Newsletter August 2011
Mum of two Toni White has been appointed Chairman of Holywell Rambling Club. Pharmacist Toni is married to Tony and they have two children, Toby and Holly, who are Pupils at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School Flint. Previously she was vice chairman of the Club and this post has been taken on by Roy Cropper.
Commenting on her appointment Toni said "My family have been members of Holywell Rambling Club for six years. During this time we have explored the countryside of North Wales and further afield. Without the club this would not have been possible." The Club is extremely active with a large number of volunteer walks leaders.
The Club organise walks every weekend throughout the year and also midweek walks on a regular basis.
Leadership / Navigation Sponsorship
It is in the interests of the long-term survival of the club to have a programme of activities to cater for all age groups and abilities.
As the Club continues to attract new members, some who are eager to have Strenuous Mountain walks, the committee has decided to allocate three grants, of up to £50 each, towards the cost of a course in navigation/mountain leadership.
We hope this will encourage more members to consider leading all types of walks. This will ensure that the club continues to offer a varied and extensive programme.
Grants will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Offering of strenuous walks is not a requirement of the grant, however offering and leading walks will be. It is our intention, finance permitting, to provide three grants each year for the foreseeable future.
For further information contact any committee member. Courses details available from Toni White.
Anne's Walks
The booklet contains 5 walks devised by Anne and written by Club Members. There is also a Town Trail devised by pupils of Ysgol yr Esgob Caerwys. They are available from the Club Secretary.
Brenig Way to Llangollen
The Dee Valley Way runs from Corwen to Llangollen. It has been in place for a few years. During the last two years Denbighshire County Council has created a new trail between Llyn Brenig and Corwen. Together with walking trail a bus service was also created. This is to serve both those walking the route and the local communities. Originally planned for 7 days a week this has now been reduced to just weekends and holidays. This meant that the walk had to be accessed using cars and a taxi,
Tuesday 23rd August
The first section of the walk is through the Archaelogical Site near to Brenig Reservoir. This provided the Group with excellent views over to Snowdonia and the South. We then entered the forest and followed a track alongside the edge to a pleasant lunch stop overlooking the Cyffylliog and Eastwards towards the Llantysilio Mountains. After walking down into the valley and through the village of Cyffylliog we climbed up to Bagot Memorial. From here there are impressive views of the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian Hills.
The final section is alongside a fenced off area where wild horses roam. These are Przewalski' Horses and are part of a worldwide breeding programme for these horses which were reduced to 31 in 1945. There are now believed to be over 1,500. This had been a long day and the walk finished too late for refreshments.
Wednesday 24th August
We rejoined the trail at Bod Petryal and then continued towards the village of Derwen. The trail does not go into this village but follows an old Drovers Road to join the River Clwyd. The trail follows the river up to Melin y Wig. The weather on today's walk was not as good as the previous day with several showers these seemed to arrive when we decided to have a break. From Melin y Wig we went alongside the valley and through woodlands to Betws Gwerfil Goch. The final section is again in a valley alongside the Afon Alwen running into the River Dee. The day's walk finished at the Goat Inn at Maerdy. This time we had refreshments a little further along the road at the Country Cook Café.
Thursday 25th August
Another fine day for a walk that meanders between the Rivers Alwen and Dee. We crossed over a low ridge down to the village of Glanyrafon where we stopped for a coffee break. Over another small ridge for lunch overlooking the village of Cynwyd. The final stretch into Corwen is along the disused railway line. The Trail then leaves the main road and climbs up and through the woods overlooking Corwen. We returned to Maerdy by taxi.
Friday 26th August
For the final day we caught the bus at Berwyn near the Horseshoe Falls to Corwen. We then joined the Dee Valley Way. We followed this as it wanders alongside the lower slopes of the Llantysilios through Carrog – coffee break on the seats in the Cemetery – and through Rhewl. The final section is past Llantysilio Church and the Horseshoe Falls.
Thanks to Maureen for oranising this walk.
Travels with my Son (Or Our Adventures in Scotland)
Little did I know that when I embarked on the West Highland Way, that I would end up with a 75yr old for a son. Let me explain: I first saw him getting on the train at Flint. Elfed first appeared to me like a bit of lost luggage, determined that he should board the train with his faithful companions, his best mate Ron and one of 'those girls', Jean.
