Walking week in Europe June/July 2019
Alps trip 2019. The trip to the Alps is planned to depart on the 28/06/2019 and return on the 5/07/2019. Flying from Birmingham to Geneva the group will stay in Samoens a village in the Vallée du Haut-Giffre part of the Haute-Savoie region of the French alps. Walks from Samoens will mainly cover the Grand Massif.
More details from Roger Pobjoy
Sunday 19th January 6:30am The Clee Hills
Walk Organiser Carol Gosling
Cost of this months walk is £13 members £15 non members
GAITERS ARE RECOMMENDED
The Clee Hills are a range of hills in southern Shropshire with a varied history of iron age forts, ancient coal mining, quarrying and air traffic services. The As and Bs visit Titterstone Clee and all parties summit Brown Clee at 540m. Walks finish at the Boyne Arms in Burwarton
A Walk
The A walk starts at Clee Hill and heads east before swinging north to Random Cottage. They then turn west and skirt Titterstone Clee before ascending to the disused quarry via the inclined plane. From the summit cairn, they follow the Shropshire Way to Clee Burf, where they turn westwards and descend to Nordy Bank. They then return to the Shropshire Way via Pole Gutter Cottage and continue to the summit of Brown Clee. They descend through the woods to Burwarton.
Leaders: Dave Arnot and Carol Gosling
Distance: 25km - Height Gain: 950m
B1 Walk
The B1 walk starts at Clee Hill and they head east, then north to reach the summit cairn of Titterstone Clee. They descend the inclined plane and contour round the hill to reach Callowgate. They then follow the Shropshire Way to Abdon Burf, the summit of Brown Clee. They descend through the woods to Burwarton.
Leaders: Mike Harris and Roger Pobjoy
Distance: 22 km-Height Gain: 720m
B2 Walk
The B2 walk starts at Clee Hill and they head in a north westerly direction to the inclined plane to ascend Titterstone Clee. From the summit cairn, they follow the Shropshire Way to Callow Gate, where they use various footpaths to reach Newton. They then progress via the Jack Mytton Way to visit Nordy Fort, if time permits, before ascending past Pole Gutter Cottage to rejoin the ShropshireWay and onto Abdon Burf. Descent through the woods to Burwarton.
Leaders: Rob Maule and Bob Price
Distance 22km- Height gain 730m
C Walk
The C walk starts at Cleobury North and ascends in a westerly direction to the summit of Brown Clee. They descend westwards to Abdon Liberty and then turn southwards to reach Nordy Bank. They ascend to Clee Burf and then follow the Shropshire Way to Burwarton Pole where they turn eastwards and descend through the woods to Burwarton village.
Leaders: Howard Hill and Wendy Price
Distance: 15.km -Height Gain: 600m
Maps: Explorer 217 The Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge
Explorer 203 Ludlow
Sunday 15th March 6:30am Offa’s Dyke, Kington Area
Cost of this months walk is £14 members £16 non members
Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling
Our walks will explore the countryside around Kington, using footpaths, bridleways and part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. History abounds on Hergest Ridge- look out for the Whetstone, the racecourse, the monkey puzzles and Black Vaughan’s evil spirit roaming the Borders in the form of a ghastly black dog!!
All walks are circular starting and finishing in Kington.(SO 295 565).
A Walk
The A party will head north, initially following Offa’s Dyke Path to Bradnor Green, before ascending Bradnor Hill –supposedly the highest golf course in England. They descend northwards to Holywell and then climb Herrock Hill, descending the north easterly tongue. Contouring round, they pick up paths aiming westerly to Stanner Rocks Nature Reserve and then to Worsell Wood. Hanter Hill is climbed before continuing to Upper Hanter Farm, Wern Farm and then contouring SW to Yewtree Bank, where they access Hergest Ridge. Offa’s Dyke Path is followed back to Kington.
Leaders: Paul Green and Carol Gosling Distance: 23.5 k - Height Gain: 1050m
B1 Walk
The B1 party leave Kington southwards on the Herefordshire Trail, then swing northwards at the Toll House, past Haywood Farm, to gain Hergest Ridge. They follow Offa’s Dyke Path along the ridge before descending northwards to climb Hanter Hill. They continue to Vestry Farm and Dunfield, and then contour around the base of Herrock Hill to its northern tongue. Up and over Herrock Hill to reach Offa’s Dyke Path, which they follow back to Kington.
Leaders:Bob Price and Rob Maule Distance: 20.5 km-Height Gain: 850m
B2 Walk
This is the reverse of the B1 walk
Leaders Dave Arnot and Peter Williams Distance 20.5k - Height gain 850m
C Walk
The C walk will start as the B1 walk and will descend northwards from Hergest Ridge after they have visited the trig point and summit. They will continue to Vestry Farm, Dunfield and Holywell, where there is an option to climb Herrock Hill, should they have the time and the energy! Return to Kington via Offa’s Dyke Path.
Leaders: Howard Hill and Wendy Price Distance: 15.5km -Height Gain 540m
Map: Explorer 201 Knighton and Presteigne
Sunday 15th December 7:00am Derbyshire
Cost of this months walk + a 3 course meal is £20 + next years subs of £20
Walk Organiser John Collins
We will stop in Ashbourne to boot up and use the toilets: It’s all at the back of the Co-op
A Walk – 23kms and 850 metres ascent GR 010 725.
Leaders : Dave Arnot& Paul Green
The A party follows the Wye valley Eastwardsbefore turning North along Monk’s Dale and Peters dale to Dale Head. Through Wheston and Tideswell to Wardlow and then head South through Ravensdale to Cressbrook to rejoin the Monsal Trail and traverse the viaduct. We ascend to the hotel.
