Newsletter
January 2003
Reports
Kentmere
19 – 22 September
Hard
Camping Barn
Does the thought of using a camping barn fill you with dread? Does camping bring back memories of wet tents and guy ropes that trip you up, whilst barn brings a cold shiver to one's spine …… broken windows, and draughty doors with furry creatures running about the floor? Not in this instance - this barn was warm, well lit, and draught free, the only requirement being that one needed to bring a sleeping bag.
Friday's walk (this was a three day event) was following in father's footsteps. Dad in this case was the author and walker Wainwright. This was a remote and isolated part of the Lake District; so far from the madding crowd that it was possible to find peace and quiet, unusual in so popular an area.
Saturday saw us walking in more familiar areas with good visibility making it possible to identify some of the well known peaks, such as Helvellyn and Great Gable. Our evening meal was a communal affair, so on arriving back I was presented with a big wooden spoon (!), and informed that I would make a good stirrer!! (Me, a stirrer!) of the large cooking pot (cauldron).
Our chef (leader) keep on muttering a mystic incantation and adding ingredients to the pot - a twist of this, a hand full of that, a pinch, a shake of something else - I was concerned, no worried, about what we were about to eat. I had been informed that this was to be a vegetarian meal, but still I checked that it was free of wing of bat and leg of toad. Also that the only brooms were of the plastic type, and not made of hazel twigs and willow, that there was no large black pointed hat in the corner of the room, and that our leader had arrived by car rather than flown in! Well the meal was very good; I was told it was chilly but to me it seemed rather hot!
So just a thought to our artistic members about holding a event in a camping barn - they could have a barn dance, a hoe-down, a hay down, a Ceilidh (kale, ley), or a harvest festival. If they were few and without a leader, then a combo would be their music and all that jazz. If they were more numerous and well orchestrated, they could combine, and band together. I am sure this would make a re-threshing wheat end. Many thanks to Nicky.
Leader:
Nicky Easton
Report:
George Clowes
Castle Hedingham
27 – 29 September
Cycling
C
ould anything be half so much fun as messing about on bikes? A
dirty dozen met for the Saturday tour S
unday saw the magnificent seven stay for a second circuit T
ea shops were bagged en route for their collection of ‘Spillers’* L
anes and quiet country roads were ideal for cycling E
ssex / Suffolk countryside – but not a haywain in sight
H
ard hats and fluorescent flashes announced our arrival in huddled hamlets E
veryone out enjoying exceptional September weather D
isused railway station now welcomes visitors to Clare County Park I
n the teashop’s inglenook the only lack was angel cake (but who had the walnut? N
o injuries (except for some blistered knuckles) G
ood company with other cycling groups and weekend hostellers H
um, rattle, and whirr of derailleur gears, chain sets and a squeaky wheel A
farewell stop at the Magnolia Tea Rooms before the long journey north M
emories of misheard song titles** and a medieval siege, blackberrying and Che Guevara to help me on my way ….. Not forgetting Caroline and Sara for organising a delightful and relaxing weekend.
* The Causeway Tea Cottage, Finchingfield; Timothy’s Tea Shop, Clare; Magnolia Tea Rooms and Buckleys, Castle Hedingham.
** Wendy’s Game turned ‘Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep’ into ‘Cheeky, Beaky, Peek, Cheep’.
Leader:
Caroline Smith
Report:
Jim Rogers
Middlesborough
Conwy
4 – 6 October
Moderate
A small but enthusiastic group met for autumn ambling in Snowdonia. Saturday dawned with low cloud and poor visibility. Hence the planned scenic route over the coastal ridge was changed following a hastily convened consultation of the map on a rain-swept street corner. We resorted to 4 wheels and headed off for Betws-y-Coed. The day continued with grey skies, but the rain subsided and we enjoyed a relaxing walk around the forests including frequent encounters with cyclists. This concluded in true CRC style by a trip to a teashop and other places of ‘interest’! (As a clue think retail and rail!!)
Steve led a thought-provoking evening on the theme of encouragement and we were delighted to be joined by a Christian couple who were staying in the hostel.
Sunday was, in complete contrast, beautifully warm and sunny. This allowed us to have a scenic walk around the Great Orme and lazily to eat our lunch whilst gazing out to sea…. Wonderful - summer was back!
