Weekends away usually feature an extended walk on the Saturday with a shorter walk on Sunday. Meals are normally taken as a group. Accommodation may be B&B or YHA depending on the location. If you would like to go on a weekend or have ideas for organising one, please email us.
2012
The location is Blaxhall in Suffolk.
Transport options are:
Accommodation options are:
Meals at the Ship Inn (or YHA) - the pub may well have music one night.
Walks - one day south to Orford (probably Saturday); one day north to Aldeburgh etc.
If you would like to come to this please let me know and please let me know if you are likely to drive up and when and if you could offer a lift.
Where we went in 2011
8th to 10th July - Isle of Wight Weekend - Totland bay, West Wight
On Friday, Jill and Jim walked the 3.5 miles from Alverstone to meet Chris opposite Sandown Pier to do Jill's "Across The Island" trek. Heading westwards along the costal path in wet and windy conditions, the 3 met Andy at Lake, and continued along the coast heading inland before Ventnor, and zig-zagging their way along paths and quiet country roads via Bonchurch, Wroxall and Stenbury Downs. The rain had cleared away by mid-morning to leave bright and breezy conditions. Jim departed before lunch to return to Sandown and travel to the mainland for the Sunday's LDWA High Weald challenge. We stopped at a pleasant pub, the Crown, in Shorwell for lunch. They had an excellent pint of Goddards Fuggle-de-Dum (brewed in Ryde), and a very attractive garden with a pond containing some of the biggest fish any of us had ever seen. There were a couple of navigational teasers in the afternoon, and at one point having to detour a path which disappeared in a jungle of tall weeds, we managed to leap over a barbed wire fence to get back on track. Approaching the West Wight along a ridge, the panorama opened up and the sea both sides of the island was visible. We reached the YH at 7.15 (after 27 miles - great walk) where Chris was staying, and Jill had left her car the previous day. Jill returned to Sandown, and Andy & Chris walked from their respective B&Bs to the Broadway Inn to meet Chris K, Joelle, Don & Stephen for an evening of fun, laughter AND a pub quiz (we came 3rd). They stopped serving food at 8 but then let you bring in food from the chippy next door and even gave you plate, cutlery and condiments! Great neighbourhood pub.
On Saturday, a minibus picked up the party at Totland to drive to Bembridge. The driver dropped us off at the wrong place, and we had to walk the short distance along the beach to meet Jill, whose mobile was dead and she had to borrow a phone from an unsuspecting dog walker to get in touch. Stephen sadly slipped off a breakwater and sprained his ankle, so he hobbled with us to the harbour for morning coffees and where Stephen caught a bus to Newport and the rest of the party took a bus to Arreton to start our revised schedule for the day. From Arreton, we walked the 5 miles to Carisbrooke Castle for a pub lunch, where we met Andy who had arrived by bus due to a blistered foot from the previous day (well he was the only one carrying full weekend pack). The weather was improving all the time, and we walked the glorious 15 miles back to Totland via Freshwater Bay. Jill had secured accommodation in Totland, and our happy band adjourned to a pub on the seafront (The Waterfront) for dinner to watch the sun go down. Oh what bliss!
On Sunday, we were joined by Frank & Juliette (Surrey Group) who were staying the week in Totland. Our walk from Totland Bay took us along the coastal path via The Needles and then inland to Hulverstone for a pub lunch at the Sun Inn - another excellent pub with a big garden, good food and ale. After lunch we returned to the coastal path and arrived at Brighstone (15 miles) for the buses to start our homeward journey. Jill & Chris stopped for a cream tea, and then took a bus to Newport, for connections to Sandown & Ryde. The others returned to Totland to take the ferry back to the mainland.
What a lovely (long) weekend of walking. OK we were not able to do "The Hot Cross Bun" challenge but we did some great walking, and many thanks to Jill for leading and telling us about the places of interest (for example we stood in the fields where the 1970 Isle of Wight music festival was held).
Stephen has since reported that an X-Ray revealed no broken bones. Chris (and Andy)
24th - 27th June 2011 - Lakes Weekend
Some folks went up some mountains and came back down again. Afterwards they went in to some fine public houses and restaurants and came out again. They stayed in Youth Hostels or luxurious B&Bs. A good time was probably had by all, but I wouldn't know for sure as I wasn't there. And nobody who was there has provided any information. If you were there and would like to add a few words please send them to me at the usual address, web@ldwa...
Houseman 100, Shropshire - Friday 27th to Monday 30th May
Our London Group checkpoint this year was 48 miles along the route in the village hall of Mainstone in Shropshire about 23 miles from Ludlow and 7 miles from Clun.
There were 13 of us, from London Group, gathered together on a Saturday night, at Mainstone community hall in the remotest depths of rural Shropshire. We were cutting up hundreds of bread rolls, cooking a huge cauldron of soup, mixing custard and unwrapping part of an enormous assignment of 500 apple pies, as well as preparing the hall for an onslaught of tired and hungry walkers.
