Newsletter

December 2006

Reports

 

 

Colonsay Island     3 - 10 June                            Moderate

Week Holiday

 

Standing on the deck of the ferry shrouded in deep sea mist, leaving Oban bound for Colonsay Island on a 2 1/2 hour ferry journey, I did reflect if it would be quite what I expected.  It was some 18 months previously that I had seen a TV documentary of Colonsay, and I thought that if I got the chance, then I would go.

Colonsay is about 12 km long and 4 km wide, and the highest point (hill) is 143 metres.  It has a population of 130.  Our accommodation was a former farmhouse and byre, comfortable if not palatial.

 

Our walks: We were to circumnavigate the island, which we did over the course of 5 days; strolling along the shore line, wandering up and over the cliffs and paddling along the beaches.  And what beaches! golden(y) yellow sand and emerald green water.  Great swimming, if a little, ever so slightly, cold.

 

There was one walk, a request by Roger to do the McPhie’s.  This is a challenge event 20 miles long which takes in all the tops over 300 feet high, of which there are 22.  There is no defined starting place, nor is there a specified route - you choose your own.  The tops are all higgledy-piggledy and for the most part have no paths or tracks, stiles or gateways, just untrodden country.  Afterwards Roger was heard to utter, “That’s one (walk) I shall not try again”.

 

Many thanks to Sue Edwards and Margaret Machin for an excellent event and all their hard work.

 

Leader                       Sue Edwards and Margaret Machin

Report                       George Clowes

 

 

Eskdale                     1 - 6 May                                Moderate

 

The drive seemed endless.  I wasn’t even sure I was on the right road.  Would they be wondering where I had got to?  Contemplating sending out a search party?  At last, there was a signpost to Eskdale Green.  I turned off.  The road was narrow and went on and on, up the most beautiful valley you can imagine, past aptly named places such as Boot.  Eventually, I spied a YHA sign and breathed a sigh of relief.  There was the youth hostel, a splendid stone building set in spacious grounds and surrounded by hills.

 

Ralph gathered us together and told us the plan for the week.  On the first day, we headed for Hardknott and found the remains of a Roman settlement.  Apparently, it was one of the bleakest outposts in Britain, and it certainly felt like it with all the wind and rain we had to battle through.  In the evenings, we tended to relax around the open fire in the dining room, but on one evening we had a rounders match, which unfortunately had to be abandoned after about 30 minutes due to high winds and lack of interest.  Later that night, there was an almighty thunderstorm, which crashed around the valley and knocked out the telephone lines in some villages.

 

The trek up Harter Fell was hard work but magnificent.  It is quite a long haul up and the top is very rocky, but there are views all the way.  A few people went to Muncaster Castle and climbed Muncaster Fell.  The absolute highlight of the week was the ascent of Scafell.  We took the route along the terraces, scrambling over boulders to the top.  The weather was so clear that you could see the Isle of Man. After lunch, we broke into smaller groups for the descent.  Strangely, the well-marked path up was not so well defined going down and we all went wrong.  One person even ended up in Boot, two miles beyond the hostel!

 

The finale of the week was a concert by the Da Vinci String Quartet (nothing to do with the book) at a nearby village.  It was quite highbrow, with pieces by Shostakovich, Haydn and Mendelssohn, but it was a nice way to round the week off, especially since it was followed by a buffet.

Sincere thanks to Ralph for his great organisational skills, hard work, and sensitive leadership, and for the wonderful introduction to Eskdale.

 

Leader                       Ralph Palfrey

Report                       Christine Sherriff

 

 

Bangor                      7 - 9 July                               Easy Moderate

Welsh Castles

 

Some north west group members joined us on the Friday evening when some of the males found themselves accidentally checked into the female dorm by the warden!!  On the Saturday we set off in convoy to Penrhyn Castle - a modern Gothic style pile owned by the National Trust.  After a morning long tour of its many fully furnished rooms, including a one tonne welsh slate bed made for Queen Victoria (which she refused to repose in), we drove to the nearby Aber Falls, and completed the 6 mile circuit with stunning views over the Menai Straits and along the North Wales coast.

 

After tea Dave whisked us off, again in car convoy, to Anglesey and Beaumaris Castle.  Constructed by Edward I during the 1290’s, this is the perfect romantic castle complete with moat.  Dave provided a full historical background and context too extensive to recount here.  Later and back at the hostel we celebrated Janet Hiles’ birthday with a lovely cake and cuppa supper.

