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Twixmas Meet Patterdale December day walk: North November day walk: North Presidents Meet, Patterdale October Brecons Meet, Bwlch October October day walks: North and South Northumberland Meet, Hadrian's Wall October Via Feratta Meet, Cortina d’Ampezzo September Dartmoor Meet, Dartmoor August Alpine Meet, Lenk July Wales Meet, Rhyd Ddu June Scotland Meet, Aviemore May Peaks Meet, Peak District May Skills Meet, Buttermere April April Southern day walk Avebury March Northern day walk Southwell March South West day walk Stourhead March Southern day walk Chilterns February Northern day walk Peak District February Southern day walk Streatley round Annual Dinner, Glenridding, February January Northern day walk, Wentworth Woodhouse |
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Twixmas Meet, Patterdale, New Year
This year’s meet saw a good turnout from the ‘younger’ members of the club, most of whom know each other from elsewhere. The youngest, Taro, just less than 18 months old, was also included in this special meet. Some of the longstanding members joined the group for walks, games and other activities. Most people arrived on the 30th and stayed 2 or 3 nights though some came earlier. Since the meet was informal, people could choose to stay any time during the Twixmas period and leave whenever suited them. Getting there was hindered by the closure of the southern approach to Kirkstone Pass, due to a landslip, so some people went from Ambleside up the Struggle and others took the northern route via Penrith. Getting up the Struggle not easy as there were many vehicles, including campervans, in both directions and the road is too narrow to pass except in limited sections. However, everyone did manage to get there satisfactorily.
On New Year’s Eve most of the group went up St Sunday Crag. It was bright but very cold and icy, with a north wind making it even colder. We took the route over the top of Birks, to get the best of the views and to be nearer the sunshine. Mary, Jonny and Taro went down from Birks to Glenridding and later up to Lanty’s Tarn. Judy took a cross-country route from St Sunday towards Gavel Pike then across the valley to Trough Head and down to the village, calling at the Glenridding shop on the way.
The rest of the party took the traverse path down to Grisedale Tarn for a lunch stop then back down Grisedale. In the evening a great communal meal of several dishes and extras was enjoyed, having been carefully prepared by Will, almost single handedly.
There were games for the group and Auld Lang Syne was played on a set of antique hand bells, with thanks to Simon’s musical skills.
They all went back to the hut to warm up and change, then headed back to Glenridding to take the ferry to Howtown. From there they walked up Boredale, taking in the summit of Hallin Fell on the way, with a photo stop at the obelisk. They returned via Boredale Hause and back home to a dinner of pizzas and fun and games by the fire.
On the 2nd January, a brave few got up before dawn to climb Place Fell to catch the sunrise, before everyone said their goodbyes and made their way home. Present: Andy Burton, Mary Eddowes, Jonny Taphouse, (Taro Tapedd), Charlie Rawson, Simon Whatley, Will Priestley, Nan Archer, Anna Kaszuba, Eudald Rossel Vivo, Simon Palmer, Marcus Allard, Alice Welland, Tymon Kiere, Marian Parsons, Mike Parsons, Don Hodge, Judy Renshaw, Daniel Albert, Pamela Holt (AC). Report by Judy Renshaw |
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Monsal Trail, Derbyshire, December
Tuesday 9th December 2025 forecast rain and strong breezes came with Storm Bram as predicted, with your Editor making the trip up to join us on its wavefront.
It’s true what they say, every cloud has a potential silver lining, you just have to go out and look for it.
Cheers from your December Northish Team, Michele and Marcus Tierney, Mike Goodyer, Heather Eddowes and David Matthews, and Andy Burton. That’s it for the Day Walks in 2025. Thanks to everyone, both North and South for keeping the momentum going for another year. If you fancy a walk with us, just put the second Tuesday and now the occasional Thursday, as per the 2026 Meets Programme, in your diary and let us know.
Report by Andy Burton |
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Peak District walk, November
With Paul, your Meets Secretary asking if he could join us on the November Northish day walk as he was staying near Ironbridge, it was an easy switch to plan a walk on the western flank of the Peak District.
Crossing over we followed the clearly signposted path to Luds Church. Descending into Back Forest we used the modern platformed path through the trees until we came across the various drop-offs into the chasm itself. A careful descent of the green and greasy steps and we enjoyed the unique environment that lies within. As I write this report, I swear that I have just seen the same scene within tonights Star Wars film. Eventually we came out of this collection of riverless ravines and turned right through Forest Wood. Here we used a mostly traversing path with occasional views out across the upper Dane valley to Gradbach and its Mill and onto Three Shires Head and Shutlingsloe, the Matterhorn of Cheshire, the top of which was now free of cloud.
At a suitable collection of felled tree trunks, we stopped to enjoy the contents of our various bait boxes, whilst Joss waited impatiently for us to finish. Continuing above Gradbach Wood we returned to the wall gate just below Bearstone Rock and walked back along the top of the Roaches enjoying the afternoons improved visibility. Instead of returning down the way we had come up we continued along the top path till the land drops off at the end of the Roaches massif and leads to the gap between it and the impressive lump that is Hen Cloud. In short order we were back at the cars enjoying a Birds egg custard and cup of sweet coffee before taking off in different directions back home. Another one pinched literally from out of the clouds. Report by Andy Burton |
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Presidents Meet, October
So, what is a President’s meet? I was asked. I had to think about that a bit. It’s kind-of like any other meet, only the president gets to do the work – was the best I could come up with. Kind-of, but that misses all the fun of meeting with friends and having a really good time. It also misses the huge contribution that Andy Hayes brings with his amazing catering. Who knew about Chai Masala Cream to add to the pudding? Apparently no-one as Andy invented it especially for us. Andy B writes: Thursday – Daniel’s second Presidents Meet began with me collecting Celine from Nottingham Station on Thursday afternoon and pointing the Skoda north, hanging a left at Scotch Corner, with a slight detour through Penrith, as we waited to hear from Elsbeth about her travel arrangements, before entering the Ullswater valley and wending our way along lakeside to Patterdale. Following the time-honoured routine of first ones in the Hut getting the fire going, whilst my pre-prepared spag bol was warming through, Celine and I were soon enjoying some hot grub with a glass of red. We were joined by Daniel, the meet organiser, and plans for the next day were made, ably facilitated by a walk to the White Lion for a glass of the dark stuff. Elsbeth arrived courtesy of the last bus from Penrith Station, and as we all had plans for the morning it was soon time for lights out. Friday – The two Daves did a circular walk from the hut to Brothers water returning via Hartsop. Heavy showers and very blustery! Andy B writes: On Friday morning Celine, Daniel and I travelled to the Aira Force car park and walked up through the falls to the Royal at Dockray. After morning coffee, we made our way up the new path that skirts the edge of Gowbarrow Park to Airy Crag, 481 metres, which duly lived up to its name.
Picking up part of the Ullswater Way we made our way under Great and Little Meldrum and onto where you look down onto the lovely little Watermillock Church situated under Priest Crag.
Here we met up with Heather and Dave at the Kelso and Son’s showroom. Martin Kelso was able to give us a guided tour of the stove and fireplace options available to us for the Hut, and answer any questions we might have, sufficient for us all to agree and give Martin the go ahead. Dave and Heather managed to fit the three of us into Dave’s car and drop us back at my car, saving us the seven mile walk back, in the rain. By the time we got back to the Hut several other people were there, and others steadily returned in various states of dampness to offload their wet gear into the drying room. Friday night was soon upon us, and a core group found themselves ensconced at a table right by the log fire in the White Lion enjoying a dinner of choice and a bevvy or two. Returning to the Hut it was a relief to see that the Chef, Andy Hayes, had arrived and was already busying himself with food prep for Saturday’s evening meal. With a glass of port and offers of help tomorrow I called it a day. Thanks for sharing the port, Andy. It was very enjoyable as we sat in front of the fire that gave light but no heat. And then another night in two sleeping bags for me. Roll on the new stove. Andy B writes: Saturday – After a quick call to the Ullswater Steamers hotline to make sure they were running, the two Dave’s, Heather and David M, Judy and John Vernon, a potential new member, and I made our way to Glenridding Pier for the first ferry of the day. Turned out it was only possible to sail to Howtown, as Pooley Bridge pier was now closed for extensive repairs and upgrading. Not to worry. From Waternook we skirted left around Hallin Fell and ascended just before the Hause up to the substantial rock obelisk built on its summit at 388m. Great autumnal views from here enhanced by the sun gracing us with its presence at this juncture. Some discussions took place as to where next and it was agreed that we would all stick together, not go up any higher, and make our way up Boredale to the Hause of the same name.
