Sunday 12th January 2025 6:30am Lathkill Dale Derbyshire

Cost of this walk is £14.00 for members and £16.00 for visitors

Walk Organiser – Neville Village

Lathkill Dale is a Limestone Valley situated about 3 miles from Bakewell where the river emerges from Lathkill Head Cave which disappears during drought and summer and is due to old Lead workings dating back to at least the 13th century, which draws the water underground. The Dale also has several historic bridges and old mill remnants i.e. Carters Mill, with the medieval bridge at Conksbury and nearby deserted medieval settlements recorded in The Domesday Book.

The A Walk starts from Rowsley Car Park and heads South to Endcliffe Quary then turns North to visit Nine Ladies Stone Circle. Heads South to Upper Town, then Eastwards past Birchover and turns Southeast to Elton. The walk then heads North up to Alport and then Over Hadden. Then turns West into Lathkill Dale, heads North past Mill Farm then Southeast returning to Lathkill Dale, then East through Fern Dale and finally Northeast along the Limestone Way to the finish at Moneyash Car Park.

Leaders: Carol Gosling and Tom Somervell

Distance: 25Km Height Gain: 820m

The B1 Walk starts from Rowsley Car Park and heads Southeast to Congreave onto Stanton Peak continuing to the Kings Stone, past Birchover and Upper Town, and turns Northeast to Robin Hoods Stride along the Limestone Way to Bradford and then Northeast past Youlgreave continuing Northeast into Lathkill Dale and past Ricklow Quarry to turn Southeast into Fern Dale and finally Northeast along the Limestone way to the finish at Monyash Car Park.

Leaders: Bob Price and Ian Broughton

Distance: 22Km Height Gain: 700m

The B2 Walk also starts from Rowsley Car Park and heads Northeast towards Low Moor Wood before turning East past Haddon Park Farm and then Southeast to Cronksbury. South past Alport and Bradford, then following the River Bradford past Castle Farm to Middleton. Heads North past Lomberdale Hall turning Northeast along the Limestone Way into Lathkill Dale. Heads Northeast past Ricklow Quarry and turn sharply Southeast at Fern Dale towards One Ash Grange Farm then Northeast to follow the Limestone way as the A and B1 groups to the finish at Monyash Car Park.

Leaders: Keith and Elaine Richards

Distance: 21Km Height Gain: 625m

The C Walk also starts from Rowsley Car Park and heads Southeast to Congreave, then South to Stanton Hall before turning East to Alport. Then Northwest along the River Lathkill past Conksbury Village towards Over Haddon following Lathkill Dale and heading Northeast past One Ash Grange Farm, then joins the Limestone Way past Fern Dale continuing as the A and B groups to the finish at Monyash Car Park.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Neville Village

Distance: 15Km Height Gain: 450m

Map: 1:25000 Explorer OL24 The White Peak

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

…............wonderful flavoured icecreams at the farm at the bottom of the Howgills, Sedburgh-marmalade and whisky was one Carol G

Sunday 16 March 2025 6:00am Aran Mountains

North Wales - The Arans - Sunday 16th March 2025

(Cost of this walk is £15.00 for members and £17.00 for visitors)

Walk Organiser - Anne Farmer Coach leaves at 6.00am

The Aran mountains form a long rocky ridge with Aran Fawddwy as the highest peak in the mountain range, the only peak in Wales outside North Snowdonia above 900m and the 16th highest summit inWales, but Aran Benllyn is another notable summit. The eastern side is extremely steep, falling spectacularly in crags to a series of glacial cwms or corries which also enclose two small lakes (Creiglyn Dyfi and Llyn Lli-wbran). 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. This will be the club’s sixth visit to the Arans. The walks will include all of the main summits.

Our walks all finish at Dinas Mawddwy.

The A Walk starts from Llanuwchllyn heading across fields initially and climbs gently in a southerly direction across Garth Fawr,(332m) from there continues to the summit of Moel Ffenigl (603m) and across Craig y Llyn continuing south across Aran Benllyn (885m)and Aran Fawddw (905m) then gently descending across the Tyllau Mwn levels (610m) before steeply climbing again to the Cairn and small lake at Glasgwm. (772m) From there the steady descent continues across Craig Cywarch to join a track through pine forests to Pentrewern , before following the river valley to the finish at Dina Mawddwy.

