Newsletter

November 2005

Reports

 

Hathersage              17 - 19 May                      Hard

The majority of the party arrived at Hathersage YH at various times on the Friday evening.  On Saturday we travelled the short distance to the village of Hope to ascend Lose Hill and traverse the ridge between the Hope Valley and the Vale of Edale.

 

Close to Rollins Cross we settled for and were joined by Joan, Nigel and Amy.  We continued as far as Mam Tor (The Shivering Mountain) where we descended to the old main road which was closed in 1979 following a landslip and onward to a tea shop in Castleton.

On Sunday morning we attended the local church (famous since Little John of Robin Hood fame is buried in the churchyard) after which we walked up to and along Stanage Edge (climbers).  On returning to Hathersage we noticed the vicar working in his garden (on a Sunday afternoon!).  As a result we joined him for tea in the churchyard.

 

On Bank Holiday Monday we drove over to Grindleford Station from where we walked up through woodland onto Froggate Edge, continuing onto Curbar Edge with excellent views of the Derwent Valley.  After a decent into the village of Curbar we returned to Grindleford along the banks of the River Derwent.

 

A big thank you to Chris Powell for organising an enjoyable long weekend.

 

 

Leader                       Chris Powell

Report                       Clive Goodman

 

 

Pitlochry                   28 May - 4 June              Moderate to Very Hard

and Oban

 

About 30 people travelled to Pitlochry for a great holiday.  On a showery Sunday the hard party climbed the Drumochter Munros while the moderate party walked Ben Vrackie.  In the evening Alan Williams gave a meditation on Psalm 24.  The following day Cam a’Chlamain and Farragon I-till were climbed.  In the evening some of us went to the beautiful theatre and were entranced by “A Man for all Seasons”.

 

Tuesday was a special day; both groups combined, it was the only dry day, the sun shone, the visibility was more than 50 miles, and Roger Winterburn climbed his final Munro - Schiehallion.  Later we all arrived at Oban with a westering sun making the town look spectacular.  That was the last time we would see the sun shine for 3 days!

 

The next day some did Beinn Eunaich, but the torrential rain was so bad that a few escaped underground by visiting the Ben Cruachan power station.  The moderate party escaped the rain in their walk to Connel by spending much time in the Glue Pot Inn.  They were almost glued to their seats by the thought of walking back to Oban in the bouncing rain!

 

On Thursday most walked around the beautiful, bleak, rain- lashed island of Kerrera.  God took pity on us and led us to heaven: a tea shop in a remote barn with sofas, heat and the best homemade soup I have ever tasted!!  The rain continued on Friday, but some climbed Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh which were George’s last two Munros, while others climbed invisible, cloudy Beinn Bhuiridh.

 

The week was rounded off by a trip to MacTavish’s Kitchen, where we ate haggis while watching Scottish country dancing and listening to songs, bagpipes and a world-class fiddler.  God gave us the greatest display, the sun setting over the sea and the magnificent mountains of Mull.

 

Many thanks to George Clowes for organising the whole week and for leading the hard walks, and to Pat Lonergan for leading the moderate walks.

 

Leaders                     George Clowes and Pat Lonergan

Report                       Steven Graham

 

 

Stainforth                 17- 19 June                      Hard

Three Peaks Challenge

 

On Friday a group of 10 of us, led by Roger, met at Stainforth, with eight intending to attempt the well-known Three Peaks Challenge walk (Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough) the following day.  The weather looked good, and everyone was optimistic.

We set out early, and there were literally hundreds of others setting out from Horton-inRibblesdale with the same aim in mind.  After an hour or so we had reached the top of Pen-y-Ghent.  One down, two to go?

 

By late morning, after miles of downhill, we had reached Ribblehead, where we enjoyed refreshments from one of the many drinks vans.  The ascent of Whernside was more gradual than that of Pen-y-Ghent, with fine views from the top all around, and towards the appalling slopes of Ingleborough.

 

The weather was now very warm, and half-way to Ingleborough we enjoyed cold drinks at a farm house that was doing a roaring trade for the many walkers.  The last mountain was a slog, and I for one was glad to reach the wide summit plateau.  Then it was another five weary footsore miles down to the finish, and all eight finished the 23-mile challenge.  All of us on the weekend enjoyed an evening meal in Horton afterwards.

