Walking week in Europe June/July 2019
Alps trip 2019. The trip to the Alps is planned to depart on the 27/06/2018 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 13th January 6:30am Offa’s Dyke, Knighton
Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling
Cost of this months walk is £14 members £16 non members
Our walks will explore the countryside around Knighton, using footpaths, bridleways and part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, which runs alongside part of the 8th century earthwork of Offa’s Dyke itself.
All walks start at Knucklas and finish in Knighton.
A Walk
The A party will walk under the impressive viaduct at Knucklas and make their way to Cwm Jenkin, via Pentrusco. They head north-west to Upper Hall Farm, then north to Wernygeufron Hill, continuing in a northerly direction to Stoney Pound. Here they turn south easterly to pick up the Jack Mitton Way and the Offa’s Dyke Path, which is followed back to Knighton.
Leaders: Dave Arnot and Carol Gosling Distance: 24 k - Height Gain: 900m
B Walk
The B party will ascend Castle Hill, the site of the ruined Knucklas Castle, then, head north- west over Bwlch-y-Plain, and Goytre Hill to Wernygeufron Hill. They continue in a northerly direction until they reach Mellin-y-Grogue, where they turn south easterly. They turn northwards again at Llanfair Waterdine and eventually reach the Jack Mitton Way and Offa’s Dyke Path, which they follow to Knighton.
Leaders:Bob Price, Nigel Compton and Gary Price Distance: 20km-Height Gain: 850m
C Walk
The C party climb Castle Hill, then turn eastwards to Monaughty Poeth. Here they walk in a northerly direction via Llandinshop, ascending to the Offa’s Dyke Trail. They follow this to the coach at Knighton.
Leaders: Howard Hill and Wendy Price Distance: 14km -Height Gain 600m
Maps: Explorer 201 Knighton and Presteigne
Sunday 17th March 6:00am Ystradfellte Waterfalls, South Wales
Walk Organiser – Colin Little
Cost of this months walk is £15 members £17 non members
The village of Ystradfellte is situated in what is popularly known as Waterfall Country in the south of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan flow down deep wooded gorges, cascading over a series of dramatic waterfalls before joining to form the River Neath. We will use sections of the ‘Four Waterfalls Trail’ to view these falls, including the enchanting Sgŵd-yr-Eira. All walks are circular from Pontneddfechan.
Please note: All parties walk beneath Sgŵd-yr-Eira. Waterproofs will be required!
‘A’ Party: From Pontneddfechan (SN 900076) the ‘A’ party walk east to Penderyn before turning to cross the Afon Hepste beneath the Sgŵd-yr-Eira waterfall. The route then journeys north along the Afon Mellte passing Sgŵd-y-Pannwr, Sgŵd Isaf Clun-gwyn and Sgŵd Clun-gwyn and continuing to Ystradfellte. Turning west the group join the Afon Nedd Fechan which is followed downstream past Sgŵd Ddwli to Pontneddfechan. En route a detour is made along Afon Pyrddin to view Sgŵd Gwladus.
Leaders: Paul Green and Tony Francis
Distance: 24.7km Height Gain: 874m
‘B’ Party: The ‘B’ Party’s clockwise route from Pontneddfechan goes north up the valley of the Nedd Fechan river passing a number of waterfalls including an impressive view of Sgŵd Ddwli. The route continues north to Dyffryn Nedd before turning east to meet Afon Mellte at Cwm Porth. Continuing downstream Sgŵd Clun-gwyn, Sgŵd Isaf Clun-gwyn and Sgŵd-y-Pannwr are viewed. The final waterfall to be visited is Sgŵd-yr-Eira before the last lap into Pontneddfechan.