I should have seen what was to come, as I saw him and his mates arguing with the train conductor who was questioning their right to board the train. However they got their way and made their rendezvous with me and settled down for the long journey 'up north'. Elfed was generally well behaved, and didn't wriggle too much in his seat. I think this was because I fed him a constant supply of mints so it gave his mouth something to do.
On arriving at Glasgow Central, we made contact with some more of Elfed's mates, namely George and Toni (another one of 'those girls'). We all then set out on our great adventure after making our way (by another train) to Milngavie. This was the beginning of our great trek through the Scottish Highlands which saw great friendships and relationships blossom because of the trials and tribulations that we all shared (more of which later).
After completing the first 7miles uneventfully, except for visiting Dumgoyne Distillery, we returned to Glasgow to our first 'hotel' (YOUTH Hostel – who's kidding who here?). Here we met the final three members of our party, Sue and Eric, and their best mate Dave (the machine). Can I just add here that without Sue, nobody would have known what was happening, and we would have probably ended up in Edinburgh!
In the morning, after a night out on Sauchiehall St., we had to endure Eric and Dave getting up for an early start (as they had to complete the first section as well as the section for the day). It was like comic capers with stage whispers and everything. ("Are you alright, Dave?" -SShhhhh! – "Yes, are you Eric?"...ziiiiipppp!). The boy needs his sleep, be quiet!
This stage, for the rest of us was from Milngavie to Balmaha, with a stop at Drymen at a nice tea-house where the 'boy' Elfed turned to me and uttered the oft repeated phrase of the coming week..." Dad, can I have an ice-cream?" whilst looking pitifully at me! Why me? I decided to make a stand and said, firmly, no! whilst promising him that if he completed the full 97 miles that I would indeed treat him to an ice cream....with 2 flakes as he demanded!
One of our party that day was so fit, that she felt the need to race to the top of Conic Hill, even though it's not on the route. Her excuse was that she was trying to catch up to the rest of us. Didn't she realise that she had already passed everybody! 'Come down off that mountain, Jean!'
That evening we thought we had to stay in caravans, and scruffy ones at that, but we had misunderstood the man at the bunkhouse's directions. In fact the accommodation turned out to be very good. Actually, I think the man took one look at 'my son' and decided he was a scruffy Herbert and thought that maybe he belonged in the caravans.
Next day was a relatively short leg to Rowardennan (7.5m) along the banks of Loch Lomond but we arrived before the Youth Hostel opened. The 'boy' wanted to play, but I told him to sit and be quiet and wait until the hostel opened. I slipped him a mint to ensure his good behaviour and a promise of a 'drinky' when the bar opened.
The walk from Rowardennan to Beinn Glas along the Loch the following day (12.5m) proved challenging, and 'the boy's' pal wasn't too happy at the end of the day. The boy just giggled and enjoyed his paddle on the shore. I think he should have taken his socks off first though.
What awaited us at Beinn Glas Internment Camp though, was a sight that none of us will ever forget. To describe the accommodation as habitable, would have been an injustice.
The boy seemed to like them anyway as he scampered about these so called wigwams with a feather in his crumpled hat, whooping at the top of his voice.
I told him not to be so enthusiastic, and put his pants back on as it offended the locals (Baaah)! He said he took them off because he got them wet sitting on a wet mat....a likely story! And I believe the howls of both shock (Dave) and laughter (Eric) from the shower block was worth hearing as the Beinn Glas hospitality was more than evident with their especially icy brand of cold water. My belief is that it's designed to keep the Sassenachs at home.
Our route to Tyndrum (14m), next day was fairly uneventful, the weather being similar to all the days previous, being very mixed with both showers and sunshine. However, arriving at our 'digs' at the 'By The Way' bunkhouse was a wonderful surprise and easily the best place we stopped at in terms cleanliness, facilities and a nice area where we could sit and have a well earned brew. Didn't stop Eric snoring though! And the upmarket chippy we found was excellent. A special mention should go to the young staff that was employed there, who were very attentive, helpful and charming.
