Sunday 18th January 2026 6:00am Bishops Castle, Clun
Cost of this walk is £17.00 for members and £19.00 for visitors
Walk Organiser – Neville Village Coach departs at 6.00am
Shropshire lies on the border of Wales and includes to the South the towns of Montgomery, Bishops Castle and Clun. This area includes numerous walking paths such as The Shropshire Way, The Jack Mitton Way, and Offa's Dyke.All walks are Circular starting and finishing at the Bishops Castle Livestock Market Car Park SY9 5AA
The ‘A’ Walk starts from the Car park and heads West then North past Bankshead to turn North East through Sheperdswhim. Then South East passing Upper Plain, Boarded House and Upper Bank Farm before heading South through Drewin Farm joining Offa's Dyke Path to Nut Wood. Continuing West to Lower Dolfawr over Edenhope Hill to skirt Mainstone and turn South East past Knuck Wood then North East up to Reilthop, Middle Woolbatch and Horseshoe Coppice, before turning South East towards Colebatch and then North East and return to the start point.
Leaders: Carol Gosling and Ranjit Bindarh
Distance: 26Km Ascent: 932m Descent: 932m
The ‘B1’ Walk also starts from the Car Park in an anti-clockwise direction South West onto The Shropshire Way past Colebatch and alongside Blakeridge Wood to turn West at Bicton, continuing North West at Whatcott Keysett and up to Hergan and Churchtown. Then turns East past Reilth Farm and follow The Shropshire Way to Wood House and return to the starting point.
Leaders: Bob Price and Louise Tidman
Distance: 22Km Ascent: 800m Descent: 800m
The ‘B2’ Walk also starts from the Car Park in a clockwise direction, and heads South West past Cwmmawr Dingle then West to Reilthtop before bypassing Mainstone along The Shropshire Way past Knuck Wood to Shadwell Hall. Continuing to Three Gates and turn South East to Bicton, head North to Burlow Farm then North East past Captain’s Coppice to Llysty and alongside Blakeridge Wood to Colebatch and return to the start point.
Leaders: Rob Maule and Dennis Haycox
Distance: 20Km Ascent: 700m Descent: 700m
The ‘C’ Walk also starts from the Car Park in an anticlockwise direction, and heads South East past Cwmmawr Dingle and Wood House to Middle Woodbatch and Reilthtop before continuing along The Shropshire Way. Then South East past Reith Farm to Cefn Einion and South to Birches Mill. Heading East to Argoed and past Captains Coppice to Llysty and then alongside Blakeridge Wood to Colebatch and return to the starting point.
Leaders: Wendy Price and Neville Village
Distance: 16Km Height Gain: 520m Descent: 520m
Map:Explorer 0L216 Welshpool & Montgomery
Sunday 22nd March 2026 6:00am Radnor Hills Area
Just across the Welsh border between Llandrindod Wells and Presteigne lie the somewhat forgotten hills of mid Wales -the Radnor Forest range. There are three summits above 600metres in the northern area and slightly lower rolling hills to the south. The area is home to one of the finest falls in Powys, Water-Break its Neck. All walks should finish at Fforest Inn.
Maps…...Explorer 200 Llandrindod Wells and Elan Valley Explorer 201 Knighton and Presteigne
Walk Details ………………………...……..….Carol Gosling
Sunday14th December 2025 Coach Leaves 7:00am
Llangollen
COACH LEAVES 7.00AM Walk Organiser – Carol Gosling
Our walks will explore the hills and bridleways around Llangollen, three parties north of the river and one party to the south and if the weather is kind, there are great views to be had. We will return to the Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen for our annual dinner.
A Walk
The A walk starts on the A5 just west of Llidiart y Parc and heads north to cross the River Dee at Carrog. They swing east, climbing through the woods, then north east over open access land to Moel Morfydd. The route continues along the ridge to Moel y Gamelin and then Moel y Faen before descending to cross the Horseshoe Pass. They follow the Clwydian Way for a short distance before sharply turning south and then west to the Oernant woods. They head south to reach Llydiart Annie, take the Dee Valley Way past the Horseshoe Falls, cross the Chainbridge and return to the hotel.
