Events

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2024

Hopefully one or two summer events (details to be determined) and then the Autumn Weekend/Week Away to Llangollen in September.

PAST EVENTS 2024

Spring Weekend/Week Away – Beadnell, Northumberland (17 to 24^th May 2024)

The Halcyon Spring Week/end away was a much more informal event than usual as no meals were pre-booked, no specific walks planned – it was just a case of make it up as we go along   The accommodation was a large house in the village of Beadnell, Northumberland, located near to its former impressive lime kilns and about 100 yards from one of the many wide, sandy beaches that the area is famous for.  In case anyone was delayed en-route to Beadnell the first evening’s meal was a buffet before our first monumental struggle with the all singing, all dancing, ‘multi-purpose’ smart TV run from an intermittent wi-fi !

Saturday dawned bright and clear, some of the group caught the bus to Craster and then walked back, via the England Coast Path, the rest wandered down the England Coast Path towards Low Newton and then ambled back again (paying a visit to another wide sandy beach on the way).  A really lovely, warm, sunny day – hopefully the first of many.

Sunday wasn’t quite so sunny but as we planned to visit Berwick upon Tweed that wasn’t too important and thankfully rain wasn’t forecast.  The first surprise of the day was the town’s parking – every car park was free – we just couldn’t believe it, especially as it seemed  that every other car park in the county charged  £9 or £10 for more than 3-hours parking.  We made good use of the free parking and spent the morning exploring the Elizabethan fortifications and the old walls.  The Royal Border Bridge carrying the East Coast railway line over the River Tweed was inspected at reasonably close quarters and a wander around the old town was really interesting.

On the way back to the cars we called into an old church built during the Cromwellian period – all very austere – and on the way out a gentleman asked if we would like a cup of tea.  You know Halcyon, no-one refuses that offer, so in we went to the church hall where we enjoyed pots of tea and an excellent selection of really good home-made cakes.  When we asked for the bill the ladies of the parish told us that the event was free of charge.  A lovely surprise.  It was quite late in the afternoon when we left, but a stop was made on the way back to visit two of our members’ very new, and very comfortable, caravan where more tea was enjoyed.  By now it was getting late and no decision had been made for the evening meal, but conveniently the local fish and chip van was open so we bought our meals from there – and very good they were too.

Monday was a glorious day – warm, sunny, calm – and just right for a boat trip to the Farne Islands.  Boarding at Seahouses we sailed out towards the Farne Islands, but out at sea it did feel a bit chillier and it was also quite windy, so it was on with jackets and hats before the boat had gone very far. As we approached the islands there were seabirds by their thousands on the rocks and bobbing about on the sea, including the birds everyone had come to see, the puffins.  Apparently, about 40,000 pairs are nesting (how they could count them is anyone’s guess).  New born seals stared at us as we passed and the older seals popped up and down in the water – they too were fascinating to watch. 

Tuesday found everyone ‘doing  their own thing’, some went to Alnwick Gardens and took a supervised/ guided trip round ’The Poison Garden’ (I wonder why it was supervised??).  These gardens are the kind of place you can get lost – a bamboo labyrinth, an ornamental garden, rose garden, the great cascade – but happily no-one did. Thankfully they did not return with any specimens from The Poison Garden.  The others travelled from Alnmouth to Edinburgh (by an extremely comfortable train)  and spend the day exploring what seemed like every inch of the Scottish capital – the Whisky Experience was also visited but no-one was prepared to pay £120,000 for a bottle of rare whisky!  Everyone enjoyed their day and slept very well that night.

Wednesday it rained – perhaps more correctly it poured all day).  Three people ventured out for a walk up towards Bamburgh, got soaked and then hurried back again.  Luckily the property possessed an electric clothes dryer which worked really well.

