Past EventsThis is where you'll find reports of some notable (but less recent) events. |
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October 2007 - Shropshire August 2007 - Dartmoor July 2007 - Scotland Week May 2007 - Pembrokeshire April 2007 - North Pennines (Eden Valley) February 2007 - Presteigne, Wales December 2006 - Alfriston September 2006 - Donegal, Ireland September 2006 - 70th Anniversary Buffet and Walk September 2005 - Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ireland July 2005 - French Alps April 2005 - Peak District July 2004 - Wye Valley |
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| October 2007 - Shropshire | Photos |
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Wilderhope Manor proved a great venue for what is our group's biggest weekend away in years. A grand manor with thick walls, old wooden circular staircases at each end, a maze of rooms with small windows and high wooden beams, and original plumbing. Bath and rest rooms were good quality but sparse. And our room configurations meant girls and guys were at the wrong ends for their respective toilets. Not too bad for us guys though as we very kindly used the private public conveniences hired by Paul and Beverley and their two sons for their exclusive use. You really didn't feel like remembering which of the many consecutive unmarked doors led quickly to the loos at three in the morning when you knew their was a loo through the first door en route. Anyway, 41 members attended the weekend. 39 arrived before 12:45am, Nisha, Kavita and Fiona arriving last after touring the motorways around Birmingham at night. All the best sights with HAWOG. The award though for most enthusiastic outdoor members goes to Magda and Phil. Arrived at 2am and unable to get in. Outside door locked, didn't know combination, no mobile phone signals, didn't know which rooms we were all in, and the windows were so small probably couldn't have hit them with anything anyway. No tent for these two though. Back seat in car for Magda, reclined front seat and a bloody good hiding for Phil I do believe. It wasn't just the sheep who were looking sheepish and a bit woolly on Saturday morning. Anyway, Saturday morning came and 36 of us headed west in mild, dry and cloudy conditions. We followed the major Jack Mytton Way south west for a few miles before exiting to Rushbury across two ploughed fields without the path marked and a disused railway line. From them on we took a variety of smaller paths to Hope Bowdler and its church, and our lunch stop half way point, Church Stretton. A nice village with many shop windows with displays of their wares. After a good hour for lunch we departed and followed the Jack Mytton Way all the way back for our return. Through Chelmick, Ticklerton and Eaton hamlets before reaching the edge of Wenlocks Edge which we climbed up to follow the ridge path home. All 36 returned home on foot completing the 15 miles before 6pm. Well done to you all. The dining room in Wilderhope Manor had high ceilings and a huge fireplace. We were served from 7pm, the food was good quality and very reasonably priced, three courses for £9 each. Or 5 courses for £9 as I understand if your name is Pete and you ate Humay and Phil Mcs pudding when they departed for the rugby. "You what". The Snug bar downstairs offered good ambience and background music. Most of us headed into Ludlow on Sunday, some for a walk in the woods on the towns outskirts, some for a look around the Castle and olde shops. There was an art gallery within the Castle walls plus an easy town walk via the river. Many met up later at the Cathedral (actually Parish church), highlights misericords. "Barney" gave a talk on wall construction and Rob one on medieval woodcarvings. People departed for home at various times during the afternoon. Thanks all for coming. Report by Steve R |
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| August 2007 - Dartmoor | Photos |
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The venue of the caving centre was ideal; it was in a secluded location, with a high wooded backdrop with the caves below, it was so secluded that many of us drove straight past the entrance a few times before locating it. The accommodation was basic but the essential amenities were all operational including the fire alarm even with no fire. The rooms needed a bit of an airing but after a while it was fine, the venue afforded complete freedom for the group and it was also within walking distance of Buckfastleigh. Unfortunately the museum was shut, but there were still a few exhibits and information within and outside of the centre. A walking route for Saturday was planned on the Friday evening; this was a circular walk around a section of the river Dart valley approximately 12 miles, not including all the undulations! The start being a short car journey from the hostel via Ashburton. The walkers were John and Ania and her mother Barbara, Tom and Anthea, Jun, Amy, Mike, Paul and me. Beverly and the boys Ollie and Archie went on a separate day trip. Saturday Saturday began warm and just became hotter and hotter as the day progressed, we all needed to be prepared with the lots of sun cream, water, sun hats and also plenty of bug repellant provided by Mike. We all gradually met up at the agreed start location at the car park of Newbridge Marsh not far from the village of Holne, we all trudged off at about 11am. There was some initial difficulty at first finding a clear path route but gradually this was more defined following the 'Two Moors Way' and onto the 'Dartmoor Way'. Footpaths on some of the initial sections were fairly steep and tiring, this was partly adjusting to the heat also. It proved to be a picturesque route with views down the river valley and also covering some of the moor land features. Quite a few photos were taken mostly of the Dartmoor ponies and their foals; they seemed quite at ease in the presence of people and were willing photo subjects. We all stopped for lunch sitting on top of 'Sharp Tor' amongst the rocky outcrops, it was an opportunity to cool down for a while and air our feet. We then had a further stop at Dartmeet Bridge, this is a popular tourist stopping point by the rivers edge, the atmosphere was very relaxed with people and dogs splashing around in the river and generally lazing around. So we joined in! The ice creams on sale there were more than welcome, some of us even wandered to the pub/restaurant for refreshment. (No names to protect the guilty). We were about at the half way stage of the