Leaders: Carol Gosling and Tom Somervell 21km Distance: - Ascent 1000m
B1 Walk
The B1 walk is circular from the hotel. They begin by walking northwards to cross the River Dee via the Chainbridge and then follow the Dee Valley Way past the Horseshoe Falls to reach Llydiart Annie. They continue in a northerly direction, past the disused Berwyn Quarry to climb to Moel y Gamelin. then continuing to Moel y Faen before descending steeply to the Oernant woods. They walk eastwards and the southwards to join the Clwydian Way, then Valle Crucis Abbey, skirting Velvet Hill to reach the Llangollen Canal. Follow this back to the town and then to the hotel.
Leaders: Bob Price and Anne Farmer Distance: 19.6 km- Ascent 830 m
B2 Walk
The B2 walk starts at the same point as the A but they head southwards through the Carrog Plantation onto open moorland to reach Moel Fferna. They turn eastwards and stay high to rejoin the North Berwyn Way to Vivod Mountain and then continuing on to Llangollen and the hotel.
Leaders Rob Maule and Paul Burns Distance: 17.6km – Ascent 700 m
C Walk
The C walk starts on the A5 just west of Llidiart y Parc and heads north to cross the River Dee at Carrog. They swing east, climbing through the woods, then north east over open access land towards Moel Morfydd but swing south easterly to descend to Mynydd- bychan to join the Dee Valley Way. They follow the Dee Valley Way back to Llydiart Annie, past the Horseshoe Falls, over the Chainbridge and back to the hotel.
Leaders: Wendy Price and Neville Village Distance: 14km –Ascent 530m
Map: Explorer 256 Wrexham + Explorer 255 Llangollen & Berwyn B2 wal
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 14th June 2026 6:00am Carneddau
The Carneddau (meaning "the cairns" in Welsh) are located in the northern part of Snowdonia National Park and form the largest continuous area of high ground in Wales and England. The Carneddau has 19 peaks over 600m in height, of which 7 are over 914m (3000 ft). These include Carnedd Llewelyn which is the 3rd highest mountain in Snowdonia. There are several access points to the range, varying from the Ogwen Valley on the A5, to Aber Falls, just off the A55 North Coast Road.
Map……………………………Explorer OL17 Snowdon and Conwy Valley Areas
Walk Details …………………...…………………………….…………….Rob Maule
Sunday 12th July 2026 6:00am The Black Mountain
Considered to be one of the wildest regions of Wales, Y Mynydd Du (the Black Mountain) forms the westernmost range of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The highest point is Fan Brycheiniog (802m), but it also includes the “Carmarthen Fans” – Waun Lefrith, Picws Du and Fan Foel. The peaks form a ridge having steep north-facing escarpments that overlook two small lakes – Llyn-y- Fan Fawr and Llyn-y-Fan Fach – in hollows formed by glacial action in the Ice Age. Although a wilderness now, there is archaeological evidence of Stone Age and Bronze Age habitation.
Maps……….......OS Explorer OL12 – Brecon Beacons National Park (West)
Walk Details………...………………………...…………………..Tom Somervell
Sunday 16th August 2026 6:00am The Howgill Fells
The Howgill Fells are a group of high, smooth, rounded hills with dome-like summits and deep, steep-sided valleys, characterized by their distinctive, almost triangular shape. Located between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, they are remote, exposed, and largely unenclosed, covered with moorland, acid grassland, and bracken, offering panoramic views. The highest point is The Calf at 676 metres, and the area is known for its dramatic waterfalls, wildlife like Fell ponies, and a sense of wilderness.
