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PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER 2006 - FEBRUARY 2007  Matt Liggins

September 20^th                                      Committee Meeting 8pm at Eileen’s house.  Agenda items ASAP.

September 23^rd                                      Arans with Nick.

October 6^th – 8^th                                    Pembrokeshire Coast with Debra.

October 12^th – 16th                               Backpacking in the Loch Lomond area.  See David or Matt.

November 24^th – 26^th                            Rydal, Lake District.  Annual Dinner meet and bash.  NOT TO BE MISSED.

December 9^th                                         Dark Peak with David.

January 13^th 2007                                  Brecon Beacons with David.

February 15^th – 18^th 2007                      Crianlarich, Scottish Highlands.

And there’s much more than this going on.  Visit us on a Thursday at Attleborough Liberal Club, Bull Street for impromptu activities, or ring Andrew on 01827  717 648 or Matt on  024 76 758322 if you can’t get down. And don’t forget our website at www.nunmc.org

SOCIAL PROGRAMME   Michele

Although only 3 of us went to the outdoor production of Wind in the Willows at the end of July we had a great evening. The weather was glorious and we shared a very civilised picnic washed down with wine and then enjoyed a fun-filled production.  The setting at Fillongley Lodge was idyllic.  We will look out for next year’s event and hope that more of you will join in!

Forthcoming events

Nov 18^th – Bedworth Symphony Orchestra, 7.30 at Nicholas Chamberlaine School, Bedworth

December – Panto in Nuneaton.  Michele will be asking you in October – be ready!

I hope to we will also support some of the Live and Local events, details to follow!

COMING UP – THE ARANS WITH NICK Saturday 23^rd September

Change of organiser as Colin has a niggling foot injury and is presently only pottering (on a good day).  The excellent Cwm Cywarch near Dinas Mawddwy seems to be on the agenda but check with Nick for route and rendezvous details.

COMING –UP PEMBROKESHIRE WITH DEBRA 6^th – 8^th OCTOBER

Details not known at time of going to press but contact Debra or Matt if you are interested.

COMING UP – BACKPACKING ON LOCH LOMONDSIDE 12^th – 16^th OCT.

October 12th - 16^th.  Backpacking in the Central Cairngorms area.  The plan is to travel up by train to Aviemore on Thursday 12th returning on Monday16th.  Thursday and Sunday night will be spent at Aviemore youth hostel.  If
you are interested let Matt or David know ASAP.

COMING UP – RYDAL, LAKE DISTRICT  24^th – 26^th NOVEMBER Matt

A date for your diaries.  I have secured a booking for a great venue for our November dinner meet.  The dates will be Friday 24th and Saturday 25^th November.  Sorry it's not the middle week of the month but it couldn't be helped.

The venue is Rydal Hall Youth Centre Bunkhouse, located on Rydal Water near Ambleside.  The cost to us is £150 per night for sole use and there is space for up to 36 people which will work out very cheaply if we have a decent number turn up.
For more information have a look at the web site. http://www.rydalhall.org/

THE LATEST UPDATE     

Rydal House, Lake District.  Annual Dinner meet and bash. 

This is a large venue so come along and spread out. Friends and family are welcome on this trip, and with Rydal’s central lakes location there should be something to suit everyone here.

The cost is likely to be between £12 and £15 per person per night. The more people who attend the cheaper the price will be. The cost of dinner will be between £5 and £7, again depending on numbers.

As usual a £10 deposit will secure your place. Deposits to Matt or Eileen please.

COMING UP – CRIANLARICH  15^th – 18^th FEBRUARY 2007   Matt

We have managed to secure a booking for the Ochills MC hut situated next to the Ben More Hotel in Crianlarich.

The dates are 15th - 18th Feb 2007.  http://www.ochils.com/cottage.htm

It may seem a little early to be promoting this trip but this is a popular hut and as a result books up quickly.  The cost of the hut is only £6.50 per person per night and we have exclusive use for 4 nights.  There are 18 places available so if you fancy a bit of Scottish winter action a £10 deposit to either me or Eileen will secure your place.

We already have a few deposits so don’t leave it too long to book.