Leaders: Tom Somervell and Scott Rumbold

Distance: 22.4 Km Height Gain: 1042m Descent: 1118m

The B1 Walk starts at Llanuwchllyn heading across fields initially and climbs gently in a southerly direction across Garth Fawr, (332m) continuing a gentle ascent across Moel Ddu, (430m) Craig y Geifr, Moel Ffenigl, (603m), Aran Benllyn (885m) and Aran Fawddw (905m), before turning south east gently descending through Drws Bach and across Drysgol (745m). It then turns south west a to continue a gradual descent across Waun Goch and steeply to the valley at Cywarch before continuing southwards in the valley of Cwm Cywarch along tracks to the finish at Dina Mawddwy

Leaders: Bob Price and Anne Farmer

Distance: 19.4Km Height Gain: 878m Descent: 954m

The B2 Walk Starts near Wenallt on the A494 going along a lane towards Esgair-gawr before climbing gently eastwards initially through woodland and then more steeply to the summit of Aran Fawddw (905m). Steps are then briefly retraced to descend gently through Drws Bach across Drysgol (745m) and then turning south west to continue a gradual decent across the side of Waun Goch and steeply to the valley at Cywarch, before continuing southwards in the valley of Cwm Cywarch along tracks to the finish at Dina Mawddwy.

Leaders: Neville Village and Dennis Haycox

Distance: 17.2Km Height Gain: 815m Descent: 873m

The C Walk starts from the A470 and directly climbs steeply up Ochr Y Bwich to 509m. The climb continues more gently north east to the summit of Pen y Brynfforchog (685m) and around the edge of woodland to the summit of Glasgwm (779m). Then descending southwards, and winding south west to join a track through pine forests to Pentrewern, before following the river valley to the finish at Dina Mawddwy.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Rob Maule

Distance: 15.4Km Height Gain: 528m Descent:796m

Maps: 1:25000 Explorer OL23

Sunday14th December 2025 Coach Leaves 7:00am

Llangollen

Llangollen is a town and community situated on the River Dee in Denbighshire, Wales. Its riverside location forms the edge of the Berwyn Range and the Dee Valley section of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is rich in history with evidence of both Bronze and Iron Age activity, castle and abbey ruins, more recent industrial workings and the canal and railway bringing transport to the region. It is a walker’s paradise with hills to the north and south, the impressive Eglwyseg limestone escarpment, visible as a white scar on the landscape and long distance paths, the Dee Valley Way, Berwyn Way, Offas Dyke Path and the Clwydian Way all accessible. Our walks will encompass some of these trails as we explore the area before we return to the Wild Pheasant Hotel for our annual dinner.

Map ……………………………...………..…Explorer 255 Llangollen and Berwyn

Walk Details……..………………….……….……………....…………Carol Gosling

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

.........Bernard, our club comedian, set up as a guest performer with a "One Night Only" poster displayed, at the Bower House on a February weekend. A family waited all night in the bar for his appearance.........!

Sunday 8th June 2025 6:00am Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Mawr

The Nantlle Ridge, this often-overlooked Snowdonia mountain range, makes for an exciting ridge walk. Just a stone’s throw from the summit of Snowdon, on the western side of the A4085 Beddgelert to Caernarfon Road, lies Snowdonia’s westernmost mountain range, usually referred to as the Nantlle Hills. It’s a fascinating massif made up of a cluster of lofty peaks that form a huge horseshoe around the seldom-visited Cwm Pennant. But it’s the Nantlle Ridge that forms the headwall of this remote valley that gets the most attention.

The C group will walk up Mynydd Mawr (Welsh for 'Big Mountain') which overlooks Llyn Cwellyn and is the northern outlier of the Moel Hebog group. On its western flank are the remains of ancient settlements and field systems. The profile of Mynydd Mawr from the north is often thought to resemble an elephant lying down, and consequently the mountain is often colloquially also called "Yr Eliffant" ('The Elephant'), or "Elephant Mountain".

Map………………………………Explorer OL17 Snowdon and Conwy Valley Areas

Walk Details …………………...…………………………….……………….Rob Maule

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

…......Sonia falling into a peat bog on a Lakes weekend in February. She was there one moment then covered the next. “Dawn French ,Vicar of Dibley jumping into the puddle that came to her head!!” was the Whats App post. Sarah T

Sunday 13th July 2025 6:00am Ingleborough/Whernside

Whernside and Ingleborough are the two highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and, with Pen-y-Ghent, form the well-known Yorkshire Three Peaks. The varied scenery includes limestone pavements, extensive moorlands and numerous places of interest, such as pot holes and caves, as well as the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, close to which all of our walks will pass.