Thursday was thankfully dry so again it was decision, decision, decision.  The majority of the gang decided to make their way to Bamburgh and then across the beach towards Budle Bay, returning via the path which crosses the golf course – suited our member who is also a golf fan. The alternative walk was from Craster, down the coast path to Howick and past the 18^th century Earl Grey Bathing House (now a holiday let which is around £3,300 per week).  The return route comes inland, but as it was such an ‘atmospheric’ day with the surf crashing against the rocks it was a case of turn round and go back the way we came (well the views are different the other way round).

Friday found everyone leaving for home.  Some drove straight back (and made the journey in about 4-hours) others decided on one last walk alongside the coast before travelling back to Sheffield.  However, leaving later ensured that there was more traffic on the A1, consequently the traffic jams around Gateshead roadworks meant the journey took much longer than 4-hours!!  A minor inconvenience (?)

New Year’s Lunch (7^th January 2024).

Halcyon’s first celebration of 2024, the New Year Lunch, was held on a chilly but dry day.  Meeting at Great Longstone the group squelched across the fields to Little Longstone and up to an unusually quiet Monsal Head.  After admiring the view, we continued down Penyunk Lane to Ashford in the Water where the morning break was taken.  Refreshed it was onto Churchdale Hall and on reaching the main road decisions had to be made.  As we had to be at the Crispin Inn for lunch no later than 2.00 p.m. it was agreed that we follow the Monsal Trail for a short distance and return to Great Longstone along a quiet road.  Once dirty boots, gaiters etc. had been removed, everyone gathered in The Crispin for a very entertaining afternoon.

We enjoyed good food, scratched our heads over a ‘not difficult at all’ quiz, caught up with members who for whatever reason had not been out much during the year, and finally participated in the raffle which brought the day’s events to a close.  This year £100 raised from the raffle which was donated to the Edale Mountain Rescue.

PAST EVENTS 2023

‘Mince Pie Ramble’ (17^th December 2023)

The morning of the Mince Pie Ramble was dry, and bright, but chilly.   The day began with the group singing carols and Christmas songs whilst enjoying warming mulled wine, mince pies, hot sausage rolls and the like, and being Halcyon we gave it our all.  Eventually we left on the festive walk, initially climbing Calver Low. Unsurprisingly when we reached the top there was a strong wind which meant that Christmas headgear was blown in all directions, but happily the antlers, Santa hats and reindeer bells were successfully retrieved.  More interesting nibbles were shared at elevenses – when copious amounts of chocolates were consumed – and after making our way to High Rake and circumnavigating the pond, lunch was eaten near Longstone Edge and yes, more treats were shared.  Very well-fed and watered we continued the walk, eventually arriving back in Calver with happy smiles, full stomachs and all Christmas regalia intact.  A fine start to the beginning of the festive period.

Autumn Social – ‘Going to the Dogs’ (7th November 2023)

Owlerton Greyhound Stadium was the venue for the 2023 Autumn Social.  Members were seated in the Panorama Restaurant where there was an excellent view of the racing.  A race card was received on entry so the dogs ‘form’ was scrutinised (although no-one was an expert) and it wasn’t long before bets were being taken for the first race.  Happily, we didn’t have to move from our seats as a ‘tote-runner’ came round to take the bets so everyone settled down to watch the greyhounds chasing an orange coated hare round the track.  Several people did well and ended the night ‘in profit’, some were not so lucky whilst others broke even and came away no richer (or poorer) than when they had started!  However, watching dogs running round a track was not the only reason for being there.  A three-course dinner was served and what good value for money it was.  The pre-ordered choices were served efficiently and the quality, and quantity, of food was excellent.   It was a really enjoyable night and, happily, no-one lost their shirt.