walk, and when it was time to move on, I must admit it took me a while to get going again. We left the 'Dartmoor Way' path for our route back to the cars; this initially required us to cross a river section via large slippery stepping stones at irregular intervals within the river. Barbara was not keen on this route and disappeared; eventually John found her and helped her across, in some form of 18th century waltz they danced across the stones, to much applause! After passing through the oak wooded area and some further uphill sections, we must have all had a second wind as we were beginning to progress at a more steady pace. This was for me the best stretch of walk following roughly the contour of Holne Moor with fine views into the river valley and then crossing the dam at the picturesque area of the Venford reservoir. Following the route for a further couple of miles it was then a left turn at the road junction to Holne following the river back to the car park. We finished at approximately 6:30 pm. All in all it was a good walk with variety and good views of the glorious Devon countryside and quite testing considering the heat that day. We all looked forward for some refreshment later checking out some of the local brews at one of the locals in Buckfastleigh. Sunday Another bright sunny day, this time the group split to undertake various activities. Mike, with John, Ania and Barbara returned to where we had walked the previous day, whilst venturing further into the moor. Mike advised that once into the moor they spent quite a lot of the time laying down on the moor looking up at the sky. This seems a reasonable thing to do, relaxing in contrast to the previous day's exertions. Jun drove to the west side of the moors for a bike ride, she later advised that due to the stones on the tracks it was a bit bumpy so she kept to the road routes, the roads were not too busy, so all in all she had a good day. The remainder of us set out to go canoeing picking up the canoes from Totnes, to travel upstream of the River Dart to shoot the rapids! After some brief instruction form the proprietor we set of in two canoes, Tom and Anthea in one, Ami and I in the other. The arrangement is such that the person at the front paddles and the person at the rear steers (with some paddling). In our canoe Ami steered whilst I paddled, she expressed some slight nervousness at first which she soon overcome whilst correcting my paddling methods. So after a few visits into the bulrushes and trees we were soon moving along with a bit more confidence. Tom and Anthea were progressing along like a couple of old hands, I had the feeling this was not Toms first time with the paddle. We were moving against the current which was quite gentle along this initial stretch of river, and quite relaxing with not too much paddling effort. Tom was in his element, his American roots were beginning to show by giving some fine renditions of 'Way down upon a Swannie River' echoing down the banks of the Dart. Tom and Anthea also went side to side now and again to allow Anthea to check out and record the local flora. After contacting Tom for directions (via the mobile in a big waterproof bin in the middle of the canoe) we were later joined by Paul, Beverly and the boys, Ollie and Archie. We managed to find a suitable place pull in where we all met up for a bit of a break and refreshment. The boys were in good spirits and looked to be enjoying the whole canoeing experience, so much so they wanted their Mum and Dad to go home by canoe instead of the car! After the break we all continued to head upstream. The steam train line followed the route of the river and every now and again you would hear a 'toot toot' then the steam train would pass by and the passengers would wave and we would all wave back, I would imagine to some constant amusement for the boys. Along the route we observed as many as eleven kingfishers, or was it just one following us flying backwards and forwards! None the less it's still quite exiting seeing some wild life we rarely see normally at home. Anthea spotted a fairy garden along the bank in the middle of nowhere, complete with snow white and the seven dwarves. We don't often see these either! Further upstream the current was becoming stronger and was made worse by a feeder stream into river, this was to prove my undoing. Paul, Beverly and the boys somehow sailed through it whilst the rest of us really struggled to get through, going just side to side without making any headway. Paul later confided that he developed some sort of push along the river bottom technique with the oars. In the end Tom and Anthea manoeuvered their canoe to the edge of the river where it was reasonably shallow, then Tom got out for a paddle and pulled their canoe though the last difficult stretch. Ami and I followed suit. We carried on a little way further, but I must admit I was whacked! Paul, Beverly and the boys headed back and after pulling up for a good rest we also followed them back downstream to where we started. It was a leisurely drift back just going with the flow of the current with little or no paddling, whilst taking the opportunity to dry off! Many thanks to Tom for organizing the canoe hire which proved to be an enjoyable day out and to Ami for putting up with my dodgy paddling. Also to everyone else for their good company. Monday Another bright sunny start for the day. After packing and tidying up, many of us wondered down in various groups to Buckfast Abbey. The grounds of the Abbey are quite large, consisting of the buildings associated with the Abbey, a produce shop selling various smellies and drink but no Abbey honey left! A water mill, rather large one and various gardens also a very large Abbey. I found the healing herb gardens to be most interesting, I have always believed that man's cures are growing around him. And women's too! The centerpiece of the Abbey was a rather modern, very large glass mosaic of Jesus located at the very rear; it captured the light perfectly shinning and radiating throughout the Abbey leaving the visitor with a lasting impression of the visit. After a walk through Buckfast in search of the elusive cream tea, it was time to head home. Many thanks for a great time and good company till we meet again, and thanks to John for organising the trip. Report by Ken |
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| July 2007 - Scotland Week | Photos |
