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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 21st June 2018 6.45pm to 7.15pm Orienteering, Sutton Park
How well do you know Sutton Park? Think you can navigate? Join us for an evening of orienteering, which involves walking around a course, using a detailed map and sometimes a compass. The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. Teams of two or three preferable, but going solo would be an option for the brave. Come along for an evening of fun in our local treasure, Sutton Park.
Meet at the Park House Toby Carvery (SP112964). Details from………………………..…………………………….Dave Arnot/John Collins
Thursday 26th July 2018 7.15pm Whitacre Heath
Meet at the Swan Inn, Whitacre Heath (SP 230927) for an evening wander through ripening cornfields and rich pasture land, using the lanes and bridleways of the Warwickshire countryside.
Map….................…..Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk details from……………..Nigel Compton / Steve Simons
Tuesday 1st November 8.00pm Plough & Harrow
An opportunity for members to get together for a social event. Details are yet to be confirmed but it is hoped to arrange an entertaining evening for all. More information will be available later.
Tuesday 20th February 2018 7.45pm AGM and Club
Night The AGM is the yearly opportunity for members to discuss any matters with the committee in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The year’s accounts will be distributed in advance, and our treasurer will explain them and answer any questions. After the formalities, we hope a couple of our members will share some of their holiday memories and experiences with us.
Details from........................................................Colin Little/Carol Gosling
Saturday 25th April 7:00 for7:45pm Aston Wood Golf Club
The anniversary dinner to celebrate 40 years of the Hill Walking Club. Join us for an evening of fine dining, good conversation and a chance to meet up with current and former members. Pre-booking is essential so contact us to reserve your place.
Details .............................................................................Carol Gosling
MENU
STARTERS
Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pate, Beetroot Chutney & Toast
Country Vegetable Soup
Honeydew Melon with Parma Ham & Raspberry Vinaigrette / Berry Compote
MAINS
Supreme of Chicken with Creamy Wild Mushroom, White Wine & Tarragon Sauce
Slow Braised Feather Blade of Beef, Smoked Bacon, Red Wine & Baby Onions
Roast Fillet of Salmon with a Creamy White Wine & Dill Sauce
Vegetable Wellington-Aubergine, Potato, Onion , Red & Yellow Peppers, Parsnip & Tomato wrapped in pastry.
DESSERTS
Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Fresh Fruits
Pear & Frangipane Tart
Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce
Cheese and Biscuits
Thursday 24th May 2018 7.15pm Middleton
Starting from The Green Man, this is a varied and historic walk through fields, woods, along a canal and country lanes around the village of Middleton. The route incorporates an attractive combination of panoramic views across open countryside, pools and traditional rural buildings.
Map……………………………………...Explorer 232 Nuneaton & Tamworth
Walk details from…………………………...…………..……………………...Bob Price
Sunday 25th June – Sunday 2nd July Walking Week in Austria
Based at the Hotel Christoph, in Neustift, opportunities abound to explore the mountains of the picturesque Stubai Valley, aided by the use of cable cars, buses or a local tram.
Details……………………………………………………………Mike Harris/John Collins
Sunday 14th January 7.00am Alsop en le Dale
Due to bad weather in December, this is a changed walk from published programme
Cost of this months walk is members £20
REMINDER: NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARKING
Park in St James' Church Car Park, Mere Green. Please read Colin's email for details.
We explore the spectacular Dovedale with its steepsided valley, stepping stones, Limestone pinnacles, caves and the towering reef knoll of Thorpe Cloud. We are told that the club have eaten at the Newton House Hotel in the dim and distant past when dragons roamed the land, but it is the first club visit in most peoples memories. One thing is certain, walking Dovedale will have generated a healthy appetite and we will be ready to enjoy the food and drink that the hotel will provide.
The ‘A’ party start at Thorpe car park (SK163505) with a quick sprint up and down Thorpe Cloud. Then head North, and ascend to walk above the valley. We re-enter the valley and cross the river near Ilam Rock, then up Hall Dale to Stanshope and North to Alstonefield. North East to the Dove and cross over Coldeaton Bridge. Up and out of the valley and then.South East towards Parwich before cutting back West to find the Tissington Trail which leads us to the Newton House Hotel. (SK157546).
Leaders: Davey Arnot and Petra Knowles.
Distance: 21km Height gain: 950m
The ‘B’ party start at Thorpe car park (SK163505) we skirt Thorpe Cloud and watch the A walk struggling to the top. IntoDovedale, we take the steppingstones, (or bridge?). We leave the riverside and head West before climbing Bunster Hill. We descend through the woods to rejoin the river by IlamRock.We enter Hall Dale and walk through Stanshope and Hope to Alstonefield. North East to reach the Dove at Coldeaton Bridge. Follow the valley away from the river to cross the Tissington Trail to reach Alsop en le Dale. Then Ascend South West to arrive at the Hotel. (SK157546).
Leaders: Rob Maul, Colin Little and Bob Price.
Distance: 17.5km Height gain: 740m
The ‘C’ party start from the hotel (SK157546) and head Southwest into Dovedale and head North up to Milldale. We leave the river to climb up to Alstonefield. Then North East back to the Valley. Up and out of the valley, we join the Tissington Trail to head South back to Newton House.
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill.
Distance: 13km Height gain: 420m
Maps: 1:25000 Explorer OL24 The White Peak Area.
Christmas Menu 2017
Starters
A) Homemade Stilton & Broccoli Soup with Warm Crusty Bread
B) Spicy Crab Cakes served on mixed leaves & Chilli Jam
C) Farmhouse Pate served with Salad garnish, Toast and Apple Chutney
D) Prawn & Smoked Salmon with Marie Rose Sauce, on a bed of Salad with Wholemeal Bread & Butter
Mains
E) Roast Topside of Beef with Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding
F) Roast Turkey with homemade Chestnut Stuffing, Bacon & Sausage,
Bread Sauce and Roast Potatoes
G) Homemade Goats Cheese & Roast Pepper Tartlet
H) Homemade Fish Pie topped with delicious Creamy Mash
All Served with Seasonal Vegetables
Puddings
I) Traditional Christmas Pudding with homemade Brandy Butter
J) Homemade Bakewell Tart served with Custard
K) Homemade White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake, served with Clotted Cream
L) Homemade Chocolate Roulade filled with Chocolate Mousse & Cream
Coffee & Mince Pies
Sunday 18th March 2018 6.00am Ystradfellte Waterfalls, South Wales
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 9th December 2018 7.00am Bakewell
Starting from Cromford, we make our way to the Rutland Arms for our December meal. The A party will cross Stanton Moor and through the grounds of Chatsworth. The B party will visit Robin Hoods stride, for a scramble, Bradford Dale and Lathkill Dale. The C party circular will take in Monsal Head and the Magpie Mine.