B 1 Walk– 18.3kms and 600 metres ascent GR 010 725.
Leaders : Ian Broughton and Paul Burns
The B1 party heads North East from Wye Dale, and climbs to Wormhill before dropping down to Monk’s Dale, Millers Dale and across to Tideswell Dale. We skirt South of Litton to join Tansley Dale and then head South to regain the Monsal Trail, cross the viaduct and reach the hotel.
B 2 Walk*– 18.8kms and 630 metres ascent GR 010 725.
Leaders : Bob Price and John Collins
The B2, circular, starts by descending to the trail across the viaduct. From Cresswell, we head North through Ravensdale. Out of the valley, we follow tracks across country to Eyam. Through the village, we head South up through the quarries, over Longstone Edge to Great Longstone and then onto the trail. We head West, through the tunnel and then up the path to the hotel.
C Walk – 15.3 km and 500 metres ascent GR 185 715
Leaders : Sue Howles & Wendy Price
A circular walk from the Monsal Head Hotel. We descend from the car park into Monsal Dale and follow the river as it bends South. We climb up Deep Dale to Sheldon. We reach Magpie Mine and have a scout around the workings. We head North East to Ashford and through the village to get to Great Longstone via the trail, and then back to the Hotel.
*The B2 walk visits Eyam: It is recommended that you keep your medical protections up to date.
Menu2019
Starters
Homemade soup of the day, bread and butter (V)
Chicken liver pate, spiced fruit chutney& toast
Smoked salmon & Prawn roulade , brown bread, dill mayonnaise
Mains
Roast Turkey, seasoning, roast potatoes,
seasonal vegetables & gravy
Roast Beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes,
seasonal vegetables and roasted gravy.
Mixed bean cassoulet , tomato and basil sauce
with cheesy garlic bread
Grilled fillet of Salmon topped with a lemon and dill butter
served with new potatoes and season vegetables
Desserts
Christmas pudding, brandy sauce
Warm chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream
Fruit Crumble and custard
Mixed Ice cream
Tea or Coffee
Sunday 14th June 6:00am Snowdon
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. It is located in The Snowdonia National Park and is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna. The cliff faces on Snowdon, including Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, are significant for rock climbing and the mountain was used by Edmund Hillary in training for the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest. Snowdon offers some of the best views in Britain. The summit can be reached by a number of well-known paths, and by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a rack and pinion railway opened in 1896 which carries passengers from Llanberis to the summit station. The summit also houses a visitor centre called Hafod Eryri, built in 2006 to replace one built in the 1930s. The A and B walks will include the ascent of Snowdon whilst the C walk will include the summit of Yr Aran. The A walk climbs Snowdon by completing part of the Snowdon Horse Shoe, the B walks will ascend by way of the Pyg track or Snowdon Horse Shoe. The C walk starts from near Bethania. All walks will finish at Rhyd
Map…………………………………………......Explorer OL17 Snowdon/Conwy Valley
Walk Details………………………..................Wendy Price
;
Sunday 19th July 6:00am Wild Boar Fell
Wild Boar Fell is a superb peak with spectacu-lar views over the Mallerstang valley through which the Settle to Carlisle railway line winds its way. It gets its name from the wild boar that used to be found in the area and legend has it that the last boar to be killed was on its slopes. The fell at 708m (2,323ft) is the 4th highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales being classified as a Marilyn, Hewitt and Nuttall. All walks will be challenging with boggy areas and less defined paths. The fell itself has steep sides but a broad summit ridge, with a series of higher than normal stone pillars (cairns) across the top.
Map………………….......................Explorer OL19 Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley
Walk details………...……...………Howard Hill
Sunday 16th August 6:00am Lower Wharfedale and Ilkley Moor
The walks start on Otley Chevin with extensive views over Lower Wharfedale. Then ascend the famous Cow and Calf rocks before heading South across the moors to descend Shipley Glen to reach the historic village of Saltaire. You are advised to wear a hat to avoid catching your death of cold whether or not you are courting Mary Jane.
Maps…………………………..…Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale Explorer 288 Bradford
Walk details…….……..……..…Ian Broughton
Sunday 13th September 6:00am Eastern Carneddau – Snowdonia
Eastern Carneddau - The Carneddau Mountain range is the largest continuous area of high ground south of Scotland. Famed for its grand ridges this quieter side of the range will see us exploring the likes of Pen Y Castell, Carnedd Y Ddelw, Foel Fras, Drum and the mighty Carnedd Llewelyn (1064M) named after the 13th century Prince of Wales “Llewelyn the Great”. Should we be lucky, we may even see the only true wild population of horses in the UK
Map……………………………………..…………Explorer OL17 Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa
Walk details………………………………….…Tony Francis
Friday 2nd - Monday 5th October Club Weekend Sidmouth South Devon
Walks from Sidmouth along this part of the 630 mile long Southwest Coast Path. Original-ly created by the Coast Guards patrolling the cliff tops and inlets on the lookout for smug-glers and by fishermen checking on the sea conditions or on the search for shoals of fish. We will take the opportunity to walk on these spectacular paths and others in the countryside nearby. Our base will be in Sidmouth at the Sidholme Hotel, with plenty of parking on site.
Map………………………………………………Explorer 115 Exmouth and Sidmouth
Details…….…………………………………….Rob Maule
Sunday 18th October 6:00am Lake District North of Windermere
This area in the Eastern Fells, includes the Kent-mere Round one of the best high-level routes in the Lake District, parts of which are included in our walks. The C walk will commence in Troutbeck and include Stoney Cove Pike. A and B walks will start on the A591 and A592 respectively, the finishing point being The Kirkstone Inn.