Map………………………Explorer OL19 Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley
Walk Details…………………………………………..…………….Keith Richards
Sunday 13th September 2026 6:00am The Moelwynion Snowdonia
The Moelwynion are a group of mountains in central Snowdonia, the range has eleven 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 Moelwyn’s 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
Friday 9th October – Monday 12th October 2026 Tenby
Pembrokeshire Tenby is probably the most iconic seaside town in Wales, rivalling places like Mevagissey and Polperro for quaintness and charm. It is a harbour town and resort in southwest Wales and is known for its 13th-century town walls and its stretches of sandy shoreline, including Castle Beach. This year’s autumn coastal week- end is at the Belgrave Hotel in Tenby. The hotel is in a prime location, with fantastic views of the beach and esplanade. It is ideally situated for coastal walking during our 3 night stay, with dinner, bed and breakfast included.
Map……………………………….…………Explorer OL36 South Pembrokeshire
Weekend Details…………………………………..……………..…….Wendy Price
Sunday 18th October 2026 6:00am St Sunday Crag/Fairfield
St Sunday Crag is the high point on the north-eastern ridge of Fairfield, which runs for two miles before descending to the valley floor behind Patterdale village. Our walks all start and finish in the Patterdale Valley and all will include the summit of St Sunday Crag. The walks will encompass many of the adjacent fells, namely Fairfield, Dove Crag, Hart Crag, Hartsop above How and High Hartsop Dodd among others. The inclusion of any additional tops will be dependent on the walk chosen.
Map…........................................Explorer OL5: English Lakes – North Eastern Area
Walk Details………………………………………………......…..Wendy and Bob Price
Sunday 15th November 2026 6:00am Sutton Bank and the Hambleton Hills
Sutton Bank is an impressive escarpment in the Hambleton Hills within the North York Moors National Park. It commands a great view over the Vale of York and Mowbray, declared as the “finest in England” by vet and author James Herriot. Our walks will use footpaths and bridleways to explore some of the features of the escarpment such as its white horse cut into the chalk, a ruined abbey, the only lake in the National Park and Kilburn, the home of “Mousey Thompson”
Map ………………………………………………Explorer 026 North York Moors West
Walk Details…………………………………………………..………….…Carol Gosling
Sunday 13th December 2026 7:00am The Malvern Hills
Forming a granite ridge that runs north-south along the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills provide fantastic views towards the Cotswolds and across Herefordshire to the Black Mountains in Wales. The hills include the Worcestershire Beacon (the highest point in Worcestershire) and the Herefordshire Beacon, Britain’s most distinctive iron-age hill fort. With open hilltops and wooded slopes, the area is strewn with paths making it a walker’s paradise. Our walks will finish in the village of Colwall, on the western side of the hills, at the Colwall Park Hotel for our annual dinner.
Map……………….…………........OS Explorer 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill
Walk Details……………………………...…………………….……..Tom Somervell
Sunday 15th February 2026 6:00 am The Chilterns
The Chilterns - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 324 square miles of countryside, forming a chalk escarpment across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. The Chilterns is a walker’s delight, with a network of footpaths and some iconic National Trails offering varied walking over rolling hills, beech woodlands and chalk downs. From the highest point on the walks Coombe Hill (260m) there is a monument to the Second Boer War. The view from here on a clear day takes in Cheq- uers to the West, the country home of the Prime Minister.
Maps…………… …………………...Explorer OL171 Chilterns Hills West OL181 Chilterns Hills North Walk Details…………………………………………...………………Anne Farmer
Friday 27th February– Monday 2nd March 2026 Club Weekend Lake District
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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
Sunday 19th April 2026 6:00am Trinnacle Trail - Saddleworth Moor
Saddleworth Moor is a moorland in North West England reaching more than 400m above sea level, it is in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park. The 'Trinnacle' is a remote and highly exposed rock formation at around 300m in altitude. Our walks will be based around the Trinnacle Trail offering a blend of serene waterside paths and exhilarating uphill challenges, including a scramble up the Birchen Clough waterfall, these routes promise an adventure through the heart of Saddleworth Moor.