At the pump house and farm buildings at the road end we stopped for lunch in the lee of the buildings before continuing up the grassy sward path to where it narrows and steepens as it approaches the Hause at 399m. Here the path had become quite a little beck, just sufficient to clean our boots off. With clear views up towards Brotherswater and down to Rooking and Patterdale our path home was clear for all to see and enjoy. As Ed would say, another great day out Grommit. Meanwhile, Céline and I wandered up to Eagle Crag in Grisedale to try to work out why the new and old scrambling guides seemed to tell different stories. Scrambling itself was never intended as it was both wet and very cold. That said, we did enjoy an interesting half hour on some unstable scree. Turns out the new guide is just a bit overambitious – for our skills, at least.
We were treated to Caramelised Onion Tart (Tarte à l'Oignon Alsacienne) to start proceedings, followed by an option of Rosti with butternut squash, cavolo nero, aubergine pickle and walnut
or beef brisket slow cooked in Rioja finished in a rich Stilton gravy with saddleback potato and vegetables. This was rounded offf with pears pouched in red wine, with a spiced chocolate almond, stollen bite and chai cream. Very yummy.
All in all, a very enjoyable weekend. And, the president had very little work to do because everyone else did so much. Attendees: Andy B, Andy H, Heather, Celine, John, Dave B, Dave C, Dave M, Marian, Mike, Elsbeth, Don, Judy and Daniel. Report by Daniel |
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Brecons Meet, Bwlch, October
It didn’t feel like a year since Andy and I were last in Crickhowell but here we were again, meeting up for a planned, Friday afternoon stroll with Steve Creasey. The weather wasn’t exactly on our side from the off, but nevertheless, the opportunity to stretch our legs after our long drives from home was a welcome one. After the obligatory rummage through the village outdoor shop, we ventured up onto Table Mountain to take a look at the Iron Age fort of Crug Hywel, which obviously gave name to Crickhowell below. The ditch and stone ramparts are still clearly discernible in the earth and belie the notion that its Iron Age inhabitants were the primitive barbarians their eventual Roman conquerors would have us believe. We had some rain and it was blowing a lot, but there was a break when the clouds parted to reveal blue sky, some sunshine and even a rainbow. Andy even has a photograph to prove it. Now we could see all around us. To the West lay the lovely Usk Valley, leading right into the Brecon Beacons. Behind us, the Black Mountains. Below, was pretty little Crickhowell and a glimpse of its famous bridge. The views were stunning and well worth our wet and slippery climb, both up and down.
Walk done, we drove to The Star Bunkhouse at Bwlch and soon ensconced ourselves in the welcoming confines of that warm and cosy lodging. If you haven’t stayed there yet, we can highly recommend the place as an excellent location from which to explore the area. Comfortable beds, duvets provided, cubicle showers and lashings of hot water all the time. Self-catering facilities are excellent and if you can’t be bothered to cook, just book a table over the road at The New Inn. Neil and Sarah never disappoint and are deserving of their reputation for fine food and good beers. Andy and I took our own advice and with Steve, had a very enjoyable evening there, made even more pleasant in being joined by Charlie and her husband Simon. They were treating the weekend as preparation for their forthcoming expedition to Kathmandu. (I can tell you; they will have no trouble). Saturday morning was sunny and not threatening of any immediate inclemency. We were joined by Mary and Johnnie and little Taro. He’s 15 months of age now and already used to the outdoor life. Toddling about, he’s inquisitive and adventurous and clearly destined for a walker, if his instinctive affinity with walking poles is anything to go by. We wouldn’t hear much from Taro all weekend. He obviously enjoyed his rides and was content to see the world from the comfort of his carrier. A grand little chap. We set off for the little village of Llangynidr and had crossed over the impressive 18th Century bridge spanning the Usk, when I immediately felt compelled to introduce everyone to the delights of The Walnut Tree Café. Well known to Andy and myself, you’ll not be surprised to learn, everyone enjoyed a beverage and some, even a piece of cake. Taro was down and off like a ten bob rocket, walking pole in hand, to befriend a puppy Alsatian, suitably supervised by its lady owner.
A lovely walk westwards, along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, was a picture of waning, autumnal foliage and mirrored trees in the slow-moving water. Always nice to see a narrowboat chugging by and exchange a word or two with the captain. An enviable pastime and a pace of life a lot of people would benefit from these days. If I wasn’t almost horizontal already, I’d give it a go. Soon, we were at Coombes Lock, a collection of old canal buildings and a stone road bridge. The lock gates here allow a safe crossing across the canal to pick up a clear footpath heading southwest towards our destination, Tor y Foel mountain. (Well, a big hill really). It was still a lovely day and no sign of rain. Now it was just a sunny walk across sheep pasture to a roadway and the start of our walk to the 551 metre summit.
Following an unmissable and well-trodden path, we climbed the steep, but easy trail, whilst the wind picked up speed and intensity the higher we went. There are three false summits before reaching the top but you are rewarded with a marvellous panorama of the valley of the River Usk, a distant view of the Black Mountains and the closer still, Brecon Beacons. Below lies the Talybont Reservoir, that day reflecting the sky and clouds and the multi-coloured foliage of trees and grasses along its length, right to its dammed extremity at the village of Talybont- on- Usk.
A steady descent to reservoir level didn’t take us out of the wind. Too blowy to enjoy the picnic stones, shelter was found behind a wall and lunch taken after a fashion. An easy stroll along the roadway beside the water took us as far as the reservoir dam near Talybont village and the signpost for the Usk valley Walk, eastwards back to Llangynidr. Not an unpleasant walk across open fields and through pockets of woodland, we were afforded some interesting views of what lay across the other side of the Usk. Amongst them, the splendid Llanddetty Hall.
A 17th Century pile, owned by a puritan, Colonel Jenkins Jones, who angrily put a bullet through the door of Llanddetty Church because he heard Charles 11 was returning to claim the throne. There is a bullet hole. Andy and I visited the church on last years’ walk. Soon we were crossing the bridge over the canal and turning right, past Coombes Lock and retracing our steps back to Bwlch and tea and cake. A lovely day in the sunshine. Approximately 11 miles without mishap and no rain. Another convivial evening was spent in the New Inn, which seemed to put everyone in good spirits for Sundays’ perambulations. Steve decided to do a high walk on his own, so he could get off as soon as he was down. So, we wished him all the best and off he went. As people had to drive home at differing times, it was decided to do the easy walk around Langorse Lake. The largest natural lake in South Wales, it’s the size of 400 football pitches. Famous for its water sports, pike fishing and the ‘Afanc’, a mythical monster said to prey on the unwary, and those lagging behind on walks. It was a morning of hedge lined country lanes and impressive old buildings like ‘Tall John’s House’. A lovely Manor House, originally built to celebrate the victory over The Spanish Armada and later remodelled by one of Nelson’s friends, Admiral Hamilton. History around every corner in these isles. Our waterside walk found us at the lakeside café, closed for half term. Nobody could understand that. So, we pressed on to the Community Centre Shop in Langorse village and enjoyed a hot drink. I had a chat there with an old lad from ‘up North’. Not sure what he was telling me. It was quite a stitherum. All very confusing and I came away none the wiser. There, we said goodbye to Mary and Johnnie and little Taro and wished them a safe journey home. Then we bade farewell to Charlie and Simon and hoped their holiday would be all they expected it to be. That left just Andy and I to make our way back across country to Bwlch. We’d done it previously, sort of, with Mike and Ed, but we decided to make it more of an adventure and avoid any road walking.
De-booted and having said goodbye to our hostess, the lovely Emma, we made our way to Monmouth and a civilised, overnight stay at the recommended Riverside Hotel, with free parking at the rear! A visit to the High Street and La Piccola Italia restaurant, finished off our day magnificently and a good night’s sleep set us up for a very impressive, full monty breakfast. A thoroughly successful weekend in every way. The very good company of nice people and the weather was kind to us. Thanks to everyone who made it so enjoyable. It would have been even better, had we had the pleasurable company of our much-missed old friend, Ed.
Report by Steve Caulton with thanks to Andy Burton. |
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North and South day walks, October
Northish walk - Calver, Peak District Our group met up for the first Northish walk of the season at Cafe 19 located at the crossroads at Calver in Derbyshire. One or two couldn’t make it so reduced numbers for the first walk. Breakfast was pretty good and the coffee was nice too. We intended to start the walk at this location but a member of staff came out and asked us if we could move our car as they were expecting a delivery that day. As a result of this we jumped in the car and drove a short way up the road towards Stoney Middleton and parked by the playing fields. Setting off up the track behind the playing field we soon broke off to the right and headed up the hillside continuing to the village of Stoney Middelton. At one time Stoney Middleton (usually just referred to as Stoney) was considered the epicentre of rock climbing in Britain, if not indeed the entire the universe, spending time having a pint of tea in Eric’s cafe or a pint in the Moon as a young climber I can remember spotting the big names of the moment. People like Tom Proctor, Geoff Birtles, Pete Livesey and many others who would meet there.