Map ……… ……………………………………………………..Explorer OL24 White Peak
Walk details from………………………………………………………………...John Collins
Sunday 10th June 2018 6.00am Tryfan & Ogwen Valley
Walk Organiser – Rob Maule
Cost of this months walk is £15 members £17 non Members
The Ogwen Valley and Tryfan in particular need little introduction. This area contains some of the most iconic peaks in Snowdonia and also some of the most challenging.
The A party start at the layby SH 662 602 on the A5 just below Milestone Buttress. Proceeding to the summit of Tryfan 917 metres via the North Face approach (no two routes are ever the same). From the summit the route proceeds in a south westerly direction and passes the far south peak on the way to BwlchTryfanSH 661 587. You are now looking at the very daunting prospect of tackling a scramble up Bristly Ridge on the way to GlyderFach at 994 metres, following the path (if you can find one) on to GlyderFawr 1001 metres. From here you soon start to turn to a North Westerly direction and tackle the descent towards Llyn Y Cwn spot height 711 metres. Continue to the summit of Y Garn 947 metres, from the summit turning in a North Easterly direction the route descends towards LlynIdwal over the foot bridge at SH 646 598 and finally finishing at Ogwen Cottage.
Leaders: Davey Arnot and Tom Somervell
Distance: 10.5Km Height Gain: 1274m
The B party in many ways is a reverse of the A walk to start with, beginning at Ogwen Cottage and heading for the summit of Y Garn, descending from here towards LlynCwn and proceeding onto the summit of GlyderFawr via a steep and scree like path and then onto the summit of Glyderfach. Heading in an Easterly direction we now deviate from the A party route and head for the junction of the Miners track at SH 667 582 and continue the descent into Cwm Tryfan following the path down to the A5 and finaly finishing at Ogwen Cottage.
Leaders: Rob Maule, and Bob Price
Distance: 13Km Height Gain: 1042m
The C party start at SH 687 602 along the A5 using a good path and heading North East towards Ffynnon Llugwy Reservoir. With the reservoir on the left, climb to BwlchErylfarchog SH 694 633 then heading South East climb to the summit of Pen YrHelgi Du 833 metres. Descend via Y Braich to cross a footbridge at SH 700 607, heading down to cross the A5 and follow the old coach road through Nant Y Benglog towards the finish at Ogwen cottage.
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance: 12Km Height Gain: 652m
Map: 1:25000 OL 17 Snowdon & Conwy valley Areas
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Sunday 15th July 2018 6.00am Kinder Scout
Cost of this months walk is £13 members £15 non members
Kinder Scout is a high windswept upland gritstone plateau, most of which stands at around 600 metres above sea level. Part of the moor, at 636 metres is also the highest point in the Peak District. This is the largest and grandest of the great upland areas of the so-called 'Dark Peak' and it forms an imposing and fascinating area.
All of the walks are circular starting from Edale and will cover the complete circuit of the plateau.
The ‘A’ Party walk starts from Edale car park (SK124853) and climbs north over Ringing Roger then turns west and follows the southern edge of Kinder Scout passing Crowden Tower, The Wool Packs and Noe Stool to Edale rocks. Turning north the walk continues over Kinder Low to Kinder Downfall turning west then east along the northern edge of Kinder Scout to FairbrookNaze. Continuing in a generally easterly direction to pass Seal Edge, Blackden Moor and Blackden Edge,leaving the perimeter path at this pointthe walk heads south east to trig point 590, turns south and descends through Ollerbrook Clough to the finish in Edale. (SK124853).
Leaders: Carol Gosling and Alex Wilkins
Distance: 25Km Height Gain: 900m
The B Partywalkstarts from Edale car park (SK124853) and heads north then turns west to climb and scramble up Grindsbrook Clough passing along the picturesque Grindsbrook with its waterfalls. Continuing west along the southern edge of Kinder Scoutpassing Crowden Tower, The Wool Packs and Noe Stool to Kinder Low, the walk then turns north to Kinder Downfall. Turning east across pathless moorland to join the northern edge of Kinder Scout,then passing Seal Edge, Blackden Moor and Blackden Edge, leaving the path at this point the walk heads south east to trig point 590, turns south and descends below Ringing Roger and The Nab to the finish in Edale. (SK124853).
Leaders: Sylvia and Paul Burns and Bob Price
Distance: 18Km Height Gain: 700m
The C Party walk starts from Edale car park (SK124853), heads north-west and climbs over Grindslow Knoll then turns west and follows the southern edge of Kinder Scout passing Crowden Tower, The Wool Packs and Noe Stool to Kinder Low. Turning south the walk continues over Edale Rocks then turns south east and descends via Jacobs Ladder to Upper Booth, Barber Booth and on to the finish at Edale (SK124853).
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance: 13Km Height Gain: 550m
Map: 1:25000 Explorer OL1. The Peak District - Dark Peak Area
Sunday 12th August 2018 6.00am Black Mountain
Walk Organisers – Howard Hill and Rob Maule
Cost of this months walk is £15 members £17 non members
Hidden in one of the emptiest corners of mid-Wales is the stupendous mountain range with a dozen names and almighty walks, The Black Mountain. It is one high and mighty massif of some 12 miles in length that is sub-divided into summits each with their own name, the highest point is Fan Brycheiniog (802m) frequently identified as The Black Mountain. Immediately west is Fan Foel and Picws Du and South is Fan Hir. This is easily one of the most thrilling areas to walk, with whalebacks, ridges and views over the Beacons.
All walks are virtually circular finishing at a pub at Tafarn-y- Garreg.
