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Reports on club meets from members who took part. If you would like to send in a report please mail it to the Hon. Editor. Reports of members activites.
2025 MEET REPORTS
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.
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:
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.
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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Twixmas Meet, Patterdale, December Presidents Meet, Patterdale, November Brecons Meet, Bwlch, October Dartmoor Meet, Princetown, September Tatras Meet, Poprad, September Swiss Alpine Meet, Grimentz, July N Wales Meet, Rhyd Ddu, June Scottish Meet, Crianlarich, May Peak District Meet, Ilam, May Skills Meet, GSH, April April day walks Sprotborough, New Forest March day walks Castleton, Hampshire February day walk Peaks, Selborne Annual Dinner Meet, Glenridding, February January day walks Ridgeway, Cromford Twixmas Meet, GSH, New Year |
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Twixmas Meet - Patterdale, December
This year’s meet was a bittersweet one: many members and friends hoping to make it had to sadly decline due to illnesses, family commitments, and the demands of parenting while moving house for Mary and Jonny T! Their presences were all very much felt in spirit, and nonetheless, faces old and new appeared to join in the fun. After long journeys up on the 30th for most attendees in glorious afternoon sunshine, the heavens opened once darkness fell, calling for a cosy welcome meeting in the White Lion pub over dinner by the fire… although the smoke pouring from the hearth was slightly less soothing..! Back to the GSH to unpack, settle, and warm the building with a much more enjoyable fire from the stove.
New Year’s Eve morning saw the group set off around 9:30am, ready to brave the increasingly ferocious wind and rain, assaulting us from the moment we crossed a fast-swelling Goldrill Beck towards Side Farm. The ascent to Boredale Hause was a challenge for all, the head-on rain stinging cheeks and causing some members to loop back towards home in favour of drier socks. The brave (…foolish?) few to continue on to Hartsop then made a stop at the Brotherswater Inn around midday before abandoning hope and calling for a lift back to the hut!
Despite strong winds still preventing a climb, the rest of the day brought kinder weather, giving some spectacular views of rainbows and sunshine-infused mist during a low-altitude jaunt along the east side of Ullswater, the mist giving way to glorious blue skies in the afternoon upon the approach to sleepy Howtown.
Eating packed lunches on the pontoon dock passed the time while waiting to catch the last ferry of the day back to Glenridding, before another relaxing evening of food and board games by the fire.
The indisputable highlight of the meet was the following pre-dawn scamper up Place Fell on the 2nd of Jan, to catch the sunrise slowly light up the clear skies and a glistening frosty landscape. The colours were indescribable, and needle ice was spotted everywhere! What better way to be reminded of how rewarding and invigorating the Lake District is, to those who put in the effort to witness its beauty.
Attendees: Andy Burton, Anna Kaszuba, Eudald Rossell Vivo, Simon Palmer, John Aouad, Maren Fidje Bjørneseth, Markie Allard, Mike Parsons, Marian Parsons
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Presidents Meet - Patterdale, November
Twelve members signed up for my first President’s Meet to be held at the George Starkey Hut on 1 - 3 November. This included two who eschewed the comfort of the hut, because they lived next door. By the time that I arrived on the Friday evening, a few hardy folk had been out enjoying the best of Lakeland weather. Fortunately, the next two days were drier.
Saturday dawned fine and Judy set off briskly towards Place Fell via the scenic, but rougher, route over Hare Shaw.
On Saturday the rest of us followed Heathers desire to climb up onto Sheffield Pike, 675metres, where despite the gloom we managed a group photo on top, with the add on as we reached the col at Nick Head of traversing under Glencoyne Head all the way round to the wall above the Dam(dis) for lunch. Following on we took the footpath marked through the wall above Bell Knott and down through some beautiful woodland rich in the colours of autumn all the way down and across to the Park Brow car park. It was cold at the top but the weather was very fine. Here we were able to access a path that took you virtually straight to the steps down to the viewing platform below the main waterfall at Aira Force and out onto the main road. Two of the Daves forged ahead and were already sat at the National Trust café enjoying an afternoon tea. They then walked back to the Hut.
Dinner, thanks once again to Andy Hayes and his team of kitchen slaves, was magnificent with mixed bruschetta, boeuf (or boeufless) bourguignon followed by delicious filled brandy snaps.
The meal started early and finished with washing up (thanks everyone) around 9pm. I then showed some slides from my trip with the Swiss mountain guide Martin Epp to Swedish Lappland in 1981. Mike Parsons also had memories of Martin and was able to chip in with additional anecdotes.
Sunday morning saw Judy heading off into the sunrise again. This time, in the direction of St Sunday Crag.
The rest of us worked off the previous evening’s meal more gently with a few attempting my local treasure hunt. On this subject, it seems that we have some good puzzle solvers in the group as well as some excellent navigators. But those who can do both have yet to take up the challenge. All told, I had a great weekend with food and friends. Report by Daniel Albert with input from Andy Burton Present: Daniel Albert, David Clear, David Blackett, Andy Burton, Andy Hayes, Heather Eddowes, Don Hodge, Judy Renshaw, David Matthews, Ian Mateer, Mike Parsons, Marian Parsons. |
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Brecons Meet - Bwlch, September
Andy, Ed and I experienced the usual assault on the senses that is the M5 and arrived in peaceful Crickhowell early Friday afternoon to meet up with Steve Creasey. I hadn't seen Steve in over ten years so it was nice to be in his company again. A family emergency meant no evening meal was on offer at The New Inn in Bwlch so without the prospect of a welcoming fire and the familiar superb fare to which we have become accustomed, we forsook the usual pleasant amble around nearby Langorse Lake and plumbed instead for a perambulation along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Having secured a table in the highly recommended Dragon Inn on High Street for a later gastronomic indulgence, we set off under a grey sky and across the lovely narrow bridge that spans the River Usk. It is the pride of Crickhowell and a Schedule 1 Listed structure. Its present form is Victorian,altered to cope with the requirements of modern vehicular traffic. Multi arched and picturesque it is well worth an admiring look back. We soon fell onto the towpath and turned East,striking out with no particular intent other than enjoying a leg stretch and whatever we came across. Remnants of the canal's industrial past and its present boating utilisation made for an interesting afternoon but mindful of our six o'clock date with culinary delights and liquid accompaniment we turned around at the river Clydach and retraced our steps back to the welcoming arms of the Dragon Inn.
Saturday morning saw us enjoying a cooked breakfast in civilised surroundings with other guests when decisions were made as to who was going where. The weather was lovely, the sun was up and it was going to be grand day. Ed and Steve C had plans for an adventurous day in the mountains so we said cheerio and Andy and I made for nearby Llangynidr village.
At the impressive 18th Century bridge over the Usk we stopped to chat with a bunch of intrepid kayakers contemplating how to tackle the daunting flow of a river in spate. It was a fierce freshet of thunderous, churning,tumbling water between the arches but those already in the river had found quieter eddies around the stonework from where they launched themselves into the torrent, paddling furiously between the rock channels as they were swept at speed towards the hopefully calmer waters of Crickhowell.
Exhausted by it all we found a pot of tea and a slice of home baked cake a great reviver at The Walnut Tree Cafe. Thus fortified we were invigorated to explore westwards along the canal further than we had ventured on previous visits. The weather was holding nicely,blue sky and warm sunshine enhanced an autumnal landscape of amber foliage with fallen leaves carpeting our pathway and afloat on barely moving water. A pleasant excursion spent chatting to ladies of formidable expertise in the arts of lockgate etiquette and their menfolk equally proficient in the skills necessary to manoeuvre fifty foot of boat at the heady speed of two miles per hour with the sailing capability of a crisp packet.
