Newsletter
November 2003
Reports
10 of us met up
on the Friday evening at this seaside resort on the
On the Saturday we caught the bus east to Burnham Deepdale for a linear walk back. We had a quick look in the church with its round Saxon tower, before heading off along the coastal path in the brilliant sunshine, past salt marshes covered in a haze of purple sea lavender. We were joined by one more walker at Brancaster where we stopped for tea and scones in the garden of the old Police House. We went on to Thornham for lunch in the churchyard where our 12th walker joined us. Our walk back took us past a stretch of water that harboured numerous ducks and their chicks, and then back over the golf course through the nature reserve of Old Hunstanton and a stop at a beach café for more tea and cakes. This was followed by a paddle in the sea for most of us and a few went in for a swim.
On Sunday morning we attended the Union Church just up the road from the hostel and were given a thought for the week: ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ 2 Corinthians 12 v 9. Afterwards we drove out to Burnham Overy Staithe for lunch in the harbour and another linear walk. This time we went east, along the sand dunes to Holkham Gap and up into the parklands of Holkham Hall, just in time for a farewell cup of tea.
Many thanks to Judy for organising this brilliant weekend.
Leader
Judy Jones
Report
Sharon Priest
I attended the Keswick Convention for the
first time this year and so was not really sure what to expect.
I was very pleasantly surprised! The Convention ran over three
weeks this year and consisted of seminars, bible readings, prayer
meetings and an evening celebration service each day. All
of this took place in the lovely town of
The bible readings were based on the book of
Hosea, and were lead by Vaughan Roberts, Rector of St Ebbes in
The morning programme concluded at lunchtime
each day, enabling people to have the afternoon free. We
would then reassemble for the evening celebration. During
the free afternoons a variety of walks were arranged in the
spectacular
Accommodation was arranged in the hostel and two houses in the town. Those staying the houses kindly invited everyone back for coffee each evening and a takeaway meal was arranged on the last evening.
I found the event both stimulating and very enjoyable, and liked the mixture of bible teaching, prayer, and praise, combined with the opportunity to explore the Lakes.
Leader
Geoffrey Payne
Report
Jane Merrifield
We arrived at a cloud shrouded and sodden, yet beautiful, St David’s youth hostel on the Thursday evening.
By the start of the first walk the weather
had cleared and we were blessed with beautiful sunshine and
fantastic views. We walked from Newgale to Solva, where we
stopped for lunch. The sometimes testing route provided
outstanding views of the harbour, and of the rugged coastline
with impressive rock formations. Other features during the
walk included seeing a peregrine falcon, various ancient forts,
and limekilns. During the afternoon we walked on around the
peninsula via
The next day we took the bus into St David’s,
where a day visitor joined us increasing the number of walkers to
eight. We walked westward from St David’s picking up
the coastal path where we had left it the previous afternoon, and
on to Porth Clais where there was a varied selection of boats.
After a further climb we stopped for lunch overlooking
Our evening’s cultural entertainment was attending a performance of Shakespeare’s ‘A Comedy of Errors’ in the ruins of the Bishops’ Palace.
On Sunday morning we had a brief early morning walk to the beach before attending the Presbyterian Tabernacle Service, where we were given a very warm welcome. By the afternoon the temperature had soared and we all decided to relax on the beach. All too quickly this superb weekend came to an end and we had to leave this beautiful area.
A special thanks go to Mary for leading the weekend.
Leader
Mary Griffin
Report
David Allen
It was hot, very hot, and the normally spectacular scenery just faded away in the haze. It was too hot for walking and more the sort of weather for sunbathing. However for CRC members, thanks to Jane Wood who marched us up and down several mountains, we did manage to get up into the hills, and enjoy the silence and the solitude on such a perfect day. A few even managed an extra leg, up to Cadair Bronwyn which was like heaven, as was a pint in the Blue Lion at Cynwyd – almost next door to the youth hostel which we were not staying in. For thanks to our friends in the YHA this event was shifted from Cynwyd to Llangollen. Llangollen was a large hostel, formerly some rich industrialists pile set in copious gardens and woods.
On the Saturday we attempted Arenig Fach - normally this would have been a doddle, as Fach means small; but in the searing heat only one person made it to the top. The day was redeemed by a trip to Bala, first to see Stella’s new International Youth Hostel (next stop Bangkok), then for a swim in, and shower and barbecue by, the lake, courtesy of Bala Sailing Club, again thanks to Stella.
On the Sunday we went to church - as one does – then a short walk, and then a long drive home. We were greatly indebted to Jane who kept her cool in the hot conditions, even when it was too hot to think, as none of us would have got up any of these mountains without encouragement from her.
Leader
Jane Wood
Report Stephen David
Three travelled by car to arrive Friday
night staying until Sunday night, one person arrived earlier,
Thursday night and had to leave Saturday night, two others joined
for the Saturday day walk.
