NUNEATON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

NEWSLETTER 25                  January 2008

Edited by Colin Green

PROGRAMME    JANUARY  – AUGUST 2008    Matt Liggins

January 12^th – 13^th 2008                        Lake District weekend.  Windermere YH.  See David.

February 7th – 11th                             Onich. Central Highlands. Based at Corran Bunkhouse. See Matt.

BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN.  DON’T MISS OUT.

March  8th                                             Shropshire walk with Eileen.

April 12th  – 13th                                 North Pennines with Colin. Possibly staying at Dufton youth hostel.

May 10th                                               Peak District. Wildboar Clough with Keith and Michele.

May 10th – TBA                                  Scottish Highlands. Isle of Skye. Stay for a week or more. See Colin or Ann.

May / June TBA                                  At the end of May or the beginning of June

Backpacking to the Glen Carron area of the Scottish Highlands. See David or Matt.

June 21st – 22nd                                  North Wales. Midsummer Madness camping & BBQ with Debra near to Dolgellau.

July  12th – 13th                                   SouthWales.  Camping with Matt in the Black Mountain area. (NOT BLACK MTS)

Aug 9th – 10th                                     Exmoor. Camping in the Doone valley. See Michele

 

Other Events – all welcome!

Sept date TBA                                      Poland High Tatra mountains. See Eileen if interested.

Summer                                                  Anyone interested in doing the coast to coast? See Ann.

And there’s much more than this going on.  Visit us on a Thursday evening from 8.30pm at Attleborough Liberal Club, Bull Street for impromptu activities, or ring Andrew on 01827  717 648 or Matt on  024 76 758 322 if you can’t get down. And don’t forget our website at http://www.nunmc.org/

 

MEMBERSHIP FEES  Eileen
Membership fees for the coming year are now due. Fees remain at £15.00.  Cheques for payable to Nuneaton Mountaineering club.

 

COMING-UP   WINDERMERE YOUTH HOSTEL 11th – 13th January 2007
The January “Winter” weekend will be based at Windermere YHA from the Friday for two nights.  You will be aware that there are a host of good mountains within easy reach and hopefully we shall have snow.  The cost of accommodation is £14 per person per night.  There may be a slightly higher charge for those who are not members of the YHA.  If you wish to join this trip can you please contact David as soon as possible either directly or by email.

 

COMING-UP    SCOTLAND February 7^th – 11^th 2008     Matt

After a few changes the present plan is to go to Onich in the Central Highlands based at Corran Bunkhouse.  This is located between Glencoe and Fort William just a short distance beyond the bridge over Loch Leven near to the Corran Ferry.  http://www.corranbunkhouse.co.uk/

 

COMING-UP SHROPSHIRE with Eileen  March 8^th

No firm plan as yet but put it in your diary.

 

Residential trips      policy on pricing and bookings

The following is the policy as agreed at the A.G.M.

1              Residential trips will be costed on a break-even basis, but the organiser may add up to £2 per head to cover unforeseen expenses.

2              You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking to secure your place.  The amount of the deposit will depend on how much the organiser has to pay in advance to secure the accommodation.

3              Deposits are not returnable.

4              You will be expected to pay the balance between 4 and 6 weeks before the trip.  If you don’t, the organiser may offer your place to someone else.

5              Any amount left over when all the expenses have been paid will be added to the club funds.

The proposals were accepted, except in respect of accommodation such as campsites, that did not require a deposit.

SCOTLAND 20^th – 24^th September 2007  David

In attendance were David, Matt, Ian, Sheila, Paul and Alistair.

Thursday 20th September – we all travelled by train and were able to arrive despite a potentially fraught journey as all trains from Nuneaton had been cancelled. We had sufficient time at a new Indian Restaurant.

On Friday we travelled by bus to the Ski Centre. As last, a problem arose, this time in the form of the weather forecast. That day the wind speed was at 40 mph and was due to increase to become even stronger over the next two days with predicted winds of 70 mhp by Sunday afternoon. On that basis we abandoned our original plan to head to the other side of the range as this would have involved retracing our steps on Sunday in potentially dangerous conditions. Instead we headed out on Plan B. We headed up Ben Macdui taking an easy 3 hours to reach the summit where it was pretty windy and very cold but with good views. We headed down a shoulder from Sron Riach towards the col to lead to Carn a’ Mhaim over very difficult bouldery terrain. On the ascent, the wind speed increased blowing over one member. It was decided to descend to the valley to the west, whereas Ian decided to go it alone to the top. For the rest of us there was long heather decent to a suitable camp site where we rejoined Ian. 17 ½ km 1050m, 8 hours.

On Saturday – after a rainy night, Alistair decided to go back on his own and Paul took a similar decision except that he walked with the rest of us for an hour and headed off to our camp site of October last year and walked out the following day. For the rest of us we intended to tackle Beinn Bhrotain. After leaving the track we headed down the valley but were unable to find a crossing of the River Dee. After a difficult and very tiring walk through heather heading up stream, we came to the point were we could not be bothered and undertook a river crossing and then later a second crossing up Glen Geusachan. By this time it appeared that we would be joining Paul. However, after a hard three hours from the camp we ascended up a steep trackless path into the area of Coire Cachnam Fionn and then alongside a very steep stream to the top. The effort was great but worth it for the views. Moving on to Monadh Mor we camped alongside the Allt Luineag for a windy night. 17 ½ km, 8 hours.