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Even though the rain reigned during our week in Scotland, we still managed a variety of outdoor activities every day. 20 mile walks, climbs up the highest mountains and canoeing being among the highlights. Our accommodation, Feshiebridge Lodge, 5 miles south of Aviemore, was good quality. We had exclusive use of the whole lodge which comprised 3 chalets and a family flat connected via a central communal area. Each chalet had 4 bedrooms and modern kitchen, showers and lounge area, and was a bargain price at only £8 pppn. The lodge was next to a lake (Loch Insh) and the small village of Kincraig. During the week we climbed, at various times, Cairn Gorm (Sunday and Thursday), the second highest peak in the UK Ben Macdui (Tuesday) and on our last day, Friday most of us headed over to Fort William to climb Ben Nevis. 19 of us reached the summit, all starting the climb just after 11am. Well done to (girls) Caroline, Fiona, Jackie T, Jolandi, Kathy C, Kim and (guys) Andy W, Dave T, Glyn, Jeff, Laurence, Martin S, Mike K, Mike S, Rob, Rich, Salim, Steve N and me. The first of us reached the summit about 1:30pm, by 2pm it was raining heavy and we headed down, reaching the Ben Nevis Inn at the base just before 4pm. Apart from that 30 minute downpour the weather was dry and mild. Special well done to Dave T for perseverance; he returned to earth about 11pm and our base in Feshiebridge Lodge just after 1am. Our main walks involved (Monday) most of us pursuing a distance low level walk following General Wade's Military Road, a historic route that offered early depart points for those who did not fancy the full 20 miles back to Feshiebridge Lodge. We visited the ruins of Ruthven Barracks and walked through Inshriach Forest during the afternoon. Apart from a 15 minute heavy downpour about 5pm the day arguably offered the best weather. On Wednesday some of us enjoyed a mix of mountain walking and 'bouldering' and a route taking in the Reindeer Centre (rain dear would have been more appropriate - it did rain quite heavily for a few hours early afternoon) and Creag a' Chalamain were we stopped for lunch. The route also circled Loch Molich (by mistake for some!). And as the evening presented sun and dry, Salim and I decided to walk to Aviemore and then back to Feshiebridge Lodge, returning just before 9:30pm, a good 20+ miles in total. Other day walks encompassed Lochan Geal and Loch Insh. Six also went canoeing on Loch Insh. More leisurely activities involved around 20 taking the 42 mile trip on The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig, a trip to Inverness for food and cinema one evening, and taking advantage of our free access to the Dalfaber Country Club for swimming and saunas. As always there was plenty of good hearted banter, satire and jokes. Glyn demonstrated his verbal dexterity with some very dodgy impressions of South Africans, the Scottish, Irish and a Mancunian duck. Unfortunately the natural places for such talent no longer exist: most 'care homes' have long since closed and there are few circuses nowadays. As always Shakespeare delivered the corniest one-liners. And we all put the world and the group to right most nights as at least one of our chalets became the hub of activity for the many night owls amongst us. Soft and not so soft beverages flowed into the small hours. The lodge warden asked about the aerial attached to a long cable over a number of trees from one of our chalets. It was David's, he had set up his amateur radio from his chalets lounge; funnily enough I hadn't put myself in that chalet... Had its uses though, we had no TV, internet and local radio stations due to our remote location. So at 11pm on Wednesday evening, immediately before returning to my own chalet of course, I asked David to use his wireless to find the local weather forecast. 8:30am the following morning we were greeted with "I have the weather forecast for Calais". Part of me still wonders whether there was some mix up with the words chalet and Calais. And of course we all witnessed "Orville", the duck, who sat neatly on the finger and was a bargain at only 50p. Not quite the real thing though, being yellow rather than green. We felt like ducking whenever we heard or saw it coming though. On Thursday evening a variety of pictures and words (from cut out letters) mysteriously appeared in various people's rooms. Then more the following morning. Like a murder mystery game rumours and conspiracy theories abound as to who was responsible. I can exclusively reveal that I was the culprit who posted the first ones in Andy/Dave and Glyn/Pete's rooms. Whilst I could find pictures of the other things I wanted I could not find a picture of a duck so had to resort to cutting out letters to spell "Orville". Many thanks to all who researched and organised various activities during the week, to all for cooking, cleaning, entertaining etc, to those who drove, and to all for the Blacks vouchers, much appreciated, I will put them towards a new waterproof map cover and gaiters. For the record, for those travelling on the minibus (9 of us), our total accommodation and travel cost (including petrol) was just over £140 each for the week - or £20 a night. Good quality accommodation, travel and outdoor activities in beautiful countryside really is that cheap; don't pay more. Thanks all for coming. Report by Steve R |
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| May 2007 - Pembrokeshire | Photos |
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Around 30 went to Pembrokeshire for the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. We stayed at St Davids hostel, around 2 miles from the smallest city in Wales, but only a short walk from St Davids Head and Whitesands Bay. The hostel was spread over 3 buildings of varying standards, and all the rooms were a bit on the small side. A few arrived at around 6:30 pm on Friday, the remainder at various times up to around 1 am on Saturday. On Saturday, after a fairly late start, around 20 of us walked northwards around 12 miles along the Pembrokeshire coastal path. The path was quite rugged in the early stages, but we were able to make better progress after lunch, stopping for ice cream at Abereiddy, and finishing at a pub in Trefin, where some waited for lifts back to the hostel. In the evening, most of the group congregated at the Farmers Arms, the only pub in St Davids. Dean also led a post-midnight walk around the St Davids headland with 3 others - they finally made it back by 2.30am - the previous night's orienteering training was well practised. The weather forecast for Sunday wasn't too encouraging but, remarkably, 10 of us