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Walking
Holidays 2014
Please click the links below to view reports
and photos:
Cheltenham
(Cotswolds) - 28 to 31 March 2014
Please
click here to view the hotel website
Please
click here to view photos by Martin H (external website link)
Off to Cheltenham, home to the famous Ladies College and
many other prestigious buildings, not forgetting the even
more famous racecourse. The Friends of DalesRail burst like
a shower of sparks into Cheltenham and the surrounding Cotswold
villages. The hotel was welcoming and the food was excellent.
What about the walks?
Andoversford was the destination on Saturday and the three
parties made their way there by more or less the same route.
We were assured, by various leaders, that the countryside
was 'undulating' and the miles shorter than those in the Dales!
We set off in hope and expectation and were not disappointed.
'B' party did start off in jail but were soon released for
good behaviour and began their exploration of the Cotswold
countryside. Soon we were marvelling at the beautiful stone-built
villages with their immaculate farms and well-kept village
greens. Northleach, Hampnett, Withington woods with its side
attraction of some watchful Alpacas, were all visited.
Chedworth Villa called but only the 'A' party managed to
touch its boundaries before plunging onwards. Soon we were
reminded that this area seems to have more animals than human
beings as we mired our way along bridle paths, trying not
to land face downwards in the mud. We made it to the end though
and slaked our thirst in the Kilkenny(sic) pub where the barmaid
gallantly kept her cool as we all tumbled in together.
On Sunday we were promised even more delights as we set off
to conquer Cleeve Hill. Winchcombe was our destination and,
as we gained height, the panorama of Cheltenham came into
view. Other people also thought Cleeve Hill was a good destination
and soon we were surrounded by runners, horses, bikes and
finally golfers - a difficult combination! However, we skilfully
escaped and made our way past beautiful Postlip Manor with
its medieval tithe barn and came to Breakheart Plantation
(more like burst heart in my opinion). A restful tea stop
at a restored ancient barrow gave us back the use of our lungs
and we all plunged down into Winchcombe, some of us waving
a hand at Sudeley Castle and others getting a closer view.
Monday was full of various activities . Some fled northwards,
others took a slower route home through the famous villages
of Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow on the Wold, Broadway and others
went for a walk to the west of Tewkesbury, just to get a different
perspective.
Altogether a very enjoyable weekend. Thanks to the leaders
who were very brave to lead walks in unknown territory and
thanks to Moya and John for finding the hotel and especial
thanks to Moya who took over John's role with aplomb and ensured
that all was well.
Report by Diane E
Loch
Awe (Western Scotland) - 13 to 18 July 2014
Please
click here to view the hotel website
A coachful of eager travellers set off for Scotland
under the strict eye of Morag, coach driver and farmer, from
Perth. ('There's no social life attached to the job, but the
food's great!') We soon learned the rules ('nae dirty boots
on the coach') and settled down to listen to her dry sense
of humour and historical knowledge as we travelled through
the land of windfarms and hills to arrive at the Loch Awe
hotel with its panoramic views of the loch and the distant
hills.
However, we had not come just to admire the
scenery. Next morning booted and spurred we set off for the
first day of our Scottish adventure. 'A' walkers had Beinn
an Dothaidh and Meall Garbh as their goal and the 'B's and
'C's intended to follow part of the West Highland Way. The
weather, however, had other ideas, battering 'A' party into
submission and intermingling the 'B's and 'C's in a frantic
effort to reach the pub to escape the all-pervading midges
and the stair-rod rain. Partners in wetness, an 'entente cordiale'
was formed with a French party in the Bridge of Orchy pub
and sealed with a tube of anti-midge cream. If only world
peace was as easy.
The main goal next day for most of the party
was Iona. Others sought spirituality in the clouds of Dun
de Gaoithe on Mull and were rewarded with breathtaking views
of the highlands and islands. Meanwhile, back on the coach,
we were admiring the 'herry kews' and looking in vain for
the otters, seals and highland budgies (golden eagles to you)
as we bowled along to the ferry. A glorious sun shone down
on us as we explored the nunnery, St Cuthbert's abbey, the
gravestones and, inevitably, the eating places before retreating
to the flesh pots of Loch Awe.
Wednesday promised much but delivered little
unless you count the torrential rain and all-pervading mist.
Some remembered that there was really something important
to be done in Oban, others walked to the ruined castle on
the loch and also visited the nearby St Conans church - a
most interesting building with a very well run teashop next
door which had home-made cakes - just the thing for a nasty
wet afternoon. Meanwhile up on the fells weary limbs climbed
the steep, rocky paths towards Ben Cruachan and vanished into
the mist, which, for one party proved to be confusing as they
seem to have done the same summit twice. Perhaps it was so
good they couldn't resist it! The other party took a decision
not to go for the top but two people bravely fought the wind,
rain and mist and reached the summit covered in glory and
wet clothes, of course!
Thursday proved to be the climax of the week
as we all converged on the dark hills of Glen Coe. 'A' party,
6 strong, encountered packed snow and wet green grass as they
made their way to the lost valley and the heights of Bidean
nam Bian and Stob Coire am Beith. Limbs were certainly stretched
and vertical descents achieved with heart-stopping slithers
down the steep waterfall to the refuge of the Clachaig Inn
in a state of ecstasy. 'B' party, 31 strong attacked the Lairig
Gartain pass, honing their mud and water skills on the way
and walking in the shadow of the Buachaille Etive Beag before
dropping to the safety of Glen Coe valley.
Meanwhile, the 'C' party, 18 strong, walking at first on
the West Highland Way and then on the old military road, had
their own problems with deep mud, slippery stone crossings
and fast-moving traffic. The compensation was that they had
a grandstand view of the mountains where their colleagues
were scrambling, sliding or just sitting in water while remaining
on relatively terra firma.
All in all a wonderful holiday despite a couple of glitches
in the weather. As well as walking, those of us who are dance-inclined
were also catered for. Who could ask for anything more? Many
thanks to all the leaders who volunteer to lead these unreccied
walks and manage to keep their cool through thick and thin
mist. Special thanks to John for his skill in attending to
the overall organisation of the holiday and to Pat for her
support.
Report by Diane E
Ambleside
(Lake District) - 5 to 7 September 2014
Please
click here to view the hostel website
Please
click here to view photos by Penny S (external website link)
Livingston
(Pentland Hills, Scotland) - 17 to 20 October 2014
Please
click here to view the hotel website
Please
click here to view photos by Martin H (external website link)
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