Snowdonia 2025
Sixteen of us had two cracking days walking in Snowdonia last weekend (9th – 12th October). The Oread bunk house where we stayed was great; although cosy, we managed to seat all 16 of us in the dining room for some pretty awesome meals (thanks to Debbie for much of the hard work producing those)(and to Gary for a gorgeous cheesecake), and there was even enough seating in the lounge (on pretty comfy chairs) for us all for the evening briefings – and the all-important post-walk consumption of delicious homemade cakes.
Day Walk – Nutley and Ashdown Forest
Sunday 24th August 2025
Dartmoor, May 2025.
It was great to be back at Bowerman's Cottage; last time in 2021 Covid regulations were still in force and the weather was none too pleasant! For this trip, Amber put together three great walks for the ten members who attended, including new member Raymond with some shorter walks also on offer on the first two days.
Two Bridges, Wistman's Wood, Higher White Tor, Gunpowder Mines, Bellever Tor, Dunnabridge, Sherberton, Prince Hall Hotel, Two Bridges.
On this circular route we were treated to a helicopter landing with checkpoint staff for the Ten Tors challenge on Higher White Tower and some people doing an outdoor first aid course. We then faced a challenging stepping stones crossing of the River Dart where four paddled and four took a chance, prior to which there had been a bathing stop in the West Dart river. A lovely sunny day.
Manaton, Houndtor Woods (Dartmoor Way) North Lodge, Haytor, Bonehill Rocks, Natworthy Manor, Jay's Grave, Bowerman's Nose, Manaton.
We had a cold wind but it was generally sunny and dry. We saw leeches at the old quarry near Haytor and heard a yellowhammer singing.
Manaton, Lustleigh Cleave, Houndtor Wood, Clam Bridge, Water, Horsham, Manaton.
This walk started with showers but finished in sunshine - William's lunch box took a tumble from a bridge and a short trip down stream but was retrieved.
The colours and variety of both wild and garden flowers were amazing. It is not often we have been there in spring.
Amber devised a great menu supplemented by one of Gary's meals for the first evening. A thoroughly enjoyable trip.
Michael M, joint leader with Amber B.
More than a Weekend Trip – Northumberland Coast
After weeks of fine weather we held our breath as the trip approached, but our luck held and we were blessed with perfect conditions throughout. We were staying at "The Hides" self-catering accommodation on the outskirts of Seahouses, and just opposite the Farne Islands that in summer are one of our country's important seabird colonies. The walks focussed on the spectacular coastline and natural history, but also included the major castles for which this area is famous.
Our introductory walk on day 1 avoided using the cars by walking from Seahouses to Crastor and catching the bus back - a welcome relief to those who had driven so far to get here! The highlight was Dunstanburgh Castle, built on the easternmost exposure of the Whin Sill, which throughout much of it's length forms Hadrian's Wall.
A very early start the next day was a shock to some, but was necessary to catch the tide for our much anticipated walk across the sands to Holy Island. It didn't disappoint, with the early morning sun glistening on wet sand and seabirds calling as they flew overhead. After a full day on Lindisfarne the evening walk back across the sands was perhaps even more atmospheric as we were serenaded with the mournful sound of seals singing from the north and south.
On day 3 most of the party walked from Amble to Alnmouth; highlights included the Amble Ice Cream shop, abundant bird life, and Warkworth Castle (our 3rd in as many days). There were few other people around as we walked the 3 mile golden beach to Alnmouth and took a final opportunity to swim in the North Sea.