Chepstow
Hill Walkers

Past Walks
2001 to 2005

---------- Summer/Autumn 2005 ----------

Sun 18 Dec

Cotswolds

Ten walkers set off from Barrow Wake car park high above Gloucester in freezing but fine conditions to walk through the Cotswold villages of Cowley and Coberley. Taking in parts of the Cotswold Way and the Gloucestershire Way, the walkers came up onto Hatherley Hill and Leckhampton Hill, visiting the local landmark, The Devil's Chimney. There were fine views all around of the northern Cotswold edge, the Malvern Hills, May Hill and to the west, the Black Mountains.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Sun 13 Nov

Brecon Beacons

Remembrance Sunday walk to a wartime aircraft wreck of a Spitfire that crashed in May 1942 near Pen y Fan.

We started from the Neuadd Reservoirs on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. The wreck is off the paths and even with the help of a GPS took us some time to spot.

After visiting the wreck site we walked in a very cold wind along the edge and then climbed Pen y Fan and Cribyn to complete the horseshoe and return to the cars just as the sun was setting.

The climb: 1 - Crash site: 2, 3 - On the Edge: 3a, 3b - Pen y Fan: 4, 5, 6

Thur 20 Oct to Mon 24 Oct

Cheviot Hills,
Northumberland


Day walks from
Wooler YH.

Despite the distance and some less than ideal weather, the weekend was well received. The leaders aren’t sure whether it was the superb organisation, the lovely scenery, or the fact that we had three superb meals out in the Angel Inn.
Friday’s walk was from the beautiful College Valley - we climbed up onto the Pennine way, with views into Scotland. We followed the border for a while, but left it to reach the summit of the Cheviot (815m).
On Saturday we visited the coast. After a damp start, we had a wonderful walk north along the coast from Alnmouth, finishing up just north on Dunstanburgh Castle.
On Sunday, we tackled another short section of the Pennine Way, this time from Windy Gyle to Lamb Hill via Mozy Law and Beefstand Hill. Although we had some misty sections, we remained dry.
Our luck failed us a little on the Monday, those that braved the rain were rewarded with a lovely walk along the Hadrian's Wall, and coincidentally another stretch of the Pennine Way, overlooking Crag Lough.

Friday: 1, 2 - Saturday: 3, 4, 5, 6 - Sunday: 7, 8, 9, 10 - Monday: 11, 12

Sun 16 Oct

South Cotswolds

A circular walk starting from Tog Hill north of Bath and including part of the Cotswold Way. The morning's highlight was to walk through Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve. In the afternoon the route took us past the site of the Battle of Lansdown and Sir Bevil Grenvill's monument. Although the day was misty spoiling the best of the views over Bristol this was still a very enjoyable walk. A special thank you to our leader for putting together such an interesting route.

1, 2

Sun 18 Sept

Black Mountains

A walk of two halves - starting near Longtown we climbed up into the mist and walked along Offa's Dyke to Hay Bluff for lunch without a view. As soon as we had finished lunch, the mist lifted giving magnificent views as we walked back to the cars and desended the 'Cats Back'.

1, 2

Fri 9 Sept to Sun 11 Sept

Derbyshire

Staying at Bretton Youth Hostel this was another very enjoyable weekend, many thanks to our walk leaders and weekend organisers who did an excellent job. A short walk from the hostel on Friday afternoon was followed by a meal in the hostel with culinary delights from various members washed down with a few bottles of wine. The weather let us down on Saturday, hiding the views from above Derwent Reservoir, but the hostel coal fire soon dried things out and it gives us and excuse to go back soon. Saturday's evening meal was at the Barrel Inn next to the hostel, good food and good service. Sunday was bright and breezy with excellent views from Curbar Edge.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sun 21 Aug

Walbury Hill,
Wiltshire Downs

A repeat of a very enjoyable walk that we last did in May 1999. Again we didn't get to Buttermere, but we did visit 3 counties and had some very long distance views on a clear, sunny and warm Sunday. Another glorious day. Starting in Berkshire, we watched the parascenders lifting off from the downs. Our route then took us thorough lovely Wiltshire woodland before crossing the border into Hampshire, where we found a secluded site for lunch - next to a lovely country pub, overlooking the village duck-pond (sadly without ducks on this occasion). After a refreshing lunchtime stop, we returned to Berkshire with lovely views from the chalk ridge. An extended apple-stop allowed the drivers to ensure that the cars were nicely cooled for their passengers' comfort and convenience. Unfortunately, the ice-cream van failed to show on this occasion.