Map…………….…………...Explorer OL1 The Peak District – Dark Peak Area Walk Details…………………..………………..……………………..Ian Broughton
Sunday 17th May 2026 6:00am The Lakes - Wetherlam
Wetherlam is a 763m mountain in the English Lake District, situated in the Southern Fells, north-west of Coniston village. Known for its historical copper mining and quarrying, the mountain's flanks are ex- tensively pitted with man-made excavations. It is the most northerly of the Coniston Fells, offering ex- cellent viewpoints. Starting from Skelwith Bridge the A and both B walks will ascend Wetherlam via its north eastern ridges and finish in Coniston, while the C walk will be circular starting from Coniston.
Map…………………………………...Explorer OL6 & OL7 English Lakes SE & SW Walk Details………………………………………………….….Wendy and Bob Price
Thursday 26th May 7.15pm Canwell Church
A walk through the woods and over the hills to Weeford and back. Convene in The Plough and Harrow afterwards.
Map ………………………….……….….Explorer 232: Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk details......………………………………………………………….………..John Collins
Thursday 20th June 7:15pm Sandwell Valley
Meet at the Malt Shovel on the Newton Road, Great Barr (B43 6HN) for a walk in the Sandwell Valley Country Park. This country park is perfect for a short walk where you will find a fully restored working Victorian farm with grazing meadows, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed buildings, a small museum and tea rooms. The park is also an RSPB nature reserve with several small lakes and bird hides.
Map…………………………………………............................Explorer 220 Birmingham
Walk Details…………………………………............................................Roger Needle
Thursday 25th July 7:15pm Kingsbury Water Park
Kingsbury Water Park is comprised of 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of stunning Country Park. Meet at the Dog and Doublet pub at Bodymoor Heath (B76 9JD) for a walk which will explore the hidden corners and wildlife of the Park. The walk may include the Birmingham and Fazeley canal,
Map…………………………………………….....Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk Details…………………………………...............................Catherine Frankenburg
FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH - FESTIVE DRINKS -7.00PM ONWARDS
A chance for members and friends to meet for an informal get together for Xmas drinks at Mere Pool, Mere Green. Come along from 7pm onwards to raise a glass together.
Tuesday 17th February 2026 7:45pm AGM
The AGM is the yearly opportunity for members to discuss any matters with the committee in a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Plough and Harrow, Rough- ley. The year's accounts will be distributed in advance, and our treasurer will ex- plain them and answer any questions.
Details From………………Tom Somervell/Carol Gosling
Saturday 5th April 50th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The Hill Walking Club is 50 years old in 2025!
We are holding a celebratory dinner on the evening of Saturday April 5th 2025 at Aston Wood Golf Club.
More details of how to book will be available from Carol Gosling
Now fully booked.
Doors open 6.45 pm, meal served 7.30 pm
Thursday 23th May 7:15pm Hurley
Meet at The Holly Bush pub in Hurley (CV9 2HX) for a walk that will take us on footpaths acros
Map………………………………………….......Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk Details………………………...............................................................Paul Burns
Friday October 18th 7:00pm Beer and Skittles
Come and join us for a fun evening of Beer and Skittles and a supper at Lea Marston Hotel, near Sutton Coldfield. Spouse or partners welcome. Pre-booking will be essen-tial.
Details………………………………………………………………………..…..Carol Gosling
All Those Years Ago!
The
seed was sown in the Autumn of 1973 when Ken Smithem was asked to arrange
walks for a few interested colleagues in the Lucas electronics factory at
Mere Green. Having thought he had discouraged them with the scramble up
Tryfan they came back for more, so the idea of a club was formed. At an
inaugural meeting, which was so well attended that it filled the whole canteen
area, the Lucas Fellwalking and Rambling Club was born. Representatives
from the nine main midlands factory areas were elected to produce a programme
of walks.
The
cold, 20 - seater coach for the first club walk, left the Great King Street
factory on 17th February 1974, bound for Lathkill Dale. In this first year.
members' subs were deducted from their monthly wages. Finding this arrangement
less than satisfactory, the club was dissolved at its first AGM in February
1975, and reopened to all-comers as the Hill Walking Club - a double entendre
reflecting the Hill Village area of its origin as well as our intention
of being much more than a rambling club.