Map..…………………………………......Explorer OL 7 the English Lakes South Eastern
Walk details ………...…….......……… Arthur Drinkwater
Sunday 28th October 2018
Cars meet at 10.00am at Breidden , Middletown
For the car walk this year, we have chosen the magnificent hills between Shrewsbury and Welshpool. No more than 400 metres high but they offer wide views from the Pen-nines to the Arans, steep ascents, the gypsy kings monument and Rodney’s Pillar. If that is not enough, then take a pint and a stir-fry in the Breidden Hotel afterwards.
Map ……… …………………………………………………………Explorer 240: Oswestry
Walk details from ………………………………………………………………..John Collins
Sunday 15th November 6:30am Stanage Edge
Stanage Edge is hard to ignore, towering above an expanse of bracken and sheep tracks like a massive rampart on the horizon. It’s an impressive landmark, sitting proud within the undulating landscape of the Peak District. The Edge, a long gritstone escarpment, rises some 100 metres above the moorland and stretches for more than 4 miles. It is famous as a location for climbing and walking and promises stunning views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. The northern part of the edge forms the border between the High Peak of Derbyshire and Sheffield in South Yorkshire. Its highest point is High Neb.
Map……………………………………..……………….……Explorer OL1 The Dark Peak
Walk details…………………………………………………………Petra Knowles
Sunday 13th December 7:00am Llangollen, North Wales
This will be the first visit for our Christmas meal to The Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen, giving us ac-cess to the Berwyn Mountains and the nearby hills surrounding the Dee Valley. There are also the following long distance paths: Dee Valley Way, Berwyn Way, Offa’s Dyke Path and Clwydian Way which we may use parts of.
Map.…………………………………………………. Explorer 255 Llangollen and Berwyn
Walk details…………………………………………Bob Price
Sunday 16th February 6:00am The Chilterns
Cost of this months walk is £14 members £16 non members
Walk Organiser – Howard Hill
Gaiters strongly recommended.
The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 324 square miles of countryside, forming a chalk escarpment across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. The Chilterns is a walker’s delight, with a huge network of footpaths and some iconic National Trails offering varied walking over rolling hills, beech woodlands and chalk downs.From the highest point on the walks Coombe Hill (260m) there is a monument to the Second Boer War. The view from here on a clear day takes in Chequers to the West, the country home of the Prime Minister.
There is not a pub at the end of the walks, so make use of any toilet facilities on nearing the end of your respective walk.
The A Party will be a linear walk starting on the B4009 (SP 88938 10947) Head South through Wendover Woods to the edge of the Fort, before heading East to Milesfield., then South to join the Chilterns Link. On crossing over the A413 head North then West to take in Bacombe Hill and Coombe Hill. The route then meanders down to Little Hampden Common and across to Whiteleaf Hill. From here is the homeward stretch going North over Pulpit Wood to Beacon Hill and head towards the Aylesbury Ring to the finish at SP82598 06387.
Leaders Tony Francis and Petra Knowles.
Distance 26.3km Height Gain706m Descent 757m
The remaining 3 walks are all circular starting at and finishing ½ km north of Great Kimble on A4010 (at SP82598 06387).
B Party (1) is a circular clockwise walkstarting along the Aylesbury Ring to Coombe Hill and the monument, from here over Babcombe Hill towards the A413 then South to Grim’s Ditch via Coxgrove Wood, Dunsmore, Scrub Wood Little Hampden Commonand Warrens Wood. Go West to Hamden House then South to Great Hampden. From here the route meanders through Redland End, Green Halley, Green Halley Farm to Whiteleaf Hill. Then over Pulpit Hill and Beacon Hill to eventually retrace your steps via The Aylesbury Ring to the finish.
Leaders Dave Arnott and Peter Williams
Distance 22.6km Height Gain 578m Descent 577m
B Party (2)is the same as the B Party 1 but in reverse heading anti-clockwise to Beacon Hill first.
Leaders Bob Price and Rob Maule
Distance 22.7km Height Gain 579m Descent 580m
The C Party is also a circular walk Proceeding up the Aylesbury Ring via Wellwick Farm to just before the A413 where you turn South-Wet across Babcombe Hill and Coombe Hillthen South to Little Hampden Common, West through Dirtywood Farm, North over Pulpit Wood and Beacon Hill to retrace steps down The Aylesbury Ring.
Leaders Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance 17.3km Height Gain346m Descent 345m
Maps: ExplorerOL171 Chilterns Hills West and OL181 Chilterns Hills North
Friday 28th February – Monday 2nd March Club Weekend Lake District
Set in some of the best walking country in the Northern Lakes, Braithwaite is an ideal location for our winter weekend, giving possibilities for the Coledale Round and many peaks in the vicinity. Buttermere only a short drive away, will additionally give us access to the high fells including Red Pike, the High Stile ridge, and Wainwrights resting place and favourite summit, Haystacks. Accommodation will be provided at the Coledale Inn in Braithwaite.
Map..……………………………...………...OL 4 English Lakes, North Western Area
Walk details …………………..…………..Wendy Price
WALK CANCELLED
Walk organiser – Rob Maule
Known as Pen Y Gadair, the summit of Cadair Idris truly is a wonder to behold. With breath-taking views of the Welsh landscape and coastline stretching as far as the eye can see.The local area is steeped in history and folklore with Castell y Bere the 1200 AD castle of Llywellyn the Great Prince of Wales in. Alongside Pennant farmhouse is the old house where Mary Jones was born in 1784 and who famously set off to walk 25 miles barefoot to Bala in 1800 to collect a bible in the Welsh Language. The folklore ranges from the giant Idris himself, who sat on the mountain, to stories of people who spent the night on the mountain coming back the next day either mad or a poet.