On Sunday – we took in the ridge of Sgor Gaoith to re-join the same track as last year through the woods and back to the road and Aviemore. On meeting the others we adjourned for a couple of pints and a fish n chip supper. 7 hours.

The best of the weekend were 4 Munros and good equipment which remained dry inside including a new roll mat. The worst aspect was the failure of my gas canister. The jury is still out on the Strerripen.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME  Michele
Sat 2nd Feb 7.30pm Concert by Bedworth Symphony Orchestra. Programme includes Bruch Violin Concerto no.1 Tickets £5 on the door.
Sat 1st March 8pm at Atherstone Memorial Hall. ‘No Hall Too Small’presented by Hank Wangford & Reg Meuross.
Tickets £8.
Fri 7th March 8pm at Atherstone Memorial Hall.
Mrs Gerrish’s Guesthouse presented by Ministry of Entertainment.  Tickets £7.

Until 17th Feb Antarctic Witness – photographic exhibition at Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery, Riversley Park.
Photographs taken by Frank Hurley, official photographer to Shackleton’s 1914 Trans-Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole. Of the 500 photographs Hurley had taken on this legendary expedition, only a small number were saved when the expedition ship the Endurance was crushed.
The powerful images exhibited are taken from the surviving original glass plate negatives, which have been preserved in the photographic collection of the Royal Geographical Society.

Contact Michele for more info.

Michele and Debra hand over a cheque for £50 to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

Taken on November 23rd at the hospice Debra and Michele are seen handing the cheque to Janet Griffin, fundraising manager at the hospice.

FUNDRAISING

Nuneaton Mountaineering Club (N.M.C) held a fund raising event for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice on the 4th October 2007. The quiz night raised £100 which was equally divided between the hospice and Edale Mountain Rescue Team.

The cheque (£50) was handed over today (23^rd November 2007) in person to Janet Griffin (Mary Ann Evans Hospice) by Debra and Michele of the N.M.C.

PENMACHNO BUNKHOUSE WEEKEND 16^th – 18^th November 2007  Colin G

On Friday most people just travelled up to Wales but Mark and Richard made the 7-8 mile circuit of Llyn Brenig just north of the A5.  Meanwhile Keith and Michele tidied up an odd Nuttall by gathering in Moel yr hydd 647m to the west of Blaenau Festiniog going up by the quarries and descending via Llyn Cwmorthin.

Eventful was the circuit of Ian, Matt and Steve who were thwarted on the western Moelwyns by the closure of a useful lay-by on the Gospel Pass.  Not to be deterred however, they made it to Blaenau Festiniog for a round of the Manod Mawr hills.  Somewhere on the ascent of Moel Penamnen 623m Matt lost his flask.  Disaster was however averted as Matt had a very good friend on hand to share his coffee with him.  Sadly at Manod Mawr North Top the immense quarry and the gathering gloom defeated our heroes and they descended without having gained the highest top.  Who says we only climb the hills to bag summits.

Saturday was more active despite the poor forecast.

David writes:  Matt and myself made an ascent of the north east ridge of Y Garn.  The weather conditions were poor with high winds increasing with more height.  The weather forecast had predicted winds of 45mph, which seemed about right when we reached the top.  Needless to say it was very cold and wet.  On the way up we saw the other party making an attempt of the other ridge, but were thwarted by the conditions.  On our descent we managed a few words with them as they were making their ascent and thereafter we took in the Gylders coming down to the east of Bristly Ridge. A good day in foul conditions – 5 ½ hours 1190m.

A trip to a local pub with a real open fire finished off the walk – and a really good meal at night prepared by Matt with help from others.

The other group consisted of Mo, Ann, Steve, Debbie, Sheila, Ian, Les and Keith H.  The object was Y Garn East Ridge Grade 2.  However the rocks were slippy and most of the harder moves were side stepped. It was cloudy and wet with a very blustery wind but still busy on top.  Foel Goch was taken in before the descent steeply into Cwm Cywion and the tea shop in Capel.

Richard and Mark walked from the bunkhouse to Dolwyddelan on the Blaenau road where there just happened to be a pub.  The return was made by paths and forest tracks.  9 miles.

Keith, Michele and Colin tried the Manod Mawr hills from the end of our valley at Cwm Penmachno.  A way was made between the quarries before the ascent was made.  All the hills were climbed but not in the order envisaged.  Only 80 metres from the top it was realised that the central hill was being climbed rather than the southerly one.  A correction was made, the massive quarry circumnavigated and Manod Mawr 661m attained before the north top was rounded and Moel Penamnen gathered in.  There was little reason to linger on the tops as it was cold and blustery but it remained mostly dry and there was no mist.

David continues:  On Sunday Mo and myself went up to the castle at Llangollen meeting many of the others who had a similar idea followed by a visit to the tea shop before heading home.

An excellent weekend in accommodation rather up market from what most people refer to as a bunkhouse.  Congratulations to all concerned with organising the weekend and the group meal on Saturday evening.  Mumble, mumble to those who cleared off to the pub downstairs without having done any of the cooking or washing and clearing up!

 

DAVID’S DIARY     David

27th October 2007

Nick and myself undertook a 22 mile bike ride on cycle tracks though the centre of Derby.  It may not sound interesting but was well worth the trip.  On the north side we came across an old medieval abbey which was converted to a pub.  It would have been worth the stop just to have a look, but was even better as they served good ale and meals.  A trip along other routes took in a tea stop just in time for when the light faded and the rain came.