1, 2, 3, 4

Sun 10 July

Carmarthen Fan

Hot and sunny! We reversed the direction of this "Old Favourite" walk and, in beautiful sunshine, found some slight variations to the normal route. Of note was the visit to the site of a wartime aircraft crash site.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sat 09 July

Chepstow

The annual CHWC walk and BBQ. Another lovely evening - first a short walk in the heath land adjoining one of our regular's home, and then back to the by-now warm BBQ's on the lawn. Sadly, numbers were down a little on previous years, but a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all present.

---------- Winter/Spring 2005 ----------

Fri 24 Jun to Sun 26 Jun

North Devon

Staying at Elmscott Youth Hostel there were three walks. A short walk on the Friday for early arrivals was followed by an anticlockwise walk on a very hazy Saturday across country in the morning to return via the coastal path including Hartland Point with views of the lighthouse. For the Sunday walk we drove to Simonsbath to walk on Exmoor in hot sunshine.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Sun 12 June

Black Mountains

Many thanks to our leaders for this walk who stood in at late notice.
It was a good example of why you should always go into the hills prepared for whatever the British weather can throw at you. Morning sunshine in Chepstow became cold wind and mist on top of the Black Mountains. Starting from the Castle Inn (which has an excellent website), the poor visibilty meant that we shortened the planned walk and followed a reverse of last September's route. Inevitably the sun came out as we returned to the cars.

1, 2, 3

Sun 8 May

Gower

A lovely walk on the beautiful Gower peninsula. Starting at Oxwich, we walked across the dunes, through a nature reserve and woodland before climbing up onto Cefn Bryn, with views across the coast in both directions. A leisurely lunch, taken in the grounds of Penrice Castle, was followed be a sunny stroll around Oxwich Point and the walk was completed with an ice cream on the beach.

1, 2, 3

Thur 14 Apr to Mon 18 Apr

Lake District

This was a backpacking trip, staying at a different hostel each night. A very enjoyable weekend despite the weather which included snow, sleet, hail, fog and gale force winds at different times; or sometimes all together.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 10 Apr

Mendips

Starting in East Harptree Woods for a visit to Smitham Chimney we had some wonderful views over Chew Valley Lake and the surrounding countryside. It was much colder in the morning than forecast but the warm afternoon sunshine finally justified one walker's decision to brave wearing shorts.

1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6, 7

Fri 18 Mar to Sun 20 Mar

Bala,
Mid Wales

Sunburn Saturday and misty Sunday on our first trip to Bala since April 1995. Staying in a self catering Bunkhouse we had a great weekend. The weather on the Saturday was fabulous, unbroken sunshine once we had climbed above the mist. A linear walk over the Berwyn Hills from Llandrillo to Llangynog via Pistyll Rhaeadr took a little longer than expected due to frequent stops to enjoy the sunshine. On the Sunday the mist came and went to reveal glimpses of some magnificent views from Aran Fawddwy.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 06 Mar

Fan-y-Big

As you can see from the photographs, we had a lovely day, with clear skies, and lots of sunshine. It was a little breezey at times, and it wasn't very warm, but despite (or maybe because of) the snow to play in/on/with - it was warmer than we had expected.

1, 2, 3

4, 5, 6

Sun 06 Feb

Cotswolds

An 11 1/2 mile meander in the mud through some very pretty Cotswold countryside. It was very misty when we assembled at Barrow Wake Viewpoint but we returned in wonderful winter afternoon sunshine.

1, 2, 3

Sun 09 Jan

Black Mountains

Starting from Llanthony Abbey we climbed up to the ridge via some very muddy fields. The weather stayed dry for the morning. With only a glimpse of the sun and strong winds it was quite cold but there were magnificent views from the Offa's Dyke Path.
We found more mud on the descent which led to a couple of people unintentionally sitting down on the job. A strong gust of wind near Capel-y-Fin at lunch time sent sandwich boxes flying. From here the group split with the A-group following our leader along the path half way up the ridge. The B-group braved the wind and increasingly heavy rain to return via the top of the ridge. We all reassembled at Llanthony as dark was falling after a really enjoyable day.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

---------- Summer/Autumn 2004 ----------

Sun 12 Dec

Forest of Dean

A very pleasant stroll from St Briavels Castle down into the Wye Valley and back via woodland and fields. Unfortunately the mist denied us the best of the views.