 

Sunday most of the party went to a Methodist service in Settle, with some hardy souls actually walking several miles to church?  Many thanks to Roger for leading this fine weekend.

 

Leader                       Roger Winterburn

Report                       John Taggert

 

 

Keswick                    23 - 30 July                      Moderate

Convention Week

 

What a wonderful week!

 

20 of us stayed at the hostel in a lovely location beside the River Greta (10 women in one room!), and others joined us for some of the walks.

Along with over 5000 other Christians, we attended the Convention and were blessed with Bible Readings in Isaiah from Steve Gaukroger in the mornings and a variety of speakers sharing from the Book of Acts in the evenings.

 

Each afternoon we walked and we were blessed with perfect walking weather for most of the week - dry with good visibility.

 

On the first day we climbed Cat Bells (445m).  I was glad I made it to the top, but it was too much of a scramble for me.

 

The intrepid mountaineers among us enjoyed climbing Blencathra the next day, but I chose the easier option.  On Thursday we had torrential rain, but we still managed a local walk without getting drenched.  The walks were very varied and the scenery everywhere was wonderful.

 

I sure all of us left feeling both physically and refreshed spiritually.  Many thanks to Judy for making it such a brilliant week.

 

 

Leader                       Judy Jones

Report                       Shirley Woodhouse

 

 

Exford                       29 - 31 July                      Moderate

 

5th August - today on the horizon I have seen the Mountains of North Wales and this evening as I gaze out of the window I am looking across the Mersey to Liverpool, but last weekend a CRC group were looking at South Wales across the Bristol Channel from Exmoor where a number of us met up and enjoyed the delights of North Devon.

 

Friday saw a few of us having arrived early, taking a quick stroll up to Dunkery Beacon, arriving back just in time for supper at Exford Youth Hostel.

 

On Saturday we all set off along the Exe Valley to Bye Common and Bye Hill followed by bye-bye for one of the group whose urge for an early coffee stop was too great.  The rest of us continued to enjoy the beauty of the Punchbowl and Winsford Hill.  The scenery varied from river to hill bracken to moor and stunning views (until the top when the views suddenly turned into atmospheric greyness).  It was great.

 

On return we travelled to Lynton Youth Hostel, where parking is fun and the hostel staff  were unwell so we were booked into the local hotel for dinner.  Here the local constabulary paid us a visit ... but that is another story.

 

Sunday saw the group hold a short fellowship meeting, with two tier seating - upper and lower bunk, and the singing was undoubtedly heard throughout the hostel.  From there it was a car shuffle, and then a beautiful costal walk up to Countisbury and on to Rochford and down through the trees to Watersmeet to end with ice cream with clotted cream.  Well it was Devon and the holiday season!

 

 

Leader                       Valerie Breeze

Report                       Sarah Risbridger

 

 

Kirby Stephen         4 - 8 August                     Moderate/Hard

 

This event provided an opportunity to walk in beautiful open countryside far away from the crowds.

 

On Friday we set off on a 12 mile walk from Uldale which took in Wild Boar Fell, Swarth Fell, Rawthey Fell and Knoutberry Hough. Almost all the walk was in trackless terrain, and our lunch stop by a beautiful stream - just lovely!

 

On Friday evening we read about the next day’s walk. The planned route lay from Hilton across a Ministry of Defence firing range, up to Mickle Fell, taking in Hilton Beck, Swindale Beck and Lift le Fell. We read “it is very dangerous round here .... Nearly four miles from the nearest road there are lots of unfenced mine shafts about Fair scattering of practice shells, so take care not to tread on any doubtful objects.”

 

The Nuttall baggers in the party were not to be deterred and Jane had obtained permission for us to walk to the summit of Mickle Fell which lies on private land. It proved to be a brilliant walk.

 

After church on Sunday the group walked from Smardale and on Monday George and Alan cycled whilst the rest of the party made their way home.

 

Thank you Jane for your efficient planning, preparation and leadership of a really good, long weekend of walking.