Thank you Steve for the caring, flexible, and conscientious way that you led the weekend - we all really appreciated it.
Leader:
Steven Graham
Report:
Janet Harris
Derby
Hathersage
18 – 20 October
Moderate
Most reached the Hathersage country house on Friday evening, travelling from as far afield as Brighton and London. Saturday saw a beautiful day, which began with the frost of a clear-skied night. Joined by a few day-ramblers, we walked through the village and Bronte land up to Stanage Edge. Blue skies and convivial chatter took us up to the gritstone edge from where our lunch stop gave us a view over the Peak District – Hope cement works in sight! A cream tea in Hathersage and a look around outdoor shops ended the walk.
On Sunday, after another early morning frost, bacon and eggs sizzling and much packing of sandwiches, we walked up to St. Michael’s Church. There was an invitation to partake of coffee and biscuits after the service. The climb up Win Hill was under cloud. Sheep took a fancy to my elevenses on the top, but the rain kept off until the end of the descent.
Those ramblers who were not already making tracks home after a refreshing weekend away held a last tea gathering in the High Peak Garden Centre.
Leader:
John Taggart Report:
Mary Bill
Sheffield
Borrowdale
19 – 26 October
Moderate / Hard
A week in the Lakes
(please fill in the blanks with the names listed at the end)!
Along a twisting road, beside a tumbling stream through dark dampness we arrived at Borrowdale Y.H. The day of scheduled rail strikes extended some journey times to 12 hours with 6 train changes.
Now where was that church? _____________ _____________, drove four circuits of Keswick to answer that question. Some settled for a gentle walk through Grisedale Forest and on the Whinlatter Pass, surprised by views of the Irish Sea and Scotland, endeared by grouse and shrew. The hard core element went to tackle Siddaw, all in an afternoon!
On Monday it was lucky ___________ ____________ knew the Red Pike loop like the back of his hand as he had the wrong map. With driving rain wind and snow __________ ___________ exclaimed enthusiastically that it was a ‘a flat hat day’. ( It still had a metal stud and was by appointment to HRH Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth) Group two walked by the Canada geese that swam on Buttermere, and then scrambled up the spine of Fleetwith Pike surrounded by bursting waterfalls and a hundred shades of grey. Perhaps only _____________ ___________’s dog was thrilled by the extreme outdoors. Steaming around a wood burner at the Honister Slate Mining Museum before descending to the hostel, later to wile away the evening playing cards. Early days, so creative rule making, blind mans’ chances and the two decks were frowned upon by _____________ ___________ amongst others.
Only day three, three young men ____________ _____________ , ___________ ___________ and ____________ ____________ declined walking in favour of SHOPPING in Keswick! Some walked the Borrowdale Jaws via Grange and the Watendlath tea shop. We walked up rivers coming down - the pure wet making the burnt orange and gold of the grass glow more fiercely though the dull light. Others walked Great Gable, omitting the traverse due to poor visibility, “Just follow the path but make sure it is going in the right direction” chuckled _____________ _____________. _____________ __________ delivered an engaging slide show of his experiences in India that evening.
‘Gale force winds, thunder and lightning, rain and snow at high levels’ read the forecast for the next day. Duly ________________ ____________ and ____________ ____________ went this thunder and lightning on Scafell Pike. ____________ ____________ led others up Cat Bells, High Spy and Maiden Moor where stunning 360º views were swept repeatedly by sheets of fast moving hail curtains. We huddled in the lee of a rocky outcrop for lunch, begain exploring disused slate workings and collapsed in the arms of the Rosthwaite pub for scones, tea, and hot chocolate. Followed immediately by free flowing mulled wine and cakes as Norman Crouchley OBE was launching the Borrowdale YH appeal back at base. We were bussed off to Derwent Water for supper that night.
Thursday saw snow on the peaks, ____________ ____________ and ____________ ____________ went to Keswick by boat and foot. A team headed for Glaramara, and ____________ ____________, (who now has all the gear) and ____________ ____________ keep low thank you and explore a desolate Lonstrath Beck Valley.