ESKDALE CAMPING WEEKEND 9^th – 11^th JUNE

Lunchtime arrivals in Eskdale who included Richard D, Mark, Colin, Ann and Keith K (Michele was queasy)  gathered in time to catch the 3pm narrow gauged steam train from the campsite station to Ravensglass on the coast (£4.40).  From here it was a pleasant walk back over Muncaster Fell in warm but breezy conditions higher up back to the campsite, via the King George 1V by 6.20pm.

Eileen and Richard M arrived in the afternoon and enjoyed a short walk from the campsite onto the hills above visiting a small tarn en route.

Ian and Mo had arrived earlier.  Maurice writes:

The first scramble was up Lower Birker Force (Grade 3).  It's a short walk from a small parking space on the little lane just past Boot.  The walk up to the start of the scramble into the gill was very enjoyable.  The first part was easy going, over large boulders and a few very smelly dead sheep - I thought it was Ian, and he thought it was me, so it was quite a relief to spot the sheepy remains!  Further up the gill we could see the waterfall, and the awe-inspiring grade 3 part of the climb.  Obviously, the higher we climbed, the more difficult it became.  This was adrenalin pumping stuff for both of us.  Even though the weather was very hot and sunny, the final 30ft were just too wet and slippery, so we came off and went to our left up a grassy bank.  This brought us on top of the plateau, with fantastic views over Eskdale, looking towards Scafell.  I think it took us about 1hr 30m from start to finish.

 We then carried on up to Crook Crag, which was half a mile away.  Although the scramble is only a very simple grade 2, we did it in the full glare of the sun, which made it much harder going.  From the top of Crook Crag we could see Harter Fell, which looked very inviting, so we decided we'd make up our mind about tackling it after our descent from the crag.  We weren't sure if we'd have enough energy left but, then again, we're MOUNTAIN MEN!!!  The path was straight up the hillside, and we got to the top much quicker than we expected.  The view was well worth the effort. After our descent, we found a different route back to the car, so we had a good 5 hours walking and scrambling in all.

I really enjoyed it Ian - thanks for being such good company.

On Saturday Keith & Michele, Ann, Eileen, Colin, Richard M, David, Mo and Ian A set off from the bottom of Hard Knott Pass for upper Eskdale.  At the base of Ill Crags Mo, David and Ian took the more challenging South East Face Grade 3*** while the rest went for the easier Cockley Pike Ridge Grade 1**.  The Grade 1 was very easy the most difficult bit being the steep grassy bank at the bottom.  The others had a few steep sections but we all eventually met on Ill Crags though a little later than anticipated.  Here it was very warm but windy as we all continued on to Broad Crag and Sca Fell Pike where there were far too many loud people.  Descending to Mickledore there were good views of the climbers on Sca Fell Crag before we made the long descent into Eskdale.  Here Mo, David and Ian decided to shoot off for some rather pleasant pools on the Esk by Lingcove Bridge for a skinny dip while decorum dictated that the others take an alternative route via Scale Bridge to the starting point.  Very hot.  Consumed loads of liquid and splashed on masses of sun tan lotion.

David Foster writes:  “Unlike the others, I traveled on Friday afternoon, which with hindsight was not a good idea, the traffic was poor and the journey took five hours.  The camp site was good, just a few hundred yards from the pub with reasonable ale.  Mo was up early, probably caused by too much wind - from another tent (a good reason always to have single tents - same problem in Scotland).  Colin led a really good walk to Ill Crag taking 2 ½ hours along the valley bottom before the real climb.  Mo and Ian posed temptation which persuaded me to join them on a Grade 3 scramble, which was really interesting and well worth while and a little exposed.  It was jut a pity that the photos did not show the climb too well. On meeting the others at the top, we proceeded to Sca Fell Pike, and returned to the valley.  Whilst Colin and the rest of the party went back by a different route, we retraced our steps to a suitable place with deep pools for a spot of skinny dipping to cool off.  A very hot sunny day, about 1000m 9 ½ hours”.

Richard D and Mark set off a little later and ascended Slight Side from the Youth Hostel before going on to Sca Fell.  Here it was also very windy on the summit with Richard complaining of being blown about.  On the descent they met Matt on the way up, dressed Lawrence of Arabia style to protect himself from the sun, before dropping down into the valley where the Beer Festival in Boot proved irresistible, well to Richard at least.

