September 2000 Newsletter

Chairman's Introduction
Snowdonia Weekend
New Forest Trip
Ceilidh (Barn Dance)
The Committee
This Terms Hikes
This Terms Social Events

Chairman's introduction

Welcome to the UWS Hiking Club.

Whether you are new to the club this year or rejoining us for what promises to be another great year - WELCOME.

As you browse though our hiking and social programmes, I think you will agree there is "something for everyone".

There is a good mix of new events and old favourites alike. This term we are off for the first time to Anon Doethie Valley in the Cambrian Mountains along with a multitude of other hikes not least our weekends away to the Peak District and Cadair Idris in Southern Snowdonia.

On the social side of things we have our famous Round the World Pub Crawl to start us off along with bowling which is new for this year and finishing on a high note with the Christmas Dinner.

Looking further into next two terms, you will see we have a camping trip planned for the end of the Easter holidays and the summer trip after the exam. With both of these we need your help in deciding where to go and what to do, it is up to you so have your say! Until then there is plenty to get on with not least working out how to get out of bed at 8am on a Sunday Morning!

Hope to see you soon.

Sam Kent

Snowdonia Weekend Away - 10th - 12th March 2000

As storm clouds gathered in Swansea, the intrepid members of the Hiking Club set off for the wilds of Snowdonia in the cream of the AU. Minibus fleet (i.e. one had a working radio and the other only needed to be pushed up the steeper hills). The long drive was the perfect opportunity to catch up on some sleep, interrupted as it was only by a stop for fish and chips in Aberystwyth.

The night was still young (but dark) by the time we finally arrived at Jesse James Bunkhouse one of our more luxurious weekend-away accommodations with almost enough seats for everybody and even a telly! Shame about the beds, though. After we had unloaded the minibuses and made a quick dinner, it was necessary to sample one of the local pubs, which was deemed adequate only after extensive testing of the beverages on offer. Back at the bunkhouse a meeting to discuss tomorrows walks was postponed to the next morning due to excessive tiredness. A problem, which was not in any way helped by George's snoring, whispering that seemed to go on for half the night and the beds, which were little more than mattresses on a plank.

The next morning, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't raining and after everybody had eaten breakfast we decided to do two walks that day. One would go up Snowdon, while the other, for the been there, done tat, got the T-shirt members - and anyone else who wanted to, of course - would climb the nearby Glyders.

So it was that after dropping the majority of the group off at the start of the beater track up Snowdon, a smaller party arrived at the bottom of the less well-worn path which would eventually take us to the Glyders.

Our first climb of the day was long and hard, through long grass and hidden streams just waiting to soak your feet, but we were well rewarded, with grand views from the summit and snow for a snowball fight. We then made our descent to the Devils Kitchen and the foot of Glyder Fawr, which is where we stopped and had lunch.

Afterwards we first climbed Glyder Fawr, a nasty, steep, lump of rock covered in slippery loose slate which nevertheless had great (but slightly foggy) views from the top. We then descended again, down past the paradoxically-named Nameless Cwm and then up again to the bouldery summit of Glyder Fach. Here we briefly admired the cloud which totally obscured all the views, before getting our cameras out and taking innumerable shots of the Cantilever Stone, possibly the most photogenic arrangement of rocks after Stonehenge.

When we had dragged our cameras away from the Cantilever Stone we took our leisurely time down the mountain (except in the case of Andy, who thought he was being chased by Treds with a giant snowball), with plenty of breaks at sun-warmed stones, mountainside waterfalls, patches of soft heather and the like. At the bottom we rested our weary feet by a pleasant little roadside stream and sent Maz and Andy off to fetch the minibus, which was parked a mile or so away.

That night we were once again obliged to sample the delights of the local ale-houses. Our delight soon turned to something else, though, when the entertainment promised at our first step turned out to be an ageing singer called "Mel Low". Accompanied by an equally ageing kareoke machine, singing songs that no one, not even Treds had heard before. We scattered. A few of us ended up in the conservatory of what was obviously the. local youth spot (it had a pool table) where with the aid of a bit of beer, our spirits had revived by closing time.