A Walk
Leaders: Carol Gosling, Paul Green
Starting at the Minffordd car park SH 732 115 initially gaining height via the Minffordd path alongside the falls. Following the Minffordd path with excellent views of Llyn Cau to the summit at Penygadair 832 m. Then leaving the summit in a westerly direction the route initially follows the Pony Path to SH 691 135, the route then follows the path via CarneddLwyd and Craig Las to TwllyrOgof. From here the route goes onto HafottyGwastadfryn picking up the path to the western side of AfonCadair, crossing the footbridge at SH 667 100 descending via Tyn-y-ddol and Tynfach past Mary Jones chapel and onto the finish at Abergynolwyn.
Distance 21.6 kl Height gain 1426 m
B1 Walk, Leaders: Rob Maule, Paul Burns.
This has the same start as the A walk as far as SH 727 121 from here the route heads in a northerly direction via a very rugged ascent to MynyddMoel at a height of 863 m, from here it heads in a generally westerly direction towards the summit at Penygadair. The route starts to descend on the Minffordd path as far as the cairn at SH 710 121, turning west we head for Mynydd Pencoed and the ruins at Pencoed. We pick up the path to the eastern side of Afoncadair and descend steadily through Llanfihangel-y-pennant, passing Mary Jones Chapel and finishing at Abergynolwyn.
Distance 15.2 kl Height gain 1119m
B2 Walk, Leaders: Dave Arnot, Ian Broughton.
Againthe same start as the two previous walks, following the same route to the summit as the A walk. Then heading west the route initially follows the Pony Path to SH 691 135, here the route leaves the A walkers and heads South East towards HafottyGwastadfryn here again we pick up the same route as the A’s and descend to the finish at Abergynolwyn.
Distance 16.3 kl Height gain 1069m
C Walk, Leaders Wendy Price, Bob Price.
This walk has a different start point at Dolgoch SH 649 046. Following the river valley, the route passes by the Dolgoch Falls on its way to Tarren Nantymynach and MynyddEsgairweddan. Onto the highest point of the day at Tarrenhendre 634 m. From here the route will follow an anti-clockwise return via the disused Bryn-Eglwys quarry and descend through Nant Gwernal to a finish at Abergynolwyn.
Distance 12.2 kl Height gain 689m
Map: 1:25000 OL23 Snowdonia Cadair Idris Area
Sunday 17th May 6:00am Red Screes/Fairfield Area
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic Lake District walk. It is a challenging 16km walk bagging eight Wainwrights with a total ascent of over 1200m. This route is perfectly situated in the centre of the Lake District to give stunning panoramic views to the rest of the national park. The A and B walks will include modified versions of this classic route, the C walk will include Loughrigg and Silver How. All walks start in Ambleside and Finish in Grasmere.
Maps…...............Explorer OL5. The English Lakes NE Area
............................Explorer OL7.The English Lakes SE Area
Walk details……………………………………………....................................Bob Price
Thursday 26th May 7.15pm Canwell Church
A walk through the woods and over the hills to Weeford and back. Convene in The Plough and Harrow afterwards.
Map ………………………….……….….Explorer 232: Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk details......………………………………………………………….………..John Collins
Thursday 20th June 7:15pm Sandwell Valley
Meet at the Malt Shovel on the Newton Road, Great Barr (B43 6HN) for a walk in the Sandwell Valley Country Park. This country park is perfect for a short walk where you will find a fully restored working Victorian farm with grazing meadows, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed buildings, a small museum and tea rooms. The park is also an RSPB nature reserve with several small lakes and bird hides.
Map…………………………………………............................Explorer 220 Birmingham
Walk Details…………………………………............................................Roger Needle
Thursday 25th July 7:15pm Kingsbury Water Park
Kingsbury Water Park is comprised of 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of stunning Country Park. Meet at the Dog and Doublet pub at Bodymoor Heath (B76 9JD) for a walk which will explore the hidden corners and wildlife of the Park. The walk may include the Birmingham and Fazeley canal,
Map…………………………………………….....Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk Details…………………………………...............................Catherine Frankenburg
FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH - FESTIVE DRINKS -7.00PM ONWARDS
A chance for members and friends to meet for an informal get together for Xmas drinks at Mere Pool, Mere Green. Come along from 7pm onwards to raise a glass together.
Tuesday 25th February 7:45pm AGM and Club Night
The AGM is the yearly opportunity for members to discuss any matters with the committee in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The years accounts will be distributed in advance, and our treasurer will explain them and answer any questions. After the formalities, Tom Somervell will talk to us about his grandfather, Howard Somervell – not only an acclaimed mountaineer, who was a member of two expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920’s, but a surgeon, painter and missionary. Tom has personal memories of his grandfather, so this promises to be a fascinating evening.
Details…………………………………………………………Colin Little/Carol Gosling
Saturday 25th April 7:00 for7:45pm Aston Wood Golf Club
The anniversary dinner to celebrate 40 years of the Hill Walking Club. Join us for an evening of fine dining, good conversation and a chance to meet up with current and former members. Pre-booking is essential so contact us to reserve your place.