On Sunday Eileen, Richard M, Richard D, Mark, Colin, Ann and Matt went for Black Combe on the coast near to Millom.  This is a little visited part of the south Lakes so was new for all of us.  From near to Whicham we ascended the south ridge of Black Combe in very warm conditions to a hazy and breezy top.  Walking along the top of the cliffs there were some views into the valley below reminding some of a larger version of the Long Mynd.  At the road at Beckside we completed a pleasant linear walk and split up for our various journeys home.

David Foster writes, “On the Sunday having had too much sun the day before I left via Hard Knott Pass, detouring to the Roman fort (NT- free) and a drive to Skelworth Bridge and the café at Chesters for coffee tiffin”.

Keith and Michele headed for Harter Fell at the head of Eskdale with its rocky summit.  From the Dunnerdale side, one of the gems of the Lakes, a pleasant ascent was made which involved riverside, forest and moorland.

Mo & Ian wandered off to Ambleside to a Mrs Miggins recommended by Eileen.  Mrs Miggins wasn’t in residence but a worm clearly belonging to her found its way into Ian’s side salad.  Bringing this to the attention of the staff meant that Ian wasn’t required to pay, but why this extended to Mo as well remains a mystery as after all he had a worm free meal.  Moral – if you’re low on cash ask Eileen for the best place to eat!

CANOEING WEEKEND 24^th – 25^th JUNE     DIFF’RNT STROKES Andrew

Six of us went:  Mark, Nick, Debra, Anna (Andrew’s daughter), Jamie (Anna’s boyfriend) and Andrew.

The aim was to have fun, to learn to paddle more efficiently and to improve our skill, confidence and safety to a point where we could make journeys on more interesting rivers – up to Grade II rapids.

We camped at Rhynys – a hill farm leased from the National Trust about 3 miles from Betws y Coed.  It was a very quiet and beautiful site.  The facilities were limited but very clean.  100% of those asked said they would recommend it to a friend, and one person went so far as to say that they might recommend it to two friends.

Day one was on (relatively) still water – Llyn Padarn.  We learned basic strokes and manoeuvering in a sheltered bay, followed by a journey down Llyn Padarn.  In the afternoon, after a theoretical session on safety equipment and emergency drill, we practiced falling out of the boat and getting back in, and also a full capsize, followed by recovery of a waterlogged boat.

It was a time of drought and none of the local rivers was in a fit state to paddle, so day two was held on the Menai Straits, where the tidal flow of up to 6 knots offers good practice in negotiating moving water. 

The first part of the day involved recapping on the strokes we had all too briefly practised the day before, followed by a short journey against the tide which involved nosing our way up a narrow, wooded river valley.

Then the big stuff – a journey down the Straits avoiding the other the other craft, nearly all of whom were bigger than we were.  Andrew and Debra recovered brilliantly from a near-capsize caused by Andrew not paddling hard enough at a place where the slack water and the tidal stream met.  Anna and Jamie had an involuntary capsize just upstream of the Britannia Bridge.  Those of us not involved had the benefit of observing how the instructors managed the incident, but for the two people in the water it was very alarming to be borne down toward the bridge by the current.  I think we all learned more respect for the currents after that.

The last leg was south of the bridges where the Straits widen out and the current is slower.  The full sun made for very hard work, with a bit of excitement when a lifeboat raced up to warn all craft to get off the water pdq because of a chemical spillage.

I thought the course did what I was expecting and I’m looking forward to travelling down some of our beautiful and varied rivers as soon as I can.

BACKPACKING IN THE CARNEDDAU 30^th JUNE – 2^nd  JULY  Colin

Nick and Colin had hoped to catch a bus from Capel to Bethesda but there wasn’t one for hours.  The next plan was to leave the car at Gwern Gof Isaf campsite on the A5 where day parking is OK but they didn’t want to know and claimed that it would be the same everywhere else in the valley.  So Plan C took us to Cwm Eigiau where people park for the Rugby Club hut and Dulyn Bothy.  Just over two miles up the track we pitched at the Melynllyn Reservoir at 640m and at 6.15pm set off for an evening walk to Yr Elen and Carnedd Llewelyn.  It was splendid having such popular mountains to ourselves and what an evening with ridges and gullies being picked out by the evening sun.  On Carnedd Llewelyn at 9pm there was some atmospheric mist coming across the hill as we descended back to camp for supper in the last of the light.