We continued into Eyam village which is infamously known as the plague village with very good reason. The villagers here cut themselves of from even nearby Stoney Middleton, quarantining themselves and thus preventing the spread of the plague throughout the area. This came at a heavy cost and many died. There are plaques on many houses giving information about those who lived there and who perished.
Our walk ended back at our cars and despite the very dull weather and the limited views the walk was very enjoyable and fortunately the limestone ground was not as slippery as it might have been if it had been wetter. Participants Andy Burton, Heather Eddowes, Michele and Marcus Tierney Report by Marcus
Southern walk: Shearwater and the West Downs, Wiltshire
It was a grey overcast day for our autumn walk down South on Tuesday. A mild day but with a chilly wind on the tops.
The start was from Shearwater Lake, near Crockerton, a man made freshwater lake fed by a tributary of the river Wylye. It is now a popular place for fishing, sailing and herons.
Walking through woodland on the Longleat Estate we passed the outskirts of a Center Parcs to arrive at Heavens Gate.
The viewpoint on Prospect Hill features stone sculptures by Paul Norris, a Millennium project and gives great views of the Longleat Estate.
We continued down narrow country lanes, through the hamlet of Newbury before crossing a road and heading to the Downs. We climbed Brimsdown Hill to Bidcombe and Whitehill Downs. This area can be hard going when wet, but today the ground was dry! We traversed the hillside, crossing Cold Kitchen Hill with its trig point.(In pre-Roman times it was called Col Cruachan, the ‘wizard’s hill’, maybe a nod to the Neolithic long barrow that lies up on the down.)
There is a great view from Cold Kitchen Hill of undulating downs. The dull day didn't do justice to the vista. We were followed across the downs by the squaking and flapping of wings of dozens of pheasants - luckily we were not on a hunting trip. Heading to Brims Down we dropped down to an old green lane from Brixton Deveril, which took us back to the woods around Shearwater.
Participants: Margaret Moore, Mike Goodyer and Paul (in spirit!)
Report by Mike
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As predicted storm Amy hit the North East just after 1pm on Friday and any walking was out of the question. We spent our time getting to know the modern Youth Hostel and exploring the exhibitions at the adjoining National Landscape Discovery Centre. Andy and Steve spent the afternoon at the Roman auxiliary fort/museum at Vindolanda located just south of Hadrian’s Wall a five-minute drive from the Sill YHA (see Steves Report later).
After saying our farewells to Alison and Rick who were returning home, we set off on our walk.
Moving on we reach the Roman fort of Housteads and sit down for lunch. Housteads is Britain’s most complete Roman Fort sitting on the dramatic Whin Sill escarpment. After lunch Andy & Steve decided to explore the site and make their own way back (see Steves account later).
Sunday – Sunny and clear skies we set of South through beautiful countryside and reach Bardon Mill. We walk through Errington Reay & Co Pottery works. Established over 145 years ago it’s the last remaining salt glazed pottery of its kind in Britain.
Evening Meal, yes again at the Twice Brewed Inn. Fabulous Sunday Dinners and desserts served until 9pm. In the morning after breakfast, we said our farewells. On the way home Andy and Steve visited the Roman Army Museum in Greenhead and Philip and Roger visited the Vindolanda Museum. An enjoyable time was had by all on the meet. I, IT WAS VERY CANNY. Participants David Blackett, Andy Burton, Steve Caulton, David Clear, Philip Hands, Alison Henry, Roger James, Judy Renshaw and Rick Snell. Report by David Clear
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In April 2025 a group of members gathered to attend the Honister Slate mines to complete some club sponsored training on the Via Feratta there. It’s safe to say that from what I heard that everyone was richer for the experience. The group learnt new skills or brushed up on old ones. Some of those members who were able to make it to Cortina were able to put that training to good use in September proving the value of the club investing in the training meets. Michele and I set off long before the meet and enjoyed a leisurely drive down through various countries and were also able to pull in a good number of walks and new Via Ferratas in particular around Seefeld, Maurach and Canazei where we were also able to fill in several climbs missed on previous trips. We eventually made our way through the Dolomites arriving in Cortina on the same Friday as everyone else. Sadly, Cortina was not looking at its best as there was a huge amount of building ongoing in preparation for the Winter Olympics starting in February. It was hard to believe that the work will be completed on time. A countdown clock was displayed on the Main Street if they had any doubt as to the time available to complete the work. It is easy to see how the area will benefit from the improved infrastructure that the Olympics will leave.
Our first full day together as a group saw us heading up the valley by bus to visit a couple of Via Ferattas that some participants would remember from the last Cortina meet in 2014. As we travelled past Fiames I pressed the button for the next stop, we sailed past the turn for the path up the Val di Fanes and continued up the hill eventually stopping half a mile further on at a random spot below the Bosco De Castel. A short walk down led us back to the intended path 10 and on to the start of the VF Giovanni Barberi and VF Lucio Dalaiti.
Sunday was our transit day where we headed up hill, Michele and I in our car and the others by taxi to the Pie Tofana car park. A chair lift saw us rise swiftly to the Rifugio Duca d’Aosta. From here we had hoped to continue to the hut on the next chairlift, but we had already been warned that this lift was closed. There followed a steep and hot walk with heavy rucksacks to the Rifugio Pomedes situated at 2303m overlooking Cortina. The Rifugio was originally built in readiness for the 1956 Winter Olympics and was sited at the start of the men’s downhill at that time. The Rifugio overlooks two smaller peaks below, the Ra Pegna and Ra Bujela. The two peaks are split by the Schuss, a steep scree slope that was the first section of the previous Olympic men’s downhill held in Cortina and will become the first section of the women’s downhill in February.
After leaving some of our gear at the hut we all descended back down to the base of Ra Pegna via the Schuss. It was a difficult enough descent on foot and the thought that anyone would be mad enough to ski down it was unthinkable!
The weather continued to be kind and there were requests for a bit of a walk with maybe a bit of via feratta also involved. To this end we donned our VF gear at the Rifugio before descending path 421 leading down towards the Rifugio Dibona. After only a few minutes the path leads off to the right onto the VF Sentiero Astaldi, which is an exposed narrow path with a little climbing that leads across some very unusual brightly coloured strata. We continued after the VF onto path 404 under the huge face of the Tofana Di Rozes. We passed the entrances to the Grotta Tofanna and the entrance to the tunnels that mark the start of the VF Giovanni Lipella, before continuing onwards to the Forcella Col Dei Bos at 2331m. From this location we looked up at the Il Castelletto, one of several mountains in the area which saw the detonation of huge amounts of explosives in an attempt to remove the entrenched soldiers on the summit. An effort doomed to failure on this mountain as when the soldiers could hear that the tunnelling below them had stopped, they hot footed it off the mountain in time for the huge explosion to detonate and harm no one on the summit. I believe there may have been casualties as a result of the gas in the tunnels caused by the dynamite.
Upon arriving at the top, a steady but arduous climb up the Majarié valley through many jumbled giant boulders via the path 403 leads on to the Rifugio Giussani. Various forms of refreshment were taken. Our return journey descended from the Rifugio and back again along the VF Astaldi to the Rifugio Pomedes. A walk with a bit of Via Feratta? Brief accomplished I would say, and then some.
The next day with a changeable forecast we decided to stay low below the clouds. In fact, as we geared up the rain started and delayed us leaving the Rifugio. Once the rain stopped, we again descended on foot to the Rifugio Duca D’Aosta. We then took the path 405 which is known as the Sentiero Dei Camosci (the path of the chamois). This path crossed the scree/ski runs traversing under the rock faces below the Dos de Tofanas before reaching the Pie Tofana car park. From here we ascended path 407 to the Col Druscie for lunch. There is an observatory at Col Druscie and the 407 path has a series of notice boards with interesting (if your Italian is good) facts about the planets of our solar system, and the wider cosmos.
