Newsletter
June 2003
Reports
Idwal Cottage
2 – 5 May
Hard
Simply Tryfic!
A group of around 11 hardened walkers met at
the quite luxurious youth hostel of Idwal Cottage by Llyn Ogwen.
Day 1 left us drenched. Our first day’s
walking began with a not so short, sharp-shock, of the steep
ascent up Pen yr Ole Wen. A clear and sunny start to the day,
gave us the advantage of amazing views of Llyn Ogwen and Tryfan.
By the time we reached Carnedd Dafydd, the weather had changed
dramatically. Wind, rain and even hail! Huddled in a
stone shelter for lunch drew us closer together. The hardier in
the group continued stoically over Carnedd Llewellyn, and still
managed to arrive back at the hostel before the rest of us who
had decided to take the short cut back to base! A shared
supper for nine around the table brought good fellowship and the
cementing of new friendships.
Day 2 was the highlight of the weekend for me. We made our way up the Western Gully and on to the top where we met “Adam and Eve”, though it was far too windy for any to attempt the jump between the two to gain the freedom of Tryfan. Then onto the Glyders, stopping for photos at the Cantilever Stone before facing very high winds on Glyder Fawr. Coming down Devils Kitchen we were met with rain, but thankfully we were soon back at Idwal Cottage for tea and Eccles cakes.
Day 3 was a gentle walk around Llyn Idwal
before our journeys home.
Thanks go to Duncan Parsons, Nicky Easton
and Margaret MacWilliam for organising such a superb weekend.
Report
Catherine Ganley
Leaders
Duncan Parsons and Nicky
Dear Friend
We had a great weekend on
Wasn’t the leader lovely: local,
enthusiastic, and skilled at navigation - so having to walk by
compass bearings wasn't a problem when the mist came down for a
couple of hours on the Saturday.
It was wonderful seeing the woods and
moors blanketed in blossom, wild orchids, bluebells, flowering
gorse and wild garlic. So many unusual birdsongs filled the air
too. It may have rained on and off all the weekend but the sky
cleared after each shower, leaving everything soft, fresh and
often sparkling. Quite amazing.
You are in my prayers and I hope that all
goes well. See you again before long.
God Bless
Leader
Martin Clarke
Report
Derek Fewtrell
If
anyone had been feeling any kind of stress they would certainly
have lost it over this lovely relaxing weekend. Although we
did some longish walks and climbed some pretty steep hills, there
was no strain, no rush, and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful
scenery and savour everything to the full. There were birds
and flowers to see, even late bluebells, peaceful woods and best
of all high sandy ridges full of heather and bilberries –
the lovely Quantocks- with views for ever, and a wonderful sense
of space and freedom.
Mostly we walked together but on Saturday we
split into two groups for the final 3-4 miles, one making for the
tiny station of Williton to go by steam train back to Crowcombe,
hard by the hostel, and the rest of us walking back home. Those
of us who walked had our chance next day to enjoy the fun of the
train ride as we all went to Dunster station (diesel not steam as
only two are allowed daily for environmental reasons). Here
we were able to sample an old fashioned bus to the village for
free – all part of the service. Then up to the heights
for a super walk over hill and dale, down to Selworthy in full
glorious sunshine, where we succumbed to temptation in the form
of ice cream made from sheep’s milk – very special and
delicious. Was this why we missed the last steam train back
from Minehead and had to get the last diesel train of the day?
Steam or not it was a pretty ride on the single-track line, with
coastal views in places like Watchet and a feeling of
timelessness.
We had our own service of worship and praise
later in the classroom of the hostel. We all thought it a
very nice friendly hostel – one of the best.
Most of us were able to stay long enough for a final days walk on Monday, up to the hills again – and one magic moment when we stopped for lunch by a beech wood with a little pond inside and watched as two horses and then a little foal came down to drink, quite unafraid - a lovely sight.