 

Leader                       Jane Wood

Report                       Gillian Britten

 

 

Borth                         21 - 25 August                Moderate

 

A few days on the Welsh coast in mid-August proved a very attractive option and so 19 people converged from different parts of the UK to enjoy the hospitality of Borth.

 

The first day saw everyone keen to stretch their legs and we set off through the Rheidol Valley - our walk was accompanied by occasional distant hoots and puffs of smoke - no, not tired CRC walkers (I) but steam trains which were taking passengers from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.  We reached the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre in time for the 3.00 feeding of the red kites.

 

After this initial walk, Sue continued to lead the determined core of walkers (9) whilst the remainder of the group visited neighbouring towns (Aberystwyth) or places of interest (Centre for Alternative Technology) either independently or in small groups.  The walkers ever keen for a challenge, attempted Pumlumon (five peaks) as their next walk....although we did give the 5th peak a miss as the weather looked ominous towards the end of the walk.!  A large stone marker inscribed W.W.W. 1865 intrigued us - did the Internet exist further back than we realised??  The initials signified the names of the landowners!  The walk ended conveniently near the Red Kite feeding centre so we paid a second visit where we enjoyed banana and honey ice-cream whilst watching the unusual spectacle of a white red kite.

 

Although the weather was generally very good, the third day started with heavy rain.  The Welsh radio station had said the rain would stop at 11.OOam - to our amazement it did I??

The final walk was along the coast path - we caught the bus to Aberystwyth and walked back from there.  The walk involved ascending Constitution Hill, and then a lovely 9 mile walk back through Clarach to Borth.  The sighting of cormorants and a seal were highlights, as was the beautiful coastline of Wales with views of mountains in the distance.

 

This was a truly enjoyable few days in Wales, and our thanks and appreciation to Sue for planning such varied walks, and for her efficient leadership.

 

Leader                       Sue Edwards

Report                       Susan Merner

 

 

Llanbedr                   26 - 29 August                Moderate

 

Seven lads and five lassies attended this Bank Holiday weekend, including a few who were also at the preceeding Borth and Kings events.

 

On Friday Phil took the hard walkers on a 15 mile hinterland walk from Barmouth back to the hostel, whilst Sue Edwards led the less masochistic walkers on a 10 mile lower level walk from the hostel into Barmouth and the inevitable teashop.

 

On Saturday we all set off up Craig Wion in the Rhinogs together.  But we soon separated into faster and slower parties as we picked our way through the virtually pathless terrain.  The leading group disappeared into the mist shrouding the summit & Rhinog Fawr, whilst the rest of us spotted the hundred or so goats that graze the area, which is considered too hazardous for sheep.  The sun broke through later in the day and we spent much time lazing by the Roman Steps (which are probably medieval in origin).

 

Sunday was sunless and misty, so Phil’s group visited the lower Rhinogs, whilst Jane Wood led a 10 mile circuit from the hostel. After the evening meal, we attended the Harvest Festival service at the ancient church of St Tanwyg on the sand dunes at Llandernwyd. Lit by only candles and oil lamps, this was atmospheric and memorable.  Led by the lady vicar, the address was given by the Bishop of Bangor, resplendent with mitre and staff.

 

Bank Holiday Monday dawned wet, and as there was still rain and low cloud after breakfast time we decided to disperse, having enjoyed three dry if windy days.  Thanks to Phil and to impromptu walk leaders Sue and Jane.

 

Leader                       Philip Nalpanis

Report                       Ralph Palfrey

 

 

Minehead                  25 - 29 August                Moderate

 

David Garland and 21 companions gathered for the Bank Holiday weekend at Minehead, a surprisingly ‘back of beyond’ hostel, 3 km from the town centre up a rough track.  Some preferred B&B or could not get in, whilst one person camped.  “Difficult to find in the dark” says the YHA handbook, but at least one intrepid member did just that.

 

David led us on Friday to Selworthy Church car park, with a beautiful flower festival laid on.  What a venue for the prayer, and what a view from the church steps!  We headed for the coastal path in glorious sunshine, where the Bristol Channel waited to throw sudden showers at us with not an inch of cover anywhere, but the warmth of the sun soon dried us.  Selworthy Beacon was covered in glorious heather and ling, but the 1500’ of up and down tested us, reminding us of the necessity for energy foods and drinks and the chocolate-box tea shoppe!

