Newbury Mountain Club Journal 2011
Click on any photo thumbnail to see the full picture.
21-23 Jan - Black mountains
4-6 Feb - Oswestry
25th-27th Feb - Patterdale
1 -3 April - Dolgoch
21st April 2011 - Blencathra View, Lake District
7th May 2011 - Ridgeway 40 mile walk
13th July 2011 - Dorset
29th July 2011 - Dark Peak
27th August 2011 - Hut to Hut, Lechtaler Alpen
30th September 2011 - Lake district
12th October 2011 - Morocco
11th November 2011 - Brecons
21-23 Jan - Wales
Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Sarah, Bruce, Steve, Joanne, Tim, Ginny, Keyna, Georgie, Trudi, Maggie, Paula, Sue, Tom, Ian, Martin L.
Location:The Glebe Barn, Llanbedr, near Crickhowell, Black Mountains
The first NMC trip of the year is traditionally known as the “comfy Sofa” trip – not only did we have several comfy sofas, but a sauna, en-suite rooms, and satellite TV (though to my knowledge this was not switched on)! This accommodation will be difficult to follow.
As Llanbedr is just a short 2 hour drive from Newbury, everybody arrived for a group meal on the Friday night (also to celebrate Claire’s birthday) and we tucked in to curry’s prepared by Keyna and Georgie, followed by birthday cakes – where the sheer volume of candles managed to melt the icing, and luckily did not set off the smoke alarm.
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A reasonable departure time on Saturday (not too many hangovers), and we set off on a crisp not quite snowing cold day from Llanbedr on a direct route straight up Sugar Loaf Mountain – path not on the map or under foot, so a harsh warm up for most, being the first bit of exercise since Christmas. From Sugar Loaf it was across fields and country lanes to Crug Mawr on the Beacons Way. Back down to the road, where some opted for an early finish, and to have the first sauna session. The rest continued on across more fields and lanes to complete the 13 mile circuit of the “Llanbedr 3 peaks” with the summit of Table Mountain, bagged in the setting sun with fabulous views.
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Another superb meal awaited us, this time courtesy of Joanne, NMC’s chef of the year 2010. With homemade soup, chicken with various veg and potatoes (including cauliflower cheese), and a choice of lemon and chocolate homemade desserts it was a grand feast!
Most of the group came out for the Sunday walk, a 12 mile circuit from above Llangatock, taking in a stretch of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal glistening in the morning sun, and then across the top of the impressive Llangatock limestone escarpment – Craig y Cilau - to the sound of groans from Maggie who thinks a Sunday walk should be a short bimble not involving any ascent – and getting back to the cars by 5pm.
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A great start to the year!
4-6 February - Oswestry
Present:
Keyna (organiser), Bruce, Sarah, Alan,
Claire, Georgie, Steve, Joanne, Jo, Trudi, Sue, Nick, Jill, Tom, Mark, Marion, Jess, Belinda, Chip(the dog)
Location: The Engine House, Nantmawr Quarry, near Oswestry, Shropshire
All Keyna did was book the bunkhouse. Loads of folks turned up to make it a party weekend.
Friday night some folks got in early enough to relax and shower up. Everyone else arrived with Steve & Joanne rocking up after midnight. Good effort.
Claire was running a walk the next day to a ridge in the Berwyns, starting from Pistyll Rhaeadr - Wales' highest waterfall. Twelve of the group went on this walk. We couldn't get up to the ridge as the driving rain and gale force winds were knocking us over. A lot of laughing but we had to decide as a group to turn back. Instead we walked across the heather to a lake which was whipping up and hardly any more shelter. Cold soggy lunch then back to base camp. A total of 4 miles walked in the appalling conditions.
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Steve Lane meanwhile led 6 hearty souls (Joanne, Sue, Sarah, Marion, Mark and Chip) along Shropshire Union canal and through tunnels requiring torches. Starting out from Llangollen, the plan to take the morning bus to Chirk and walk back was quickly changed by the failure of the bus to arrive. Not letting this stand in the way the route was reversed and the party set off along the canal towards Chirk. Windswept, damp and muddy we stopped for a lunchtime drink at the pub in Trevor, and then set out for the most exposed part of the walk across the Pontsysylite Aquaduct. Despite very strong gusts of wind no one was blown away and the rest of the walk along the canal to Chirk, while still wet and windy, passed without incident. Fortunately the bus back to Llangollen was running and everyone was back in the bunkhouse by 4.30. Having completed a full ten miles, they were proud to have out walked the so called intrepid group of what turned out to be whimpies.