Back at the bunkhouse, an attempt to make a mug of coffee ended in disaster when it was spilled all over Sam's Discman and Ed's personal stereo, thus robbing us of our late-night disco. At least we could still watch the telly. Some people thought it might be a good idea to stay up and watch the Grand Prix, live, at two in the morning, but most people couldn't quite last that long and crawled off to bed, and a sleep uninterrupted by whispering or snoring. Shame about the beds, though.

The morning arrived and it still wasn't raining and after breakfast it was again decided to do two walks. One the usual relaxing second day stroll and a new, more arduous hike on a few of the smaller hills around Snowdon. This second walk, made up on the spot, turned out to be an almost perfect walk with almost everything a hiker could desire. There was a steep, sticky climb in strong sunlight, a long break for elevenses at the top on a hillside overlooking Llanberis, followed by lunch in a saddle between two hills. After lunch there was another more pleasant climb into a cloud followed by a gentle descent into an abandoned slate quarry, where the eerie, ruined workers village, a very deep hole and a dead sheep commanded our attention. Further on we struggled through a soggy, boggy marsh and got lost in an area where the map seemed to diverge from reality until we hit the main road back to the bunkhouse.

After all that, the tiresome but necessary business of clearing up, packing and loading the minibuses seemed a bit of an anticlimax. The journey back to Swansea was notable only for another stop in Aberystwyth for more fish 'n' chips and the slightly embarrassing discovery that the minibus could not go faster than eighty, even going downhill. But, even that didn't seem too bad after the brilliant weekend in Snowdonia.

Rob Lievesley

New Forest Weekend Away - Sunday 11th-Tuesday 13th June 2000

Down south was the destination for our final adventure of 1999-2000, not to Australia but instead to glorious New Forest. Having finally left Swansea after finding another minibus (NB: conservation soc-Look out!) we reached our accommodation following a raid on Tesco's en route. The journey completed without any fatalities! An attractive scouts hall was initially impressive, but soon its simplicity was discovered with no saucepans and dodgy toilets and showers! Having unpacked our stuff we headed off on a gentle stroll onto the flat plains and forest to the site of the naked man. This turned out to be an old tree stump, to some people's disappointment. A nice barbecue was then enjoyed complete with marshmallows and a range of fine beverages before the chance to show off our silky soccer skills or lack of them. It was then off to a smart and. rather quiet pub, which was brought to life by the humour of Rebecca and Lizzie's suggestions of wacky club mascots!

The early start on Monday dispelled the myth that an easy A weekend would mean more time in bed. Having finally found some cheap gas for cooking, we reached our start point for the day where i was given a map and told to lead. So no better way of deciding that a nice relaxing walk through the sun drenched forest, with a few small hills thrown in and 3 pub stops en route would satisfy' everyone. The hot weather made it thirsty work, if not too challenging. However after a little confusion and mini adventure when a few of us "almost" got lost, we found the minibuses and headed back to base camp where the talk of England v Portugal was building up. A short hop saw us reach a nice, lively pub with good beer and a well cool landlord. All was in place for a perfect night but shame about the result. On returning to base, some opted for a consoling stroll through the woods in the dark whilst others engaged in a battle royale using water pistols, an essential piece of equipment next time!

As Tuesday morning came, it was decided that a visit to Christchurch would be a good idea. Again blazing sunshine and a nice walk around the marina and along the coast which had some good views, out to the spit where lunch and a long rest was had on the glorious sun drenched beach. Naturally being the hiking club we declined to walk back to the car park. Instead opting to wait a further half an hour for the land train followed by a crossing by luxury (maybe not!) boat to the other side of the marina for those who lacked the enthusiasm to walk around. I firmly believe that we kept up the tradition of having an easy end to what surely was one of the most difficult and challenging weekends of the year, that's in the pub by the way not walking. Having finally got back to the scouts hall for the last time it was time for a quick change, load up and wish farewell until our next return, before a long and relatively uneventful drive back to Swansea.

All in all, a great weekend away with some nice gentle walking and plenty of drinking to end the year on a high. With sunshine and an area as beautiful as this, everyone had a good time and I look forward to returning sometime.