 

Saturday saw us exploring Lorna Doone country, complete with Exmoor ponies and the Lorna Doone Farm Cafe, nearly at the end, except for one more climb.

 

That evening we gathered in the Common Room for Sylvia’s Prodigal San service - thank you Sylvia for leading us with your violin.  We were joined by a Christian Jewish ex-rabbi and his wife - her very first Christian service, appropriately on the Jewish Sabbath.

 

Sunday brought Pauline from Weston-super-Mare, to lead seven of us on a gentle contour walk around Dunkery Beacon, whilst David took the majority up the Beacon itself, a long hot circuitous route we understand.

 

Monday saw some depart early, whilst others had a final exhilarating walk, before venturing on to Lynton.

 

Thank you David, and congratulations on a thoroughly enjoyable successful first event, may you lead many more.

 

Leader                       David Garland

Report                       Henry Teasdale

 

 

Osmotherley            26 - 29 August                Moderate

 

Eight of us took part in a short afternoon walk on the Friday, at the end of which we were reminded that you should not leave valuables unattended in your car.

 

On Saturday morning the group was made up to its full complement of 12 and we travelled to Staithes on the coast, where we met Gillian Blake.  Going firstly inland on various footpaths we reached Kettle Ness, and headed north on the coastal path with stunning views of the North Sea.  We descended rapidly to Runswick Bay where 3 of us paddled in the sea, and we all enjoyed the teashop.  We abandoned one member due to blisters while the rest of us proceeded over the cliff tops for the 3 miles back to Staithes.  A meal at a pub near Runswick Bay followed later.

 

On Sunday, after worshipping at Stokesly Parish Church, where we were reminded & the cost of following Jesus, eleven of us proceeded to Great Ayton.  A bracing windswept walk up to Captain Cook’s monument was rewarded by an impressive view of Teesdale.  During the trek across Great Ayton Moor the path faded from view, only being rediscovered with difficulty, due to a recent fire in some heather.

 

One member of the group drew a sermon topic from this.  Reaching High Cliff Nab, there was a fine view of Guisborough and the sea.  Heading straight into the wind we made for Roseberry Topping, and after an energetic climb were rewarded with an awesome view of Teesside.  A somewhat weary 2 mile return trek followed after which the cars were a welcome sight, but the appearance of the purple carpet of heather, covering the moorland slopes and luminous in the evening sun, was magical.

 

Monday’s walk commenced at Rievaulx, with the ruins of the historic abbey as a backdrop.  A pleasant, if perhaps too brief walk through meadows, woodlands and fields, arriving back in the village where tea and cakes were being served in the church hall.

 

Thanks to Geoff for organising a pleasant and varied late summer weekend.

 

Leader                       Geoffrey Payne

Report                       Goerge Laslett

 

 

Blackboys                9 - 11 September            Cycling

 

Seeing all the contours on the map and setting out uphill on Saturday morning, it looked as if it might be a combined hill- walking and cycling weekend for some of us.  However, long downhill stretches made up for the effort.

 

On Saturday the five of us covered about 30 miles including an enjoyable (flat?) stretch of the Cuckoo Trail from Horam to Hellirigly, and an off-road woodland section of Sustrans Route 21, with time for lunch in a pub garden at Heathfield, and afternoon tea and cake at Clayton Organic Farm Open Day.  In the evening Sara prepared a delicious meal with help from all.

 

On Sunday welcome and sermon on we had a warm thought-provoking Boaz at Grange Evangelical Church in Uckfield, then continued on to Sheffield Park station on the Bluebell Line for lunch.  Here there was something for all of us — be it the café, shop or even the trains! We were in time to see (I am reliably informed) Southern Region Tank Loco 32473.  After a tour of the engine sheds and the Golden Arrow train had arrived, we remembered we still had to cycle back.  Our final stop on the 25 miles was a fruit farm near Buxted for well-deserved cream teas.  After a sunny weekend, the forecast drizzle finally arrived as we all set off home.

 

Many thanks to Geoff for leading and to everyone for making it a varied and enjoyable weekend.