gathered for a circular walk southwards along the coastal path. We reached the lifeboat station at St Justinians after a couple of miles, where 4 of the group decided to head inland towards St Davids, while the rest of us carried on along the coastal path, buffeted by the wind and braving occasional showers. Further on, we managed to find just enough shelter to allow us to eat our packed lunches, where we were joined by Mike S, who had managed to catch up with us. At the next footpath heading inland, 2 of us headed for St Davids, leaving the remaining 5 to carry on along the coastal path, 3 of them managing to complete the full 12 miles which had originally been envisaged. A few others from the group managed to do some cycling in spite of the bad weather. Most of the rest of the group spent the day in St Davids. In the evening, some went to a pub a few miles away in Solva (and took part in a pub quiz which they just failed to win), some went to St Davids, whilst most spent the evening at the hostel, which included an hour-long game of Scrabble. On Monday, 3 of us did a 1.5 hour horse ride, which included about 8 canters across Nolton beach in glorious sunshine. The horses were allowed to ride through the breaking waves in 3 groups. The riding school is probably the best yet - we spent about 45 minutes on the beach with great views along the coast. 6 of the group did the boat trip around Ramsey Island - many porpoises were seen diving alongside the boat, as well as grey seals, razorbills and many other sea birds. Afterwards 5 of us explored Haverfordwest castle. Another group took in Pembroke castle on the way back. Thanks to everyone for coming. Report by Phil |
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| April 2007 - North Pennines (Eden Valley) | Photos |
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Sixteen of us made the long trip to south Northumberland to enjoy the delights the Eden Valley had to offer. The hostel was very comfortable and well equipped. We were kept warm in the evenings from an open log fire in the lounge. The warden made an effort to learn our names as our breakfasts were served to us at the table. On Good Friday we split into two groups, one for the strenuous walk and one for the moderate walk. The strenuous walkers made a good 20 mile hike along the Pennines, taking in High Cup Nick, an interesting geological feature, along the way. They were all looking forward to a well-deserved drink in a remote village pub towards the end of the walk, only to find out when they arrived that the pub had closed down years ago! The moderate hikers in the morning completed a four mile circular walk of Dufton pike on the edge of the Pennines, taking in great views across the Eden valley, with the peaks of the Lake District distinctive on the horizon. In the afternoon another circular walk of about four miles was made across the Eden valley itself, starting and finishing in Dufton Gorge, a beautiful wooded gorge, but steep sided.. It was here, unfortunately, that Janice strained a knee ligament. Bev and the boys had a great time at a local emu farm. On Easter Saturday we arrived at Appleby station to take the train through to the Yorkshire dales. Nothing moving due to a power failure at Carlisle. Action plan B. Steve and Glyn had their own ideas and off they went. Paul, Bev and co went off in search of a steam train. The rest of us did a beautiful 12 mile walk out along the river Eden and back along the river Hoff. Gina and Brian made the most of the opportunity of coming across a caravan site to indulge in some ice cream, as indeed we all did! When arriving back at Appleby that evening, a tea shop visit was made to celebrate. Brian is a regular there now. Gordon had to depart for London and left us. Martin S did his own thing and went off on his bike in search of Sky. He only found another cyclist and they spent the day together riding the Pennines. They discovered just how hilly the Pennines are. Paul and co found the steam train and had a great time with the kids. Easter Sunday involved doing what was planned on Saturday. Brian led a group out onto Pen-Y-Ghent. Great views from the top, if a bit windy. Evelyn led a group of 3 on a walking tour of Settle and woods nearby. Bev and the kids enjoyed going up and down on the train, enjoying the scenery. Steve and Glyn firmly had the bit for some distance hiking and completed a 26 mile hike. The two Martins enjoyed a fantastic bike ride along the Eden valley, virtually traffic free, managing 105 kilometres. On Easter Monday we took it easy and visited the Eden Sculpture Park and tearooms in the morning, and Hutton-in-the-Forest country estate and tearooms in the early afternoon. We set off back to London at about 2.30pm. The weather was good throughout the whole trip with Saturday and Sunday being extremely sunny. There were several good places to eat out at in the evenings too. Report by Martin J |
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| February 2007 - Presteigne, Wales | Photos |
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Global warming showed its bright side last weekend with blue skies and exceptionally mild weather for our 3 days in Presteigne, Powys, Wales. Fourteen of us (11 girls, 3 guys and 1 child) stayed in 2 gorgeous cottages with 10 bedrooms, all modern conveniences for a total price of £21 - only £7 each a night. Deals like this really can be found occasionally at this time of year; we saved £50 by bypassing the middle men (cottages4you, welcome-cottages etc) and got a further 20% discount direct from the vendor. It was T-shirt weather on Saturday, most of us de-layering within the first hour of our 12 mile walk from New Radnor north up Knowle Hill to the mast at the top of Black Mixen (650m). Same point as last year but via a different route, and our blue skies meant we could enjoy the views for miles. We stopped for lunch before entering the beautiful Riggles corner of Radnor Forest and continuing west toward Cowtod where our path turned distinctly south with a hint of east thrown in for good measure. We descended this path for about 3 miles to Crinfynydd before stopping to see the Water-break-its-neck waterfall. 