Mountain Section

The Mountain Section is open to all members of Reading Rambling Club who like longer or more strenuous walks with a difference.

Past trips have included the Lake District , the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors, the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, Exmoor, the Peak District and the Cambrian Mountains.

We also organise occasional holidays, for example, spending a week in self-catering cottages in Ambleside. On another occasion, a small group escaped the English winter to explore the beautiful and rugged Anaga region of Tenerife.

So, if you enjoy hill, mountain or coastal path walking, good company and fun along the way, then why not consider joining us.

Mountain Section goes train spotting

(in Snowdonia)

At around 7 AM on 30th June, a select band of 7 Mountain Section stalwarts roared away from Reading, to be followed at a more leisurely pace by your intrepid reporters, who decided to take their time and miss the first walk. We were joined by Peter and Glenys who only had to travel from Shrewsbury. Destination Plas Tan y Bwlch in South Snowdonia, home to Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Environmental Studies Centre, standing in a superb position overlooking the Vale of Maentwrog and with swallows nesting in the porch.

Thursday’s walk was from Tanygrisiau, included Moelwyn Mawr, Moel-yr-Hydd and an interesting descent through a quarry, and had taken place before we caught up with the group. They witnessed a very skilled artic driver retrieving a digger from the dam and turning in an incredibly tight circle. On Friday, in continuing dry weather, we drove to Beddgelert and Rex led us up Moel Hebog, where we were joined for lunch by a very friendly ewe and her large lamb. We had views of steam trains on the recently restored Welsh Highland Railway which runs between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. The walk continued northwards along the ridge, with superb views of Snowdon, to descend to the trees of Beddgelert Forest where unfortunately the sun had brought out hungry insects in large numbers – they certainly had a good feed from several of us!

Saturday dawned to another good day. Off to Croesor along a narrow twisting gated mountain road – luckily nothing came in the other direction – where John led us on the ascent of Cnicht, a descent through some disused quarries and down an old grassy roadway. Several times during the day our paths crossed with two lads from Manchester. We were all somewhat surprised to see a bare-foot rambler by the quarries! On our return to Croesor the lovely little café was open for tea and cakes!

On Sunday we headed south with Rhinog Fawr our destination. Roadworks on the main A470 caused some confusion, with a one-way convoy system along the stretch of road including our turn. We eventually all joined up for Alex to lead our protesting legs up the last peak of the trip. We were watched some of the day by the resident wild goats, and encountered two “mountain” frogs. One of our party mislaid his camera but fortunately realised before too long and it was retrieved. On our route back to the main road a group of cattle made us feel we were on the set of “Rawhide”.

On Monday morning we had a gentle “winding down” stroll in the woods at the back of Plas Tan y Bwlch, including train spotting on the Ffestiniog line and a tea, coffee and ice cream (first of the weekend) stop. All in all, a jolly good weekend blessed by super weather. Thanks to Lynda for making all the arrangements, it was a great pity she was not well and unable to make the trip; thanks to John for stepping in and taking on the admin. Many thanks also to John, Alex and Rex for their leadership and to the drivers for ferrying us around.

Robert & Christine Hurn

Church Stretton Comes Alive With Bears and Crocodiles

Mountain Section weekend in Shropshire 15-17th of October 2011

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny when 19 members set off for Shropshire, destination the Longmynd Hotel, set in woodland overlooking the little town of Church Stretton. By early afternoon all were assembled to welcome Peter & Glenys Knight who joined us for the first walk of the weekend. Starting from the hotel grounds we soon discovered delightful wood carvings at intervals along the woodland path. One of the first encounters was with a group of nearly life-sized bears and cameras were soon clicking as various members hugged or posed by these beautifully carved creatures.

Then, proceeding along the Townbrook valley, and eventually emerging onto the broad plateau of the Long Mynd, everyone enjoyed the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Arriving at Pole Bank, we continued via Round Hill and Grindle, pausing again to admire the stunning scenery – deep ravines cut into the slopes of the Long Mynd by ancient melt waters. Here two of us were treated to the sight of a hen harrier gliding effortlessly above the bracken. Then, beginning the descent, we soon arrived back at the hotel after a superb afternoon’s walk.

Sunday saw us gathered at The Bog Visitor Centre, part of a lost lead - and barites -mining village, for the ascent of Stiperstones. By 10am, when the walk began, the early mist had given way to sunshine and spirits lifted. Dave and Vyv led us up to Cranberry Rock and along the craggy ridge of Stiperstones to the Devil’s Chair, the quartzite boulders glistening in the sun. From the cowberry- and heather-clad ridge panoramic vistas were laid out before us. Leaving Stiperstones, our walk passed through an isolated farm and the incongruous sight of a centurion tank still with some camouflage netting, gun pointing across the lane – woe betide the rambler who strayed from the path. A timely arrival at Bridges, with its little pub, saw us enjoying refreshment and taking a short rest in the sun.

Soon though it was time to continue, along leafy lanes and tracks, over more hills with yet more scenic views until arriving back at The Bog. A most enjoyable day’s walking, of some 14.6 miles, in unseasonably warm weather. Back at the hotel, we were more than ready for the excellent evening meal, followed by the AGM of the Mountain Section, after which the hotel’s comfortable armchairs beckoned and more liquid refreshment seemed appropriate.

Monday morning began fine for the final walk. Proceeding along the hotel’s woodland trail, more wood carvings were admired, from fungi, birds, a family of otters, to the more exotic crocodile in menacing pose. Then, continuing through Church Stretton, Caer Caradoc loomed large across the A49. Three Fingers Rock was reached via a direct assault from the south, taking somewhat longer than the 20 minutes suggested by the finger-post. Our leaders had definitely saved the steepest for last! Our efforts were rewarded, however, by more magnificent vistas as the ridge was traversed. Arriving back in Church Stretton we said our goodbyes, the weekend over all too soon.

Finally, many thanks to Lynda for her meticulous planning of the trip, our joint walks leaders Dave and Vyv, and to the car drivers, all of whom contributed to making the weekend a great success.

As a relatively new member, may I say a personal thank you to all who made my first Mountain Section holiday such a happy and enjoyable experience – hopefully this will be the first of many.

Chris Jones

See the Walks Programmes for forthcoming Mountain Section weekend trips.