Charity Night in memory of Peter Mathers and to raise monies for Ashgate Hospice (21^st October 2023)

A charity night, was organised to raise monies for Ashgate Hospice in remembrance of a past, long-serving and well respected Halcyon member.  The local hall was booked for the evening, but due to flooded roads the venue had to be cancelled at short notice and the event moved to a new location.  It was a very enjoyable evening with a ‘challenging’ quiz, generously filled roast pork sandwiches and a selection of drinks to suit everyone.  The first prize for the quiz was a well-filled hamper and the winner generously shared the chocolates with everyone.  A raffle followed the quiz and everyone bought more than just a few tickets – once again contributing to the Ashgate collection pot.  The owner of the first raffle ticket drawn from the hat was presented with a large bottle of ‘something interesting’ plus a prize of her choice. Tickets continued to be drawn until everyone had a prize and there was certainly a large selection of ’indulgences’ to choose from.  It had been a fun, entertaining and memorable evening but eventually all good things must come to an end.  The ladies who organised the evening ensured that it was a real success, resulting in over £700 being raised for the hospice. 

Autumn Weekend/Week Away – Embleton, Northumberland (15^th-22^nd September 2023)

Friday, 15^th September.  As usual the trip began with a get-together and a meal on Friday evening, so that plans for the visit could be finalised. As the sea was only a short distance from the village, we made sure that for at least a couple of days we ‘walked from the door’.

Saturday, 16^th September.  We followed the England Coast Path up to Seahouses.  The route took us across the golf course to the dunes where a selection of old, but well loved, wooden bungalows lined the path to Low Newton.  After coffee, the track around Football Hole was taken leading eventually to Beadnell where we had lunch, and then it was on to Seahouses.  From here we made use of the area’s efficient bus service and returned to Embleton via public transport.  The day ended with an excellent meal at the local pub – The Grey’s Inn.

Sunday, 17^th September.  Another walk from Embleton took us once again down to the golf course and the England Coast Path but this time towards Craster, passing the ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, before taking the path along the water’s edge to the village. Here kippers were bought from the smoke house before making our way back to Embleton and taking tea and cakes at one of the group’s cottages.  Our evening meal was at the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel where once again good food was much enjoyed.

Monday, 18^th September.  Today there were options, some people walking the coastal path again whilst others, despite a choppy sea, took a boat trip from Seahouses around the Farne Islands. There weren’t too many seabirds (wrong time of the year) but seals were basking on every spare inch of rock.  The voyage lasted about 90 minutes and as we hadn’t eaten before setting sail – just in case – lunch was required.  Eventually we spotted a ‘tea-room’ and enjoyed a snack before taking the bus back to Embleton. 

Tuesday, 19^th September.  Another day where alternatives were offered, several people decided to stay local and explore more of the coastline, whilst others drove to Cragside Estate and spent some time going round the Victorian house which is filled with so many innovative gadgets.  The grounds are extensive and very steep, pleasant woodland walks took us up-hill to the see immaculate formal gardens then down-hill to explore the pump and machine houses.  We could have been there for hours, but eventually all good things come to an end and the car journey along the property’s Carriage Drive, brought another enjoyable day to a close.

Wednesday, 20^th September.    As Bamburgh was only a short distance up the coast, some of the group drove there to admire the castle and do a circular walk from the village.  The route followed field tracks up to and across local golf course, before returning to Bamburgh along the beach.  The castle looking spectacular in the sunshine.  Those not visiting Bamburgh walked, once again, a section of the England Coast Path this time going south from Craster alongside the foreshore.

Thursday, 21^st September.  The final day of our Northumberland trip was almost an ‘adventure’ as there had been talk of walking the 2 mile long ‘Pilgrim’s Causeway’ across to Lindesfarne.  However, on arrival at a convenient drop off point, the route following the causeway looked very ‘squelchy’, wet and slippery, so that idea was shelved. The village, and Lindesfarne Castle, was busy but when we walked the coast path around island it became much more peaceful and as the tide didn’t come in to cover the causeway until early evening there was lots of time to explore. The day ended with a meal at the local pub in Embleton, where good food and a very enjoyable evening brought Halcyon’s excellent visit to Northumberland to an end. 

Summer Garden Party (29^th July 2023)

Unfortunately this event had to be cancelled due to the extremely wet weather.

Summer Social – Canal Boat Trip (2^nd July 2023)

The Halcyon Summer Social began with a morning walk from Whaley Bridge, exploring woodland and following field paths across to Bugsworth Basin where mid-walk refreshments were taken at the Navigation Inn (once owned by Patricia Phoenix – Elsie Tanner of Coronation Street fame). 