The next morning was bright with a warm breeze and we moved over to Cwm Eigiau and then to the next valley to pitch by the Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir at 370m.  This was a bit more public but as England were playing Portugal there were few people around.  Leaving the site we walked to the head of the reservoir and up onto Craiglwyn by 6.30pm a top that Nick wanted to collect.  Back at the tent there was hardly any breeze and we thought we were in for a midgy night but it didn’t happen.  The next morning at 6.10am was fine and warm and by 8am we were sweating.  Leaving the reservoir we walked back to Cwm Eigiau and got the sad story of the football result from other walkers.  Backpacking seems to have been a good choice.  At Llandudno we drove up to the Great Orme (£2.50 or free if you know the right route) and they even want you to pay and display at the top.  Soon afterwards there was a purposeful thunderstorm so we were very pleased that we had finished early.  Thanks to Nick for driving.

SNOWDONIA CAMPING WEEKEND 7^th – 9^th JULY  David

In attendance were Andrew, Les, Mark & David.

We travelled with Andrew arriving late morning at the camp site at the base of Tryfan.  We set up the tents in what turned out to be a very basic camp site at £3 per night.  Andrew had a few jobs to sort out and therefore set out after ourselves.  We headed up at last to Little Tryfan to have a look at the climbs, which we thought were well within our capability and are marked for a future trip.  There was a leisurely ascent on to the top of the Gylders.  At this point the wind hit us and was very strong and cold.  We continued on to Yr Garn.  There was a hope that we could continue high, but the wind was increasing and the rain was coming down more heavily and therefore we decided to go down the north east ridge to Idwal Cottages along the road and back to the camp site.  At this point the rain was lashing down.  Andrew turned up an hour later having been over the Gylders and down via the Devils Kitchen.  At this time the weather was becoming an important feature and hence we decided to head for the pub for food and a couple of nice pints of draught Black Sheep which went down very well.  The night was interesting.  It seems that we had camped on a bit of a bog. Every time someone walked past, the ground seemed to move!  As per the forecast the wind was still picking up.  In the morning there were many other tents ruined by the wind which were heading for the bin.  The strength of the wind had not abated much and would have been dangerous on top.  There was a leisurely trip back via a castle in Llangollen and aqueduct at Trevor.  We returned home in time to see the final (Les thought I meant the football world cup whereas I was referring to the last episode of Doctor Who!)  1045m 7 hour walk.

HOWGILLS CAMPING WEEKEND 11^th – 13^th AUGUST   Michele

Having ‘lost’ various members due to injury, family commitments and other assorted excuses; it was a select band of 5, (Andrew, Richard, Mark, Keith and Michele) that headed for the Howgills on August 11^th.  Despite a skip lorry having an altercation with the bridge at junction 27 on the M6, we all arrived safely at Cross Hall Farm campsite to the north of Sedbergh.  Michele and Keith took in a walk on Great Knoutberry Hill (a Nuttall!) on their way!

The campsite was a bit ‘horizontally challenged’ but clean, friendly and quiet.  We would definitely use it again if in that area.  It will come as no surprise to most of you that Richard walked the 2 miles into Sedbergh to find a hostelry (or 3!) in the evening, while the rest of us supped a little wine at the campsite before heading into our tents at an early hour, driven in by the chill August air.

On Saturday, we drove a few miles north to park at the Cross Keys Inn for the start of our walk.  There was a lot of up and down in order to ‘collect Nuttalls’!  The weather was fine but with a chill wind.  After lunch, having taken in Yarlside and Randygill Top, Richard and Andrew opted for the shorter version to The Calf (the highest point in the Howgills at 2218ft) and then back to the car via Cautley Spout waterfall, whilst the ‘A’ team also took in Fell Head, Bush Howe, Bram Rigg Top and Calders, making it a 7 Nuttall day for some!  The views were good all day; we could see the Yorkshire three peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside, the North Pennines and the Lake District.

