Newsletter

September 2004

Reports

 

Alfriston                    8 - 12 April                            Moderate

 
I was the first to arrive at the hostel, however by mealtime the majority of the group had arrived to sample the delights of the hostel meal. Alfriston Youth Hostel is a Tudor-beamed building close to the picturesque village of Alfriston in the Cuckmere Valley at the eastern end of the South Downs.

 

On Good Friday we set off from the hostel along the Cuckmere River to the village of Alfriston, where we briefly stopped to admire the village green and obtain provisions. We then headed up onto the Downs to Lullington Church to have a time of reflection on the events of Good Friday. We continued in the direction of Wilmington passing the Long Man, which is claimed to be the largest representation of a human figure in Western Europe. Our lunch stop was close to Wilmington before continuing to the tea shop in Jevington. On arrival we found the tea shop to be closed, however there was a pub nearby where Alison kindly treated us all to tea as it was her birthday.

 

Saturday's walk started at East Dean, passing along wooded tracks through Friston Forest to Exceat where refreshments (& cake) were to be found, before heading towards Cuckmere Haven where the Cuckmere River enters the sea, and along the Seven Sisters to Birling Gap. Although the weather had turned a little damp, everyone was keen enough to walk up to the redundant lighthouse at Belle Tout which was moved inland a few years ago to prevent it falling into the sea.

 

On Easter Sunday morning we attended the morning service at the local church in Alfriston after which we walked up onto Bostal Hill where over lunch we admired the para gliders. On Monday morning we drove to the Horseshoe Plantation car park close to Birling Gap and walked along the undulating cliff top path to Beachy Head.

 

A big thank you to Christine for organising such an enjoyable weekend.

  
Leader                        Christine Sheriff

Report                        Clive Goodman

 

Cheddar                    30 April - 3 May                    Easy/Moderate

 

Cheddar, Somerset was the destination

Lindsay the group leader with a smile

Improvised walks were his speciality

Approximately 1.3 miles was his average ‘mile’

 

On Sat we had a lovely walk above the gorge

Fantastic views we did see from the top

Then down Black Rock and along velvet bottom

With a lovely tea shop as the final stop

 

I missed the Sunday but others reported with glee

Of Lindsay’s miles and his singing so sweet

‘No egrets’ seemed to be the best he could do

And the rest managed ‘Rock of Ages’ as a special treat

 

On Monday the group trusted me to lead the walk

A beautiful day, with woods, views and Crook Peak

It tipped with rain just in time for lunch

But the whole experience set us up for the week

 

We all agreed as we sipped tea in Axbridge

That we’d had a lovely relaxing time away

And we appreciated both scenery and company

And hoped we would meet on another event one day

 

Leader                        Lindsay Shaw

Report                        Debz Strong

 

 

Once Brewed          31 April - 3 May                    Moderate

Hadrian’s Wall

 

Sixteen of us, including a family with two children, met up on Friday at Once Brewed Youth Hostel almost under the shadow of the wall. We were all looking forward to a weekend with a strong Roman history theme.

 

On Saturday we walked to Vindolanda after breakfast and spent the rest of the morning seeing some very interesting remains, some with hypocausts, and even a reconstructed watchtower. We then walked several miles to Housesteads, one of the forts along the wall. I found it hard to imagine how soldiers from warm countries (there were Syrians stationed here, apparently) managed with the Northumbrian weather!

 

Sunday’s activities started with a visit to the Roman Army museum. Here we viewed some films, including a ‘Your Country Needs You’ recruitment film. On the walk following this we saw some of the best-preserved stretches of wall, which were at times up to eight feet high. The scenery, which was a mixture of rather lonely farmland and moorland with some crags, helped make for a fine walk. Back at the hostel we sang hymns and listened to a very good talk on the segregation of races in history.

 

On Monday we started at Birdoswald and did a short walk before leaving. On the way we saw some men dressed as Roman auxiliaries doing a walk for charity.

 

Many thanks to Dave and Pam for their enthusiastic and well-prepared leadership of this weekend, which was such great fun.

 

Leader                        David Lambert

Report                        John Taggart

 

 

Ravenstor                28 - 31 May                           Moderate/ Hard

 

The hostel at Ravenstor is situated on a ridge overlooking the Derbyshire Wye valley.  The spring colours and especially the white hawthorn were still beautifully fresh in appearance and we could hardly wait to explore such wonderful surroundings.  The hostel was quite full, and included a merry and friendly group from Norfolk and an encouraging number of children and young people.

 

Saturday’s walk led us along the Limestone Trail to Tideswell and then on to Litton.  At this point the faster walkers in the group could go ahead and do a three mile extension.  After Litton we followed a beautiful path with wild orchids down into Tansley Dale, then continued through wooded Cressbrook Dale, full of wild garlic (quite an aroma!). We were then able to follow the River Wye through the cutely named Water-cum-Jolly Dale, back to Ravenstor.

