Hartington, Big Sing Weekend, 7th/8th November

Hartington YHA

Hartington, Big Sing Weekend, 7th/8th November
We arrived at Hartington Hall Youth hostel on Friday night. This is probably the poshest and most comfortable hostel in The Peak District. After a hearty meal, a convivial evening was spent either in the hostel or down in the village pubs.

Saturday morning came round only to find it was rather wet. We split up into two main parties. One composed of the more long term members set off for an old watering hole, The Quiet Woman at Earl Sterndale. After several dishes of ale they returned by bus.

The rest of us set off on a very muddy and wet walk to Pilsbury, returning via Sheen. Along the way several people decided to return by more direct routes in order to get out of the weather. Those who persevered were rewarded by a roaring fire in the Staffordshire Knot public house. We got back in the middle of the afternoon, just as the rain stopped.

Saturday evening brought us to the main event, 'The Big Sing'. We were fortunate to have our orchestra back in the form of Sue on uke, Geoff on guitar and John Pudduck on accordion. We also had John's friend Wayne who did some splendid renditions of folk tunes.

The highlight of the evening was the 'Last Night of the Proms' where we were most honoured to have the services of our guest conductor, Sir John Gregorolli. Perhaps the highspot of this was when Simone gave us her very own interpretation of 'Rule Britannia'.




 Many thanks to Simone for stepping in at the last minute and performing completely unrehearsed. (you wouldn't have known???!!!)

Sunday dawned a sunny day and we took full advantage of it. I led a walk down Berrisford and Wolfscott dales before climbing up to Alstonfield. After refreshments we carried on over the tops and back to the hostel for a cream tea. Denise did a shorter walk down Berisford Dale and up Biggin Dale before returning.

I think everyone agreed it was a splendid weekend and if I have the stamina, I will try to organise a similar event next year.

Spring Bank Holiday Weekend 23-26 May

Dalby Forrest (Lockton) Weekend

For the late May Bank Holiday this year, 20 of the group went to stay at Dalby Forrest Youth Hostel. The weather was a bit mixed but that was more than made up for by the convivial evenings spent in the hostel.>


On Saturday our walk took us round the track of the Rosedale Railway. Although the weather was fair to start with, rain came in towards lunchtime. Just as we got sight of the Lion Inn, low cloud descended and we were rather alarmed to see the pub disappear.
Sundays walk was to the Hole of Horcum and the Bridestones. After climbing up to the edge of the Hole of Horcum, we felt an ice cream was in order, unfortunately, this was a cue for the rain to start again. Fortunately it only lasted for about 1½ hours and several of us were able to enjoy a drink outside at the pub before returning to the hostel.
The evenings were spent playing games with a singsong on the final night, superbly conducted by John Gregorolli.

A most enjoyable weekend with excellent company.
Jack

17th - 21st April 2014 Easter @ Moffat

Twenty five  of us enjoyed a sunny weekend in Moffat at Easter.  It took a lot of time finding a hostel for the weekend. Thinking where could we go and use the extra days to get further field.

 We had a good base where we could walk from the hostel for most walks.  The walks on offer were Hart Fell. Grey Tail Water Fall.  Different walks around Moffat town. Crown of Scotland hill and the devil Bowl.

On two nights we did group meals where we had some very fine Indian meals on the first night and Chilli and Lasagne on the second night.

February 28th to March 3rd 2014 Rotherhithe YHA, London

Twenty one members visited our capital city last weekend and stayed in
the modern YHA at Rotherhithe.

The hostel provided excellent value
for money, with bed, breakfast and evening meal being provided in
London for £37.00 per night.

Saturday we did a six mile walk around the city and saw many of the
key "sights". These included:

The Globe Theatre, Borough Market, St Paul's Cathedral, Covent garden,
Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, Buckingham palace, Big Ben and the
Houses of Parliament.

On the Sunday Ken Hodgson led a walk down the Thames to Greenwich
where most of us went in the Maritime Museum. This was enjoyably
followed by sampling some excellent beer brewed in the Greenwich
meantime Brewery.

An optional curry meal in the evening was well attended.

Our thanks to Ken for an entertaining day.

is a possibility of organizing a trip to Brussels utilizing the Euro-star train service for a future event.



Chris Hughes

Ravenstor YHA Weekend 24 th - 26 th January 2014

First weekend after the New Year celebrations in Grasmere did not have a promising weather forecast either.  The three of us had  a traffic ridden exit to the Stockport area, but the rest of the journey was fine apart from the constant drizzle and low-lying cloud spoiling the views.

There was a good crowd at the hostel. In addition to our group with the London contingent, there were two families and a group who were doing the Duke of Edinburgh navigation skills.