Maps …...…….. Explorer OL2 Yorkshire Dales, Southern & Western Areas

Walk Details …….………………………………………………..Tom Somervell

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

….....coach driver Chris, turning the coach round on a sixpence in a very narrow walled lane, near Castleton-must have been a twenty point turn! Carol G

Sunday 10th August 2025 6:00am The Rhinogydd – North Wales

The Northern Rhinogs present some of the roughest and toughest walking to be found anywhere in Wales. The hills form a barrier stretching for 13 miles from the Vale of Ffestiniog in the north to the Mawddach Estuary in the south. Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach have a beauty all of their own and are the jewels of this area. Rough walking in glorious scenery. This is how the Rhinogs are normally described and our walks, which includes Rhinog Fach and the highest mountain in the range Y Llethr, 756m typifies this. Our walks will start from the southern and eastern approaches and will include all of the main summits.

Map……………………………Explorer OL18 Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala

Walk Details………………………………………….Rob Maule and Bob Price

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

…..........a very windy, snowy recce on High Street (Lakes), when it was 3 steps up and 2 down, John C lost one of his newly acquired snow chains (very early design) and Bob had his glasses blown off, never to be found. Richard G

Sunday 14th September 2025 6:00am The Moelwynion - Snowdonia

The Moelwynion are a group of mountains in central Snowdonia, the range has 11 peaks over 600m. They extend from the north-east of Porthmadog to Moel Siabod 872m, the highest of the group. The name derives from the names of two of the largest mountains in the group, Moelwyn Mawr (great white hill) and Moelwyn Bach (little white hill), 770m and 710m, respectively. The summits overlook the Vale of Ffestiniog and have views in all directions. This is a wild and remote lesser-known area with its numerous picturesque lakes. Our walks all start on the eastern side of the Moelwyns near to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the summits will include Moelwyn Mawr, Moelwyn Bach, Cnicht, Moel-yr- Hydd, Allt Fawr and Moel Druman. All groups will climb Moelwyn Mawr.

Map…………………………………….Explorer OL17 Snowdon/Conwy Valley

Walk details…………………………………………….....Wendy and Bob Price

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

…..........the coach catching fire on Sutton Bank Heather M

Friday September 26th –29th 2025 Club Weekend Weymouth

In 2025 the club will be returning to the Crown Hotel in Weymouth. The hotel is in the perfect location and our walks will encompass parts of the SW coastal path on the Jurassic coastline including the picturesque Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

Details From…………….Roger Needle

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

….....putting my hand on an adder when getting up after a coffee stop on an autumn weekend Rob M

Sunday 12th October 2025 6:00am Northern Fells

The walks cover the Lakeland Fells north of Keswick, taking in the two highest peaks in this area, Skiddaw and Blencathra (or Saddleback as it also known as). Skiddaw is the oldest mountain in the Lake District and third highest. The ascent of Skiddaw will, if the weather is kind, pro-vide excellent views of Derwent Water and Borrowdale. Wain-wright describes Blencathra as “a mountain that compels attention even from those dull people whose eyes are not habitually lifted to the hills”. All the walks end at the village of Threlkeld, an area that once had considerable lead and zinc mine workings.

Maps ………………Explorer OL4 and OL4 The English Lakes NW and NE Areas

Walk Details ……………….………………….……….……...…………Ian Broughton

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

….. strong winds and rain on Fairfield causing Colin to get blown over and Bernard to fall and crack a tooth. ... and hold-ing onto Colin on another windy day on Mam Tor Richard G

Sunday 9th November 2025 6:00am Stanage Edge

Stanage Edge is a gritstone escarpment in the Peak District. A few miles to the west of Sheffield, the edge allows for superb views of the Dark Peak to the west. The highest point is High Neb at 458m above sea level. It was quarried in the past to make grindstones and some are still visible today, produced but never used.

Map………………………………………………………………………...Explorer OL 24

Walk Details …….………………………………………………...……....Keith Richards

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

...Patrick being left behind at the motorway services on his first walk. Heather M

Sunday 15th December 2024 7am Goyt Valley Buxton Moors

COACH LEAVES 7.00AM

Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling

This will be our first visit to the Cavendish Golf Club for our annual dinner, giving us access to the hills and moors close to Buxton, which is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park. All the walks are circular from the golf club.

