A walk led for the walking group by Helen

Roaches Walk 3rd March 2013

 A walk led for the walking group by Helen

Sunday saw 22 of us out on a walk round The Roaches, on a day that was finally feeling more like spring, at least initially, with the first shorts of the year out.

 Parking at the base of The Roaches, the first part of our walk took us straight up onto The Roaches. After initially heading straight for a sheer rock face (which some of our members did attempt) we descended slightly to pick up the main path, and enjoyed good views in the sunshine as we made a full traverse of the ridge, enjoying elevenses in a sheltered spot next to the trig point. From there we dropped down to the road, where Linda fell over in her excitement at seeing an ice cream van. Thankfully after a brief rest she was soon back on her feet and ready to go again (Campbell having used the time to eat an ice cream).

We then headed downwards through a forest to reach the steep sided gully of Lud’s Church, where we spent some time looking round before continuing down to the river, and a pleasant easy walk along the river to Danebridge. There we ate our rather late lunch outside the Wincle Brewery, accompanied for some by an excellent pint of beer. However by now the sun had disappeared and it was feeling much cooler, so we pressed on, with a steep climb out of the valley soon warming us all up again.

A long gradual climb then took us back to the base of The Roaches, with an easy amble back along the road to the cars. Thanks to all those who came and made this an enjoyable day, hope to see you all again soon.

2nd Review for Berghaus FreeFlow Rucksack by Colin.

Berghaus Freeflow Rucksack.

At last I had a chance to try and test the freeflow 20 rucksack  from Berghaus

Mainly been out of action due to illness and other things.

So   it was tested on a 6 miles walk on a cold day. The first thing was to get the rucksack to fit  and straps right so it sat correct.

The ruck sack has a mesh back which I found was good all day. It has a large hip belt which ok, but looked a bit big for size of rucksack but it caused no problems.

It has two compartments the main is entered from the top and a small map size pocket on the back. As it was  cold day I was wearing my water proof and fleece. The waterproof would have fitted in but space would be a issue with this rucksack. As I also had my food, over trouser and hats and gloves in the sack. Plus first aid kit. So space was tight. The map pocket is only design for maps.  

On the side there is a stretch pocket for water bottle and these are done at a angle I had no problems with these as |Helen did, but the bottle did keep dropping out when I put the rucksack down. On the back there is the two loops for your poles but they were not used today.

Overall a good light weight rucksack..  Would I use it for walking? The answer would be only for small mileage walks and low down. Plus in the winter you are taking more stuff with you.  The 20L is not big enough for this, but there is a bigger litre size above this one. A good rucksack for city breaks.

My normal rucksack is a Osprey which has it’s good points and bad points as well.

Colin

Back again

At last had time to catch up with blog.  From being ill a few times with colds, flu and infection in foot. Losing my job but now back in full time job again its been  a bit mad.  So back to walking and running.

Brussels Christmas Markets

Few weeks ago we were in Brussels for a long weekend with couple of friends. This was mainly to go around the Christmas Markets and little sight seeing. We landed at the airport in the snow and then about half hour for the bus to take us to Brussels and book into the hotel.

The markets is spread around the city little  bit like Manchester. The same set of the little huts down the streets.  The first thing I noticed that the was hardly anyone on them for a Friday afternoon where Manchester would be rammed. The mulled wine was cheaper then Manchester at 2 euros and you did not need to pay a cup deposit.

Our first call was the Grand Place and the moden tree. Abies Electronicus Xmas tree.  In a nut shell a scaffolden tree.covered in white sheets. But at night it was a light show and music.

Leading of the Grand Place takes you though other markets and onto Saint Niclight. Church with a light show being beamed onto at night. From here you head to a Turkish Market where there is a Bamboo sticks structure and again it turns into a light show at night. Then from here you can walk to the final 2km market with its ice rink and large Big wheel at the end.  Plenty of stalls selling gifts and food. One thing I noticed was not many selling sausage that you get in Manchester.  Food was mainly the potatoes with bacon, chilli or pasta dish. No dutch pancakes or sweet food I could see.

Plenty of chocolate shops on every street and gifts of the Manneken Pis. We also visited some nice Belgium bars selling some nice beers.

We also came across the Terracotta Army expo that was on and we had a looked round there on the last day.  Which was amazing to see in a small way.

We did the bus tour around the city and we also took a train to the city of Antwerp.  Another city full of old buildings with gold leaf on them. A very long road from the station to the old part lined with moden shops. Again Christmas markets were on and they had a big wheel which we could view the city. But again not as busy as Manchester and this was on a Saturday. The hot was 3 euros but you got a bigger cup. As we walked back at night we came across some festival that was starting.

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Manchester Markets and John Rylands

With a infection in my foot and out of action for big walks and runs, but needed something to keep the foot moving. We took a visit to Manchester around the markets and to the John Rylands Libary on Deansgate. many times we have walked past it onto the outdoor shops. So today had a quick look round and was impressed with the building. Built in the 1890s, The John Rylands Library is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world; both the building and its collections are of outstanding international significance.

Main Hall in John Rylands

Later on we went around the Christmas markets which are over 8 sites in Manchester. Due to the tablets I could not have any mulled wine. It was the normal stalls that you see each year from food to gifts. Exchange squre was the new area for stalls since the wheel has gone. This was mainly for people who wanted a  stand for few days. Helen had her seafood from the spainish stand on Albert Sq.

Albert Sq

Albert Sq

One of the stalls that I always go back to each year when Helen is not with with me is
Earth Rock and Stone by Holly and her Boyfriend who name has gone out of my head.

They make hand made  Silver Jewellery.  Everything they make is pure silver as that is what they like using. The stones they use they go all the way to India each year to buy. So they are seeing what they buy. They go to the people who cut and polish the stones and gems. Plus they get a chance to walk and backpack in the area. Amazing couple to talk to about their trips.
Everything I have bought from them over the years for Helen has not broken or bent. Where other things I have bought from else where has broken a link or snap.
 It will be too late to find them on the markets now but they do other markets as well though the year. I will find the web site they use to put up here.