We rounded off the event in true CRC fashion
with a cream tea in the grounds of a big house before we all went
our various ways home. Thank you Ann for organising such a
happy weekend, I am sure we all felt renewed after such a wealth
of fresh air, fun and friendship.
Leader
Ann Arnold
Report
Doreen Peskett
Our party arrived at various times
throughout the Friday evening from all four points of the compass.
The hostel seemed a long way from all the traffic jams on the M6
and M62 that I had experienced just a few hours earlier.
On Saturday morning our party which by then
included some local CRC members climbed up the hillside at the
back of the hostel to reach Stoodley Pike and its towering
monument commemorating the Duke of Wellington and the Napoleonic
Wars. A number of us ascended the dark spiral staircase to
admire fine views of the
On Sunday morning after some logistical
discussion about service time we attended St Mary’s Church
in Todmorten to find they had no organist. However CRC came
to the rescue with our own pianist Stephen Bennett who
volunteered to provide musical accompaniment to the service on
the piano. After church a short drive took us to the nearby
village of Heptonstall to have lunch after which we were led by
Stephen (on foot this time rather than on the piano) up Grimsworth
Dean across the moor and followed Hebden Water past Hardcastle
Crags to the small village of Slack and returning to Heptonstall
. Our evening meal was kindly provided by Hannah and there
was a little pasta left over which a number of people enjoyed for
breakfast the following morning.
On Monday morning
Hannah lead a short walk from the hostel down into the valley and
long the
A big thank you
to Charlie and Hannah who led such an enjoyable weekend.
Leaders
Hannah and Charlie Pimm
Report Clive
Goodman
As 19 people, many with their own agendas
for Munro and Corbett bagging, converged on Loch Lochy youth
hostel in the Great Glen, George must have wondered if there
would be 19 separate walks each day. As it turned out, up to 5
walks day provided choices to cater for everyone’s whims
Getting to the walk start points often
involved driving several miles along very narrow single track
roads. One of these, on the way to Loch Arkaig, offered both
opportunities for pot holing whilst still in your car, and for
getting seasick whilst still on land due to the rollercoaster
effect. On the same road we appreciated perfect reflections of
mountains on the loch, and the rare sight of a pine marten, as
well as one of several stag parties spotted during the week. That
walk involved an extremely steep ascent (i.e. slog) up the face
of our objective, Sgurr Mor; then at the end of the day, Roger
set off briskly down the most direct route – precipitously
downhill – to a track, followed by all the party. We learnt
that the most direct route is not necessarily the best!
Another day, after climbing the two local
Munros by Loch Lochy, we were rewarded with superb views
stretching from
On the Sunday evening Dave and Pam led a
short service at the hostel. On other evenings maps were eagerly
studied, and the next day’s walks planned, while others
relaxed by talking, reading, or even playing chess.
Our midweek move to Killin gave some the
opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy in
For many the week’s walking was rounded
off with a visit to a teashop in Killin – almost unheard of
on Scottish weeks! – where the haggis toasties proved
popular, and then by an excellent pub meal on the Friday night.
Thanks very much to George for rising to the
challenge of making an enjoyable week for everyone – both
those who had specific goals, and those for whom this was a new
experience. Where are we going next year?
Leader George Clowes
Report Peter
Arnold, Julian Marsh, Phil Nalpanis
Scilly
Isles 13 - 21 June
Arriving at the Isles of Scilly by
helicopter, plane, or dolphin-escorted boat, we made our way to
one of the 7 various homes for the week. These included historic
cottages, apartments, campsites, and B&B - 8 locations if you
include one overnight B&B courtesy of the NHS.
We came to a land of clear green-blue
waters, big skies, spectacular sunsets and exotic plants growing
in the hedgerows - surely not the
Most mornings we gathered on the quay for
a ferry to take us to our next island to explore the footpaths
and sample the local fare. Each of the 7 islands is so different,
and all have a relaxed, gentle & almost innocent atmosphere,
where the birds hadn't seemed to have heard that they should be
timid. The birdlife was a treat, with a variety of sea and land
birds; the unusual plants delighted everyone; the seals
entertained, and swam with our snorkellers.