A sign to Llandetty Church aroused enough curiosity for a deviation from the canal and we found ourselves passing through a farm and squeezing between a thorny hedgerow and abandoned lorry permanently blocking the gateway to keep out the unwanted.Undaunted and somewhat scratched,we found a lovely little local parish church serving, unsurprisingly, the tiny hamlet of Llandetty. This is a little gem built in the twelve hundreds, simple and austere with little adornment. There are the traditional ancient Yew trees and very many centuries old gravestones. The most moving is a single monument to 310 ex-servicemen all once residents of nearby Buckland House when it was a British Legion home. These gentlemen were veterans of both world wars who died of their injuries.They are still in the care of The British Legion which makes this site a rather unique war grave - 'Lest we forget'. On a lighter note,there is a bullet hole in the priest's door put there in 1660, when the puritan priest objected to Charles 11 returning as monarch. He left and never came back. Back on the towpath we said hello again to all the boaters we had been talking too earlier as try as we might we couldn't help overtaking them. Lunch beckoned and we sat on a bench with faces to the sun atop the 343 metre long Ashford Tunnel built to hide the canal as the landowner way back then objected to having to see it. A little further on found us at Talybont on Usk and as it was still warm and sunny we felt it in order to visit The Star Inn who's beer garden sits conveniently adjacent to the towpath as a marvellous example of forethought and consideration.You may be surprised to read we opted for no more than a refreshing pot of tea. We had to leave our canal walk here and make across country for Bwlch. A walk alongside the A40 for a while was the only downside of the day but we were soon back on softer ground taking paths in the direction intended. A reference to 'castle remains of' on the map was too good a challenge to ignore and after some detective reasoning as to the name 'Castle Wood', we found the small woodland in which lie partial ruins of Castle Blaenllgnfi, one of the many which was battered constantly by anyone who was anybody in the medieval world.
Each one has its own identity and interest. Where the waters abated some hardy souls had gathered in swimwear to plunge into water barely above freezing. One or two were a funny shade of blue and it was a relief to see them move. I had a conversation with a group of young things dressed in wetsuits and wearing crash helmets of some sort. They said they were going to jump into water from on high. I thought they were bonkers till one recognised my accent and said he was from Mansfield- - explained it all.
The whole walk is a unique encounter with diverse landscapes, taking you along riverbank, through woodland and various pathways. All very verdant and unspoilt and for us at this time of year,very beautiful in its autumn hues. Ed spotted the remains of various buildings, now almost lost to nature but revealing of a time when the area must have been a hive of industry. We must have lingered somewhat over tea and chocolate cake as we were in danger of finishing in the dark but we made it back to Cwm Porth well in time for a drive to Abergavenny and steak and chips. A stunning round trip and one I'd like to enjoy again. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend with old friends. One of varied weather, scenery and experiences and no reason not to do it all again next year. Paticipants: Andy Burton, Ed Bramley, Steve Coulton and Steve Creasey. Report by Steve Caulton |
After breakfast on the Saturday we gathered to set off on our first walk of the weekend. We were joined by Paul's brother-in-law Ian Wren. It was tremendous early morning weather with clear skies and very decent visibility. From the Plume of Feathers we made our way through Princetown to the start of the path to North Hessary Tor (509m). At the top we were treated to views right across the moor to Plymouth Sound. The tall TV mast on the top of North Hessary Tor makes a great navigational aid in good weather. Passing herds of Dartmoor ponies we walked to the rocky top of Great Mis Tor (538m) which is the highest point in the Southern area of Dartmoor. This Tor is used for Royal Marines training with bolts for belay/abseiling protection, the Tor is right on the edge of the Military training area.
With the only OS marked path from the top retracing our steps back to the road we had crossed on route we decided to go "off piste" and make our way across a boulder field to a stream crossing and a visible path to the top of our third top of the day Great Staple Tor (455m). Brilliant views from this Tor convinced us to stop for some early lunch refreshments. We followed the path along a weak ridge line to Roos Tor (454m) and then onwards to the stone circle atop Langstone Moor (445m) which is part of the Petertavy Great Common. A second lunch was taken at the stone circle. Up to this point the paths had been reasonably dry given the recent bad weather in the West Country. However, after lunch this did not continue as we crossed three or four extremely boggy stream beds on route to the final top of the day, Black Dunghill (492m). The route continued to follow tracks back across the moor to a road section just on the outskirts of Princetown. This last section of the walk is dominated by views across to Dartmoor Prison.
On return to Princetown we stopped for tea and scones at the Fox cafe. Very nice! Saturday evenings meal was taken at the Dartmoor Inn in Merrivale where we immersed ourselves in the sensory journey of direct live-fire cooking over the bespoke Ox Grill.
Participants:Andy Burton, Mike Goodyer, Judy Renshaw, Paul Stock, James and Belinda Baldwin. Report by Paul Stock |
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After a pleasant journey around the Tatras from Krakow, we reach our base for the week, Poprad, in Slovakia. We’re based in a B&B on the edge of the old town, with a good view out across more modern parts of the city. It doesn’t take us long to drop our bags off, and then take the short walk up into the old town, a pleasant location, and we’re soon chilled out with food and a beer – just what’s required after the travel. Poprad is set a little distance from the Tatras, so most mornings involve an early rise walk or taxi into town to get the modern narrow-gauge railway up to one of a series of resort villages at the base of the mountains. It’s about an hour for the journey, so on big days we’re getting the 6:30am train up to the mountains. Lovely scenery though as the train rises out the valley and then contours along, stopping at many former eastern bloc holiday resorts. Our first day is our longest, with an ascent of Rysy planned from Štrbské Pleso (lake), so it’s up early to get the 6:30 train. We arrive at Štrbské Pleso at 7:45 and the path out of the resort is straightforward, winding its way through open pine forest to near the lake of Popradské Pleso.
The path is now through dwarf pines with lots of cobbled stones jutting out. In places, flatter stones have been laid to smooth the path. Eventually the dwarf pine dives way to bare boulder fields and in one place there’s a laddered section, complete with chains, wires and an up and down system. All the way along, there are lots of people out on the route – perhaps not surprising, as this is the weekend. Reaching the Rysy hut (Chata pod Rysmy) at 2,250m is a welcome milestone on our upward journey.
Having contemplated the route the night before, changing the route to a clockwise direction means we can use the uplift, rather than potentially missing it at the end of the day. At the top of the uplift, we head left and descend through dwarf pines and the by now familiar associated lumpy underfoot terrain, into Furkotská dolina (valley).
This part of the route has two distinct boulder steps that we need to ascend, and behind each is a lake. Much of the path is boulder, but effort has been made to create a flatter route through. The rim of the second lake is made up of rocks of many colours and is very striking. Off to the right, high up, we spot the col we need to cross through – Bystrá lávka. It’s a steep pull up and people are coming from both directions through this narrow rock doorway. Eventually it’s our turn and there’s about 25ft of chains on the far side to descend. After that, we can step to one side onto the path. Almost immediately we have a short hail shower, lasting no more than 10 minutes. From that point, it’s a steady descent of the Mlynická dolina, with the scenery and going very much a mirror of the first valley.