1.5 miles north east along the A44 took us to our cars just after dusk around 5:30pm with the route successfully completed by all 13 who started. On Saturday evening, some of us had kebabs for dinner, no not from a Welsh equivalent of Stavros, but the sit-down-in-a-restaurant variety, with salad, rice, falafel etc and plates and cutlery. Others cooked in, and then sampled the local public houses. Channel 4 provided the late night entertainment in one cottage at least, with some of us watching the Bitter Moon film “…Polanski tale of obsessive lust…” and debating its vintage. We were wrong, the dainty Hugh Grant fooled us all; the film was released in 1992. Our main walk on Sunday was another 12 mile circular route, this time from Clun just over the border in Shropshire. Only 4 of us alive and kicking in time today (Fiona, Jackie, Rich, me); weather and temperatures again fantastic. Our route commenced at the bridge over the River Clun and a walk around the ruins of Clun Castle. We picked up the Shropshire Way and followed it for about 4 miles, gradually climbing before stopping for lunch just before 1pm. We did not want to move, soooo nice lazing with views of rolling hills. 2pm came and went and so did we. We continued briefly on the Shropshire Way down to and beyond Three Gates before heading south on the Offa’s Dyke through Mardu, Bryndrinog and the Clun Valley. We saw the remains of the Dyke. Our terrain undulated frequently, loads of hills, trees, plants and wildlife, and the bestist views. Our last climb for the day started around 4:15pm reaching our final summit, Spoad, just before 5pm. The sun had set and we enjoyed the gentle decreasing light of dusk for the next 40 minutes or so while we headed down to Burfield. Reminded some of us of that long golden Saturday in Eyam, June 2003, our big 22 mile walk, evening meal in pub, and reaching the hostel across wild fields around 10:30pm. February of course means shorter days and walks, and we reached our cars for 6pm after following the last stretch of our walk, the Jack Mutton Way. The walk was definitely more lamb though. Food for the evening again varied, I took advantage of the Indian en-route home; others had fish and chips. Monday saw a variety of departure times, the owner was not strict about us leaving by 10am, and the drop in temperature and mist which greeted me (and I presume the others) upon our return home felt like when your plane touches down following that holiday somewhere warmer. Thanks to all for coming, and especially first time weekenders with HAWOG (Cinzia, Lucia, Natasha and Julie). Report by Steve |
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| December 2006 - Alfriston | Photos |
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28 happy hikers from north-west London’s favourite outdoor activities group - HAWOG - engaged in a weekend of walking around the south coast on the first weekend in December. Our group comprised 14 girls, 13 guys and 1 child. Arrival on Friday evening was staggered with the final stragglers - Fiona, Katrin and Ashok - tapping on the window after midnight. The banter and jokes continued over a few sneaked bottles of wine (the kitchen had been closed since 11pm) before bed called for the majority around 1am. Saturday morning and all were ready by 9:40am to depart on what turned out to be an 11 mile walk from YHA Alfriston. We headed south following the South Downs Way through Litlington and Westdean villages and Friston Forest to the start of our coastal walk along the Seven Sisters. We undulated with the Sisters before heading north to our lunch stop, the Tiger Inn pub, in East Dean village. Whilst 14 of our group were purchasing lunch and drinks in the pub the remaining 9 of us were getting told off outside. Our crime? Something like ‘... it’s not really fair to eat your own food at pub tables when the pub sells food...’ Maybe (if) next time we will sit on the green opposite the pub and NOT buy a drink (7 of us had) and the numerous tables can remain empty? Miserable sod. Or maybe buy a drink and do a 'Brian Graham' - instructions: covertly place your backpack between your knees, open, break your lunch into pieces (as if you were going to feed the ducks) and then... QUICKLY place a piece into your mouth. No doubt before long it will be on You’ve Been Framed or a dodgy talent show. We departed East Dean at 2pm heading north-west climbing through Friston Forest and then Litlington. We arrived in Alfriston village at 4pm just as the Dickensian Festival was starting. The WI served up excellent value home made tea and cakes (£1 for the pair) before we saw a ‘parade of lampshades’ (well that's what they looked like to me) heading into the village. The evening was spent in the village with the music, costume, stalls, street-dancers and of course, a few of the pubs. The weather throughout the day and evening was fabulous: dry, mild, with blue sky and sun during the afternoon. Sunday involved a variety of activities, some headed west to Brighton; others went to see the animals on a local farm; our main walk was only 7 miles distance to enable a number of us to meet a 3pm depart deadline. Our route headed north through Alfriston and Berwick villages following the Vanguard Way. At Selmeston village we turned and headed south west to and up Bostal hill and our highest point. The wind was in our faces for a good 20 minutes until we descended towards some woods, The Comp, for lunch. We returned to Alfriston just after 2pm, in good time to depart for home. The smaller number of walkers made for a faster pace and apart from a brisk 10 minutes downpour during the morning our walk was again dry. Thanks all for coming, in particular welcome to first timers Salaxa, Damian, Ashok and Richard, hope to see you all on another event very soon. Report by Steve |
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| September 2006 - Donegal, Ireland | Photos |
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9 girls and 4 guys partook in our group’s week in Donegal on the north-west coast of Ireland. Our accommodation again proved excellent, a high up, 5 bedroom cottage with a conservatory giving views over Teelin and Tawny Bays and the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The weather was fantastic, t-shirts and shorts weather everyday, temperatures in the low twenties with sun and blue skies. Our early depart from Luton airport on Saturday meant we arrived at Knock airport before lunch, and our destination, Kilcar, by mid-afternoon. We spent the evening in a restaurant and a few bars in the village. I struggled to find veggie food in any of the local shops: no quorn, tofu, falafel etc. Not even some unhealthy, fat-loaded, veggie food. Even the cows were eating grass. Details of our main outdoor activities follow, other activities included trips to Muckros Head, Saint John's Point, Aran Island, Donegal (town) and Lidl (supermarket).