Leaders: Dave Arnot, Mike Harris and Tom Somervell
Distance: 15.3 km Height Gain: 639m
‘C’ Party: Starting at Pontneddfechan, the ‘C’ party, like the ‘A’s is anticlockwise, but takes the direct route to Sgŵd-yr-Eira. The route then journeys north along the Afon Mellte passing Sgŵd-y-Pannwr, Sgŵd Isaf Clun-gwyn and Sgŵd Clun-gwyn before crossing the river. Sgŵd Clun-gwyn is viewed from the opposite bank before continuing west to join the Afon Nedd Fechan at Pont Rhyd-y-cnau. The river is followed downstream past Sgŵd Ddwli to Pontneddfechan. En route a detour is made along Afon Pyrddin to view Sgŵd Gwladus.
Leaders: Sue Howles and Colin Little
Distance: 12.8 km Height Gain: 530m
Map: Explorer OL12 Brecon Beacons National Park - West & Central Areas
Sunday 15th December 7:00am Derbyshire
The As and Bs will start at Wyedale, south of Buxton, and by making selective use of
the Monsal Trail and the tributary valleys, go to Monsal Head Hotel with its spectacular
position.This will be the first time we have eaten the December meal here but the
location and menu look excellent. The C party walk will be a circular, ascending
Cressbrookdale, visiting Foolow and returning via Great Longstone.
Map ……………………………………………..Outdoor Leisure Map no 24: White Peak
Walk Details………………………………………………………………………John Collins
Sunday 9th June 6:30am The Northern Rhinogs
COACH DEPARTURE TIME NOW 6.30AM
For this day only, the coach pick up will be from the centre of Sutton Coldfield in the car park in South Parade, B72 1ST (opposite Plantsbrook School on Upper Holland Road)
Pay and Display car park -current charge is £2.30 all day Sunday, free after 6.00pm. However, the ticket prints a twelve hour time limit. Therefore,
DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR TICKET UNTIL AFTER 6.00AM.
These are wonderful Snowdonia walks that explore the rocky and wild terrain of the northern Rhinogs.
The walks feature a traverse of the northern ridge of the Rhinogs, a chaos of mini crags and heather, with scatterings of little lakes, a little-trodden and remote area of Snowdonia. The terrain is frequently rugged and pathless and can be very tricky underfoot. However despite these problems, this is a superb part of Snowdonia that only a few walkers enjoy.
All our walks start along the A470 and finish in the village of Trawsfynydd.
Map……………………………..………Explorer OL18 Harlech, Porthmadog and Bala
Walk Details………………………...………………………………...………Wendy Price
;
Sunday 14th July 6:00am Western Black Mountains
The Black Mountains at the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons National Park provide, after an initial steep ascent, mile after mile of easy walking, on high level ridges, mostly above the 610m level. The summits climbed will include Pen Cerrig-calch, Pen Allt-Mawr, Mynydd Llysiau, Waun Fach,Pen y Gadair Fawr and Pen Twyn Mawr.
All walks will start from the A479 near Waun Fach and finish in the picturesque village of Crickhowell.
Map………………………………………………..Explorer OL13 Brecon Beacons (East)
Walk Details…………………………………..…………………….…………..….Bob Price
Sunday 11th August 6:00am Holmfirth
Explore a quiet part of the Dark Peak area in the region from Marsden to Holmfirth. The routes will take in parts of The Pennine Way, Kirklees Way, Black Hill and Wessenden Moor with its scenic reservoir. Finishing at Holmfirth, you will be walking in the footsteps of Compo and Cleggy from ‘Last of the Summer Wine’.
Map…………….....…Explorer OL 1 The Dark Peak Area and OL 21 South Pennines
Walk Details……..……………………………………………………...…….…Howard Hill
Sunday 15th September 6:00am The Arans, North Wales
The Aran Ridge eventually tops out on the 905-metre summit of Aran Fawddy, from where there are some of the best views in Wales. To the north the main peaks of Snowdon rise proudly; to the west you can see the lovely coastline of Cardigan Bay; south lies the remote massif of the Cambrian Mountains; and eastwards twinkle the waters of Bala Lake. The chances are you’ll see no more than a handful of other walkers during the day.