Wednesday sees us depart the train at Stary Smokovec, another resort village with obligatory coffee and cake stop. To further aid our travel, we have a funicular that takes us up to Hrebienok, from where the waterfall trail starts. The initial part of the trail passes an old hotel and descends to the first waterfall, which is gently cascading over a big set of rocks, before repeating the process further down the valley. Travelling upstream, the next substantial waterfall goes over even more distinct rock steps and forms several pools.
Nearby is an old mountain hut (Rainerova chata), complete with a collection of climbing gear even older than I can remember. Further on, we pass the highest waterfall, Obrovsky vodopad, before reaching the mountain hut Zamskovskéno chata for a lentil soup and sherpa tea lunch – just what the body needed. Beyond the hut, we head out onto the belvedere and viewpoint at Lomnická kzatelnica, before retracing our steps back to the funicular, which is a proper rush hour experience. Thursday is our last walking day and by now we’ve sussed the quickest way to walk to the station. We alight the train at Popradské Pleso and head up the made road to the hotel of the same name. It’s a very popular destination for tourists and after a coffee and cake interlude, Steve and I head up to the viewpoint at Ostrva Sedlo.
The path is well made with plenty of zigzags right the way up. At the top a cold wind picks up, but we find a sheltered spot for lunch and enjoy the stunning viewpoint. After lunch we follow part of the Tatranská Magistrata along an undulating belvedere. At first, the path is well laid with slabs but further on becomes more of the mixed boulder terrain. Near the lake of Batizovské Pleso we turn off the Magistrata to head south, through dwarf pine and boulder underfoot, which requires some concentration. After about a mile of this, we emerge into pine forest, which is then our terrain for the final couple of miles to Vysné Hágy station, complete with a small bar selling Radlers. Our timing is perfect as no sooner have we finished our drinks then the train arrives to take us back to Poprad. That night we have a local meal of pumpkin soup, followed by chicken with cranberries, pork, vegetables and potatoes.
A great destination for a week in the hills, with plenty left to explore. Participants: Ed Bramley, Andy Burton, David Clear, Steve Creasey, Philip Hands, Roger James. Report by Ed Bramley |
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After the Covid pandemic in 2020 resulted in the cancellation of the Alpine Meet in the Val d’Anniviers, it was good to finally have a Meet in this beautiful valley surrounded by high peaks. From Sierre the road climbs southwards alongside a deep gorge to reach Vissoie, where it divides into three branches: south-west leading to Grimentz and Moiry; due south to Zinal; and south-east up to St Luc and the highest village of Chandolin. Linked by an efficient post bus service, they provide a wealth of walking and climbing possibilities. We were based in the picturesque village of Grimentz, its narrow main street lined with traditional wooden houses and old barns on stone stilts, all decorated with window-boxes of colourful geraniums. In the centre a water-wheel activates a sawmill and a flour mill, both still in use. During our visit there was a weekly market and then a folk music festival, with small groups of musicians performing outside the hotels, the highlight for us being the group of five men playing alpenhorns up and down the main street.
The weekend before we arrived there had been torrential storms in this part of the Valais, with flooding, landslides and rockfalls closing roads and trails. The direct road from Vissoie to Grimentz was impassable while we were there, necessitating a longer diversion to St Luc and Chandolin, though the road to Zinal was still open.
We soon reached the pastures and farm building of the Alpage de Torrent, and then the small Lac des Autannes. It was a lovely spot, with the snow-covered peaks of the Dent Blanche and Grand Cornier rising above the Moiry glacier at the end of the valley.
The easiest way to gain height from Grimentz itself was to walk through the woods or take the gondola lift to Bendolla, from where a plethora of walking paths radiated in all directions.
Mike and Marian headed off on a little used traversing trail to Moiry, while others walked up to the waterfalls below the Becs de Bosson, although Don was the only one to reach the Cabane des Becs de Bosson, at 2982m the highest point of the Meet. Another easy way to gain height was to take the cable-car up to the Espace Weisshorn, constructed only ten years ago and not on all maps. From here a short rocky path leads up to the Corne de Sorebois, 2895m, but although the view of the surrounding peaks is magnificent, it is a bleak and stony site.
Later in the week a group returned to Zinal to attempt Cicerone author Kev Reynold’s favourite walk in the Valais, the Roc de la Vache, a circular walk beneath the Pointe d’Arpitettaz. It is a steep and rocky climb of nearly 1000m, but it was worth the effort for the views at the top extended from the Wildstrubel range across the Rhone valley to the nearer Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn and Dent Blanche. The path on the way down proved more difficult as one of the bridges had been washed away, and the group had to walk back up to find a safe crossing point over the stream.
Our next group walk was from the funicular at Tignousa, 500m above St Luc, on the second half of the annual Sierre to Zinal Mountain Race. Ours was a 16km hike with a steep descent of over 900m at the end, while the whole race from Sierre is much more challenging - a gruelling 31 km, with 2200m height gain and 1100m descent. Not all of us were planning to walk the 16km to Zinal, but everyone was keen to reach at least the Victorian Hotel Weisshorn. As we set off along the Planets Trail, past scale models of the planets in the solar system, a pair of golden eagles soared over our heads, easily identifiable after Aurel’s film the previous evening.
After passing the group of planets closest to the Sun, and then the models of Saturn and Uranus, the track became steeper, and we finally crested the rocks to see the large hotel building above, with its attractive terrace.
Another lovely walk from Tignousa is the Sentier des Lacs, the Lakes Trail, which Alan and I had discovered while staying at St Luc on our “Meet for Two” in 2020. This is one of my favourite walks in the valley, and I was pleased to introduce it to others. The trail starts along the Planets Trail but turns off before the Hotel Weisshorn to reach the first lake at Plan Torgon and then the Lac d’Armina from where the high peaks of the Val d’Hérens can be seen in the distance. The final lake is the Lac de Bella Tola below the summit of the 3000m peak, and then it was a rocky scramble down to the Cabane de Bella Tola and back to the funicular station. Above St Luc is Chandolin, the highest village in the valley and the last to be visited by our group. A chairlift wafted us quickly up to Tsapé, and from there we started on a circuit around several small lakes on another of my favourite walks for its variety of alpine plants. The first lake we reached was the Lac Noir, which had flooded so badly in the recent storms that gentians were flowering under the water.
The last day came all too soon, but those of us not rushing off for a plane back to the UK were able to make the most of the sunshine with a final mountain expedition. As we left, we realised how many other hikes there are in this beautiful valley, with more high huts to be visited and peaks to be climbed. I am sure that many of us will return before long to what is one of the loveliest valleys in the Swiss Alps. But for me this is an ending, for after organising 22 Alpine Hotel Meets since 2000, the first 12 with Alasdair and the last 10 with Alan, it is now time to pass on the organisation to someone younger and fitter. Fortunately, Andy as Meets Secretary has agreed to take this on, so the club can look forward to many more years hiking in the Alps. My final words are of thanks: to Alan for all his help on recent Meets, to the committee for their support during these years, and to the “Bhutan Group” who have accompanied me on most or all of my Meets since our trip in 2011 - though this year we sadly missed Rick and Carol Saynor, and John Dempster and Dinah Nichols, present on all previous Meets since that time. Participants: Pamela Harris & Alan Norton, Daniel Albert, Andy Burton, Geoff & Pauline Causey, Heather Eddowes, Celine Gagnan, Philip Hands, Don Hardy, Richard & Katherine Heery, Roger James, Margaret Moore, Rebecca Norton, Mike & Marian Parsons, Max and Vivien Peacock, Mervyn Powell, Jay Turner, Bill & Rosie Westermeyer, and our local expert Caroline Thonger who joined us on most days. Photo contributions from Daniel Albert, Andy Burton, Heather Eddowes, Céline Gagnan, Pamela Harris, Alan Norton, Rebecca Norton, Max Peacock, Bill Westermeyer, Rosie Westermeyer Report by Pamela Harris |
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Always a classic favourite with people, this years’ North Wales meet did not disappoint. Several of us arrived early on the Thursday evening, to get an extra day of walking in the next day. On the Friday, three of us chose to revisit a walk that I had done last year – a round of the Carneddau. We were up early to avoid parking difficulties and were at the parking at Gwen Gol Isaf just after 9am. From there, it’s just a short walk along the Snowdonia Slate Trail before crossing over to the north side of the A5. A diagonal track ascends to some buildings and then almost directly to the bridge over the catchwater, which is the start of the broad gentle ridge heading up to Pen yr Helgi Du.