OK, we now come to the worst day. The day will be remembered for wet, soggy boots amongst other things that turned out wet and soggy. It was also our longest day, over Rannoch Moor (19.5m) which turned out to be just a slog over a difficult surface. We found it hard to find any shelter for a lunch stop, but when we did, it was near to a house. The boy decided to sit on the front porch of said house. The sight of a small, damp Elfed, huddled on the doormat eating his Scottish Chicken and Leek pie and soggy crisps was pitiful. I happened to see the curtains twitch a couple of times, but the occupants probably, quite wisely, didn't want to get involved with this strange apparition that suddenly turned up on their doorstep. They definitely didn't want to adopt!
Eric decided that he was so wet and cold, that he accosted a complete stranger and made him make a cup of tea for him. When we finally arrived at the end of the days walk at Kingshouse Hotel, we had to wait for transport to our digs for the night, so we tried to make ourselves as comfortable as possible.
The boy and his best mate Ron decided on a nice bowl of warm soup that they scrounged from the kitchens at the back of the hotel, whilst the rest of us sat in the bar with a combination of hot tea, hot coffee and hot toddy! Except Dave who decided to ensconce himself, dripping wet, in the hotel's telephone booth for some reason. He was soon moved on when the proprietor of the hotel told him that it was now someone else's turn.
Thursdays walk from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven over the Devils Staircase started off in dismal weather but improved substantially, and the pull up the staircase was a doddle and the views were fantastic. The cabins at the hotel that evening were a huge step up from the wigwams, and the views down the loch in the evening were idyllic.
The sun was out on a The boy enjoyed the cabins. It reminded him of the 'Wendy House' in his back garden. The vision of him sitting on the veranda, sunning himself in the evening sun, along with his drying boots, socks and unmentionables, will haunt me for evermore.
Last leg to Fort William (9m). beautiful clear, warm day. What more could you want, to be out there on a day like this in a place like this. Great!
The day went without any hitches and everyone enjoyed themselves, especially the boys' mate Ron who took a fancy to a fashion conscious lady with a parasol, walking the route. He was so enamoured with her that he asked for a keepsake, and got a photo for his troubles. The boy just giggled!
The last part into Fort Bill involved a 2mile yomp along a road, which was not what we wanted at the end of a long hard day but when we eventually rounded the final bend and saw the sign stating that we had just completed the 'West Highland Way' all thoughts of hardships and discomfort disappeared. WE DID IT' – HOORAY.
Congratulations all round and we beat a hasty retreat to the tea-house for some of us to have our WHW route cards stamped as a reminder of our trek across the Scottish wilderness. However, the boy demanded his prize of his ice cream with a double flake. But as we're looking for an ice cream stand, we pass a pub.
Elfed licks his lips. "Dad" he whines, "Can I have a beer...go on Dad, please! Or I'll tell me Mam" So I relented even though I didn't really know what exactly 'telling Mam' involved. And anyway, he had walked all that way with a huge pack on his back and in soggy boots, not to mention his hat! He was so excited that I had said yes, he offered to stand the round. So the three of us, Dad, the boy and George, our very northern friend, went into this pub. Well I say pub, it was more of a bar, and a fancy one at that. "3 pints of heavy my man" says the boy, "£12.30p" says the man.......Shock, horror! That's expensive thinks the boy. "Dad" whines the boy, "can you lend me some money? I seem to have spent all me pocket money!" And that's why the boy never got his ice cream because he spent it on beer! How the innocents fall.
Next day was a rest day. So most of us decided to climb the biggest mountain in the British Isles...some rest! I think all who did it though, enjoyed it and it did put a big full stop to the holiday.
The boy and his best mate went off playing hide and seek in the long grass while we climbed 'Everest'. The boy won every time! I wonder why?
So back home. As I waved a fond farewell to all at Flint Station, I felt a surge of relief at the unburdening of my responsibilities, as I watched 'the boy' disappear down the ramp looking like a piece of 'found' luggage as he was met by his wife, Mary.
A big thanks to all for making it such a memorable holiday. A special thank you to Sue (aided by Eric) for arranging it all and looking after us.
Mike
Postcript A Companion for much of the way was Jimmy from Dundee who was doing the walk for the fourth time. He told us "We would fly over Rannoch Moor". Well we did it in just over 3 hours.
Pembrokeshire April 2011
Monday
Setting off at 10.00 Monday morning with Janet at the wheel and Jean C and I as passengers, having a stop for lunch, we arrived at Saundersfoot at approximately 14.30. After settling in Maureen, Sandra and Winnie arrived so at 16.00 six intrepid ramblers took a pleasant 1½ hour evening walk to Amroth returning back to Cwmwennol Country House via Wisemans Bridge and across the beach.