10th November 2007

On the Saturday, Tony and myself travelled to Hartington (this time without a puncture).  The weather was grim, being wet, cold and windy.  The walk started in rain and continued, taking in various dales including Mill Dale with a trip to the pub at Alstonefield.  Although they were serving food they would not serve a simple meal of a bowl of chips unless with a full meal – so beware.

Friday 28th December 2007

A walk in the Peak District with Matt.  The weather forecast was wrong again!  The prediction was heavy rain and high winds.  Whilst it was not sunny, the weather was overcast with a little rain with wind that was largely behind.

We walked from Hartington south towards Wolfscote Dale and then ventured past Narrowdale Hill to the top of Hope Dale.  The pub was closed!  On a speculative detour we ventured to Alstonefield for a couple of pints.  The staff at The George were their usual happy selves!  The 6X and Burton ales were fine but the Pedigree was lacking something.  We then walked down to Wolfscote Dale and then headed back to Hartington.  A good walk and day out. 5 hours.

 

YHA GROUP MEMBERSHIP  David

The Club is now a member of the YHA for England & Wales effective from 17th December 2007 for one year.  When making a booking you will need to quote our registered name and our membership number. If you need the club card, please contact me either by telephone (number is on the circulated list) or by email.

MUNRO TOTALS – The ‘outed’ list to date.

Colin G                                   284

David F                                  128

Nick B                                      40          NEW

Ian A                                        30          NEW

Tony C                                     25

Keith K                                      6

Michele K                                  6

Eileen W                                    4

Paul S                                         4

Steve D                                      2

Debra C                                      1

 

A recent look through the list of compleationists (sic) on the SMC website provides some interesting information.  As of 2^nd January 2008 there are 4006 people who have owned up to having finished the Munros and it is a certainty that there are others who have not ‘outed’ themselves as yet.

Also multiple completions are by no means rare.

By my reckoning Hamish Brown, Andrew Fraser, Matthew Moulton, Michael Slater and James Gordon have 6 complete rounds.

Robert McDonald and D Whalley have 7 while the big three start with Robin Howie with 9, Stewart Logan with 10 and Steve Fallon with 13 rounds!

Steve completed his first round in 1992 with following rounds in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.  (                  ) Space left vacant for expletive.

 

HUMPS

Knowing how excited you all are about hill lists you might like to try this website which can be found at http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/ .  It’s really called The Mountains of England and Wales and you can browse various hill lists including Nuttalls, Marilyns, Hewitts, Wainwrights Deweys, Humps and County Tops.

Interestingly there is also a home page on the site about the Mountains of Scotland and of Ireland.  Here you can see all those Munros, Corbetts and Grahams as well.  Endless fun for all the family.

So, do you know where the highest points of Warwickshire and Leicestershire are?  Now’s your chance to find out!

By the way, a Hump is a hill with a relative height of 100 metres.  In England, Wales and the Isle of Man there are 822 and 2994 all told (as of 21^st September) according to Rob Woodall on the RHB website.

 

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN EDALE  Michele’s Press Release reproduced in full

Mountaineering Club braves arctic weather to present charity cheque.
On December 8th, members of Nuneaton Mountaineering Club walked in Edale.  The walk took them onto Kinder Scout, one of the highest areas in the Peak District National Park, where they were faced with hail and snow.  The walk had been arranged so that the group could then visit Edale Mountain Rescue Team to present a cheque.  The cheque was the result of this years fundraising event, a Quiz Night held in October.   The quiz night raised £100 which was divided equally between the Mary Ann Evans Hospice and the Edale Mountain Rescue Team.  The Club received
a warm welcome and tea from the Mountain Rescue Team at their base in Hope.
The Edale Mountain Rescue Team is the largest of 9 teams operating in the Peak District.  Just like the lifeboats, they rely entirely on volunteers and need to raise all their own funds.  Although the Club is very safety conscious when out on the hills, it is aware that accidents do happen and is keen to support this potentially life-saving work.  More information about their work can be found at http://www.edalemountainrescue.co.uk/
Nuneaton Mountaineering Club meets at Attleborough Liberal Club every Thursday at 8.30pm.  There is a planned programmme of events for walking, climbing, backpacking, cycling, camping and canoeing. For anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is interested in joining us please take a look at our web site for more information. http://www.nunmc.org/

 

Picture of members of Nuneaton Mountaineering club handing cheque to Edale Mountain Rescue and search and rescue dog, Tyke.

 

Colin’s notes on the Edale to Hope walk 8^th December

Colin, Ann, Michele, Keith K, Eileen, Keith H, Mark and Steve met at Hope railway station for the 9.39am to Edale.

As it was raining properly we were all kitted up as we ascended Grindsbrook.  Higher up the rain turned to snow and there was a moderate cover on the plateau.  It was also misty and there was a stiff wind blowing ice crystals and hail around.  Heading eastwards along the south rim we were not the only walkers braving the elements.  The GPS kept us on track and we descended Crookstone Hill back into visibility and with the snow turning to rain.  We didn’t quite make it to Win Hill but instead took a couple of valley paths and ended up at Hope station at 3.20pm with it still raining.  Adjourning to the Edale Rescue headquarters there was tea and biscuits and a very informative tour.