Details .............................................................................Carol Gosling
MENU
STARTERS
Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pate, Beetroot Chutney & Toast
Country Vegetable Soup
Honeydew Melon with Parma Ham & Raspberry Vinaigrette / Berry Compote
MAINS
Supreme of Chicken with Creamy Wild Mushroom, White Wine & Tarragon Sauce
Slow Braised Feather Blade of Beef, Smoked Bacon, Red Wine & Baby Onions
Roast Fillet of Salmon with a Creamy White Wine & Dill Sauce
Vegetable Wellington-Aubergine, Potato, Onion , Red & Yellow Peppers, Parsnip & Tomato wrapped in pastry.
DESSERTS
Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Fresh Fruits
Pear & Frangipane Tart
Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce
Cheese and Biscuits
Thursday 23th May 7:15pm Hurley
Meet at The Holly Bush pub in Hurley (CV9 2HX) for a walk that will take us on footpaths acros
Map………………………………………….......Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk Details………………………...............................................................Paul Burns
Friday October 18th 7:00pm Beer and Skittles
Come and join us for a fun evening of Beer and Skittles and a supper at Lea Marston Hotel, near Sutton Coldfield. Spouse or partners welcome. Pre-booking will be essen-tial.
Details………………………………………………………………………..…..Carol Gosling
All Those Years Ago!
The
seed was sown in the Autumn of 1973 when Ken Smithem was asked to arrange
walks for a few interested colleagues in the Lucas electronics factory at
Mere Green. Having thought he had discouraged them with the scramble up
Tryfan they came back for more, so the idea of a club was formed. At an
inaugural meeting, which was so well attended that it filled the whole canteen
area, the Lucas Fellwalking and Rambling Club was born. Representatives
from the nine main midlands factory areas were elected to produce a programme
of walks.
The
cold, 20 - seater coach for the first club walk, left the Great King Street
factory on 17th February 1974, bound for Lathkill Dale. In this first year.
members' subs were deducted from their monthly wages. Finding this arrangement
less than satisfactory, the club was dissolved at its first AGM in February
1975, and reopened to all-comers as the Hill Walking Club - a double entendre
reflecting the Hill Village area of its origin as well as our intention
of being much more than a rambling club.
>Ray
Siddell was the first chairman, and Stan Patchett designed the first club
badge which is still seen on a few rucksacks, and now on the website. Little
remains in the club archive from that very early period, but an entry from
May 1975 details two walks interestingly described as a 'Ramble' and a 'Fell
Walk'. The Ramble led by Joy and Ken Madeley took walkers from Patterdale,
along Grisedale to finish at Grasmere. The Fell Walk led by Stan Bellaby
and (of course!) Ken Smithem, was over St Sunday Crag, offering walkers
a chance to watch fell runners on the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Many
friendships, marriages, subgroups for weekly walks and backpacking have
been generated from the contacts through the Club – we all have that
common interest at heart.
May
it long continue.
Ken
| How
do I contact the club for more information? |
Use the contact email
link at the top of this page, and we will get back to you. It would
be useful if you leave a phone number. |
Can I come on the next walk?
|
Use the email link at the top of this
page and we will get back to you about coach availability, please leave
a phone number |
| Where do you meet? |
The coach picks us up from the car
park in Mere Green. |
| How do I become
a member? |
The Club Rules require that a prospective
member would normally have to complete 2 "B" walks succesfully
to be eligible for club membership. |
What fitness level is required?
|
A good level of fitness is required
as all walks are in mountainous and sometimes remote areas.An average
"B" walk is 18 kilometres in length and 900 metres of ascent,
depending on the terrain,to be completed in about 6 hrs |
What equipment is needed?
|
Please refer to the "Safety &
Kit" link |
What do I wear?
|
Please refer to the "Safety &
Kit" link |
| How much does it cost? |
The annual membership at present is £20.
The coach costs vary, depending on the distance travelled, but is
generally between £12 and £17. |
| Is there an age
limit? |
We don't have an upper age limit,
-as long as you are fit enough to do the walks, thats fine. We do have
a lower age limit of 18. |
| Can I take my dog
on the walks? |
No, we don't have dogs on our Sunday
walks. |
PRIVACY POLICY FOR HILL WALKING CLUB
Hill Walking Club takes your privacy seriously and is committed to ensuring that all personal information handled by the club is processed according to the legally compliant standards of the General Data Protection Regulations which came into force on 25thMay 2018. As a “controller” of the personal information that you provide to us, this privacy notice sets out how, why and for how long we will use your personal data, as well as whom it is shared with. It also explains your legal rights as a data subject and how to exercise them.
What we need from you
When you join as a member of Hill Walking Club or renew your membership, we may ask you the following personal information:
Contact details – name, address, email address, phone number and emergency contact details.
If you do not provide us with the personal information that we need this may affect our ability to offer you our membership services.
When we collect your data, we will ask your consent to use it in different ways e.g. preferred means of contact. We will only use your personal data in ways you have given us permission to do so.
Why we need your personal information
Administration
We collect and use personal data solely for administrative purposes in order to help us carry out our services to members.
This includes:
- Receiving membership subscriptions.
- Issuing membership renewal reminders
- Maintaining a contact database of our committee, leaders and members and their contact permissions.
- Fulfilling coach bookings placed on-line, over the phone or in person.
- AGM and Committee notices
- Organising club activities including recces.
- Reasons of safety on the hills in the event of difficulties or emergency
- Banking officers will have access to bank details when required.
Legitimate purposes
We may also share personal information with professional and legal advisors for the purpose of obtaining advice.
We respect your privacy and will not sell or disclose your personal information to any third party, including other walking groups locally or nationally.
How we protect your personal information
Your personal information is accessed by our committee, only for the purposes set out above. It is stored by our club in a password protected computer database and paper based filing systems which are securely stored.