The ‘A’ Party walk starts on the A4067 (SN 845165) and climbs North West to just past Esgair Ddu then turning West at SN 785209 to Carnau’s Barreg (SN 777203), North to Carreg Yr Ogof and then East over Picws Du and Fan Foel. Finally heading South over Fan Brycheinniog along Fan Hir to Tafarn-y- Garreg.
Leaders: Paul Green Tom Somervell
Distance: 22.5 km Height Gain: 1066m
The B Party walk follows the ‘A’ route to SN 798200 to turn directly North to re-join the A route by Bannau Sir Gaer using the A route to the finish at Tafarn-y- Garreg.
Leaders: Bob Price Rob Maule
Distance: 17.8km Height Gain: 870m
The C Party walk starts on the A4067 (SN846167) to go North up the Beacons Way turning West at the bottom edge of Lyn-y- Fan F
awr to Bwlch Giedd then North to ascend Fan Brycheiniog (802m). Retrace their steps back to Bwlch Geidd continuing Southwards along Fan Hir to Tafarn-y- Garreg.
Leaders: Wendy Price Howard Hill
Distance: 12.5km Height Gain: 660m
.Map: 1:25000 Explorer OL 12 Brecon Beacons National Park
Cost of this months walk is £15 memebers £17non members
Leaders: Carol Gosling and Tony Francis
Distance: 24Km Height Gain: 1270m
The B Party walk starts from Bontddu (SH670187) and climbs north along the Bontddu Glen. The path sits above the gorge without protection, so take care. There are a few good waterfalls in the gorge below. The walk joins a lane, turns and climbs west, then follows tracks and paths to reach Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. Turning generally north east continues to climb along the ridge over Craig Y Grut, then descends to the col and continues to descend generally north to Pont Scethin on what was once the road from Dolgellau to Harlech! Continues west then north east and climbs to join the A route over Moelfre which is followed to the finish at Tal-y-Bont (SH590218).
Leaders: Paul Burns, Roger Pobjoy and Bob Price
Distance: 18Km Height Gain: 950m
The C Party walk starts from Bontddu (SH670187) and climbs north along the Bontddu Glen. The path sits above the gorge without protection, so take care. There are a few good waterfalls in the gorge below. The walk joins a lane, turns and climbs west, then follows tracks and paths to reach Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. Turns generally north east and continues to climb along the ridge over Craig Y Grut, then descends to the col and continues generally north to Pont Scethin on what was once the road from Dolgellau to Harlech! Continues north west to join the A route at SH622238, which is followed to the finish at Tal-y-Bont (SH590218).
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance: 16Km Height Gain: 700m
Friday 5th – Monday 8th October 2018 Club Weekend Nefyn
FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER
Arrival
Rooms will be available from 2.00pm. Your evening meal choice will already have been supplied.
7.00 pm - evening meal
SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER
7.45 am - breakfast
8.45 am. Leave the hotel to catch the 8.50 bus to Tudweiliog arriving at 9.05. The long walk traverses fields and lanes to arrive at the coast at Porth Ychain. We then follow the coastal path via Porth Gwylan, Porth Ysgaden, Porth Towyn and Aber Geirch before reaching Porth Dinllaen and well-earned refreshment at the Tŷ Coch Inn. We then continue along the coast to Nefyn. The shorter walk takes the more direct route from Tudweiliog to the coast at Porth Towyn before following the coastal path
7.00 pm - evening meal.
SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER
8.00 am - breakfast
9.00 am. Cars will be required to shuttle people to the start of the walk at the car park above Llithfaen. For those who wish to tackle Yr Eifl the walk ascends to Bwlch yr Eifl before climbing to the 564m summit. We then climb to Tre’r Coiri Fort before returning to the car park. We descend to Nant Gwrtheyrn and follow the coastal path to Nefyn. For those who do not wish to climb Yr Eifl, take the coastal path from the car park. At the end of the walk the drivers who have left their cars at the hotel will need to ferry the others back to the car park to retrieve their cars.
7.00 pm - evening meal
MONDAY 8 OCTOBER
8.00 am - breakfast
Once you have checked out the rest of the day is yours.
Suggested route to Nefyn.
Google Maps recommended route is to take the M54 and A5 to Shrewsbury, continuing along the by-pass and remaining on the A5 towards Oswestry. At the roundabout beyond Nesscliffe turn left on to B4396. After crossing the A483 the road becomes A495, then after 2 miles resume on B4396 for a further 10 miles. At Pen-y-bont-fawr turn right on to B4391. On reaching Bala, turn right and immediately left on to A4212 which is followed to Trawsfynydd. Turn right on to A470 and in 3 miles take A487 to Porthmadog. At Minffordd take the Porthmadog by-pass and follow A497 towards Pwllheli. After 7 miles turn right on B4354 to Nefyn. Turn right at A497 and at the roundabout after 1 mile turn right (still A497) to Nefyn. In the centre of Nefyn turn left on to B4417 and the Nanhoron Arms is on the left.
SatNav routes may vary.
HILL WALKING CLUB Croeso I Nefyn 5 – 8 October 2018
Nanhoron Arms Hotel
St Davids Road
Nefyn
Gwynedd
LL53 6EA
Tel: 01758 720203 www.nanhoronhotel.com
Map Ref:
SH 306405
Maps required:
Explorer 253 Llŷn Peninsula West
Explorer 254 Llŷn Peninsula East
Sunday 14th October 2018 6.00am Thirlmere Fells, Lake District
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Walk Organiser –Arthur Drinkwater
These walks were originally intended to be more or less a repeat of those done in October 2011; however, due to forestry works in the vicinity of Harrop Tarn involving closure of public footpaths, alterations were necessary.All walks start at various points on the A591, between Grasmere and Keswick.Although located in the midst of one of the lake districts most popular walking areas, these fells between Thirlmere and Derwent water are less frequented, being wild and desolate. The area can be boggy in places, if like me, you haven’t a liking for gaiters, for this walk, you might want to reconsider!
