Weekends & Holidays 2009

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Dumfries (Scotland)

October 2009

A kaleidoscope of autumnal colours spread out before us as we crept over the border into Scotland. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the hotel, situated conveniently in the station yard, was warm and comfortable. It had good food too! Venturing into the Tweedsmuir Hills the sun still shone and the long-ranging views were amazing. Some chose to chase the grey mare's tail and others preferred a direct ascent to the skies and a long and happy(?) yomp. Paths, what paths? No accounting for taste. The Lowther Hills proved less amenable to being penetrated and fended us off with a thick, white mist. Some returned chastened but others galloped cheerily through to their goal. The more sensible ones stuck to the glens. The final day saw a scattering of the troups and a small but sturdy band setting off to climb Criffell by the sea. An interesting weekend and a challenging one for the leaders who all did a magnificent job under difficult conditions. We are very grateful to them. Thanks also to Moya and John for organising everything and findng such a good hotel.

Report by Diane Exley

Black Mountains/Brecon Beacons (Wales)

August 2009

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Photos above by John Crouch and Moya McNamara

REPORT 1

Away to the Welsh valleys steeped in the history of coalmining and home to that very special wet sort of Welsh rain. A video camera would have been a useful asset as people danced balletically over streams or slid majestically down slopes to collide domino-like with the person beneath. At times the swirling mist and lack of signs strained compass-bearing skills to the limit and the GPS came into its own, particularly for grid references. Our imaginations worked overtime trying to create the landscapes we could nearly see. Rain came vertically and horizontally, interspersed with warm bursts of sunshine so we became expert quick-change artistes. But on the day expertly chosen for the highest ascent, Pen y Fan, the sun shone beautifully on us. All present attained the summit with breath to spare, along with most of the rest of the world, it seemed, including a very important-looking Labrador with saddlebags (Don't ask). To our well-honed mud-sliding skills were added wet-rock gliding and waterfall scrambling.

A day of 'leisure' was included in the programme. One group was inspired to visit the Rhondda Valley experience and I believe the earth moved for them. The rest of the party opted for a different kind of experience in Cardiff, a city which is rising from its industrial past. All in all a very good few days. Those who were not leading were very grateful to those who were, given the often difficult circumstances. They all deserve our heartfelt thanks for getting us back safely every day. Many thanks also to John and Moya for organising the holiday.

Report by Diane Exley

REPORT 2 "OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE"

On my way to Wales I was asked what level of walking I was interested in. "C Walks" I replied firmly. The walks listed were mainly strenuous and moderate but I had a map, which I couldn't really read and a compass which I couldn't read at all!

Adopting if "you can't beat them join them", on the first day the moderate group were walking in the Black Mountains from Ystradgynlais to the Shire Horse Centre. The morning was fine and sunny so off we went. There were many consultations with fellow walkers involving maps, GPSs and compasses. The terrain was rough, boggy, barren and there was not a dedicated path in sight. It was also raining. I could see why the Army used the Brecon Beacons as training ground. I announced that I was well "outside my comfort zone". Having crossed a stream by leaping from stone to stone and sliding down a grassy bank, a path, like the M62, suddenly appeared leading us to cups of tea and Welsh cakes at the Shire Horse Centre.

There had been much talk about Pen y Fan and how it was hoped that everyone would climb it. I accepted the offer of an easy option (don't like to stray outside my comfort zone!) and began the ascent of Pen y Fan. For a change, it was not raining and there were fine views over the Brecon Beacons. The climb got steeper and there were frequent pauses to admire the view (or catch my breath!). When we reached the top it was like Leeds a week before Christmas. Lunch was had perched on a rocky outcrop - you could sit there all day people watching. I've never seen so many men concentrated in such a small area! Oh to be 20 years younger! A ridge walk back and a slide down a boggy slope with a pleasant walk at the end returned us to the coach. Pen y Gent (Yorkshire) here I come! Any offers to accompany a C walker up to the top?

By the time Tuesday came I had served my apprentice as a moderate walker. Tuesday was the walk from Pontneddfechan to Penderyn. A walk which had spectacular waterfalls, wooded ravines and tricky paths. The river was in full spate due to the heavy rain. Yet again it started to rain which made walking difficult with tree roots, slippy rocks and mud but on we pressed. On one occasion the path went behind the waterfall - it was just like having a power shower with your clothes on! The slow ascend up the steep ravine side began. A cough was heard from John, the trusty leader, and then a louder cough (had he developed a chest infection walking under the waterfall?). At the top he informed us that he had found a couple in a very compromising position. John told them that as there were 10 more behind him they should perhaps compose themselves! How they had the energy once they reached the top and furthermore, the weather was awful! Young love.

Apart from one day, a trip to the Mining Heritage Centre, I had walked every day. I had enjoyed my holiday enormously and met many more members of the Club. This was my first walking holiday with FDR but hopefully it will not be the last. Many thanks to John Crouch for organising it.

A "C Walker"

Boggle Hole Youth Hostel Weekend

March 2009

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Main Picture and Photos 1-10 above by Pat Bottomley

Photos 11-19 above by Pat Wilson

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