September 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
Steps Bridge
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
Crowcombe Heathfield 23 - 26
May Easy
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
Mankinholes 23 -26 May Moderate
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
Scotland
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 All grades
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 snorkelers.
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
Stow
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
Sheringham 27
- 29 June Cycling
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
Ivinghoe 4 - 6 July Walk Leadership Training
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.
Dimmingsdale 11
- 13 July Easy / Moderate
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
Report Helen Beaver
Devon Week 19
- 26 July Moderate
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 mis-booking 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
Isle of Man Week 19 - 26
July Moderate
Twelve of us went to the Island, most by ferry, some by air. The airport
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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