Richard and Andrew drove to Sedbergh for a drink before returning at 6 o’clock to collect the others.  The Cross Keys Inn was closed but even if it had been open it would not have served beer – it is a Temperance Inn!

Saturday evening was milder than Friday and we sat by our tents having our BBQ, although we did turn it into a campfire later on to keep warm!

Rain came in overnight but was not much by the morning and after packing our stuff we headed out directly from the campsite for another walk, toward Baugh Fell.  From late morning we split in to two groups, with Mark, Keith and Michele taking in Knoutberry Haw and Tarn Rigg Hill.  Unfortunately at this stage there was ‘null points’ for the view! We all got back to the campsite at 3pm and had a fairly easy drive back home.

There are plenty more walks in the Howgills to be done and it is much quieter than either the Yorkshire Dales or the Lakes so I’m sure there will be further trips there.

SCOTLAND 27^th MAY – 3^rd JUNE   Colin

Colin and Ann Hobson travelled up to Roy Bridge to join a group from Coventry MC on one of their regular meets.  Lousia Brown who came with us to Scarborough was there along with two climbers who we rarely saw and Steve – the main man.  Later in the week a lady called Chris turned up and along with Steve adopted the pattern of: Get up late/Go out late/Arrive back very late/Barbeque and chat into the early hours etc.  Consequently we mostly walked by ourselves!  The campsite was very good though the two blokes, otherwise very affable, who camped right next to us on day two, might have been more considerate and not played their guitars and mouth organs until 10.30pm most nights.

Sunday was dreary so we decided to go for a Binnein Shios a 667m hill down the valley.  Steve and Louisa came with us but when it appeared the weather might be improving they soon struck off for the three Munros to the south including Beinn a Chlachair.  Meanwhile we found a way through the trees and soon reached our top in breezy but mostly dry conditions.  This was the first time that Ann’s knees had been tested on rough ground since her skiing and car accidents but she felt good enough to want to take in the adjacent steep Binnein Shuas 746m before we returned to our starting point.

Monday was a little better so the same four set off for the twin Munros of  Stob Coire Sgriodain 976m and Chno Dearg 1047m.  The ascent from Fersit was warm in the sunshine but every now and again a shower came across from the north.  After the first summit (Ring Ouzel on the rocks below) a particularly wintry shower severely reduced visibility and put a layer of snow and hail on the ground but it soon cleared.  From Chno Dearg many nearby mountains made for a wintry scene but there were only patches where we were and the descent was without incident.

On Tuesday the two of us took an easier option and went down Glen Roy for Beinn Iaruinn 800m and Leana Mhor 685m.  It was a warm ascent and there were fine views from the tops though cool in the wind.  Glen Roy has particular interest for the geologist on account of its ‘Parallel Roads’.  These are not roads but the remains of several lake shore lines high on the hillsides.  They are clearly visible on both sides of the glen being evidence of a gigantic lake, and its various levels, that was once held back by glaciers.

On Wednesday we decided to go for Beinn a Chaorainn 1052m with an option for Beinn Teallach 915m.  This was a very fine bright sunny day with views from the top from the Cairngorm to the west coast.  Ann managed to crouch alongside the remains of a massive cornice while Colin much more precariously placed took the necessary photos.  The second Munro was duly taken in but we decided to move on as there was thunder to the north.  The descent was easy on knees and we even managed to cross the stream without getting wet.

Thursday started poorly and became a day of rest while we summoned ourselves for something nice on the final day.  Friday was bright and clear and we were joined by Louisa for the Stob Choire Mheadhoin 1106m and Stob Coire Essain 1116m.  With Louisa up front the pace quickened but we soon discovered that she was always going to be 100m ahead no matter how fast you walked, so why not slow down to your own pace anyway.  High up we flushed a Dotterel and found ourselves only a metre or so away from its nest.   Moving on we reached our first top in sunshine though there was plenty of cloud on other mountains, especially to the north.  The second top involved a steep descent and re-ascent which was heavy going but the mountainous scene was well worth it.  The walk back in Coire Laire took as long as the ascent but the setting is very fine and we still reached the car by 4.30pm.