A Walk

The A party head northwards through Corbar Woods and over Corbar Hill then turn north west to contour round Combs Moss to White Hall Centre. They turn westward, and descend to cross the dam between Fernilee and Errwood reservoirs. They ascend The Street and turn southwards over Foxlow Edge to the ruins of Errwood Hall. They head south to Goyt’s Quarry and then cross the footbridge over the River Goyt, eventually heading north and then north east over Wild Moor. They follow Wildmoorstone Brook and then head south again to climb steeply up to Burbage Edge. Then, depending on time and conditions, they descend to the golf club, either by retracing their steps a short way to Beet Wood and Watson Farm or descending to Burbage and then using the permissive path across the golf course to Watson Farm.

Leaders: Carol Gosling and Matthew Lumley Distance: 23km - Ascent 950 m

B1 Walk

The B1 party cross the golf course to Watford Farm and then ascend through Beet Wood to reach the blocked tunnel of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. They then follow the path of the disused railway to Goyt’s Lane car park before descending to cross the dam between Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs. They ascend The Street to Pym Chair and then turn southwards over Cat Tor to Shining Tor. They descend eastwards to cross the River Goyt and then cross the moors to Burbage and on to the golf club.

Leaders: Bob Price and Ian Broughton Distance: 19.8 km- Ascent 770m

B2 Walk

The B2 party head northwards through Corbar Woods and over Corbar Hill then turn north west to contour round Combs Moss to White Hall Centre. They turn westwards and descend to cross the dam between Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs. They ascend the Street and then turn southwards over Foxlow Edge to the ruins of Errwood Hall. They head south to Goyt’s Quarry, cross the River Goyt and climb eastwards over the moors before descending to Burbage and back to the golf club.

Leaders: Keith and Elaine Richards Distance: 17km – Ascent 740m

C Walk

The C party cross the golf course to Watford Farm and then ascend through Beet Wood to reach the blocked tunnel of the former Cromford and High Peak railway. They then follow the path of the disused railway to Goyt’s Lane car park and continue north westwards before turning south west to descend to the Errwood Reservoir. They then follow the River Goyt before turning eastwards over Goyt’s Moss to reach Burbage and the golf club.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Neville Village Distance: 14km –Ascent 485m

Map: Explorer 24 White Peak Area

Sunday 16th February 2025 6:00 am The Quantocks

Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling

Cost of this months walk is £18 members £20 non members

The Quantock Hills run from the Vale of Taunton Deane in the south, for about 24 km to the north–west, ending at Kilve and West Quantoxhead, almost at the Bristol Channel. Characterised by deep wooded valleys or “combes”, open heathland and rolling hills, their diverse landscape is ideal for walking. Our walks will explore the ancient bridleways and paths leading to and then following the ancient ridge.

All walks finish just south of Holford in a large lay by (ST157 408) and involve some stream crossings on the final descent to Holford. No wet feet on the recce but it is recommended to have some dry socks on the coach just in case!

A Walk starts at Norton Manor Camp and then heads northwards using footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes to the summit of Cothelstone Hill. They continue north-westwards on the Macmillan Way West to Wills Neck –at 384 metres, it is the highest point on the Quantocks. They continue on the Macmillan Way West where they detour to the summit of Black Hill and then onwards to Bicknoller Post and Beacon Hill. They head due north to descend Smiths Combe before turning east and then south to make their way back to the coach, using a selection of the many paths available.

Leaders Paul Green and Tom Somervell Distance 25k –Ascent 860m

B1 Walk begins at Seven Ash and then using footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes, heads east to West Bagborough, then north to join the Macmillan Way West and west to Wills Neck. At 384 metres, this is the highest point on the Quantocks. They follow the same route as the A party back to Holford.

Leaders: Bob Price and Louise Tidman Distance 19.5km- Ascent 720m

B2 Walk starts on the A358 (ST137 360) just south of Crowcombe, heads east to Little Quantock Farm and then contours at the base of Great Hill to Triscombe Farm. There is then a very steep ascent to Wills Neck – at 384 metres it is the highest point on the Quantocks. They continue on the Macmillan Way West where they detour to the summit of Black Hill and then onwards to Bicknoller Post and Beacon Hill. They head due north to descend Smiths Combe before turning east to follow the Coleridge Way back to the coach.