How long we keep your personal information
We only keep your personal information for as long as necessary to provide you with membership services. Unless you ask us not to, we will review and delete your personal information where you have not renewed your membership with us for one year.
You have a right to:
- Change your communication preferences or restrict the processing of your personal data for specific purposes.
- Request that we correct your personal data if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Request that we delete your personal information.
- Access the personal data that we hold about you through a “subject access request”.
You can contact us by e-mail at: walking@hwcsc.co.uk
Complaints
If you are unhappy about how we have used your data, you can complain to the Honorary Secretary of the club
If you are not happy with our response, or you believe that your data protection or privacy rights have been infringed, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office which regulates and enforces data protection law in the UK. Details of how to do this can be found at www.ico.org.uk
Notification of change of Privacy Policy
Hill Walking Club reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Notice of any change will be posted on our website and will be deemed effective on publication.
Honorary Secretary
Hill Walking Club
August 2018
The
following list of clothing and equipment is agreed by the Club Committee,
and links directly with the club rules.If committee members are unhappy
about your clothing you may be restricted in the walks you can do, or
even excluded from the days walk.
Considered to be essential;
- Walking Boots with a good ankle
support and well cleated soles.(Trainers or Approach Shoes are not acceptable)
- Good quality waterproofs, jacket
and over trousers.
- Hat
- Gloves
- Rucksack(do not share)
- Hot Flasks are needed in winter.
- Plenty of water in the summer
will stop you getting dehydrated.
- Enough food for the day
Advisory;
- Extra warm top.
- Gaiters
- Spare Socks
- A change of dry clothing left
on the coach is useful.
- Sun protection cream (all seasons)
- Map, compass and torch
- Survival bag
- Personal First Aid Kit (comprehensive
kit carried by walk leaders)
General;
- Clothes must be able to adapt
to changeable mountain weather. Tops and trousers will be more comfortable
made from lightweight fabrics designed to keep you warm in winter or
cool in summer. These fabrics often draw moisture away from your body
keeping you more comfortable. Thick cotton garments should be avoided
as they are likely to get very wet, taking a long time to dry. Jeans
are not allowed.
- You will be out for a whole
day, with no scheduled visits to food shops.You need sufficient calories
to get you up the hills!
- Please let the walk leaders
know if you have a medical condition which could affect you on the walk
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Carol the "Chair" (Likes
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Bob, our membership secretary
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Howard, the club secretary
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Petra, our treasurer and one of the extreme walkers
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Wendy, keeps everybody in order
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Arthur, our man in the Lakes
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Rob, he has never classed himself as one of the extreme walkers
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Tony, one of our small group of extreme walkers |
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Ian, our latest committee member |
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SPRING 2020 NEWSLETTER
As I write this, the sun is shining, the clocks have gone forward and we should be looking forward to spring walks in the mountains. Instead, we are living in surreal times, with the restraints of a lock down, trying to bring the outbreak of Covid 19 under control. Let’s hope we can resume our normal lives in the not too distant future.
PRESENT POSITION
All coaches, recces and club outings are cancelled until the situation improves and government advice lets us resume activities. Our dates for our Sunday walks are still booked with Travelstar and we will be reviewing the situation each month until we can safely start the program again. Destinations may need to change, as the walks will not have been recced but dates will stand - hopefully Travelstar will be able to weather the financial impact of the virus.
We will email you when we are able to resume walks and the website will be updated accordingly.
THE FUTURE –SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
AUTUMN WEEKEND - SIDMOUTH FRIDAY 2nd-MONDAY 5th OCTOBER 2020
Hopefully this is far enough into the future for the current crisis to be over and it should run as advertised. We will keep you posted if anything changes.
If you have not already done so, please pay your £30 deposit by bank transfer as soon as possible.
LAKES WEEKEND 2021
Thirty eight people have signed up for the 2021 Lakes weekend –Friday 26th February –Monday 1st March. We will be staying at the Glaramara Hotel, in Borrowdale, which is a new venue for us, with some superb walking from the door. Deposit of £50 per person is overdue. There may still be double/twin rooms available (no singles) –please contact Tony Francis now if you would like to come.
THE PAST-SEEMS LIKE A LIFETIME AGO!!!
AGM TUESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2020
The minutes of the AGM have already been circulated but to summarise:
Thirtynine members attended the AGM in February at the Plough and Harrow on Slade Road. There was the usual round up of activities over the past year and Carol Gosling and Rob Maule were returned to the committee.
After serving on the committee since 1996, Colin Little decided to retire, as did John Collins – a committee member since 2000. Ian Broughton who was co-opted on to the committee to assist with the work load, was accepted to serve as a permanent member of the committee.
It was generally agreed that splitting the B party into two walks had been successful over the past year. A question was raised from the floor asking about the possibility of making one of the B walks slightly easier than the other. This will be put forward for discussion at committee meetings.
The chair gave a tribute speech to both Colin and John, thanking them for all their efforts over the years and they were each presented with an engraved pen. Christine and Pat, their wives, were each given a bouquet in recognition of their support over the years. John became our fourth member to be awarded Life membership of the club, in recognition of his twenty year service as Treasurer. (Other Life Members are our founder, Ken Smithem, Graham Millin, and Colin Little)
Colin and John both replied verbally to the tribute and they have since both corresponded with us, expressing their appreciation for their gifts and the kind words that were said about them.
(See below).
After a break, Tom Somervell gave us a wonderful presentation about his grandfather, Howard Somervell. Howard was an acclaimed mountaineer, a member of two expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920’s, a surgeon, a painter and a missionary and Tom provided a most fascinating insight into his life. Thank you Tom.