SKIDDAW & BLENCATHRA BACKPACK 28^th – 30^th JULY  Matt

Ian & Matt

Skiddaw, with a summit at 921 m (3,054 ft) above sea level it is the fourth highest mountain in England, and the lowest above 3000 feet. It lies just north of the town of Keswick and as a result it is one that has escaped our attentions until now. The Skiddaw group of mountains are said to be the remnants of an ancient giant whose geology dates back almost 500 million years, making them the oldest mountains in the Lake District. The mountain also lends its name to the surrounding areas of "Skiddaw Forest", and "Back o' Skidda'" and to the isolated "Skiddaw House", situated to the east, formerly a shooting lodge and a youth hostel, now in a state of limbo since closure during the foot and mouth crisis. Skiddaw has a subsidiary summit, Little Man at 865 m, which lies about 1.5 km south-south-west of the main peak.

Blencathra has six separate fell tops, of which the highest is the 868 metres (2,848 ft) Halls Fell Top. For many years the Ordnance Survey listed Blencathra under the alternative name of Saddleback, which was coined in reference to the shape of the mountain when seen from the south. The fell-walker Alfred Wainwright popularised the use of the older, Cumbric, name, and this is now generally accepted as its true title. The Ordnance Survey now marks the summit as being titled "Saddleback or Blencathra".  It is likely that the name Blencathra is derived from the Cumbric elements blaen (a bare hill top) and cathrach (a chair).  This would give a meaning of "the bare hill top shaped like a chair", which perfectly describes the look of the hill.

Skiddaw is not a difficult mountain to climb but with temperatures this Friday morning rising into the mid eighties the steep pull up the path from Millbeck had us puffing and panting in minutes even with the comparatively light day sacks we were carrying.  Good job we were dressed for the weather with khaki shorts and bush hat’s.  Ian remarked that we must look like Don Estelle, (“lovely boy”) and his stumpy mate.  We continued dragging ourselves up the steep slope and soon met the first of many fell runners on his way down.  Don’t you just hate fell runners?  After climbing Carlside and Longside  we arrived at the summit of Skiddaw for a late lunch.  The view down to the lakes on the Keswick side looked more like the Italian Lake District in the brilliant sunshine.  After lunch we took in Little Man and traversed our way back to the same footpath for our decent.

Having moved Ian’s van to the Blencathra centre a former sanatorium used to treat tuberculosis, now a training centre for the Lake District National Park, we set off again. This time carrying full back packs, we climbed up the path that follows Glenderaterra Beck leading to Skiddaw House.  After putting a good distance between ourselves and the car park we set about finding a campsite with the following attributes: Near a stream to cool the beer. En suite Jacuzzi pool. Not too many midges.  Oh and sheltered and flat and all that other stuff.  We found what we thought to be the perfect spot and pitched our tents in the warm evening sunshine.  After placing the beer carefully to cool in the fastest flow of the stream we set about cooling ourselves off in the Jacuzzi.  Fantastic! Just as we were getting dried the first of our many passers by came round the corner on her mountain bike.  Soon to follow was an elderly fell walker making  his way up the valley. “Oi” shouted Ian with a wry smile “I hope you’re not pinching our beer!”  The poor man looked genuinely distraught and started stammering out his defence.  Ian quickly realising his mistake bounded up to the startled man half naked and dripping with water.  He soon put the man at his ease and spent the next few minutes chatting before parting on good terms.  The chap was on his way up to Skiddaw House for the night and was part of the committee trying to open it up again.  I not sure If we will ever have a warm welcome at Skiddaw House.