Leaders Neville Village and Richard Gosling Distance 17.5k – Ascent 680m

C Walk starts on the A358 (ST137 360) just south of Crowcombe, heads east to Little Quantock Farm and then contours at the base of Great Hill to Triscombe Farm. They follow the lane southwards for a short distance before ascending to Wills Neck, the highest point on the Quantocks. They continue on the Macmillan Way West where they detour to the summit of Black Hill, then onwards past Lowsey Thorn to turn eastwards on Black Ball Hill. They descend through Slaughterhouse Combe, criss-crossing the stream several times, to Hodders Combe and back to the coach.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Rus Khalid Distance - 14.5km – Ascent 530m

Map: Explorer 140 Quantock Hills and Bridgwater

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

......the very efficient reaction of security officers when a member went too close to Chequers to get a photo Heather M

Friday 28th February– Monday 3rd March 2025 Club Weekend Lake District

We will be returning to the Glaramara Hotel in Borrowdale. This is in a superb location, with access to some of the highest Lakeland fells directly from the hotel. Borrowdale is one of the most beautiful valleys in England, which has inspired artists and poets, such as Wordsworth.

Details From………...…………………………………….………….Tom Somervell

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

............Bob, Carol and me struggling up an extremely steep, near vertical hill on a Howgills recce, only to look at the map and find we should be on the next hill. Richard G

Sunday 13th April 2025 6:00am The Brecon Beacons

Walk Organisers – Wendy and Bob Price

(Cost of this walk is £18.00 for members and £20.00 for visitors)

The Brecon Beacons is made up of six main peaks, which from west to east are: Corn Du, 873m; Pen y Fan, the highest peak, 886m; Cribyn, 795m; Fan y Big, 719m; Bwlch y Ddwyallt, 754m; and Waun Rydd, 769m. These summits form a long ridge and are most impressive viewed from the Vale of Usk to the north with the summits rising above deep cwms split by long thin ridges.

The A Walk starts at the Storey Arms (SN987200) following the Cambrian Way climbs to the Obelisk at Craig Cwm Llwch, before ascending to Corn Du and then Pen y Fan, the highest point of the day. The walk proceeds to follow the ridge over the summits of Cribyn and Fan y Big, then continues eastwards around the Cwm to Bwlch y Ddwyallt before swinging south eastwards past Waun Rydd to the WW2 memorial. The descent begins over Cwar y Gigfran and around to Allt Lwyd, and continues to the Talybont Reservoir. The Taff Trail is then followed back to the finish at Talybont-on-Usk. (SO113228).

Leaders: Carol Gosling and Ranjit Bindarh

Distance: 21km Ascent: 1075m Descent: 1390m

The B1 Walk also starts at the Storey Arms (SN987200) following the Cambrian Way climbs to the Obelisk at Craig Cwm Llwch before ascending to Corn Du and onto Pen y Fan, the highest point of the day. The walk proceeds to follow the ridge over the summits of Cribyn and Fan y Big. Then continues eastwards along the ridge around the cwm to Bwlch y Ddwallt past Waun Rydd and steeply descends from Carn Pica to join the Taff Trail which is followed back to Talybont-on-Usk. (SO113228)

Leaders: Paul Burns and Louise Tidman

Distance: 18.5km Ascent: 960m Descent: 1280m

The B2 Walk also starts at the Storey Arms (SN987200) and climbs to Bwlch Duwynt, before ascending to Corn Du and continuing to Pen y Fan, the highest point of the day. The walk proceeds to follow the ridge omitting the summit of Cribyn and continuing to Fan y Big then moves eastwards along the ridge around the cwm to Bwlch y Ddwallt past Waun Rydd and steeply descends from Carn Pica to join the Taff Trail which is followed back to Talybont-on-Usk. (SO113228)

Leaders: Bob Price and Richard Gosling

Distance: 17.6km Ascent: 810m Descent: 1120m

The C Walk is circular and starts in Talybont-on-Usk (SO113228). Heading south west through Aber the walk turns west and climbs steeply to the summit of Carn Pica and continues past Waun Rydd to meet the escarpment at Rhiw Bwlch y Ddwyallt. Turning north east descends to Pen y Bryn quarries, from there turns south east and gradually descends entering the Talybont Forest to join the Usk Valley Walk; quiet lanes are then followed back to the finish at Talybont-on-Usk.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Rus Khalid

Distance: 16.5km Ascent: 700m Descent: 700m

Map: Explorer OL 12: Brecon Beacons Western Area Explorer OL17.