A Walk: Leaders Carol Gosling and Dave Arnot
Distance 22Km Height Gain 960m
The walk starts on the A591 (287227) just outside Keswick near to Castlerigg Farm and ascends to Rakefoot and up onto Walla Crag for great views across Derwent water weather permitting, then continuing from the viewpoint to make the ridge on Bleaberry Fell. The ridge is then followed to High Seat over High Tove, and Middle Crag and on to Standing Crag. The route then continues onto Ullscarf at 725 Metres , the highest point of the day from where the ridge is again followed to Greenup Edge before turning East over Brownrigg Moss to Steel Fell ,finally descending steeply and passing near the forest adjacent to Steel End Farm and on to Dunmail Raise.
B Walk: Leaders Bob Price, Rob Maul and Paul Burns
Distance 16.5Km Height Gain 890m
Starting near the Swan Inn (339082), the route turns down Swan Lane to the Easdale Road before ascending Helm Crag, to follow the ridge over Gibson Knott, Pike of Carrs onto Calf Crag. The walk then continues West to Greenup Edge via Brownrigg Moss and then turns North to Ulscarf passing along the route trodden by the A group in opposite direction. From Ulscarf, the descent commences East over Castle Crag, Nab Crags, the Wythburn fells to pass by the traces of West Head Farm (It’s economy was lost when its pastures were flooded to form Thirlmere reservoir). At the Southernmost tip of Thirlmere we turn south to pass through Steel End Farm from where we continue to the coach at Dunmail Raise.
C Walk: Leaders Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Distance 11Km Height Gain 610m
The walk starts on the A591 near the Travellers Rest Public House (337085) towards Low Mill Bridge and follows Green Burn before turning south west to ascend Helm Crag (the opposite side to the B route). The route then continues to Calf Crag following the route described for the B walk. On reaching Calf Crag, the old fence line is followed curving east towards Steel Fell from where the descent is made turning north steeply skirting Steel End Farm before turning south to the coach at Dunmail Raise.
Map .Explorer OL4 & OL5 The English Lakes, North western & North eastern Areas
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 11th November 2018 6.30am Shining Tor & Shutlingsloe
The hill Shining Tor lies on the border between Der-byshire and Cheshire and within the Peak District. Its summit is the highest point in modern Cheshire. From Shining Tor’s summit you can see the hill Shutlingsloe near the village of Wildboarclough and to the south of Macclesfield Forest. Both hills com-mand excellent views over Cheshire.
Map……………………………….....……….……….………... Explorer OL24 White Peak
Walk details from…...…………………………………...………......…..…....Petra Knowles
Sunday 10th December 7.00am Alsop en le Dale
Cost of this months walk is members £20
REMINDER: NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARKING
Park in St James' Church Car Park, Mere Green. Please read Colin's email for details.
We explore the spectacular Dovedale with its steepsided valley, stepping stones, Limestone pinnacles, caves and the towering reef knoll of Thorpe Cloud. We are told that the club have eaten at the Newton House Hotel in the dim and distant past when dragons roamed the land, but it is the first club visit in most peoples memories. One thing is certain, walking Dovedale will have generated a healthy appetite and we will be ready to enjoy the food and drink that the hotel will provide.
A Walk – 21 kilometres and 950 metres ascent
Leaders : Dave Arnot & Bob Price
Start for A: Thorpe car park…. 164 505 Finish : Newton House Hotel… 157546.
We start with a quick sprint up and down Thorpe Cloud. Then head North, and ascend to walk above the valley. We re-enter the valley and cross the river near Ilam Rock. Up Hall Dale to Stanshope and North to Alstonefield. North East to the Dove and cross over Coldeaton Bridge. Up and out of the valley and then.South East towards Parwich before cutting back West to find the Tissington Trail which leads us to the Newton House Hotel.
B Walk –17.5 kilometres and 740 metres ascent
Leaders : Rob Maule & Colin Little
Start for B Thorpe car park…. 164 505 Finish : Newton House Hotel… 157546.
From Thorpe we skirt Thorpe Cloud and watch the A walk struggling to the top.Into Dovedale, we take the steppingstones, (or bridge?). We leave the riverside and head West before climbing Bunster Hill. We descend through the woods to rejoin the river by Ilam Rock.We enter Hall Dale and walk through Stanshope and Hope to Alstonefield. North East to reach the Dove at Coldeaton Bridge. Follow the valley away from the river to cross the Tissington Trail to reach Alsop en le Dale. Then Ascend South West to arrive at the Hotel.
C Walk – 13 kilometres and 420 metres ascent
Leaders : Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Start and finish : Newton House Hotel 157546
From the hotel we head Southwest into Dovedale and head North up to Milldale. We leave the river to climb up to Alstonefield. Then North East back to the Valley. Up and out of the valley, we join the Tissington Trail to head South back to Newton House.
Christmas Menu 2017
Starters
A) Homemade Stilton & Broccoli Soup with Warm Crusty Bread
B) Spicy Crab Cakes served on mixed leaves & Chilli Jam
C) Farmhouse Pate served with Salad garnish, Toast and Apple Chutney
D) Prawn & Smoked Salmon with Marie Rose Sauce, on a bed of Salad with Wholemeal Bread & Butter
Mains
E) Roast Topside of Beef with Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding
F) Roast Turkey with homemade Chestnut Stuffing, Bacon & Sausage,
Bread Sauce and Roast Potatoes
G) Homemade Goats Cheese & Roast Pepper Tartlet
H) Homemade Fish Pie topped with delicious Creamy Mash
All Served with Seasonal Vegetables
Puddings
I) Traditional Christmas Pudding with homemade Brandy Butter
J) Homemade Bakewell Tart served with Custard
K) Homemade White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake, served with Clotted Cream
L) Homemade Chocolate Roulade filled with Chocolate Mousse & Cream
Coffee & Mince Pies
Sunday 11th February 2018 6.00am Mendip Hills
COACH LEAVES 6.00AM Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling
Cost of this months walk is £15 members - £17 non members
Our walks today will explore the steep slopes and undulating plateau of the Mendip Hills, using footpaths, bridleways and lanes to make our way through this interesting area.All walks will finish at the Riverside Inn in Cheddar.
GAITERS ARE RECOMMENDED UNLESS THERE IS A VERY HARD FROST!!!
