March 2008

18th March: Easter Party, Ben's House

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but maybe a party when most people are at home or holiday for Easter is not the best idea! Nonetheless a few people turned up for some beer, wine and chat. Ben - you'll have to open your house back up again once everyone's back!

14th - 16th March: Northumberland Weekend

It was a small group that set off from Headingley for the far north of the country. The bunkhouse was right on the border with Scotland, at the foot of the Cheviot.  One of the bedrooms was a little cold, so we all squashed into the upstairs room with a rather low ceiling.

Everyone was up bright and early on Saturday, and despite the 10am call time, we were out of the house and heading down the valley by 9:30am. We followed the valley to its end, then began the ascent to the Scottish border.  Turning away from Scotland, we then headed up past Cairn Hill (777m) and into the snow. Visibility was low by the time we reached the summit of the Cheviot (815m), so it was just a brief photo stop before heading through the bogs and down the other side.

Lunch was taken in the valley and out of the snow, then it was through the woods and farmland towards the bunkhouse. Tony decided to show off his sheep herding skills by managing to attract an entire flock of sheep down from the slopes which then proceeded to follow him across the field. It was only the sight of a dog going in the opposite direction that made them stop and turn around – ruining our plans of lamb stew for dinner!

Heading back down to the bunkhouse, some took the more direct route across the river, whilst others walked round and over the bridge, but we were soon back in front of the fire. Some braved the cold showers, whilst others helped prepare tea – a wholesome bangers and mash, mmmmm!!! Many games of cards, wine and beer later, the fire dwindled and everyone made their way to bed for a well-deserved good night’s sleep (apart from Delia, who was still full of energy – and beer!).

Sunday we cleaned the bunkhouse and headed east to the sea. We reached Holy Island just as the tide had gone out – safe to drive across, but still too wet to walk. We drove across the causeway and parked by the dunes. The walk circled the entire island, across dunes and beaches, past the castle and the priory, and into the mead-tasting shop! We finished the day with the walk back across the sands to the mainland, where the minibuses picked us up and shipped us all back to Leeds.

A great weekend – check out the photos

2nd March: Stoodley Pike day walk

It was a blustery day as we set out from Todmorden up onto the moors towards Stoodley Pike. On reaching the reservoir it was all hands to the ground in search of a geo-cache for Ben...after virtually dismantling the steps, the film tub was finally found and we could proceed with the walk.

We made out way across the tops, but due to the wind we had to take refuge behind a wall for our lunch. After giving way to a large flock of sheep, we returned to the path and made our way to the Pike. It was a dark climb and once at the top we all huddled on one side to avoid the wind! It was a very brief stop before returning to ground level and making our way into the picturesque village of Hebden Bridge - pub time.

Once at the Shoulder of Mutton, we all got a drink in, and it was then that Ben had the crazy idea of continuing the walk all the way to Haworth...it was now 4pm with little daylight left, but this didn't stop a group of them taking up Ben's challenge and heading off into the sunset (not before having fish and chips mind you!). The rest of us headed back to the station to return to Leeds...who knows what became of the Haworth walkers...!