Tuesday – Circular Walk from Saundersfoot to Tenby
Leaving Cwmwennol Country House at 10.00 after a very enjoyable breakfast and in glorious weather we took the coastal path to Tenby, where the group split up to look around Tenby and take lunch, before part of the group met again at 14.00, for an afternoon walk. Some other members returned via the morning route with some others taking the bus back. The afternoon walkers took a circular route around Tenby returning through a wooded area boasting lots of wild flowers.
Wednesday – Newgale to St Davids via Solva
After breakfast the majority of the group drove to Newgale to start the walk. It was a very blustery wet day but we started along the pebbly beach to take the coastal path to Solva. Despite the weather the views were impressive, but one to two miles from Slova, Winnie realised she might have lost her watch at a comfort stop so Winnie and Sandra backtracked to find the watch and then catch the bus to St Davids. The rest of the group, thoroughly soaked, continued into Solva for lunch. Eleri, Gerry and I decided on the pub, with it's welcoming fire, for lunch with the rest of the group preferring the café.
After lunch it was decided only three walkers could complete the route from Solva to St Davids due to problems with car sharing as Winnie and Sandra had turned back and some of the group not wanting to finish the walk. So Maureen, Janet and I completed the walk to St Davids where we met up with Winnie and Sandra and got the bus back to Newgale.
On arriving back at the car park in Newgale Maureen noticed, as she went to start her windscreen wipers, a black plastic doggy 'poo' bag under them, but after a very tentative investigation it was found that some thoughtful dog owner had found Winnie's watch and used the only available receptacle to place it on the car.
Thursday – Preseli Hills from Maenclochog
On a very overcast day we set off from the village of Maenclochog to walk to the highest point in the Preseli hills at 1760 ft. The mist and rain came down and there were some boggy areas to contend with before we reached the triangulation point
We decided to carry on to the village of Rosebush, the highest village in the Preseli hills, as we weren't sure if the pub, the Tafarn Sinc, would shut before we could visit.
This pub originally built as a temporary hostel for workers in the slate quarries and then used as a station on the Maenclochog railway, with log burning stoves and sawdust on the floor is now one of the most visited in Pembrokeshire. It also doesn't shut in the afternoon!
After taking lunch with suitable refreshment we set off back to the cars, thankfully on the decent the weather improved and we finally got some decent views of the hills.
Friday – Walk around Narberth and return home.
After packing and paying, the group met at Narberth for a short walk around the outskirts of the town, before returning for a look around the town centre and to have a coffee.
We received a very warm welcome at Cwmwennol Country House, the food was excellent, and in the evening it was an experience to watch the badgers who were encouraged to visit the Garden.
Many thanks to Maureen for arranging the trip, we had a great time.
Spring 2010
On Thursday morning they met at Garth
Mill near Ffynnongroew for a morning walk. The Club was joined by Marshall Willan
a visitor from Perth, Australia. He is on an a Walking Holiday with Clwydian
Walking Holidays and wanted to walk with a local Group. He said “Walking
with a local group in an area is always a pleasure. They make you very welcome
and have local knowledge which makes the walk more interesting.”
Wat’s Dyke Way 2009
This 61 mile Heritage Trail was opened in 2008. The trail stretches
from Llanymynech on the Shropshire and Powys Border to Basingwerk Abbey in Greenfield.
During July and August the club offers an opportunity to walk this trail. To
do this linear route we will use a mixture of public transport, one taxi(s)
or minibus and railway. The planned route is actually fully accessible by public
transport from Holywell, Flint and Mold.
The route, besides following the line of the Dyke, also passes through and close
to several other places of archaeological and historical interest. These include
two Industrial Heritage Parks, three Hillforts, the grave of the founder of
Yale University and three of the Seven Wonders’ of Wales …
Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham Steeple, Snowdon's Mountain without its people, Overton Yew Trees, St Winefride's Well, Llangollen Bridge and Gresford Bells
~~~~~
Holywell Walkers are Welcome
The Club is supporting the initiative to gain the Walkers are Welcome Award for the town. As part of our support we are publishing a series of leaflets covering walks starting from the Town Centre.