A Walk
The A party start at the Riverside Inn, in the centre of Cheddar and climb immediately up to the cliff on the south side of the gorge. From Black Rock, they continue along Velvet Bottom before turning northwards to reach Beacon Batch, via Rainsbatch. They continue northwards to Burrington Combe, eventually turning southwards to Rod’s Pot and the large hill fort on Dolebury Warren. They follow Back Lane and Rowberrow Bottom to reach Tynings Farm and using lanes and footpaths make their way back to Riverside Inn in Cheddar.
Leaders: Dave Arnot and Carol Gosling Distance: 24k - Ascent: 870m
B Walk
The B walk stars in Axbridge and heads northwards to Shipham. It then turns eastwards and then north along Rowberrow Bottom and Back Lane, to reach the hill fort at Dolebury Warren. It continues in a south easterly direction to reach Beacon Batch, then southwards to Black Rock before returning to Cheddar via the cliff tops of the Gorge.
Leaders: Bob Price, Colin Little and Rob Maule. Distance: 18.5 km- Ascent: 820m
C Walk
The C party follow the same route as the A party to begin with, but they swing northwards before Velvet Bottom to gain Beacon Batch. They continue to Rod’s Pot, before turning southwards over Black Down, to Tynings Farm. From here, they use lanes and footpaths to make their way back to Cheddar.
Leaders: Howard Hill and Wendy Price Distance: 15km -Height Gain 630m
Maps: Explorer 141 Cheddar Gorge and Mendip Hills West.
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Friday 2nd – Monday 5th March 2018 Winter Weekend The Lake District
Eskdale is one of the loveliest of Lakeland’s valleys on the western side of the Lake District stretching from Gosforth, near Seascale to the foot of the Hard Knott Pass. The walking options are almost endless, with access to some of the best mountains in England, including the highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Eskdale provides a challenging environment for the mountain walker, with rocky fells, steep climbs, and scrambles. Our Accommodation will be provided at the Bower House Inn and King George IV Inn at Eskdale Green.
Map…………………………Explorer OL 6 The English Lakes, South Western Area
Details from……………………………………………………………...…..Wendy Price
Cost of this months walk is £15 members £17 non members
Situated in the southernmost part of the Snowdonia National Park are the lovely, little-walked Tarren Hills, which run down to the sea at Aberdovey. Separated from Cadair Idris by the Dysynni Valley, this compact range of hills provides some excellent crowd-free walking notably along the fine ridge that extends for several miles. On a good day the views are extensive. The walks will include the two highest tops namely, Tarren y Gesail and Tarrenhendre.
All walks will finish in the village of Abergynolwyn (SH677070) where, time permitting, liquid refreshments are available.
The ‘A’ Party walk starts from Tywyn(SH596015) and climbs in a generally E direction then turns NE and continues along the ridge over the tops of TrumGelli and Tarren Cwm-Ffernol to the summit of Tarrenhendre. Then descending W the walk continues over MynyddRhyd-galed and past Foel y Geifr before turning NW to climb steeply to the final summit of Tarren y Gesail. The descent from Tarren y Gesail will either be along forest tracks or directly to the valley bottom dependant of ground conditions on the day.The walk continues along the banks of the stunning NantGwernolRiver as it cascades down from the hills to the finish at Abergynolwyn (SH677070).
Leaders: Petra Knowles and Carol Gosling.
The ‘B’ Party walk starts from Abergynolwyn (SH677070) in a SE direction climbing along the valley of the Nant Gwernolthen turns S and meanders along forest tracks before climbing steeply to the summit of Tarrehendre. Then descending W the walk continues over MynyddRhyd-galed and past Foel y Geifr before turning NW to climb steeply to the final summit of Tarren y Gesail. The descent from Tarren y Gesail is along forest tracks to join the path adjacent to the banks of the stunning Nant GwernolRiver as it cascades down from the hills to the finish at Abergynolwyn (SH677070).
Leaders: Rob Maule, Bob Price and Colin Little.
Distance: 17Km Height Gain: 970m
The ‘C’ Party walkstarts from near Dolgoch(SH655052) and climbs generally SE then turns E and N to gradually climb to the summit of Tarrenhendre. Then descending W the walk continues over MynyddRhyd-galedbefore turning N to descend steeply to Pont Llaeron,continuing NW past Bryn-Eglwys Quarry then along the banks of the stunning Nant Gwernolriver as it cascades down from the hills to the finish at Abergynolwyn (SH677070).
Leaders: Wendy Price and Howard Hill.
Distance: 12Km Height Gain: 698m
Map: OS Explorer OL23 Cadair Idris and LlynTegid
Sunday 13th May 2018 6.00am Coniston Fells – Lake District
Walk Organiser – Bob Price
Cost of this months walk is £16 memebers £18 non members
The walk from Coniston Old Man past Black Crag, Wray Crags and Levers Hawse to Swirl How is one of the best two miles walking in all of the Lake District. The views are tremendous from Swirl How, probably the best vantage point in all of the Coniston Fells.
All walks are linear, starting at Little Arrow (SD290950) and finishing in Coniston (SD303976).
The A Party walk starts from Little Arrow (SD290950) on the A593 and climbs North West to meet the Walna Scar Road, then turns West, before ascending over Brown Pike and Buck Pike to the summit of Dow Crag. The walk continues over Coniston Old Man, at 803 Metres the highest point of the day, and carries on along the ridge to Swirl How before descending via Prison Band to Swirl Hawse from where the ascent of Wetherlam begins. From the summit of Wetherlam, the walk turns South then North East to descend Steel Edge, then turns South to pass between the Yewdale and Furness Fells to finish in Coniston(SD303976).
Leaders: Carol Gosling and Davey Arnot
Distance: 18Km Height Gain: 1280m
The B Partywalk also starts from Little Arrow (SD290950) on the A593 and climbs North West to meet the Walna Scar Road, then turns West, before ascending over Brown Pike and Buck Pike to the summit of Dow Crag. The walk continues over Coniston Old Man, at 803 Metres the highest point of the day, and carries on along the ridge to Swirl How before descending via Prison Band to Swirl Hawse. Turns Southand passes near Levers water,continuing down through Coppermine’sValley to finish in Coniston(SD303976).
