Southport Fell Walking Club

  We were warned – and it was as bad as they had forecast: ferocious gusty winds and driving rain. Three groups, Paul’s and Mike’s and Stuart’s all left the coach at the Ponderosa Cafe at the top of the Llangollen Pass. For some miles they separately headed in the same direction over Bryn-y-odin to Cae’r-hafod and Eglwyseg. Here the routes diverted – Stuart’s group and Paul’s group crossed the valley to join Offa’s Dyke Path below the escarpment while Mike’s group followed the lane leading to the Panorama Walk and the Castle. From here each group continued towards the Canal. Mike’s group at accessed it Llandyn Hall. Paul’s group continued further along the path to Trevor Hall where they too crossed to the Tow Path. Stuart carried on further again all the way up to the Boat Yard and the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. The Oldhams were determined not to be deflected from their plans. From the Britannia Inn they struck out across the Maesyrychen Mountain with a string of Welsh peaks to follow.

  What a wonderful start to the year – a good number of walkers 43 - on the coach - all out enjoying a crisp icy day in bright sunshine. Three groups had left the coach even before Staveley - they were heading for Scout Scar and the famous Mushroom View Point. A perfect day for viewing. Starting from a bus stop near Sizergh Castle, Paul’s group, Pat and Steph’s group, and Stuart’s group headed west for the Brigsteer area and on to the Southern Underbarrow Scar. From the Scar Pat, Steph’s group and Paul’s group headed north, walking through Cunswick Hall area and Bonning Gate to Staveley. Stuart’s group continued up to Gurnal Dubbs and Potters Tarn to come into Staveley by Barley Bridge. Once the coach had parked up in Staveley the rest of the groups spread out in different directions and occasionally crossing paths during the day. From Staveley Mike’s party had progressed through Craggy Plantation and met Alan and Edwina at Littlewood Farm. After a discussion about directions!