 

THE LONG MYND 15^th December   Colin

Colin and Andrew started from Little Stretton and on a cold morning made an ascent of Ashes Hollow to Wild Moor and descended to Ratlinghope and the pub at Bridges for a mug of tea.  The re-ascent of The Long Mynd went easily enough with some superbly frosted trees, vegetation and fences to enjoy.  The descent to Little Stretton was via Round Hill and the wonderful ridge overlooking Ashes Hollow and Callow Hollow.  Tea and cakes were then taken in Marshbrook where friends of Colin live.

 

CLIMB EVERY BUILDING  From BBC News sent in by David 19^th Dec.

Man held after climbing building  

A man who scaled a 27-storey building in central London has been arrested for allegedly wasting police time.  Hundreds of workers stopped to watch as the man, aged 45, climbed up Portland House in Victoria Street without ropes.  Onlookers used phones to take pictures as Alain Robert reached the top of the office block, having stopped to rest on several window ledges on the way up.  Police taped off the area and later arrested him on suspicion of criminal damage and wasting police time.

Chalk and bandages

Marcus Tucker, 27, a software architect who works on the 16th floor of the 320ft-high building, said an e-mail had gone round saying somebody was climbing up.  “Somebody went down to speak to one of his accomplices and found out he was doing it as a protest against climate change.  “He came crawling up past our window. There was a crowd of people right by the window so I couldn’t get as close as I would have liked.”  Mr Tucker said the climber was using only his bare hands, “with a little bit of chalk, and some bandages on his fingers”.  “About 10 minutes after he came past the window we heard the cheers from people down below, so I presume that’s when he reached the top.”  Mr Tucker said he did not see the climber come back down, and said he presumed he had used the lift or waited for police to retrieve him.

‘Spiderman’

His co-workers had clapped and cheered as the climber made his way past their window, he added.  Police said Mr Robert was bailed until an unspecified date in February.  The French climber says on his official website: “Spiderman is my nickname, but I have no supernatural powers. When I climb skyscrapers, there’s no special effect. No safety net.”

Mr Robert has so far climbed more than 70 of the world’s tallest structures, including the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Which reminds me of the Batman episode where he is thrown from a skyscraper.  Despite descending at an increasing rate of knots he grabs a convenient rope with his teeth – upon which Robin utters the classic phrase, ‘Holy molars!’ Ed

 

Completion of Wainwrights, 26 October 2007 – From the Internet

214 Wainwright Tops With Ben – My 6 Year Old Son

On 26 October I finished all 214 Wainwright tops of the Lake District, but more remarkably so did my 6 year old son. In doing so he became the youngest person to achieve this particular challenge, but perhaps more remarkable, is the fact that we only really started bagging the peaks this year and this led to some quite long walks for a 5 or 6 year old – up to 23 miles in fact! It’s been a privilege to share this adventure with Ben who has definitely caught the bagging bug. Ben climbed his first Wainwright aged 2 (Lingmoor) and ended on Tarn Crag at the age of 6 years 4 months 27 days. On the way we’ve climbed Scafell Pike and Great End in conditions of hard neve, backpacked over Scafell, High Street and the Langdales and scrambled up some of the classic ridges. Ben is enthusiastic for more, so I can see another challenge coming next year.  John Fleetwood.

 

FROM BMC SUMMIT 48       David    (Markfield Quarry)

A successful opening meeting was held in the Midlands to discuss the potential purchase of Markfield Quarry by the local council for use as a conservation and recreation site. The meeting was chaired by Colin Knowles and attended by more than 30 people including representatives from the local council. The open meeting set up a Markfield Quarry Coordination Group to negotiate and develop an agreement with the council with regard to climbing access at Markfield. The group will report its progress to the Midlands Area committee of the BMC.

 

 

SCOTLAND February 2008     CORRAN FERRY  Free for pedestrians

This ferry is very close to the Corran bunkhouse and provides access to the hills of Morvern and Ardgour.

http://www.lochabertransport.org.uk/corranferry.html

Monday – Saturday leaves at 06.30, 06.50 and thereafter every 20 minutes until 08.50 then 09.15 and afterwards every 30 minutes.  For a return from 09.30 the ferries are every 30 minutes until 21.00 and finally 21.20.

On Sundays ferries are every 30 minutes from 08.45.  For a return they are every 30 minutes until 21.00 with the final ferry at 21.20.  If you need the last ferry then you’ve had quite a day.

Cars are £5.20 each way.  Nothing extra for passengers.

 

SCOTLAND February 2008  CORRAN WALKS        Colin

By now most of us are getting used to the Scottish mountains and know our way around a Munro or two.  Consequently a list of the Munros in the vicinity of the Corran bunkhouse might only be telling you what you already know.  Therefore, I shall confine myself to a few of the hills that you might not otherwise think of.

Walking from the bunkhouse has its merits so what about Beinn na Gucaig 616m Map 41 063653.  Not the highest hill but a continuation to Doire Ban 566m 090643 and Tom Meadhion 621m would be a really stiff day in anyone’s book.  Alternatively take two days for the set.

Immediately on the other side of the Corran ferry, which is walking distance from the bunkhouse (see piece on Corran Ferry) there is the splendid viewpoint of Sgurr na h-Eanchainne 730m and Druim na Sgriodain 734m Map 40 978656.  A ferry ride is always nice, especially if it is free, but there is some steep ground to negotiate.