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Saturday night was a feast for the wicked. Poppadams, korma curry - Veggie and Prawn & Chickpea- with choice of brown or white rice. Head cooks Marion & Sue with some slavish assistance from the ever pleasant Bruce, Trudy and Joanne. Jo & Sarah both co-incidentally made apple crumble with hot yummy custard. A real treat.
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Sunday and another walk across the welsh border attracting another group of intrepids. This was a bit further than Saturday, a 9 mile circular walk north of Llangollen from Horseshoe Pass via Eglwyseg Mountain with stunning valley and scenery & woodlands & wind - yes - more wind. Thank you to Claire for leading yet another walk. God you can rely on that woman. Always the best walking ideas and navigates so much better than some of her NMC buddies.
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Home, unpacked, showered & shaved before 8pm!
25th - 27th February 2011 , Patterdale, Lake District
Present: Martin B (organiser), Claire, Alan, Georgie, Richard S, Sarah, Bruce, Dave W, Paula, Dave H, Dan, (Martin L and Pam in another hostel with baby John)
Location: YHA Hostel, Patterdale
Martin B (organiser), Claire, Alan, Georgie, Richard S, Sarah, Bruce, Dave W, Paula, Dave H, Dan, (Martin L and Pam in another hostel with baby John)
Although we were hoping for some snowy winter conditions, this was not to be, but we were not disappointed by the weather by Lake District standards – it stayed dry, the cloud was high, the odd bit of sun, and the views great with a splattering of snow.
Following the usual Friday night revelries in the pub and later in the room, it was an earlyish start following the usual phaff with layers, gaiters etc. We started off up Grisedale, and then up onto the ridge to join the crowds on Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn, where there was some snow to speak about. We then headed south along to High Crag, Dollywagon Pike and down to Grisedale Tarn. A few hardy souls then headed up again to complete the circuit along St Sunday Crag, whilst the rest carried on down Grisedale at various speeds – some rushing to catch an important rugby game showing in the pub. Whilst most of us relaxed by the fire, drinking the hostel dry, Martin was cooking up a splendid meal of lamb tagine, cous cous, and bread – very much appreciated after our hard day in the hills.
Everyone came out on the Sunday walk, up behind the hostel onto Place Fell and back along Ullswater (harder than you may think). Although not particularly high, the views from the summit right across the Lake District were particularly scenic.
We had time for a final pint (and chips) in the pub, before heading back onto the M6 and the long drive home.
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1st – 3rd April 2011 , Dolgoch, Mid Wales
Present: Dan (organiser), Claire, Alan, Keyna, Georgie, Belinda, Sarah, Bruce
Location: Hostel, Dolgoch, Mid Wales
Having been to Ty’n Cornel three times, we decided to give nearby Dolgoch a go for a change. This hostel is also run by the Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust, and is just as remote, hidden away in the middle of Wales and surrounded by hills, with exciting road passes (especially in the dark) to negotiate to get there.
The warden had got the fire going nicely for our arrival, and we settled down for an evening of drinking and chatting by the fire. This was interrupted at around 11pm when a couple from Swindon walked in to deliver a large table they were returning repaired after it had been damaged when they had stayed there with a school group a few weekends earlier. Just passing by... hmmmm.
A fine morning, so we set off on foot from the hostel, admiring the new born lambs, over the Devil’s Staircase and then cross country onto Drygarn Fach and Drygarn Fawr (641m) for a perfect lunch spot by the large stone cairn, admiring the far reaching views. More tusk hopping followed, across to Drum Nantygorlan, to complete a circuit back to the hostel. Keyna was keen to try out the new solar powered showers at the hostel, but was disappointed to find them cold. But we were all pleased to find that she had let the water run long enough for the piping hot water to come through for the rest of us!
