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.
Scotland Glen Carron & Torridon trip June 2025
This year's trip took thirteen of us to Glen Carron and Torridon area in northwest Scotland staying at a shooting lodge in Glen Carron. This was a long journey so some of us decided to stop on route at Moffat hostel & we included a visit to the Falkirk wheel on the canal network. On our return journey we stayed overnight at Kirby Stephen to break the journey.
The first few days of the week was forecast to be cold and very windy with 65 mph winds this resulted in us using my ‘Plan B’ the low-level walks for the first few days. First day's walk from Achnashellac the Coire Lair & Easan Dorcha circuit. 15km 560m height gain. With some bright spots between the showers and beautiful Scot’s pine woods & waterfalls we also found a well-placed hut called ‘The Tea house’ at lunch time & enjoyed some lovely views of Loch Carron on our return.
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Evening Walks 2025
We have enjoyed four evening walks in the lighter evenings this summer; from Ashington, a circular woodland walk seeing the last of the bluebells and finishing at the Red Lion for a sociable drink after a warm evening. Next we walked around Knepp rewilded estate, leaving from Dial Post village green and spotting deer, Exmoor ponies, white storks on the nest and in flight, the longhorn cattle, rabbits and evidence of the pigs. We watched from the bird hide and listened to many different calls of the water birds, before visiting the remains of the old keep on its mound, returning to Dial Post as the sun set. Our midweek offering in July was a 6 mile circular from Bramber castle along one bank of the river Adur and back – through thick undergrowth – along the other side and finishing in the village pub for a swift half pint. We heard reed warblers and again saw a beautiful sunset.
Walks were led by Sue Waton and Ali Edwards