Returning to Whaley Bridge following the Goyt Way alongside the Peak Forest Canal, the ‘walking group’ met up with the ‘lunching-only group’ to board the boat, the Judith Mary, for the afternoon’s cruise. The boat travelled leisurely along the canal and shortly after departure lunch was served!  Passing Forest Vale Marina the large number of moored canal boats were closely inspected not only by the Judith Mary’s passengers, but also by a flock of geese – several had made themselves at home on the decks.

After an hour of relaxing sailing the 72 ft long (7 ft. wide) boat on which we were travelling reached the turn round point. The bankside here unfortunately has an impressive stand of giant hogweed – a highly toxic non-native species imported by the Victorians – hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Once the captain had competently reversed and manoeuvred the Judith Mary for the return we set sail back to the canal basin, during which dessert plus tea/coffee was served. All in all another excellent day out ending with a most enjoyable and relaxing 2-hour cruise.

Spring Weekend/Week Away – Middleton in Teesdale (12^th-19^th May 2023)

It had been several years since Halcyon’s last visit to Teesdale and we were interested to see how much the area had changed and happily it hadn’t as the countryside was just as we remembered it!  The weather promised to be fine and the proposed routes looked interesting.

Saturday, 13^th May.  A lovely spring morning greeted us for the first walk of the week which left Middleton and followed the Teesdale Way downstream, the woodland path lined with bluebells, globe flowers and orchids.  After lunch the group split – half crossing the Tees and returning to Middleton on the Tees Rail Trail, the remainder walking on to Eggleston before they too crossed the river and made their way back to the town.  Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their day, and a good meal at The Fountain Inn brought it to a satisfactory close.

Sunday, 14^th May.  The route once again followed The Tees, this time from Bowlees Visitor Centre.  The day was bright and sunny and after crossing the old winch bridge the group set off alongside the river passing the Low Force carved sheep, before walking onto the impressive High Force Waterfall. Once past the Falls we followed The Pennine Way to Bracken Rigg and the climb to Whiteholme Bank. By now the day had become grey and quite chilly, happily it didn’t rain but it was quite breezy crossing the moor before taking the track to Holwick Lodge and another group of carved sheep.  From here it was a short distance back to the cars at the end of an enjoyable walk.  The evening meal was booked at The Teesdale Hotel where, in general, the food was not good.

Monday, 15^th May.  The group split today some people spending the day exploring Barnard Castle and rest of the gang decided to visit ‘Hannah’s Meadows’ – the former home of the late Hannah Hauxwell (the property is now an adventure centre).  Riverside walks and visiting Norman Castles filled the day well, followed in the evening by a very pleasant meal prepared by Club members.

Tuesday, 16^th May.  Today was a day of adventure for some when they walked from Langdon Beck and followed The Pennine Way to Cow Green Reservoir.  The route follows The Tees ‘upstream’ and it is quite challenging at times.  At several places boardwalks require negotiation, rock scrambling is a necessity especially at The Falcon Clints and finally the climb up Cauldron Snout waterfall can certainly test a walker’s metal.  Once at Cow Green it is an easy stroll back to the cars accompanied by curlews, lapwings and spectacular views.  Those wanting a less strenuous day visited the ancient burial mound of Kirkcarrion which involved a climb from Middleton to the top of Lunedale Ridge giving fabulous views over several valleys.  A ‘lazy’ day which came to an end at The Tees Pot Café

Wednesday, 17^th May.  Two walks again – an exploration of Eggleston Hall Gardens hopefully followed by a drive to and a walk round Grassholme Reservoir, but this was not to be as the on-site works at the reservoir meant no parking was available.  So a visit to Barnard Castle to follow the ‘town trail’ followed by tea and cake filled the afternoon nicely.  The second walk was a circular route around Romaldkirk the paths going through flower-filled meadows before following a section of the Tees Rail Line.  The day came to an end with refreshments at Eggleston Hall Coffee Shop.  It was hoped that we could have fish and chips for the evening meal, but due to the birth of a grandchild the owners had closed the chip shop so alternative arrangements were needed.  The Fox and Hounds at Cotherstone served us an excellent meal.