Rhodri Haines

Ceilidh (Barn Dance)

On the 16th of March the hiking club had its annual Ceilidh (a barn dance to those less knowledgeable people!). This is a favourite event of most hiking club members and a highlight of the social calendar - this year being no exception!

The band is hired through university and I think actually include a lecturer - so this is what they get up to in their spare time! The band arrived some what later than planned so this left plenty of time to take advantage of the can bar. However, some had already had a bit, or should I say a lot, of the Dutch courage in preparation for a night of dancing, namely Treds accompanied by Dan and Andy. They had all managed to drink a bottle of "something" and seemed quite eager to start the dancing!

As the band started up it was obvious that it was going to be worth the wait! Being a Ceilidh novice I was quite anxious about dancing, not knowing when to strip my willow or my promenade from my dosey-do! However, I was soon put at ease; the band insisted everyone had to join the dance floor and before each dance we were walked through the steps before we then began the full rendition of each tune; although I don't know whether this confused others more!

I also didn't realise how athletic barn dancing is - after a set of 5 dances you were ready to take a breather and a sit down - it is definitely thirsty work. Treds still managed to keep drinking, at the disbelief of many, he was also the most eager to get back on the dance floor after the short break. However, it all started to go wrong during the second set when Treds had to detour from the dancing to the toilet not before finding a more novel way to get down the stairs - namely tripping and rolling down them! As a result, each dance was followed with an update of Treds condition, whose dancing was now over for the night; we were not going to see him surface again until the end of the evening, when he would choose to sit out the last dance!

Everyone else was now having a great time, I for one was really getting into the music and the many different dances there were. That was until Andy Ellis thought it would be a good idea to suggest ? I knew this was going to be a mistake, and it was with a lot of persuading (I think I was dragged me to the dance floor if a recall rightly!!! ) that I was his partner for the dance. The dance followed a square format of 2 sets of partners however, the idea was that at every remission the girls were hoisted up in the air and spun around in the square by their partners! I felt very unsafe throughout the dance and after we had finished, I hobbled back to my seat feeling very sore. It was this dance, thankfully to the feeling of most of the girls; its amazing how rough a ceilidh can actually get, that the evening ended on.

As the band packed up they told us how good an evening they had had themselves saying it was always nice to play for people that will get up and give it a go, and we certainly did that! We were not always successful, but we all had to agree that we had had a brilliant evening.

After the band and most off the participants had left to go on to Time (it was 80's night after all) those left over started to amble their way home having had a great evening. The last thing I remember is watching Will and John dragging a still very drunken Treds through Singleton Park who was insisting that there was still enough time to get into town!

It had certainly been a very eventful night with a good time had by all - I can't wait until next year!

Rebecca Fewkes

Committee 2000 - 2001

Chairman: Sam Kent

He is the chief gaffer of our superb club. A reliable guy, under his guidance you'll never get lost and does a great job of running the show.

Vice-Chairman: Andy Ellis

This is our "Mr Cool" the good guy with all the contacts, our own Ents man is always busy working hard for many different people. Usually remembers to book transport so we travel in "style" too!

Treasurer: Rhodri Haines

This welsh bloke (and proud of it) is the coolest, nicest guy you'll ever meet - It me! Honestly, I'm keen, willing to help and enjoy a good drink as well as a laugh!

Secretary: Jenny Allen

A really nice person, whose always happy to help. Really important too, as this Derbyshire Lass has the nice job of booking pubs for us all - Yippee!

Social Secretary: Rebecca Fewkes

This is our very own "party animal". She leads the way in our socials and is never short of energy. An absolute star and good fun to be around.

Publicity Secretary: Rob Lievesley

A "nice guy", rob is a wise head, who enjoys a good hike and a good beer (or two). Does a fine job in publicising our hikes, socials and whatever else we think of!

This Terms Hikes

Rhosilli - Port Eynon - Sunday 8th October

A nice gentle introduction to the club on one of the local walks on the beautiful Gower. Meet up many of the other members of the club on a gentle amble along the coastline between Port Eynon and the far end of the Gower at Rhosilli. Marvel at the views out over the sea and if you're lucky even Exmoor in North Devon.