The open fires in the main lounge and hall were a welcome sight. After supper, some brave souls headed down the valley to the Anglers Rest to enjoy the local beers, while others split into the “fireside in the hall” chat and the noisy lounge chat with lots of laughs.

Saturday morning was quite fair and the group split in three, with 2 of the 3 groups starting off on the main 9.5 mile walk aiming to head for the Church Inn at Chelmorton and back via the Monsal Trail.  There was a pretty tough ascent out of Miller’s Dale, with very high steps (they never think of those with short legs!) and what seemed a never ending rise. Near Priestcliff, Campbell, Pam and Joan diverted to a less up and down route to the Church Inn at Chelmorton.

There was a pleasant coffee stop in the churchyard at Taddington, followed by an ascent which gave lovely views before a level path with many stiles by Sough Top and the descent to Chelmorton with views of the locust weather-vane on the church.

Pam, Joan and Campbell were ensconced in the stone floored area of the bar and those who were loath to remove their boots decamped to the picnic tables after the landlord said he did not mind us having our own lunch there.  The third group joined us here to enjoy the local ales (Ken, Robbo & Martin).

Unfortunately the second part of the walk was somewhat marred by a big storm with thunder, lightning plus horizontal hail and rain and a part of the path where it looked as if the farmer had tried to block off the right of way.  Eventually we descended to the Monsal trail where the rain eased off and after a tea break at the old Miller’s Dale Station, we headed up the hill to the hostel. It turned out to be a nearly 12 mile walk, so no wonder some of us were feeling it!  It was then down to eating rocky road and drinking mugs of tea before the meal. Big thank you to Jack and Peter for leading the walk at the last minute.

A larger group went down to the pub on Saturday night and reported that the usually taciturn landlord was very forthcoming and helpful.

Sunday dawned wet. A core group headed out to do an approximate 7mile circuit in the other direction on the Monsal Trail, while others high-tailed it for home, as boots and clothes had not really dried out properly.  Brownie points to Chris Hughes who turned up promptly at 9.30 am to join the walkers.

A jolly good weekend – the only downside being the weather and the extensive queuing for meals.  Think they need a Time & Motion study to organize it a bit better.  Many thanks to Pam for organizing a good weekend.

New Year 2013/2014

Thirty One people arrived in Grasmere  spread over two hostels to let the New Year in.

 Some of the ones who booked 2 bed rooms ended up in four bed rooms so they were lucky to have bottom bunks each. The evening meal in the hostel was to a high standard and I think the Chicken Balta came out tops. In the evening we went down to Tweedies bar where we spent many nights there sampling the every changing beer.

Sunday was going to be the best day for the weather for the whole holiday time. Three groups went out on different walks. A fourth group joined the Fairfield group later on as they set of early.  Another group did Helm Crag.

We woke up on Monday to rain and this was going to be a very wet day. One group went to Ambleside by bus and returned by bus. Another group walked to Ambleside by grasmere lake and spent most of the time in flooded roads and paths. Or paths that turned into fast flowing rivers. So wet feet when we got to the pub in Ambleside. Then we had a choice bus back or walk back.  So we went for walk back which was the best option as the ones who said bus had to wait in the cold for the bus that was over a hour late due to the flooded walks. So we were back before them.

In the evening we went to Tweedies for a meal and they got 26 meals out in time a spot on for the taste. The scallops with pork Belly,  Cumbrain Lamb and Venison seem to be the best. But you could not fault any of the food choice.

 Peter and me could have done with a slice of bread to mop up the red wine jus on the lamb dish. At the end the bill was hard to work out as there was a 10% surcharge added to the bill and some people only paid the correct amount for the meal.

New year Eve day had three groups out. Elterwater, skelwith Bridge.  One group went to Sticlke tarn and the final group was around Loughrigg fell area.  In the evening few put on their best glad rags for the buffet in the hostel. This time it was a lot better then Borrowdale with more choice to choose from. More hot items then last year and the amount had increase, but then the price did as well. But every seem to enjoy it and looked stuff at the end.  We then went down to Tweedies where had tickets for their party. We was not sure what we were going to get as last time were here we had the disco to go to as well. This time we were not allowed in the hotel and that was going to be a Jazz band in there. We could only go in the bar area where the singer was going to be. There was no seats at first but slowly we picked up odd ones as the night went on.

The singer who was on just played from 9.30pm non-stop to midnight and came back on just after midnight to 1am. He just played full range of hits that had the place rocking all night long.

New year day everyone just packed up and was going to wander round Grasmere or Ambleside window-shopping. We did 5km easy run around the lake before heading into a café for hot drink and toasted teacakes.