Putting the cherry on the cake, the Red Arrows fly down the valley, banking over Llyn Ogwen as they head down Nant Ffancon, and we then remember that the day before was the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Saturday sees many of us embark on another favourite, an ascent of Cnicht, ‘the Welsh Matterhorn’, from Croesor, to take in a round of the Croesor slate quarries. The first half mile of the route is about getting onto the open fell, but once there, it’s a great ridge to ascend and much more straightforward than its nickname would suggest. Part way up I meet a fell runner from Delft in the Netherlands who has specifically come over for the weekend to enjoy the Welsh mountains – Now that’s commitment.
For the communal Saturday night meal this year, the starter was a tricolour of mozzarella, tomatoes and avocado with a honey and chilli dressing, accompanied by olive bread. This was followed by mains of vegan mushroom vegetable ragu and pappardelle pasta, whilst dessert was a mix of the usual pies and puddings, with either vanilla custard or cream topping. With suitable amounts of wine as accompaniment. On Sunday, the weather just about held for walking, with some of us opting to walk down to Beddgelert for some comestibles including the obligatory ice cream, whilst others were more adventurous and pulled in Moel Hebog as part of their excursions. As ever, the meet offered a number of alternatives for people to do something that suited them best during the day, as well as being able to meet up and exchange stories over another well received meal. Attendees: Ed Bramley, Andy Burton, Steve Caulton, Heather Eddowes, Celine Gagnon, Don Hodge, David Matthews, Margaret O'Dwyer, Mike O'Dwyer, Judy Renshaw, Marcus Tierney, Michele Tierney. Report by Ed Bramley |
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Eight club members participated in the Scotland meet this year, a good turnout. We were lucky with the weather, as Scotland has often seen drier conditions and more sunshine than England this year, so some good routes were achieved. We stayed at the SYHA hostel in Crianlarich, which proved to be a useful base for a range of Munros and Corbetts (those over 2500ft), as well as other interesting tops. It is within easy walking distance of the train station and the West Highland Way. With its excellent road links from Glasgow and being situated at the junction of the A82 and the A85, many possible walking destinations were available to the eight of us during the week. The hostel was efficient and friendly, providing all we needed, as well as having a shop and pubs nearby. I had brought a new guidebook for the local area, but regretted having left behind the Cicerone Munro guidebook (to reduce weight) as we ended up doing a couple of routes that were further away. Later, after the routes had been done, I discovered there was a copy in the hostel lounge after all!
We all went out to eat at the hotel in the evening, which everyone enjoyed, although the manager had needed persuading to take a booking for 8 of us and had put us onto 2 separate tables. We did notice a number of other people from the hostel who were there too.
We had to backtrack a little as we went slightly in the wrong direction at first, corrected it, then somehow managed to miss the main south top in the mist. We looked around for a while then descended via a circuit over a minor top and grassy ridge running South East. Quite a long way from the top we were surprised to see Andy and Celine heading uphill around 3pm. Since there was plenty of daylight they were happy to take their time and have a late finish. The rest of us went to the local pub for a meal later on, which was very good, although the portions were too large for some of the group.
Philip and Roger visited the Cruachan hydro-electric scheme and continued to Oban for lunch. The next day started clear and sunny and had the best forecast of the week, so we all wanted to make the most of it. Max and I decided on the round of Ben Cruachan, a spectacular round with 2 Munros which he had not done before and it had been at least 16 years since I had been there. We drove round to Loch Awe, which was about the same distance as the previous day, and parked near the electricity pump storage visitor centre. It took a while to find the start, under a railway footbridge through a gate that was extremely difficult to open (having the correct guidebook would have helped us here!) and up through forest on a steep and intriguing winding path with plenty of tree handholds.
After the forest we continued past the dam for the pump storage scheme and onto the ridge to the East. On this route there was a path almost all the way, which made it reasonably easy, although quite long. The sun stayed out all day and there were wonderful views all the way, across to the coast and islands, as well as to the highest tops including Ben Nevis. We reached the first major top, Stob Garbh, before midday and took in the views. We also noted orchids and other flowers on the hillsides and a raven flying around. The ridge continued to the first Munro, Stob Daimh, where we stopped for lunch. Though sunny, the wind was quite cold, so I put on a few layers and a windproof, but kept to my shorts. The ridge sections were rockier than I remembered so some reasonable scrambling was required, on good quality granite, with nice friction. We were on the final top of Ben Cruachan (1126m) around 2.30, where we met a few people, having seen almost no one up to then. The decent was easier and less rocky than expected, with a few people now coming up. Most people appeared to have gone down from a first col to the reservoir and along a track to the dam, but we decided to take a ridge route over a final smaller top, Meall Cuanail. This then led down a grassy hillside and across country below the dam to pick up the forest path again. We were down just 5 minutes before the visitor car parked was due to be locked, so were glad we had not parked there! Everyone cooked meals in the hostel that evening in different groups, but all sat together, catching up and checking the forecast for the following days.
By the Wednesday we had all had several good days out and were feeling a little tired. In addition the forecast had been threatening rain for some time, mainly after midday, so most people expected to have a less energetic day. Max opted to go up to a local viewpoint above the village and I decided to investigate part of the West Highland Way, which was almost on the doorstep. Andy and Mike took a car drive to places along the coast, but Paul and Celine decided at the last minute to take a rapid jaunt up Ben More from the front by the shortest and steepest route. Philip and Roger visited Inverary. The West Highland Way, a long distance path from just north of Glasgow to Fort William, is popular with people from all over the world, some of whom were staying at our hostel in Crianlarich. From the hostel it took me around 15 minutes to reach the well-signed path, on which I went south, the opposite direction to most of the walkers. It was fairly quiet at first but later I met more people. The route went gradually up and down, past farmland and looking up at the high hills. It was interesting to join a section of the route, which felt almost like a pilgrimage trail, with everyone heading to a given destination, comparing notes with each other and making friends as they went.
The forecast for Thursday was for very strong winds again and some rain. Several of the group wanted to do Ben Lui by a short route from the West. As I had done this top some years ago, I decided instead to take the northern section of the West highland Way and Max decided to attempt the local Munro, Cruach Ardrain. He said it was a bit of a battle through the forest at the bottom and a lot of wind at the top, though not in between, if a bit cold! My route was enjoyable and gave the opportunity to see some different places, as well as being a full day out, with more distance and more ascent than the previous day. The wind was surprisingly cold, so I was glad not to be up high. The path went up and own through forest before crossing the valley and leading into Tyndrum, the largest centre in the area. I passed a campsite where I had stayed some 17 years ago, which had become more upmarket and offered many ‘glamping pods’. Although I was back by early afternoon, most others were there before me, some having had to retreat from the col below Ben Lui in the strong wind, and another having almost lost himself in a forest.