Dan’s menu that evening speaks for itself (all made from scratch – I’m sure Dolgoch kitchen had never seen anything like it before, though the warden was unimpressed):
Dolgoch trip April 2nd Evening menu
Cocktails à l'arrivé
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Timbale de Crabe et Crevettes à l'Avocat Vinaigrette
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Pasta Maison ‘Homme de la Montagne’
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Bourguignon filet de Boeufé
sélection de légumes saisonnières
pommes de terre Dolgoch
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Plateau de Fromages
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Café - Port - Absinthe
service de la Russie
vêtements de montagne obligatoire - pas de cravate
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On Sunday, Claire, Alan, Keyna, Belinda and Georgie drove around Llyn Brianne and ventured up onto Mynydd Mallaen via a rather steep waterfall. Despite a rain storm which lasted for over an hour, the views were again stunning, particularly against the black clouds, and we did not see another soul on our walk.
Although the hills in mid Wales are not big ones, the remoteness and lack of paths more than make up for their size when it comes to a weekend of adventurous and enjoyable walking – not to mention the fine food!
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21st – 25th April 2011 (Easter), Blencathra View, Lake District
Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Joanne, Steve, Sarah, Bruce, Tim, Ginny, Maggie, Paula, Keyna, Sue, Annie W, Georgie, Simon H, Pokey, Annie, Izzy,
Location: Blencathra View in the Northern Lakes
Our first visit to Blencathra View in the Northern Lakes and we weren’t disappointed – more upmarket than the usual barns we use but when you’re away for 4 nights a little bit of comfort is appreciated. Our only disappointment was it being too hot to use the wood burning stove! But that meant great weather for mountain walking, which after all, is what we were here for!
To start us off, we did a long ridge walk on the Friday. Starting from outside Grasmere, we climbed up to Fairfield via Great Rigg, and then to most people’s disappointment had to drop back down to Grisedale Tarn down a scree slope – carnage! Different routes and different speeds were adopted, but eventually we all met up by the tarn – except for Simon. Our digital camera zoom lenses came into play as we scoured the mountainside and eventually found him on the opposite shore. Some folks left us here and made their way back to Grasmere, but most clambered on, climbing back up onto Dollywagon Pike and on to High Crag, Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn – where there was a very welcome tent selling tea and bacon butties! Onwards to Raise and then back down to the main road at Legburthwaite for a car shuffle back to the barn. Group curries were cooked to perfection, and the drink flowed.
After the early morning sun, it unfortunately clouded over and became drizzly, but the bulk of the group drove over to Bassenthwaite for a circular walk up Skiddaw. It was rather dramatic with the cloud rolling over the ridge, and quite busy on the summit (we got prime position in the shelter). We finished the walk in the rain and went into the village pub to dry out. The rain cleared up in the evening and there were lovely views from the barn across to Blencathra. After failing to get a booking in the local pub, various pastas were cooked up by smaller groups, and the drink flowed.
Sunday was a glorious day with perfect blue skies and far reaching views. We set off for Patterdale and from here walked up past Angle Tarn, onto The Knott (where we sat back and watched some mountain bikers struggle past) and then onto High Street (where Maggie got very bossy with a lady whom we’d asked to take a group photo). From here it was to the beacon at Thornthwaite Crag, and along the ridge down to the hamlet of Hartsop, after stopping to take in the dramatic views of Hayeswater below. A pleasant valley walk back to Patterdale and a well earned drink in the pub completed the circuit. Whilst we were out enjoying ourselves, Pokey and Annie were back at the barn cooking a massive Sunday roast for us all – a fantastic meal not to be forgotten. And the drink flowed.
Some of us went quadbiking at the farm on the Monday morning, then we all went our separate ways – many making the most of the great weather and extra long bank holiday for the Royal Wedding heading to Scotland, Northumberland, Peak District, or Southern Lakes, but an unlucky few had to return to Newbury.
7th May 2011, Ridgeway 40
The Ridgeway 40 is a local challenge event, which involves walking 40 miles of the Ridgeway from its starting point at Overton Hill near Avebury to Streatley. The only real rule is that it has to be completed in one day, from set off time at 8am to a closure time of around 10pm (so approximately 14 hours). It has been running for 50 years, with 2011 marking the 49th event (it wasn’t run during the foot and mouth restrictions).