Centenary Weekend 1st-3rd Nov.

Centenary Weekend 1st-3rd Nov.

Jack and Ken at Hartington Hostel

The re-enactment of Ken and my-self's first hostel weekend fifty years ago was initially somewhat marred by not being able to stay at Hartington Hostel for the first night, due to heating problems. We were however re-located to Ilam Hostel with a generous compensation package that everyone was happy with. We arrived at the hostel at various times and spent a very convivial evening meeting up with old friends, our tongues loosened somewhat by the wine kindly provided by Hartington Hostel.

Although we had a rather a misty start and then about an hours rain, it was a rare opportunity to be able to walk the full length of Dove Dale. The river level was quite high so it made crossing the stepping stones quite exciting, but eventually we all arrived safely at Ilam Hostel. After a hearty Italian Buffet we got down to our evenings entertainment of an old fashioned Big Singsong. We were accompanied by Sue on ukelele, Geoff on guitar and John Pudduck on accordion. The songs were interspersed with jokes, monologues and poems, and my thanks goes to all the contributors.

Sunday dawned bright and sunny, if a little cool, we soon warmed up however walking up hill past  Throwley Hall ruins. We negotiated several rather muddy fields before descending into the Manifold Valley for belated elevenses. The walk continued up the valley and over a rather slippery ford to Wetton Mill. Lunch and comfort breaks were taken here before splitting into two parties. One group went over the hills back to Hartington, whilst the other stuck to the valley until reaching Hulme End where we picked them up by car.
Altogether a most pleasant and entertaining weekend with some of the best food I have had in Youth Hostels. We will all be looking forward to doing a similar thing next year.

Your beloved leader

Jack 

Conway Weekend

Conway Weekend  September

Following our arrival at Conway Hostel on Friday evening, most of our 31 members sought sustenance at the local Indian restaurant and Albion Public House respectively; an enjoyable (if not the most healthy!) start to what promised to be a glorious weekend.

For once the fickle British weather stayed true to its word and Saturday was indeed sunny and warm, providing perfect walking weather and sublime views of the rugged landscape. Three walks were arranged; two over the Conway Mountains of eight and twelve miles duration, and a third more difficult Snowdonia route, also of twelve miles, further inland. The shorter walk ended on the coast while the two inland were circular, finishing back at the hostel at 5pm. Dinner was found either at the local chippy or the hostel, whilst some chose to self cater, and the day was rounded off with an enjoyable evening at the quayside’s Liverpool Arms.

Sunday again dawned bright and clear, great for a seven mile walk around the Great Orm; fantastic views but a head for heights was needed for some of the route! The twitchers amongst us followed this with a trip to the nearby Conwy Bird Reserve whilst others headed for home after a wonderful walking weekend

Skiddaw House Weekend 14/15th June.

Skiddaw House Weekend 14/15th June.

Eleven of us enjoyed the weekend at Skiddaw House, a remote hostel, one and a half hour's walk from the car park and  set high on the side of Skiddaw (at over 1500 feet, the highest hostel in England). 

The forecast had been atrocious and we all expected our time there to be wet, soggy and thoroughly miserable. In the event Saturday was a bright and breezy day. The unexpectedly fine weather lifted our spirits immeasurably.  

Four rather more intrepid members went off to conquer Skiddaw, whilst others opted for a gentler, bus-assisted circular walk of the mountain.

We were made very welcome by the wardens, Martin and Louise, and we all enjoyed the experience of staying at this traditionally simple hostel, with its cosy, wood-stove heated communal area and fantastic panoramic view.  A good range of beers and wines at very reasonable prices were available -guaranteeing a jolly time!  A tasty communal meal was prepared by the group's resident chef and this was followed by a lively evening of conversation, Martyn's piano entertainment, a sing-song and a darts competition of which Harvey was the eventual winner, beating Sue H  quite
decisively in the final! All great fun! We were joined by the only other people in the hostel, Robin and Jill, a Yorkshire couple who were walking the Cumbria Way, and who seemed to enjoy the evening with us.

Sunday was a gentler, sunny day. We reluctantly left the hostel at 10 and made our way back to the cars and some of us did a short walk in the hills over looking the lovely valley of St. John's in the Vale.

We were sorry that four members who had booked to go were forced, for medical or other reasons, to pull out. We send our good wishes for speedy recoveries to the "infirm" and hope that these four may have another opportunity of visiting this hostel. It certainly was a weekend that all of us would wish to repeat someday.

John.

Angelsey Weekend 19th May 2013

Anglesey Weekend .