Saturday started warm with hazy sunshine and an early start had us on the summit of Lonscale Fell by 2nd breakfast time.  We followed this with Sale How.  At 666 m not much of a beast, but it’s a Nuttall so it had to be done.  Walking down the pleasant slope towards Skiddaw House we decided to call in and check out the place for future trips.  Skiddaw House is in a wonderfully remote location set on the Cumbrian Way in a tiny patch of what looks like ancient pine forest.  Following the dry stone wall we eventually came to the gate.  We turned to look but quickly turned away as our eye’s fell upon the gate keeper.  A giant slug of a man lay sleeping in a deck chair at the doorway.  “It’s Jabba the hutt” exclaimed Ian.  “Jabba the hutt and his missus”.  A very slight woman sat in a deck chair at the other side of the doorway. We crept away trying not to wake Jabba, occasionally daring to look back saying, “Has he seen us yet?” After the excitement of Skiddaw House it was time to find a campsite for the 2nd night.  Using the same criteria as the night before we found a campsite high on Blackhazel Beck in the shadow of Atkinson Pike.  After pitching our tents we headed off armed only with a bottle of water to climb Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags.  Five minutes into our decent we felt the first spot of rain. By the time we arrived back at the tents the rain was steadily growing into a downpour.  Sadly there was to be no Jacuzzi tonight.

On Sunday morning we awoke to blue skies again and after breakfast set off towards Blencathra to complete our mission.  Our route took us up a steep ridge onto the plateau and up to the summit of Atkinson Pike.  We took a detour here to check out Sharp Edge.  In total contrast to the western side, to the eastern side of the mountain lies a spectacular glacial lake, Scales Tarn.  It’s location between Scales Fell to the south and Sharp Edge to the north looked all the more dramatic in the early morning sunshine.  Sharp Edge looked like it would be well worth a return visit.  After completing the ridge we headed off to find the van and a good cooked breakfast.  A fantastic weekend.  And as it turned out, the last of the hot summer weather.

ROUND – UP FOR MAY – AUGUST

From David

Late May - Hartshill Hayes in torrential rain just to make it more interesting.  The woodlands were very pleasant and for those who have not been well worthwhile although it is probably best to take the longest route around the outer edges.  A short ride to Hoar Park for a clotted cream tea!

Early June - Staunton Harold Reservoir.  Parking next to the water in a well set out car park.  Good playground for children (which does not interest ourselves) with a easy walk along good paths on a designated route to Calke Abbey (NT).  The final stretch goes past a very pretty valley with deer to the house for a nice tea, returning by the same route out.  Round trip of about 1 ½ hours plus tea.

4th June - Ilam Hall car park (£4) a very nice walk up Musden Wood which is a dry limestone valley, wooded with a narrow path past lots of wild flowers, and was quiet.  Up over the hills to Soles Hollow (past numerous herds of large wild beasties that caused Belinda some problems).  She claimed there was nowhere to run except over barbed wire fences!  We moved on to the Manifold Valley and to Wetton for drinks and a nice stroll across the tops of the valleys back to the car park.  5 ½ hours 350m.

24^th June Black Mountains Far East

David, Richard and Colin approached the Black Mountains from the Olchon valley on the Hereford side of the hills.  Black Hill was climbed along a splendidly un Black Mountain like narrow ridge to the plateau.  From there we made our way along Offa’s Dyke passing a Scots lad three weeks into the Land’s End to John O Groats walk.  There seemed to be relatively few walkers on the hill except for a charity fell race at the southern end of our walk.  The descent involved a bit of bracken – but hey, you can’t have everything!

8^th July Ysgyryd Fawr

Colin’s been having a bit of foot trouble lately so I went for a walk on my own rather than the trip to north Wales.  From Skirrid near to Abergavenny I walked up onto the summit ridge.  Here something happened that I’ve never known before.  Five minutes from the top there was a sudden whoosh as a Common Buzzard came at me unseen from behind and passed me perhaps inches from my head.  I was a tad surprised as this budgie has a four foot wingspan.  I’m just glad it didn’t use its claws and happy I was using a rucksack as ballast lest I be carried off as buzzard food.  For the next few minutes I carried my stick above my head pointing upwards but it moved on.  The descent was one of the steepest I’ve had for some time and I was glad the short grass was dry.  Across the valley the next hill Bryn Arw had its own problems as an otherwise easy ascent was turned into a fight due to excess bracken.  In places the stuff was eight feet high and full of insects but having been turned back at the first attempt was determined to make it to the top.  Easy day but right foot still hurts.

20^th August Peak District    David writes

Walking from Millers Dale, south to Highcliffe Farm and into Chee Dale.  This is an area of steep limestone cliffs (Tony, there are many E grades and some bolting).  The walk was mainly wooded and provided really good photographs.  The valley was exited towards Wormhill and onto the upper reaches of Monks Dale.  This valley although having a path was hard work fighting through the low branches and took over an hour to cover one mile!  Apart from the struggling through Monks Dale this was a really nice walk.  The rain added an extra dimension to the day.