A number of club members have completed the crossing over the years, many more than once, and this year marked a record number of NMC members entering and completing.
A number of club practice walks had been run prior to the event, which included Richard’s 22 mile Lambourn Valley Way, which was far too enjoyable, and Claire’s 30 mile circular route from Aldbourne which suffered a few casualties!
During the weeks leading up to the walk, the weather had been brilliant, and not a drop of rain had fallen – but in the early hours of 7th May torrential rain commenced! But luckily after passing the first checkpoint (at 7 miles) the rain stopped, we dried out in the warm air, and the weather stayed fine until later in the evening.
Georgie and Bruce were forced to retire before the end due to blisters and sore feet (Bruce, after all his preparations had selected the wrong foot wear – gaffer tape did not keep the feet dry), but Georgie had completed well over half the route, Bruce 27 miles at the infamous cake and tea stop) – each walking further than they had ever done in a single day.
The results were as follows:
Dave H - 9 hrs, 24 mins (5th crossing)
Dan - 10 hrs, 38 mins
Shannon - 10 hrs, 41 mins
Keyna - 11 hrs, 8 mins
Tom - 11 hrs, 39 mins
Steve - 11 hrs, 47 mins
Richard - 12 hrs, 2 mins (5th crossing)
Sue - 12 hrs, 17 mins
Alan - 13 hrs, 23 mins
Claire - 13 hrs, 26 mins
Angela - 14 hrs, 43 mins
Special mentions go to:
Angela, for her perseverance and determination to finish, particularly the final section on her own, in the dark, and in the rain. She didn’t quite achieve the longest crossing time though!
Tom, for getting lost! Somewhere between checkpoints 8 and 9 he wandered off route and ended up on the Thames Path to Streatley, where he then got chased by bulls. To escape fatal injury he jumped in the Thames and started swimming, where passengers on a passing boat enquired what he was doing, and did not seem confused when he said he was completing the Ridgeway 40 (he did, afterall have his rucksack on). He then had to find his way through private gardens to get to Streatley, arriving at the youth hostel soaked through, much to the puzzlement of the organisers.
And finally, the advice from Richard is not to rehydrate on 3 pints of beer at the pub at the end!
13 -15 July 2011, Dorset
Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Maggie, Paula, Dave, Pokey, Annie, Izzy, Bruce, Sarah
Location: Northdown Farm Campsite, Dorset
As the weather forecast for the weekend deteriorated, so did the numbers on this trip. It did not seem possible as we left Newbury in shorts and tshirts after a week of glorious sunshine that the forecast could be right. But by the time we were passing Bournemouth the rain started, and by the time we got to the campsite it was heavy rain and gales. Pokey, Annie and Izzy who had been here for the week in the heatwave, watched as we struggled and swore doing battle with the tents. Sarah and Bruce had decided not to come this evening, but eventually for the rest of us the chores were done and we were drinking wine and beer in Pokey and Annie’s dry tent, and the world seemed a better place.
The enthusiasm for the planned long energetic coastal walk was somewhat missing in the morning, but by about 11am it was agreed that Claire, Alan, Paula, Dave and Maggie would walk about 3 miles to The Smugglers Inn. However, by the time we reached there, the rain had stopped, and we dared take our waterproofs off and carried on walking. By mid afternoon the sun was out, and we ended up having a long and enjoyable walk along the coastal path between Ringstead and Bowleaze, stopping at the pub along the way, and finishing at the campsite’s local pub, the Springhead. By the time we returned to the campsite Sarah and Bruce were there with their tent up, and we were able to BBQ and have a big campfire (one of the advantages of this brilliant one month only site) on this dry and warm evening.
The fine weather continued into Sunday, and Maggie was keen to lead a short walk. Only Alan and Claire took up her offer, but it was a lovely walk with great views along the ridge behind the campsite, taking in the Osmington white horse, and we ended back in the pub for a late Sunday lunch.
All in all, not a bad weekend – and a lesson that you should never take the weather forecast too seriously – you never know what you’re going to get!!!
