Good Times.
GHYLL HEAD XMAS BASH 14/12/10 to 16/12/10 13 members including Reg the organiser attended the away break at Ghyll Head. The accommodation was excellent; warm,clean & comfortable with amazing uninterrupted views of Lake Windermere. Two superb evening meals together with two hearty breakfasts were provided by Hilary & her team of helpers. Many thanks to them for providing such excellent food & to Reg for arranging the accommodation & leading the walk. A special mention too for Norman our genial quizmastrer in the evenings. He managed with his usual aplomb to control three rowdy teams of quizzers all determined to win ' at all costs'. He even brought along two of his childhood games of bagatelle & battleship (soon to be seen on the antiques road show) which provided great entertainment. Hilary excelled at Bagatelle & was a worthy winner on the second round with a score topping 400. (Dave is modestly not mentioning that he won the first round easily!) The walk Ghyll Head Xmas Bash 15/12/10 12 miles. Start 10am, Finish 4pm 14 walkers After the usual group photograph with the stunning back drop of Lake Windermere Reg led us off up the road from Ghyll Head onto a track to Winster House.This gave us a chance to see how the other half lives as we viewed some superb properties set in their own extensive grounds. The weather was surprisingly mild & hats gloves & layers of clothing were being dispensed as we trekked onwards carefully avoiding patches of ice. After crossing the A5074 we headed south at which point Norman attempted to lead a splinter group of three in a different direction. The remainder of the group stuck with leader Reg & Norman & his motley crew of two decided to rejoin us after seeing the error of their ways. After a quick coffee break we continued over minor roads & some long tracks over some delightful Cumbrian countryside to our lunch stop the Masons Arms at Bowland Bridge. A welcoming log fire was burning away in this beautiful country hostelry & soup & crusty bread together with a good pint of beer was enjoyed by the group. After our lunch break the group split with Reg leading a low route back to Ghyll Head and Norman & Dave leading a higher route.The fine weather continued & great views were observed of the Lyth Valley & Lake Windermere. Either by sheer fluke or good judgement the two groups met up a quarter of a mile from the finish & walked in together.Thanks Reg for providing a good route & a great lunch stop. David Walsh. |