Upon arrival at the hostel (located high on
a hill within a castle overlooking Swaledale with views of many
rabbits), we found it as a whole very clean, all rooms
comfortable/cosy, kitchen big and well equipped, 3 course meals
delicious, hospitality and staff customer service absolutely
excellent! They catered to our every wish – moving our table
to a better view, lighting up of a log fire in the quiet room as
we felt a bit chilly, delightful conversations with friendly and
welcoming staff who had a lovely sense of humour, offers of wine,
extra food servings.
On Saturday morning we left Grinton Lodge
and headed towards Reeth Bridge, Cuckoo Hill, Fremington Edge,
Booze, Booze Common, Scar House, and Langthwaite, returning on
river path to Reeth, and then treated ourselves to viewing a
church garden, craft shop and an ice cream in the town, before
heading back to the hostel.
On Sunday morning we set out for Muker, then
via the River Swale - viewed a dipper bird and enjoyed a lovely
time of worship, prayer, reading and sharing led by Val. Thereafter
we headed for Jingle Pot Edge, Botcher Gill Gate, Swinner Gill,
returning to Muker. Throughout we were blessed with clear
and sunny skies.
Swaledale has many wild and lonely hills,
just scattered farmsteads, field barns and a handful of small
hamlets. It enables a person to feel very close to nature, to
focus on God and appreciate His creation, power and sovereignty
and also to reflect on one’s own thoughts.
Highlights
A well done and big thanks to Val for all
her organising, hard work, generosity, support with transport (I
would not have been able to come otherwise) and for taking great
care of us over the weekend. Her excellent navigation/leadership
skills enabled everyone to relax and enjoy all the marvellous
views/scenery. The well planned walk routes enabled us to see so
much extra scenery and beauty resulting in a brilliant weekend of
sun, quality fellowship, spiritual conversations and enjoyed
walking.
Overall, everyone had a fantastic time!
Definitely well worth revisiting Yorkshire Dales, particularly Swaledale
for further exploration.
Leader
Val Breeze
Report
Sharon Tamblyn
Arrived in the early evening with Sheila to
a friendly and welcoming hostel run by Richard and Jaida, met up
with two other members Wendy and Stephen.
On Saturday three other members from
On Sunday morning we were made welcome at
On Monday we drove to Reculver, then hiked
miles along the coast and across countryside.
Stephen was a considerate leader and I felt
very welcome on my first weekend away.
Leader
Stephen David
Report
Maureen Martin
Boggle Hole
22 – 25 August
Easy/Moderate
In the dark, figures made their way slowly
across a wooden bridge and down steep steps, clutching small
torches and carrying heavy loads. They were neither
smugglers nor lost ramblers, but late arrivals at Boggle Hole
following the usual route to this secluded hostel. But the
warm welcome by the hostel staff did not end their journey.
A lantern-lit path of 48 steep steps rose up the hill to their
dormitories in the Annexe …..
Saturday morning brought a clearer view of
the hostel’s old mill building at the head of a cove, and
good weather for the two walks, which both began by travelling
one stop on the North Yorkshire Moors
Railway from Levisham’s beautifully preserved station to
Newton Dale. The walks were largely through woods, which
one group liked so much that it explored them in depth, forming
an “expetition” in the style of Winnie the Pooh. But
everyone found their way to the beer garden of the Mucky Duck Inn
at
The heather-covered moors were the setting
for Sunday’s walk; again in warm sunshine, and in the
evening Janice Brett led a service at the hostel. The game
of “Boggle” in the Annexe afterwards was interrupted by
the fire alarm, forcing us all to climb down to the hostel and
back up again, but the game then continued unabated!
Our final walk on Monday was along the
coast, with people turning back at various points to start their
journeys home. Many thanks to the walk leaders and all
those who helped during the weekend, and above all to Gillian
Blake who organised this refreshing weekend for twenty-two people.
What
ho, chaps & chappesses! Saddle up your steeds, bring out your
ball gowns and prepare for the CRC re-colonisation of
Saturday kicked off with a slightly-brisker-than-first-anticipated
3˝ mile dash to the ferry before catching the bus along the
winding roads to Torcross. One half of the group headed
north to Slapton Sands taking a good look at the Nature Reserve,
avoided looking at the Naturists’ reserve, and heroically
rescued people from the mud. The other group aimed briskly
southwards along the cliff tops to Start Point, round the corner
to Langerstone Point, with a quick swim at lunchtime, and then
back inland.
Once safely back at the hostel, the
extremely helpful staff and other bemused guests watched as the
dinner jackets, monocles and sparkly dresses emerged to enjoy pre-dinner
Pimms on the lawn topped off by a smashing Indian takeaway. Long
live the Empire!
Trying to walk off the curry, on Sunday we
went north from Dittisham to Cornworthy and Tuckenhay. It
was a chance to marvel at
Bank Holiday Monday dawned with blue skies,
just perfect for a short walk before going our separate ways.