29th - 31st July, Dark Peak Backpacking
Present: Dan (organiser), Claire, Alan, Keyna, James: the Backpackers
Maggie, Pokey, Annie, Izzy: the campers
Location: A circular walk from Castleton up Cave Dale and along Mam Tor and Lose Hill in the Dark Peaks
The plan had been to spend a miserable wet and cold night up on the Dark Peak – but beautiful warm dry sunny weather made for a surprisingly enjoyable backpacking weekend!
We all met up at the lovely Upper Booth campsite at the top of the Edale Valley. Claire, Alan and Maggie had arrived in the morning and grabbed a prime spot before doing a circular walk from Castleton up Cave Dale and along Mam Tor and Lose Hill (and meeting the local sheep).
The plan for the backpackers was to attempt the Derwent Watershed Walk as featured in the book The Big Walks – a 40 mile circuit. On Saturday, Dan, Keyna, and James set off for Mam Tor to commence the circuit, but as Claire and Alan had done that peak on Friday, they set off with Maggie and Pokey directly up on to Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder (and a 4 mile shortcut). Maggie and Pokey were walking a complete circuit of the Kinder Plateau, so at the far edge, Alan and Claire bid farewell, and continued onwards across the monotonous paving stones to cross Snake Pass and on to Bleaklow Head. The trangia then came out for afternoon tea in the sun, admiring the views, waiting for the others to catch up. It was then peat bog hopping time off the main path – but the bogs were bone dry, and it was all very pleasant in the late afternoon sun. The aim was to find a “lonely” shooting bothy below the river Derwent where Dan had slept many years before (and is featured in the book) but despite its remote and difficult to find location, 5 others had the same idea, which did make for an entertaining evening, particularly as the others had brought candles and a radio (the 3 students downed their bottle of whisky themselves though)! We pitched our tents just below the bothy by a midge laden stream, and retreated very quickly to the sanctuary of the bothy.
But by first light, the midges were lined up waiting for us, which made for a very hasty getaway – Dan (who had slept in his bivvy bag) did not get off lightly and was covered in red splodges. We later found a very pleasant midge free zone by the river to cook up our bacon butties for breakfast. At Margery Hill we opted for the “short” circuit back to Edale, and headed down to Derwent Reservoir for a tea stop. We then had to get across 2 hills before getting back into the Edale valley, and what seemed a long traverse back to Edale where we came to an abrupt stop at the pub for a well earned beer and food, rather than first going back to the campsite for the cars.
A brilliant adventure, which we should do more of (Dan’s plan is to work through the walks in the book) – though the great weather did contribute significantly to the enjoyment factor!
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27th Aug - 4th September, Austria Hut to Hut
Present: Dan (organiser), Claire, Alan, Paula, Dave, Bruce, Steve, Andy, Keyna, James, Simon (P)
Location: This was a superb 9 days high level route, walking from hut to hut (from Frassenhutte above Bludenz to Augsberger Hutte above Pians), several hours a day, usually involving at least 1,000m of ascent (and descent).
The highlights were:
1. The journey there - by car, plane (to Zurich), train, bus replacement service, train, train & cable car. The 1 minute transfers between platforms were particularly exciting and challenging!
2. The few inches of snow together with a clear blue sky on the first day making the walking and views stunning - so much so that Dan took us up an extra peak (on top of the planned two) to make the most of it. We nearly missed dinner at Freiburger Hutte.
3. James leaving his i-phone on top of Gamsfreiheit (2,211m), and not noticing until a couple of km’s and 500m descent later. Keyna sent it a text message with a return address, and it was there waiting for him in the post when he returned home! What nice people there are in the Alps!
3. Katharine the waitress at the Ravensburger Hutte, dressed in tight lederhosen hotpants which the boys couldn't take their eyes off (trying to read the word across her bum – which when Dan asked her, it turned out to be her home town).
4. Looking forward to pizza and chips at our only road crossing of the week at the ski result of Zurs – only to find it was closed for the season, but it did have that all important cash machine, a drinks machine, and a friendly police station for a loo stop.
