After the last 18 months or so, the lifting of restrictions meant that the possibility of hut meets going ahead again became a reality in August, and a small group headed to the Yorkshire Ramblers’ Club Lowstern Hut just outside Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales. The weather forecast was looking good, and we made plans on friday evening while settling in and poring over maps and guidebooks as usual.
Saturday began with a dry sunny morning, and breakfast outside on the benches overlooking the rolling countryside at the back of the hut was a great way to start the day. After waving Simon, Carmen, Ann and Peter off on their bike ride, David and Kasia headed to Giggleswick North for a day of bolt clipping. Aoife and I went for a walk up Pen-y-ghent, avoiding the traditional 3 peaks route and choosing to have lunch on Plover hill to the north meant we missed the crowds, and the biggest gathering was probably for ice creams in Horton in Ribblesdale on the way back. Back at the hut the cyclists returned having been over 40 miles and 1300m ascent to the forest of Bowland and back. Needless to say a YAC size curry in the evening went down well, followed by excellent cake from Kasia.
Sunday began with an early start for Simon, Carmen, Aoife and I who headed to the Howgills to take part in the Kong mini mountain marathon – a 4 hour orienteering event. A challenging course with plenty of ascent and descent as we attempted to choose the most efficient route to collect the most points without being late back and loosing them all again. Carmen took a gamble which paid off, giving her the best result of us all and finishing well up the field – an excellent result. The post event soup and cake in the Tebay village hall gave us the chance to compare routes and catch up with Alan, another YAC member who was there for the day.
While we were in the Howgills, David and Kasia were enjoying the sunshine climbing at Robin Proctor’s scar, and Peter and Ann went for a walk taking in the Norber Erratics, Crummack Dale the hamlet of Wharfe, as well as a cafe stop. Back at the hut we enjoyed drinks out in the sunshine before Peri arrived just in time to join us for Carmen and Simon’s delicious vegetable stew and more cake from Kasia and Ann.
Bank holiday Monday brought another day of fine sunny weather. Aoife and I headed out for a walk on Peter and Ann’s recommendation pretty much repeating their route from the day before. Simon, Carmen, David and Kasia made the most of the weather heading to Attermire Scar for some more climbing, led there by Peri who took them on what she describes as a ‘long shortcut’ ! Ann and Peter probably went biking again, but I can’t remember where although I’m pretty sure a cafe was involved.
So an excellent weekend and great to be back in huts again after so long, as well as catch up with members old and new. Fingers crossed for more of the same from now on.