One day more, and the water had really risen, ____________ ____________’s group removed a lot a gear to cross a flooded tributary en route to the Derwentwater ferry, scattering sheep to the tides as they went. ____________ ____________ was left behind enjoying a leisurely morning coffee. Was that him on Cat Bells? Or on that bus? Or mellowing in some teashop? …. Well he still caught up with the group by the lakeside! Rathbone’s did a roaring trade in fleeces that afternoon as CRC descended on Keswick, ____________ ____________ enjoyed a birthday meal in Rembrantdts’, naturally after scaling some peak or other.
The drying room was full to overflowing, like the rivers, and provided some entertaining confusion. “I wondered why my waterproof trousers were slipping down all day” remarked ____________ ____________. “These must be yours then!” grinned____________ ____________ .Adding “But they felt alright on me!”
Children no longer running amok underfoot, we circled the log fire for a last evening of games, thoughts, and more mulled wine, expertly prepated by our chef ____________ ____________ with friends.
Thanks to Jane for her leading us all despite her initial speechlessness, the planners, individual walk leaders, also our friendly hostel manager. We had a really wonderful time.
Leader:
Jane Wood Report:
Sylvia Petrie
East Sussex
Neil Honor Stephen Bennett
Chris Lawrence
Roger Winterburn
Peter Whale
Geoff Spiller
Nikki Cope
Jane Wood
Nigel Smith Clive Goodman
George Clowes
John Martin
Peter Whale
Simon Powderill
Jane Wood
Roger Winterburn
Joan Smith George Clowes
Peter Whale
Roger Winterburn
Pauline Summers
Sylvia Petrie
Peter Whale
Neil Honor
Welsh Bicknor
8 – 10 November
All Grades
Bonfire Event
Can God turn the weather on and off like a light switch? It certainly seemed that was exactly what was happening beside the Wye Valley, in our favour. As walking commenced the weather was dry, and after our return to the hostel the downpour continued.
An excellent planned programme of walks was organised by the tireless Jane, providing a wide choice of walks, the majority including the famous Symonds Yat and Goodrich Castle.
The hostel, full to the brim with club members, stood out for its excellent standards in decoration, meals, and the dedicated hostel staff led by the very enthusiastic warden.
An evening celebration of fireworks and bonfire was enjoyed by all, with the weather behaving enough not to spoil the fun. The hard work of those putting the event together under Geoff’s leadership was well appreciated.
Remembrance Sunday was observed in Monmouth; after joining the Cenotaph Service a disbursement to a choice of churches prevented our swamping out one fellowship with 70 people. The beauties of the Forest of Dean in autumn were available for us to explore after the church services. Many thanks to the leaders and here’s to another visit, in springtime maybe?
Leader:
Geoffrey Payne
Report:
Malcolm Savage
Brighton and Hove
Llwyn –y-Celyn
22 – 24 November
Moderate/Hard
Brecon Beacons
Most of the party arrived at Llwyn-y Celyn YH on a dark and dismal Friday night in pouring rain. The incessant rain drumming on the rooflight in our sleeping quarters all night reminded me of sleeping under canvas, but without the discomfort of lying on the ground. Somehow, it didn’t seem quite right! The hostel was positioned near the bottom of a valley, and I was pleased to see my first glimpse of the Beacons on awakening – very impressive.
Needless to say, by morning the rain had stopped. We travelled by car to the start point of the first day’s walk north of the hills, through very narrow and twisting water-filled lanes which my passengers might kindly describe as full of thrills, but fortunately not spills. We soon set off with what became our leader’s familiar directional instruction – a wave of his stick in the approximate direction with the cry “Tally ho”.
After skirting around the base of the first hill we started the climb upwards to Corn Du noticing that the track disappeared into dense mist – more on the mist later. There were two other largish parties walking the same route which led to a bit of confusion from time to time, and the rapid counting of heads to make sure nobody had escaped to another group. I had thought that the walk had its highest point at the start of the mist. Not so. The mist was cunningly hiding the final steep ascent to the top of the flippin’ hill! I’m a relative newcomer to walking, and never having had experiences with mist before it taught me not to make assumptions in such conditions.
We hill hopped two or three more times taking in, amongst others, Cribyn and Pen y Fan before descending, and returning to the hostel - more thrills/no spills – where we recovered with refreshing bucket loads of tea, followed by the evening meal culminating in some excellent sticky chocolate pud and custard.