Our final day at the Rifugio Pomedes promised good weather so we headed off up the Sentiero Giuseppe Oliveri intending to lunch at the Rifugio Ra Valles. This route crosses well above the Sentiero Dei Camosci, up ladders and occasional steep wires. There were interesting structures that support the devices to start controlled avalanches. These devices looked a little like an Apollo Command Module. There was a short descent to the Ra Valles lift station. At this point there was much work going on at the high scree/ski slopes where new runs were being prepared for the winter. Upon arrival at Ra Valles, we were met by a large group of Chinese tourists enjoying the amazing views over Cortina. The group had just arrived on the lift giving the whole area a sudden Bank Holiday Monday like atmosphere for the short time they were there. We all descended by the same route apart from David who decided to take the scenic route by cable car to Col Druscie,where he then walked back up the steep path from the Duca d’ Aosta. Our final day saw us all descend to Cortina. After lightening a few loads by dumping some stuff in our car, everyone except Michele and I walked down to Cortina. Michele and I drove to Cortina and left the car at the hotel. We had a walk up to Fiames and then back down the opposite side of the valley. A really nice day. Our last evening together was spent in Cortina having a meal in a restaurant which was part of a hotel in which I stayed on my first visit to Cortina with Ian Mateer in 2010. As I write this report Michele and I are travelling home by car, again stopping at various places on route. In fact, we are sat in an apartment in Saarburg and it hasn’t stopped raining all day. As well as starting the report we are already thinking about next year's Via Feratta holiday! The rest of the group travelled home via Venice, and I will leave that part of the journey to be told by Andy. Thanks to all for a really great meet, it was so nice for Michele and I to share our love of the area and VF climbing with good company. Thanks especially to Andy for arranging the meet.
Andys footnote from Venice :
The two days in Venice staying at the Generator Hostel on Giudecca Island were planned to celebrate with Ed his having also reached seventy. He did reach seventy, having completed his inspiring epic LeJog journey, but on the 22nd August Ed’s time on this earth suddenly ran out. All those who ever knew Ed know exactly what we have lost. Thanks to all who attended for your enthusiasm and effort in completing whatever Marcus and Michele threw us into each day, and for the way you all in your own way honored the memory of our absent friend. Participants. Steve Creasey, David Clear, Steve McCain, Michele and Marcus Tierney, Andy Burton. Report by Marcus and Michele
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Ten Tors (or more) and two cream teas - Princetown, August
A welcome return to Dartmoor after last year’s successful meet. Once again we were based at Princetown -only a month earlier and in the school holidays. We were surprised how quiet Princetown and the nearby moors and Tors were. When Andy and I arrived late afternoon on Friday the town was so quiet it could have been half day closing - the cafe shuts at 4pm and even the chip shop shuts at 5pm! The Plume of Feathers, where we were staying in their bunkhouse, was subdued with no chef for the entire weekend and the camp site had very few takers. As before the prison remains shut and the outdoor shop is up for sale. Only the local brewery, Dartmoor Brewery, looks on the up, with Jail Ale a personal favourite. The future doesn't bode well for this small town. However this quietness had a certain charm and all the local people we met were very friendly and welcoming - pleased for our custom I guess. Luckily the Prince of Wales were able to accommodate us for Friday and Sunday evening meals. On the Friday morning Andy and I set off promptly, missing the M4/M5 traffic issues and arrived at Dunnabridge for lunch. We set off for a short leg stretch to Bellever Tor, passing several ponies grazing on the moors. The Tor was a great vantage spot and at 443m its one of the highest points around. It was windy on the top. The paths were springy and dry. Enjoying the good weather we detoured to Laughter Tor. Descending back to the return path we met a young photographer, Hugo, at the standing stone. He had a project to capture in photos the spirit of the moors. He was using the poem Dart by Alice Oswald as his inspiration – we wished ‘all the best’ for his venture and returned to the car.
We then hot-footed to Princetown to check into the bunkhouse. There was one more Tor to visit and we arrived just after 3:30pm at the Fox Toe Café for our first cream tea of the weekend.
Saturday saw the day break to fine weather. Steve, who was travelling up from the New Forest, arrived in good time for us to set off from Princetown by 9am. The walk was mainly on Walkhampton Common and we hoped to visit 7/8 Tors. For a large part of the walk we followed the bed of the dismantled railway. This allowed for a good pace and we detoured off the railway to head up to the Tors along the line. The TV mast on North Hessary Tor, near Princetown, was visible almost the whole walk.
The Princetown Railway was a 10¼ mile single track branch railway line that ran from Yelverton on the Plymouth to Tavistock line, to Princetown via four intermediate stations, Dousland, Burrator and Sheepstor Halt, Ingra Tor Halt and King Tor Halt. The line was initially built to transport granite and supplies, including coal and materials for the prison. We passed the disused quarries of Foggintor and Sweltor on the way to Kings Tor, where we could see the Great Mis Tor – a route from last year.
After exploring the quarry cliffs and scrambling about on the Tor we returned to the railway bed and passed under a substantial bridge (ancient packhorse route?) on the way to Ingra Tor. Here we said farewell to the railway as it headed off to Burrator Reservoir into Dousland and then to Yelverton.
From Ingra Tor we traversed the moor to Leeden Tor and then on to Sharpitor, a breezy lunch stop, onto the scrambling Leather Tor and then dropping down through the woods to the eastern end of Burrator Reservoir.
Here we split into two groups – one continuing through the woods to join the Abbots Way and back to Pricetown via South Hessary Tor. The other group headed south through the woods and up to Sheeps Tor, very distinctive but not the highest Tor. There were a number of ‘wild’ camps up here with good views of the reservoir. We retraced our steps and after an ice cream refreshment headed north to Black Tor before returning to Princetown. The walk was around 14 miles with 2000’ of ascent.
Sunday we woke to thick mist and light drizzle so we planned a trip to Lydford Gorge. On the way to the gorge we stopped off at the Bronze Age settlement of Merivale, just above the Inn, to see the stone avenue and round houses. Last year Andy and I visited this area in clear weather. However the mist gave the area a special magical ambiance and we pondered who laid these stones and why. Steve returned home after his cultural visit!
Paul and Celine left to go home while the rest of us returned to the bunkhouse. We enjoyed another evening in the PofW. Unfortunately Monday was very misty with heavy showers. We all decided to pack and return home. An enjoyable meet in a unique landscape, Dartmoor certainly has a lot to offer. Attendees: Andy Burton, Steve Creasey, Heather Eddowes, Celine Gagnon, Mike Goodyer & Paul Stock. Report by Mike Goodyer |
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Lenk im Simmental - Switzerland, July
Lenk proved to be an excellent centre for hikes of all abilities, and with the good weather, everyone was out in the hills every day. The Hotel Wilstrubel was the base for the week. The group of 27 members split into smaller walking groups and covered many kilometres of hiking trails during the week. The report has also been broken down into smaller segments, reflecting the different experiences. Pamela and Katherine
On the first day we caught the Betelberg gondola lift to Leiterli, just under 2000 metres, and set off on the “Flower Trail”. This lived up to its name for the profusion of alpine plants, mostly with small labels to identify them. We came across the usual favourites of alpenrose and spring gentians, but a first for many were the numerous tall yellow gentians, which have no resemblance to the smaller blue ones. Tiny fairy’s thimble bellflowers clung to the rocks, along with mountain avens and alpine gypsophila. There were several varieties of orchids to be found, mostly common spotted but with the occasional delicate fragrant, bright pink round-headed, small white, and even a few black vanilla, usually found at higher altitudes.
One of our lower walks was the contouring path from the bus stop at Laubbärgli to Bühlberg, where the flowers were more of a meadow variety. Here we walked through fields of tall white false helleborines, bearded bellflowers, dark blue rampions, and a profusion of pale pink bistort.
The last day dawned bright and sunny, and many of us returned to Leiterli for the geological circuit towards Gryden, a lunar landscape pitted with craters, with dramatic views. The flowers were even better here, with clumps of bright pink martagon lilies, the first that we’d seen in Lenk, white St. Bruno lilies and willow-leaved gentians. We had a 15-minute stop looking at a group of about 8 marmots playing, feeding, and just basking in the sunshine, with one on guard in a hollow near the path. During lunch on the high point of the ridge we were entertained by 2 persistent swallowtail butterflies, a splendid conclusion to our week. Heather
Sunday. Sunday saw a group of 10 going up to Iffigen falls (1319m) where a delightful path meandered its way alongside the rushing water from the peaks above. The group split, with Andy’s group taking one path (see below) and Heather's group went a little further up the valley before turning off and up to the Ritzmad (1856m) and on to the Oberlaubhore. More alpine in nature the route summited at 1999m giving clear views up and down the Lenk valley and surrounding peaks. They had the cheese opportunity at the alpine farm.