Many of us had spent the previous night in the atmospheric YHA at Clun Mill, along with several of the walkers, and enjoyed the food and hospitality of the White Horse, which was simultaneously hosting the local farmers annual Booze and Blues gig. We had also enjoyed a short circular walk to Bishop's Castle, the nearest local town, up and down along Offa's Dyke and back along the Shropshire Way. An exhilarating 12 miles but 100 miles of constant ascent and descent was another matter. We knew it was going to be a difficult night not only for the walkers but for ourselves.
Before midnight a few of us snatched a bit of sleep, while a couple sneaked off to Bishop's Castle to watch the football (they were sentenced to a hard spell of washing up). Then the first walkers trickled in. By 2am the trickle became a flood. The soup won plaudits 'Best we've ever tasted.' The custard was also very popular. Of course we did have the advantage of both a French and an Italian chef.
It was good to offer food and comfort and the odd hug to our walking friends and many continued refreshed. However many liked us so much they didn't want to move. Many walkers were cold and exhausted and chair-blocking became an issue. At 4am the sugar started to run out and had to be rationed. Disaster as sweet tea was essential. There was no mobile reception but we had two delightful radio buffs with us who kept us in contact with the outside world.
Finally the last walkers having gone through or been removed via the 'Body Bus', we were able to relax and have a sit down breakfast together. We also enjoyed another short walk before finally departing our little corner of Shropshire.
Servicing a checkpoint, in the middle of the night and in the middle of nowhere doesn't sound like the greatest way to spend a holiday weekend but as one member of our group put it 'I can't believe we had so much fun.' OK mopping the floor of the gents urinals was not one of the highpoints of the weekend (note guys the lengths we have to go) but thanks to our 13 London volunteers it was a great weekend and dare I say even more enjoyable than walking 100 miles.
Maybe we will see you again next year at a checkpoint in deepest Hackney.
Nick and Judith's Wiltshire Weekend - 1 to 3 April
Only Nick could manage to find accommodation with a CAMRA pub closer than the showers...
Read about the weekend and see the photos.
Lakes and Mountains - 25 to 28 June
Some 19 London group members, plus one Labrador dog, took part in this weekend, with most based at Windermere YHA and a few more in b&bs nearby, and a majority able to come up by train. Organisation this year was by Paula, Paul and Steve, with Chris helping with the menus and shopping. The hostel was only available from Friday-Monday but we still managed three good walks. The Lakes had been officially declared a drought area just a few days before - not often that happens! - and the weather remained dry, though often hazy, but with long, fine evenings, and beautiful sunsets visible from the hostel's terrace with its great views over the lake to distant fells.
On Saturday we car-shared over to Langdale, setting off from the New Hotel up to the base of the vertical wall of Pavey Ark, where we scrambled (optional) up the angled rock groove of Jack's Rake, a first such ascent for some, helped by the very dry surfaces. Continuing across to Sargeant Man, with skylarks singing overhead, we bagged several more 'Wainwrights': High Raise, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag and Pike of Stickle, to descend west to Stake Pass and then back via the long green valley of Mickleden, to the Old Dungeon Gill Hotel and a well earned drink - here trade was very brisk with many thirsty walkers. In the evening there was a lively meal out at a busy Italian restaurant down in Bowness. On Sunday, walking out from the YHA we crossed over Troutbeck valley to ascend to Garburn Pass and up along the ridgeline - with Yoke, Froswick and Ill Bell - reaching Thornthwaite Beacon for lunch, then east across into the peaceful and pastoral Kentmere valley, via Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell and Kentmere Pike, to return via the Garburn Pass for a welcome drink and a cook-in group meal of freshly-prepared chilli in the YHA. While we were out, England had managed to go out of the World Cup, though we were not sorry to miss the debacle! On Monday the remaining walkers still with energy left did a circuit of Wansfell and over it's Wainwright, again direct from the hostel, initially heading round above the lake to Ambleside, while others took advantage of the attractions of the lake and the towns nearby and of the fine garden at Holehird also just across the Troutbeck valley. The Saturday walk was 16kms and 3200 ft of ascent; Sunday 29 kms and 4800 ft; and Monday 15 kms and 2400 ft, with in all over 10,000 ft and 16 Wainwrights (out of the 214 peaks in the classic Wainwright Pictorial Guides book series). So under 200 left!
Don Reports on the Isle of Wight Weekend in May
Mike, Sue, Chris K, Chris D and Dave caught an early ferry on Friday and after a few minor mishaps walked the 17 mile coastal path from Ryde to Shanklin. I took a later train and from Sandown and walked back to Culver Point to intercept this happy group who had enjoyed good weather all day. On Friday evening we went to the very crowded Village Inn in Old Shanklin for a meal. The food was excellent but the under pressure waiter had not taken Dave's order so after some negotiating Dave finally got the meal he wanted.
