Eden Project. That evening we reassembled (with our numbers almost doubled) at Lands End hostel (not at Lands End but near St Just). The excellent warden Katie greeted us with the news that the heater in the drying room had broken down. However we didn’t need it, as the good weather continued, with most rain falling at night.
On the next four days, we walked the coast path from St Ives to Mousehole. The first two sections from St Ives to St Just are described in the guide as "severe" and we learnt that coastal miles are not the same as ordinary miles – they’re longer! The scenery was spectacular but rugged. There wasn’t a teashop (or even ordinary shop!) in sight.
On the third day we walked from Porthcurno to the hostel via Lands End and Sennen Cove (where there was a teashop and, better still, dolphins in the bay!) Our final walk from Porthcurno to Mousehole took us through varied and attractive scenery. The faster group declined an inland extension in favour of cream teas, but some were disappointed when the scones ran out!
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Julian showed slides of some adventurous walking trips that he has done. A time of fellowship on Friday was a fitting climax to the week. Our hearts were full of thanks and praise for the beauties of creation, and for the friendship and fellowship that we had shared. Peter, Valerie, and Charlotte accompanied our singing, and Peter and others shared readings and thoughts with us.
Saturday morning again dawned fine – a perfect day for another walk, but reluctantly we said our goodbyes. Thank you Valerie for your calm, caring, and efficient leadership which made the week such a success.
P.S. To see what you missed try the West Penwith phototour
Lesley Hatton - High Wycombe
WILDERHOPE 9–11 November (All Grades)
(bonfire event)
It's not often you get the chance to stay in a 16th century manor house, so a weekend at Shropshire's Wilderhope Manor sounded essential. Famous for its oak circular staircase and elaborate ceilings, you could almost smell the gunpowder from the time of the Civil War. Fortunately facilities date from the 20th century, although I'm not so sure about the bunk beds...Excellent walking included the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge. The weather held and brief glimpses of the sun revealed the Shropshire hills in stunning autumnal colours. For several people this was their first event to find out what CRC is all about. Newcomer Meisha displayed impressive leadership and navigation skills, keeping one group under control if they attempted to wander off the trail. Her four legs may be short but her appetite for exercise was entertaining. A case of four legs good, two legs pathetic...
Sadly there was no bonfire, although the 21st century fireworks exploding impressively across the night sky did not disappoint, thanks to Ian Todd. What a star!!
Sunday morning's message focused on Fear? - of flying, ill health, loneliness, unemployment. It was good to be reminded that Psalm 46 provides the antidote. Then it was off on our final walks, followed by a reluctant return to serfdom. Thanks to Julie and Pauline for their organisational skills.
Phil Davy - Chippenham
WINDSOR 23 – 25 November (Easy)
Definitely a weekend to remember with Saturday blessed with warm and bright sunshine highlighting the magnificent autumn hints.The day started with two day walkers joining six hostellers for a stroll along the Thames Path which offered different photo opportunities of the Castle. Venturing into the Great Park, we had lunch below the gaze of George the III (in copper form), accompanied by an impromptu selection of hymns and carols played by Huw on his harmonica.
Rumour had it that there was an appropriate hostelry in the "village", which was later confirmed by many cups of tea outside the Post Office. Refreshed we made a beeline straight to Windsor Castle, admiring the shy herds of deer grazing in undisturbed parts of the park. In Windsor we succumbed to more liquid refreshment, where Robin felt that his scone was not up to CRC’s high standard.
The Sunday Service at St Andrews Clewer, was very prayerful, leaving us spiritually regenerated. After the previous day’s 10 miles and an Italian meal, we had a short stroll along the Thames to Eton passing by many swans and wildfowl.
Thanks to Robin for his organisational skills and of course everyone else for making the meet a success.
Richard Balmer - Brighton
MATLOCK 30 November – 2 December (Moderate)
I have always been intrigued by the idea of a promenade so far from the sea, and it was quite a treat to stroll its length on the Sunday afternoon, after a very civilised lunch in a café enjoying fellowship. Most of the party had gone to the Heights of Abraham taking in Cromford and Willersley Castle. We had all enjoyed a Sunday morning service with a very definite early Christmas flavour - Scrooge, carols, and all.On Saturday we enjoyed the company of a good number of day walkers and split into two groups. Margaret and Janet’s group took in the villages of Bonsall, Winster and Darley Dale (11 miles) with some catching a Santa Special steam train back to Matlock. Bob’s group went via Groaning Tor, Black Rocks, High Peak Junction, and the Cromford Canal (10 miles).
To underline the early Christmas flavour we even witnessed Santa’s parade in Matlock town centre! Thanks to you all for your fellowship and friendship through the CRC in 2001, and to Bob and Janet for a A1 weekend in the White Peak.
David Lambert - Blackburn
Thurlby 14 – 16 December (All Grades)
(Pre Christmas Event )
We had sole use of this converted forge on a self-catering basis. On Friday evening the log fire, mulled wine and mince pies provided a very warm welcome.Saturday started crisp, and for the 24 of us there was a choice of three walks, including a shorter one for those involved in the preparations for the evening. Two started from Rutland Water with a linear walk between Oakham and Stamford.
The area also included several pretty stone villages (with handy village greens for coffee or lunch stops) together with a number of muddy fields!
The walking gave us an appetite for the evening’s festive five-course feast. This severely tested the extent of the hostel cutlery and plates. A bonus was the turkey left for sandwiches the next day.
On Sunday morning the dining room was transformed, and we were able to continue our fellowship with a service together. After coffee and more mince pies, there were two more local walks on offer, both finishing via teashops before departure.
A number of people worked hard to make the weekend a success but special thanks to Geoff, and also to Bob for the catering.
Sylvia Shaw
The next newsletter is due to be published in April 2002. Please send items to the newsletter editor by 10 March. Please include your name even if you wish them to be published anonymously. Weekend reports should be no longer than 200 words, for long weekends and major events longer reports are welcome. The editor may reduce or change reports if required.
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