To publicise the walks, and to hopefully gain new members, five
of these walks are in our Summer Programme. Walks will be advertised locally
in Holywell and in the local press. Walks will take place on the fourth Sunday
of the month, commencing on 24th of May. Further details in the programme.
Hay on Wye weekend - March 2009
Tackling the Dyke – a little later than Offa did …
During a long weekend in March a cohort of the Club chose
to tackle a few sections of the Offa’s Dyke Path (some having previously
walked other sections). The chosen base was Hay-on-Wye to enable 2 walks to
take place into the town, one starting from the north and the other from the
south. A ‘baker’s dozen’ of us were to stay in the luxury
of the Black Lion Hotel, whilst a further 3 couples were to brave the rigours
of a threatening weather front (no doubt hardened by their exploits last September
in Craven Arms !) using their camping vehicles.
An en-route gathering in Bishops Castle on the Friday saw a number of the group
walk off a Six Bells pub lunch with a pleasant 4.5 mile stroll on a well marked
route around the lovely Shropshire countryside to ‘The Wintles and Woodbatch’
before journeying on to our main base. Here we were to enjoy the first meal
of several during the weekend from a very full and exciting menu in a highly
rated restaurant.
One full breakfast and a short minibus ride later saw a group of 12 set off
on a 7mile uphill road (well it felt like it !) out of nearby Kington to reach
a ridge and to commence some 14 miles of varied and often wonderful views and
pleasant walking. Occasional short showers, sometimes accompanied by beautiful
rainbows, hardly bothered us during the walk, which featured delights such as
monkey puzzle trees !
The walk culminated in a stroll along the river valley back into Hay-on-Wye.
At this point we had hoped that we might encounter the other members of the
party who had set off slightly later from a midway point on our route. However,
this was not to be, for the youthful legs of the likes of Chris and Arthur proved
more than a match for us, reaching their sanctuary and sampling the café
delights earlier than we were able to do so!. A very satisfactory day ended
with another sumptuous meal in the hotel. 
Sunday morning saw 8 of the group transported over the
hills to the low lying Llanthony Priory which was explored as a preliminary
‘warm-up’ before setting off up the steep hillside – lessons
having been learned from the previous day! Once on the ridge we were able to
enjoy some glorious views in all directions as we strolled for about 8 miles
on the tops in lovely weather before starting the steep descent of Hay Bluff.
This was followed by a more gentle, meandering descent of some 3 miles to finally
reach the meadow walk into the town, now busy in the sunshine with visitors
enjoying the book shops and cafes.
Over dinner later that evening tales were swapped with other members of the
group, who related their own exploits during the day, which included walking,
shopping and enjoying the history of the town etc.
Another excellent day finished once again with a cordon bleu meal, with some
of the campers joining us for the occasion. At the end of the meal thanks were
made to those responsible for the planning of the trip and leading the walks.
Especial thanks were given to Toni, for her planning, and to Jean and Ron for
their valuable contributions to a very enjoyable and successful weekend. Colin
La Gomera - February 2009
Ten club members departed from Liverpool to Tenerife early one cold February
morning, To reach the island of La Gomera we caught a ferry. Soon after our
arival, Win and friend joined us along with two ‘Spanish’ members.
… 
First day of the holiday started with “where is Barbara?”, “Did
you bring her?”, “Are you still together?” Had the other HRs
been sunbathing on the roof, they would have heard her 12 hour vomiting spasms
through the open internal courtyards. The following day she recovered from the
pain killer she had taken for her aching pelvis and made an appearance, so the
rumours of wifeicide evaporated. It was good to meet up with old friends and
be introduced to someone who is a long way from celebrating their 50th birthday.
The holiday was everything I expected and more. It was good to see the Morgan
brothers (guess which one is in this photo?) still walking the long walks and
still able to stay up later than anyone else. Barbara, unable to do any serious
walking, had good had good company for her strolls and bus trips. La Gomera
lived up to expectations, far enough south to be perfect for winter sun and
walking. A lot of the countryside and the high elevation rain reminding us of
Cuba. Thanks for the holiday Ron.
Crawford
Ireland Holiday - September 2008
Lost and found on the Sheepshead Way
Day 1 – Lost mobile phone but six of the group found their way back to the guest house after a long walk from the starting point of the Sheepshead Way along roads and grassy tracks, through forests and bogs. No rain and some sunshine.