Offa's Dyke - Sunday 15th October

A chance to see England! Walk along the boundary between England and Wales with the remains of Llanthony Priory down in the Welsh Valley. The walk goes along both the valley floor and the ridge of the Dyke

Lord Hereford's Knob - Sunday 22nd October

A walk as good as the name sounds. The first of many walks in the Brecons. It might be a grade C, but don't let that put you off as the rewards are great once the top is reached.

Bannau Sir Gaer - Navigation Walk - Sunday 29th October

A chance to improve your navigational skills and take your go on leading the group on one of the walks. It doesn't matter if you're expert, or can't even read a map and use a compass every one can have a go (and we've not got lost yet!).

Peak District Weekend Away - Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th November

If you love sinking up to your knees on peat bogs then this is the weekend for you! It's all good fun really and the journey is well worth the chance to get to the heart of the Peak District. The second day is open to whoever takes you fancy in the local area.

Glamorgan Heritage Coast - Sunday 12th November

A walk along the coast East of Swansea and a chance to do a bit of fossil hunting on this spectacular bit of coast.

Cefn Bryn - Night Hike - Tuesday 14th November

The first night hike of the year over Cefn Bryn in Central Gower a gentle walk along the ridge of Cefn Bryn. Don't forget your torch as you want to see where you going.

Pen-y-Fan - Sunday 19th November

Not for the feint hearted as it's a good challenge and the highest peak in the Brecons. The Pen-y-Fan ridge takes us over 4 peaks in the course of the day. The finish is one of the best pubs in Wales (So the Good Pub Guide says).

Cadair Idris Weekend Away - Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November

An exhilarating climb on the Saturday on a particularly unforgiving mountain in Southern Snowdonia. The accommodation is top-notch apartments and the local pub is very welcoming in the evenings. Again, the second day is open to discussion of the many other short walks available in the surrounding area.

Anon Doethie Valley - Sunday 3rd December

This is Sam's magical mystery tour into the Cambrian Mountain. A new walk for the club which promises to a great day out, with great views of Mid Wales.

Forest of Dean - Sunday 10th December

A walk on the wonderful just into England along the river and through the forests. Fantastic views of the gorges and an amazing forest in winter.

Andy Ellis

Social Events Winter 2000

Wednesday 4th October: Equipment Trip

A chance to make sure you are fully equipped for the year ahead or to buy those items you have always wanted at a discount. Afterwards, it will be off to the pub for a drink and a chance to get to meet other club members and of course the committee!

Friday 13th October: Round the World Pub-Crawl

The social events start here! Come to Mumbles for a chance to do the mile in style. The aim of the game is to sample the national drink of a different country whilst going from pub to pub. Not one for the faint hearted! This is a really good ice-breaker and should be good fun.

Wednesday 18th October: Bowling

A new event to Hiking club. See how you fair against the fantastic skills of the committee?! Sign up before hand so teams can be formed or bring your own team along. A prize for the winning team.

Monday 23th October (Changed from the 24th): Navigation Evening (Not the Peak District Sign up)

Before learning lots of new navigation skills for the Nav' walk at the weekend. Novices' welcome (I mean - I'll be There!) or for you experts this will be a chance to brush up on your skills;

Wednesday 8th November : "Eat as Much as You Like" Meal and First Year Rep Elections.

If you want to become a member of the committee then now is your chance. If you're interested in standing then get your speech prepared otherwise turn up to vote. You also get a good meal.

Tuesday 14th November: Night Hike

Our first of the year, held on the Gower. Torches are cheating!

Wednesday 22nd November: Big Night Out and Cadair Idris Signup

First sign up for the second weekend away of the term and then...OK, so we couldn't think of anything else to do this week. So, we're off to party the night away in town and see where we end up.

Monday 28th November (Changed from the 29th): Mountain Rescue Talk

This is where the professionals from the Brecon Beacon's Mountain Rescue Service come and share their knowledge and advice. Listen to their amusing anecdotes before asking any questions you may have.

Wednesday 6th December: Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance

The last social event of the term and the highlight of the years social programme. This year we are off to the Oxwich Bay Hotel (travel included) with a full Christmas dinner, disco and raffle. So, get ready to party!