This was our last evening of the meet; we had a lovely meal the pub in Tyndrum and back for a chat in the hostel lounge, sharing thoughts about possible options for next year. We had all had a really good time and everyone was keen to come to Scotland again. During the week we had seen a variety of wildlife, including birds such as buzzards, green finches, swallows and sand martins and heard cuckoos on most days. Present: Andy Burton, Celine Gagnon, Judy Renshaw, Max Peacock, Mike Goodyer, Paul Stock, Philip Hands, Roger James. Report compiled by Judy Renshaw with contributions from Andy, Roger and Phil. |
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This years Peak Meet following on from last years stay at Hartington Hall YHA which allowed access to the northern end of Dovedale, was based at Ilam Hall YHA at the southern end of Dovedale about five miles north of Ashbourne. With the Tissington Trail only a couple of miles away, Dovedale with its iconic flat-topped hill, Thorpe Cloud, at its entrance, overlooking the Stepping Stones, just 20 minutes’ walk from the front door of the hostel, and both the Manifold valley with its own cycle trail, and the Hamps valley all within easy walking distance of this beautifully maintained Hall and its associated village and Church, this fully catered hostel nestling just inside Staffordshire certainly did not disappoint.
Eight of us arrived at various times during Friday from both North and South and places in between. We all quickly made ourselves at home. Parking after offloading was in the Trust car park, free to members and available to visitors using the hostel at a discounted daily rate.
Don and Judy arrived just in time to avoid being locked out, and this years group was complete, and off to their respective bunk beds for some well-earned rest as the journey for most had been a tedious rainy one. Saturday morning brought dry weather albeit a little overcast. Five elected to cycle and three were going to set off on foot in the general direction of the Manifold valley. Margaret shot off to the Tissington Trail Bike hire centre near Mapleton to rent a velocipede and Myles and I started up the hill towards Thorpe village on our own bikes. At the four ways corner by the Old Dog pub a figure in black lycra whizzed by as Myles and I were checking the map.
We turned round and started along the No. 68 trail heading north. We were passed by Don going the other way, and after ascertaining that he was happy doing his own thing, we carried on up the trail heading north. At the bridge over the road to Biggin we took the off ramp, and crossed over the busy A515 onto route 54, which was an unmade road that was clearly popular with the green laners especially after a day of heavy rain. Letting a group of trail motorbikes go ahead Myles and I ended up walking some of the lumpier bits until we crossed over the lane between Pikehall and Parwich where the track took us smoothly round and up onto the High Peak Trail at Longcliffe. Here we were able to use the new bridge installed to replace the one made unsafe by a lorry striking one of the stone abutments in April 2019, and enjoy extensive views across most of Derbyshire to the south. This stretch had a profusion of primulas (cowslips) on either bank and both verges, as well as various bits of industrial archaeology dotted along the trail to both inform and entertain.
Passing under Harboro Rocks, which had a fair smattering of people climbing on the little limestone outcrops, we took the offramp down and crossed over the road into Wirksworth and took the lovely long downhill curve all the way into Hopton with its well-kept estate managed landscape, past the Miners Arms and across the B5035 onto the trail that goes alongside Carsington Water, where suddenly it was much much busier. Here at the Severn Trent visitors centre we secured our bikes and took advantage of the very reasonable facilities for lunch. Our route then took us away from the Water, across the B5035 and through Bradbourne, one of only 14 Doubly Thankful villages in the country. Crossing back over the busy B5056 just where the road going back into the Tissington Hall estate goes through a ford. With the water being well over a foot deep and flowing strong, we all used the little wooden footbridge and started off up the quite steep hill. Here Margaret’s electric bike paid even more dividends than it already had, as she sped off up the hill saying she would save us a seat at the café built into the Hall wall in Tissington village itself. As a result, we were able to enjoy a mug of tea and watch the staff close up the cafe. Margaret then returned back along the trail to the Bike Hire centre, and Myles and I cycled across the A515 through Thorpe village back to the hostel, where Ed having done 10 miles more than us was already waiting for us.
Saturday’s evening meal was enjoyed by all eight of us in the Izaak Walton Hotel, a fifteen-minute walk across the fields from Ilam Hall. Sunday dawned and along with the sunshine we were joined by Steve Caulton, who single handedly and valiantly held the fort for the day visitors this year. After breakfast we said cheerio to Myles who was hotfooting it back home to get ready to fly to visit family in the USA on the Tuesday. We all set off past the church in the hall grounds and back across the fields to Dovedale itself, where we all successfully negotiated the stepping stones, despite them being officially closed for repair, and just relaxed into walking along this beautiful and very popular dale in the sunshine. In Milldale we stopped briefly to use the facilities and enjoy a homemade ice cream before disappearing up the footpath onto Sunny Bank and across the fields to Alstonefield. Here we found a footpath that quickly took us out of the village and across the fields and down into Hopedale, where after about quarter of a mile on the road we arrived at the Watts Russell Arms, our lunchtime watering hole. As there was no food available at the pub, we were able to enjoy a pint with our own sandwiches, sat in the sun without having to suffer the ire of the staff. Retracing our steps back along Hopedale and up out of the dale and into the collection of houses known as Stanshope, we found ourselves walking down a beautifully spring green grassy sward path into Hall Dale where the orchids gave us a very fine display.
Turning right at the bottom where this dale meets the river Dove, we quickly found ourselves, albeit on the opposite bank, back at the footbridge close to Ilam Rock. Here the two Dave’s bid their farewells as they were driving back home to Sunderland that evening. We swung round under Ilam Rock now festooned on its vertical faces with at least half a dozen rock climbers and climbed up the steep path behind the tor out of the dale and up onto a footpath that skirted along the edge of the woodland. Passing through Ilam Tops and down around and under Bunster Hill we found ourselves back in Ilam village close to the memorial, where Margaret yet again led the charge to get in the National Trust café in the hall before they closed. Again, as a direct result, the staff were very generous with their timekeeping, everyone who wanted a cream tea got one. Judy and Don managed to meet up with their friend Joan at the Royal Oak for dinner. Ed and Margaret and I enjoyed another righteous meal in the hostel.
With a strong coffee and just one more homemade ice cream each we both left Ilam Hall with a desire to return again to explore this quiet corner of Staffordshire sat right next to one of the most visited Dales in this part of the country, anytime soon. The attendees were: Myles O’Reilly, Margaret Moore, David Clear, David Blackett, Judy Renshaw, Don Hodge, Ed Bramley, Andy Burton and Steve Caulton. Report by Andy Burton. Photos from Andy, Ed, Dave and Judy.
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This, the third, ABMSAC ‘Skills’ meet took place at our club home in Patterdale over the weekend of the 5th-7th April 2024. As well as a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and become immersed in the mountains, it was also a celebration of 50 years of the much loved birthday boy Jonny Dixon, who had chosen the weekend as one of his ‘fifty things to do at fifty!’ Thursday
Friday
After a snack above the lake looking over Dovedale, the hunt was on for the Priest’s hole. We did eventually find it but it was looming 50m above us and the wind was so strong we decided not to pursue it further. However we did ascend Hart Crag and encounter gale force winds along the ridge which at times blew us over and was a lesson to us all in communication and decision making.