The recent weekend 10 swog members went to some apartments in Treaddur bay Anglesey. Weekend what done by Chris Shea and the apartments were a high standard and very large. We had great views looking over the bay from the lounge window

 We did two walks over the weekend, The first started from Holyhead area and walking along the coast before crossing inland to a fine pub doing fine ales. Where we met some of the people on the short walk. From here we rejoined the coast path to head back to Treaddur bay. Where Chris drove us back to the cars to pick them up.

 After a short rest some of us did a short run before the meal that Chris booked at a local pub. The next day we drove over the east side of the island to Amlwch where we walked on a rollar coaster path north to Comaes before turning back inland to the start. In the evening eight us went to the Chinese where we had a great meal if little slow. The final day everyone did different things from Little Orme, Steam Rally and Seafood lunch. A great weekend Thanks Chris

 Colin.

Criccieth Easter 29th March -1stApril 2013

Criccieth Easter 29th - March - 1st April 2013 

 The first 4 pictures are of my walk in the hills North of Criccieth, that was scenic but hard work as paths shown on the map barely exist on the ground and it took all day to walk about 7 miles. The last picture is of Aberdaron on a very chilly Easter Sunday where we did a short walk round the headland.

We stayed in a Brownie lodge/camp just outside Criccieth that was warm and well equiped and for a bargin price of £10/night-well done Sue W for booking it. We had the place to ourselves and were only a stones throw from the beach.

Harvey

Kettlewell Weekend 23rd February 2013

Kettlewell Weekend 23rd February 2013

Everybody arrived for the hostel at 7.30pm and after the evening meal most people sampled the two local pubs.

Saturday morning greeted us with a snowy scene with snow still falling, this kept walks to a lower level and two groups departed along slightly different routes with the intention of meeting in the pub at Buckden.

The main group followed the Dales way to the pub in Buckden where the snow was falling heavily.

After a drink we departed to Starbottom and on to Kettlewell, it had stopped snowing and turned into a nice afternoon.

The group had a three course meal in the hostel, finishing in one of the pubs.

On Sunday morning the snow had melted at low level and after breakfast the group split with some going to Grassington and some starting at Conistone doing a circular via Bull Scar and the Dales Way.

The sun came out putting a great finish to a great weekend.

Special thanks to Pete the warden and his helpers for their hospitality, great cooked breakfasts and evening meals.

Shaun.

Kettlewell Walks 23rd February 2013

Losehill Weekend 27th January 2013

Losehill Hall Weekend (The ‘B’ Group version)


Pam F, Joan and I set off to Losehill at 2.30pm hoping to arrive in daylight and without encounters with snow or ice – and we did. The Hall has been very well re-furbished and our dorm was comfortable. The lounge areas were blessed with lovely log burning stoves too.

On Saturday there was a 3-walk spread. ‘A’ walk was a linear one by Pam and Paul D, involving a bus to Foxhouses, ‘B’ walk was Denise’s (unrecce’d, what a surprise), a circular walk direct from the Hall and ‘C’ was a memory walk up Winnat’s Pass for Ken, Rick, Helen, Rob (?) and Hilary.

Dave R was a super backstop and help on my walk, which was up Losehill Pike, halfway up which we had a snap break in the vague shelter of some trees. Dave took half the group along a lower route, while I went to the top of the Pike with the rest. We met up just below the sharp rocky descent to the woods where we had a sheltered lunch break while the world and his wife plodded past us.

At Hollin’s Cross, Chris H, Clive and Mike went further along the ridge and up Mam Tor while the rest of us made the descent past Mam Farm and along the “old road” by Shivering Mountain.

The ‘Mam Tor three’ met us at the metalled road then Kath, Pam & Joan went across the fields to Winnat’s Pass Farm, Kath’s childhood home, Martin and Maryanne went down Winnat’s Pass itself and the remaining 10 of us went via Rowtor Farm, along the top fields and finally made a steep descent to the west of Peverill Castle down to Castleton.

I made that descent largely on my backside with a few ‘roly-polys’ as well. Some took tea in a genteel fashion at the Rose Cottage Tea Room, while others had stronger stuff at the Cheshire Cheese. All of us felt we had had exercise equivalent of several gym workouts, but felt invigorated by the lovely snowy day and good company with lots of laughs. Special thanks to Dave R for all his help and to Pam D for organising yet another super January weekend.

On the Sunday, people dispersed in various directions, some to walk, others to shop, on a bright but chilly blue sky day.

Denise C








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Pams Walk

Borrowdale New Year 28th December 2012-1st January 2013

Borrowdale New Year 28th December 2012-1st January 2013


Another New Year weekend over for 30 SWOG members. We were staying at Borrowdale Hostel which is      now under a new management team. There have been a few changes since we were there last time. They now have a bar that was well stocked and also serving real ales. The lounge area has been refurbished, although very nice there is now less seating due to accommodating the new bar.