 

Munro wise the closest are the twin peaks of Beinn a’ Bheithr – Sgurr Dhonuill 1001m and Sgurr Dhearg 1024m seen to advantage when traveling south over the Ballachuilish bridge.  Parking is possible in South Ballachulish and there is a route through the trees to open ground.

Close by is Sgor na h-Ulaidh 994m Map 41 111518, the least climbed of the Glencoe mountains but there is some steep ground here and an ascent might depend on the conditions.

If you fancy a couple of Mamores you’ll have to drive to Kinlochleven or Glen Nevis.  From Polldubh in Glen Nevis ascend the valley to the south to the col east of Stob Ban 999m Map 41 148654.  Tackle it this way as the ascent to the summit from here will be the crux if conditions are icy.  Then continue to Mullach nan Coirean 939m Map 41 122662 before descending into the forest to Polldubh.  If the ascent of Stob Ban looks a bit steep the day will not have been wasted as the slope westwards to Sgor an Iubhair 1001m (deleted Munro) and on to Am Bodach 1034m Map 41 176651 may be preferable.

 

If you wish to get to the snow without that tedious ascent then Aonach Mor 1221m map 41 193730 and Aonach Beag 1234m may be for you.  The Nevis Range Gondola http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter/index.asp ascends Aonach Mor to about 660m at the cost to you of £8.75 return (£7.75 for seniors).  First ascent is 9am weekdays or 8.30am weekends with final descent depending upon the light.  Check by telephone on 01397 705 825.  Remember however that you’ll be above 600m all day and above 1000m for 5km.  Also if you miss the last descent it’s a drag to walk down.  By way of compensation however this is a great location with close up views of the Nevis range, Grey Corries and Mamores etc.

 

For the connoisseur/collector prepared to travel (that’s David to you and me) the attractions of the two Loch Lochy Munros must be irresistible.  Meall na Teanga 917m Map 34 220925 and Sron a’ Choire Ghairbh 935m Map 34 222945 are most easily accessed from Kilfinnan to the NE.

(Look out here for the affable old farmer who engages you in polite conversation before requesting a parking fee!  There is no requirement to pay as the parking is on the side of a public road.  Nevertheless such was his engaging conversation that the last time I parked here with Trevor and Sue we coughed up).  There is also the slightly longer more mountainous traverse from near Clunes to the SW which involves less driving.

On the Oban road there is also Beinn Fhionnlaidh 959m Map 50 095498 at the head of Loch Creran.  Use the car park at Elleric as marked on the map and it’s a steady ascent of about 4 miles to the top.

 

THE NEW CRAG CODE OF CONDUCT    BMC

ACCESS  – check the regional access data base (RAD) on www.thebmc.co.uk

PARKING – Park carefully – avoid gateways and driveways

FOOTPATHS – keep to established pathways – leave gates as you find them

RISK – climbing can be dangerous – accept the risks and be aware of other people around you

RESPECT – Groups and individuals – respect the rock, local climbing ethics and other people

WILDLIFE – do not disturb livestock, wildlife or cliff vegetation; respect seasonal bird nesting restrictions

DOGS – keep dogs under control at all times; don’t let your dog chase sheep or disturb wildlife

LITTER – “leave no trace” – take all litter home with you

TOILETS – Don’t make a mess – bury your waste

ECONMY – Do everything you can to support the rural economy – shop locally.

PS   – my thoughts were that this was not particularly well worded and probably missed many real points.  David F

 

 

NUNEATON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

NEWSLETTER 23                        June 2007

Edited by Colin Green

PROGRAMME JUNE – AUGUST 2007  Matt

June 15^th – 17^th 2007                           North Wales camping weekend including instructor lead scrambling and climbing                    See Andrew for details.

June 23^rd 2007                                      BBQ from 2pm at David’s.  See below.

July 6^th – 8^th  2007                                 Lake District weekend in Keswick with Keith and Michele.

August 10^th – 12^th 2007                       White Peak weekend or day trip.  Cycling and walking with Eileen.

September 2007    Dates TBA            Trip to the Mediterranean?  See Debra for sun, sea and mountains.

September 2007    Dates TBA            Cairngorm backpacking?  See Matt.

October 4^th 2007 (Thursday)               Quiz Night, 8.30pm. Attleborough Liberal Club.

October 18^th 2007 (Thursday)             A.G.M. at the Liberal Club, Bull Street.

November 16^th – 18^th 2007   Betwys-y-Coed.  Bunkhouse for Novemberfest.  Get this in your diary.  See Matt.

Other Events – all welcome!

Summer camping, barbeque & brewery trip in the Cotswolds. Date and venue TBA.

And there’s much more than this going on.  Visit us on a Thursday evening from 8.30pm at Attleborough Liberal Club, Bull Street for impromptu activities, or ring Andrew on 01827  717 648 or Matt on  024 76 758 322 if you can’t get down.

DAVID’S BBQ   SATURDAY 23^rd JUNE 2007   2.00 PM-5.00 PM

On Saturday 23rd June 2007 we are to hold a BBQ for club members and guest/partners.  Food is being provided at club expense so that all you need to do is to bring yourselves along together with your favourite tipples. To help plan for the catering, can you please let me as soon as possible if you will be able to come along and whether you will be bringing a guest.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CLUB EVENT

SOCIAL PROGRAMME  Michele

There are various events coming up that people may like to partake of.  If anything takes your fancy, contact Michele (024 76344079 or micki@uk2.net).  Obviously some things need tickets in advance so don’t leave it too late!