Our early start (we aimed for 6:30am depart) on Saturday proved wise. Good risk management. Just in case one of our 3 cars was delayed. Maybe going to the wrong airport: Sligo, not Knock? Despite all the corny 'Knock Knock' jokes exchanged on arrival; you don't need to be an idiot to make that kind of mistake do you. Another source of confusion is that both words have 5 letters. Ultimately we all met at the correct airport in good time to return our 3 cars and board the plane home. Our week in Donegal cost us around £133 each for flights, accommodation, cars and communal food - less than £20 pppn. Thanks all for coming. Report by Steve |
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| September 2006 - 70th Anniversary Buffet and Walk | Photos |
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Around 60 past and present members of our Harrow and Wembley Outdoor Group (HAWOG) - previously called WEMROW and the Harrow and Wembley YHA Group - descended on Sudbury on Saturday for our 70th Anniversary Buffet. The venue was ideal, a grand hall and ample parking for cars. The buffet was prepared by Joyce and Mary, two past members who met through the group during the 1950s and became life-long friends. A feast and great selection of food - home cooked, Marks and Spencer (only the best), vegetarians and carnivores catered for, hot and cold beverages, and two cakes with a photograph printed on the icing of members from the 1950s. Ralph Chenery (Chair during the 1950s) thanked Joyce and Mary for their efforts. Flowers were presented to Joyce and Mary before the cake was cut by our oldest past member in attendance - Les Drane - who joined the group during the Second World War in 1944. Les, now in his eighties, is a Professor and Atomic Physicist.
We were told that in the fifties girls in the group joked that YHA stood for Your Husband Assured as so many members met their partners in the group during that time. Everyone in the group was a member of the real YHA (Youth Hostels Association), not because it was compulsory in order to join our group (it still is today) but because the YHA and the group offered the best chance for many people to see fantastic parts of the UK at reasonable prices (it still does today). Foreign travel was more expensive than today, feet, bicycles and buses were the most common modes of transport (cars were not allowed to be parked at YHA hostels until the mid sixties). Travel to hostels would often involve cycling (in all sorts of weather, distances of 50+ miles were common), bus or train - few people had cars. Another reason for the popularity of the YHA and groups like ours was because many more people lived, worked and played closer to where they were brought up. And guys returning from National Service could easily make friends upon their return. Dinner and dance events were more common than today. The group had more young members as society was less materialistic - getting outdoors, walking, cycling, hostelling, camping, weekends away with friends was more cool and the norm. Shirley Fox said "the group was boisterous but not destructive". Members from more recent decades (1980s) also met up, thanks to Janet and Pete Coombs, Jacqui and Ian Parker, and Lynne and Mick O'Connell. The 15 present members who attended were treated to a unique opportunity to see group memorabilia and meet past members from bygone ages.
Report by Steve |
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| September 2005 - Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ireland | Photos |
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10 of us returned from the HAWOG week in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Ireland. We stayed in a modern 5 bedroom detached house in a small town called Birr in Offaly in the centre of Ireland.
We arrived in Limerick shortly after 8pm for food before arriving in Birr by 11pm on our first Saturday. A deliberate late start on Sunday followed before our 8 mile walk in the Slieve Bloom mountains. The walk started at Glenbarrow close to 2pm and finished at Monicknew about 6pm. Monday saw different activities. Two cars headed south along the River Shannon seeking water activities. Our third car - the 'girlie car' - went to Portumna for an easy 6 mile walk. Jolandi, Jackie, Suella and myself enjoyed views of an old castle, the River Shannon and Jackie falling on her backside a number of times whilst fighting the 'day of the triffids' huge grass. Or is she just too short? Apparently someone saw a taller leprichaun. It was a tad boggy in a few places though. Tuesday was our 'big walk' day. A 20 miler. We were all ready to depart by 9:30am and started the walk by 10:20am. The route was anti-clockwise starting at Glenletter then taking in Knocknaman, Glendine and Gorteenameale. Our route through the Slieve Bloom mountains offered distant forest views including one immensely gorgeous valley of trees amongst grass with a stream running through. We reached our cars just before dusk at 8pm. A few found muscles that had not been used for some time. Well done to all for completing the walk, especially Katerina and Dimitris.
Saturday involved being ready to depart by 10am. And surprisingly all of us were, despite our late night before. We headed towards Limerick for lunch for a few hours before catching the plane from Shannon to Luton. Jackie finished the week by catching her index finger in my car door. Lots of blood. First time I have ever heard Jackie swear. Four letter word. Not ouch. Sounds like duck. Still she has 3 other fingers so can complete the groups accounts in time for our forthcoming AGM. Our week in Ireland cost around £140 each, including accommodation, flights, car hire, petrol and insurance - excellent value. I'd be happy to organise another week in Ireland next year if there's sufficient interest. Thanks all for coming, I hope you enjoyed it. Report by Steve |
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| July 2005 - French Alps | Photos |
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We stayed in a Swiss-style chalet in surrounding mountain landscape in the village of Aussois. Resturants, village shop, bakery and butcher, tourist information, sports/equipment shops within walking distance. I think most of us managed to get to the bakery to pick up some freshly baked baguettes for breakfast or for lunches. The cakes, gateaux and pastries were a very tempting display. As mentioned, activities included several early start mountain walks led by Laurent, Steve, Abde on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. Also lake walks and walks to the forts. Lots of refuges along the routes selling hot drinks and food which were a welcome break to all those who used them especially Kim and Audrey!!
