November 2004
Reports
Kirby Stephen 30
April - 3 May Easy/Moderate
Psalm 23 for the May bank holiday in
He makes (10 of us) to lie down … in the Kirkby Stephen’s YMCA housed in a gorgeous re-purposed Methodist church. A quaint town full of cobbled streets and ducks in streams and an overnight stay for the famous ‘coast to coast’.
He leads us beside ... the
quiet waters of the
He guides us in the paths of … the Nine Standards on day one - a rigorous 9 mile walk along part of the coast to coast, climbing to a blustery 662 metres above sea level through (sheep), the Ewbank Scar and the Hartley Fell.
He restores our soul ... with great Christian company, reflection, worship (doubling the usual congregation on Sunday morning), fresh country air, aching muscles, and sheep! And, the failed opportunity to convert a famous UK Druid - but not for the want of trying.
He guides us in the paths of … the Smardale Viaduct from Ravenstonedale on day three as the remaining 5 set out for one more escapade amongst the sheep. This was a pleasant sunny ramble through Friarsbottom Farm, a part of the coast to coast, Brownbar Hall farm, lots of sheep and lime kilns, and of course the grand Viaduct.
The outcome: a great three days, a few aching muscles, and one bruised cheek (as Derek recklessly dragged the dandelion across his cheek for ‘a feel’!!! Or did he do it so the girls would rush to his aid and brush off the pollen?).
Leader Jane Ross (many thanks)
Report Rosemary
Cottrell
Coniston 30
April - 3 May Moderate/Hard
The May Bank Holiday weekend found six of us gathered at Coniston Holly How, close to the centre of this lovely village. This was not the original venue for this event, but having been evicted from Coniston Coppermines by Merseyside Constabulary (are club events really that bad?) we were to find t a pleasant, well run and friendly hostel.
Saturday morning found us joined by a day walker, and with the prospect of good weather we set off from the hostel to do the ‘Coniston Round’. Our walk coincided with a local Fell Race, and we were passed by many of these on the way up and watched the last of them pass the checkpoint at Swirl How. The summit of the Old Man was quite crowded with people enjoying the good weather, but our enjoyment of it was not impeded by this. A fine day’s walking with lovely weather.
On Sunday
morning we worshipped at the Anglican Church in Torver
and were encouraged to look for signs of God in every aspect of our daily
lives. Following the service we climbed
up past Goats Water to Dow Crag. From
here we were blessed with lovely clear views towards
Our evening meal was partly outside as we were all evacuated as a result of a fire alarm. Later some of the group set off to see the village and with the light fading managed to locate the grave of Ruskin in Coniston Churchyard.
On Monday some of the group departed, but those who remained enjoyed a walk up to Levers Water as well as the antics of Kevin and Rodger. Afterwards we enjoyed the coffee shops and book shops of Coniston before departing. A very enjoyable weekend and many thanks to Nick for organising it.
Leader Nick
Singleton
Report Kevin
Pryor
Littlehampton 14
- 16 May Moderate
To find Littlehampton YHA is not an easy exercise as it is tagged onto the end of the information centre in an area that has recently been redeveloped. However this minor inconvenience is more than compensated by its good facilities including en-suite bits and pieces. The majority of us were first timers, 4 out of 7, so it fell to Alison to give the low down on what to expect on a typical CRC weekend.
Perfect walking weather was with us on the Saturday, as we sauntered from Findon up to Cissbury Ring, an Iron Age hill fort, and then onto Chanctonbury Ring, also from the Iron Age. Before the great storm in October 1987 Chanctonbury was well stocked by beeches, and as we munched our sandwiches nearby it was plain to see that in time newly planted trees would bring this special place back to its former splendour.
Usually shouts
of “cars” are often heard on walks, but “bikes” were
the order of the day. The Brighton
Evening Argus had organised a challenge charity fund raising event for cyclists
over three days from Eastbourne to
The next day we
joined Littlehampton Baptist church at their family service and were warmly
received. Afterwards we travelled to
Arundel for the start of our walk along the River Arun
to South Stoke village. Travelling up
and through peaceful
Congratulations were in order to Alison for making this event so enjoyable, especially for the new members, by the sea and on the Sussex Downs.
Leader Alison
Edwards
Report Richard
Balmer
Rum
The
While Rum has
many nice easy low level walks with lots of birds, it also has higher craggier
walks, but it is its house,
Rum was acquired
by the Bullough family, with money made in textiles
(although from a humble background).