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

….. Bob ,slipping in a very wet, muddy patch on our descent from Red Screes on a Lakes recce-and then, at my rather tongue in cheek suggestion, rolling on the grass to clean up. Carol G

Sunday 11th May 2025 6:00am High Street Area

Cost of this walk is £20.00 for members and £22.00 for visitors

Walk Organisers – Wendy and Bob Price

High Street is a fell in the Lake District. At 828 metres, its summit is the highest point in the far eastern part of the national park. It is located southwest of Ullswater and it is one of the most visited in this quiet part of the Lakes. The fell is named after the Roman road which snaked its broad back and ran over the summit. All walks finish at The Brotherswater Inn (NY403119).

The A Walk starts from near Hartsop (NY405132) and climbs steeply to the summit of Hartsop Dodd then follows the ridge to the summit of Stoney Cove Pike, from there descends gradually then very steeply via a scramble to Threshthwaite Mouth. The walk climbs steeply after that along a loose rocky path to Thornthwaite Beacon then across undulating fells over the summits of High Street (at 828m the highest point of the day), The Knott, Rest Dodd and Angle Tarn Pikes. The walk then descends via Boredale Hause to Brotherswater and proceeds to the finish at The Brotherswater Inn.

Leaders: Carol Gosling and Tom Somervell Distance: 19km Ascent: 1190m Descent: 1180m

The B1 Walk starts at The Brotherswater Inn and climbs steeply to the summit of Caudale Moor and Stoney Cove Pike, after which descends gradually then very steeply by means of a scramble to Threshthwaite Mouth. The walk climbs steeply after that along a loose rocky path to Thornthwaite Beacon then across undulating fells over the summits of High Street (at 828m the highest point of the day) The Knott and Satura Crag. The walk then continues to Angle Tarn Pikes and descends via Boredale Hause towards Hartsop and proceeds to the finish at The Brotherswater Inn.

Leaders: Bob Price and Keith Richards Distance: 16.5km Ascent: 1025m Descent: 1025m

The B2 Walk is circular and starts at The Brotherswater Inn passing Brotherswater and continuing through Hartsop and gradually ascending along the valley track towards Hayeswater, crosses the foot bridge and climbs to the summit of The Knott. The walk proceeds to Rampsgill Head followed by the summits of Kidsy Pike, High Street (at 828m the highest point of the day) and Thornthwaite Crag. A loose, steep, rocky descent follows to Threshthwaite Mouth, the walk then climbs to Stoney Cove Pike via a steep easy scramble continuing over Caudale Moor, followed by a steep descent to the finish at The Brotherswater Inn.

Leaders: Ian Broughton and Neville Village Distance: 15.5km Ascent: 1020m Descent: 1020m

The C Walk also starts from near Hartsop (NY405132) and gradually ascends along the valley track towards Hayeswater, crosses the foot bridge turns NE and climbs to join the path from the Knott. The walk then continues to Satura Crag past Angle Tarn and climbs to the summit of Angle Tarn Pikes, then descends via Boredale Hause towards Hartsop and proceeds to the finish at The Brotherswater Inn.

Leaders: Wendy Price and Rus Khalid Distance: 12km Ascent: 550m Descent: 530m

Map: Explorer OL 5: English Lakes – North Eastern Area.

Memories from the 50 years of Hill Walking Club

...the coach driver taking us over the Grade II listed historic bridge at Hay-on-Wye with a weight limit of 7.5tons, to be met by an irate toll keeper and issued with a hefty fine. Carol G

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 £17 and £22.
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.

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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

		Carol the "Chair" (Likes to be addressed as Sir)
	Bob, our membership secretary
		Tom, the club secretary
	Ian, our treasurer
		Wendy
	Anne(Co-opted)
		Rob
	Keith
		Neville

SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER

Mid April already and spring is well underway. We've already had a spell of unseasonably warm weather with little rainfall which means it is very dry underfoot, farmers and gardeners are hoping for some rain and wildfires have broken out in Scotland and the Peak District. It has beeen wonderful weather for walking however with great days out on the Arrans and Brecon Beacons. Next trip the Lakes in May.