I experienced my first outdoor rock climbing in a few years thanks to Hamid and Rene-Luc. They set up ropes and routes - very safe as the hooks were already in the rocks. Again something we do no have in UK with outdoor climbing. Tom and I had already some experience with indoor climbing and belaying, and Patrick, Abde and Sadia were beginners and did very well, I was impressed. Well done guys! We all managed to do several climbs of 20/30 metres up the rock face on Tuesday morning. It was well worth all the effort as the views were fantastic when you reached the top. Less scary than the Via Ferrata!!
A warm sunny Tuesday afternoon after my morning climb, I joined a group of us to do Via Ferrata for 3 hours, as Mark mentioned not for the faint hearted!!! Clipped in and harnessed and roped up in two teams of six (team 1 leader, Mark, Steve, Pauline, Harpreet, Darren and me; team 2 - Prem, Derek, Kim, Audrey, Patrick and Tom). Vertical climbing along a rock face with a sheer drop below, walking on metal ladder steps and very narrow ledges!! At times, scary to say the least. Prem, Kim and Audrey's laughing and joking helped to take away some of the pressure and most of us muttered a few "French words" too.. Group 2's instructor spent most of this time on his mobile phone but both leaders helped us when we got stuck. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support - a real team effort by all. Abde, Sadia, Hamid and Rene-Luc took a hard route on the other side of the cannon using their own safety equipment, which included passing behind a waterfall and crossing a wire bridge! I thought our route was going to be easy but now I am glad that I opted for this route. We all met up at the Devil's Bridge for photographs and a well-earned drink of water and rest before heading back up to the car park.
Thanks to Sadia for cooking a wonderful couscous and those who helped with the shopping, preparation and clearing up. Thanks to Kim, Abde and Sadia for organising the meal out Friday night for the meal. 4 course meal and 5 course meal. Very yummy puddings! Report by Jackie The holiday was absolutely the best! I loved every minute of it and yes as Jackie said, I am terrified of heights but this made the challenge 100% more rewarding. I thought I was reasonably fit as I swim 3 times a week and do a little Salsa, but I found myself using muscles that haven't been used - probably since school - not going there! Abde and Sadia, you did us proud, all the hard work and time you invested to ensure this holiday went without a hitch, I don't think there was anything you missed. Your choice of location, Aussois was delightful, so picturesque, and the people were so very friendly. I miss my 7am stroll to the bakers for a baguette, the hustle and bustle of the kitchen first and last thing in the day and of course I miss the mountains. I drew the short straw for a bed in the chalet, in fact I still can't straighten myself up, I swear I was moving around an area 3' high. But the dorm share had its own rewards and we did have a giggle and luckily enough the girls I shared with were up for a bit of laughter and a boogie woogie on the last couple of nights, as were a couple of you guys - you know who you are. The car share also proved very entertaining with a lot of banter going back and forth. Kim and Darren did the driving and although they were both a bit cautious in the beginning, (especially when finding themselves on the same side of the road as oncoming cars) they soon adjusted and were zooming around those long and winding roads. We crammed so much in in the space of 6 days, walking in the mountains and forests, visiting forts; cable car to Mont Blanc, sightseeing - there was something for everyone. What an adventure it was and now sadly I am back behind a computer and it is becoming a distant memory, but I was there, I touched the mountains and the mountains touched me. Thanks for a great holiday and here's to the next. Report by Kathy |
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| April 2005 - Peak District | |
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Ravenstor is a lovely hostel in Derbyshire, in the middle of the Peak District National Park, and was the venue for an excellent April weekend for fifteen members of HAWOG. Activities included a 13 mile walk along picturesque Millers Dale and Chee Dale, horse-riding, and a 60 mile cycle ride to and from Sheffield. For three members (Evelyn, Elissa and Helena), it was their first weekend away with the group. Evelyn and Elissa started their weekend early on Friday and called en route at the Heights of Abraham to explore its underground caverns, wander the woodland paths and enjoy the breathtaking (heart-stopping?) cable-car ride. Nearly everyone arrived at the hostel well before closing time on Friday night but Patrick's motorbike broke down on the M1 (perfect conditions: dark, cold wind, heavy rain turning to sleet...) - luckily Steve was only a few miles away and stopped to provide a lift by car for the rest of the way. (Thanks to Steve, Magda and Mike for hanging around patiently till the AA had sorted out relaying the bike back to London, and thanks to Pete for staying up late to let us in). Saturday morning saw keen road cyclists Ian, Tom and Martin undertake a nice 'leisurely' 62 mile cycle ride on quiet, undulating 'C' roads: Martin organised a circular route from Ravenstor towards the snow-covered fields of Chapel en le Frith, then east to Hope for cafe brunch around 11.30am, then heading southeast to the outskirts of Sheffield for a pub lunch at around 2.30pm. They returned to Ravenstor via Monsal Head and Millers Dale, arriving at around 7pm. Martin's only disappointment was that none of the pubs they passed had football TV coverage (FA Cup Semi-final weekend)!