Thursday, 18^th May.  Two members decided to retrace a route they had walked some years ago from Cow Green Reservoir over the moors to Harwood and its derelict church with fields of marsh marigolds beyond.  There were no paths then and there are no paths now, so it was a case of find your way via a compass bearing.  At Harwood the lovely riverside path had been washed away a couple of years ago so the challenge was try to get from Harwood to Lowend Bridge without getting wet feet.  Success – they managed it!  There was a vague track uphill towards Cow Green, but that soon disappeared so once again it was follow your nose and the compass to get back to the cars. 

The rest of the gang opted for a gentle outing and they climbed steadily towards Kirkcarrion and over to Grassholme Reservoir where lunch was taken, before walking alongside the reservoir and back to Middleton via the now familiar Tees Rail Trail.  The day ended, once again, in the Tees Pot Café. This was the final day of the Halcyon week/end away and a good evening meal brought the most entertaining and enjoyable visit to Teesdale to an end.

Basic Life Support Training (8^th March 2023)

Funded in part by the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust (RHCT)

This fully subscribed event was held at Bradwell Community Hall.  Attendees were given a talk on basic life support then shown how to assess and deal with potential hazards of an emergency situation and its location.  Several important procedures need to be considered to ensure the safety of the patient, especially if they were found to be unconscious.  Will (the instructor) talked us through these and then demonstrated the individual procedures on each of the attendees.

When we had a grasp of the theory, the course turned to the practical side, which was interesting, especially as several of the male members are not light-weights and having to turn them into the ‘recovery’ position required a little practice.  Once everyone had applied the first aid requirements to each other, and were competent at administering the basic skills required for dealing with injured personnel, the training progressed to CPR and the use of a defibrillator – on this occasion, happily, we practiced on dummies.  The course was very informative and it is good to note that everyone passed with flying colours.

The day ended with home-made scones, jam and cream, which were supplied by one of our members who had previously undertaken a 2-day Outdoor Safety Course and was just there to keep an eye on us all!  Thanks are due to RHCT for their partial funding of the event – we are very grateful for their support. 

Members Coffee Morning (22^nd February 2023)

A meet-up coffee morning was arranged at Costa Coffee, Woodseats which it was hoped would give members the opportunity to get together for a relaxing chat instead of trying to keep up with the gossip whilst climbing hills or clambering over stiles.  It was really good to see people who were not frequent walkers and we had a most enjoyable morning with lots of chat and laughter.  The consensus was that this could become a ‘regular’ occurrence.

New Year Lunch (8^th January 2023)

The morning began with a walk from Great Longstone around Longstone Moor.  The route followed field and moorland paths down towards the settling ponds at Cavendish Mill before meandering round to Black Harry Gate.  An ‘uphill’ brought us to Longstone Edge which offered lovely views across the valley as we made our way to Rowland, where it is always obligatory to visit the ‘Jam Lady’ to see what she preserves she is selling in aid of charity.  Purchases were made.  Happily, although there had been some very muddy areas, everyone returned to Great Longstone relatively clean. 

The walk had been long enough to work up an appetite and by now we were ready for lunch, so back at the cars it wasn’t long before muddy boots were removed and people ‘spruced’ themselves up before making their way to the Crispin Inn for the Halcyon New Year Lunch.  In the dining room, it was really good to see so many members who, for whatever reason, had not been out with the group for some time. There was a lot of catching up to do!  The meal was served promptly and once everyone had eaten it was time for the quiz which was definitely thought provoking and produced some interesting answers – accompanied by groans and laughter.  The annual raffle was held at the end of the afternoon and there were some interesting looking parcels to choose from.  The monies from raffle ticket sales, along with donations, raised £142.45 which has been donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.