It was a relief to descend Hartsop Over How via Hoggil brow, Gale Crag and Blueberry Knot, with myself at 6 months pregnant finding I had walked farther than planned, and with the exertion against the wind, was suffering new injuries. For the evening meal, Jonny T and I cooked up a vegan Bolognese for all to enjoy. With Heather’s special apple crumble for dessert. The group were joined by Mike and Marian. And later Nan, Anna, Will, Martha, Paul and Charlie arrived after a long day spent on the M6. Saturday
The wind was so strong that the waterfalls had become water-ups and the spray was blowing up and covering the outdoor via ferrata routes. And so the group were taken inside the old mine for a rather different experience than expected. There were three tiers within the old mine, with traversing tunnels, climbing ladders, suspended wire bridges, zip lines and stapled climbs. It got a little Lord of the Rings at times, although no dragon spotted this time…
There were demonstrations of how to rescue a person who had fallen off the staples (Jonny T rescued Simon and instructor Jonny rescued Charlie in single pulley rescues). The whole group enjoyed climbing inside the mountain and appreciated the shelter too! Looking ahead to a potential Dolomites trip now to practice what’s been learnt.
To celebrate a successful day of VF training, we ate a delicious dinner at the Langstrath Pub, a great find, just down the road from Honister in Stonethwaite. Upon our return to the hut, Nan held a late night birthday quiz in which was very much enjoyed by everyone (especially Jonny)!
It has been a pleasure to run the ‘new members’ meet since 2015 and the ‘skills meet’ since 2022. Thank you to everyone over the last 9 years who has attended, become ABM members, trained us across many disciplines and generally supported us in the hills and on this spring time meet. And thank you to the ABMSAC committee for subsidising the training this year. It was such a fantastic opportunity for those new to Via Ferrata and has already inspired a couple of members to tackle some VF routes on the costa Brava in Spain. May there be many more adventures to come! I shall be handing over the reins for next year’s meet, as Jonny T and I take on a new challenge of raising a human! Yes, it is an extreme way to secure new ABM members, but we’re doing our bit! Wish us luck! And hope to see you in the not too distant future, Mary x Attendees: Nanette Archer, Anna Kaszuba, Simon Palmer, Mary Eddowes, Jonny Taphouse, Martha King, Paul Clarke, Heather Eddowes, Andy Burton, Jonny Dixon, Will Priestly, Charlie Rawson, Louise Mundy, Simon Coleman. Report by Mary Eddowes |
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As there was only Ed, Michele and Marcus it was decided that the group would go off piste and visit an area quite well known to Marcus through his fishing exploits. Meeting at Dixie’s cafe near Sprotborough just outside Doncaster (or Donny as those from Scunny would call it) meant fuel could be taken on board in the traditional breakfast way. A short drive up the road was made to a car park in Sprotborough where the walk was to start.
Eventually crossing over a small footbridge the route continued along the Trans Pennine Trail before unfortunately coming to a path closed sign. This meant a diversion back to the road near to Dixie’s cafe and through a housing estate, meaning the walk became very urban. After the diversion we crossed the trail and entered the grounds of Cusworth Hall. The Hall was built in the 1700’s for William Wrightson a local land owner. If it can be said, there were good views across towards Doncaster.
The walk ended up back in Sprotborough after a modest eight miles or so. An unusual walk compared to our usual Peak District haunts, but very enjoyable nonetheless the less. Participants:Marcus, Michelle and Ed Report by Marcus Tierney |
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We all met at the New Forest car park at Fritham, five regulars and a Northern visitor - Andy. It was trying to rain (not again!) and we all donned our waterproof coats and some even went all the way to include overtrousers. This seemed to work as the light rain soon stopped, but is was quite windy.
Setting off trough the woods we quickly reached heathland and walked on the Hampton Ridge. This gave us extensive views of the North part of the New Forest. This area has a bit of WWII history, as Steve recounted. The Ashley Walk Bombing Range was operational from 1940 until 1946, and was used for target practice by aircraft from RAF Boscombe Down, Salisbury, as well as explosive and bomb testing. There were airstrips, control and observation towers, as well as different target types within its boundary, which enclosed a total of 5000 acres.There is very little evidence today.
We arrived at the Potting Shed cafe in Hyde, which providing us with brunch. We returned via Hasley and Sloden Inclosures. A good 10 miler with great views. All well planned and booked by Steve Creasey, who also found us the Green Dragon at Brook to finish.
Participants:Mitch, Paul, Mike O'D, Steve, Mike and Andy Report by Andy & Mike |
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“One lump or two” said Andy to Marcus, as we sat in Tilly’s café, watching the rain come down. I wasn’t sure whether he was talking about the rain, or sugar cubes. But I needn’t have worried – by the time we had left the café, the rain had stopped, and the weather was slowly brightening up.  leaving Castleton after the rain Our route started inauspiciously down a small ginnel in one of the back streets in Castleton, but soon became a proper limestone gill, with water running down what should have been a dry path. As we went higher up Cave Dale, it was clear why this limestone valley was so named. Both hillsides were dotted with cave entrances, and from one (with a grille on), there was a low whistling noise. “That one connects to Peak Cavern” remarked Marcus, sharing some of his caving knowledge of the area.
It's a straightforward track out to the road beside Mam Tor, and we take the opportunity to detour to Windy Knoll cave, (a fissure cave) where a large number of late Pleistocene bones were found in the late 1800s, including bison, reindeer, bear and wolves. From the road, it’s a short pull up onto the top of Mam Tor and the ditch remains of the middle and late bronze age hill fort. A cracking view, including the next part of our route, which has been dubbed ‘The great ridge walk’. It's certainly a favourite of mine. We move easily along the path, which now has flagstones to protect it along part of the way. A short pause for lunch at Hollins Cross before ascending Back Tor (looks like a mini Eiger from this aspect when it’s got snow on) and along to the top of Lose Hill.
From there, we descend to Crimea farm, and then follow several good tracks back into Castleton. And we still had time for a finishing cuppa at the same café we started at. Participants:Marcus, Michelle, Andy and Ed Report by Ed Bramley |
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It was yet another wet winter’s walk, this time starting and finishing in Oakley Hampshire. The route started in the village centre avoiding main roads we were quickly on footpaths, heading towards Bulls Bushes Copse the first of many deciduous woodlands that we walked through on this 11 mile circuit. On leaving there Copse, we picked up the Wayfarers Way long distance path, for only a short distance before we diverted to Steventon and St Nicholas Church where Rector Austen, (1731-1805) the father of Jane Austen was in residence in the mid 1700s.
Stopping in the porch of the Holy Trinity Church for lunch, continuing on through Ashe Park with a significant diversion as the underground tributaries to the River Test were above ground and ankle plus deep. We by passed All Saints Church at Deane as it was cut off by flood water.
Picking up again the Wayfarer’s Way back into Oakley via Keith Able’s newly plant vineyard - he of Able & Cole Organic food supplier fame. Finally we welcomed hot drinks and homemade cakes at Jolly Ollie’s Cafe All the churches are Commonwealth War Grave Commission sites. Participants: Margaret, Judy, Mike G, Paul, Mitch and Mike O'D Photos: Mike G, Mike O'D, Judy Report by Mike O'Dywer |
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Today’s walk began at the Outside shop at Hathersage. After breakfast and and drinks the group left Hathersage via the A6187 for a few yards before ascending through High Lees. The walk continued topping out on Owler Over Tor. At this point there were great views over the Burbage valley and across to the Longshaw Estate.  Group on the march
The walk continued across to the Hathersage Moor sheepfold and with bad weather expected we stopped and took stock. Keeping an eye on the weather the walk continued past the huge leaning block of Higgar Tor. At this point Marcus explained how ambition and ability weren’t evenly matched when he attempted the infamous climb called the Rasp in 1987. However he looked stunning in his purple and blue tie dyed outfit so it mattered not whether he climbed it or not, looking good was more important at the time.