>Ray
Siddell was the first chairman, and Stan Patchett designed the first club
badge which is still seen on a few rucksacks, and now on the website. Little
remains in the club archive from that very early period, but an entry from
May 1975 details two walks interestingly described as a 'Ramble' and a 'Fell
Walk'. The Ramble led by Joy and Ken Madeley took walkers from Patterdale,
along Grisedale to finish at Grasmere. The Fell Walk led by Stan Bellaby
and (of course!) Ken Smithem, was over St Sunday Crag, offering walkers
a chance to watch fell runners on the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Many
friendships, marriages, subgroups for weekly walks and backpacking have
been generated from the contacts through the Club – we all have that
common interest at heart.
May
it long continue.
Ken
| How
do I contact the club for more information? |
Use the contact email
link at the top of this page, and we will get back to you. It would
be useful if you leave a phone number. |
Can I come on the next walk?
|
Use the email link at the top of this
page and we will get back to you about coach availability, please leave
a phone number |
| Where do you meet? |
The coach picks us up from the car
park in Mere Green. |
| How do I become
a member? |
The Club Rules require that a prospective
member would normally have to complete 2 "B" walks succesfully
to be eligible for club membership. |
What fitness level is required?
|
A good level of fitness is required
as all walks are in mountainous and sometimes remote areas.An average
"B" walk is 18 kilometres in length and 900 metres of ascent,
depending on the terrain,to be completed in about 6 hrs |
What equipment is needed?
|
Please refer to the "Safety &
Kit" link |
What do I wear?
|
Please refer to the "Safety &
Kit" link |
| How much does it cost? |
The annual membership at present is £20.
The coach costs vary, depending on the distance travelled, but is
generally between £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. |
PRIVACY POLICY FOR HILL WALKING CLUB
Hill Walking Club takes your privacy seriously and is committed to ensuring that all personal information handled by the club is processed according to the legally compliant standards of the General Data Protection Regulations which came into force on 25thMay 2018. As a “controller” of the personal information that you provide to us, this privacy notice sets out how, why and for how long we will use your personal data, as well as whom it is shared with. It also explains your legal rights as a data subject and how to exercise them.
What we need from you
When you join as a member of Hill Walking Club or renew your membership, we may ask you the following personal information:
Contact details – name, address, email address, phone number and emergency contact details.
If you do not provide us with the personal information that we need this may affect our ability to offer you our membership services.
When we collect your data, we will ask your consent to use it in different ways e.g. preferred means of contact. We will only use your personal data in ways you have given us permission to do so.
Why we need your personal information
Administration
We collect and use personal data solely for administrative purposes in order to help us carry out our services to members.
This includes:
- Receiving membership subscriptions.
- Issuing membership renewal reminders
- Maintaining a contact database of our committee, leaders and members and their contact permissions.
- Fulfilling coach bookings placed on-line, over the phone or in person.
- AGM and Committee notices
- Organising club activities including recces.
- Reasons of safety on the hills in the event of difficulties or emergency
- Banking officers will have access to bank details when required.
Legitimate purposes
We may also share personal information with professional and legal advisors for the purpose of obtaining advice.
We respect your privacy and will not sell or disclose your personal information to any third party, including other walking groups locally or nationally.
How we protect your personal information
Your personal information is accessed by our committee, only for the purposes set out above. It is stored by our club in a password protected computer database and paper based filing systems which are securely stored.
How long we keep your personal information
We only keep your personal information for as long as necessary to provide you with membership services. Unless you ask us not to, we will review and delete your personal information where you have not renewed your membership with us for one year.
You have a right to:
- Change your communication preferences or restrict the processing of your personal data for specific purposes.
- Request that we correct your personal data if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Request that we delete your personal information.
- Access the personal data that we hold about you through a “subject access request”.
You can contact us by e-mail at: walking@hwcsc.co.uk
Complaints
If you are unhappy about how we have used your data, you can complain to the Honorary Secretary of the club
If you are not happy with our response, or you believe that your data protection or privacy rights have been infringed, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office which regulates and enforces data protection law in the UK. Details of how to do this can be found at www.ico.org.uk
Notification of change of Privacy Policy
Hill Walking Club reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Notice of any change will be posted on our website and will be deemed effective on publication.