Monday. Margaret Moore organised a walk on Monday up to the Lauenensee, making the most of the Simmental Pass - a free train ride up to Gstaad and bus to Louwenesee (1370m). The large group wandered around the lake admiring the flowers and views, with coffee at the cafe before the pleasant descent to Lauenen village and the return journey. Jay and Heather took time out at Zweissimmen to find some of the intricate, old chalets along with a great display of old farming implements. The forecast afternoon rain had set in. Tuesday - was the wet day. People lingered over breakfast before donning our waterproofs and setting off for the day.
Thursday. Initially undecided Heather’s group felt they should make use of the Metschstand lift and went up to clear views across to the Wildstrubel 3243m and its neighbours. Having discovered that their tickets enabled ‘free’ use of the lift from Geils 1706m on the Adelboden side they began the east flank traversing path from Metschstand to Hahnenmoos, 1949m cable car station. Another lovely traversing path took them towards Sillerebuel but they turned southwards and descended to Geils. A 6-seater from the old chairlift was the perfect stop for lunch! Back up to Hahnenmoos and after a delightful path through a lush flower meadow they slogged up the gravel road to the Metschstand in full, very hot sunshine. Rivella, beer and lemon sodas were very welcome as we took in our final views of the glorious mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Andy/Paul Also on the first day Paul, Mike, Marcus and Michelle caught the early bus to Laubbärgli. After a steep ascent by switchback roads to the Laubbärgli cafe (1848m) they started the trek on a zigzag path through the last of the trees which opened up to open pasture just below the ridge. The path made its way up along to the ridge for a short way before contouring around the hillside to the main ridge up to Tierberg. After a bit of a steep path they arrived at Tierberg (2371m), then followed a ridge up a very steep ascent to the next peak called Seewlehore (2468m). After an early lunch on the top they retraced the route back to Tierberg where they met Andy and continued along the descending ridge path to Laveygrat (2248m) and stopped for second lunch at the closed lift station.
In recent years the summer glacial lake has managed to melt its way through and drain away suddenly at much higher flow rates on occasion. This has given the locals some serious concerns as how best to protect the villages within the valley. However this meant that all the falls were very dramatic in their displaying of the power of water. Separately both groups made the steep descent began back to the café at Simmenfälle and the bus. An excellent day.
On Tuesday Andy's group went up the Betelberg gondola and walked along the Alpenblumen weg all the way to the crater like landscape at Gryden. This unique geological feature is attributed to some layers of rock very similar to the chalk found on our south coast being washed away over time leaving the harder surrounding rocks as narrow prominent ridges between and around a series of mini dolines.
From here with the weather steadily improved and retraced their steps through Gryden and up to the highpoint at Stubleni, 2109m. A collection of little pinnacles standing on top of this unusual landscape which now afforded some good 360-degree views. Michele and Marcus posed for a photo at the mini trig point on top. Making their way back to the gondola in the sunshine taking in the information on placards along the mountain bike track of how the ancient farming practices have developed and continue to work well in this area was almost information overload for one day.
Michele, Marcus and Andy decided we would walk from the top of the same gondola over to the Wildhornhuette SAC and return by bus from Iffigenalp. With the overnight rain having fallen above 2000 metres as snow and the cloud clearing away before dawn, they were treated to a bluebird day, in July. At the gondola station they met Bill and Rosie with Don, Richard and Rick, who soon left them behind as they walked under Stubleni and onto the Tungelpass, 2084m.
The alpine flowers in this area after the rain and with the full sun on them were a real treat.
The views right out past the Aemmertenspitz at 2612m all along the visible extent of the Bernese Oberland chain in both directions from Les Diablerets to the Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau, fair popped out at us.
Eventually they crested a lump at 2381m, with views down to the Iffigsee, and the traversing path around to the Wildhornhuette, SAC,2 255m on the path up to the Schnidejoch, one of the routes through to the Rhone valley side. As they approached the hut Bill and Rosie with Don and Rick were setting off on their way down.
Thursday, the last full day in the Simmental arrived all too soon. Andy’s gang of five caught the bus back up to Iffigenalp. With the guide from the Lenk Tourist Office giving us his well-practiced talk on all things Simmental Andy found that on this third listening he was able to understand a lot more of the Swiss German?!
Lunch was enjoyed at the first vantage point with good views back out over the wider upper Simmental landscape, before completing the descent back to Iffigenalp. With a couple of beers and some homemade cakes to finish our days out in the Swiss hills for another year in good time to get a seat on the bus back down, there was absolutely nothing not to like. Special mention goes to Don Hardy for making it up to both the Wildhorn and Wildstrubel huts and the Schnidejoch at 2755m. during the week.
Attendees: Pamela Harris and Alan Norton, Katherine and Richard Heery, Pat and Paul Goodlad, Pauline and Geoff Causey, Marian and Mike Parsons, Carol and Rick Saynor, Rosie and Bill Westermeyer, Margaret and Mike O’Dwyer, Michele and Marcus Tierney, Heather Eddowes, Margaret Moore, Jay Turner, Phil Hands, Roger James, Niels Doble, Paul Stock, Andy Burton. Reports from Pamela, Katherine, Heather, Paul and Andy. Edited by Mike Goodyer |
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Wales Meet - Rhyd Ddu, June
For those opting for an additional day, the signs on the Thursday night were not good – heavy rain, which had led to several Oread club members, who were out camping, to also make use of the hut overnight. When Friday came however, the weather was much better than forecast with only a couple of very short showers.
On Saturday, there were several excursions which centred on Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn gorge. A large contingent started their walk at the NT car park at Craflywn Hall, initially heading north east up the valley to the Sygun copper mine and Llyn Dinas. From there, the route turns south west, towards the flank of Grib Ddu. On the tops there is evidence of several old levels, and as we head down Cwm Bychan, there is the remains of an aerial ropeway that once served the workings.
After a picnic lunch at Nantmoor, by further old workings, we head north up the Aberglaslyn gorge. Always a delight with the water cascading over the various falls. A quick refresh in Beddgelert, before the final mile back to Craflwyn Hall. Meanwhile, another party had started at Nantmoor and headed up the gorge to Beddgelert. returning via a track on the west side of the river. Don had a solo walk starting in Rhyd Ddu, along a path through Beddgelert Forest, below Mynydd Mawr. His return route was by a lower path above Llyn Cwellyn which goes to the campsite close by the A4085. It’s worth noting that work has now begun on an official footpath in this area, up to the path through Beddgelert Forest, which ultimately will remove the need to walk back along the road. Saturday night was the usual communal fare, with the menu consisting of a tricolore starter, vegetarian chilli mains and a range of desserts, accompanied by a variety of wines.
A great weekend as ever, which showed that even the less energetic routes can hold a lot of interest. Attendees: David Blackett, Ed Bramley, Andy Burton, Steve Caulton, David Clear, Mike Goodyer, Don Hodge, Maggie & Mike O’Dwyer, Judy Renshaw, Elsbeth Robson, Suzanne Strawther, Marcus & Michele Tierney Report by Ed Bramley |
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Scotland Meet - Aviemore, May
There were just two people on the meet this year, due to many changes of plans by other possible attendees. But we had an excellent time, doing some great walking and scrambling in mainly good weather. The others certainly missed out! We stayed at the SYHA hostel which had good facilities, helpful and friendly staff as well as shops, pubs and restaurants nearby. It also had public transport and easy access to the Cairn Gorm mountain/ski area and some local paths close to the hostel. We managed to catch the last two days of the sunny weather that the whole of the UK had had for many weeks, before it changed to low pressure and some rain. However, the amount of rain we actually had while out was minimal. With sunshine in the morning and a good forecast on the first day we decided to do a scramble on the Fiacaille Coire ridge, near the ski area of Cairn Gorm. Max had done this before, so he knew what to expect. We drove up to the ski centre and set out on a major path to the south, before heading up a steep, bouldery ridge to the start of the scramble. It looked more forbidding than in the guidebook, but was all possible once we were onto it. The rock was excellent, granite with good friction and mainly solid, though often quite exposed. There was one section where I had to hesitate and look, with Max’s advice, to find a way around a tricky section. Although the scramble was only given Grade 1 in the Scottish guidebook, we agreed that in England it would have merited at least Grade 2 or even 3.
We reached the top of the scramble in time to continue along the ridge of Cairn Lochan (1216m) for a lunch stop with some slight shelter from the wind. We saw a snow bunting near the top and later a herd of reindeer grazing on the slopes. We continued west in order to look down into the Lairig Ghru, a long, narrow valley running south into the centre of the Cairngorms. Then we continued along the top of Lurcher’s Crag before cutting back down to the main path. The dry Spring meant that almost all the bog areas were dry, which made most of the ‘off piste’ routes much easier than usual. As we had finished quite early, we stopped to look at Loch Morlich on the way back, which has a surprisingly large sandy beach with water-sports and cafes – most unlike the Scottish Highlands! In the evenings we usually ate at pubs and restaurants within walking distance of the hostel as there are plenty to choose from, with a variety of style, atmosphere and cuisine. One evening we cooked in the hostel kitchen, with food bought locally.