Map………………………..…………..….. Explorer OL23 Snowdonia Cadair Idris area
Walk Details………………………...….………………………….……………..Rob Maule
Friday 4th - Monday 7th October Club Weekend Bideford North Devon
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The section of the South-west Peninsula coastal path from Hartland Point via
Clovelly to Westward Ho! has been designated the ‘Hartland Heritage Coast’. We
will enjoy sections of this path with views towards Lundy to the north-west and
Baggy Point to the north, from our base at the Royal Hotel in Bideford.
Map…………………………………………………. Explorer 126 Clovelly and Hartland
Details…….……………………………………………………………………….Colin Little
Sunday 13th October 6:00am Pooley Bridge to Patterdale
These walks in the Lake District cover an area steeped in history dating back almost 2000 years to Roman times. The Romans settled in the area for more than 400 years, mining lead and iron ore, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Our walks are interspersed with the Roman Road, with A and B walks passing over Ar-thur’s Pike, Bowscale Pike, Hallin Fell, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill, Beda Fell, Place Fell and Angletarn Pikes, among others, dependin
Map……………………… …………....Explorer OL 5 the English Lakes North 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 17th November 6:30am Alport Castles – Peak District
The Dark Peak - famed for its desolate, exposed tracts of moorland top, open undulat-ing high gritstone plateau and geological oddities such as Alport Castles. This at over half mile long is considered to be the largest landslip in the UK.
All our walks start from the A57 Snake Pass and include climbing to Alport Castles, as well as skirting Lady Bower Reservoir & Derwent Dam, the former training ground of 617 squadron for their famous “Dambuster” raids.
Map……………………………………….Explorer OL1 The Peak District Dark Peak Area
Walk Details………………………….………………………………………….....Tony Francis
Sunday 9th December 2018 7.00am Bakewell
Cost to members for this months walk and a 3 course Christmas meal is £22
We will stop at Cromford Wharfe to boot up and use the toilets.
The A & B Walks will start from here.
A Walk – 23kms and 800 metres ascent GR 301 571.
Leaders : Dave Arnot & Petra Knowles
The A party heads North Over Masson Hill with views across to Riber Castle. After Wensley, (look out for steam trains in the valley) we go through Clough Wood and up onto Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies Stone circle. 13 years ago this walk took us through a protest camp with caravans stuck up trees, but Swampy and friends have now moved on. We complete the route to Rowsley and follow the river to Calton Lees.before heading West to Bakewell.
B Walk – 18.5 kms and 560 metres ascent GR 301 571.
Leaders : Colin Little & Bob Price
The B party heads North West from Cromford, around the quarry and up to Bonsall. After Bonsall Moor we descend to Winster. From here we go to Robin Hood’s Stride for a little scramble. Continue Northwest along the Limestone Way to Bradford Dale where we follow the river and cross by the footbridge. After the final climb over Haddon Fields we view up the Wye Valley to Bakewell. Then stroll down past cemetaries and two churches to reach the Rutland Arms.
C Walk – 15 km and 500 metres ascent GR 222 685
Leaders : Sue Howles, Wendy Price & John Collins
This will be a near circular starting from the cattle market but finishing, of course at the Rutland Arms. Also this walk will cater for any one coming by car.
The route described in the program has been dropped because of next years December walk which will actually finish at the Monsal Head hotel.
