Friday 11th - Sunday 13th October 2024 Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
Most people travelling up the M6 north of Preston pay little attention to the area of high ground a few miles off to the east.This is the Forest of Bowland, a large expanse of rough moorland, much of it owned by the Duke of Westminster and primarily used for grouse shooting by him and his guests,although a few rare hen harriers do occasionally try to call it home as well. Through it a narrow, scenic road exploits two valleys which dissects the high ground via the aptly named Trough of Bowland. SHOT make a welcome return to the Smelt Mill Residential Centre, which is owned by the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, so thanks to Pete Gilder and his brother for arranging the accommodation. The Centre is fully equipped to a high standard, which includes a climbing wall along a corridor. There are 8 bedrooms (5x2, 3x4 and 1x6 beds). Because of the isolated location and lack of convenient refreshment facilities Gilder Gourmet Concotions have kindly offered to prepare a group meal for the Saturday evening - but, bring your own drinks. Unfortunately, the very popular and famous Inn at Whitewell is just a bit too far away. The cost of the meal will include a contribution towards the Mountain Rescue Team funds. I am sure the GGC Team will produce an excellent meal. Don't forget your own sleeping bag!
At first sight walking opportunities do not look promising, but several permissive footpaths do give access to higher ground, some of which start from near the Centre. There is the euphemistically ca!led Langden Castle, Wolfhole Crag and Fair Snape Fell. Exploring the country off the paths can be demanding, but being at the end of summer the ground shouldn't be too boggy. Julian may well regale you with stories of the Dobrzynski- Seeley Expeditions to the locations vying to be the Centre of the United Kingdom (pay a visit to the phone box at Dunsop Bridge to see why). The Bowland Beer Hall, Clitheroe is a very good wet weather alternative. Getting to the Smelt Mill, despite its location, is straightforward. Locate Dunsop Bridge (not far from Clitheroe) and the start of the road going up the Trough of Bowland to Abbeystead and Quernmore. One and a half miles up the road the Centre will be reached on the Left alongside the road (GR 638509). If you notice a plantation of conifers and the start of a prolonged ascent then somehow you have been driving with your eyes shut. Just for this one trip Pete Gilder will be in charge of reservations. There are several beds left, so please contact him
Friday 29th November - Monday 2nd December 2024 Athens, Greece
After a very cold Stockholm last year Athens should be much warmer. With over 3000 years of history there is plenty of ancient monuments to be seen such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Agora, Panathenaic Stadium. The home of the olympics, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, the arts and learning and with influneces of the Ottomans and Romans there is something for everyone.
And there is even a car museum and funicular for those interested in that sort of thing.