Weekends & Holidays 2007

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Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey - October 2007

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SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Photos by Martin Housley

Everyone managed to leap the Menai Strait and arrive at the substantial and comfortable Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris in time for the evening meal. Some visited the castle, others strolled the Prom or tested the beer in local hostelries. All gathered eagerly to hear the delights promised for Saturday.

'A' party's destination was Llanfachraeth. This little hamlet boasted a coffee house established in 1892 and designed to be a place where the inhabitants could enjoy their coffee free from alcohol and gambling and political and religious conversation. From there we walked to the coastal path where, as long as we kept the sea on the left we were on track …….or were we?All was well until we reached Ynys y Fydlyn ( we were in Wales after all) and there the path was diverted round a wood which meant we took a long time to go a short way. By this time Wylfa power station was in sight but not within very easy reach. It's stark architecture was somewhat alleviated on the south east by a nature trail which we all enjoyed and those excited by optional extras deviated round the headland before joining the rest of us in Cemaes for cream tea or beer.

Sunday saw the 'A' party debussing at Four Mile Bridge(Pont Rhyd y Bent) to set off once more for the coast - sea on the right this time. Despite excellent mapreading, the waymark signs failed us and our efforts to exit a field were not appreciated by the locals. We were soon put right and we swung happily along to Rhoscolyn where we started an advanced class in sand yomping and pebble balancing. Our reward was to arrive in Rhosneigr and see the colourful display of sailboarders and kitesurfers spread over the bay. How do they manage not to get tangled up with each other? We continued our beach trek until diverted by an ancient burial chamber said to have been built at the time of the pyramids - even older than us then. A stroll past the local race track brought us to a tiny church perched at the end of a causeway where we had a windswept tea stop. Rumour had it that weddings still took place there and we wondered about the logistics of getting the bride and guests across the jumble of rocks which formed the approach 'road'. Aberffraw was soon in sight, however, and the dreaded pub proved to be very welcoming after all.

On Monday some people stayed in Beamaris and did their own thing.Those who were walking headed for Pentraeth. Both 'A' and 'B' parties started from the carpark . 'A' party made for Red Wharf Bay. This was not without a slight diversion but it gave us another chance to practise beachwalking - a skill we have now honed to perfection. Turning inland we encountered the now familiar practice of waymarks where the path was obvious and none when you really needed them. The area also specialised in deeply hidden stiles and impenetrable fields of gorse. Nevertheless, our intrepid leader was able to overcome all obstacles. We managed to scale the heights above Llanddonal, avoid any fracas with local farmers and eventually meet up with the 'B' party as we emerged from one of our more enterprising diversions. All tramped together back to the carpark and onward home.

A very good weekend was had by all and we are grateful for Lewis's skill in making it possible. He even foresaw the fine weather, which is always a bonus. Thanks to all the leaders who did a magnificent job in translating the walks from the map to the ground as well as fighting the intricacies of the Welsh language and trying to calm the wrath of some of the inhabitants. Special thanks to Yvonne, David and Christina for ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that everyone was catered for. The time and effort you put in is very much appreciated.

Report by Diane Exley

Shanklin, Isle of Wight - 24 to 31 August 2007

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Photos by Pat Bottomley


Island of sun sparkling on water and white, white cliffs. Welcoming hotel with panoramic views, comfortable rooms and an excellently organised dining room with a fine choice of well-cooked food. A swim in the pool (not unaccompanied though) or a steam in the sauna was also on offer. Not to forget the live entertainment every evening for those who enjoy displaying themselves on the dance floor - I plead guilty. For those of a more sober(?) cast of mind there was always bridge or the pub. For two memorable evenings we all joined in with a game of short mat bowls - don't ask. Competition was fierce and handkerchiefs were produced as measuring implements. The first night resulted in an all ladies final, some of us having battled against helpful(?) male advice to get there. The second final was more evenly balanced. We let the men in!

Upon the first night of explanations it was clear that there were fairly low expectations about how difficult the walking might be; after all it is a small island with nothing over 300 metres. For us used to walking in the Dales and the Lakes it would be trivial! This must have been the thoughts of some A walkers who gave the IoW a miss.
Day 1 - Bonchurch to Ventnor - Both groups basked in a window of hot sunshine and cool sea breezes. Route finding was interesting and although we saw llamas and alpacas, we never found the donkey sanctuary - well not the official one! 'A' party found a lot of ups and downs, which included many steps, both inland and on the coast. 'B' party arrived at the Winter Gardens in Ventnor for a leisurely drink, whilst after all those 'steps' 'A' party, although they definitely deserved one, only managed a 'swift' drink.

Day 2 - Freshwater to Yarmouth - Both parties followed the coastal route taking in the Needles, Alum Bay and Totland on the Tennyson Trail. This was a very busy area, as we realized when we toddled through Totland, having to scramble over bikini clad bodies draped across the promenade. However the other scenery was spectacular. 'B' Party had lunch on the most wonderful heather 'Down' before walking on to Yarmouth for tea or other refresment.