 

On Sunday we drove to Eyam, and then walked up on the Edge with wonderful views northward to Hathersage and the Derwent Valley.  Descending from the Edge we met a man who was keen to show us his technique of peeling oranges.  After this we ascended Abney Clough and then down into Eyam again, where we encountered an impressive vintage car and its proud owner.  In the evening we were able to have our own time of worship and we are grateful to David Young and Stephen Bennett for leading this.

 

Considerably less people stayed for Monday’s walk but it was most enjoyable.  Starting and ending in Bakewell, we included Ashford-in-the-Water, Monsal Dale, Little Longstone and a lovely walk through rolling countryside back to Bakewell.  The four walkers who were able to linger made a visit to the Bakewell Pudding Shop, a delightful way to end a thoroughly enjoyable long weekend.  Many thanks to Chris Powell for organising the event and, along with Julie Excell and Bob Harris, for leading such splendid walks.

 

Leader                        Chris Powell

Report                        Richard Baines

 

 

Dartington                28 - 31 May                            Easy / Moderate

 

A fun weekend meeting some of the South West group and others (new faces and old!).

 

It was a quaint little hostel with a stream between the dormitories and the lounge (two separate buildings), and a cosy fire in the evening, run by volunteer wardens of which we had two over the weekend.

 

The Saturday walk was far enough for most of us, led by Arnold Cade over the open Dartmoor countryside and I think we even did Snowdon!  Saturday night was a themed event and people came dressed as a song, ‘Its raining men’, ‘Summer in the City’, ‘Green sleeves’ and ‘How much is that doggy in the window?’ produced some unusual outfits.  Well done Ruth for the enthusiasm that paid off.  We all then shared a lavish Chinese takeaway.

 

Sunday’s walk was led by Tony up and down dale around Dittisham, a picturesque village on the Dart Estuary.  Many of the party joined Ruth and Jenny at their church in Totnes in the evening before tucking into the remains of the Chinese meal from the night before.

 

Monday was a shorter walk in the rain led by Stephen, finishing by being invited in for tea with a family who were decorating.

 

Thanks to Ruth and for all who participated in making this a fun and memorable weekend.

 

Leader                        Ruth Travis

Report                        Daphne Stockwell

 

 

Braemar                    29 May - 5 June                Moderate/Hard and Hard

 

We enjoyed excellent walking weather during most of the week with just two wet mornings.  The hostel was full on several days with a school party from Glasgow.

 

On our first day most of us drove to the Glenshee Ski Centre and started by climbing The Cairnwell, the easiest Munro in the whole of Scotland, in 40 minutes.  We climbed another two before descending for lunch at the cars and did another two in the afternoon to make five in total.

 

Monday saw two groups walking in the Loch Nan Eun area where a lot of gulls were nesting on two small islands, the groups meeting up and ascending two further Munros together.

 

On Tuesday Peter Arnold slipped on a wet path about a mile from the start of the walk and broke his wrist; we all hope that he will make a good recovery.  In the evening we had a service led by David Lambert at the cottage rented for the week by Bob and Linda.

 

Wednesday saw the longest walk of the week to climb Ben Avon with its summit tors and Beinn a’Bhuird in the eastern Cairngorms; George used his mountain bike for part of the way, but the rest of us walked 25 miles, mostly on paths. A shorter walk was done in the Lochnagar area.   Mayar and Driesh were climbed in misty weather on Thursday, and Mount Keen (the most easterly Munro) on Friday.

 

We went out for a meal on our last night - many thanks to Jane Wood for organising evening meals on five nights, and to George for planning and leading a very enjoyable week’s walking

 

Leader                        George Clowes

Report                        Roger Winterburn

 

Peter has now got his arm out of plaster and with a bit of physio is getting the movement back.  Many thanks to the people who did the 120 mile round trip to Aberdeen to get him to and from hospital, and to catch the train home.

Ed.

 

 

Eigg                           5 - 12 June                            Moderate

 

Sunday morning and seventeen of us were strolling along Eigg’s “main road” from the jetty to the Glebe Barn Study Centre. Having settled in, Sue led us on a short walk through woods and meadows down to a nearby beach occupied only by grazing cattle, noisy oyster-catchers and thousands of seashells.

 

Our end of the island was dominated by the Sgurr of Eigg, a sheer pitchstone mass reaching 400m, connected to a basalt ridge with formations resembling the Giant’s Causeway.  Monday’s walk started with these and from the top of the Sgurr we had great views of the nearby islands, the mountainous mainland, and the distant Outer Hebrides. The day ended with an awe-inspiring sunset, like a vast orange silk sheet thrown across the sky.