A decent was made to Dennis Knoll where a decision to descend at this point was made. The route descended through the North Lees estate under North Lees Hall. This was a building regularly visited by the Brontes and the building itself was the inspiration for Thornfield Hall in the novel Jane Eyre. The walk ended at Hathersage and coffee and cake was most welcome as the drizzle was heavy with little visibility left on the tops so the timing was good.  Keep smiling
Andy, Steve, Marcus and Michele later stopped for a drink on the way home in Mansfield to celebrate a significant birthday for Steve. Congratulations Steve.
Participants:
Andy, Steve, Ed, Heather, Ian, Marcus and Michele.
Report by Marcus Tierney |
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The South walk started in Selborne, with the rain coming in early. Waterproof trousers were donned at the start, which is never a good sign! An enjoyable 10 mile walk, despite the persistent rain. A lunch time respite in the Rose and Crown in U Farringdon was welcome. I'm assured by Paul that there are fine views to be had on this walk - we must do it again in good weather and see!  Wet group at the top of the Zig Zags
The Selborne Common track was very muddy but the Zig Zag path at the end led us quickly to afternoon tea at the cafe at Gilbert White's House and Garden. Participants: Margaret M, Margaret O'D, Judy, paul, Mitch, Steve and Mike Report by Mike Goodyer |
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The 2024 Annual Dinner Meet started for me in the time-honoured manner with a drive up to Calverley to collect young Edmund. The main difference is now we are retired that the driving takes place in daylight, and on Thursday, avoiding all the delights of driving the motorways of Britain on a Friday evening! After a lovely lunch with the Bramleys, including meeting the newly walking Isla and catching up with all the building works at Jen and Stews, Ed and I set off for the hills. With all the various reports of landslides and road works causing delays over Kirkstone we elected to drive straight to the Hut and go for a short walk from there. Finding Suzanne already in residence, your Editor out on the fells somewhere and Don and Judy arriving as Ed and I were donning our boots for a stroll up to Boredale Hause and back, the meet was well underway. Beautiful evening light greeted Ed and I as we walked back through Side Farm to the ever-welcoming Hut now with its lights on and a curl of smoke emanating from the chimney.  Evening sun
Ed set to with preparing dinner for four, whilst I drove to Penrith and collected Celine from the railway station. Julie Jones and Pip arrived in their hire car and together with Celine began their communal catering. Suzanne returned later having been invited by Mike Parsons to an Alpine Club evening lecture and together with Marian we all spent the rest of the evening catching up and making plans for the morning. Celine, Ed, Mike and I elected to take the first ferry from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge and walk back along one side of the Ullswater Way and the four M’s were going to join us.
 On the Ullswater Way
A quick revision of our plans and we set off along the Ullswater Way to Aira Force. Here a coffee stop in the National Trust café allowed everyone to catch up before we walked around Gowbarrow to the Ullswater viewpoint. Here it became abundantly apparent why the ferry had been cancelled and continuing on round to Airy Crag where no one tarried for a photo reinforced the decision, not to go any higher. The work on the path down towards Dockray had gone on apace since the President’s meet, making the descent much easier. The Royal was open, and the stove was on and well alight, so we dried off a bit externally and rehydrated in equal measure, before returning via the Aira Force grounds till we joined the way we had come in the morning.  Aira Force
Another communal meal on the Friday night prepared by your Editor was enjoyed by Ed and I as more people steadily arrived to take the number up to fifteen staying at the Hut. Several of us made our way down to the Inn on the Lake to join the twenty or so staying in the hotel for the weekend. As always, the conversation flowed regardless of how long it’s been since we last met. Saturday morning three separate walking groups formed at the Hut and what follows are accounts written by individuals from each group, starting with the first group ably cajoled out the door, by Elsbeth Robson. With a reasonable forecast (apart from seriously strong winds) a party of six ABMSAC members (Mary Eddowes & Jonny, Celine, Vice-President Daniel Albert, Andy Hayes and Elsbeth Robson, the author of this piece) set off from the GSH aiming for Birkhouse Moor. |
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Mike, Ed and I left the Hut shortly after Elsbeth and the gang and headed back up Boredale Hause with three of the 4M’s catching me up as I crossed the Goldrill Beck bridge. The fourth M, (Margaret O’Dwyer) having elected to walk to Brotherswater at her own pace. Very quickly after the Hause, Ed and the two Mike’s crossed Freeze Beck and made their way up to Beda Fell Knott and out of sight. Michele, Marcus and I stopped close to the Knott and looking round to Buck Crag at the top end of Bannerdale we saw several deer silhouetted against the skyline. As we watched they made their way out of sight towards that area marked Deer Forest on the map.
We then enjoyed a windswept but quite sunny walk along Beda Fell, stopping for a sandwich at the cast iron bench on Howstead Brow, enjoying clear views of the obelisk on Hallin Fell, Sandwick Bay, and through the Coombs above Martindale towards Howtown, and out towards the Pennines.
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Blowing up to Sheffield Pike by Heather Eddowes:
A couple happily arrived shortly after us and obliged by photographing us with Sheffield Pike behind. This was in exchange for an explanation of the club’s logo on Dave’s beanie hat . . . . Association of what? Where? When? Who? And of course why? They seemed impressed with my explanation!
The view westwards had a couple of walkers silhouetted on the path up to Sheffield Pike. So that was it. Off we went. The easy inclined path to descend the NW side of Sheffield Pike was hard work due to the ‘uphill’ wind and the wet boggy nature of the terrain. But the col was finally reached, and we turned right and followed the well-walked stony path descending Bleabank Side, beneath Black Crag into the Glencoyne valley and over the very uneven, stony path through the fallen trees from the storms a few years ago, to the Seldom Seen cottages. An easy steady track brought us to the right fork up and so over a very small col over to the main road at Mossdale Bay. The lake side footpath brought us back to Glenridding and the hotel in plenty of time to prepare for the evening’s AGM and Annual Dinner. A veritable posse of ABMSAC female members headed for the Annual Dinner at the Inn on the Lake in Glenridding, spurred on by the news that the President had, for the first time, invited a lady as Guest Speaker – the indomitable Kate Ross. What a treat!
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Pip and Julie Jones thoughts:
Not to be deterred by yet another rail strike, we came by trains and boats and ... no, seriously, we came by Avanti West Coast, by car, even hired a car to be there, deftly circumventing the cancellations of Friday by travelling up on the Thursday. The extra day gained dawned wet and very windy so my weekend guest, Pip, was persuaded to try the delights of Keswick rather than Kirkstone (closed) and a circuitous route back to George Starkey via Borrowdale.
And so it was to bed and the crushing disappointment of finding that the refurb of the ladies shower room had been postponed yet again by the need, this time, for roof repairs. We may enjoy the sobriquet ‘geezer gals’ but surely it is the turn of the female members in the year when we celebrated, nay embraced, the role of women in the hills. Even the BMC have a new initiative, OutdoorHer, to address such things although ‘Toileting in the Wild’ is, perhaps, a little too much information – sheep have been doing it for centuries. Saturday was a joy from start to finish. Heading up to the Hole in the Wall mid-morning, well behind the trail-blazing men, we met hardened lady walkers coming back down having been blown over on the upper traverse by gusts of 40mph. A brief detour to idyllic Lantys Tarn brought us down at nightfall, just in time to change for the evening’s proceedings. The well-chosen menu, with vegetarian options, courtesy of Julie Freemantle’s unstinting efforts, lively conversation and general reminiscing made for another excellent Annual Dinner. A wonderful, illustrated talk by Kate Ross, more a relaxed chat amongst friends than formal lecture, rounded off the evening, ably hosted by retiring President, Andy Burton. Pip said she would be back when the loos are upgraded – the bubble wrap around the cisterns is not bio-degradable. These things matter nowadays.