Scillonian evening entertainment included
gig races (boats - nothing to do with horses!), a boat trip
towards the incredibly huge Bishop Rock lighthouse to see
shearwaters, meals, and a concert by 8 from the Bournemouth
Philharmonic, and a less highbrow but hugely entertaining variety
show presented by locals.
Thank you, Julie, for organising such a
relaxing holiday, for leading all the walks, and for keeping
together the group of 30 people spread around Hughtown.
Leader
Julie Excell
Report
Diane Kingston
PS Friends
who were with me on the Scilly Isles will be pleased to hear that
tests on my return home have shown that the symptoms that
resulted in my being admitted to hospital whilst on the event,
did NOT have a serious cause. Thank you for your prayers at the
time.
Peter Allott
Six of us arrived
at
I must admit that
although looking forward to the weekend and wanting to learn the
basic skills very much, I was a little bit nervous. Over the
weekend we learnt about grid references, types of maps, using a
compass, symbols, and did a virtual walking experience putting
learning into practice.
Then on Saturday
each of had the opportunity to practice leading 2 x 1 mile
sections of a walk, which took us through Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-
Water and Icomb, and well yes the walk directions looked a bit
different from the map - but Jane kept us all on track .
On Sunday we
visited
It was a very
enjoyable weekend. I feel a bit more confident but need lots of
practice. I would recommend this weekend to anyone wanting
to learn basic skills. Thanks to Jane for her hard work and
patience.
Leader
Jane Wood
Report
Liz Nichols
The weather was
good, as was the company and the cycling! Covering a total
of about 70 miles, nine of us pedalled the leafy lanes of
It was a very
enjoyable weekend. Thanks to everyone who came, and thanks
to Caroline for leading the way!
Leader:
Caroline Smith
Report: Sara
Cooke
The group consisted of three leaders and five trainees who had been asked to prepare an easy/moderate walk in advance.
On Saturday morning Sue Edwards led a session on ‘Walk Planning’, followed by ‘Leadership Style and Group Management’ given by Val Breeze. Combining ideas produced a walk including Ivinghoe Beacon, and we trainees took turns in leading. Considerable studying of maps and discussions followed, including whether the Duke of Bridgewater’s Monument doubled as a trig point (undecided), and the leaders guided us through the pointers to look for.
Having had sole occupancy until then, we
were joined that evening by a group on a youth Alpha course, so
Julie’s talk on ‘Safety’ had to contend
with sounds of youthful exuberance next door!
Visiting Tring Baptist Church (free
doughnuts provided!!), resulted in one immediate membership
enquiry, and the walk following included Cowroast Lock and a tea
shop in Aldbury, There is a lot to think about leading a walk,
but the club’s experienced leaders will support you, so why
not join the next training event? Thanks to Sue, Val, and
Julie for leading and proving you can lead a walk by committee
– it just takes a lot longer.
Leader
Committee
Report
Roger Philpott.
A small group gathered at this secluded hostel in the Staffordshire Moorlands on a warm Friday evening. We were joined by 3 day walkers on Saturday and we set off walking from the hostel through dappled shade alongside the River Churnet, and then into open countryside where we battled with some overgrown footpaths and dilapidated (or non-existent) stiles to reach our lunch stop destination of Croxden Abbey – a magnificent and well preserved ruin once occupied by monks of the Cistercian order. After a photo-call we headed ‘home’ as the day grew hotter. 5 of us overnight ‘survivors’ enjoyed a communal meal at the hostel and a meditation on Isaiah 40.