Day 3 - Bembridge to Newport on the Bembridge Trail. The 'A' party walk reached the lowest total with just 3 intrepid followers trying to keep up with Moya. In order to lull the party into thinking it would be flat all day we had a gentle stroll first on the beach from Bembridge, where the timing of the walk was perfect, half an hour earlier and this part would have involved paddling. However from here on we started the undulations that we had become used to; even blocking off our intended route with a Bank Holiday event did not throw the leader. However some confusion did occur when we met a traffic jam; thinking that all the cars must be going somewhere interesting we mistakenly followed them, only to be dumped in the local rubbish tip. However we soon learnt and got back into Newport with plenty of time for a drink and shopping for the 'B's, well organised by Glennys.

Day 4 - Rest Day - Osbourne House, Bembridge, The Victory and Mary Rose in Portsmouth were visited

Day 5 - Calbourne. Starting from Calbourne both groups were doing circular walks. What our 'A' Party leader had not told us was that this day had most ascent of any of the walks so it was up and down all day; just for variety we all had to climb a barbed wire fence just to avoid retracing our steps. All this meant that we were running late, what would the B party say? We finally made the pub just after the agreed leaving time only to find that the B party had not returned. So we did what came naturally and had a drink! (The rest soon arrived).

Day 6 - Niton Circular taking in Chale, Shepherds Chine, Atherfield Green, St Catherines Down and back to Niton, the 'B's, led by Harvey, who finished well in time to sample the lovely café and cream teas before going to the local hostelry. The final day for the 'A's was down to the 5 main stalwarts, it all seemed a gentle walk, along the coast and then gently up to the highest points and a nice ridge walk. This was far too good, although it was difficult to see how we find any more hills to climb. However our leader had a different plan! We would then do the most direct descent he could find to the lighthouse, Oh what fun, through brambles nettles etc, until we reached the C group who had been watching our perilous descent. There was good news however in that John pointed out a very good pub that would be halfway up the hill to the coach. So the intrepid 5 duly stopped off and celebrated a very good week of 5 first class a walks.

And who could not admire the coach driver who not only drove us safely there and back but also joined in the walks and acted as advance route-finder. Altogether a really enjoyable holiday in an unexpectedly interesting place where there really was something for everyone. ) We covered the whole of the island between us whether by accident or design and swung between coast and interior with remarkable ease. Many thanks to all those who worked to, make this, such a success. We must congratulate Jean and Trevor who did some remarkable walking, even more ascent than the 'A' Party on the last day. This will definitely aid your recovery Jean.

Report by - Diane Exley (overall) David Sherborne (A Walks)

Again a very special thank you to Yvonne, Moya and John for all their efforts.

Shap, Cumbria - 23 to 25 March 2007

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'A' Walk Saturday

'A' Walk Sunday

Photos by Martin Housley



It was with some trepidation that we all set off for Shap Wells; would the holiday seem the same without Lewis? How would it be organised?

The arrival to the hotel confirmed that this was an unusual hotel, big, rambling and miles from anywhere. The early impressions were not good as a majority of the rooms were not ready and people had to hang around in the lounge. In retrospect this may not have been a bad thing as the gathering throng were able to talk to each other and break the ice. Members dealt with the problems in their own ways; one by shouting at the staff and others by getting free drinks from the bar!

Eventually everyone received their room and normal service was resumed. Dinner was served promptly and food and service were fine. After the meal the usual announcements were made; Alan Jagger kindly took over the introductions, giving welcomes to everyone, especially newcomers. Brief words were said for Lewis and the whole weekend was to be enjoyed in his memory. Then the next day's arrangements were agreed and people could decide on their preferences. Yvonne then said a few words thanking the club for all the support over the last year. Then to the bar!!

The next day the coach left on time, dropped off the "C" party into Joyce's tender mercies and the rest were left on the banks of Haweswater.

The A party set off first as usual and after a brief flat stroll along the water's edge set off for the peaks, up Swinedale trying to keep pace with Martin off in front. The party managed to knock off Selside, Harter Fell and Mosedale amongst others before finally getting to High Street. However upon getting to a flat bit Martin promptly led us all down the steepest ridge he could find, Two hours later we were back at Haweswater BUT not at the coach. A further hour's walk finally got us to the coach where the "B" party were "patiently" waiting; they were not too keen on the "A" party being late! The unusual feature of the walk was that Christina and Yvonne were at the back all day (a real first), both backing up.

However we all made the hotel in time for a drink, wash, etc. before another good meal. After the meal there was an entertaining presentation about the history of the hotel, including the health benefits of the spa and its use as a prisoner of war camp.

On the Sunday a much smaller "A" party set of in cars for Greenholme to explore new regions of the Lakes, climbing was much less than the day before but the sudden views of Borrowdale (the one near Shap) were no less spectacular. A major hiccup was avoided when the diplomatic skills of Christina allowed us to walk a vital section of the route. On the map it is a white track, but when we got there it was clearly signed as private with the owner standing by; still diplomacy prevailed and from then on there were no major problem so the cars were safely rediscovered. People then split up to make their own ways home.

Thanks to everyone for making it so special. Particular thanks to Martin, John, Christina, Joyce and Derek for leading and for Yvonne for being there and helping. All in all a good celebration to Lewis who managed to control the weather very well.

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