They turned the island into a sporting estate, having first removed the
locals, introducing deer shooting and fishing, and built
Leader Andy
Rook
Report George
Clowes
Honister Hause 9 - 11 July
Saturday saw us leaving Honister hostel in good weather making our way by Moses Trod to Beck Head. Traverse towards Boat Howe*, then a nice scramble by Longshoreman’s Arete* to the summit of Kirk Fell (*both of these names are derived from their shape, and were named by sailor who used to carry tobacco and brandy over the high passes through the hills to the local towns and villages). Descend from Kirk Fell by Bayscar Slack to Black Sail, then climb Haystacks by Scarth Gap. Return to hostel over Fleetwith Pike.
Sunday’s walk was from Seathwaite by Taylorgill Force to Styhead, corridor route to base of Broad Crag, then scrambling via South West Buttress to summit. Return to Seathwaite by Esk Hause, Allen Crags, and Glaramara. Final descent by Hind Crag. Many thanks to Bernard.
Leader Bernard Spears
Report George
Clowes
Golden sandy
beaches, stunning cliff scenery, and surfers, will be the abiding memory of
this wonderful trip to
Sadly Kathleen the event leader was unable to come due to illness which put a greater burden on Robin who coped very well.
Moderate
We travelled to
St Mawgan for the Sunday service, ending up at
different churches when navigating the windy lanes split the party up. In the afternoon the
Walks along the cliffs were organised for the rest of the week, but we had the option to do our own thing if we wished.
The Bedruthan Steps were spectacular, a mixture of arches and
sea stacks which stood defying centuries of pounding by the unmerciful
seas. Here you can find Queen Bess Rock,
which from an angle looks like the face of
We discovered many caves dotted along the shore and it is easy to imagine why this area was popular with smugglers. Blistered feet caused problems for a few of us, and Roger’s Compeed proved to be popular as did Nicola’s Ovaltine in the evenings!
A group visited the Eden Project, with its abundance of exotic plants under the impressive domes. The project has stated that its ideals are to promote a better understanding of differing cultures, praising the glory of nature, and celebrating man’s achievements, yet sadly no mention of the creator God.
On Thursday evening Robin acted as chef for the group BBQ; we thoroughly enjoyed local sausages and burgers, followed by fruit salad and ice cream.
Friday proved to be the hottest day, when we caught the ferry to Rock, and walked to Pentire Point, a beautiful stretch of coastline. Admiring kestrels and wild flowers en route we made our way to Endoc church with its crooked steeple, and found the grave of Sir John Betjeman.
On leaving the church we found ourselves traipsing over endless sand dunes, and felt that we could have a part in ‘Beau Geste’. However thanks to Roger’s navigation, we found our way back to the ferry.
Thanks to all who made it a wonderful week.
Leader Robin
Richardson
Report Peter
Edwards
Hawes & 31
July - 7 August Moderate/Hard
Langdon Beck
An initial group
of seven of us started our week’s holiday in the
Walks of around
12 miles followed over the next two days and we trekked up and down Dodd Fell
Hill, Drumaldrace, Great Shunner
Fell and Lovely Seat, the views when the cloud/mist lifted were lovely though
the terrain was quite rough underfoot and decidedly boggy in places. We also passed by Gayle Mill, one of the
sites vying for the coveted BBC Restoration prize/award. We also enjoyed the cakes at the tea shop
next to the Wensleydale Creamery and tried a variety
of cheeses that were available for tasting. 
The second half of the week was spent in the Durham Dales staying at the environmentally friendly Langdon Beck Youth Hostel (along with a group of teenagers - which drove a number of CRCers to the pub on at least one occasion). The food at both hostels was fine with Langdon Beck offering slightly less choice but often a second helping of the starter and/or main course, of which we took advantage. Sadly no seconds of puddings were available in either hostel. In fact the Hawes catering was of such a standard that on our return on the Friday night we all agreed that eating there was preferable to venturing into Hawes itself!
Walks in the latter half of the week included the highest peak in the area namely Cross Fell. More bog was again the order of several days and on the last day one member’s boot actually fell apart.
Many thanks to Jane for organising the week and leading the majority of the walks.
Leader
Report Susan
Bradley
Eight people arrived on the Friday at YHA Scarborough, a former water mill, with its infamous hairpin bend! Two more joined us on the Saturday for a nine-mile walk around Flamborough Head. The sun shone, clearing the sea mist and allowing wonderful views.
We had the usual stops for a CRC walk, including time for a paddle in the sea and an ice cream. Our final destination was the inevitable teashop.
Following the evening meal, and after a shared bible thought, everyone strolled along the prom. There, we spotted an unusual species along the beach. With their characteristic bright red markings, we identified the ‘United Beach Mission’ (UBM).
The day closed with an enjoyable game of Scrabble.
On Sunday we
attended
After sandwiches by the picturesque church and duck pond at Bempton, the group halved as some departed. A remnant of four continued for a five-mile circular around the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs. As well as “gannets galore”, we saw a northern fulmar and even two puffins - in August!