So we will be visiting the Chatsworth Estate. We take the footpath over the Monsal Trail, East through the woods to Calton Pastures. Emerging from New Piece Wood we have the Park before us stretching down to the Derwent and the House beyond. In Stand Wood we climb to the Hunting Tower, walk around the Emperor Lake and descendalogside the Aqueduct. The finishing pull up from Edensor will ensure a good appetite when we reach
Map ……… ……………………………………………………..Explorer OL24 White Peak
Walk details from………………………………………………………………...John Collins
Menu
A) Leek and Potato Soup served with garlic croutons
B) Ham Hock Terrine with piccalilli and leaf salad
C) Fig and Stilton Salad served with garlic and herb croutons
D) Deep Fried Brie Wedges served with a leaf salad and a cranberry chutney
E) Crispy Halloumi served with tempura battered vegetables and puy lentils with a tomato puree
F) Traditional oven roasted Turkey served with all the festive trimmings and a rich gravy
G) Herb encrusted Cod served with a tomato cassoulet
H) Pork Belly served with baby garlic roasted potatoes, cauliflower and a cauliflower puree
I) Iced Christmas Pudding Parfait served with a cinnamon shortbread
J) Classic Jam Roly Poly served with a vanilla custard
K) Rutland’s Bakewell Pudding served with a vanilla pod ice cream and amaretto compote
L) Salted Caramel Torte served with a caramel sauce
Tea/Coffee
Sunday 17th February 6:30am Cotswolds - Dursley area
Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling
Cost of this months walk is £14 members £16 non members
A region of the Cotswolds that is new to the club. We will use footpaths, bridleways and parts of the Cotswold Way to explore this interesting area, which is steeped in history. There should be some cracking views if the weather is kind to us. Walks finish in Dursley, adjacent to the Old Spot pub.
A Walk
The A walk starts at Selsley Common (SO 833 035) and follows the Cotswold Way to Cam Long Down and Newlands Farm. Then they turn southwards to Rockstowes, Dursley Wood, Breakheart Hill, eventually reaching the Tyndale Monument, above North Nibley. Option to climb to the top of a spiral staircase of 121 steps-there is a voluntary charge to help with maintenance. Then, continue northwards to Stinchcombe Hill, via Drakestone Point, before descending to Dursley.
Leaders: Dave Arnot and Carol Gosling
Distance: 26km - Height Gain: 980m
B Walk
The B party start at the car park on the B4066 (SO795 014) and follow the Cotswold Way to Cam Long Down. They continue over Peaked Down, before turning eastwards to Uley Bury, then southwards to Coopers Wood, Dursley Wood, Breakheart Hill and Pitt Court. Here they aim generally northwards to Stinchcombe Hill, via Drakestone Point, before descending to Dursley.
Leaders: Bob Price, Paul Green and Peter Williams
Distance: 21 km-Height Gain: 800m
C Walk
The C walk is circular and will start at the coach park in Dursley (ST752 980) They will ascend and explore Stinchcombe Hill, taking in the extensive views, before descending to Hermitage Wood. They continue eastwards to Rockstowes, and onto Uley Bury, before swinging westwards over Cam Long Down and Peaked Down before the descent to Dursley.
Leaders: Howard Hill and Wendy Price
Distance: 15.5km -Height Gain: 560m
Maps: Explorer OL167 Thornbury, Dursley & Yate
Explorer 168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury.
Friday 1st – Monday 4th March Winter Weekend The Lake District
By popular demand we are returning once again to The New Dungeon Gill Hotel, at the foot of the Langdale Pikes in Great Lang-dale. It is a magnificent valley located in the cen-tre of the Lake District and there is a wealth of opportunities to walk and climb some of the best mountains in England.
From the door step we will have access to the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, the Ling-moor ridge and possibly Scafell Pike if conditions
Maps………………………………………..OL 6 English Lakes, South Western Area
OL 7 English Lakes, South Eastern Area
Details……………………………………………………………………......Wendy Price
Sunday 14th April 6:00am Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland
Walk Organiser – Petra Knowles
Cost of this months walk is £16 members £18 non members
We travel to Lancashire to begin our day of walking. All walks will cross a varied landscape steeped in stories of witchcraft. Pendle Hill, our final hill of the day linked in history to the 1612 trials of the Pendle witches and are among the most famous witch trials in English history. The twelve accused lived in the area surrounding Pendle Hill and were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of witchcraft, ten of them were subsequently found guilty and were hanged. All walks will finish at Barley, under the shadow of the imposing Pendle Hill.