Shepherded from either end by men with walkie-talkies, we
meandered up and down the cliff path admiring the sailing boats,
local history, and scenery.
A splendid weekend, roll on next year!
Leader
Ruth Travis
Report
Anthea Rowe
After the heat at the start of the month, only six men arrived in Snowdonia for the bank holiday. Friday night was promising, unfortunately on the following morning; low cloud was visible without the need to climb out of bed. With Roger determined to complete “The Horseshoe”, a brisk start up the Bwlch-y-Moch (Pig Track) led to the foot of Crib Goch (Red Comb). Here the clouds parted to reveal glimpses of Llyn Llydaw. Pressing on in dry cloud, the ascent to the ridge was easy, but as we reached the more exposed sections of Crib-y-Ddysgl (Edge of the Dish), the mist turned damp. The final stroll up to the Trig’ Point on Garnedd Ugain was accompanied by the regular hooting of the Mountain Railway.
A wet and windy lunch on
Sunday began bright and breezy with the
arrival of Stella. The weather held for the drive to
Lunch on the summit ended with
disappointment, as the cloud descended over Carnedd Llewelyn.
Spectacular views over
On Monday David left early on his journey
home, and the five survivors piled into Bernard’s car for
the roll down to Pen-y-Gwryd. From thence began a long
climb alongside a stone wall through bog and heather. After
a mile a waterfall was crossed, the path became more distinct,
and the gradient eased. The weather was perfect for
walking, with scudding clouds in a bright blue sky, and only
From there we rolled down the same hill for the second time that day, only this time in Kevin’s car. We all headed east from Pen-y-Gwyrd, the route home for some led through Bala, but that is a whole other story.
Report
Bernard Spears
Barn Dance
Weekend.
Ah yes, another CRC Barn Dance at Cliff
College; but this one was, nevertheless one of the best, due to
exceptionally favourable weather, well-appointed accommodation
and ideal location (National Park / good transport links).
Attendees came from as far as Kent, Hampshire and Aberdare. But
where were the rest of you? - bit of a downer to learn of several
unfilled places.
Saturday's walks, all commenced from
The Saturday night Barn Dance was energetically called and accompanied by a live band. (Impressively, they had composed some of the music themselves). A select party from the college enhanced our dancing numbers.
On Sunday, some churched at Eyam, and others
in and around Bakewell, before undertaking afternoon walks and
then heading homeward.
Congratulations to all those contributed to an enjoyable weekend - particularly Julie Excell (Event Leader / Nibbles Selector), Steven Graham (Bookings Taker / Transport Coordinator / Loud Shirt Wearer) and Peter & Ann Arnold (Walks / Almost Church Service Planners).
Leader
Julie Excell
South
Kilarney and
Dun Chaoin
20 – 27 September
Moderate/Hard
“A misty white haze rose from the sea at this time, floating over the round-topped hills. The plants on the hillside were not without their own sweet scent. You need not stir from where you stood on the height to fill your lungs with the scented breeze, from whichever quarter it might be blowing. I used to wonder why city folk would make for a place like this, but I need not have wondered.” September 1921*
This excerpt expresses something of my
emotion whilst spending a week in Country Kerry. Thirty of
us enjoyed the splendour of the sweet air, hills, lakes, sea and
islands and the charm and courtesy of the local people.
This week also offered much choice to a
group that varied quite markedly in walking capacity!
Every day Andy Rook led a stalwart group of hard walkers up a
minimum of three peaks. Moderate hard, moderate and easy
walks were also on offer. Macgillycuddy’s Reeks,
Gap of Dunloe,
There were choices for those who didn’t
want to walk at all. For example - an exhilarating morning
boat ride in
From the hostel dining room at Dun Chaoin,
on the western tip of the
Many thanks to Robert and Wei Hei for
organising a week of such variety and interest, ensuring that we
were well fed, and enabling us join together in praise to the God
of creation in the Celtic Liturgy on our penultimate evening.
“There
is no doubt that the works of man are wonderful and what he has
accomplished all over the world, but look at what the great sea
has done with the power of God and it will make you ponder awhile.”
Spring 1920 *
Leader
Robert Kipling
Report
Evelyn Wilson
* from
‘
Ten of us cycled out from the City Mill (
The 43 mile Saturday route was hilly, so
refreshment stops were welcomed: Lilly Langtry's in Stockbridge,
and a delightful tearoom at Kimbridge where we sat next to the
river and watched the trout in the late afternoon sunshine.
In the evening we relaxed and enjoyed each other's company over
pizzas.
On Sunday a number of us chose to visit the
city's
Those who chose to cycle in the afternoon
then embarked on a challengingly contoured 25 mile round trip to Alresford,
where a late lunch was enjoyed at the Watercress Steam Railway
buffet. The serendipitous arrival of an A4 Pacific made
Geoff's day!!
A weekend of good
cycling and conviviality. Thank you!
Report
compiled jointly by several members of the group.
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