1, 2

Sun 14 Nov

Trefil

A Remembrance Sunday walk to the wreck of Wellington T2520 which crashed on 10th December 1940. Starting near Pontsticill reservoir on a cold and cloudy but dry day 7 walkers climbed to visit the wreck site and the trig point at 617m before returning to the cars.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Thur 04 Nov to Mon 08 Nov

Yorkshire Dales

Day walks from Stainforth YH. An enjoyable 4 days, although unfortunately the weather was very damp & misty. We climbed all 3 Peaks but did not actually see a view ! A group of 17 walkers for the weekend, reducing to 11 on Monday.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 17 Oct

The Mendips

Starting from the top end of Burrington Combe and avoiding the rain, 15 walkers enjoyed another Sunday in the hills.

1, 2, 3, 4

Fri 01 Oct to Sun 03 Oct

Dartmoor

A weekend staying in the old railway shed that now forms Okehampton Youth Hostel and exploring Dartmoor. A very enjoyable walk on the Saturday was followed by a shortened walk on the Sunday due to the strong wind and rain that moved in from the Atlantic.

1, 2

Sun 19 Sept

Black Mountains

A blustery but mostly dry day with superb views towards the Beacons. A walk to Castell Dinas (see the Castle Inn Website for details) and then a steep climb onto the top before lunch. A more gradual decent brought the 15 walkers back to their cars at the end of an enjoyable and invigorating walk.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 22 Aug

Midford Valley

Including part of the Limestone Link and the Somerset Coal Canal this was a very interesting walk on a day when the forecast rain failed to appear giving us a very enjoyable Sunday.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 25 July

Brecon Beacons

An excellent walk - sadly no helicopter (see Feb 2003). Weather OK, but not brilliant. A shorter lunch rest than planned - due to rain. Finished earlier than expected.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sat 24 July

Bristol

The annual CHWC walk and BBQ. The walk included Troopers Hill with its well known chimney. The hill is a Local Nature Reserve owned by Bristol City Council who manage the site in partnership with The Friends of Troopers Hill who have an excellent web site!

1, 2

---------- Winter/Spring 2004 ----------

Fri 9 July to Sun 11 July

Chilterns

A return visit to this area, following last year's very successful weekend, this time staying at Ivinghoe Youth Hostel. Some rain as we returned to the hostel on Saturday but otherwise dry. Two very enjoyable walks at a relaxing pace and an excellent candle lit dinner in the hostel, many thanks to the warden.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 20 June

Pencerrig

Table mountain - brilliant

Sun 9 May

Quantocks

19 walkers enjoyed a walk over the Quantock hills on a grey winter morning and returned to Holford along the coast on a warm and sunny summer afternoon.

1, 2, 3

Thur 22 Apr to Mon 26 Apr

Lake District

This was a backpacking trip in the Lake District, staying at a different hostel each night. One night was at Black Sail, a basic hostel, with limited facilities and only 16 beds. Over 4 days the route covered just under 60km, with 3,800m ascent - or if you prefer just under 10 miles and 3,000ft of ascent each day. No wonder there were complaints about tiredness!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 7

Sun 18 Apr

Talybont

We avoided the rain! A fairly strenuous high level walk taking in moorland, mountains and forest. Good views over the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.

1, 2, 3, 4

Fri 19 Mar to Sun 21 Mar

Dolgoch

Near Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales. Accommodation was at the Youth Hostel Bunkhouse No electricity but an open fire and gas lights. Two very enjoyable walks in some very strong winds and very heavy showers.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6, 7, 8

Sun 14 Mar

Stroud Valley Canals

Starting at Brimscombe this was a figure of eight walk along the Thames and Severn Canal in much better weather than forecast, we even saw some sun.

1

Sun 15 Feb

Black Mountains

A climb from Llantony Abbey and then back down into the valley to visit Cwmyoy church, before climbing again for more views.

1, 2, 3, 4

Sun 11 Jan

North Cotswolds

A day of sunshine and showers with great views and not too much mud. We started from Winchcombe and included a visit to a Roman mosaic before returning through the grounds of Sudley Castle.

1, 2, 3

---------- Summer/Autumn 2003 ----------

Sun 14 Dec

Clydach Gorge

17 walkers enjoyed a circuit starting near Clydach Ironworks, passing through Gellifelen railway tunnel, along various old tramways and over open hillside. Slightly disapointing weather (we should know better than to believe the weather forecast) but it stayed dry most of the time and we did see a rainbow.

1, 2, 3, 4

Sun 23 Nov

Mendips

A group of 16 stalwarts started from Chew Magna lake in pretty wet conditions which got no better as the day progressed. All the promised views were hidden in the rain and low clouds and, after the driest summer for many years, we again discovered how tiring it is to walk in ankle deep mud!