 

On Sunday morning Pam Monti led us in a short act of worship prior to our departure to Conwy.  After viewing the exhibition and having a fascinating discussion and talk about the history and background to the castle, we climbed up Conwy Mountain, a superb vantage point from where the tactical positioning of the castle is most evident.  Afterwards we lingered in the castle coffee shop for some time before reluctantly parting company.

 

Thanks Dave for an interesting and informative historical Welsh weekend.

 

Leader                       Dave Lambert

Report                       Gwen Harries

 

 

Borrowdale              22 - 29 July                           Easy Moderate

From Wheelchair to Watendlath:  A Pilgrimage

 

Cycling into work.  Thud.  Under a car.  Will it stop?  Will it stop??.  Then pain, pain.  Collected by a van with flashing blue lights.  An X-ray.  An operation?  You have to be joking.  An operation or you’ll be crippled for life.  The operation.  A blind lady in the bed opposite prays.  A friend is there when I come round.  Greater pain.  Pain so great, tears tumble from closed lids, then is numbed by blessed morphine.

 

Home!  Good old home!  A wheelchair to get around with.  On eye level with children in pushchairs.  Pain.  Family come to stay.  Family go.  Friends cook, friends shop, friends take me to the pub, cinema, theatre, swimming pool, work, physio, hospital, out to dinner.  I learn to walk, pain.  I learn to walk some more, pain.  I throw away the crutches and learn to walk alone.  Was it really this hard the first time around?  I stagger companionably with children out of pushchairs.  Walking gets faster, walking gets better, pain.  I can drive again.  Walking gets faster, walking gets better, pain, I can shop again.  Walking gets faster, walking gets better, I can use a footpath again.

 

Easy walking in the Lakes?  Another friend.  Walking in the Lakes!  Beautiful Borrowdale, bathed in sunlight!  High mountain peaks, fresh greens on the slopes, mossy oak woods, blue-grey grazing Hardwicks.   Feet cooled in mountain streams and tea in Watendlath.  A sunny climb to Seathwaite Fell.  The view.  The view!  A gold lined view of Derwentwater sparkling in the sun.  Such deep, deep joy.  Then a swim in a clear, cool mountain pool with a packhorse bridge overhead.  Over Haystacks into Buttermere, journey back by bus.  Up a Wainwright, views of open sea, another mountain stream to cool the toes.  A trip to the theatre, an African supper.  The company of friends - this is healing.

 

And what of those not here?  What of those still in a wheelchair or those who never learnt to walk?  The fire in their eyes shows they have a pilgrimage to share.

 

Leader                       Robin and Glenys Richardson

Report                       Sheena Lee

 

 

Shetland Islands    29 July - 5 August              Easy

Week Holiday

 

Escaping the heat wave in July, 34 CRC members ventured north to the Shetlands.  The first challenge was getting there - fog delayed and diverted several flights; exciting tales ensued about where planes nearly went to (the Faroes), where one plane did go to (an oil refinery), and who had to stay in a hotel for a night (a few including our leader!!).  Once everyone had arrived, we assembled in Lerwick Youth Hostel to discuss plans for the week ahead.

 

As Lerwick is the main town on the Shetlands we found a variety of churches available, so on Sunday we duly set forth to investigate.  After church our first walk took us to the neighbouring island, Bressay, where we enjoyed a wet walk!  

 

Further explorations of the islands were undertaken in small groups who utilised buses, minibuses (booked by Robert to take us to areas not available by public transport), hire cars, bicycles and boats. The walks included visits to an iron age village, and to Sumburgh Head and Hermaness nature reserves, providing close encounters with wildlife - notably great skuas (locally known as bonxies due to their tendency to fly close to people's heads if walkers stray too near nesting areas))!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Burra tombolo (land bridge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puffins proved to be much friendlier, and sitting near them on cliffs
overlooking Muckle Flugga lighthouse (the most northerly point of the UK!)
was a memorable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the week other people were delighted to report sightings of seals, a basking shark and one or 2 people even saw..yes.. … otters!!!

 

A Taize style worship was held in the Youth Hostel midweek, offering us as a group a chance for reflection and prayer.  As quite a large group, we found ourselves of interest to islanders and Doreen and Sue E were even interviewed by a Czech TV crew!  To our relief, fog did not affect journeys home, but we are now aware that the best way to reach the Shetlands in summer is by boat!!!!

 

Many thanks to Robert and Wei Hei for their hard work in organising such an enjoyable event - the fact that everything ran so smoothly is to their credit.