At 9.30am Saturday we met with Jill Green and her Dutch friend Ton. Margaret had got a very early train from Clapham Junction and was due to meet us but because of vandalism at Liphook Station she was going to be more than an hour late so we set off without her. The weather was once again as good as we could have wished for and Jill led us on a fabulous walk with a very charming coffee stop on the beach beyond Ventnor. Margaret arrived just as we were getting ready to leave the lunch stop. The afternoon was again great with magificient views and we walked about 23 miles with 3000ft of ascent/descent. Jill joined us for the evening meal and gave us some ideas for a good Sunday walk.
On Sunday morning we took the 9.40am bus to Upper Ventnor and Margaret was now our leader on this un-recced walk. The weather was overcast and a little damp in the morning but much brighter in the afternoon. We had a pub stop with the fastest service ever so we did not need a full hour and we set off with the promise of brighter weather. We got to Carisbrooke Castle then into the bus station in Newport for the bus to Ryde. I had the remainder of Saturday night's kitty which we spent in the coffee lounge of the Fast Cat ferry.
A great weekend and Jill has a lot of ideas for 2011 and is happy to lead again for the London Group in the IOW.
Brecon Beacons (September)
An extremely successful weekend, thanks to Nick and Judith who lead some fantastic walks - 10 hardy walkers baked in the sun, disappeared in the mud, battled with tufted bogs and enjoyed some of the best views in Wales. The Youth hostel was lovely, if a bit ...well...Welsh and Roberto did us proud. Transport was a squeeze and Jim was nearly sleeping in the hedge back one night but apart from that everything worked really well - thanks to everyone for making it a great weekend. My legs have just about recovered!
The Alps (August) Climb 5 10,000ft Alpine Summits in 5 days
No, we didn't climb five 10,000ft summits in 5 days as planned but, as the group was exceptionally strong and fit, instead we climbed 7 summits in 4 days. On our day off we enjoyed a rather technical via ferrata in the morning, an easy climb in the afternoon and an outstanding homemade dinner, prepared by an Englishman, in the evening. The weather was absolutely gorgeous all week. nic
We would like to thank Nicole for our superb and exciting high-level walking holiday on the 3,000m peaks above Val d'Isere (1,850m). Even the sun shone on the team. It must rank amongst the best short breaks ever. Steve & Peter
Photographs
Mountains and Lakes (June)
A very successful weekend in the Lakes organised by Paul Lawrence with the help of Steve Singleton from Thames Valley group. 11 of us in total (including Chris K who celebrated her first walks since her disastrous accident!).
We met on the Thursday evening in the Queens hotel in Ambleside for a bite to eat and introductions. After a nights rest in our various accommodations - 5 of us at Windermere YHA (just refurbished and really excellent, with fantastic views over the lake and even a cappuccino machine to keep Paula happy) and the softies in B&B with Sue camping (not soft) - we met at Glenridding and set off to walk back to Ambleside via Helvellyn. Unfortunately it was too windy to do Striding Edge and a few cut the walk short via Grasmere but the rest of us continued up Fairfield and back via Hart Crag and High Pike and were rewarded with a quick half before returning for home cooked spag bol for the YHAers and a local curry for the B&Bers.
Saturday's walk was a circular from Langdale taking in Scafell Pike (the highest in England), Esk Pike, Bow Fell and The Band. The weather was kinder and we were afforded some fantastic views, although Scafell itself was FAR too busy! Again some decided to do a shorter route and some had a totally lazy day (no names mentioned!), but we all met up for a fabulous Italian in Windermere in the evening.
On Sunday we set off from the Youth Hostel to do a ridge walk to High Street (no, no shops!), taking in Ill Bell and Yoke and back via the Roman Road to Troutbeck where some of us found a pub to delay the return and most of us got very wet in the last 10 minutes of the walk (well done Denise - the only one to avoid the rain!). After an epic cottage pie for the YHAers and another lie in, we finished the weekend with an easy walk from Windermere to Ambleside and a couple went on over Wansfell in glorious sunshine with an earlier finish before our return journeys.
The Wessex 100
A great success with 22 members participating in the Saturday walk which started by cheering on the 500 competitors from Eggers School and took in the start and finish of the route, followed by a good value and well deserved evening meal in Alton. On the Sunday London Group manned checkpoint 15 at Upper Weild (93 miles) starting at 5.30am (well actually 4am thanks to Dave!) We served hot and cold drinks, toasted teacakes and other nibbles to the mad walkers, including 6 of the London Group who all finished with respectable times and in one piece! Thanks to all the checkpoint helpers and well done to the walkers, especially Rob who walked the marshals event AND supervised the night shift on the main event checkpoint, and Ken, who finished the main event then came back to the checkpoint to help out!