Sun 26 Oct

Black Mountains

Starting from Cwmdu a group of 15 of us walked around Pen Tir and then on up the valley towards Mynydd Troed. A stiff climb up to Mynydd Llangorse was followed by lunch in the sunshine with superb views over the Brecon Beacons. We then descended to Bwlch and on back to the cars to complete about 9 miles in very pleasant walking conditions.

Thur 16 Oct to Mon 20 Oct

Lake District

It was good!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 14 Sept

Guiting Power

Another day walking under sunshine and blue skies. 12 very enjoyable miles through the Cotswold countryside on a combination of the Wardens and Windrush Ways. Many thanks to our leader for planning the walk, sorry you couldn't join us, we hope your back gets better and that you will soon be walking again. Thanks also to our stand in leaders who got us round with only one slight deviation from the planned route.

1, 2, 3, 4

Fri 5 Sept to Sun 6 Sept

Wiltshire

Staying at Salisbury Youth Hostel. This was a new area for us, the weather stayed dry all weekend despite the forecast and we had fantastic views of both Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. On Saturday we walked to Old Sarum from the city. While Sunday's walk from Amesbury took in Woodhenge as well as a circuit around Stonehenge.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 17 Aug

Pontsticill, Brecon Beacons

A fine day's walking on two (un-named) ridges above the Pontsticill and Pentwyn reservoirs with fine mountain views all round.

Sun 20 July

Pensford

Starting from Pensford we visited Maes Knoll Hill Fort and Stanton Drew stone circle a 9 mile walk on a mostly dry day.

1

Sat 19 July

Chepstow

The annual CHWC walk and BBQ in Tidenham area. Many thanks to our hosts, and to everyone for their contributions to the food and drink. The apricot and almond torte was particularly popular.

1

---------- Winter/Spring 2003 ----------

Fri 27 Jun to Sun 29 Jun

Chilterns

A very enjoyable weekend, based at Bradenham Youth Hostel. This small hostel (16 beds) was very comfortable and had a very difficult jigsaw! This was unexplored territory for most of the group, there were lots of wildflowers, including the Chiltern Gentian, butterflies and Red Kites. The hot weather meant we were glad that the walking was not as strenuous as on other weekends and the cream tea at the Hell Fire caves was very welcome.

1, 2, 3 , 4, 5

Sun 15 June

Gower

Hot and sunny, through Oxwich Nature Reserve to Nicholson then up on to the top for a view of Devon over the sea mist. Back to the coast, around Oxwich Point and then back to the beach for an ice cream, a great walk well worth the long drive.

1, 2, 3

Sun 18 May

Quantocks

Some heavy showers, but a very enjoyable walk.

1, 2, 3, 4

Thur 10 Apr to Tue 15 Apr

Pennines

Lovely weather and hard walking on a backpacking trip on the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Paths. A satisfying solid stride all the way. Keld's sticky toffee pudding and Kirkby Stephen's Bakewell Tart were two of the highlights together with the Tan Hill Inn.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 6 Apr

Black Mountains

An excellent walk from Capel-y-ffin. 12 walkers, 8 miles, 6 minutes sunshine...

Fri 21 Mar to Sun 23 Mar

Exmoor

A weekend of blue skies, staying at Exford Youth Hostel and B&B. A coast walk on Saturday, Porlock Weir to Lynmouth. On the moor on Sunday to Dunkery Beacon and then a cream tea at Horner.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 9 March

Mendips

A gorgeous walk around Cheddar starting from Burrington Combe.

1, 2, 3

Sun 16 Feb

Brecon Beacons

A very enjoyable walk, on a very cold day. Some sun on the way up to Fan-y-Big but it was misty on top so unfortunately we only had glimpses of the marvellous views.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sun 19 Jan

Dundry Hill
South of Bristol

Starting from Dundry village, we walked down to Barrow Tanks through Winford and then back on to the hill at East Dundry.

1, 2

---------- Summer/Autumn 2002 ----------

Sun 29 Dec

Forest of Dean

The Christmas walk with a pub lunch.

Sun 8 Dec

Avebury

A cold day, but a very enjoyable figure of eight walk. Lunch under shelter at the back of the cafe.

1

Sun 10 Nov

Black Mountain

Remembrance Sunday walk to a wartime crash site. We met two other walking groups at the site and held a one minute silence watched by an HTV cammera crew.

Sun 27 Oct

Nowhere!