 

Leader                       Robert Kipling

Report                       Susan Merner

 

 

Port Eynon               3 - 6 August                          Moderate

Gower Peninsula

 

Assembling on Thursday evening at the basic but cosy former lifeboat house (surrounded by campsites for those who missed the booking deadline), fifteen plus one day walker set off on Friday for the 7 mile coast walk to Rhossilli, followed by afternoon tea, swimming and training for the frisbee / salsa exertions to come.  Then back by bus driven by a distant relative of Jehu, for a barbecue on the hostel terrace.

 

On Saturday, boosted by a fresh day visitor, we embarked on a 7 mile walk from Penrice Castle via Arthur’s Stone and Nicholaston Farm’s magical, never-ending spring, to Oxwich Bay to watch the traditional ceremony of bathing the bride and groom, with stretch limo taking the place of pumpkin and mice.  After a white-knuckle ride through Oxwich’s main street, we dined out at the Worm’s Head hotel and watched the spectacular sunset over Carmarthen Bay.

 

On Sunday, we enjoyed a spontaneous outdoor act of worship sitting by the babbling brook of Pennard Pill, and witnessed a Johanine near-total immersion which may well change our lives - or at least our attitude to “Dangerous, slippery ford - please use the bridge” signs.  Suitably chastened, the seven surviving ramblers splashed their way down the Pill to Three Cliff Bay - so called because the legendary pop performer has been there thrice.  Here we demonstrated our effortless mastery of the aerodynamics of the frisbee, before returning across the dunes, redesigning several holes on the adjacent golf course and slapping a remedial order on Pennard Castle.  Back at the Parkmill Heritage Centre, we severally tested the logistical powers of the tea room with a request for a pot of tea for 7, and then set off in at least 5 different directions - no mean achievement on the Gower.

 

Sincere thanks to Kevin for his leadership in our spiritual and spatial explorations, and to Nicki for both providing the food for the barbecue and recooking it when the smoke maker refused to cook anything but the bananas au chocolat, which were accordingly judged to be a triumph.

 

Leader                       Kevin Pryor

Report                       Derek Potter

 

 

Wells-next-the-Sea 11 - 13 August                     Easy Cycling

 

Despite a wet and windy Saturday, we kept alert in Great Snoring.  A few shortcuts led us to a Salvation Army hall, with soap, soup and shelter, for lunch.  As it turned out this was to be our church visit for the weekend.  We still arrived in good time for tea and cakes at Cooke’s of Cley.

 

“No room, no room” said the warden.  So we took a short, wet walk to celebrate Amy Kinnings-Smith’s birthday in the town centre.

 

Summoned by Tea Shops

Sunday morning and ten o’clock

But I don’t hear the bells of Wells, calling us from our beds to prayer.

“Today the service is elsewhere.

You’ll find a warm welcome and our organ’s rededication

Would be worth the long detour –

Do come.”

 

Instead to Holkham Hall’s landscaped park (free access) and morning coffee in the sun.

 

On we peddled to Burnham Market, passing Nelson connections, for lunch on the green.  Finally, back in Wells, the sun and tea kept us lingering al fresco at the Mermaid’s Purse.

 

Thanks to Geoff and some dozen companions for another successful weekend a-wheel.

 

 “Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside,

we do like to be next-the-sea”

 

Leader                       Geoff Spiller

Report                       Jim Rogers

 

 

Capel Curig              24 - 28 August                     Moderate Hard

Bank Holiday

 

Capel Curig youth hostel in Snowdonia was busy for the August bank holiday weekend, and the majority of our group walked up to most or all of nine summits in four days, six over 3,000 feet. We ascended five in the Carneddau, three in the Glyderau, and one Moelwyn, for those who understand and take an interest in such terminology.

 

Friday’s walk from Bethesda featured the Yr Elen-Carnedd Llewellyn-Carnedd Dafydd ridge, a route which I did in reverse last year in mist, but this time the visibility was good.  Saturday’s walk was rain-dominated, as Susie navigated us up the misty upper regions of Pen Llithrig y Wrach and Pen Yr Helgi Du; the sun finally came out when we were nearly back at valley level. 

The men’s dorm later provided the venue for an informal worship session led by Ian, thus freeing up Sunday for a full day out, and yes, we men did tidy up first!