Thank you, Gillian, for leading a great weekend.
Leader Gillian
Blake
Report Neil
Ritchie
Stow-on-the-Wold 6 - 8 August Easy/Moderate
In over 10 years of attending club events this is the first time it has been men only - and this at easy/moderate grade! Fortunately Alison joined us for the day on Saturday when we walked parts of the Monarch’s Way, Gloucestershire Way, Wardens Way, Oxfordshire Way, and Diamond Way (perhaps there should be a CRC 25th Anniversary Way?)
This hostel must be one of the most visited by the club, so perhaps everyone goes to Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water? Funny how this was under 10 miles before, but nearly 12 miles when after, and what a scorcher! My mini-thermometer measured 34°C, but all had plenty to drink.
On Sunday we
attended a baptismal service at
Leader Kerrie
Flindall
Report Roger
Philpott
Lulworth Cove 13 - 15 August Moderate
I write as a first timer on a CRC weekend, which was aimed at new or potential members and described as moderate, so some of us were a little startled at the steepness of two of the hills, but as a Dorset girl, familiar with the Purbecks, I knew that whatever the struggle the stunning panorama at the top would be well worth the pain.
About 12 of us
walked a linear cliff top walk from Kimmeridge to Lulworth on a warm and sunny day, stopping at the deserted
On Sunday we
attended either the
Thanks to Sue for leading this very friendly and enjoyable event which provided excellent walking, some new friendships, and an introduction to the CRC.
Leader Sue
Edwards
Report Linda
Fry
This weekend contained some firsts:
a. the first led by Roger and Carole Langford.
b. my first “easy event.
c. my first not held in a youth hostel.
There were seven of us. Some met on Friday evening for a meal, then we all met for an orientation and introduction session at 9:30.
The accommodation was comfortable, clean, en-suite, with a choice of twin or single rooms. Breakfasts were plentiful and good, but evening meals were over-priced, and we ate elsewhere.
Saturday’s
walk, by riverside and woods, ended at 15:00 in
We met at 18:45 and drove a short distance for an evening meal at a motel cum restaurant, a suitable venue for an evening of pleasant company, all round one table.
On Sunday we went to an Anglican church and heard a heartening sermon in a service combining contemporary and traditional songs and prayers. After two of the party had departed on trains, we began a shorter walk including a park and woodland. We were back near the city centre about 14:00. I believe we all left feeling it was an enjoyable and worthwhile weekend.
Leaders Roger
and Carole Langford
Report David Young
August Bank Holiday
The weather was
just fine throughout the bank holiday weekend.
From the top of
The sand dunes
of Newborough Warren with the vast beaches were
enjoyed by us and many other people; with the
But the nicest thing about our bank holiday weekend was the fellowship of Christian believers, and that the Lord Jesus Christ was amongst us all then, and also when we have to go home for ever.
Thanks to
Leader
Report James Hobbs
Hunstanton 26 - 30 August Easy
We all met up, day walkers and boarders, outside Hunstanton youth hostel on a bright Saturday morning. The days walk was a circular nine miles to Ringstead and back via Holme, and along the beach to Old Hunstanton. I counted thirteen on the walk, and we all enjoyed the mix of countryside and coast walking, with manageable stiles and ice lollies at one point! We came back along the sand dunes approaching Hunstanton, and had a refreshing tea stop on the way, so I managed to put back all the calories I lost from the walking!
On the Sunday morning we worshipped at Hunstanton United Church, then drove to Burnham Overy Staithe, where we met up with our day walkers, two families with young children: Ray and Elaine with their two daughters, and Nigel and Joan Kinnings-Smith from Norfolk, with our newest member, their two week old daughter Amy (is this a record?). Amy was as good as gold, sleeping much of the time. Nigel’s little dog Pippa regularly came running back from her sorties, to make absolutely sure Amy was still in her pram.
For part of the
six mile walk we followed the
On Monday, those members not travelling back early enjoyed themselves walking around Sandringham Royal estate. All our thanks to Janice Brett for leading the walks and the event so expertly. Here’s to the next time!
Leader Janice
Brett
Report Christopher
Samuel
Liangain 30 August - 4 September Moderate
What should I
pack for a holiday in
Our walks began gently, increasing in difficulty over the week. But not only did this group walk, members also surfed, cycled, swam, and travelled by boat, bus and car. Travelling by car in the narrow winding lanes was an excitement in itself - confronted by a herd of rapidly advancing cattle, one driver had no hesitation in complying with the farmer’s polite request to move aside!
On Wednesday
most of the group visited
The Lleyn peninsula has a wonderfully remote feel and seems to be little visited by walkers. On our last day there most of the group attempted the toughest walk of the week, the climb up to Tre’r Ceiri hill fort and Yr Eifl. The panoramic view of the hills and sea from the top of Tre’r Ceiri was ample reward for the effort required. The top of Yr Eifl was much windier, so we were grateful for shelter in the stone circle on top, and in this unlikely location a CRC card was handed out to one of the few other walkers we met all week!