 

 

Leader                       Geoff Spiller

 

 

Holmbury St Mary  30 September - 2 October            Easy

 

Friday night we found both the staff and the other hostellers friendly.  Meal arrangements were a problem, but this was quickly solved when the staff offered to put on a ‘special” meal for Saturday night.

 

Saturday morning was dry and bright when four first timers and four regulars set out for a ten mile walk.  The route from the hostel took us through Friday Street (a footpath the rest of the week!) and on to Pond Mill.  Here one of the residents did well when the group visited their self- service table offering jams and chutneys, part of the latter forming part of one walker’s lunch the following day.  The route back was via Leith Hill Tower.  Most of us climbed to the top and got good views of the surrounding country side and, in the distance, London.

 

Sunday morning service at Dorking Baptist Church started with the sermon!  It was a good service, but longer than expected, even so we stayed for coffee.

 

Then after dropping one person at the station, we drove to Box Hill, where we enjoyed our picnics in the sun and then a short walk before heading home.

 

Thank you Peter and Ann for a very enjoyable weekend.

 

Leaders                     Ann and Peter Arnold

Report                       Peter Allott

 

 

 

Llwyn-y-Celyn         30 September - 2 October            Special

Navigation II

 

“O.K. - we’ve reached the stream junction.  Now how do you get to the contour anomaly at 819212?”  Answer: walk up the smaller stream, bearing left at three junctions, then use a compass bearing for the last 200 metres or so.  “How many minutes to reach each junction - and how many paces?”

 

With the “anomaly” above us roughly level with the cloud base, these techniques were starting to matter.  We squelched upwards over one more kilometre of boggy moorland, reaching our goal as the next shower began.  In such fashion we travelled with surprising accuracy from point to point on the near-featureless terrain of the Black Mountain, in the Brecon Beacons national park.  But beware man-made features in a wild landscape!  We could not spot the track which would lead us off the moor, and eventually we followed the compass until spotting two tarns where we’d had lunch.  Light had failed when we forded the swollen stream near Glyntawe, where our cars were parked.

 

Back at the hostel Nicky organised a substantial dinner for twelve - including Steven and Charlotte Graham who didn’t stay overnight.  On Sunday, after an informal time of prayer and spoken praise, only four of us headed up Corn Du and Pen y Fan, with the weekend’s real work already done.  This was more a day of rest, with the bold landscape and improved weather adding to the contrast.

 

Thank you, Duncan and Nicky, for this weekend and practice of some very helpful techniques.  Others too may be thankful when we manage to lead them the correct distance in the right direction!

 

Leaders                     Duncan and Nicky Parsons

Report                       James Severn

 

 

Lizard                        2 - 8 October                   Moderate

Cornish Week

 

Jerusalem in Cornwall?

 

And did those feet in modern times

walk among Cornwall’s coves and cliffs?

And did the Lizard horn sound loud

in both the hostel and the mists?

And were six grand self-cat’ring meals

cooked and then cleared by all sixteen?

And were the kestrel, choughs and seals

from coastal paths so clearly seen?

 

Bring me my Scrabble tiles and board.

Bring me my plate of scones and tea.

Bring me my lunch – o clouds unfold

- sun shines, we paddle in the sea.

A day-off at St Michael’s Mount:

cross at low-tide the causeway route.

A holiday to treasure long

- with thanks to Pauline from the group.

 

 

Leader                       Pauline Horvill

Report                       Wei Hei and Robert Kipling

 

 

Malvern                     7 - 9 October                   Easy/Moderate

 

About a dozen CRC members spent a great walking weekend the Malvern Hills and also sampled the famous spring water straight from the well.

 

A few local CRC friends joined us on Saturday.  We climbed the hills to the south and stopped to admire the old, picturesque Little Malvern Priory.  The weather was mild, but misty, and we wished for a shower to clear the view.  The first part of our wish was soon granted, as around midday it started to rain and carried on raining for the remainder of the walk.  We strode on surrounded by a grey curtain, getting wetter and wetter, gradually being soaked from head to toe, but our spirits remained high and dry.  Then, as soon as we reached the teashop, the rain stopped.