COLIN LITTLE’S RETIREMENT SPEECH
Members will be aware by now that I retired from my position of secretary of the Hill Walking Club at the Club’s 45th AGM on February 25th 2020.
I have served on the committee and for most of that time as Secretary, since being elected to the committee at the AGM in the Lady Windsor Hotel in February 1996 and to the position of Secretary on the retirement of Jenny Hildick in February 2000. The AGM of 2000 also saw the retirement of Nick White to be superseded as Treasurer by John Collins, so John and I have worked as the Secretary/Treasurer team for the last twenty years, and for that I must thank him most gratefully. Incidentally I am only the third Secretary and John the third Treasurer. How’s that for continuity!
I joined the Club as a 32 year old in 1978 being introduced to what had been the Lucas Rambling and Fell Walking Club by founder member and first Chairman Ken Smithem. My first outing with the Hill Walking Club was the July 9th walk to Bleaklow. My second was to the Brecon Beacons on August 20th after which I applied for membership of the Club, and have been walking regularly with the Club ever since.
My first Club weekend was to Lulworth Cove in September 1982 for the princely sum of £27 for 2 night’s half board and I have taken part in virtually every Autumn coastal weekend since. I’ve also organised most of them for the last twenty years. At this point I must mention the great deal of support I have received from Bob & Wendy who have led some of the walks having done their own recces. They have also organised the weekend on the odd occasion when I have not been available.
In the early days the Club organised midsummer overnight walks to coincide with the shortest nights of the year which included, hopefully, a brilliant sunrise, and which concluded with breakfast at a suitable establishment. In those days the Club also had a backpacking group which organised their own series of activities for over 20 years.
For a number of years the Club also organised New Year’s Day walks, and November 1979 also saw the first of what has become an annual event with the last walk of the year concluding with the annual dinner – there was no December walk in the early days. The first one was held at the long since departed Border Restaurant after walks over the Breidden Hills.
I am not a meticulous keeper of statistics but I reckon to have completed around 800 Club walks during my 41½ years with the Club. That’s exactly 500 months and would equate to about 10,000 miles and 2,000,000 feet of height gain. This includes all Sunday walks + recces, Club weekends + recces since I have organised them (around 35 weekends in total) as well as evening walks + recces, going back to the era when we organised 5 evening walks a year from April to August.
Finally, not only do I have to thank the Hill Walking Club for a lifetime of inspirational walking and the satisfaction of having worked alongside such a diligent and hard-working committee; it has also been fundamental in shaping the rest of my life as it is where I met my wife, Christine whose first walk was to Moel Hebog in March 1988. Christine has been a great support to me during my years on the committee and I would also like to thank her for our last 30 years together.
I have often wondered where I might be today, had it not been for the Hill Walking Club which brought Christine and I together, and to be honest I haven’t a clue. It is a truly unique Club which has been a major part of my life for over 40 years and for that I am deeply indebted. As Howard takes over the role of Secretary to be joined by Petra at the Treasury I wish everyone connected with the Club a bright and successful future. Long may it continue to flourish!
JOHN’S LETTER
A heartfelt letter of appreciation, hand written with his new gift, was received from John thanking the committee and the club for the generous gifts of life membership and the engraved pen.
He expressed appreciation for the support that had always been there when it was needed and gratitude for the friendships that he and Pat had gained from the club since first joining in 1996 and also that those friendships had really removed any thoughts they might have had of leaving Sutton.
He was touched that flowers had been provided for the walking widows.
LAKES WEEKEND 28th February-2nd March 2020
Thirty nine members and guests stayed at the Coledale Inn, Braithwaite, plus one member in a nearby B&B. Excellent food and accommodation here as always and great service from the staff.
We were hoping to complete “unfinished business” this time, as at our last visit here in February 2017, the rain and gale force winds made our planned walks impossible. Little rain this time, but very strong winds and sleet flurries, which made walking arduous and meant some routes were adjusted to take conditions into account. Despite this, a good time was had by all.
Thanks to all our leaders and helpers and special thanks to Wendy Price for again organising the weekend and liaising with the hotel-everything worked like clockwork.
KEEP WELL EVERYONE
The Hill Walking Club, based in Royal Sutton Coldfield, offers a warm welcome to people who enjoy challenging and adventurous walks in the hills and mountains of England and Wales. We are a convivial group and look forward to welcoming new enthusiasts to our club.
Once a month on a Sunday, our walking programme takes us to the best high places in England and Wales. Starting from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, we travel there and back by coach, replacing the stress of driving with a comfortable journey, -and maybe even a nap and a drink!
We usually offer three walks of varying length and difficulty, and because we take the safety of our members seriously all routes are thoroughly researched and led by the Club’s most experienced walkers. We also have occasional club nights in winter, and weekends away at least twice a year.
The Hill Walking Club has been visiting Britains hills and mountains for over 40 years and many life-long frienships have started on our outings. Our walks are a wonderful way to stay fit and active and a chance to experience the joys of hill walking in the British countryside.
So, explore our website further. If you like what you see and would like to join us, then please use the contact at the top of this page.
CORONAVIRUS
iN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERMENT GUIDLINES
ALL CLUB ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Hill Walking Club
Constitution
1 The Club shall be called the Hill Walking Club, hereafter to be referred to as ‘the Club’ and shall be affiliated to the Ramblers’ Association.
2 Objects: To foster and promote challenging walks in hill country, providing opportunities for recreation and leisure.
3 Membership: The following are eligible for membership:
3.1 Membership of the Club shall be open to any person of 18yrs or above, completing a membership application form and paying the relevant subscription as determined by the Annual General Meeting, and who has completed two walks with the Club, to the satisfaction of the Committee.
