CYHA NEWS

Easter comes Late in the Lake District

Can this be the Lake District? Well, we've just come back from a superb trip to the Lakes. Not only sunny and hot, but with incredible visibility - from Muncaster Fell we could see all the way to Ireland! Of course this is not to say that there weren't a few damp moments, it's just they didn't tend to come from heavenwards. It seems that the Lake District has had a rather wet summer judging by several 'boggy encounters' experienced on the trip. Whilst most were content with the odd boot-full, Seher managed to go the whole hog (but probably the least said about that the better). None of this was sufficient to dampen our spirits however, as sunny days in the Lakes are so few and far between that getting three on the trot can only be described as extreme good fortune.

Ali

After the disappointment of having to postpone our Easter visit to the Lake District, due to foot & mouth closures, I was looking forward enormously to our September visit to Eskdale (which several of us were still referring to as the "Easter Trip"). The turn-out was good (20 of us), and most of us were able to stay at the Eskdale Centre for four nights, which made a really good break. The fells and the vast majority of footpaths are now open, so we had no difficulties, although there were a couple of occasions where we inadvertently found ourselves emerging from behind a "Foot & Mouth Precautions - Keep Out" sign!

Monday was a superb day. We went out on the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge steam railway. Alison and I sat right at the front of the open carriage behind the loco; we took lots of photos of the back of the drivers head and got covered in smoke and smuts, but it was worth it for an exhilarating ride. The views walking back over Muncaster fell were amazing. Most of the group took the train back from Eskdale Green, but Nigel and I decided to walk back over the fells. Just as the sun was setting we arrived on a crag above Blea Tarn, looking directly down on the Eskdale Centre 600ft below. As the shadows grew across the dale, the hills beyond glowed red in the light of the setting sun, and the clouds were illuminated in a magnificent display of red, pink and orange. As the last rays sank into the Irish Sea, we headed down into the dark valley towards the lights of the centre and an oven full with delicious shepherds pie and rice pudding.

Dave P.

My first trip to the Lake District was brilliant, I can't wait to go back. There were so many wonderful sights I could spend all day listing them, however, my favourite memories were the Waterfalls from the death defying walk/climb on Saturday, and the magnificent view from Muncaster fell on Monday. All this wonderment rather outweighed my fear of being sucked into a bog!

Michelle B.

The trip was brilliant - and in Trudi's words every walk was "life-threatening" especially if you were Seher (fell in a bog but unexpectedly four men appeared and offered her the kiss of life) and Gary (for snoring on the top of Muncaster Fell) and presumably Ian & Fergus (slightly lost on Scafell for a few moments)

I shall certainly be risking my life again at some point - possibly New Year? Many thanks for an ace weekend.

Liz

High Drama in the Lakes !!

Saturday morning, up at 7:30 feeling tired. Had one of Dave's 'famous' breakfasts, still felt tired, two choices of walks to go on that day. Dave's one, usually hard and long (I'm talking about the walk!!) or Trudi's one, usually easier, shorter and more laid back, so opted for that.

It started well, about 9 of us followed a wonderful pretty river up through a nice valley with wonderful waterfalls. Cameras clicking like mad, frightening all the wild life - well sheep anyway.

Up higher and higher we got, cliff one side, river the other, till at about 100 feet above the river on a path no wider than a sheep's backside, the path came to a stop, with a 7 foot gap then it started again. No problem said Trudi we can get across. So there we were, some of us clinging on to this rock face for dear life trying to get our fingers and toes on the smallest of ledges to get across. Some said 'no way' and went up a 'very' steep grass bank above, to go round, ending up saying 'I'm stuck, help', chaos !! I had visions of Mountain Rescue scraping some of us out of the river below. All I thought was "bring back Striding Edge all is forgiven". BUT, Trudi showing all her years of experience in walking these hills, stayed calm and coaxed us all safely across. What a girl !!

We then found a short cut over the top and down into the next valley, which was at the foot of Scafell, and one of the most beautiful places I have seen in many a walk, rivers, waterfall's, mountains........bliss !

We started back and with Trudi's impeccable navigating ended up at the Woolpack Inn (funny how we always end up at a pub) and there we meet Dave returning from their walk.

Well done Trudi a truly wonderful day.

Andy M.

We met Trudi's Auntie Pam and spent the day walking with her to Eel Tarn. Lunch was taken by the lake and the walk continued. The views at the top were admired and photographed before arriving back at Pam's car. After some discussion about our combined weight, with Bob, Nigel, and Robert in her car, Pam drove us all to the Poachers Bar where cream teas and beer were consumed (we had the beer, Trudi & Pam the cream teas). We walked back to the centre for a hearty meal before going back for another beer. The weather has been excellent apart from a bit of damp on Saturday and thanks for all the good food and company; it's been a great trip.

Bob C.

It was a good trip, the weather held up with only the odd shower, the pubs didn't seem to be restricted by last orders, but best of all (for me) was the joy of being able to find the Centre on the Friday night, without being forced to spend the night sleeping in the car! (unlike last time!)

Tim B.

See some more pictures from the Lake District.

The Discovery Centre

The brand new Discovery Centre at Great Notley is a fascinating building. Designed as a leisure and visitors centre to the new country park just outside Braintree, it has been constructed with green ideals in mind. Not only does it have solar panels and a wind turbine, but also a Termodeck floor (for temperature control) and rainwater collection for use in flushing the loos. Many of the materials used in construction are either renewable or recycled. It will be interesting to see how this innovative building is utilised by the surrounding community in the coming years.

Many thanks to Nigel for giving us the complete guided tour.

Weekend at Clun Mill hostel in Shropshire

I remember having some doubts about arranging a barbecue on an August Bank holiday trip, was this tempting fate? (I still remember the barbecue at Bretton when it bucketed down and we ate our sausages under several anonymous layers of goretex) However, my reservations turned out to be completely groundless. Not only did we have a superb barbecue, but three days fighting over the sun block whilst out walking.

Our first day was spent up on Offa's Dyke with splendid views despite the general haziness. The sun was very hot and the humidity made the up hill stretches punishing, but the reward was the light breeze on the ridge.

Sunday saw us walking from the hostel to Bury Ditches - the remains of a prehistoric fort and perfect location for panoramic views and long snoozes in the sunshine.

On Monday we headed for wonderfully well preserved Stokesay Castle. We all did the full audio tour and many of us lingered for the medieval re-enactment of life in the thirteenth century. Part of this had the Lady of the Castle complaining about having to entertain that great bore, Lord Prior of Dinmore - how did she know we'd brought Ian with us???

See some more pictures from the weekend in Shropshire.

See also Jane's latest news from her round-the-World trip.

Latest

Last Month

Index

Home

Contact