Sunday dawned mistily but later turned into a fine day. Gilly and Brian had an early start to get to the windswept village of Flash (1525 ft above sea level - claimed as highest village in England (Yes Brian, England, not UK; Scotland has a higher village)). Their 2 hour hack covered several hillsides with 2 canters across a plateau with a fine view of the western Peak District stretched out in the distance. Brian's horse, Rolly, was so named for his propensity to roll over without warning! So it was an exhilarating experience, as they negotiated several precipitous descents, leaning back on the horses & holding tight to the saddle as the horses stepped down each large step... Brian said "Well worth it for the grand views from the saddle as we traversed one of the highest areas in the Peaks". Evelyn and Elissa visited the village of Eyam for a morning coffee on their way to Chatsworth (Chatsworth House and gardens were magnificent) and they also went for a walk around Bakewell and stopped for the compulsory cream tea before driving home.
Meanwhile, the eight remaining walkers went on a pleasant (6 or so miles) walk around Eyam, Abney and Bretton. Entertainment was provided by a stubborn ewe and her lamb, standing firm, stamping her foot and staring down a farmer and his collie for 10 minutes, and then later by Mike Mac's excellent 'hide-a-big-stone-in-Patrick's-rucksack' trick... There were fine views from the heather topped Eyam Moor, then downhill to Stoke Ford, uphill through the wood with the ants' nests, via the hamlet of Abney before stopping for lunch at 'The Barrel' at Bretton. Brian, Gina and Gilly joined us there before our return to Eyam for the compulsory cream tea or optional 'Plague Pie'.
Report compiled by Patrick |
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| July 2004 - Wye Valley | |
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By the time I and Dean had arrived Friday night in the pitch black via a diversion along the wrong bank of the River Wye, the locals were getting restless. This guy ran up to the car and started threatening us that he'd have us thrown off the campsite as he was close personal friends with the owner. He said he had kids asleep in the tent. Perfectly understandable, but a bit unexpected. So we put up Dean's tent quietly in the dark and I then went to sleep with the earth-shaker, Kezza (thanks, mate for the sleeping space, much appreciated). In the morning I woke at 7am to the sound of pots and pans being banged right outside Dean's tent! So I got up to investigate and a couple of minutes later it happened again. This woman purposely stumbled whilst walking past Dean's tent and threw her bag of pots and pans down on the ground. Then proceeded to slam them back in the bag, one by one, as loud as possible. She seemed a little crazy but I felt bold enough to approach. I opened with, "Nice dog you have there". "Get away or he'll rip your hands off", she retorted. Sensing a slight negativity in her attitude towards me, I decided to go for broke. "Sorry if we were a bit noisy last night". This seemed to get her goat. "He's sorry" she shouted sarcastically to her husband half a campsite away. She seemed a bit upset. "Oh", I thought, "Whatever happened last night to keep them awake, must have been pretty bad". I suppose that we could have been quieter, but we weren't exactly shouting. Maybe in future we should be a little more considerate of other campers, especially those with young families. Things seemed possibly dodgy as they'd continued their grudge over to the morning and they had targeted Dean, though I'm sure he was one of the quietest of us. So they decided to have us thrown off and by 10am the owner had told us to leave. By 10.30am he'd changed his mind and gave us another chance. This was due to three people from other tents going up to the owner and supporting us, saying that we weren't all that noisy. Phew! There's a lesson here (or two!) If you're going to camp at the same place that you get canoes from, then don't get thrown off the campsite. This is likely to result in you losing all the money you've paid as deposit for the canoeing. Thanks to Mark for brilliantly negotiating us another chance.
The next idea was to try and paddle back up the rapids. A bit silly if you ask me. I mean, were they trying to make things difficult for us? So Mark S showed us how to do it and Amanda and the other Mark were close behind zig-zagging their way from one still eddy on one side to the next one up on the other side. Kernackerin'!
That evening, a bunch of us headed for the Monmouth Festival five miles away. There was a good band playing free out in the open in the town square and all the locals were out to see it. It was Eddy and the Hotrods who'd been on the road for the last 25 years. They didn't play anything of their own that I knew, but they were damn fine musicians, especially the drummer and one of the two lead guitars. It rocked. Cool. And the cover versions were great. I went down the front with Dean and the local 15-year-olds. Those staying behind at the campsite went for a nice meal at the nearby pub. On Sunday morning, a walk and a cycle ride were planned. Some of the guys biked to Monmouth via an old railway track running along the Wye Valley. A group of eight of us walked to a pub along a steep escarpment. At the pub we had lunch and saw a little lizard on a wall. The owner told us about the adders and slow worms he'd found under rocks in the garden as well. On the way back we walked along the river and were lucky enough to see two Peregrine falcons. The young female had been fledged for a month and was being taken out on sorties from the nesting cliff to be shown how to chase pigeons. She wouldn't stop calling to her Mum and it disturbed Brian's nap in the sunshine with all the din! We rendezvoused with Derek and Prem in a tea shop back near the campsite and Brian got a last taster of his favourite weekend snack before it was time to go home. "Couldn't have packed much more in" they said. "The best weekend since the Easter Snowdonia trip" they added. It was a fantastic healthy outdoory and energetic weekend with loads of relaxing in between. If it comes up next year, GO. Report by John |
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