 

On Sunday we had the one rain free day. Ruth and Andy took the train up Snowdon, then walked down to Pen-y-Pass.  The main group walked up the two Glyders, from Ogwen via Gribin ridge above Cwm Idwal.  For the “mountain goats” among us, there were scrambling opportunities, initially on the Gribin ridge towards the top, and then later on the Castle of the Winds, the obligatory photo stop at the Cantilever stone, and the mass of boulders and rocks on the top of Glyder Fach.  Visibility got significantly better after we traversed the mist-shrouded Glyder Fawr ridge.  From the col at Bwlch Tryfan, some of us rounded off the day by scrambling up Tryfan from where the 360 degree summit view was superb.  A round trip up Moel Siabod from the hostel on Monday’s day of departure concluded the event.

 

Thanks to Ian for all his work in organising the event.

 

Leader                       Ian Parfitt

Report                       Peter Smyly

 

 

Lulworth                   24 - 28 August                     Moderate

 

Chatting to a number of people who had attended this event, it was clear that we had all enjoyed it immensely.  So why was this few days at Lulworth such a happy time? Well, we were blessed with sunshine from almost start to finish, with temperatures comfortable for walking to boot.  The Dorset coastline is picturesque and extremely interesting for those who are into geology.  The group seemed to gel together very well and the hostel was comfortable (the smaller scale events are often a nice contrast to the bigger, busier events).  Above all perhaps, forgive me for saying so Julian, the event was, many of us felt, wonderfully led with a relaxed and caring approach.

 

I think about 25 people attended the event with at least 3 day walkers on the Saturday for the stretch of coastline either side of Tyneham, the deserted village.  This was preceded on the Friday by walking the coast around Worth Matravers, and followed by an inland walk on Sunday, and good old Durdle Door on Monday.

 

Some of us non-swimmers were well impressed with the energy levels of those who did the walks and managed a decent swim at some stage, one of these being at Lulworth Cove on the Saturday.  That evening we made the short trip to a local pub for a meal.  Your correspondent happened to sit on a chair which was obviously the worse for wear and ended up sprawled out on the floor.  The chair was then in at least 2 pieces (I’ve made a mental note of those who couldn’t stop laughing for the next 5 minutes!).  The food at the pub was good value and a fun evening was had by all.

 

On Sunday morning we worshipped at a couple of venues in nearby Wool.  During such a good event it was fitting to think about the Lord and thank Him for all that we had been privileged to enjoy.  Thanks to Him, to Julian, and all who turned up.

 

Leader                       Julian Marsh

Report                       Peter Whale

 

 

Wells-next-the-Sea 24 - 28 August                     Easy

Bank Holiday

 

Most of us met on Thursday evening at a very comfortable 4 star Youth Hostel of the self-catering kind. 

 

On Friday we did a lovely walk along the coast, through some woodland and onto a lovely sandy beach for elevenses.  We did the Polders Way to Holkham Hall where we saw grazing and charging herds of wild deer, before sampling the delights of the tea shop.  For our evening meal we ascended Sea View Restaurant with brilliant views onto the quay where we watched ‘The Albatros’ tall ship dock.

 

On Saturday we bought tickets at Blakeney for the seal sight-seeing boat trip from Merton Quay which was reached via a salt marsh walk.  It was great to see sunbathing seals on the shore line.  On return we had our first lunch break where the local cockles and crayfish didn’t go amiss.  We continued to walk and had a 2nd lunch break in the long marsh grasses.

 

Sunday saw an early start for some, with an 8.00 am Communion Service, before we took the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway, the longest 10 ¼ in narrow gauge steam railway in the world.  At Walsingham, famed for centuries as a centre of pilgrimage, we had lunch before walking onto a craft centre for tea.  From here some walked back to Wells, whilst some took the relaxing scenic route back via the light railway.

 

On Monday some departed, whilst others did a circular walk around Castle Acre.  The weather was good to us for our variety of walks, events, nature trails and history.  We kept the tea shops in business and kept Ann’s management skills going.  Well done Ann, and thank you for leading a great weekend.

 

Leader                       Ann Arnold

Report                       Nicola Nimmo

 

 

Stow-on-the-Wold  8 - 10 September                Special

 

4 novices gathered at the old youth hostel in the centre of the lovely Cotswold town of Stow on Friday evening, and were initiated into the mysteries of grid references, map symbols, and using a compass.

 

Under the excellent tutelage of Jane, we were each allocated 2 x 1 mile stretches of the walk the next day to lead and guided through how to prepare.  Jane had unfortunately hurt her ankle, so Sue Edwards kindly oversaw us on the walks themselves.  We enjoyed a leisurely walk around our 10 mile course comparing the symbols on our maps with the features on the ground and trying out our compasses.  The weather was warm and sunny and we had the extra blessing of coming across a lovely little village horticultural show in the afternoon with an unexpected tea stop

 

In the evening after dinner in the hostel we learnt more about the symbols on different scale maps, and planned the part of the walk we were to lead the next day.  The training continued after breakfast with more advanced 'virtual walking' and then, after a service and coffee at the local Baptist church, we continued to try out our new knowledge.