The hostel was trying out making the beds up for you, which seem to go down well with everyone. The food was good for the main meals, but the buffet was not as good as we have had in the past when there has been a  New Year party.

There was a mix of walks each day and due to the wet weather; most were at low level or up to about 300m.  Most went near Grange, Castle Crag, Waller Crag and at some point all went into Keswick. The main problem this year was water logged paths, or in some areas paths completely submerged!

Overall I think everyone made the most of the weekend even with the poor weather.  New Year Eves we danced the night away to let 2013 in. Even a bit of Duvet Dancing was going on.

It would appear that on the last day everyone went home without doing a walk.

Colin

Eyam Christmas Party and Walk 15 December 2012

Eyam Christmas Dinner 2012

26th-28th October Whitby Halloween Spectacular

27th October Whitby to Robin Hood Bay Walk

We woke on Saturday Morning to a cold and windy day.  We split into two groups with 24 members heading south along the coast to Robin Hood Bay.

The scenery along the way was lovely.  The weather remained cold and very windy but at least it did not rain.  However, we all did get wet with the wind blowing a back spray from gullies along the way, but it was fun running through them.

On reaching Robin Hood Bay we all had a quick look around and then made our way to various hostelries. A good day was had by all.



Staithes Walk to Whitby Saturday Walk Halloween Fancy Dress Goathland and Coastal Walk

Wilderhope Manor Hostel Weekend 21st-22nd September

On the 21st September 28 SWOG members decended on Wilderhope Manor hostel which is a national trust grade 1 listed Elizabethan manor located on the slopes of Wenlock edge in Shropshire. Saturday began with a fog which quickly lifted to leave a sunny day. Four people cycled to Ludlow and surrounding area whilst the rest drove four miles to Church Stretton. After a few hiccups with parking we set off up the Long Mynd taking a path up past the golf club and across the golf course up to the top of the hill. We continued up to the Trig point alongside which was a view point showing all the major sites including the Welsh hills. The views were magnificent and after a lunch stop we walked along the ridge top and gradually dropped down to Little Stretton where we sat outside in a pub beer garden sampling the local beers and then gradually made our way back to Church Stretton. After the evening meal at the Manor we adjourned to the magnificent lounge for alcoholic beverages(the pub is two miles away). Entertainment included modelling knickers worn in the usual place and as headgear. Sunday morning was dry but overcast,three went cycling,four sightseeing and the rest walked from the Manor for a local walk of around six miles around the surrounding countryside arriving back just as the rain started. How not to cross a bridge!!

Alnwick Camping Jubilee Weekend 1st - 5th June

Alnwick Camping Jubilee Weekend

On the 1st June five of us went to Alnwick in Northumberland; Jackie & Mark, Brian & Ursula and myself.  On the Friday night we all had fish & chips from the van which was on the Caravan & Camping Club site at Dunstan Hill, Alnwick which was very tasty.

On the Saturday morning we decided to walk to Seahouses and catch the bus back.   We set off from the campsite heading to the coast, walked along the beach then the path and along the next beach (Jackie said there were 5 beaches on the way to Seahouses).   We had a well deserved rest at Beadnell where we found two bench's for us all to sit on while having our lunch.

The next stop was Seahouses where we decided to go into the pub until the bus was due; suitably refreshed we caught the bus back to the campsite.  On the Saturday night we had a barbecue.

Sunday morning we all set off about 10.30am in Mark's car heading north up to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) knowing we had to get to the island before 12.10pm as it would be to deep to go.  Everything went ok and we managed to get across while the tide was low. We then parked up and set off walking round the island, having a stop for lunch and spotting two seals in the sea bobbing up & down.  It was warm and on the way back to the car and we stopped at a café.  On returning to the car it was about 5pm but the tide table said it would be safe to cross at 6.15.  Therefore, after seeing a few cars heading to the crossing point we decided to follow on.  Getting nearer we could see the cars queuing up, then saw some 4x4's that had come across from the mainland but because they were higher off the ground than our car we waited until a car similar to ours came across, then we crossed.

We then drove straight to Alnwick centre and went to an Indian restaurant for a curry.

On Monday we were given cardboard crowns to put on by the warden as there was a competition between other sites for the Guinness book of records on who could get the most people wearing crowns, I think our site had about 300.

On Monday we walked to Craster and back via Dunsburgh Castle.  We all said the weekend had come up to our expectations with good food and good company.

Thanks to Jackie & Mark for organising it.

Steve.