5. Dan's promised "rest day" which involved most of us climbing the Valluga (2,809m) twice, once without our packs (the unknown practice run), and once with.
6. A highlight for James and Keyna whilst most of us went up the Valluga again was crossing the funky closed trail which meant they got a giant sized beer – maybe 4 litres – well before anyone else got to the hut.
7. The dotted paths marked on the maps, which were exciting via ferata in disguise
8. For those of us not brave enough to attempt the exposed Augsberger Hohenweg route, attempting to cram an "easier" 2 day route into 1 day to meet up at the final hut - a valiant attempt by all concerned - but special mention to Bruce for climbing an extra peak to get a mobile signal to send the message out that we were all ok and spending the night at the Memminger Hutte instead!
9. For Dan, James and Keyna, the big day doing the Augsberger Hohenweg – the mountain was just a slag heap waiting to fall down around them.
10. The wildlife – particularly the marmots, and the giant rabbit at the Ansbacher Hutte.
11. The Wiener Schnitzel and chips in St Anton at the end, after a week of soup, goulash and pasta
12. The spectacular sunsets - particularly those from the Stuttgarter and Ansbacher hutte's
12 - 16 October 2011, Morrocco
Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Paula, Bruce, Keyna, James, Belinda, Marion, Mark
Location: Mount Toubkal, Morocco
A very early morning flight from Gatwick got us in to Marrakech and zooming up into the Atlas Mountains on some scary precipitous roads by mid morning. Our minibus dropped us off at Imlil where we were met and escorted up a mountain trail – just a 10 minute walk we were informed - up to our lodge just outside the village of Aremd, where we arrived about an hour later! We were delighted with this attractive little lodge with a sun terrace providing stunning mountain views up and down the valley, and proper flush toilets (though no loo roll – so commencing the struggle to survive on so little supplies). It wasn’t long before our first of many mint tea (or berber whisky) arrived on the terrace, and a sumptuous lunch of bread and salad. We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, and then our berber guide Larsen arrived and took us on a walk around the village and to get our first views of Mount Toubkul. Another fine meal in the evening, and then it was an early night.
Our walk today took us over the pass of Tizi n Tizikert (2,930m) where we had lunch and met our mules, muleteers, and cook. Then we contoured down and round Aguelzim and back up deep into the valley of Azzadene where our small refuge was nestled at 3,000m. Along the way some doubters saw with their own eyes goats climbing trees! The Tazarhart refuge was full, which we were sharing with 2 Scots and 4 Catalans (who spent most the night planning their revolution – we think). A ladder led up into the attic where we slept, and it took some time before some of the group were brave enough to make the journey. Mark ended up sleeping next to the hatch and had the joy of bright torch light in his face every time someone ventured up or down. But with the grim toilet being outside and down a steep bank, not much liquid was consumed that evening.
After a breakfast of pancakes, it was an early start on this crisp morning. Today we crossed over Aguelzim (3,520m) and back down to the Mizane valley, which consisted of 93 zigzags up to the pass (so we were told – we didn’t count). We had great views from the top, looking down to the sandy plains and up to the 4,000m summits including Toubkal. We arrived at the Toubkal refuge (3,207m) for lunch just as the rain (later snow) set in, and spent the afternoon relaxing and playing cards, before our evening meal and early bed time – though Alan tried to keep the team awake for as long as possible with word games.
A 4am rise, but we didn’t start walking until 5.30am following many phaffs! With the bright moonlight and fresh dusting of snow it was a cold start (well below freezing) and some of us were taken by surprise by the cold. Poor Paula was suffering with berber belly which was slowing her down somewhat, so after about ½ hour walking we left her with Mohammed to take her time whilst the rest of us pushed on ahead. We got to the ridge and into the sunlight at about 8am – and much to our delight and surprise, Paula caught us up here, so we were all able to arrive at the summit of Toubkal (4,167m) together just before 9am. With the clear blue sky and dusting of snow the mountain views were incredible. After time for the obligatory photos we started the long walk down, stopping first at the Toubkal refuge for lunch, and then again at our lodge in Aremd for tea.
