A lot to think about!

With Christmas rapidly approaching, I’ve turned my thoughts to all the walking opportunities of the new year.  There is a lot to talk about, so I’ve filled page which I’d really want you all to read.  Click HERE to find it.

A few points first:

• Christmas lunch is filling up nicely.  I’ll phone the Old Clubhouse on Friday with numbers so let me know soon if you haven’t already, please.
• Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe.  The 17th of February is not far away, so think about booking before Christmas in case it fills up afterwards.  So far we have four going for the 3 nights Thu, Fri and Sat, and a fifth possibly adding the Sun night as well.  If you want to find someone to share a room with, add a comment to the web-page.
• Black Forrest.  I regret that so few are interested in this trip that I’ve decided to call it off.  Apologies to those disappointed, but at least it allows you to plan your holidays next June without wondering.

A few reminders for the rest of the year

I didn’t mean to double book this weekend, but …..

Saturday 12th – Hill walk.  A request from Bob to do a nearby(ish) Corbett seems a good idea in view of the short daylight hours.  Any takers?

Sunday 13th – Sparkleton.  An 8 mile circular walk starting at Johnscleugh (click here for details).  Anyone interested?

Also coming soon:
Pub night on 15th. – Not been well attended recently, and I’m going to have to call off from this one (that may be the incentive for more to attend??).
and a few more outings before….
Christmas lunch on December 11th (click here for info).  I’d like to give the Old Clubhouse advance warning of our arrival – last year they booked a table in a near-private room for us.  Can you let me know soon please if you are intending to eat that sunday with us?

Thanks
John

PS.  If interested in some pretty pictures click here to see where I’ve been last week…..
PPS.  I’ve added a few more photos from Thomas to Black hill and Fife walks.

A few additions to the program.

I’ve had a few comments asking for some midweek hill walks, so have added a couple of extra ones.

The venues are flexible and can be amended to suit those choosing to join in.  The dates for hill walks are now as follows:
October 8th, October 19th, November 12th, November 22nd, and December 3rd.

Please add your names to the web-page if interested.

NB – these are intended to be munro-climbs or equivalent, but can be adjusted on request.

Program to end of 2011

I left it a bit late, but I’ve more or less filled in a program of walks to take us up to the year-end.  I hope you find something to your liking, but as always I’m happy to receive any comments or suggestions from you.

In addition to the usual fortnightly walks, I’ve carried on the “munro a month” idea for more adventurous hill-walkers.  Also I’ve added in the pub/nights so you will have no excuse for forgotting them! For Christmas I’m hoping the repeat of 2009 will prove as popular.

Coming shortly:
Mull weekend 9th to 12th September.  Still have one vacant room in the hotel.  If interested please let me know soon.
A barbeque on Saturday 24th September.  (subject to suitable numbers)

The coming week

I really must stop going away!  There are three things due to happen soon, so please think about them and let us know if you are interested in joining in.

1.  Wednesday evening, 10th August 2011.  A short walk round Woodhall Dean?  I put this in the program ages ago, because a midweek evening in August sounded a good idea, but I won’t be here to arrange it.  So if you want to come just add a comment to the webpage if you’d like to walk, and if you are able to take a car.  (Sorry – this page shows loads of other visits – just go to the foot of the page to add a comment).  Then someone needs to take it on themselves to arrange everyone into some cars and pick a time etc etc…..

2.  Sunday 14th August – Wooler circuit.  Andre has offered to arrange this outing – see web page .

3.  Weekend 20/21 August – Culra bothy, via Corrour Station.  I will be back in time to go on this outing, but only just.  People have already expressed interest, but I understand some have since decided not to.  So I’ve removed all previous comments from the web-page and ask you all to re-enter if you are still wanting to come.  You’ll notice I’ve amended the plan a bit, to remove problems getting cars to start/finish points.  Instead, we’ll drive to Crianlarich on Saturday and catch the train to Corrour.  From there we walk to Culra bothy (12 miles) to spend the night.  On Sunday we walk to Tulloch Station (NB  16 miles!)  and catch the train back to the cars in Crianlarich.  Once I get back, I’ll contact all those going and agree transport, menus and equipment needs.  You’ll need  a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, some dishes, cutlery and a mug, toilet bag, … and a rucksack big enough to fit it all in.  You might manage to find someone to borrow from if necessary.  I’ll take a tent as well, just in case.  The other thing is midges!  “Skin-so-soft” is good, but a midge net would not go amiss.

I think that is all for now.  Please ask if any questions.

More arrangements

Best laid plans, never easy … hit by weather.
The hill walk on Friday was diverted to Glen Shee (read here), and
Sunday’s trip to Falkland was cancelled (read here).

So, nothing daunted, for the future:

a)  Pub night, Tuesday 19th.  Can we try the Royal Macintosh at 7.30.  There were more positive than negative comments for trying here.

b)  St Abbs.  Wednesday 20th.  We have Anna, Janeth, and I think Jenny and Trevor.  I hope I’ve not missed anyone, but let me know.  I’ll leave my house at 6.30 (say) and pick you all up.  (Anna, I may need directions to find you).

c)  Hill walk Saturday 23rd.  This is the same venue (but different hills) ar last Friday.  Trawling through e-mails, I couldn’t find any takers, but I’m sure some have told me verbally they’d like to come along.  Can you let me know (again?) if you want to come along.  The arrangements would be similar to last week – ie 6.30 am departure from Dunbar, and the petrol cost came to £60 divided between passengers and driver.

d)  Mull inSeptember.  I’ll update the Mull page shortly and e-mail those attending.

Busy July…

Back from Canada in body at least, although my brain is still stuck in Pacific time.

Firstly, 3 July 2011 – The Wiss and St Mary’s Loch.  Names please if you want to come along.  You can see from the report from last time that this was definitely a walk to repeat in warm sunny weather … we can hope!  Anyway the highlight will be Tibbie Shiels after we finish.  So far I believe Linda Barr will be accompanying Pam and me.

Next up is 6 July 2011 – Hopes reservoir.  Been there lots of times but always good.  Three miles on a (sunny??) Wednesday evening anyone?

Then Bidean nam Bian, the highest of the Glencoe hills.   Some names already, and thanks for the dates you are available.  I think Friday 15th July suits everyone who has expressed an interest.  I think we have Jenny, Susan, Trevor and myself … any others?

Then another munro day – Glen Shee hills.  I think Saturday 23rd July suits those interested – Jenny, Susan, Thomas, Sally, Trevor, and myself.  Any others?

Lots more to follow later….

Sutherland Trail

If anyone wants to know where I’ve been last week, just click here.

Act NOW if you want to join us in Mull

Mull Weekend 9th to 11th September 2011

Act now – don’t miss your chance!!

This time I’m asking you to book the hotel yourself. The Argyll Arms is a fairly small hotel so if you delay you may be too late!  
For details, look at 2011 Outings page. 

Gaps in May and June now filled

Many thanks to Andre who was working hard while we were away enjoying ourselves at the Monadhliath Hotel.  He has come up with a varied selection of outings which I’ve now added to the 2011 Outings page.  In particular, the Geoching is a new one for DRAM and I hope you all enjoy it.

To take part on any outing, it is easiest if you use the webpage to register your interest.  That way everyone can see who is going along.  However if you prefer to e-mail separately, remember to contact Andre (not me) for the walks he is arranging.