The forecast for the following day was for strong wind and possibly low cloud so we decided to do the ridge to the north of Loch Morlich, which is slightly lower. We parked at a bridge near to Glenmore Lodge and followed the slightly complicated guidebook directions through the forest to pick up a path to a rather smart, recently renovated bothy. After a short break there, we took a fairly steep path up to the top of Meall a Buachaille at 810m. The wind along the top ridge was strong enough to make progress quite difficult, but we managed to get over another 2 tops and shelter behind a huge boulder for lunch. After the final top there was a good path down to the forest and through the grounds of Badaguish outdoor centre which seemed to have cabin accommodation and activities. We took a minor diversion around the end of Loch Morlich and heard cuckoos in the forest. This year I heard fewer cuckoos than usual in Scotland at this time of year but, however, I did see a beautiful bullfinch just outside the hostel window at breakfast time that day.
The following two days had forecasts for even stronger winds and considerably more rain, so we did lower walks. On the Sunday we followed a guidebook route from Loch Insh around the Speyside area. From the start at Kincraig we took a short detour to the loch, which had a notice indicating that ospreys were nesting in the area. Max had binoculars and was able to identify a nest, high in the trees on an island. No birds were visible at the time so we continued round, alongside much of the River Feshie and into forest to the south. The path went around several picturesque lochans and up to a viewpoint (Creg Far-leitire) which made a suitable lunch stop. After returning through forest along the Badenoch Way, followed by a short rain shower, we had a further look at the osprey nest, and were lucky to see an adult bird rise up from the nest, fly around and return to it. When we had looked earlier, it had probably been sheltering its chicks from the rain. That made a suitably satisfying finish to the walk. In the evening we ate at ‘Macdui’s bar’ which provided good, typically Scottish fare. Although we had not actually had much rainfall while out, the last day’s forecast was similarly windy and wet, so we opted for a local walk from the hostel. This took well made paths to the south which were indicated on one map as ‘East Highland Way’, although there were no signs to indicate this. We had around half an hour of serious rain at the start but very little for the rest of the day. The route went to Loch an Eilein, a very pretty loch with a castle on an island. In the morning there were very few people to be seen but later on there were families and other groups, as the loch has car access and parking. We took a route further south to a small bothy (Drake’s Bothy) partly hidden in the woods. This one had some people staying and others camping outside, so we moved on to Loch Gamhna for a lunch stop. Before returning we felt obliged to take in the top of Ord Ban (428m), the highest point in this area, up a steep rocky path way from the crowds but with a trig point on top.
In the evening we ate at one of the few older restaurants in a hotel which had been around before the ski centre was built. It had chandeliers with deer antlers and traditional food such as haggis on the menu. Then it was time to pack up and leave in the morning. I was lucky to get a lift into Inverness, as Max was meeting his wife Vivien and sister-in-law Janet at the airport, so I visited the very nice museum in town before getting my plane later on. I heard that the others managed to see the ospreys as well, later in the week. Aviemore was a very good centre for a range of interesting walks and was reasonably easy to reach. I felt sorry for the others who missed this meet! Present: Judy Renshaw, Max Peacock Report by Judy Renshaw |
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Peak District - Ilam Hall, May
The 2025 Peak District Meet was another great melange, with attendees enjoying many of the delights this beautiful hilly area has to offer for those that decide to venture out here. Céline, Ed and I met at the Robin Hood car park (Free to both National Trust and RSPB members) shortly before 11am on Friday. Lugging our climbing sacks up the path through the trees to Birchen Edge in spring sunshine was certainly no hardship.
All too soon it was time to return to the cars and make our way over to Ilam Hall YHA to meet and greet this year’s attendees, who all duly arrived as planned, always a bit of a relief for the meet organiser. Hats off to Elsbeth for making the three-train journey from Hull with her bike to Matlock and then cycling the 16 miles over to Ilam. Your Editor Mike G. also enjoyed a Friday outing, which he recounts for you all below:
Various plans for Saturday were discussed and made after dinner in the hostel. Here are the accounts of what the various groups enjoyed. Paul, Mike G. and Céline set off first for a walk that Paul had found near Matlock. Here is Paul’s report of the Saturday Giddy Edge Walk:
Ed set off next, closely followed by Margaret Moore who went to hire a bike at the Ashbourne end of the Tissington Trail as she did last year. Here is Ed’s recounting of his first 50 miles plus ride as he trains up for his LeJog epic ride in June.
We all made good time keeping up with Margaret and Don on their electric bikes, stopping at Hartington Station to use the conveniences before carrying on up to Parsley Hay where the High Peak Trail connects in. At this point the trail is over 1,000 feet (305m) above sea level, and whilst we were afforded long views, the cool and freshening cross wind meant we were very glad of a hot drink here. Carrying onto the Royal Oak where Ben found us all seats in the snug for a pint and a warm. Then came the return. With its favourable railway gradient going southwards we all cruised back to Tissington where at the Hall café a cream tea was enjoyed, before the slight up and down back to Thorpe and the steep sweeping downhill back to the hostel completed a great 30-mile round. Sunday morning, we were joined by Steve Caulton for breakfast. With everyone suitably replete we set off from the hostel through the grounds of Ilam Park and along the Lower Manifold Valley. As Elsbeth had walked the first part of this walk the day before she led us all out and up past the impressive pile of Castern Hall, still a massive work in progress, but all quality work in keeping and respecting the original construction. We suspect it will become a hotel and wedding venue. Time and deep pockets will tell. Above the old mine workings, the group halted at the obvious viewpoint to look at the Manifold valley from its eastern rampart. Great view of Beeston Tor and down to Weags Bridge, and across the valley to Throwley Hall Farm, which we would walk through later.
Elsbeth led us unerringly through the little ups and downs across the chequered field pattern to the edge of Wetton Village, where there were toilets and a popup trailer café directly by the car park. This is the main access parking for Thors Cave, and the field parking extension was rapidly filling up as we enjoyed a quick cuppa. Following the roads that skirt the western end of the village we joined the unmade lane all the way down to the Thors Cave complex. When approached from this direction there is so much more to the place. I remember Michele and I coming to this area for the first time with Mum and Dad some 60 years ago via this same route. It was busy then and still is now. A lot of work has been done recently to improve the footpath, control the erosion and direct visitors safely to the main attraction. Underneath the main cave mouth, we descended to the dry riverbed and walking along the Manifold Way to Weags Bridge.
Following the unmade road that parallels the trail we walked left through the permanent campsite at Weags Barn and picked a spot by Beeston Tor Farm to have lunch in the sun. With the added entertainment of the farm owner accessing his roof with an extendable ladder wedged in the base of a digger bucket raised and lowered by his mate as required and Marcus regaling us with routes he had done on the impressive Beeston Tor above us, the time fair flew by.
Sunday evening saw some attendees take advantage of the easier evening drive home. Others relaxed with dinner and a beer and planned the BH Monday walk.
Crossing the little packhorse bridge at Milldale we took advantage of the facilities before disappearing at the end of the cottages up Sunny Bank to Alstonefield. Having established that the George was still there and due to open at noon we walked out of the village towards Hope and down to Dale Bottom. Following the lane right we found ourselves unerringly at the Watts Russell Arms nestled in the top end of Hopedale. On seeing the Thornbridge Brewery supply truck parked at the pub I relaxed in the knowledge that the pub was open and likely to have plenty of good beer. The six of us enjoyed a convivial Bank Holiday quaff here before setting off on the return leg. Walking up to Stanshope via the lane of the same name we joined the footpath down to Hall Dale. Just through the gate into the Dale proper we took the path right up the bank. This allowed us to follow the ridge until we reached an unmade lane that took us down to the road at Beechenhill. On the map this area is dotted with tumuli and ancient low markers, the highest one at 336 metres is Ilamtops Low.