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We were back in Marrakech by 7.30pm (after an even scarier drive in the dark this time), feeling exhausted, but after a quick shower it was out into the square to avoid the snake charmers and find food and drink – though luckily the food and drink found us through a couple of “locals” with the promise of taking us to a restaurant with good Moroccan food and alcohol!!! A few alleyways later and their promise came good, and we were able to celebrate our success and reminisce on our great few memorable days in the Atlas Mountains in true NMC fashion.
30th September 2011, Lake District
Present: Richard S (organiser), Claire, Alan, Richard C, Peter
Location: Langdale YH, Lake District
Despite the usual A34/M40/M6 Friday evening holdups, we all made it for drinks at the pub in Elterwater before “last orders”. This small elite group had travelled up with the promise of great weather and long walks.
The early morning cloud was a little disappointing, and it was a struggle to get Alan away from the TV lounge watching the rugby world cup, but eventually we piled into Pete’s car and drove up to the end of the Langdale valley to commence our walk. Although it was overcast, the cloud was high giving good views of the peaks, and it was unseasonally very warm. As a request for a long hard walk had been made, that’s what the group got, and so commenced a 10 hour peak bagging marathon lead by Claire, taking in Bow Fell, Esk Pike, Great End, Broad Crag, and a very crowded Scafell Pike for a brief lunch. Then it was down along the corridor route to Styhead Tarn, before turning back towards Langdale via Sprinkling Tarn and Angle Tarn. For the last stretch along Mickleden it was now dark, we were hungry, but it was still very warm. Eventually the lights of the Old Dungeon Gill came into view, but without stopping for a pint, it was a quick turnaround at the hostel and back to the pub at Elterwater for a well earned meal and pint – making the most of the warm evening by sitting outside.
The following morning it was rather drizzly whilst the rest of the country basked in a heatwave. But not to be deterred we set off on foot from the hostel onto the hills above Langdale. We were very soon in the cloud exploring this magical landscape, but when the drizzle turned to rain, we veered off to Easdale Tarn and then down into Grasmere, for a very pleasant late lunch in a cafe. We were back at the hostel by 4pm to commence the journey home, but with the satisfaction of having had two jolly good energetic walks, albeit with a mixed bag of weather, on our short trip to the Lakes.
11th – 13th November 2011 , Llanddeusant, Wales
Present:Keyna, Sue, Tom, Maggie, Paula, Andy, Debs, James, Steve, Jo, Martin, Alan & Claire
Location: Llanddeusant YHA, Wales
We stayed in the Llanddeusant YHA -we rented the whole complex out. There was a lovely open fire we had going each night.
Everyone arrived by 10pm Friday night and Alan was in charge of the music as usual - with his cassette tapes. No-one complained. He even played The Rose by Bett Midler to Keyna's delight. Shows how old she is.
The walk on Saturday was long and a bit tussocky and we went high so it was cold. Up past Llyn y Fan fach, onto the ridge Bannau Sir Gaer to the roundhouse at Fan Brycheiniog, overlooking Llyn y Fan Fawr, down to the shake holes and back in a loop to the hostel. The weather was awesome though with blue skies so we navigated by sight. There were some dodgy river crossings. Sue managed most of them fine but fell in one - up to her breasts basically - not to put too fine a point on it. Anyway, she started shivering uncontrollably and we quickly stripped her off and redressed her in other people's warm clothes and socks. After about 20 minutes we were on our way again and no-one else did anything dangerous that day.
That night Jo made a brilliant nosh up - good old bangers and mash with huge mounds of healthy vegetables. Thanks Jo !!! We love your dinners.
It was Sue's 50th birthday so there was cake & more cake and merriment. Thanks for coming out with the club for your birthday Sue !! Made a party excuse for all of us.
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Sunday saw us all do the famous Welsh waterfall walk, starting from Pontneddfechan. There were a good 5 large waterfalls, 3 or 4 brilliant cascades and one mother of a beast waterfall (Sgwd yr Eira) that we all walked underneath. We had to don all our wet weather gear (except Tom who stripped off) but it really was a unique opportunity for a great experience in south Wales. It was basically a big circuit - up one river valley, across the farmland and back down another river valley. Some really spectacular sights.
Thanks to Claire for leading both of these great walks !!
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