Day 2 – Lost camera – later found it in bedroom! Found the delightful Eileen’s bar for lunch. Later, half the party rescued their wives who had lost the path so only three finished the fantastic ridge walk that day. More sunshine though there was a dark cloud which never reached us.
Day
3 – Lost walking pole – but nearly lost a lot more when six set
off to climb Sugarloaf Mountain. Four reached a peak – with great views
of the summit – then tried to descend an easier way and nearly lost the
leader on the hazardous route down. Sun shined all day.
Day 4 – Lost gold locket on trip to Whiddy Island – the other half of the group walked along another stretch of the ridge and found it so enjoyable that they walked back the same way to avoid a long road walk.
Day 5 – Lost hearing aid. Joined by Bob and Hannah found additional transport which, after an excellent long walk along the ridge near the end of the peninsula and round the coast path to Crimea and the copper mines, transported the group back to Eileen’s Bar for a well deserved Guinness, Beamish, Murphys etc. Although sunny, it was cool and breezy in the morning but warm for the rest of the day.
Day 6 – Lost hat. Everyone in the group went to the tip of the peninsula to visit the lighthouse – some continued on an interesting circular walk with the owner of the guesthouse, Charlie, who provided lots of interesting information about the area. Definitely worth a visit for, the walking (fantastic paths with amazing views) and the food and drink (I’ve got the recipe for soda bread).
Thanks to Ron for organising a brilliant trip to this part
of Ireland. We found more than we lost and will remember this holiday for the
sunshine and the guest house. We stayed at the Seamount Farm Guest House and
were looked after by Julian and Charlie. More information can be found at Seamountfarm.com
September 2008 Newsletter
Many members were looking forward to walking the 32 mile Sandstone Trail over
3 days in July. Eleven members turned up on the first day which was also a nostalgic
‘return home’ for Lynn.
“As we set off from the Bear’s Paw pub I reminisced about how a
small beast market used to be held in the yard. Ambling up Church St it took
me back to my early school days as we passed what used to be the Infant’s
School, next to the Cinema – both now replaced by other less significant
buildings.
As we walked up the ‘entry’ to Church Fields I was eager to point
out (to the already bored group) where I had lived and played for 23 years,
passing within a 100 yds of it!
Soon we were approaching ‘Middle Walk’ at the foot of Frodsham Hill,
winding our way up to the top. This footpath was new to me, as children we had
always taken a direct route up to the top, where the monument stands.
Leaving the monument, the trail passed ‘Red Rock’ situated in an
area known to me as ‘silver pin’ because of all the silver birch
trees, then on to Jacob’s ladder - no longer used (Health & Safety
again!). The views of Helsby, Stanlow, the River Mersey and Liverpool being
visible once again from a clearing in Snidley Moor.
Day 2: We started from Summertrees Tea Shop, Kelsall, where we ended yesterday,
(just as the heavens opened!). The weather, a little unsettled but still mild
and dry. The path took us through a variety of landscapes - woodland, open land,
and in particular lots of crops. One field of maize was so tall that it was
over our heads! However a broad clear path had been left unplanted for us to
walk through. Later on we walked through fields of barley. This was a stark
contrast with the sandstone ridge that rises dramatically from the central Cheshire
plain.
With Beeston Castle in the distance we speeded up eagerly anticipating a scenic
coffee break! Later in the day we also had wonderful views, from the top of
Peckforton Hills, of our Welsh hills. This gave inspiration to speed up, we
were getting tired; this was our longest stretch, 12 to 13 miles.
DAY 3: The group had increased to 13! Starting at Bickerton for another fascinating
day walking through unspoilt lush Cheshire landscape, with remote historic churches
in some fields. We crossed a Race Track, a field with a Llama, another with
a cow giving birth.
Finally into Shrophshire alongside the Llangollen Canal busy with holiday barges,
and a ‘stair’ of locks where ice-creams were bought, before getting
to our cars in Jubillee Park Whitchurch. Thank you Maureen for leading these
walks and organising the transport so efficiently.
Wet…Wet…Wet at Church Stretton
No, not the pop-group but a description of the September weekend
experienced by some of the caravan and camping-car owning members of the club.