Leaving the road just below Beechenhill we traversed along the slopes of Bunster Hill and at the obvious nick in the ridge we walked along this limestone reef remnant that affords such a great view from above of Ilam village and the Hall itself. I remembered last walking this little ridge with my brother Michael and my German penfriend Eckehart when I was fifteen, on our very first camping venture into the Peak District on our own. Happy Days to be able to enjoy this area with friends and family in my 70th year. Postscript: - Don and Judy like to pull in a visit to a National Trust pile on their journey home. This year they stopped off at Hardwick Hall, where they bumped into Suzanne Strawther, another ABMSAC and Alpine Club member, who volunteers as a guide there. This year’s attendees were Margaret Moore, Elsbeth Robson, Céline Gagnon, Heather Eddowes and Dave Matthews, Don Hodge and Judy Renshaw, Mike Goodyer, Paul Stock, Ed Bramley, and Andy Burton.
Report by Andy Burton |
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Skills Meet - Buttermere, April
Once the rocking and rolling of administrational mishaps and hut commitments settled down, the actual meet itself was a delightful three day sandwich, combining a great day out climbing up onto Helvellyn via the discreet path up Nethermost Pike, with a days training on the Via Ferrata bolted to the side of Fleetwith Pike above the slate mine at Honister Pass, followed by a third days walking in the fells accessible from the Birkness Fell and Rock Hut situated at Buttermere. Tony Howard and I travelled up on Wednesday evening to our Hut in Patterdale in order to liaise with the builders on Thursday morning as they commenced work on the drying room improvements. Whilst the work did not quite go to plan, good progress was made because Tony was able to discuss various important changes with Alan as the day evolved and further problems were discovered. David Clear joined us in time for elevenses and strode off up St. Sunday for the afternoon.
Thursday evening the four of us wandered down to the White Lion for dinner. Here we were joined by Steve Creasey and Paul Stock who had cruised their way up from Southampton in time to order food and a pint. As usual possible routes for Fridays Walk were discussed and plans were made. In the morning with another fine day on the fells beckoning through the windows of the Hut five of us left Tony hoping that the builder would come and finish the work later that day. As Ed had unfinished business from a walk he did with Celine on the Dinner Meet, and some of our group had not done the route before, we set off up Grisedale taking the path towards Eagle Crag. This time we found the grassy path off up into where the Nethermost Cove Beck comes down via some waterfalls as it cuts its way through the underlying rock band. At the summit windbreak a quick decision where to descend was made with David and Paul electing to go down to Raise and use the zigzags. Steve, Ed and I went down Swirral Edge and up onto Catstye Cam. With a quick look into Keppel Cove and the old dam we setoff down the very dry grassy fellside to join the path that Red Tarn Beck runs at the side of and past the old HEP pipeline.
From the opposite side of the valley words of encouragement were shouted across by Paul as we approached the footbridge above the Greenside weir. Ed and Steve went across and made their way down the concrete road to Glenridding to join them. By this time my new boots were reminding me that the only breaking in I had done before today was up and down my carpeted stairs, so I stayed on the path that runs under the disused leat under Birkhouse Moor making my way into Glenridding via the campsite lane at Gillside. A welcome bottle of chilled Lucozade sat on the wall outside the corner shop saw the others come by and I followed them back to the Hut. Here we saw Tony and over a cuppa and cake it was decided that we would all go over to Buttermere, leaving just Ed’s car in the car park. The journey over was in of itself a real treat as the evening spring light lit up the fells on our journey across. Taking the left off the A66 at Portinscale the three cars regrouped at the Swinside Inn where a table was not available till after 8pm. Carrying on to the FRCC Hut Birkness just above Buttermere via Stair and through Derwent Fells over Newlands Hause into Buttermere. With a quick hello to the remainder of the group and off-loading our stuff, Ed and I made our way down into Buttermere for a meal at the Bridge Inn (formerly the Buttermere Hotel). Here we were very well looked after by the staff despite our late arrival. Back at the Hut a final chat with everyone about the timings for the morning before I climbed into my pit to read what was written under my eyelids. Heathers perspective of the Skills weekend:- Thoroughly enjoyed it. Saturday - We had the perfect weather with clear conditions, great views but not too hot. F&R Club hut was a great venue next to Buttermere, very handy to get to Honister Pass. Chris, our instructor took us to The Shed to get the Via Ferrata kit which once on meant we were ready to walk up to the beginning of the route. The first descent of the Via Ferrata down a ladder to a gentle overhang was a good starter for us all, requiring focus and ‘hanging on’ ability in order to unclip and then clip on to the next cable whilst being unbalanced. We all passed. Then metal staples, a ladder or three and even real rock led us round into a deep chimney with a breeze blowing gently up the rock face.
A winding drive to our evening meal at the Kirkstile Inn which was very tasty and with convivial lively company. Sunday - Four of us walked up to Scarth Gap. Steve C. went east up Haystacks whilst Celine, Andy & I went west to ascend High Crag (744m), High Stile (807m) then Red Pike (755m). More fantastic views over the western fells greeted us despite the relatively short hail/rain shower and low cloud - just to give some atmospheric views. The descent from Red Pike was initially steep with an over worn ‘path’ - worse to descend than ascend I think. Then a man-made stone path took us down to the lake side - eventually. Long and slow for me, but I did it!! A relief to get down to the flat lakeside walk back to the hut.
Heathers takeaway memories are the drive over Newlands Pass, sun shining on the lake with the lovely shadows and reflections in the water, honking geese, the peaceful picturesque situation of the F&RC hut and being able to walk down to the lakeside path, plus having one of the Ladies dorms to myself - a real treat.
Paul was first up on Saturday and out the door before anyone else, and this is the account of his Saturday walk. I left the hut at 7:30 to walk along the road towards Honister Pass and turned southwest to cross the stream entering Buttermere at Peggy's Bridge and pick up the path to Scarth Gap Pass. I passed through the gap at 0820. Once I reached the bottom of Ennerdale I turned west on the forest road until I joined the path up Pillar. Pillar Rock buttress was very imposing as I got closer to it. I picked up the rising traverse past the Robinson Cairn to reach the ridge path from Pillar to Kirk Fell just before Black Sail Pass. I followed the path up Kirk Fell where it splits in two and took the northern path which led me to a very wet chossy gulley with a very loose rock chimney exit which raised my pulse rate somewhat.
From the positive feedback I have received a future club meet at another hut in the Lake District each year would not go amiss. This Skills meet was mainly aimed at people who had expressed an interest in attending the Dolomites Via Ferrata meet in mid-September. Attendees: Heather Eddowes, Celine Gagnon, Tony Howard, Paul Stock, David Clear, Steve Creasey, Steve McCain, Ed Bramley and Andy Burton. Report by Andy Burton |
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South West Day Walk Avebury, April
Three members arrived at Avebury on a glorious sunny spring morning, with a remarkably cool easterly breeze which made for a chilly start. We set off to Fyfield Down via the stone circle and up the worn chalky farm track up to the Ridgeway. Crossing the national trail we entered Fyfield Down, the source of the stones in the circle at Avebury. These are sarsen stones, made from silicified sandstone, also known as 'grey wethers' as from a distance they resemble sheep.
Leaving the barrow we returned to Avebury, passing Silbury Hill, completing a 12 mile walk in srpring sunshine. The day was rounded off with afternoon tea at the National Trust cafe. Attendees: Margaret Moore, Paul Stock, Mike Goodyer Report by Mike Goodyer |
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South West Day Walk Stourhead, March
On the first day of Spring, six of us met in the carpark at Stourhead for the inaugural South-West day walk. We walked East out of the estate, with the house in the background, crossed the busy B3092 until we reached the 18th century Drove track. We followed this track, lined with beech trees, up towards Whitesheet Hill. From there we did a circuit round the hill fort, with magnificent views of Wiltshire and Somerset.
The walk was just under 10 miles and around 850 ft of ascent. Attendees: Steve Butterfield, Mike Goodyer, Alison Henry, Margaret Moore, Rick Snell and Paul Stock.
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Northish Day Walk Southwell, March
Marchs Tuesday Northish day walk saw the four of us park up at Southwell Leisure Centre. From here we walked past the Minster School along the Potswell Dyke to the Archbishops Palace. Part ruin and gardens, part flexible resource space in the restored Great Hall, which is sat right at the side of Southwell Minster (the County Cathedral), known locally as the ‘Pepperpots'. The view of the church from across the fields illustrates why.
At the Refectory café we tarried over breakfast before exiting the Minster grounds and making our way across the road and onto the footpath that leads around the backs and across the A612 to Easthorpe.
Clearing the southern end of the Racecourse we crossed the Nottingham to Newark railway line and entered Rolleston village briefly. Cutting across the extensively leveed fields we joined the Trent Valley Way close to the confluence of the Greet and the Trent. Walking alongside the River Trent we were able to cast an informed glance across the fast-flowing waters towards East Stoke with its Hall and Church clearly visible at the foot of the bluffs on the southern side of the Vale. At the Bromley Arms, and its adjacent former wharf, now a private residence, they run a passenger ferry service on request, which enables people to visit the Red Gutter and walk the site of the Battle of Stoke Field (16th June 1487).