Honorary Secretary
Hill Walking Club
August 2018
A well-equipped walker is a safe walker. In order to ensure our safety, and also to meet the requirements of our insurance policy, we would ask all members to take note of the following:
Members must wear appropriate clothing on all walks. In summer, if wearing shorts, it is recommended that long trousers should also be carried along with adequate clothing to protect the back of the neck and arms. Several different layers are better than one, as they are more flexible. Please be aware of the mountain weather in the area where the walk is taking place.
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 or woollen 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!
Any two members of the committee reserve the right to refuse a seat on the coach to any person they deem unsuitably dressed.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Rucksack. (Do not share).
Complete set of good quality waterproofs. (Jacket and over trousers)
Hat.
Gloves.
Walking Boots with a good ankle support and well cleated soles (Trainers or Approach Shoes are not acceptable).
Whistle
Adequate food and drink for the time out.
Flask of hot drink (especially in winter).
Plenty of water to stop you getting dehydrated (especially in summer).
Clean shoes to change into after the walk (to avoid wearing muddy boots on the coach)
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Compass
Torch
Appropriate maps of the walk
Personal first aid kit (A comprehensive first aid kit is carried by the leaders on each walk)
Sun cream (Even in winter, the sun can burn!)
Survival bag
Extra warm top
Spare socks
Gaiters
Change of dry clothing that can be left on the coach.
Some people may find walking poles useful
IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT YOU ON A WALK, YOU MUST LET A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE KNOW.
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Carol the "Chair" (Likes
to be addressed as Sir) |
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Bob, our membership secretary
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AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2025
Well done if you spotted that there was no summer newsletter -there was no significant news to report!
Autumn is with us again with colder days and darker evenings on the horizon. Please be prepared for more changeable conditions on the tops and make sure you have appropriate clothing. Make yourself aware of the weather forecast for the area we are visiting -more specific mountain forecasts are available on Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) or Met Office Mountain Weather.
Look forward to seeing you on the final three walks of 2025.
THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB
As we approach the end of our 50th year, our thoughts turn to the future of the club. Unfortunately in the last few years, several of our long standing regular leaders have stood down due to relocation, health or injury issues or age. On more than one walk this year it has been a real struggle to get a full complement of leaders and despite trying to spread the load, it often means the same people are making that commitment. We need members to come forward to join us on recces to gain experience as walk leaders and to find out more about how walks are organised, with a view to becoming future committee members whose duties would then include the day to day running of the club, attending recces, leading and planning walks. If you are interested in becoming a future committee member and becoming more involved in the club or if you would like more information, then please email Carol randc.gos@tiscali.co.uk or speak to a committee member.
AUTUMN WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 2025
Forty four participants enjoyed this year’s coastal walking weekend in Weymouth . (More than twice the numbers that attended the last weekend in this area in 2011!!) On Saturday the group boarded a coach to Lulworth Cove and after surviving a brief surprise rainstorm, embarked on the switchback route over the cliffs back to Weymouth. Anyone who previously thought coastal walking lacks challenge soon saw their error as they tackled the ups and downs, but the sun came out and afforded us iconic coastal views and all were able to take part at their own pace.
The public bus timetable behaved itself on Sunday and took us to the quirky “isle” of Portland for a club walk like no other. We took in the olympic sailing venue, two prisons and the industrial Portland stone quarry legacy, before enjoying the impressive sight of Portland Bill lighthouse and crab sandwiches from the Lobster Pot cafe in the sunshine. After lunch a hidden sculpture park proved fascinating and we had impressive views of Chesil beach. Most enjoyed a few beers from The Cove Inn by the beach to finish. It was generally agreed that the Crown Hotel gave excellent service and value for money. It was in a great central location and enabled participants to enhance their break by enjoying the delights of Weymouth, whether it was a quick dip in the ocean, some retail therapy or one of the many pubs with live music.
The weekend was hailed as a great success and may thanks were afforded to Roger Needle for his generously given time and thought with regard to the organisation.