Organised by Chris and Arthur, the group, consisting of them, Jennifer and Jack,
Mary and Elfed, Margo and Dave, Sandra and Win and myself, we encountered what
must have been the worst weather of a very wet summer. So bad, in fact, that
the booked site near Craven Arms was too wet for us to pitch on arrival. The
owner re-directed us to the nearby Kevindale site at Aston-on-Clun.
Even here we experienced difficulties finding dry pitches and Win suffered further
when her brand-new jockey wheel collapsed on first usage when trying to pitch!
These setbacks meant that the Thursday walk scheduled for 1pm actually began
nearer 4pm but happily in the dry. This took us around the pretty village and
towards the temptations of the tea-room near Clunbury where a negotiated price
saw us all consuming tea and scones.
The return journey through Clunbury exposed some of the delights of this picturesque
village, not least the ‘bargain basket’ buy of runner beans of which
Sandra took advantage, to be enjoyed that evening.
FRIDAY dawned bright – and WET! – no-one disagreed
with the decision to delay any walking that day. Whilst Mary dragged Elfed (kicking
and screaming) to explore Ludlow. The remainder enjoyed some Liverpool hospitality.
Happily, we were able to walk at 2pm and enjoyed a ramble through the local
countryside and along part of the Watling Way, an old Roman route.
Then it was glad-rags on for a pre-booked meal at the Engine and Tender. At
this point our change of site proved beneficial it was a mere 150 yards walk
to our venue – advantageous after our strenuous day! The choice was good
and an enjoyable meal was had by all.
SATURDAY arrived after some heavy rain during the night
but was dry for our 10.15am start and we were even to experience, albeit brief,
periods of sunshine during the day. A coffee stop (grudgingly granted by our
leader, as is his want, it seems) was enjoyed in the vicinity of a small Church
(name slips me!) before lunch was taken in the presence of pheasants galore,
lovely views and then a stampede of sheep. The latter necessitating a move to
enable them to be herded to pastures anew. The afternoon saw the arrival of
very heavy showers presenting a choice of another hill or a visit to the tea-room
1 mile along the road, it proved to be no contest.
A return journey similar to that of Thursday was made more leisurely through
Clunbury, which was now experiencing a wedding in the local Church – so,
naturally, the sun gave way to rain once more. The rivers and streams were now
swollen and often spilling over into the meadows. None of this was to worry
us as we played ‘Pooh Sticks’ on the bridges and returned to refresh
ourselves with yet another tasty meal – to say nothing of a glass or two
– at the Engine and Tender. Our thanks to Chris & Arthur for planning
this pioneering trip – despite the weather!
Nant Gwrtheyrn Weekend March 2008
We met for lunch in a pub at Clynnog Fawr, just a few miles from
Nant Gwrtheyrn. After dropping the luggage in our quarry cottages at Nant we
set off on the afternoon's walk.
This took us along the beach and then uphill, inland towards the hillfort called
Tre'r Ceiri. This was 6 mile walk with an optional extension to the top of the
hill fort. Nearly all of us went for the extension but the strong wind and heavy
rain on the way back down made us question our decision!
After an excellent dinner in Caffi Meinir in the evening, we all retired to
the largest cottage for a sing-song with music kindly supplied by Bob and Dave.
The Saturday walk was the longest of the weekend, at 12 miles, with a shorter
version of 9 miles. The ‘longer option’ set off by minibus enthusiastically,
under the leadership of Mike, for the hill called Gyrn Coch. After only 20 minutes
we were pulling on our waterproof trousers and soon we had heavy rain and high
winds making the going tough, especially as the path took us uphill into the
wind.
Once on top of the hill the mist came down and visibility was poor. The GPS’s
didn't help us to locate our position exactly. In the distance we spotted other
‘ramblers’. The group turned out to be Holywell Ramblers ‘shorter
option’ led by Colin. We joined them and made our way, with great relief,
to stone sheep-pens for shelter. Mike & Colin were able to confirm our position,
without the GPSsss!!! As it was very cold we only stopped for ten minutes to
eat.
Soon after setting off the rain stopped and our clothes started drying - Colin’s
group veered off and we continued towards Trefor.
The rain started again, in earnest As we approached Trefor. We stopped at a
bus shelter to finish off our lunch and take stock, and decided to cut through
Trefor. Just outside Trefor a huge hill needed climbing and with rain, wind
and occasional hail upon us, one of us remarked "I thought this was the
Holywell Ramblers not SAS training" !
