Day Walk - Seven Sisters and Friston Woods
Sunday 19th October
Despite an awful weather forecast 4 of us braved the elements and were blessed with fairly good weather for the walk along the Seven Sisters cliff tops. We then headed up the Cuckmere Valley and into Friston Woods. The rain only came when we had some tree cover and did not diminish our fun exploring the lovely hamlets and 12 century churches at West and East Dean.
We could not resist a swift half at the Tiger Inn enroute back to Birling Gap (even though a slight detour). The roaring log fire warmed us up a treat before the trek back to the cars. Slightly revised route included above.
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.