As the pub did not inspire us, we carried on through Fiskerton village and followed the field path to Morton. Here we found the Full Moon to be open and serving great beer from the Clarkson/Cotswold Brew Co.
Here we met a team who were busy planting several acres with dry-rooted saplings of native trees as part of an initiative to encourage landowners to convert some of their land back to woodland.
Those present were Michele and Marcus Tierney, Steve Caulton and Andy Burton.
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South Day Walk Chilterns, March
The ABMSAC Southern day walk on 11 March began at the West end of Amersham, which was accessible for car drivers from the West and for London-based people from the station on the hill above. The weather was better than forecast, dry and with reasonable periods of sunshine, though still with a cold northerly wind.
At one point we saw a group of 7 roe deer feeding in a field, before they saw us and leapt elegantly into the nearby wood. There were also red kites, now common in this area, wheeling above some of the fields. Present: Margaret Moore, Max Peacock, Mike Goodyer, Judy Renshaw
North Day Walk Peak District, February
Seven of us gathered at the Outside café in Hathersage for breakfast, followed by some retail therapy of the outdoor gear kind. Eventually, we all returned to our cars and donned full waterproofs before setting off out of Hathersage and down to the Derwent River. We managed to avoid going into the David Mellors stainless steel cutlery design studio, factory, and museum, which is always a great wet weather bolthole.
Attending this 8-mile epic walk in spite of the forecast were Ed Bramley, Michele and Marcus Tierney, Steve Caulton, Heather Eddowes, David Matthews, and Andy Burton.
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Steatley round, February
It was good to resume our day walks, as our last two walks had been cancelled due to unavailability. We met at Lardon chase carpark on a cold day. Our walk began through the woods, turning down to reach the river at Streatley. We then walked along the Thames path to Moulsford. Some of the path had been restored with gravel, which was welcome, but much remained muddy.
At Moulsford we left the river, walking up a bridleway towards Moulsford Down. The underlying rock was chalk, with plenty of mud. We climbed up to the Ridgeway. On a clear day there are great views from here, but we had low cloud. We walked along the Ridgeway until we reached the golf course, from where we had a steep climb across the course back to the carpark.
Attendees- Mike Goodyer, Mike O'Dwyer, Margaret Moore, Paul Stock
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Annual Dinner Glenridding, February
As my first AGM and dinner as president, and with a number of more experienced committee members unable to attend, I approached this weekend with some trepidation. Thanks to everyone who contributed, it ran like clockwork.
Ed Bramley:
Friday evening dinner at the White Lion hotel was excellent. The new management provide a limited choice of great food (much appreciated over doing it the other way around). Saturday morning inspired us with fine weather: wet snow high up and wet rain in the valley, all served with high winds. Ed and Céline combined ambition with common sense, heading for Helvellyn via Nethermost Pike and turning back when it became silly. They still got to use their crampons, have a long day out and return looking weather-beaten. Margaret and I took the easier path to Angle Tarn and back, invoking various excuses that I don’t remember. Ed Bramley: Saturday saw low cloud roiling around the Helvellyn tops, but undeterred, Celine and I headed out for Nethermost Cove and Nethermost Pike. Our plan was to get onto the tops and then along and down the Red Screes zig zags into Glenridding. The reality turned out to be a little different.
Before long, we were back at Ruthwaite Lodge and the route back to the hut for a well deserved cuppa and cake. |
 Angle Tarn
|  Looking towards Kirkstone Pass
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The AGM ran uneventfully with questions from the floor concerning finances of the George Starkey Hut. Which was hardly surprising, given that there remains much to be resolved in this regard.
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The dining room looked magnificent bedecked with club memorabilia and the cantonal flags of Switzerland. And the place settings were decorated with menus showing various club photos and name cards including chosen food options for those of us that forget these things. Many thanks to Heather for sending along the club treasures, Julie for organising and Margaret for helping set up, with unquestioning help from Emma of the hotel. Don, as always, had the IT and audio- visual systems totally under control.
With three tables of ten, we were a smaller gathering than of late. As we toasted Absent Friends, the reality struck. We all age, as we must, and the time comes when the journey to Glenridding becomes too difficult or no longer possible. But our lack of newer members is not inevitable, and yet seemingly intractable. And yet, four long- standing members attended the dinner for their very first time – two coming all the way from Switzerland – specifically to hear Pamela Harris give her talk.
After the meal, which really was very tasty, Pamela talked of her travels through the Alps, many with club members past and present. As Pamela talked, with her clear teachers’ voice, of people and places that were dear to so many, I could see members’ memories being reignited. And for relative newbies, like me, it was another opportunity to see what we have missed.
At the meal, we were honoured to have Charlie Burbridge, honorary secretary of the Alpine Club, as our guest. Whilst most of us did little more than take a short walk and pack up on Sunday morning, Charlie was spotted tucking into a large Cumbrian hotel breakfast, before setting off to run the whole Helvellyn ridge (under drifted snow).
Ed Bramley:
The weather on Sunday was looking like it would be a repeat of Saturday, so Celine and I headed out for the low level favourite around Gowbarrow Fell.
| On the rising traverse to the viewpoint overlooking Ullswater, we met a group of Northumbrian fire ladies in full gear, who were doing a charity walk along the Ullswater Way. Big Respect.
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To cap off the morning, we headed to Glenridding Village Hall, where Marian and others had a coffee morning on the go – even provided some very good cake for the journey home! A fitting close to the weekend.
Margaret Moore also went to Aira Force and Gowbarrow, where it was very windy on the top.
 Aira Force
|  Top of Gowbarrow
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My thanks to everyone who made the weekend a great success. I, for one, had a really enjoyable time catching up with so many good friends.
Report by Daniel Albert
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Wentworth Woodhouse - Figure of eight or curates’ egg?, January
Arrangements are made, arrangements are changed, and arrangements are misunderstood. It’s simple really. You see there are two stately homes near Barnsley. Both have the word Wentworth in them, both are run by the National Trust, and both are near Wentworth. Note to self don’t assume the Stately home at Wentworth is the one you think it is. Now we have that adequately explained …. to the walk which as the title suggests is more northern than usual and was a bit of a Curates egg.
Ed, Marcus, and Michele met at the cafe at the Wentworth Garden Centre instead of meeting in the national trust car park which was closed but in fact wasn’t because the other one was closed but the one Ed meant was open. The breakfast was good the participants were fortified the walk commenced. Setting off from the car park the walk went along a pleasant path and passed the church in Wentworth and continued over fields past the Kings Wood to Elsecar. In Elsecar there is a Heritage Centre which we have made a note of to revisit when more time allows. There are arts and craft shops and demonstrations by craftsmen and women. We resisted the temptation to buy a very nice mug we saw in a shop window with the word Numpty in large letters on it, so we continued. The route continued to have areas of patchy melting snow which was very slippery underfoot and made some areas very muddy and unpleasant. As we walked in and out of built-up areas the amounts of dog mess meant we played hopscotch along the paths. To add insult to this, a Jack Russell terrier tried to bite Ed as they passed one another, but his cat like reactions avoided him being nipped by the beast of Wentworth. Continuing into the Grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse (which is a stately home near Wentworth) we were able to enjoy watching a large herd/mob/ bunch or wrangler of deer. The views across the grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse are nice and the house itself is very grand.
The grounds and house have a very interesting history, with several family’s trying and failing to make a go of the place. I will now continue with the walk.
The walk continued down past the nice Dog Kennel and Morley ponds. I mentioned the walk might have been a bit of the curate’s egg. Well, this was the part of it that was not fun. Half a mile across a ploughed field which had just had 6 inches of snow melt on it. By the time the other end was reached we all had around a bucket of clay on each boot which was like walking around in deep sea divers’ boots.
A more pleasant path led to the impressive Keppel’s Column built to commemorate the acquittal of Admiral Keppel at a court martial in 1779. Interestingly the whole area has follies built and we were rarely out of the sight of one.
The walk finished via Thorpe Hesley, where a new mine water purification scheme is being constructed. Despite some parts of the walk being quite challenging, the good views, rich local history and interesting architecture made for a good day. The walk was ten miles give or take. The garden centre cafe was well stocked with vittles’ including tea and cake. In typical Yorkshire humour, one of the serving ladies recognised Ed from the morning and asked if he had been in the cafe all day. Attendees: Ed Bramley, Michele and Marcus Tierney
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