The ‘A’ Party walk starts at the outskirts of Barnoldswick (462883) and then heads west to Weets Hill. A southerly direction is then followed along the Admergill near Blacko. Then head north westerly to Twiston Moor. At Hookcliffe plantation you will climb to the top of Pendle Hill. Across the top of the hill and down Ogden Clough to cross the bog of Spence Moor bringing you to the Ogden reservoirs and Barley for that well-earned drink.
Leaders: Tony Francis and Tony Millard.
Distance: 25Km Height Gain: 1000m
The ‘B’ Party walk starts at Gisburn Cattle Market (488827) and then heads west to walk near the river Ribble. At Sawley Bridge, catching a glimpse of abbey ruins you then head southwest bypassing various woods until Twiston reservoir. The party then heads south to climb the imposing Pendle Hill with spectacular views from the top. A descent down the southerly flank of Pendle Hill to the Ogden reservoirs and then onto the handsome village of Barley.
Leaders: Bob Price and Ian Broughton.
Distance: 20Km Height Gain: 700m
The ‘C’ Party walk mirrors the start of the B walk. Starting from Gisburn Cattle Market (488827) and then heading westwards to walk near the river Ribble. At Sawley Bridge, catching a glimpse of abbey ruins you will then head southwest bypassing various woods until Twiston reservoir. The party then heads up the flank of Pendle Hill to hopefully enjoy spectacular views before taking a direct route to the village of Barley.
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill.
Distance: 15Km Height Gain: 575m
Map: OL41 Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale
Sunday 12th May 6:00am The Blencathra Group - Lake District
Walk Organiser – Bob Price
It is often unappreciated that behind its high shoulder Blencathra is connected to a rarely visited horseshoe of hills, lying within the valley of Bannerdale. This secluded area is split by The Tongue and encircled by Bowscale Fell, Bannerdale Crags and Souther Fell.
All walks start at Scales on the A66 (NY346269) and finish in Threlkeld (NY326254).
The A walk includes the ascent of Sharp Edge, This Grade 1 scramble is anexposed, airy arête, which is not to be undertaken lightly, please choose another walk if you are unsure about this, this is not the best of places to find out that you are afraid of heights.
Sharp Edge will only be included if weather and fell conditions permit, please respect the leaders decision.
The A Party walk starts from Scales and ascends through Mousthwaite Comb to the summit of Souther Fell, descends to Mungrisedale, then climbs steeply to the summit of Bowscale Fell.
Turning south to skirt the edges of Bannerdale Crags the walk continues to the summit then descends to the Glendermackin Valley following Scales Beck to Scales Tarn from where the ascent of the grade 1 scramble of Sharp Edge and Foule Crag begins. The walk turns south and follows the path to the summit of Blencathra, then descends to Threlkeld via Halls Fell ridge, which is also a grade 1 scramble, but without the exposure of Sharp Edge. (NY326254).
Leaders: Tom Somervell and Paul Green.
Distance: 18Km Height Gain: 1250m
The B Party (1)walk also starts from Scales and follows the A route to the col at the top of Mousthwaite Comb, descends to the Glendermackin Valley which is followed towards Mungrisedale before turning west along the southern slopes of the Tongue. Turning south to skirt the edges of Bannerdale Crags the walk continues to the summit then descends to the Glendermackin Valleythen ascends to the summit of Atkinson Pike. The path is followed in a south westerly direction To Halls Fell Top, Blencathra’s summit, then continues along the cliff edges to Knowe Crags. The descent is via Blease Fell and the Blencathra Centre to the finish in Threlkeld (NY326254).
Leaders: Rob Maul and Roger Pobjoy.
Distance: 17.5Km Height Gain: 990m
The B Party (2)walk also starts from Scales in an easterly direction, then turns north and east to climb steeply along Doddick Fell to Halls Fell Top, Blencathra’s summit, follows the path to Atkinson Pike, descends steeply to the Glendermackin Valley, then climbs again to the summit of Bannerdale crags. The walk continues above the cliffs towards Bowscale Fell, then below the southern slopes of The Tongue to the river Glendermackin River. Turning south climbs gradually towards White Horse Bent, crosses the river, descends to scales, then follows the Glendermackin River to the finish at Threlkeld(NY326254).