Saturday June 23^rd  BBQ at David’s from 2pm – contact David for details. Take your own drink.

Saturday 30th June  Bedworth Symphony Orchestra summer concert.

7.30pm. Nicholas Chamberlaine school, Bulkington Road, Bedworth.  Tickets £5 on the door

Programme includes Dvorak symphony No.7 and Khatchaturian Masquerade suite.

Wednesday 25th or Thursday 26th July     Hound of the Baskervilles, Outdoor theatre at Tamworth Castle, 7.30

Tickets £12

Future event for your diary

Thursday October 4^th Quiz night, 8.30 start  Attleborough Liberal Club.

COMING-UP  NORTH WALES WITH ANDREW JUNE 15^th – 17^th

North Wales camping weekend including instructor lead scrambling and climbing.

See Andrew for details.  Or alternatively just come along and do your own thing.

COMING-UP  LAKE DISTRICT WITH KEITH & MICHELE JULY 6^th – 8^th 

No firm plan at the time of going to press but see K & M for details.

COMING-UP   PEAK DISTRICT WITH EILEEN  AUGUST 10^th – 12^th

We hope to be based at the campsite belonging to The Royal Oak Pub at Hurdlow.  It is intended this will be a trip for members and their families.  The site is fairly central in the Peak District.  For those who wish to be ‘tourists’, Ashbourne, Buxton, Bakewell, and Chatsworth are in easy reach (to name but a few).  It is also in a good position for walking and cycling (right on the High Peak Trail).  Details will follow shortly.

COMING-UP  COSTA BLANCA (SPAIN) AUG/SEPT 2007    Debra

Mediterranean Summer Walking Holiday.
Were planning to take the week long trip sometime in late August or September to the Costa Blanca on the South Eastern corner of Spain. The main accommodation base will be in the small village of Castels de Castells. The village itself has a population of approximately 450 and is the source of the Rio Jalon (River Jalon) and is surrounded by some beautiful mountains, the highest peak being 1588m. The nearest large town of Jalon lies 20km away and the village is within 1 hour of the beaches, the Les Fuentes de Algar (The Algar Waterfalls) www.rentspain.com/destination-guides/algar_waterfalls/index.html <http://www.rentspain.com/destination-guides/algar_waterfalls/index.html> and the caves of Val de Ebo and Benidolieg.
The planned accommodation is a typical Spanish house which is comfortable and ideal for groups see <http://www.wildsideholidays.com/listing> . The house sleeps five in three bedrooms with all the mod cons. We will of course look for a larger place if we have the interest. So far Keith, Eileen, Les, Richard and I are planning to go. The price for the week is 245 euros for the whole group (approx £200) plus the cost of the flight from either Valencia or Alicante which ever proves to be the cheapest (approx £100).
Please let me know if you would like to come.  The trip last year to Mallorca was a great success and Spain proved to be an excellent walking location. Hope to see you there.

COMING-UP  BETWS-Y-COED  NOVEMBER 16^th – 18^th Matt

A date for your diaries for the weekend commencing on the 16/11/07.

We have managed to secure a booking for a bunkhouse for our Novemberfest club bash.  This year by popular demand it’s good old Snowdonia.  The Eagles bunkhouse is in the village of Penmachno, which is 4 miles from Betws-y-Coed.  A good location to reach the whole of Snowdonia.  It also offers a variety of Forest and mountain biking trails.  The bunkhouse is situated behind a real ale pub and if the web site below is anything to go by it looks quite cosy.

www.eaglespenmachno.co.uk

COMING-UP    SCOTLAND FEBRUARY 2008   Matt

We have been discussing possibilities for next February’s Scotland trip.  Colin suggested we might try in the Aberfeldy or Glen Shee areas.  The distance from home is similar to Crianlarich and the roads are very good. Aberfeldy is well placed for the Ben Lawlers and many other mountains within a short drive.  Glen Shee has a similar range of mountains to choose from, but also can offer skiing if anyone would like to have a go.  All the places in question can offer a mountain guide/instructor if required.  Cairnwell mountain sports also offer ski hire/instruction and several other sporting activities.  All seem to offer a good level of accommodation.  We can get exclusive use of a bunk house for up to 25 for the cost of £50 – 60 pp for 4 nights depending on numbers.  Please view the web sites below and get back to me on the following questions.  Would you be interested in a trip to Scotland next Feb? (no commitment).  If so which, if any of the venues would you prefer?  Dates available 14th – 17th Feb 2008 inclusive.  If you have any other ideas please let me know.  I know it’s a long way in the future but these places book up very quickly.

http://www.cairnwellmountainsports.co.uk/
http://www.thebunkhouse.co.uk/
http://www.adventurers-escape.co.uk/

DAVID’S ROUND-UP 11th March

A stroll around Market Bosworth taking in the gated road heading south which is very pleasant.  A visit to the church at Sutton Cheney was worth while.  There is pub in the village which we bypassed.  The route headed to the canal and the tea shop which has much improved.  The return was via the tow path. 2 hours.

