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Weekends & Holidays
2012
Please click the links below to view reports
and photos:
Weardale
(North Pennines)
- 12 to 15 October 2012
Please
click here to view the hotel website
Please
click here to view additional photos by Penny S (external
weblink)
Grinton
Lodge Youth Hostel , Swaledale (North Yorkshire)
-
7 to 9 September 2012
Please
click here to view the hostel website
Photos above by Pat
W
Please
click here to view additional photos by Penny S (external
weblink)
Loch
Tummel, Pitlochry (Scotland) - 15
to 21 June 2012
Photos above by Pat
W
Please
click here to view additional photos by Penny S (external
weblink)
Off to the land of water, woods and mountains
and the well-honed organisation of the Loch Tummel hotel with
its well-trained staff and wonderful views. Lulled into a
false sense of easiness we all started walking from nearby
Pitlochry. Some trod the sylvan paths trying to keep on the
right side of the river. Others watched some bungee jumping
with alarm and scurried on to Soldiers' Leap, which looked
even more painful. Some went on to try and conquer Ben Vrackie
but ran out of time and others came to it via Meall na Moine.
The rest made for the teashops of Pitlochry.
Next day reality struck and the Munros began
to fall like ninepins. The debate was whether to do 3 or 4.
The result was a 5/5 split. The debate for others was whether
they would get there at all. An exhilarating ride over the
moors brought us to the land of the Caterans, cattle thieves
of a dastardly nature and not to be trifled with. However,
they left some useful drove roads, as did General Wade, which
we cheerfully trod, some of us visiting Queen Victoria's tea
hut on the way where she had paused to write up her diary
and have a brew with John Brown before fighting off the midges
and continuing on her way.
Even on the "day off" some people
could not resist the lure of the mountains. While most of
us rode up the Valley of Peace to enjoy Crathie church and
the broad acres of Balmoral with a peep at some of the Queen's
frocks thrown in, others were busy conquering Schiehallion
thanks to silver (should that be Sylvian?)tongue and a kind
receptionist. A small group went up Ben Vrackie. One member
said it felt like a Munro (so does that count?) but they managed
to time their descent just right for the coach to pick them
up in Pitlochry. How miraculous is that?
Please
click here to view the Balmoral website
Tuesday brought a visit to the Cairngorms and
several route variations. The funicular railway took some
people to the top to view the spectacular panorama and back
to the bottom where another optional walk was offered. Others
strode out to conquer Cairngorm via a circular route involving
the crossing of mighty snowfields, while others took in Cairngorm
and Ben Macdui adding to the sum total of Munros climbed.
Rumour has it that a version of "Strip the Willow"
was danced at the top but you can't believe everything you're
told, can you? One of our members contributed another dimension
to our experiences by introducing us to the excellent medical
services at Aviemore. We hope her knee continues to improve
under the Yorkshire system of medical care.
Please
click here to view the Cairngorm Mountain website
The last day brought that rare miracle, sunshine!
Off to Blair Castle, the erstwhile home of the Dukes and Earls
of Atholl, who had great difficulty in securing heirs and
finally had to go to South Africa to find one. 'A' party took
a taxi to seek more Munros, conquered two and slid successfully
down the hillside to rejoin us. Others contented themselves
with some brief research into the local retail opportunities
and a beautiful waterfall walk before enjoying the fascinating
collections housed in the castle. Others strolled up Glen
Tilt, avoiding the low flying jets and the possibility of
being caught in some crossfire, some coming back down to visit
the castle and others exploring a bit further up the valley
until they came to a bridge and could get back down again.
Please
click here to view the Blair Castle website
Of course it was not all walking boots and anoraks.
The evenings brought entertainment and the chance to fling
our aching legs and arms about on the dance floor. Heavy competition
for the right version of the now-famous "Slosh"
led to some confusion but "Strip the Willow" won
outright in the confusion stakes with women being men and
changing back to women half way through. Better entertainment
than most soaps!
Many thanks to all the leaders and helpers who
made the holiday possible and especially to John for masterminding
the whole operation.
Report by Diane E
Patterdale,
Ullswater (Lake District) -
23 to 25 March 2012
Please
click here to view the hotel website
Photos above by Pat
W
Please
click here to view additional photos by Penny S (external
weblink)
We intended to go north but instead went west to the picturesque
setting of Patterdale where we were greeted by continuous
sunshine. Winter clothes, carefully packed 'just in case'
were quickly abandoned and portions of delicate white limbs
began to sprout from shorts and sleeveless shirts.
Up to the hills then! Some favoured an undulating yomp which
apparently touched sea level more than once but rose again
to conquer the clouds and test the stamina. Others preferred
various methods of public transport to give them a kick start
before roaming in the hills or tasting the delights of Howtown
and Pooley Bridge. Whichever path was chosen the amazing views
of the lake, slightly hazed and perfectly still, with what
looked like toy boats floating gently on its surface presented
an idyllic picture.
The next day brought more gasps of amazement. It was even
hotter! More undulations and unmarked paths were trodden by
some although apparently sea level was not going to be attempted
- just the clouds this time. Others preferred a gradual ascent
to the dizzy heights of 739m and an equally gradual descent
back to Patterdale while some tasted the delights of Brotherswater
and its pleasant surroundings.
All in all a wonderfully relaxed weekend. The hotel performed
well and we didn't startle too many of the guests quietly
drinking their after dinner coffee as we announced our exploits
for the following day. Many thanks to all the leaders for
their hard work in selecting suitable routes and to John and
Moya for re-arranging the weekend at such short notice.
Report by Diane E
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