A late-ish start on Sunday, started with a service at Brecon Baptist Church followed by a relatively level, albeit high walk beginning at the Mountain Centre south west of Brecon. The best parts were finding an elusive standing stone (it could have just been any old rock though - don’t tell Jenny!) and the fantastically beautiful sun-lit view across the Usk valley.
A great weekend’s walking thoroughly enjoyed by all – thanks David.
Leader:
David Scott
Report:
Keith J Clifford
Leicester
Jordans
29 November – 1 Decembe
Easy
The soggy weather was no impediment to the considerable enjoyment of the 16 people who chose to spend the weekend in a wooden cabin with an outside loo and shower (even if they were centrally heated!), on the edge of the Chilterns. It was almost a girl’s weekend away, with only two males present, although two more men joined for the day on Saturday.
After a pleasant walk the preparation of the Saturday evening meal was an excellent opportunity for team building with notable contributions from: Ann – chopping carrots; Anthony – straining cabbage; and Lorraine - making both the gravy and the custard (but not in the same pan), thus proving that the team will respond to an excellent leader, particularly one who can provide a hot roast dinner with apple pie to follow!
The planned walk to Gold Hill Baptist Church on Sunday morning was abandoned when torrential rain forced everyone into cars. However, the sun came out after the service, so everyone rushed back to the hostel, donned their walking gear, and set off on a short walk, ending with a cup of tea back at the hostel.
Thanks to everyone for making it such an enjoyable weekend, by mucking in and doing their bit.
Leader:
Christine Sherriff
Report:
Various
(including the editor)
Bradwell Village
6 – 8 December
All Grades
Music and Art Event
20 people met at Bradwell Village with the raw materials to be creative. By the end of the weekend we were I think, all amazed by the rich and varied experience of art and music making.
We also enjoyed two five mile walks organised by Alison: on Saturday we saw the concrete cows and Bradwell Abbey and some spotted a real heron; on Sunday we walked around Willen Lakes in the biting wind, warming up afterwards in the café.
The group divided equally between the artists and musicians; with Christmas card making and watercolours in the dining room whilst folk, classical, carols, and hymns were happening elsewhere.
On the Sunday morning we combined our gifts in a moving act of worship, with individuals and groups contributing items around the theme of advent.
It was refreshing to spend time aside from busy lives to reflect on Gods glory expressed in nature, music and the visual arts.
Special thanks go to Sue and Mavis for preparing a delicious meal for us all on Saturday. Also to Phil for his hard work and for the hilarious group chanting item – ‘Geographical Fugue’. Thanks to those who helped facilitate the music and art, and we hope that this event will be repeated again.
Leader:
Philip Nalpanis
Report :
Bridget Burke
South Midlands
Litton Cheney
13 – 15 December
Easy / Moderate
A Tale of Three Hardys
Even in the winter mists Litton Cheney welcomed the dozen who had braved the A35, and as soon as our resident firelighter had applied himself to the log burning stove, the former cheese factory was as warm as a mozzarella madras. On Saturday Sue Edwards led a party which included local day walkers on a brisk 9 mile bimble from Abbotsbury up to Hardy’s Monument (787 feet) which commemorates the 19th Century admiral to whom Nelson spoke his last words. Descending from these sublime heights we passed through Hell’s Bottom to the village or Portesham, and back to Abbotsbury along a disused railway line, closed on 1st December 1952 to all traffic except cows. Perhaps Dorset should also be known as ‘slurry by the sea’!
On Sunday we visited Dorford Baptist Church in Dorchester to join in fellowship, communion, bible study and coffee. This reduced the afternoon ramble around Puddletown Forest nature reserve to just five people, who were rewarded with visits to Thomas Hardy’s birthplace (Lower Bockhampton) and, having narrowly avoided the fate of transportation to the colonies for damaging one of the county's key bridges, the graveyard where his heart is buried, along with both his wives (Stinsford). Sue again led the way and kept us far from the madding crowd of nettles that her earlier recce had discovered under the greenwood tree.
Our thanks also go to Malcolm who handled the bookings, and to Julie, our non-walking captain who organised the victualling. And the third Hardy? If you had seen us playing killer on the skittle alley after our sumptuous Christmas dinner at the White Horse, you could have joined in the chorus ‘that’s another fine mess you got me into’
Leader:
Julie Excell
Report:
Derek Potter
Eckington
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