21st March

Morning – in nice sunshine (for a change) albeit cold, a walk over Loughrigg Fell, Ambleside.  In the afternoon just before dusk a walk from Elterwater to Skelworth Bridge alongside the tarn.

22nd March

From the Old Dungeon Gill Hotel, Langdale (warning – the car park is expensive).  The Band, Bow Fell, Ore Gap, Angle Tarn and back in 3 ½ hours.  Very poor conditions on top.  Strong cold winds with minimal visibility. This was followed by another 4 miles from Chapel Style to Skelworth Bridge for another tea!

7th April

Snowdonia. From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen in bright sunshine to tackle Pen-ye Ole Wen which was clear and no one else was about.  Then on to Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn and Y Braieh and back to the car within 5 hours.

As this was a Bank Holiday weekend, all the camp sites were full. The weather was hot – a reminder that sun cream is now required rather than winter clothing!  There were lots of insects out, which may not bode well for Scotland next month.

SCOTLAND (LOCH EIL) 31^st March – 7^th April   Colin

It’s a long way to Fort William but if you start early you can get something worthwhile done.  By lunchtime I was on the shores of Loch Venachar, (Callandar) looking at the Barrow’s Goldeneye (a rare duck) in warm sunshine before moving on to the head of Glen Ogle for an ascent of the easy Graham Meall Bhuidhe 719m.  Afterwards it was a steady drive to Fort William and on to Loch Eil to meet up with Trevor and Sue and a week in a self catering cottage.

The next day we tackled Braigh nan Uamhachan 765m.  Not one to trip off the tongue but a fine hill on the north side of the Glenfinnan road.  Quite a few ups and downs on this hill and a bit of a walk out but another fine day in warm sunshine and there was even a bothy work party for us to observe in action.

The following day we went for Sgurr Ghiubhsachain 849m and Sgurr Craobh a’ Chaorainn 775m.  If these were Munros next to the road and with straightforward names they would be justifiably famed for their rocky ridges and steep slopes.  The SMC describes Ghuibhsachain as one of the finest peaks in the West and I would not dispute that.  Glenfinnan has some cracking mountains but they remain little known as they mostly fail the 3,000ft test.

Oh no!  Not another day of warm sunshine and blue skies.  This time we headed for the peaks on the other side of Loch Shiel, Beinn Odhar Mhor 870, Beinn Odhar Bheag 882m and Beinn Mhic Cedidh 783m.   The Odhar’s are steep and rocky and again cracking mountains.  Here we passed the first and only hillwalker of the week after mourning the loss of the trig point which had probably been blasted apart by lightning.  A huge chunk of the top was fully 50m away.  Beinn Mhic Cedidh on the other hand was a steep grassy hill but from its summit we watched with interest a large grass fire moving across our line of descent.  Choosing an alternative line we avoided the fire, which now covered an area about a mile square, but got onto some uncomfortably steep ground before having to move on quickly to avoid the smoke as the wind veered.

The following day was more relaxed though I did take in the minor top of Druim nah-Earba near Fort William.  By Thursday it was still OK for April but not as fine as earlier in the week.  Today we took in Meall Onfhaidh 681m and Meall a’ Phubuill 774m which were easy grassy hills but with a 400m re-ascent between the two which was rather a drag.  We gave the nearby bothy a miss until the return journey and from above watched a party of twelve backpackers leave.  A bit of big group for bothying.

By Friday I was as good as knackered so after taking in the modest Cruach Doire Raoigh I headed off to Arisaig and the delights of the west coast.  T & S of course did a couple of hills.  On the way home there was a diversion to Cairnpapple Hill but as the summit is almost next to the road it’s hardly a walk.  Roll on the next trip.

RIBBLEHEAD BUNKHOUSE WEEKEND 20^th – 22^nd APRIL  Colin

Friday

Colin and Ann got an early start (6.15am) from Coventry and by 9.35am were parked up on a fine morning at Tarnbrook in the Forest of Bowland.  This is an area that had been on my list of places to visit for a long time so the opportunity to visit the area on the way to Yorkshire was too good to miss.  The new Open Access makes the area much more user friendly for walkers and there were even some cheery waves from local farmers.

On Ward’s Stone 560m it was quite cool and there was mist drifting over the summit.  However there were two trig pillars to record so there was a warm feeling of anticipation.  As the afternoon arrived the sun came out and we saw our only other people on Wolfhole Crag 527m.  By mid afternoon it was really summer like and our list of interesting bird life included Ring Ouzel, Red Grouse, Golden Plover, Curlew, Wheatear, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Grey Wagtail, Dipper and Common Buzzard.  Excellent day.  12 miles.

Meanwhile Richard who a had dropped Rita in Blackpool enjoyed a walk from Austwick to Helwith Bridge in Ribbledale which took 5 hours including a pub stop.

Also Keith and Michele took in Pendle Hill north of Burnley.  Starting from Downham the route went over Downham Moor to Pendle Hill 557m before going on to Upper Ogden Reservoir and Spence Moor.  Bartley Moor was crossed before the concessionary route to Angram Green led back to Downham.  10 miles.

Saturday

David, Eileen, Anne, and Keith walked from the bunkhouse anti-clockwise first tackling Whernside, then Inglebough and finally Pen y Gent finishing at Horton.  The trip was approximately 21 miles, lasting 9 ½ hours and the total ascent being 1440m.  For once the weather was good.  It was overcast, cold on top, dry and not too windy.  On the whole it was a good day out without problems.