3.2 There shall be 2 classes of membership available. These are:
3.2.1 Full Member
3.2.2 Honorary Member
4. Expulsion of Members: Members of the Club whose conduct is inappropriate or who decline to abide by any of the Club Rules may be expelled or suspended by a resolution passed at a meeting of the Committee where their subscription may be forfeited. Members shall have a right to appeal in person to the Committee with regard to any decision affecting them, provided that notice of such appeal is submitted to the Secretary, in writing, within seven days of the notification of the decision.
5. Officers and Committee Members: There will be nine members of the Club committee, three of which shall hold the offices of Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
6. Election of Officers and Committee:
6.1 All Committee members shall be elected for a period of three years. The elections shall be staggered in order to maintain continuity within the Committee.
6.2 Each year, any member of the Club may offer him/herself for election to the Committee, provided that a proposed and seconded application form is received by the Committee 60 days prior to the AGM.
Elections shall take place at the Annual General Meeting.
6.3 The officers shall be decided by the Committee.
7. Duties of the Committee:
7.1 The affairs of the Club shall be controlled by the Committee. The Committee shall meet at agreed intervals, and not less than twelve times per year.
7.2 The duties of the Committee shall be:
7.2.1 To control the affairs of the Club on behalf of the members.
7.2.2 To keep accurate records of the finances of the Club through the Treasurer. These shall be available for reasonable inspection by members, and should be externally reviewed before every Annual General Meeting. The Club shall maintain a bank account and the following officers shall be authorised to sign Club cheques: two from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary.
7.2.3 To co-opt additional members to the Committee if the Committee feels this is necessary. Co-opted members shall not be entitled to a vote on the Committee.
7.2.4 To make decisions on the basis of a simple majority vote.
8. General Meetings:
8.1 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Club shall be held not later than the end of February each year. At least 60 days written notice of the AGM shall be given to members. Members must advise the Secretary in
writing of any business to be moved at the AGM at least 30 days before the meeting. A copy of the Agenda shall be sent to members not less than 7 days before the meeting.
8.2 The business of the AGM shall be to:
8.2.1 Receive and confirm the minutes of the previous AGM and any Special General Meetings held since the last AGM from the Secretary.
8.2.2 Receive the externally reviewed accounts for the year from the Treasurer.
8.2.3 Receive the annual report of the Club’s activities from theChairperson.
8.2.4 Elect Committee members as necessary.
8.2.5 Transact such business received in writing by the Secretary from members 30 days prior to the meeting and included on the agenda.
8.2.6 Accept, from members, items of Any Other Business which do not require a vote.
8.3 Special General Meetings may be convened by the Committee or on receipt by the Secretary of a request in writing, from not less than 5 Full Members of the Club. At least 30 days notice of the meeting shall be given.
8.4 At all General Meetings, the chair will be taken by the Chairperson or, in their absence, by a deputy appointed by the Committee.
8.5 Decisions taken at a General Meeting shall be by a single majority vote.
8.6 A quorum for a General Meeting shall be 16 members.
8.7 Each Full Member of the Club shall be entitled to one vote at
General Meetings.
9. Alterations to the Constitution: Any proposed alterations to the Club Constitution may only be considered at the Annual or a Special General Meeting, convened with the required notice of the proposal. Any alteration or amendment must be proposed by a Full Member of the Club, and seconded by another Full Member. Such alterations may be passed subject to conditions 8.5 and 8.6.
10. Dissolution:
10.1 If at any General Meeting of the Club, a resolution be passed calling for dissolution of the Club, the Secretary shall immediately convene a Special General Meeting to be held not less than 30 days
thereafter to discuss and vote on the resolution.
10.2 If at that Special General Meeting, the resolution is carried by a simple majority, the General Committee shall thereupon, or at such date as shall have been specified in the resolution, proceed to realize the assets of the Club and discharge all debts and liabilities of the Club.
10.3 After discharging all debts and liabilities of the Club, the remaining
assets shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members of the Club,
but shall be given or transferred to some other organisation or organizations having objectives similar to those of the Club.
Hill Walking Club
Rules
1 The annual subscription is set by the Committee and will run from 1st January to 31st December.
2 The Club requires that all members participating in full day walks are equipped according to the requirements outlined in the document which they receive when accepted for membership. Failure to do this could result in being excluded from the walk, and possible expulsion from the Club.
3 Members will have priority booking up to 2 weeks before the day of the walk. After that, any remaining seats will be made available to non-members. The fare for the day becomes due in full at the time of booking and should be paid into the Club bank account by the Thursday before the walk. If the seat is cancelled later than 7pm on the Thursday prior to the walk, the fare will still be payable unless the seat is resold and the coach is full.
4 The coach will leave Mere Green at the time stated in the programme. Refunds will not be available for those who miss it.
5 In the event of the coach being oversubscribed, members who sign on waiting lists for a walk must accept the Committee’s decisions re priority. It is the member’s responsibility to contact the Secretary before the walk to confirm or reject their place on the coach.
6 Visitors and guests are welcome on full day walks at the discretion of the Committee, having given prior notice. They will be charged a visitor’s fare and be expected to adopt the rules regarding walking and equipment.
7 During the walk, it is the responsibility of all walkers to accept the guidance of the leaders, respect the countryside codes and maintain a corporate responsibility which ensures a safe and successful day for all participants.
8 Members on walks must inform the leaders if they are aware of any medical condition or other reasons which might affect the successful completion of the walk.
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