Leaders: Bob Price and Peter Williams.
Distance: 17.5Km Height Gain: 950m
The C Party walk also starts from Scales and follows the A route to the col at the top of Mousthwaite Comb, descends to the Glendermackin Valley which is followed and climbs gradually towards Mungrisedale Common then ascends to the summit of Atkinson Pike. The path is followed in a south westerly direction To Halls Fell Top, Blencathra’s summit, then continues along the cliff edges to Knowe Crags. The descent is via Blease Fell and the Blencathra Centre to the finish in Threlkeld (NY326254).
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance: 12.5Km Height Gain: 715m
Maps: 1:25000 OL4. The English Lakes – North Western Area
OL5. The English Lakes – North Eastern Area
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 26th February 7:45pm AGM and Club Night
Details from........................................................Colin Little/Carol Gosling
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 distrib-uted in advance, and our treasurer will explain them and answer any questions. After the formalities, Sue Howles will be sharing her experiences of her National Trust Working Holiday last summer, working with the “Fix the Fells” organisation in the Lake District.
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:
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- 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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John our treasurer (and the owner of the fattest
wallet you're ever likely to see)
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Wendy, keeps everybody in order
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Arthur, our man in the Lakes
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Howard, not the youngest on the committee
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Rob |
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Petra, one of our small group of extreme walkers |
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Tony, Our co-opted committee member and another member of the small group of extreme walkers
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SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER
PLEASE READ
IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR 9THJUNE SUNDAY WALK
COACH DEPARTURE TIME NOW 6.30AM
Our normal car parking arrangements at St James are not available on Sunday June 9th.due to a major church event. For this day only, the coach pick up will be from the centre of Sutton Coldfield in the car park in South Parade, B72 1ST (opposite Plantsbrook School on Upper Holland Road) AT 6.30 AM.
This is a Pay and Display car park -current charge is £2.30 all day Sunday, free after 6.00pm. The ticket prints a twelve hour time limit. Therefore,
DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR TICKET UNTIL AFTER 6.00AM.
This will then cover you for 12 hours, includes the chargeable period and runs over into the free time,so we are OK until the coach returns. Coach departure time from Wales expected to be 5.00pm, to give us the same walking time.
AGM TUESDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2019
The minutes of the AGM have already been circulated but to summarise:
Thirtysix 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 Howard Hill, Petra Knowles and Bob Price have been re-elected to continue on the committee. In addition, Tony Francis, who was co-opted on to the committee earlier in the year to assist with the work load, has now been officially proposed and seconded to serve as a permanent member of the committee.
We were asked about the Club membership of the BMC at the 2018 AGM and we have investigated the feasibility of joining. Individual membership costs £33.95 or £14.25 per head for club members. This would total over £1000 for the Hill Walking Club. BMC does give access to many facilities, some of which may involve further payments, and some which may not be entirely relevant to us as a club, so it was decided not to pursue it.
The size of the ‘B’ party was discussed (see later), the bar on the coach and the problems of the
longstanding roadworks with associated speed limits affecting our destinations for our Sunday Lakes walks. The 2019 programme is already decided but we will consider carefully for 2020.
After a break, Sue Howles gave us an interesting and informative talk on her National Trust Working Holiday when she joined the Fix the Fells organisation for some essential path management in the Lake District. Thanks Sue (and to Ken Smithem for providing the necessary technical equipment)
LAKES WEEKEND 1st – 4th MARCH 2019
Forty members and guests stayed at The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. This was our second visit here following popular demand and we were not disappointed. The quality of the accommodation, the excellent food and the friendliness and efficiency of the staff was superb -I’m sure we will return again in a few years.
Sadly, we missed the record February temperatures as the weather changed the day we arrived, but the worst of the rain and gale force winds were in the late afternoon/evenings. All parties did lower level walks on the Saturday but reached greater heights on the Langdales or Lingmoor Fell on the Sunday.
