Articles from all of our Correspondents. http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:53:36 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/images/M_images/ofc_logo_75.png http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk Articles from all of our Correspondents. http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=527&Itemid=29 A walk out with my brother Paul and James Hoye of the OFC. This was a longer route than anticipated after James suggested the ascent. The route ascended from Rydal church via Nab Scar, Heron Pike and Great Rigg. We had fun at the summit brewing tea and taking photographs of Peter's new map, 'Tubular Fells'. It will also be memorable as the first major ascent after our father's death - the short associated video is a tribute to him. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:39:41 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=526&Itemid=29 I wanted a short sharp, but interesting ascent for a recent visit to Lakeland. Parking up at the summit of Kirkstone Pass, I eye-balled the skyline of Red Screes and took note of the obvious gully that leads up from the screes towards the summit. With my bag packed and the car secured I made a beeline for this potentially exciting line of ascent. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:19:39 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=513&Itemid=29 As a child the walls of my bedroom were decorated with various images, some of steam locomotives others of boats and aeroplanes and one picture in particular that was always a favourite—that of Major Henry Seagrave’s Golden Arrow. From these early times, as my father was also an aircraft engineer, I had more than a passing interest, like many boys, in aircraft and cars. Through my childhood it was three things that started my interest in Donald Campbell and his world famous jet boat– Bluebird. Read on to find out more..... Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:14:13 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=346&Itemid=29 In 2005 I was fortunate enough to be part of the delegation at the 117th IOC Session in Singapore. On return to London, the area designated for development into the venue for the London 2012 Olympic is slowly changing in preparation for the summer olympiad in that year. Just 4 miles from home, my cycle to work in Hackney passes directly through the Olympic Park and the site of the slowly emerging stadium. Return to this 'diary' regularly to see the changes and to witness the birth of the UK's third Olympic dream... Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=508&Itemid=29 A seven day holiday in Coniston gave prospect for some great days out in the fells as well as the chance to show friends some of the delights of the area. Apart from day walks, we had a drive over Hardknott in snow and the rest of the group visited Keswick, Blackwell, Tarn Hows and it all ended with a glorious row across Coniston. Read on to find out more and see Peter's Youtube! presentations... Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:52:34 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=503&Itemid=29 A New Year's Day ascent of Ill Bell started with a walk up valley past Kentmere Reservoir. The ascent, in worsening winter conditions, included the ascent of the mountain's north-east ridge. A second ascent the day after included carrying my downhill skis to the summit of Yoke. The resulting descent from the mountain was one of those classic memories that will live with me forever, or until the next time I do it!.... Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=500&Itemid=29 This article is certainly not fellwalking, but after overnight snow, London awoke to some snow on 18th December 2009. After a pre-Christmas errand in Leyton, a drive with a friend into Epping Forest saw a photo opportunity metamorphose into a full blown walk. With the snow on the ground and good boots on the feet, Steve and I set off into the winter wonderland of Epping Forest. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:58:57 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=495&Itemid=29 Four days in Lakeland over Remembrance weekend was eagerly anticipated by me again this year. Having promised my parents I would lay a new kitchen floor, I was then rewarded with three excellent walks in great company. This article examines the three walks including Hopegill Head, Great Gable for Remembrance Sunday and Wansfell in the company of my father... Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:09:34 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=492&Itemid=29 On a recent visit to Cumbria I had the fine company of Mark Richards, guidebook author and illustrator. With about 48 hours in which to travel north to Carlisle, I was welcomed as guest into the Richards' home. Although brought up in rural Oxfordshire and later a farmer himself, it as author of many outdoors' guides that Mark is best known. In later years Mark became a regular house-guest of Alfred Wainwright. To find out a little more about Mark and a walk taken together read on... Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:31:40 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=490&Itemid=29 I have many photographic prints that date from the pre-digital age. I thought it would be fun, after my absence from the fells to publish images from some of my walks from years ago. Not only will this archive my images for posterity but it might also give a few laughs along the way. I hope you enjoy some images from the fells from the last millenia in the pre-digital age... Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:39:17 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=486&Itemid=29 An afternoon visit to the Royal Gunpowder Works at Waltham Abbey was the order of today. However, today's outing was to witness the array of vintage and classic cars that had gathered there for the day. The works is worth a visit in itself, but with the gathering of vehicles the visit was even more special. Along with Mark, and the kids I ventured onto a personnel carrier and spent a good time investigating the beautiful cars. There really were some iconic motors... Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:53:30 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=485&Itemid=29 A visit to the Army Foundation College, Harrogate to witness the passing out parade of an ex-student. Christopher Murden-Wade kindly invited me to attend this great occasion which I proudly accepted. It was a fine day to see the product of 42 weeks training come to fruition. As well as Christopher, over 700 cadets were passing out and the whole event was kick-started by a display by the Red Devil Parachute Display Team. It was a long drive for Chris's family, Ray Wallin and myself but it was worth it so see a youngster make something of himself... Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:37:07 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=484&Itemid=29 With the visit of my niece Amy on the cards it was up to me to think of some places to visit and things to do in this great city. However, once I was in the mood, it didn't take long to get into the tourist mood with trips on the London Eye, an adventure on the Duck Tour and a visit to the Body Worlds The Mirror of Time exhibition at the O2. Amy was only in London for three full days but we didn't stop. London really is a great place and it was great to share the experiences... Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:28:52 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=483&Itemid=29 As part of a friend's birthday, a few of us accompanied Steve on his celebratory visit to Dublin in order to watch Bruce Springsteen live. Tracy and I didn't see the live concert but it was great to visit the 'fair city' all the same. Arriving Friday night and leaving Sunday gave ample time to sample the delights of the tourist trail and order in the obligatory pints of Guinness. The weekend break really was fabulous and within the Irish capital we really relaxed and soaked up the Celtic charm. If you do nothing else when visiting our nearest international neighbour, a visit to Dublin really is a must. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:47:50 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=482&Itemid=29 A visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. This visit included the World of Top Gear, The James Bond Experience and the main museum building at Beaulieu. The museum includes dozens of wonderful vehicles from a recreation of Karl Benz's first motor car to the latest F1 vehicles. The highlight for me was seeing the land speed car 'Golden Arrow' and Donald Campbells Proteus Blue Bird. This really is a must see tourist attraction within the UK. I hope you can join me here and experience some of the fantastic exhibits... Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:10:06 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=481&Itemid=29 Two days accompanying friends to a crime writers conference in Harrogate left time for myself and a friend to see some of the Yorkshire Dales. Although Arthur wasn't aversed to walking, the thought of some pleasant touring, eating lunch in some rural hostelries and the chance to experience some great scenery was a chance not to be missed. As a result, the two of us spent two fantastic days, in good weather going under, over and through the Yorkshire Dales. Read more to see what we got up to... Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:54:57 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=467&Itemid=29 An annual trip to the Hay Festival again saw chance for walking on and around the Black Mountains on the border of England and Wales. Apart from the festival, this year's visit enabled a walk out with OFC member Lance Tucker and his two dogs as well as a long linear route along the crest of a Black Mountain ridge on the course of the Offa's Dyke National Trail. 2009 was the best visit yet! Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:23:42 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=465&Itemid=29 Winston Churchill's idea that Epping Forest would remain the lungs of London is still intact today. For generations of Londoners, especially those in the Eastend, a trip out into Essex and a walk through Epping Forest was and still is a lovely experience. Only a mile and half wide at its widest, the forest can still carry you away into a charming forested world far removed from the hussle and bustle of London. So it was today as Linda and Peter took a walk out on the wild side of London's urban fringe. Tue, 19 May 2009 14:38:37 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=463&Itemid=58 Many people travel for their holiday to Mediterranean countries. They mostly go in search of bathing at the beach, enjoying themselves in clubs or admiring objects of cultural interest. Only a minority of people go there for walking. Every year in spring, the tennis club of Winzendorf-Muthmannsdorf, Austria organises a tennis training camp in Croatia and this year Helmut Hudler, our resident Austrian correspondent, took the opportunity to explore the picturesque islands of Losinj und Cres in Croatia whilst his kids had fun with the tennis. Follow on to find out more..... Thu, 07 May 2009 03:12:57 +0100 http://www.fellwalkingclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=462&Itemid=29 In late 2003 my brother phoned and suggested the following prospect, How do you fancy walking the Tour of Mont Blanc with me? Never wanting to baulk at exciting suggestions I immediately agreed and after a discussion over logistics and the challenge ahead I went off the phone to read up on the subject. I had heard about the walk which is one of the world's greatest mountain trails and then it dawned upon me..... could I walk 105 miles and ascend 32800 feet with a Royal Marine? However, the die was cast and the task had been set, so read on to follow the action... Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:07:18 +0100