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Arriving back at the Hut in time to get ready for the AGM and Annual Dinner I drove Ed, Celine and Mike up to the Inn on the Lake in readiness for the AGM, meeting our Guest Speaker Kate Ross and her partner Keith Lambley on completion of the AGM process which included introducing Daniel Albert, the next Club President to the assembled throng.
What followed was an interesting evening with good food and drink and diverting conversation all in the company of ABMSAC memorabilia on display followed by a riveting talk from Kate with great accompanying photos of her life in the mountains that was enjoyed by us all, if the positive feedback I have had is anything to go by. With thanks to all those who worked in the background to make the evening a success, especially Julie Freemantle, and all who made the trip to join us at the Inn on the Lake. I hope to see you all next year when I am back sat at the naughty table and Daniel is in charge of proceedings. Report by Andy Burton with contributions from Elsbeth, Heather, Pip and Julie. Editors Note: At the Annual Dinner there was a pictorial review of the 2023. Thanks to Don Hodge for compiling this review from the website and for Ed Bramley posting it on youtube. Annual Dinner Walks -
Gowbarrow Round,
Bedafell Round
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Excellent Southern day walk on a clear winters day, organised by Margaret M, along the Ridgeway and countryside around West Ilsley. Stunning views, but a biting cold wind on the tops.
 Cold start at Bury Down
|  View from Bury Down on the Ridgeway looking towards Harwell Labs
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On the Ridgeway we came across an early Iron Age round barrow (Scutchamer Knob). Legend has it that it’s the burial site of Saxon King, Cwichelm.
 Lord Wantage Monument
| We had short coffee break at the Lord Wantage Monument to Brigadier General Robert Loyd Lindsay. He was a Crimean War hero and he formed the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded, which later became known as the Red Cross. His widow had it erected in 1903.
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Six of us walked along an enclosed trackway to Farnborough, which is the highest village in Berkshire (!).
 Badger Face Welsh mountain sheep
|  Woodland walk on the way to West Ilsley
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We found a spot in the sun and out of the wind for a quick lunch before reaching West Ilsley and returning to the car park up the hill.
Welcome sight!
| At the end of the walk we had a warm up and a drink in the recently reopened pub, The Harrow, in West Ilsley. This rounded off a great day. The walk was a little over 12 miles and 650' of ascent.
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Attendees: Steve Butterfield, Mike Goodyer, Margaret Moore, Paul Stock, Judy Renshaw and Mitch Snedden.
Report and photos: Mike and Margaret
Tuesday 9th Januarys walk was a revisit to Cromford. With the advance party enjoying a cooked breakfast at the Tor Café nestling under the limestone outcrop of Willersley Castle Rocks, a trad climbing crag great for hot weather and summer evening climbing as it is north facing and overlooks the river Derwent and the castle house of the same name. The contrast between the cool climbing area and its tree covered slopes to the river and the busy ‘T’ junction on the main road to Matlock that appears only as you top out, is quite marked.
Free parking was secured on the road alongside the entrance to the Mill for us and Heather and shortly after that Ed too. Martin and Pat parked in the Wharf car park close to the toilet block.
A wise move as the café didn’t open till ten and then the glass doors were found to be jammed! This did allow me to spot the various fish shoaling in the canal right by the Wharf café outside seating area. With Marcus coming across to verify my sightings of perch and pike and adding roach to the list, it was an auspicious start to this beautifully clear but cold morning.
As we started walking along the Cromford Canal we were treated to regular sightings of a dabchick (Little Grebe) feeding in the dark canal waters. By the time we reached Aqueduct Cottage I had counted five of these lovely little diving birds.
Aqueduct Cottage
| Aqueduct Cottage, now almost fully renovated and landscaped, is occupied by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who had volunteers onsite to inform passersby on the progress of this site. Made no doubt a bit easier by the warmth provided by well-lit wood-burning stove.
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Returning back along the other side of the canal over the aqueduct above the Derwent River back to High Peak Junction with its bright red railway carriage which serves as an information centre on this major piece of local industrial archaeology. | 
Information Centre
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On the incline
| It also marks the start of the ramp that forms the incline of the High Peak Trail that leads from here all the way up to just beyond the Royal Oak pub and campsite at Hurdlow, a place many attendees on my Peak Meet have enjoyed visiting over the years. A great walking and cycling route for all to enjoy. Everyone enjoyed this stretch in their own way, reaching the old Engine House built to house the winding wheels for raising and lowering the goods wagons on the incline, whilst enjoying the views that open out towards High Tor and Matlock.
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Ed and Marcus resisted the temptation to have a go at Railway Slab, and we all made our way up onto the main part of Black Rocks and reminisced about routes climbed on this substantial gritstone outcrop over all the years. | 
Black Rocks
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Heather braves the wind
| With Heather braving the nithering breeze to stand on top, Ed reenacting his first climb that he made with his Dad, Eric and Marcus showing us that he has still got it in his own inimitable way, we quickly hunkered down in the sun and out of the breeze to eat our butties and share various leftover from Christmas cakes and biscuits.
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With a downhill return to Cromford Wharf and its café for an early coffee and cake finish, to allow for Ed to get home in good time for his Zoom lecture on our adventures in the Karwendel in 2012, and for us all to be back home and tuned in to watch said lecture, ensured this was also the shortest day walk to date.
Attendees: Martin Whitaker and Pat Cocks, Ed Bramley, Heather Eddowes, Michele and Marcus Tierney and Andy Burton
Report by Andy Burton
The Twixmas meet this year was quieter than recent years but still good fun. Maybe people had been put off by the weather, which was significantly wet and windy, but had its dry and bright moments. Don and I arrived on the 29th, to find only Pamela and another AC member feeling cold as they had been unable to light the fire. Don sorted that out, then we had the first of 3 sociable evenings with Marian and Mike, first in the hut, next at their house, then in the hut with Pamela and Alan joining us for a very enjoyable shared meal, with contributions from all.
The next day had steady rain which turned to snow higher up. I did an ‘interesting’ route up the Hare Shaw approach to Place fell. The new snow fell deeply enough to cover all the paths, so I took a slightly wrong route near the top, corrected it to find the main top and decided that, in poor visibility, snow covered paths and no one around, it was better to descend almost to Boredale House and take the path around to Swanwick and back along the lake path. The mountain rescue team were out, helping someone who had broken an arm falling on the lake path. Don did various essential jobs around the hut and Pamela went up above Hartsop, finding it very windy.
On the Saturday Daniel came over so we went up to Keldas, across the Glenridding YH and up to the col, descending down to Seldom Seen where we saw a red squirrel. On New Year’s Day several of us watched the crazy local swimmers at Glenridding pier while Marian was in charge of the cake stall at the village pop-up café. Don gave them some custom at lunch time while I had a quick jaunt up Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike before setting off on the journey home.
Present: Marian Parsons, Mike Parsons, Don Hodge, Judy Renshaw, Daniel Albert, Pamela Holt (AC), plus Alan Hinckes and four AC members.
Report by Judy Renshaw