 

The second part of our wish was granted on Sunday, when we woke up to a bright and sunny day.  After a devotion in the Youth Hostel, Kerrie led us up the North Hill and the Beacon.  The view from the trig point was breathtaking, and we could at last see what the landscape looked like where had walked the day before.  An excellent finale to a very enjoyable weekend!

 

Thank you Sarah for organising the event and for looking after us so well.

 

Leader                       Sarah Risbridger

Report                       Irma D’Souza

Sketch                       Joan Blencowe

 

 

Stow-on-the-Wold 14 - 16 October                Special

Navigation I

 

We gathered at Stow-on-theWold for a practical weekend on how to find your way around a map, and then how to find that same way across the countryside.  Jane introduced us to grid references and finally the blue blocks on a map started to make sense, and eastings and northings became part of our vocabulary.  We were given a grid reference on the walk and we had to find from where to where each of us was going to lead the walk.

 

Saturday dawned misty but mild.  After breakfast and another session of theory on how to use a compass and map, we then set off into the countryside, each leading a part of the walk.  A daunting task for novices at map reading and compasses! Under the watchful eye of Jane, with lots of practical questions and help, we walked through Lower Slaughter on the Macmillan Way.  Lunch saw us relaxing alongside the River Windrush in charming Bourton-on-the-Water.  Then on to Icomb and back to Stow while the sky turned blue and the sun lit the autumn countryside in brilliant colours of yellow, red and orange, arriving just in time for a teashop before closing time.

 

On Saturday evening we got to grips with map symbols using Jane’s photos and cards with the symbols drawn on them.  We also got tips on how to measure distance on a map and how to prepare and plan a walk.  Then it was planning for Sunday’s walk before turning in.

 

On Sunday morning we had another theory session on judging distances, and we completed a virtual walk, before attending morning service at the Baptist church.  After church we set off towards Donnington in bright sunshine under a clear sky, each of us leading a section of the walk again, but this time with more confidence, as we now knew what all those symbols meant and how to take a bearing with compass and map.  Jane was a wealth of practical tips, drawing our attention to features on the map and the real-life features we could see.  We arrived back in Stow with plenty of time to visit the teashop before we said our goodbyes to navigate our separate ways home.

Thank you Jane for the practical way you taught us the basics of navigation!

 

Leader                       Jane Wood

Report                       Adri Rossouw

 

 

York                           14 - 16 October               EasylModerate

Roman Themed Event

 

Well, all the time I’ve lived in Yorkshire, I didn’t know that the leader of the entire Roman empire, Constantine was stationed in York, and was the first to allow Christian worship.  This was one of the layers of history that unfolded as Dave gave us an outline of Roman York on Friday evening.

 

Our visit to Aldborough on Saturday was to the former Roman civilian town, 12 miles away.  We walked to the river Ure and along its banks of rich soil where everything grows huge - especially the giant hogweeds (don’t touch) which dwarfed us into little people under their 13 ft gaze.

 

Back to the hostel: Joseph Rowntree gave the original YHA house; think - fruit gums.  After dining, we were out again, on a city walk.  We passed the Minster and found Stonegate which was a Roman street; the shops are mediaeval, some as old as 1400s, and some as ‘new’ as Victorian, Dave enthusiastically navigated us through the winding little streets and on to the Shambles.  This was once all little butchers’ shops.  The upper storeys stick out over the floor below, so that at the top two people can shake hands across the street.

On Sunday we walked to York Minster for a communion service and had coffee afterwards in the Chapter house.  We looked around the Minster taking in the beautiful details including the rose window restored after the 1984 fire.  Going down into the undercroft was an interesting way to see the remains of Roman walls and Saxon and Mediaeval construction built over the original stronghold of the Roman fort, and now all under this magnificent cathedral.

 

Some had lunch at the Roman Bath pub and then took an imaginary plunge underneath in the Roman bath house.  Refreshed, we found the multi- angular tower in the museum gardens which was the corner of the Roman fort.  Then we walked part of the walls where gateways still exist.  By then it was time to try one of the cafes before walking back to the hostel where we’d left our motorised chariots!

 

Thanks Dave for your research and knowledgeable guidance.

 

Leader                       David Lambert

Report                       Joan Blencowe

 

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