A slightly smaller group than usual set off for Coniston on the new 35 seater bus. There were mixed feelings about the bus ride but as usual William got us there and back safely and without any problems.
I stayed in the 3 star YHA hostel, Holly How and I have to say it was the cleanest hostel I'd ever been in and the food was exceptional. We were even served at the table and had candles and flowers on Saturday evening.
There was a good selection of reasonably priced wine on sale and draught beer so most of us stayed in the hostel after the meal chatting around the fire in the lounge. It was interesting because a large party of Nottingham University students arrived for the weekend complete with dinner suits and evening dresses as they were having their annual dinner in the town. They were very friendly and it was great to see a group of young people enjoying the countryside in the same way as we do. You hear so much doom and gloom these days about the youth of today but it really lifted the spirits to see this group enjoying themselves.The following photos of the happy group in the Youth Hostel were supplied by Sheila Hogg.
After a good breakfast on Saturday we set off to New Dungeon Ghyll where some of the 'A' walkers made for the hills while I joined the 'B' walk for a more leisurely walk along the Cumbria Way back to Coniston via Elterwater and Tarn Hows led by Rita. The weather was fine but there was a gusty wind and the 'A' walkers didn't manage to achieve all their goals as the wind was too strong. The 'B' walk was very good and we had splendid views of the mountains, some with patches of snow still on them. I'll let the photos tell the tale.
We arrived back in Coniston with just enough time for a well earned cup of tea and a look at Ruskin's grave in the churchyard before making our way back to the hostel for a shower and a relaxing evening.
Sunday morning was sunny but the clouds were obscuring the tops of the mountains. We loaded our luggage on to the coach and there was time for a few photos of the hostel surroundings before setting off from Coniston on the 'B' walk to Broughton in Furness via Walna Scar led by Jackie Wilkes. A small group of 5 on this walk and we climbed much higher than the previous day but managed to stay just below the cloud level. A very varied walk with mountain, valley and distant sea views. A bit boggy in places but Jackie showed us how not to cross a boggy stream for which we were very grateful! Once again the photos tell there own story but not so many of them thi
s time as the conditions were not as clear.
We finished the walk with plenty of time for tea and crumpets before William arrived with the coach to take us all home. Once again a splendid weekend with a hint of spring to lift our spirits, with excellent walks and with good companions. Many thanks to Jackie Hotchen for organising it and all the leaders for volunteering to lead walks. The next weekend in October will be part of the Pennine Way project but before that we have a week in Torquay to look forward to in May.
See you all there!