 

Thank you to Jane and Sue for a very worthwhile weekend learning skills which will make our walking more interesting in future.  Thanks.

 

Leader                       Jane Wood and Sue Edwards

Report                       Helen Chilton

 

 

Local Walks to celebrate 25 years of CRC

16 September:  Reports of some of these.

 

 

Surrey: 40
Surrey walkers
celebrate 25 years
on the
Woodmansterne
Cedar Tree
Memorial
Sculpture.

 

 

 

East Anglia:  A group of 17 of us met at Great Dunmow Parish Church in mid-Essex and enjoyed an undulating walk (yes, there are hills in Essex!) of just over 10 miles, via duck ponds, fields, woods and the source of the River Chelmer.  Along the way we visited the interesting churches at Little Easton and Tilty, and walked through the grounds of Little Easton Manor, where a home-grown produce stall provided an opportunity to supplement lunch parts 1 and 2.  In the absence of a tea shop, we stopped by the river in the afternoon for fruit cake provided by two members in celebration of the 25th anniversary.  The weather was warm and mainly sunny, so a cool drink in the local pub was very welcome at the end of the walk, before most of us headed for a restaurant in the town for a meal (including large desserts for some) to round off a good day.  Hilary Huntingdon.

 

 

South West:
the triple stone
row at Cosdon
Hill.

Paul Beckett.

 

 

 

 

 

North Wales: we did a walk from the National Trust car-park near Aber Falls in the Carneddau, up past the Falls and across the scree on the rugged left-bank path, and on to the top of Bera Mawr.  Our group consists mainly of men, not by intention, and this time we were only five.  The sunshine was splendid and almost uninterrupted.  But one of us (usually young, fit and hard to keep up with) began to feel unwell, as a result of some medication, so he and another returned to the car.  The other three completed the walk, which being about five hours was rewarding and satisfying.

 

We started at Clevedon and walked back down the coast path towards Portishead.  We then turned inland and crossed over the Gordano valley and went up to the Roman Hill fort at Cadbury Camp.  Paths then took us through various woods and over hills back to Clevedon where we saw John Cabot's ship the Matthew - a replica of the one that crossed from Bristol to Newfoundland over 500 years ago (see front cover).  So we finished the walk sitting on the promenade eating ice creams watching the ship.  Lovely day!!  Julie Excell.

 

 

North West:  We wanted to celebrate the 25 anniversary of the national group and the 20 anniversary of the North West group in style.  The walk itself encompassed the very best of Lancashire scenery.  Ten of us set off from the Nick of Pendle and walked over the softly tufted moorland towards the Ogden Reservoirs, after which we headed for the summit of the mighty Pendle Hill.  This was once a prehistoric cairn and it was here that George Fox had the vision which inspired him to found the Quaker movement.  We all enjoyed the 9 mile walk and the meal at the famous Wellsprings Spanish restaurant, including my 12 year old nephew Tom who made his local and national debut.  A future Munro bagger perhaps!!  David Lambert.

 

 

Castleton                  22 - 24 September              Moderate Hard

Themed: 1st CRC event

 

“Nostalgia or neuralgia?” quipped our reliable wit Bob F as we gathered for the 25th anniversary themed weekend in this lovely village.  In contrast to that Friday evening in late March 1981, I think this crew all had some idea of what to expect!

 

Well over 40 stayed at the hostel (which had seen some changes, notably yummy croissants for breakfast), with more joining for Saturday only.  Ages ranged literally from 8 to 88 and the group included several “real old timers” and some distinguished offspring spanning primary age to undergraduate.

 

Saturday walks were favoured by bright fine weather.  The energetic headed for Kinder Scout, while another group gained Mam Tor via Lose Hill, returning via Cavedale.  Our evening worship centred on God’s faithfulness and blessings over 25 years.  Bob H showed some super slides of club events where we spotted the faces of friends past and present.

 

Sunday’s walk started at Ladybower Reservoir.  After two minutes we were all sheltering from a downpour, but conditions improved as we ascended Win Hill.  The summit seemed just the place to see how many youngsters can balance on top of a trig point pillar!

 

The weekend concluded with a group photo back in the car park; something to look back at in 25 years’ time!

 

Leader                       Nick and Val Fane

Report                       Hilary Tarr (née Pope)

 

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