 

On Tuesday we crossed to Rum for a coast walk. Rather larger than Eigg, Rum is a dramatic sight with its steep sides and forbidding range of peaks, almost always in cloud. By way of contrast, Muck, which we visited on Wednesday, is much smaller and gentler. Our walk took us past scattered little corrugated iron cottages and over orchid-covered hill-sides to a little beach, with the clock-work sound of corncrakes in the fields.

 

Thursday gave us sunshine and squalls chasing each other, while Eigg’s high central ridge, which we had planned to walk on, was in cloud. Some the group joined a local naturalist and had a very enjoyable guided walk. Friday – and the Singing Sands (they emit a quiet squeak if you shuffle along). A few went cycling and had the interesting experience of following Peter round a corner only to find that he and his bike had completely vanished – until he emerged from some bracken into which he had somehow plummeted.

 

What else to mention? Well, seals basking on the rocks as our ferry passed, lobsters, crabs and crayfish in the little harbours, ringed plovers on the beach, guillemots, cuckoos, butterwort, meadows full of yellow irises, and preparations for Eigg’s annual Ceilidh.  We had the warmest welcome at the Glebe Barn. The food lived up to all expectations  - mounds of warm home-made bread and rolls for breakfast and picnics, and excellent dinners in the evening. It was just as well that Maureen had opted for the “lighter” menu.

 

Many thanks to Maureen for leading a great week and for giving a thought each evening. Thank you Sue for the excellent programme of walks and trips. Thank you Lord for the good weather and your goodness.  (For more about Eigg see www.isleofeigg.org)

 

Leaders                      Maureen Davis and Sue Edwards

Report                        Chris Down

 

 

Winchester               18 - 20 June                         Special

Art Weekend

 

It was a select few, five in all, who met in Winchester’s Watermill Youth Hostel for a weekend of sketching and walking.

 

Part of the hostel building was a museum, and we benefited from the relaxing sounds from the active water wheel during the night.  It was a scrupulously run hostel with a warden who carried our bags and made our beds up.

 

The Saturday walk incorporated three painting/rest stops, depending on the individuals concerned.  Some beautiful art works emerged of the surprisingly varied scenery around Winchester.  We enjoyed a meal out at a Chinese restaurant in the evening.

 

The many different greens provided inspiration, as did the clear streams running through the water meadows.  We saw the latter on our Sunday walk after a service in Winchester cathedral.

 

Many thanks to Stephen David for the organisation and flexibility with regard to spontaneous stops.  We would love to see more people on a future art event, especially newcomers to painting and sketching as it was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction.

 

Leader                        Stephen David

Report                        Bridget Burke and Chris Lawrence

 

 

Alstonfield                25 - 27 June                         Moderate

 

Anyone who has ever stayed at Alstonefield will know what I mean when I say it was like 'home from home'.  A wonderful experience - many thanks to Fiona who kindly gave up her place for me!

 

With Friday's red sky I had high hopes for Saturday but alas, after meeting up with the day trippers, we donned our 'wets' for pretty much most of the morning which necessitated an occasional 'smile stop' to warm the cockles before a welcome picnic in a cave.  The afternoon was much kinder with tea and cakes in Hartington, and the highlight of seeing "some odd looking men in short pants waving handkerchiefs and hopping around in a rather disturbing manner" (anonymous).  Such was the excitement that half of the group decided to stay and bus it back (apparently it never arrived but that's another story!)  To round off the day, what better than a meal at the local where our leaders ended up with the best pud (must be a secret haunt), followed by the real highlight of 'footie on the box', complete with penalties!

 

Sunday began with worship at base before a tour of the local well dressings at Tideswell, followed by a lovely walk into Litton where we stopped for lunch and, yes, more scrumptious tea and cakes.  Now then Val, tell the truth, how many did you really eat, and how many went into your bag for afters?

 

Many thanks to Bob and Janet for a lovely weekend, it was very much appreciated.

 

Leader                        Bob and Janet Harris

Report                        Sue Frost

Artwork                       Ellie and Heather Douglas

 

 

Kemsing                   16 - 18 July                           Easy/Moderate

 

Ten of us arrived at Kemsing hostel on Friday night, and were allocated the three rooms beyond the dining room. The rest of the hostel was being used by a school orchestra, who we only saw at breakfast time. The locum warden was very helpful and friendly, and ate with those of us taking the hostel meal on both nights.

 

On Saturday eleven of us set off for a 9½ mile walk through the Kent countryside, including some of the North Downs Way. We arrived at the Fox and Hounds, Romney Street and had just read the notice saying we were welcome to eat our own food in the garden, when the drizzle turned to a downpour. So in we went, boots and all. As we ordered our drinks we were told we could eat our food indoors as the rain was so heavy. Why can't all country pubs be this good? By the time we had finished lunch the rain had stopped, and we enjoyed the walk to a tea-room in Otford, and back to the hostel.