Leaders: Rob Maul, Paul Burns and Bob Price
Distance: 16Km Height Gain: 1030m
The C Party walk also starts from Little Arrow (SD290950) on the A593 and climbs North West to meet the Walna Scar Road,after crossing the Walna Scar roadthe walk climbs past Goats Water toGoat’s Hawse then turns South East to climb to the summit of Coniston Old Man, at 803 Metres the highest point of the day. A very steep and rough descent follows through the disused quarries past Crowberry Haws to finish in Coniston (SD303976).
Leaders: Wendy Price and Arthur Drinkwater
Distance: 10Km Height Gain: 700m
Map: 1:25000 OL 6 The English Lakes – South Eastern Area
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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:
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:
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;
Advisory;
General;
Carol the "Chair" (Likes to be addressed as Sir) |
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Colin the club secretary |
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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 | ||
| Petra, our latest committe member |  |
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Weather Forecasts |
SUMMER 2018 NEWSLETTER
As we enjoy (or not!) the longest heatwave for many years, it’s hard to believe that only four months ago , we were rearranging walks because of deep snow. After a very long winter, we seemed to have no spring to speak of, and went straight into a glorious summer- our concerns now would be of National Parks closed due to fire. Hopefully it will be business as usual on Sunday-don’t forget extra water.
Last evening walk of the year is Thursday 26th July. Meet at 7.15pm at the Swan Inn, Whitacre Heath.
CLUB BUSINESS
Reminders
Members 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 we ask for it to be paid on line please. 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.
If you do need to cancel a seat, it is helpful if you let Colin know if you wish to go on the waiting list for the next walk.
If you are on the waiting list for a walk, then it is YOUR responsibility to confirm (or reject) that place with Colin, as soon as possible after the preceding walk.
Committee
We have co-opted Tony Francis onto the committee as an extra pair of hands (should that be legs!) to help us out.
LONG STANDING MEMBERS
Colin Little reaches his 40th anniversary of membership on August 20th – a great achievement and the majority of those years as a loyal committee member. Thank you Colin.
After careful thought, Phil and Irene Ordidge have decided to retire from the club. Phil became a member in November 1989, joined the committee in 1995 and was chairman from 2001 until he resigned early in 2006.
Irene, (obviously fed up with being left at home!), joined the club in October 1995 and walked with us regularly until about three years ago.
Their membership of the Club goes back decades and Phil will always be remembered, by our older members, as a regular strong 'A' walker and leader, and an excellent pianist for past Christmas specials.
In recent years we have assisted him where we could, and Irene has particularly asked me to thank all those who have been so supportive to him, especially the C party leaders.
They have both thoroughly enjoyed their time with us, but feel that the time has come to call it a day. We send our best wishes to them for the future - we will miss them.
ORIENTEERING IN SUTTON PARK- 21st June 2018
Dave Arnot and John Collins devised a 4 km course using 12 of the permanent controls in the Nuthurst & Hollyhurst areas of Sutton Park, a course, which was walkable, in about 50 minutes.
On the day, a good evening was had by all those who attended. John Busby and Neville Village enjoyed a walk around the park followed by a drink in the bar. Roger Needle and Gerald Gain made a serious attempt and only time restrictions caused them to miss a couple of controls. Nigel Compton and Gary Price found all the controls in 66 minutes and looked to be potential winners. However, 5 minutes before the cut off Petra Knowles cycled up. She convinced the organisers that she had forgotten how to use a compass but then completed the course in a very creditable 58 minutes to take the prize. We think she could have been running part of the course but that was allowable within the rules.
Everyone who came enjoyed it but the turnout was a little disappointing for an exercise which shares so many of the skills which are needed for navigating the hills.
If you would like to try out the course in your own time without the competition, just for the hell of it, then contact John Collins for the course and borrow (without charge, just a deposit), or buy (£1.50), the laminated map from the Sutton Park visitor centre.
3rd EUROPEAN ALPINE TRIP JUNE 26TH –JULY 3rd 2018
On the 26th June twenty seven of us caught the 7.30 flight from Birmingham to Munich en route to Austria. Having been picked up by a very luxurious executive coach, we travelled a picturesque route via Garmisch Partenkirchen and arrived at our destination around 3.30pm
We stayed in Fiss in the Samnaun Alps in the Tyrol west of Innsbruck. Hotel Lukas proved to be a great location, central to all the cable cars linking the three local villages of Ladis, Fiss and Serfaus. As part of the deal with the hotel, we had free access to all the cable cars.
Hotel Lukas, our base, was a small hotel run by its owners Martina and Paul (the Chef). Rooms were great with wonderful views; food was good and best of all, it had a great pool, steam room and sauna,- perfect to end a day of hard walking
Most days, we split into 3 groups. The A team (now known as the Ultras) were led by Tony Francis, - Matthew’s account of their adventures is below. The B group was led by myself and Davy Arnot and the C group by Bob Price
Day 1 We all went up the cable car to the Fisserjoch and walked the Samnaun Ridge. The weather at the start was misty but the sun burnt the mist off quickly to reveal a 360 degree panorama of snow clad mountains, stretching down to the Swiss and Italian borders. After a challenging walk, with some chains and ladders, we reached the summit of Planskopf (2804m) for lunch.
Day 2 The B group walked to the Hexenhutte and the C group to the Furglersee and mountain lakes. The weather was misty but the B walk was livened up by a challenging traverse to the Masnerjoch. We had lunch at the hut and were entertained by a Belgian who spoke better English than most of us and clearly had watched Monty Python from end to end.
Day 3 The B group went by bus across the valley to Ried. We took the cable car followed by an exciting chair lift to Sattele at 1800m. We were entertained by Gareth, Roger and Ann wrestling with the technology of the safety cage whilst trying to get off the thing at the same time.