DECEMBER WALK AND MEAL SUNDAY DECEMBER 14th 2025
The annual dinner will follow the December walk and will be held at the Wild Pheasant Hotel Llangollen.
You should have all received an email from Carol regarding this year’s Christmas dinner. Please make your menu choices and request your place as soon as possible. We do require payment in full of £45(non members £50) for the December walk & meal on or before October 31st. Many of you have indicated you wish to come but have not made menu choices or paid.
YOU ARE NOT COUNTED IN THE NUMBERS UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID AND CHOSEN YOUR MEAL
Further details of the arrangements for the day will be sent out to attendees nearer the day.
Please contact Carol randc.gos@tiscali.co.uk or the club via the website if you wish to come.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND PLEA FROM TREASURER
Membership fees for 2026 become due on 1st January and will remain at £20 for 2026.
You are welcome to pay these earlier if you wish but it would be really helpful to our treasurer if you clearly indicate with any bank payment what you are paying eg subs, Dec walk, Lakes weekend etc as well as your name to help identify exactly what is being paid for and to aid tracing any payments in the account.
LAKES WEEKEND – FEBRUARY 27th - MARCH 2nd 2026
In 2026 by popular demand, we will be returning to the Glaramara Hotel at Seatoller in Borrowdale for our Lakes winter weekend. Visited by the club in 2022, 2023 and 2025, this is a superb hotel in a prime location in the very heart of the Lake District. There are wonderful walks among the highest fells right from the hotel entrance.
We already have more than 35 people who have signed up, and rooms for them have been reserved. One reserved double room has now become available due to a cancellation, and the hotel may still have other rooms free. So, if you haven't signed up, but would like to come, please contact the weekend organiser, Tom Somervell (tomsomervell@gmail.com) as soon as possible (a £50 non-refundable deposit will be required per person).
Balances due will be required in January and Tom will be in touch by email with the amounts to pay nearer the time.
AUTUMN WEEKEND FRIDAY OCTOBER 9th– MONDAY OCTOBER 12th 2026
In 2026 the club will be staying at the Belgrave Hotel, Tenby and will be walking parts of the Pembrokeshire coast path. For further details and to request a place please email Roger Needle rwneedle@hotmail.com as soon as possible, to aid Roger with organising the weekend. Be aware places are limited and deposits of £30 are required to confirm your place.
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR.
The dates for 2026 are below. Destinations are yet to be finalised.
January 18th Sunday Walk
February 15th Sunday Walk
February 17th Tuesday AGM
Feb 27th- March2nd Winter weekend, Glaramara Hotel
March 22nd Sunday Walk
April 19th Sunday Walk
May 17th Sunday Walk
June 14th Sunday Walk
July 12th Sunday Walk
August 16th Sunday Walk
September 13th Sunday Walk
October 9th-12th Autumn Weekend, Tenby
October 18th Sunday Walk
November 15th Sunday Walk
December 13th tbc Sunday Walk & Dinner
HILL WALKING CLUB MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES
Bob Price, our membership secretary, has again been reviewing the club records to find those who have reached a significant anniversary (multiples of 5 years) in their years of membership.
In 2025 the following members will have completed:
5 Years.
Tony Herring
Paul White
10 Years.
Tony Francis
Gerald Gain
Ravinder Kalkat
Maninder Kalkat
Darryl Lilburn
Tony Millard
Barbara Twort
Alex Wilkins
15 Years.
Natalie Haycox
Dennis Haycox
Petra Knowles
Nigel Summers
25 Years
Pauline Rooker
50 Years
Graham Millin
Ken Smithem
FUND RAISING REMINDERS
EASY FUNDRAISING
The club has now received £200 in donations since we signed up to Easy Fundraising, an encouraging amount from only 9 supporters. It could be more if more of you signed up and requested donations for us.
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 and it costs you nothing. Some donations are only pence, but they all add up
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 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
QUOTE OF THE QUARTER
The greatest wealth is health - Virgil, Roman poet.
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.
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