 

On Sunday we attended the service at St. Nicholas Church Sevenoaks. After a picnic we  took a walk through Knole Park to "One Tree Hill", (there are more trees there now) and back to the National Trust tea room for our final "cupper".

 

Thanks to Margaret for all the organisation of this enjoyable weekend.

 

Leader                        Margaret MacWilliam

Report                        Peter Allott

 

 

Grindelwald, Switzerland 17 - 24 July               Moderate/Hard

 

Grindelwald proved to be an excellent centre for a week's walking. The youth hostel is situated on the hillside above the village, a long pull up at the end of the day, but with the compensation of views from the terrace across the valley to the North Face of the Eiger.

 

While the mountains are high, there are many mechanical opportunities to gain altitude to start a walk  - train, cable car, gondola, and even the buses go up to 2000 metres. We took advantage of all of these, and the 15 of us enjoyed an excellent mixture of moderate to hard walks in high alpine pastures, interspersed with sections of rock and snow, with a profusion of wild flowers and the sound of bells from the grazing cows.

 

In general the Swiss signposting of footpaths is very good, with distances helpfully measured in hours rather than miles. On some days mountain "huts" supplied lunch en route; otherwise the local co-op provided bread, cheese, ham and fruit to make a picnic lunch. We also saw a number of marmots, and some ibex and chamois.

 

In general we were favoured with fine and sunny weather (the only persistent rain was on the day we came away). All-in-all a splendid location and highly recommended. Many thanks to Phil for all his effort in planning this event.

 

Leader                        Phil Nalpanis

Report                        Geoff Payne

Photographs Geoff Payne and John Penrose

 

 

Saffron Walden       30 July – 1 Aug                   Cycling

 

Rolling hills shimmering in the heat, temperatures soaring in the high 20s, balmy evenings eating alfresco on the lawn – hard to believe but yes, this is Essex!

 

Only three of us used the hostel as our overnight base, but eight cyclists set out from Saffron Walden on Saturday morning.  The 45 mile circular route visited Finchingfield (reputed to be the prettiest village in Essex - hopefully our arrival on bikes served only to enhance its accolade!), Stebbing and Thaxted.

 

On Sunday morning we worshipped at the Parish Church in Saffron Walden before setting out past Audley End on a shorter loop of 28 miles.  This time we cycled through places which might qualify for the accolade more unusually named Essex villages such as Stocking Pelham and Wendens Ambo.  To complete the pastoral idyll, free marrows available at the roadside were strapped onto panniers, leading to High (Street) Marrow-drama, as one of the marrows bounced off the bike into the road.  In front of a crowd of curious onlookers, the marrow was safely retrieved from the path of cars – a marrow escape!

 

This was a first CRC Cycling Event for two of the group.

Move to Pedal Power!  Come on, why don’t you give it a try?!

 

Leader                        Geoff Spiller

Report                        Sara Cooke

 

 

Keswick                    25 - 31 July                           Moderate

Lakes Convention  Week

 

It was a holiday of firsts, my first full week away with CRC – Would it be too long? My first adult visit to the Lake District – Would I make it up those slopes? And my first ever Keswick Convention – Was I ready for all that spirituality?  I couldn’t help but feel a little trepidation as I set off on my long journey from the South West.

 

On arrival I was greeted by friendly faces, some familiar, some new. In getting to know them all better, the week just seemed to fly by.  Each evening there was some kind of extra curricular food-based activity: be it watching Sally trying in vain to blow her birthday cake candles out, sharing wine and nibbles, frequenting the local ice-cream parlour or just gorging on Judy’s home made cakes. The only issue seemed to be lack of sleep, or at least for the rest of my dorm – sorry!! But at least we had fun experimenting with socks, tape and door handles, trying to prevent doors from banging in the night.

 

The walking was not so scary either. Okay I admit I was not one of the intrepid who made it up the 3,000ft of Skiddaw, but beautiful walking weather meant that we had amazing views, be it from the top of Cat Bells or round Buttermere.

 

In learning that the theme for the convention was “Out of Control?”, I knew I was in the right place. Being a “mere youngster” I joined the 20’s and 30’s group “K2” interacting with Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, while the more mature of our group followed Habakkuk.  The teaching was excellent, and I now have a surer knowledge of where I am on my spiritual journey and where the Lord wants me to go next.

 

It may have started as a week of firsts but I know it will not be the last time I visit Keswick with CRC for the whole week.

 

Leader                        Judy Jones

Report                        Ruth Scotford

 

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