8 miles 380 m.  David & Richard Y.

PILOTS GRIPE SHEET   Received from Michele

I got a good laugh at some of these so I thought I would share!  In case you need a laugh: Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane but only a high school diploma to fix one.  Reassurance for those who fly routinely in their jobs.  After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft.  The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.  Never let it be said that ground crews lack sense of humour.  Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers.  By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never, ever had an accident.

PILOT:                   Left inside main tire almost needs replacement. 

SOLUTION:          Almost replaced left inside main tire.
PILOT:                   Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough. 

SOLUTION:          Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
PILOT:                   Something loose in cockpit. 

SOLUTION:          Something tightened in cockpit.
PILOT:                   Dead bugs on windshield. 

SOLUTION:          Live bugs on back-order.
PILOT:                   Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
SOLUTION:          Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
PILOT:                   Evidence of leak on right main landing gear. 

SOLUTION:          Evidence removed.
PILOT:                   DME volume unbelievably loud. 

SOLUTION:          DME volume set to more believable level.
PILOT:                   Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick. 

SOLUTION:          That's what friction locks are for.
PILOT:                   IFF inoperative in OFF mode. 

SOLUTION:          IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
PILOT:                   Suspected crack in windshield. 

SOLUTION:          Suspect you're right.
PILOT:                   Number 3 engine missing. 

SOLUTION:          Engine found on right wing after brief search.
PILOT:                   Aircraft handles funny. 

SOLUTION:          Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.
PILOT:                   Target radar hums. 

SOLUTION:          Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
PILOT:                   Mouse in cockpit. 

SOLUTION:          Cat installed.   

PILOT:                   Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a       hammer. 

SOLUTION:          Took hammer away from midget.  

BLAZING PADDLES (3)  3^rd September Andrew

No injuries, no one hurt, not really very interesting copy.  Andrew, Nick and Mark started from Symonds Yat West and paddled to Brockweir.  At one point a dead sheep was overtaken proving that there was some paddling taking place, but after a short break we had to get a move on to catch it up again.

BLAZING PADDLES (2)  23^rd August Andrew

Bongggg…          bonngg…         bonngg…   

The clock of St Helen’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, slowly began to strike nine.  Turning in his seat to face Mark and Nick, Richard muttered:  “They should be arriving any …”

Just then, two 19’ open canoes turned the corner, carried  on a white Astra estate.  Michele, Keith and Andrew had joined the party to continue the journey down the River Wye from the point where they had left off the year before.

While the 2 drivers positioned a car at Symonds Yat East, about 15 miles downstream, the others got the boats ready.  We were all afloat by ten – Richard riding point in his kayak as usual. 

The Wye is always beautiful.  This time it was particularly lovely, with leaves beginning to change colour and several clumps of flowering rush along the banks.  With its large ‘umbrellas’ of rose-pink flowers, this must be one of the most exquisite of our waterside flowers.  We did not see anything as dramatic as last year’s osprey, but we had two glimpses of kingfishers and also good views of herons, buzzards, a mink and a pair of dainty, unidentified ducks with white spectacle markings.

There was a good height of water in the river – about 2” above normal summer levels – and the going was quite easy. 

By Symonds Yat the Wye became calmer, slower and canal-like.  We soon found the reason:  the river had been dammed, creating a ‘lake’ for pleasure boats upstream, and about 100m of rapid water below.  Guided by Richard, we bounced and bobbed our way down this section before leaving the water in mid-afternoon.

Then camp site, pub meal – the usual NMC stuff.  The only other thing of note was Keith’s close encounter with a badger in a dark, narrow, sunken lane on the way back from the pub.  Stocky, muscular, combative, lumbering along and refusing to turn aside for anyone or any thing – the badger had probably never met anybody like Keith before.

Next day we had planned to go further, but the weather was bad so we knocked it on the head. 

We’ll be back…

For the technically-minded:     Total miles run:  14.75 miles.  Average speed:  5.5 mph.  Total descent:  5m – 10m.