We had a lovely walk up through alpine meadows full of wild flowers and on our path, slow moving cows tolling their bells. We had lunch on top of the Schlanterkopf (2524m) with wonderful views of the waterfall below. After a difficult descent, Malc was heard to say ’do you do this for fun?’ We tried to contour across the bottom of the Gamskopfe but after some misnavigation by yours truly, we scrambled through some fields of Alpen Rosen (officially rhododendron I’ve looked it up) and eventually found the right path. At this point Gareth had a fall spraining his ankle. Whilst most of us gathered around sympathetically offering ankle supports and Ibuprofen, Staff Sergeant Davy Arnot (Royal Signals retired) marched up and I quote ‘get on your feet man,there’s nothing wrong with youse. Let’s get off this mountain’
The C group did a picturesque walk known as the Alpenrosenweg and then back to Fiss
Day 4 Some of us took the day off and had a gentle stroll down to Ladis and a very liquid lunch by the castle. This was followed by a flight on the local flying machine and a descent on the toboggan run. Needless to say Darryl used his foot to control the handbrake, achieved a world record time and managed to film the whole thing at the same time. Whilst this was going on Davy Arnot led a B walk to the Rotpleiskopf (2936m). Bob Price led a C walk into the Urgtal Valley and on to Thialkopf
Day 5 We climbed Furgler 3004m; this was a very memorable day. The ascent was past the Furglersee and then up a steep snow gulley to the coll. This was followed by a long scramble up the ridge using chains at one point. We reached the snow clad summit for lunch. Views magnificent!
Day 6 We did an easy walk to the Spinsee lakes. This was very scenic and was done by nearly the whole group. We were even joined by the Ultras who had been exhausted (can’t take the pace?) by their adventure to the glacier on the previous day. We even managed a whole half an hour for lunch overlooking the lake.
The following day we set off at 3.30 pm for Munich airport. We arrived expecting the England v Columbia football match to be on every screen. Unfortunately the Germans having been knocked out already had taken their ball away and we were left with screens full of holiday locations!
Having said that, Roger, with great IT ingenuity, got the match on his phone. We huddled around his 5 inch screen drinking too much Weissen beer (what’s new). As we got on the plane having been leading for a long time the Colombians equalised.
We then had to wait for an hour before the German pilot announced initially in German (the tease) that we had won on penalties. A perfect ending!
Mike Harris
Footnote
After careful thought I have decided to stand down from organising our European adventures after 3 years. As you may know the idea came from my walking trips in the Alps and Dolomites with the Hereford Mountain Club. I think that the three trips, Kandersteg, Neustift and Fiss have been reasonably successful. I hope someone else will pick up the reins and continue the trips, especially because I would like to go on them as a totally chilled non leader.
I would be more than happy to offer any help I can to anyone wishing to organise the Sutton Hill Walking European adventure in 2019
Editors note: Thank you Mike, for yet again organising a very successful adventure to Europe and thanks also for the previous two trips. We all respect your decision to stand down from the position of organiser. So, if the club wants another European trip next year, we need someone to step into Mike’s shoes for a 2019 trip?? Please let us know if you would be willing to take up the reins –time is of the essence, it is a large group, so accommodation is generally booked in September/October
Fiss, flying the flag and the Fuzz-A party exploits in Austria
In Stubai last year the A party consisted of the Fab Four: Tony, Alex, Petra and Matthew. This year we were joined by Dave Lacy, so now the Famous Five went on some spiffing adventures, but drank real beer rather than lashings of ginger beer.
I recall that last year we had hard days interspersed with easier walks and Tony was supposed to be breaking us in gently, although on the first day it felt more like he was breaking us. The chosen mountain to start us off was Furgler, a mere pimple at 3004m.
This was a recon for the B party, who climbed it a few days later (and after which Bob nonchalantly announced he'd now climbed it three times).
As a newbie, Dave tried to keep up with our leader, despite our explanations of A party pace and Tony Francis pace. He had a good go at it.
It was an excellent walk/run with just the slightest of technical errors
- we all make these at times. After lunch we donned our microspikes and trudged up a snow gulley for 10 minutes, except for Matthew who thought he'd get more practice in and did an extra 25 minutes in the snow which he regretted later. Then a light scramble up to the snow capped summit for some good views. Here a surprise was revealed - a Yorkshire White Rose flag fluttered on Furgler. The last gondola was due to leave at 4.30pm so the descent was rapid and some walkers became runners, but one who wished to preserve his knees, ankles and energy chose to walk quickly and made it to the gondola station with minutes to spare. Whilst being used to getting back to depart at 4.30pm on monthly walks, interesting that the same schedule is in use on holiday!
The second days walk could have been jinxed but the climb to the summit of the Hexenkopf (the witches head) at 3035m was uneventful except that there was minimal visibility in the cloud after the col. The up scramble was easy, but the descent involved a grade 1 scramble which included a short but narrower and scarier arête than anything on Crib Goch - good job we couldn't see the long drop because of the poor visibility.
According to the summit book, we were the first visitors since October 2017.
Then on day 3, something unprecedented happened - the A party had a rest day! In hindsight a very good thing before the tough walks to follow.
Dave didn't have such a rest, but got in some preparatory cycling with Ali. The others organised e-bikes for day 5 , then went to the Fun Park for some more adrenaline bolstering activities. First the Fisser Flieger a hang glider on a wire. Then jumping from a tower onto an air bag. Then the attempt on the records for both fastest (Tony and Alex) and slowest(Matthew) runs on the toboggan. And for the finale, the zip wire all the way into Serfaus. The afternoon was spent on the hotel veranda, entertaining the B walkers by tying ourselves in knots whilst practising roping up and crevasse rescue - well you never know when this will come in handy in Sutton Park.
So back to serious stuff on day 4. Following in the Bs footsteps, we took the bus to Ried (which broke down when it got there - looks like the jinx was delayed). After gondola and chairlift rides, we reached Sattleklause where a sign indicated it was 3.5 hours to the Anton Renk Hutte - we managed it in about half that time. The path ascended through some wonderful slopes awash with pink azaleas (Alpenrose as Ali informed us later) to the Hutte. This was shut but it had an outside privy with a notice declaring it to be the prettiest bog in the Alps (that was Petra's translation). Truly the view out of the open door of the mountains and valley was lovely to behold, much better than the one looking in whilst Tony was seated on the throne. The walk beyond took us to a lake, then the steepest part of the climb followed and we toiled up a scree slope and made the summit of Zirmesspitze (2944m) for the now obligatory photo of the White Rose flag. The descent was another hurried affair, Dave even received a phone call from the bike hire shop asking us to be there for 5pm. I don't know how we do it but we always seem to get everywhere with precision timing (except see below). We picked up the bikes and parked them in the hotel garage for the morrow.
Day 5 - for whom the bell tolls.