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.
And following on from this………………
LAKES WEEKEND –Friday 28th February –Monday 2ndMARCH 2020
In 2020, the club will be returning to the Coledale Inn, Braithwaite for 3 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast @£ 209per person (with a supplement for single occupancy). We have reserved the whole hotel for the three nights and there are still a few spaces available, so if you are interested in coming along, please contact Wendy Price by phone or email.
To secure your place, please pay £30 deposit per person now, if you haven’t already done so, (on line please). We have details of nearby B&B’s for any overspill, (evening meals can be taken by arrangement with the group at the hotel)
EVENING WALKS
May traditionally heralds the start of our evening walks and on Thursday 23rd May, Paul Burns will be leading a walk in the countryside around Hurley, starting at 7.15 pm at the Holly Bush pub in Hurley (CV9 2HX)- and of course finishing in time for a drink at the end!
Walks on 20th June and 25thJuly will be in Sandwell Valley (Malt Shovel, Newton Road Great Barr B43 6HN) and Kingsbury Water Park (Dog and Doublet, Bodymoor Heath B76 9JD) respectively, same start time of 7.15pm. Family and friends are welcome.
BEER AND SKITTLES -FRIDAY EVENING OCTOBER 18th 2019
We have booked Lee Marston Hotel for a fun evening of Beer and Skittles and a supper on Friday October 18th. There is a minimum party size of 30 but enough interest was shown by members to suggest this would be a viable event. We have therefore paid a non-refundable deposit to secure the evening, and hence are asking you to pay a £5 deposit per person.
There are several of you who expressed interest originally on the coach sign up board, but have not paid a deposit. We understand that plans may have changed, but at present we have not reached the 30 take up figure which would be necessary for break even.
If you would like to come along for a friendly social event, please pay a £5 deposit on line.
Spouses/partners/friends/family are all welcome. The total cost of the evening is £15.95 which includes a two- course supper. More details and menu choice later in the year.
NEW PROGRAMME 2020
Over this summer the committee will start to plan the walks programme for next year, and as usual, we ask for your input.
We need YOUR suggestions for Sunday walks, club nights and weekends so that we can compile the 2020 programme. The sheet will be passed around the coach on Sunday again; please give us your ideas, thoughts and any comments you may like to make. Alternatively, please contact us by email at walking@hwcsc.co.uk or telephone a committee member. Suggestions by middle of May please.
B PARTY SIZE
The committee are very aware of the growing numbers on the B walk making the party more difficult to manage for the leaders, with more stoppage times required for stiles, catch ups, especially on single track footpaths and making headcounts a nightmare! We have tried to have three leaders on the B’s which has helped some of the issues but it is not ideal to have a group of 30+ for the leaders, for the party members or for other people on the hills.
We have successfully divided the B party on two walks now -both circular walks, which was relatively easy to do. However, we do not intend to restrict the B walk to circulars only, in order to be able to make a split. Linear walks are a major advantage of the club so these will certainly continue where that option gives the best walk.
In May, June and July, we are hoping to offer two B walks if numbers require, all linear, and we will look for options to do this throughout the year. Four walks need 8 leaders and sometimes we have difficulties in getting enough leaders, especially during the holiday season.
Some areas we visit may not have enough options for a second B walk, either due to terrain or coach access, so it may be that only one B walk is arranged.
Please understand that we are aware of the party size and if you are in a largish party, please also be mindful of others on the hills.
TICK REMINDER
Peak tick season is upon us. Ticks tend to be most active between March and October, so be aware, check yourselves regularly and use a tick removal tool. Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Not all ticks are infected but it is important to seek early medical help should you feel unwell after a tick bite.
Lots more information available on the internet.
QUOTE OF THE QUARTER
Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.
Diane Spicer, American author and hiker.
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 local evening walks in summer, 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.
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 can preferably be paid on line, or failing that, be collected on the day of 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 sold.
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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