CLUB REMINDERS

Please be as quiet as you can in St James car park in the mornings. Remember it is very early and local residents windows back onto the carpark. We are requested to fill the spaces against the fence first and DRIVE IN FORWARDS please. Do not block access to the Scout Hut at the end of the car park.

Another plea-no muddy boots on the coach please. This includes boots with dried mud from a previous walk as this may drop off onto the coach.

AGM TUESDAY 18th FEBRUARY 2025

23members 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 the signed financial report was accepted.

Bob Price was re-elected onto the committee and Anne Farmer ,who had been co-opted onto the committee, applied and was accepted to serve as a permanent member of the committee.

No other issues were raised.

LAKES WEEKEND 28th February -3rd March 2025

48 members and guests attended another most successful weekend at the Glaramara hotel in Borrowdale, a record number of participants.

The weather over the weekend was dry and generally very good. The tops were mostly clear though Great Gable stubbornly remained in cloud the whole time but there was no rain or strong winds which have plagued us so often in the past.

The organised A and B walks were taken from the door or the nearby Honister Pass car park and included some of Great Gable, Green Gable, Haystacks and Glaramara on the Saturday and Dale Head, High Spy and Hindscarth on the Sunday

The food and hospitality at the Glaramara was again exemplary – it has certainly become a firm favourite with the members.

Thank you Tom for organising another very successful weekend.

50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER APRIL 5th 2025

After 18 months of planning, the 50th Anniversary Dinner was held at Aston Wood Golf Club and was attended by 112 members, former members and guests. The evening was very successful with entertainment provided by members and former members, Nick Woollett, Bernard Smith, Dave Rodgers, John Collins and Tess Bishop. In addition, Jas Bindhar, Ranj's daughter amazed us with magic card tricks at the table.

During the evening Bob Price was presented with Life Membership of the club in recognition of his dedication and service to the club as Membership Secretary and regular walk leader. Thank you Bob.

Everyone seemed to have a great evening and it was lovely to see so many former members, some of whom had travelled a distance to attend.

Thank you for all your kind words and emails regarding the event. They are much appreciated.

AUTUMN WEEKEND WEYMOUTH 26th-29th September 2025

This year, we will be staying at the Crown Hotel in Weymouth. We will be walking parts of the SW coastal path on the Jurassic Coastline.

Arrangements are all in hand and further details about balance payments and hotel arrangements will follow in the next couple of months.

Any queries please contact Roger Needle rwneedle@hotmail.com

LAKES WEEKEND – FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY – MONDAY 3rd MARCH 2026

By popular request, we are returning to the Glaramara Hotel at Seatoller, Borrowdale, which is a lovely hotel with excellent food and is in a prime location with walking all around.

If you have signed up to this, non-refundable deposits of £50 per person are required by 30th April 2025 to secure your room.

If you have not signed up and would like to come, please contact Tom Somervell as soon as possible.(tomsomervell@gmail.com)

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO MORE SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE

After 30th April it may still be possible to join, but we cannot guarantee that there will be spaces available as the Hotel will no longer be holding any rooms for us. Obviously, the sooner you sign up the greater the likelihood of there being a room available.

For anyone who has not been to the Glaramara, there is more information on their website www.glaramara.co.uk

CLUB WEEKENDS

Our weekends are very popular and this means it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable hotels in the right location, which are large enough to accommodate between thirty and forty people. We often need to book the whole hotel and for 30+ people, this must be done well in advance of the weekend date. Understandably, the hotel needs a sum of money to secure the booking and this is why we ask you to pay a deposit to show your commitment to your place, many months ahead of the event. However, we do understand that your circumstances can change and you may need to cancel your place, and we do our utmost to be as fair as we can in returning money if we are able to. Hotel cancellation policies do vary, -some deposits are non-refundable, some hotels are more flexible, but the more notice you can give us, then the better chance we have of helping you.