This was the day of the early start - the A group seem to have one each year. So at 6.40am five desperadoes saddled up and rode 31km into the valley of death and out the other side to go up through the forest on their e-bikes to the trailhead, and without any breakfast! Then a steep exhausting climb (carrying a lot more gear) for 40 mins to the Hohenzollerhaus Hutte where, Rivendell like, we were fed and watered (and given a complimentary schnapps) and sent merrily on our way. A long climb took us to the glacier where we donned crampons, roped up and, ice axes in hand, trudged up to the col. It was 1.45 pm by now, and it didn't look like there would be time to attempt the summit. But our leader decided that it would be worth foregoing dinner for glory, so we ditched nearly all the kit and went for it. Not the easiest of climbs, especially as we were still roped up until we got fed up of the encumbrance and untied ourselves. Our prize was the 3355m summit of the Glockturm - the bell tower. And the views for the whole two minutes we were there were magnificent. On the return journey we saw a group of six ibex up on the hillside.
The bike ride down through the forest was exhilarating and we arrived at the town of Pfunds at 7.30pm. The batteries on the bikes were low and we didn't think we'd have enough power to help get us back up the 520m of ascent to Fiss. So we sent out an SOS to Martina the hotel owner, and arranged for her to collect us at Ried. On the way there, we were accosted by the local Polizei for illegally cycling on the main road, but we got away with a telling off. This was the hardest day the As had ever done - less walking and climbing than on the Freiger last year, but overall further and for longer as it was a biathlon. And getting back at 8.30pm, we were late for dinner, but I hope the Bs forgave us.
Cheered but exhausted by the weekends achievements, and feeling very saddle sore, plans to go to Switzerland on day 6 were shelved and we enjoyed a warm down walk with the Bs which even included a lunch stop long enough to paddle our feet in a mountain lake below Rotpleiskopf and at the end of the walk apple strudel at the Fisser Joch restaurant.
Stats for the nerds: 83.2km walked, 6294m of ascent, 57km on the e-bikes with 1135m power assisted ascent.
It was a wonderful holiday and we are very thankful to have had the opportunity to visit the Austrian Alps once again. Pity there were no T-shirts to be claimed this year. Can't wait for next year, but will take padded cycling shorts!
Matthew Lumley
AUTUMN WEEKEND: Nefyn 5th-8th October 2018
As usual, Colin Little the weekend organiser, has arrangements for the weekend well under control. All the walks have been recced, he has visited the hotel and will be in touch with participants individually with balance payments. Any queries, please contact Colin.
CAR WALK: BREIDDEN HILLS Sunday October 28th 2018
Just a reminder - keep this date in your calendar. Circular walks in the Breidden Hills, Middletown, using your own transport to reach the area (car share if possible), followed by a pint and a meal in the Breidden Hotel, if requested. Further information will be passed around the coach nearer the time.
Please note, signing up for this walk does not affect the normal coach seat allocation list for our Sunday walks.
LAKES WEEKEND: March 1st-4th 2019
The club weekend at the New Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale is fully booked.
THE WALKING PARTNERSHIP
Don’t forget, if you do book a Ramblers holiday, please nominate the Hill Walking Club through the Walking Partnership we have with Ramblers Holidays. They then provide a financial contribution to the club.
Take a look at their website on www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
NEW PROGRAMME 2019-DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The committee have been discussing the suggestions put forward by the members for the Sunday walks and club nights for the 2019 programme. Although destinations have not yet been finalised, the following dates are confirmed for your diaries.
Sunday, January 13
Sunday, February 17
Tuesday, February 26 - AGM
Friday, March 1st- Monday March 4th- Club Weekend- Fully Booked
Sunday, March 17
Sunday, April 14
Sunday, May 12
Sunday, June 9
Sunday, July 14
Sunday, August 11
Sunday, September 15
Friday, October 4 - Monday, October 7 - Club Weekend
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, November 17
Sunday, December 15
QUOTE OF THE QUARTER
“……..when you’re in the hills, life is uncluttered, simple and wonderfully straightforward”
Dougie Cunningham, Scottish Landscape Photographer
The Hill Walking Club, based in 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.
| Discount O/S maps and more | |
| http://www.stanfords.co.uk/ | Maps and books for far away places |
| http://www.blacks.co.uk/ | Outdoor stuff (dont forget its a 10% discount in store for club members) |
| http://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/ | Mountain Rescue council |
| http://www.walkingenglishman.com/lakes.htm | Walking ideas in the Lakes |
| http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ | Walks in the Highlands |
| http://www.munromagic.com/ | A site if you are doing the Munros |
| http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/ | Discuss anything to do with walking |
| http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/ | Mountain Bothie association |
| http://www.wasdaleweb.co.uk/wasdalewebcam.html | Wasdale webcam |
| http://www.elh.co.uk/watersports/web_cam.aspx | A set of wecams at the watersports center Windermere |
| http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/ | Ben Nevis webcam |
| http://www.brecon-beacons.com/mountain-safety-advice.htm | Good safety advice for all mountain areas |
| http://www.sgurramblers.org.uk/ | A walking club specialising on walks in Scotland |
| http://www.bada-uk.org | Advice on ticks, & tick removal tool |
| http://www.lockwoods.com/ | Outdoor shop in Leamington Spa ( 10% discount for club members) |
| www.walkinginengland.co.uk | Walking ideas |
| http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ | 15% discount with our club membership card |
| http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php | This is the link for the Spkes some of us were using on the Long Mynd ( they are on the Amazon site) |
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZv_8dA ... r_embedded | Using a mobile phone in an emergency /accident |
| https://www.rwhtravel.com/the-walking-partnership/ | Booking a holiday through this company will benefit the club financially. |
| http://www.ramblers.org.uk/bigpathwatch | Ramblers footpath survey |
| https://walkingholidays.social/ramblers-private-group-holidays | Ramblers Private Group Holidays |
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.
Link to Darryl Lilburns photo album https://1drv.ms/f/s!ArJjTC-s-jqxhZoR4YvFkokNcUR3NA
Link to Garry Price Photo Album www.garypricephoto.co.uk/ingleborough
gallery makerby VisualLightBox.com v6.1
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| 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?
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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?
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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?
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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. |
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
Crucial Coupon
