Hiley Website

and one chap in London was getting withdrawal symptoms from not being able to walk the fells.

Today we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Online Fellwalking Club he set up at that time.

and it was here that twenty of us met during the morning of the 7th May to walk Catbells via the Keswick Launch

Keith, Frances, Ann, Maggie, Liz, Barrie, Ian, Neil, Jo, Mike, Susan, Ed, Peter, Beth, Simon, Dee and John (bending) plus John P.

Richard Ratcliffe joined us at the boat landing and David Hall joined us at Hawes End.

Due to the low water in the lake we had to re-locate the start of the boat ride to Ashness Pier

which involved an extra three quarters of a mile or so walk through Strutta Woods alongside the road.

You'll never get a good shot of Harry if you point the camera that direction Barrie !

The Planning Department have eventually allowed the local farmer to open a car park, which has removed the need for roadside parking and generally improved the appearance of the place. Had they done this a few years back then no doubt a screen of hedgerow and young trees could have been planted by now and the facility would have looked even better.

As we started the climb we had to wait to cross the road as several classic cars passed by.

There must have been an event on as six or eight passed us in the short time we were there.

The old house at Derwent Bay is below which was the home of the Derwent Bay Bears

They've now moved to new premises at Stainton near Penrith and trade as Cumbrian Carvings.

There are a lot of folk up here today . . . Oh . . . about half of them are ours !

The OFC Group make it to the top, taking care on the last, slightly slippery rock section.

John, Dee and Amber pass a colourful group of youngsters in red having the same idea.

Hands of friendship . . . Actually it was Frances, Ian and Peter bartering chocolate eggs for sandwiches



It looks like that rain is catching up with us now.	Red Children have turned yellow as they've put on their waterproofs too.

Some of the party continued on to climb Maiden Moor

whilst the rest of us descended from Hause Gate back towards the lakeshore path.

The rain was really setting in now . . . a typical OFC outing.

Not snow but rain caught in the flash of the camera

as Beth, wrapped up against the rain, descends towards Manesty.

Back on the road that skirts Catbells we pass some colourful Clematis in bloom.

The Cumbria Way footpath to Lodore is well signposted.

Almost a Scottish sea loch . . .

with the low water levels today the grass on the foreshore was looking a little like seaweed .

We turn right and head along the board walk towards Chinese Bridge and Lodore.

The wooden boards have been replaced in recent years by planks made from re-cycled black plastic.

Nothing plastic about the bridge however

It stands tall above the potential flood waters here at the top of the lake.

An inscription by A.A. Milne, carved into the paving stones read :

Christopher Robin thought that if he stood on the bottom rail of the bridge and leant over

and watched the river slowly slipping away beneath him

then he would suddenly know everything there was to be known.

Mmmm . . . always a possibility !

Back at the hotel reasonably dry . . . as the rain has stopped and the sky has cleared slightly.

Some stay for afternoon teas, and some like us return home or to their accommodation to change

and get ready for the meal tonight.

- - - o o o - - -

Roll call of those attending is easiest with a photo from each table.

John P (leaning over to be in the photo), myself, Peter, Tracey, Barbara, Dee, John and Ann behind the camera !

Neil, Jill with Nigel opposite, Angie by the window and Paul on the right.

Say "Shhh..." for the camera Lorraine.

Behind her Steve, Beth and her dad Simon, Josie and David on the right in this one.

Going the other way round . . . Maggie, Barrie, Liz, Richard, Frances and on the left, Alan.

Our west coast contingent, David and Jennifer with Keith concentrating on the broccoli, Ian opposite him

and Ed and Susan at the back (or front if you're looking in from the rain outside)

The top table . . . or at least the one at the top end of the room included Sherran and Bill, Gary and Sheena,

with Mike from Cheltenham and Mary who turned out to live not to far away from him down there in the south of England.

- - - o o o - - -

After an excellent meal it was my pleasant duty to thank the hotel,

to read the names of those who sent good wishes but weren't able to attend

and to introduce our head man . . . Mr Peter Burgess.

In his usual style he talked about how the club started

and highlighted the notable events during first ten years of the OFC.

From his box of goodies he produced numerous prizes.

The raffle raised an appreciable amount of money which will be donated to one of the Lakes Rescue teams.

In response to Peter's talk and by way of a thank you for all his efforts,

John gave a small speech and presented him with a few well chosen gifts.



All eyes on John during his short talk.	Pete unwrapped the first of his gifts.



What is this . . . a climbing harness of some sort ?	No . . . a Mankini support after all his support for the club !!

We did actually club together to buy him a second present which, being a folding duffle bag,

would be a lot more practical and a well used addition to his wardrobe.

So ended a busy and enjoyable day.

- - - o o o - - -

Click here or on the logo to view the Club website or here for the OFC Message Board

If you enjoy fellwalking, anywhere in the Uk or abroad, do feel free to join us.


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