In addition, our weekend organisers spend a lot of time sorting menus, and doing a marvellous juggling act in allocating double/twin rooms and sharing arrangements etc which are further complicated by late alterations. So, please, if you have had a place confirmed for a weekend, let the organiser know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

FUND RAISING

RAMBLERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS- WALKING PARTNERSHIP

If you are planning your holidays for 2025and onward, have a look at Ramblers Worldwide Holidays https://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk They offer a wide range of holidays worldwide, catering for all trekking and walking abilities and also special interests such as bird-watching, flora, cooking and walking or cruise and walk. As the holidays are taken with small guided groups they are great way for solo travellers to experience different countries and cultures and some holidays attract no single supplement. The added bonus is that as a walking partnership nominated club, we will receive funding every time you holiday with them and nominate Hill Walking Club Sutton Coldfield.

EASY FUNDRAISING

Easyfundraising is what it says! An easy way to make funds for the club. There are many companies who will donate to us if you shop on line with them. Some well known ones are Tesco, Sainsburys, Ocado, Amazon, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Go Outdoors, Booking.com etc

It really is very easy to use. Some donations are only pence, but they all add up. Two members have raised over £100 each.

Use the below link to have a look at Easyfundraising, join up and lets see if we can make some money for the club. There is also a link button on the top right of our website.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/hillwalkingclubsc/?utm_campaign=raise-more&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gs-e1

THE BRECON BEACONS

Following the April walk in the beautiful Brecon Beacons , I have found a short history on the National Park Website.

In 1957 the UK established its 10th National Park, the Brecon Beacons National Park, in its continuing efforts to rebuild the nation following two World Wars.

Today

As visitors to the Brecon Beacons we play a key role in ensuring the area continues as a living landscape. By spending our time and money here local communities, which include those who farm the land, can thrive and in partnership with the National Park Authority, take care of this national gem.

A canter through history

Huge geological forces did the preparation work: sedimentation laying down the bedrock and glaciers scooping out cirques and valleys. However it’s people down the millennia who have moulded the Beacons we know and love today. Firstly prehistoric people cleared much of the land of trees and scrub and left their mark in the stone circles, standing stones, burial chambers and hillforts scattered across the landscape. The Romans then came and left their camps, forts and glimpses of their road engineering. Notable amongst these ancient structures is the crannog, an Early Medieval lake dwelling recently rebuilt at Llangors Lake.

Much of the area became known as Brycheiniog after the legendary King Brychan, who ruled this part of Wales, prior to the Norman conquest. They brought a lot of strife and so in response castles galore were built; Carreg Cennen being an outstanding example. The monastic orders who arrived in their wake took charge of large swathes of land building beautiful monasteries such as Llanthony Priory. On their smallholdings ordinary people farmed sheep, cattle and pigs and gathered firewood, turf and peat.

This centuries old pastoral scene was disrupted by the Industrial Revolution during the late 18th and into the 19th century. Just beyond the current Park’s boundary, the South Wales Valleys were changing out of all recognition due to the hunger for coal and iron. As a result people quarried deposits of limestone, silica rock, sand and ironstone here and there across the Park. What is now the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal was completed in 1812 and, linked to a network of tramroads and railways they became important transport corridors. Around the turn of the 20th century some of the relatively remote Beacons valleys were transformed into reservoirs supplying the growing population of the mining valleys and Cardiff with clean water.

It was probably the 19th century which first saw the Central Beacons being used for military practice, which continues to this day. This includes it being the place where the MoD select men and women for the SAS.

The Central Beacons massif is now owned and managed by the National Trust for the twin purposes of conserving wildlife and habitats and providing for everyone’s enjoyment. They, along with other landowners including the National Park Authority, which owns just under 11% of the land area, look after this national asset for us and future generations. At Storey Arms, metal National Trust plaque bearing logo and property name is a attached to a stone setting laid on the ground. Below the plaque a marble slab is inscribed "The Brecon Beacons were given to the National Trust by the Eagle Star Insurance Company 1965

In June 2023, the Brecon Beacons National Park reclaimed its Welsh name and now refers to itself as Bannau Brycheiniog – or informally as ‘the Bannau’.

The new name, which took effect on the 66th anniversary of the areas National Park designation, is pronounced Ban-eye Bruck-ein-iog.

QUOTE OF THE QUARTER

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”

– Greg Child Australian Climber

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 10 days 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 8pm on the Thursday, 10 days before the walk. Booking is not confirmed until payment is made. If the seat is cancelled later than 8pm on the Thursday 10 days prior to the walk, the fare will still be payable unless the coach is full and the seat is resold.
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.

Click on photo to expand

February 2024 Amazing end of day reflections of Wasdale Head

February 2024 Sonia Getting a helping hand

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