That same afternoon we walked along the coast and saw not only seals on the rocks below us but dolphins gracefully arching in and out of the sea near Porth Dinllaen.
Altogether it was a very varied trip. The good weather ensured that the luxury bunkhouse (dishwasher and stereo!) did not become claustrophobic and Sue’s careful planning enabled us to eat in on two evenings and enjoy local cooking for the remainder. Sue’s thoughtful preparation provided a very varied programme of walks and outings.
Leader Sue
Edwards
Report Janet Roberts
Woody’s Top 17 - 19 September Easy
“This is what a real hostel is”, was Doreen’s comment on this small out of the way hostel in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
On Saturday
morning three of us set out to cover an 8 mile stretch of the
On Sunday we made an early start on a nine mile walk starting and finishing at the hostel.
My memories of the weekend are of broad sunrises and sunsets, the lovely fresh openness of the countryside, the hares we saw, and the long rows of cows watching our every move as we walked along.
Thank you Peter for leading two lovely walks and providing us with a relaxing weekend away from the rush of the world.
Leader Peter
AIIott
Report Gillian
Britten
Cong and 18
- 25 September Moderate/Hard
Letterfrack, West of
Thinking of
The lack of character of the Cong hostel was made up for by the Letterfrack independent hostel we stayed at for the remaining four nights, which could have been a folk museum. Although we did have electricity, we spent the evenings warmed by candles and open peat fires, with the inside glow of fine vegetarian food morning and night.
At the Protestant Church of Ireland, we learned that the reason why there are hardly any paths in the hills is because it is more fulfilling to make your own way. Translated, we found that meant nobody much goes up there. The name “Boggyland” may seem a little unkind, but there really are rather a lot of bogs around. Nineteen of us were on the trip, with dog Oscar, who alerts his hard of hearing mistress to sounds, but he slept through the alarm because he was so tired from walking.
From Cong, we
walked in the Partry and
From Letterirack we tackled the Twelve Pins which go up to 729m,
and walked along the
Leader Robert
Kipling
Report Ken
White
Ingleton 8 - 10 October Moderate
Scrambling in the
An intrepid party of 7 negotiated congested motorways to eventually arrive at the hostel more than ready to break out of the congested hostel car park into the wild Yonder of the Yorkshire Dales.
The party was
joined by 3 day trippers including, unexpected joy, an Ingleton
local and fellow member of the Scotch-Irish fringe. The accent of
Gaping Gill (why named after a woman? Wouldn’t Gaping George have a better ring about it?!) beckoned, and 2 of the party ventured not to descend by the sadly not available normal chair lift, but to look down the gaping maw of the largest known pothole in the UK.
To make up for this, Sue nearly made a chair lift unassisted descent down another pothole. She was shaken. Could this be the meaning of the word shakehole’? It’s actually a ‘surface collapse feature’.
Sunday saw the
party route march from Ingleton along a Roman road,
and then up to the
Each day was rounded off at Bernie’s Potholing Emporium where tea was ordered not by the cup or pot but by the pint, and the weird diversity of equipment and apparel available to the potholing fraternity could be browsed.
Our grateful thanks to Maureen for heroic leadership (putting her white bootlaces at risk) and to Carolyn for her local walking wisdom (and wit!). We very much look forward to another event at Ingleton.
Leader Maureen
Davies
Report David
Lunn
Swanage 15 - 17 October EasylModerate
An awesome sight
of 3 rainbows arched over
With our numbers
augmented from 7 to 11 by Saturday morning when 2 couples joined us, we set off
in idyllic walking conditions along the chalky cliff coastline. We stopped for a brief visit at Durlston Head to see The Great Globe (3 metres in diameter,
weighing some 40 tonnes) made from local Portland limestone and showing the
world as in 1887. Exquisite views of the
English Channel and
The sheer
undulating cliffs of the
Two attempts were made to visit the new pier at Swanage - but as it was in total darkness on Saturday night, and time ran out Sunday morning, we just had a good “peer’ at it!
On Sunday
morning we all worshipped at the packed lively and modern
Afterwards we lunched beside Studland beach, before a final circular walk over the great chalk headland of Ballard Down with beautiful panoramic views, to visit “Old Harry and his Wife”. His cousins live apparently across the water at the Needles, lOW.
(If you should ever walk in the Purbeck Hills, you may still hear the plaintive cries of Edward echoing……. “I….. want…..a…..t ea…..shop!!)
Thank you Robin for such an excellent walking weekend.
Leader Robin
Richardson
Report Anne
Wilison
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