The planned walk on Dundry Hill was cancelled due to the severe storm that day. This is the only walk that we have ever cancelled due to bad weather.

Thur 17 Oct to Mon 21 Oct

Snowdonia

Four one day walks on and around Snowdon, staying at the Youth Hostel.

1, 2

Fri 20 Sept to Sun 22 Sept

Pembrokeshire

Coastal walks from Manorbier Youth Hostel. Included a very good value train trip!

1, 2, 3, 4

Sun 15 Sept

Brecon Beacons

 

Sun 18 Aug

Painswick

A ramble round the Cotswolds including Haresfield Beacon

Sat 20 July

Llanishen

The annual CHWC walk and BBQ.

Sun 14 July

Ystradfellte

The waterfalls are always a popular Sunday walk.

---------- Winter/Spring 2002 ----------

Sun 23 June

Edge End

The Forest and the Wye Valley.

Fri 14 Jun to Sun 16 Jun

Gower

The Gower is one of our favourite venues for weekend walks. This weekend was based in Port Eynon with most of the party staying at the Youth Hostel and others opting for B&B. Some absentees from part of Saturday's walk due to the alternative of watching England beat Denmark.

Sun 26 May

Carmarthen Fan

This is a longer than usual drive for a Sunday, but well worth it!

Thur 25 Apr to Mon 29 Apr

Yorkshire

A backpacking trip on the Herriot Way

Sun 14 Apr

Quantocks

 

Fri 22 Mar to Sun 24 Mar

Shropshire

The Long Mynd and the Shropshire countryside. This weekend had been planned for 2001 but had been cancelled due to the foot and mouth outbreak. Accomodation was in B&B at Church Stretton and Bridges Youth Hostel.

1

Sun 17 Mar

Taff Trail

At Pant y Creigiau

1,2

Sun 17 Feb

Howle Hill

Near Ross on Wye

Sun 20 Jan

Herefordshire

 

---------- Summer/Autumn 2001 ----------

Sun 30 Dec

Gwent

The Christmas walk with a pub lunch.

Sun 16 Dec

Chew Valley
Lake

A relatively short walk, with plenty of time for tea in the cafe afterwards.

1

Sun 18 Nov

Avebury

Our leaders kept us all guessing by arranging for a car to be left at Avebury car park so that we did not have to walk back to the start point. This walk was also notable for some very wet fields.

Sun 21 Oct

Wye Valley

From St Briavals and to Tintern Station, this walk was led by one of our Bristol based members giving a new view of an area where many from the group live.

1,2

Thur 11 Oct to Mon 15 Oct

Lake District

Out on the hills again after a fustrating year for walkers.

Sun 23 Sept

Frampton
on Severn

Fields and the banks of the Severn as the last foot and mouth restrictions were being lifted.

Fri 7 Sept to Sun 9 Sept

Boscastle

Coastal walking in Cornwall from the Youth Hostel on the beach.

Sun 26 Aug

Dursley

Another Cotswolds walk, since the welsh hills were still closed to walkers due to FMD.

Sun 29 July

Cotswolds

A walk from Chedworth Roman Villa

Sat 28 July

Bristol

The annual CHWC walk and BBQ. A short walk on Troopers Hill and along the Avon Valley followed by a BBQ.

Fri 13 July to Sun 15 July

Beer

Bed and breakfast in Beer. Sunday's walk included a ride on a tram at Seaton.

1,2,3

---------- Winter/Spring 2001 ----------

Sun 17 June

Cotswolds

On footpaths that had just been re-opened near South Cerney and through the Cotswold Water Park.

Sun 20 May

Nr Blakeney

Bluebell Walk - another change of venue due to FMD, but a chance to see the bluebells in the Forest from the lanes.

Thur 26 Apr to Mon 30 Apr

Nowhere!

The planned backpacking trip on the Herriot Way in Yorkshire was cancelled due to FMD.

Sun 8 Apr

Somerset Levels

Walking mostly on lanes due to foot and mouth - included a pub lunch.

Fri 23 Mar to Sun 25 Mar

Nowhere!

The planned weekend trip to Shropshire had to be postponed for a year due to FMD.

Sun 11 Mar

Bristol

From the Downs, through the centre of the city and into the Avon valley. This replaced the programmed walk in the Brecon Beacons, which had to be cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. A special thanks to the walk leader for organising this walk at such short notice.

Sun 11 Feb

Devizes

Possibly a record for the number of stiles to cross! The walk finished with a climb up the impressive Caen Hill locks on the Kennett and Avon Canal.

Sun 14 Jan

Forest of Dean