As we looked back from the top of this hill we could see the other group below
in the distance! We arrived back at the cottages, wet and bedraggled, and in
the fight for the showers, glad that we got back first!
(Thanks to Dave, Janet & Phil the 2nd group did get a lift down the steep
road back to Nant.)
After another excellent dinner it was a very short sing-song that evening as
some of us were falling asleep by 9pm!
Sunday dawned very clear and bright, thankfully! We set off along the beach,
the path eventually taking us up and inland. Once past a headland we could see
the coast stretching away towards Morfa Nefyn and in the distance Ty Coch, a
pub on the beach, at Porth Dinllaen.
After negotiating a muddy farmyard, we found a grassy spot for
lunch with a view of the sea. The walk ended with a refreshing drink, on the
beach mid-afternoon, before a short ride back to our cottages, where we had
time for a quick shower and some tea. 
On the beach looking back towards Nant
We left early evening, after an eventful and packed weekend.
Thanks to Jean C for organising a memorable weekend in a lovely part of our
country and to walk leaders Mike & Colin. Toni
Leadership / Navigation Sponsorship
It is in the interests of the long-term survival of the club
to have a programme of activities to cater for all age groups and abilities.
As the Club continues to attract new members, some who are eager to have Strenuous
Mountain walks, the committee has decided to allocate three grants, of up to
£50 each, towards the cost of a course in navigation/mountain leadership.
We hope this will encourage more members to consider leading all types of walks.
This will ensure that the club continues to offer a varied and extensive programme.
Grants will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Offering of strenuous
walks is not a requirement of the grant, however offering and leading walks
will be. It is our intention, finance permitting, to provide three grants each
year for the foreseeable future.
For further information contact any committee member. Courses details available
from Toni White.
Winter 2008/09 Programme
Walk details or requests for a favourite walk can be sent to Club Secretary, at any time, by e-mail. Please make sure that full walk details, for the Winter Programme, are sent to Jean by 12th August.
2009 Club Holiday Information
La Gomera - February/March 2009
This walking/sightseeing holiday will be based at the Tapahugo
Appartments in Playa Santiago.
La Gomera is the second-smallest of Spain's Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean
off the coast of Africa.
It has excellent walking possibilities much of it down hill! The island is,
like its neighbours, is volcanic in origin. Playa Santiago is a small town on
the southern (and sunniest) part of the Island.
We will use the local buses and one of the ferries to explore the Island.
Mountains in the centre of La Gomera
Further details to follow in September
Social Events
The
Annual Dinner was held at Holywell Golf Club on Saturday 5th January. It proved
very successful as a total of 53 members attended - (seems a good time of year
to carry on Christmas celebrations).
We were entertained by a group of musicians and singers who are all members
of Holywell Ramblers:
It was put to all the members at the party, to suggest a name for their group. People paid £1 a guess! Coming up with some super suggestions. After great difficulty in selecting the right name, a group of us were asked to choose what we thought was the most appropriate and appealing name for them. The winning suggestion was “MUDDY BOOTS” suggested by Terry Prosser.
A “MURDER MYSTERY” evening was held on Friday February 22nd at Rhydymwyn
Football Club. Here the Phoenix Theatre Company (a local award winning group
of actors) presented “Murder Before Midnight” There was an excellent
attendance and everyone enjoyed the evening. Supper was served in the interval,
also a detective quiz, which wasn’t too easy!
£242.91 was raised which has been donated to Air Ambulance Wales.
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Footpath Maintenance
During the summer besides work on the Anne's Walks paths volunteers from the club have installed stiles and carried out minor maintenance work on several footpaths within the Northern part of the County. This work has been carried out under the supervision of the County Council who have also re-opened many paths in the Ysceifiog/Licswm and Cilcain areas during the last few weeks.
Path Maintenance
Club members have put in 2 stiles on one of Anne’s Walks.
We have also carried out repairs to stiles and done some cutting back on others.
This work has been carried out, at relatively short notice, by a few volunteers.
If you would like to be included on the contact list for this work please let
the Secretary know.
Anne’s Walks
These have finally been produced. The booklet contains
5 walks devised by Anne and written by Club Members. There is also a Town Trail
devised by pupils of Ysgol yr Esgo Caerwys.
The walks are being led on Thursdays in July. The booklet, which costs £1.00
to members, will be available at these walks.