Sunday
brought another hot sunny day and we walked from the hostel to
church in
Many thanks to
Leader:
ILFRACOMBE
and ELMSCOTT
Our group of 8,
which increased to 14 by the fifth day, benefited from 2 very
different hostels; both providing an ideal base from which to
walk a good deal of the majestic Devon and Cornish coastline,
from Trentishoe on Exmoor to Sandy Mouth in Cornwall.
Self or Youth
Hostel catering at Ilfracombe worked well and enabled a communal
evening meal and time together very much supported by the cheery
Lancastrian warden and his special diet expertise!
Mid-week. we
transferred to Elmscott, a volunteer run, small, rural and cosy,
converted schoolhouse. There we overlooked
Sue Edwards, who
had agreed to lead this holiday, only a few weeks previously,
following a YHA misbooking in
The walks were
spectacularly beautiful along the coastline, some days more
challenging than others, but all extremely interesting and
enjoyable, and celebrated of course, with a
The weather was
mixed, we enjoyed the sun and the rain, and encountered one
particularly heavy downpour, but were surprised to find a very
substantial and dry hut, built and cared for by the Playwright,
Ronald Duncan, and latterly, his daughter; just as we needed
shelter for lunch.
It had surfaced
as the week progressed, that several members of the group were at
a distinct crossroads in their lives. Shelter and stability
in the turmoil and uncertainties of our lives is so often
provided for by our dear loving heavenly Father, when we most
need, but least expect it. On the penultimate evening, in our
time of prayer and worship, Mary Salter read and expounded the
well known and very challenging but reassuring gospel story of
the Prodigal Son.
The wonder and
magnificence of the Devon and Cornish coast and fellowship shared
that week was indeed a most poignant reminder that, when we walk
with our Lord, and are experiencing our very human and earthbound
struggles; we are regularly reminded of His amazing Grace and
love that cannot fail to keep us close to Him.
Ronald Duncan,
the 'Shelter' Playwright, wrote - The Mongrel' - 1950
Oh do not ask me
who I am, for I would forget.
What I dare not
remember,
Running from my
memory with tired legs,
With His mercy
like an unclaimed mongrel,
Following, still
following.
Round and round
the lives I've lived in, and
At the deaths I
have not died,
And the more I
kick Him, the closer to my heel He lies.
And the more
terrible the tenderness of His eyes,
Which I recall
but will not recognise,
And must deny,
For were I
to admit Him,
He would devour
my heart and leave me with not part of it.
I hope this
reflects what a great week we all had.
Leader
Sue Edwards
Report
Catherine Chalmers
Twelve of us went to the
was conveniently close to King William's College, quite an
impressive place. We had single rooms, and cooked
breakfasts in the banqueting hall most mornings. Nearby,
Castletown centre was being transformed back to 1917, for the
filming of 'Five Children and It'. No more extras required!
Sunday: We joined congregations at Anglican and Methodist
churches, before
taking our first coastal walk, and found a Manx cat!
Monday: We bought our 'Explorer' tickets that allowed travel on
buses, trams
(horse and electric), steam train and Snaefell mountain rail.
A group of us did climb to the summit of Snaefell, while others
enjoyed the mountain railway.
Tuesday: We chartered a boat across shark infested waters (basking!),
to the
Calf of Man, where seals posed on the rocks. There was a
bird sanctuary to
the delight of our ornithological enthusiasts
Wednesday: Rained a lot! A few braved a walk, while others
travelled the island - sightseeing and visiting teashops!
Thursday and Friday: More coastal walking, enjoying the views,
quiet beaches, bird-life, and purple heather on cliffs.
Some of the footpaths were overgrown with gorse - not fun in
shorts! More walkers are needed to use the
We had a final group meal at 'The Viking' pub, which was a
popular eating
venue through the week. The Isle has many historical sites,
which we also visited, telling the 'Story of Mann' - Viking/Celtic
and Christian heritage. I would encourage others to visit
the
Leader Bob Floyd
Report Liz Tagg
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