On another note, there were possible strange encounters occurring in the bunkhouse!  I returned after a pub meal at about 8.30pm at twilight.  The bathroom door was closed and it was evident that someone was in there, which is a bit annoying when you want to go!  I waited and waited.  There was continued shuffling inside the bathroom.  What was a bit strange was that the extractor fan kept being turned on and off.  As this was connected to the same circuit as the lights I did wonder why any one would want to sit in the half light, but there are a few strange people in the club!  There continued to be movement inside the bathroom.  Eventually I gave up and decided to go back to the pub. On the way out I met Colin, Anne and Eileen, which was odd as I had presumed that it was one of them in the bathroom.  It was time to investigate…..to find that the place was empty!

You must make your own assessment of this little story, and by the way, I had only one pint.  Perhaps this may be another story for “Most Haunted”.

Keith, Michele, Colin and Richard set out from Ribblehead and climbed Ingleborough 724m by Park Fell and Simon Fell.  It was cool on top so we sat behind the shelter for a bite to eat.  Richard decided on a descent to Ingleton (nn pub visit!) visiting the River Doe waterfalls and returning to the bunkhouse via Twistleton Scar End and Scales Moor.

Meanwhile the rest of us descended, meeting at first David and Keith Hilton not far below the summit and then Eileen and Ann still climbing.  Down in Chapel-le-Dale it was it was warm and sunny as we began the ascent of Whernside.  There were dozens of people descending, too many for the normal greeting to all.  The summit was reached in due course and a straightforward descent made via the Ribblehead Viaduct to the bunkhouse.  14 miles.

Sunday

Colin, Ann, Keith, Michele, Eileen and Richard parked at a road end NW of Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland.  It was fair but overcast as we ascended the track trying to find a Ring Ouzel or two for Eileen.  A couple were seen flying away but not as confiding as those seen on Friday.  The heather was heavy going on the way to White Hill 544m and on top it started to rain.  Richard decided to head for the car and wait for us in Slaidburn with Keith Hilton who had stayed in the village.  The rest of us descended into Whitendale where the rain eventually relented.  At the farm of Whitendale we began the ascent over the moor to our starting point reaching the cars by 3.30pm.  9 miles.

Michele Writes

Initial reaction to the bunkhouse was  ‘ this isn’t very good’, as the first to arrive tried to get the table to stay up in one piece and eventually decided to go and ask for another table from the pub rather than risk meals falling over the floor as it collapsed!  However, the place grew on us!  It was warm, had oodles of hot water for the shower (in fact, how often do you hear us complaining that the shower doesn’t get cool enough!?), was next door to the pub and had clean comfortable beds.  It was cosy (or should that be too small!) and was in a great place to get out walking.  All in all I think we would use it again but next time we would take some cutlery!

ALL AROUND THE WREKIN 28^th April  Colin

Keith, Michele and Colin parked up just south of M54 Junction 7 on a very fine morning.  I would like to have told you a little more about the route, but remarkably I had no map better than a road atlas showing The Wrekin. (now corrected) Therefore the route was entirely in Keith’s hands.  Nevertheless we passed Ercall Wood Top before crossing the Severn at Buildwas and re-crossing the river to reach the pub at Leighton for a pint.  Finally we ascended The Wrekin 407m before returning to the starting point.  A fine day though after 15 miles my feet knew they had been for a walk.

THE MENDIPS  5^th May   Colin

Tony Charles, Keith and Michele, Colin, Keith Hilton and friend Pam met on the north side of The Mendips where in 1762 the Rev. Toplady sheltered from a storm in a rock crevice and wrote the words of the well known hymn, ‘Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.  A plaque marks the spot.

Climbing steeply out of the gorge we were soon onto grassland and heath and within an hour on the highest point of the Mendips, Beacon Batch 325m.  It warmed up appreciably as we made our way through fields and woodlands to the path along the rim of Cheddar Gorge.  This is no Grand Canyon but nevertheless quite impressive.  At the bottom there was a pub and refreshment was taken.  The walk back was steep at first but then over easier ground to the starting point.  Not quite mountaineering but a splendid day out all the same.  Pam’s feet suffered but that’s what you get when Keith Hilton tells you the walk is only eight miles!  If amputation isn’t required I expect he’ll get some stick back at work.

MULL & BLAIR ATHOLL  11^th – 18^th May    Colin

Colin and Ann.

With the weather set to be wet and blustery you can imagine our satisfaction when it was nothing of the sort but generally warm and sunny with some showers.  The campsite at Craignure on Mull was fine once we had pitched the tents on the astroturf and gravel and there were even views from Cruachan to Nevis across Loch Linnhe for us to look at.

We tackled the best first and went straight for the Munro of Ben More 966m.  The climb up the Abhainn na h-Uamba was steady and attractive and we made it onto A’choich 867m just as some mist and drizzle arrived.  The rocky ridge to Ben More was mostly avoided in the damp conditions but once on top it began to clear and there was a very pleasant descent to the loch below in the sunshine.  The following day we had a boat ride to Staffa from Ulva for a look at Fingal’s Cave which was well worth the £20 fee.

The Corbett behind the campsite was the next objective – Dun da Ghaoithe 766m.  The lower slopes were a bit messy with excess vegetation but once higher the going was much easier.  The summit is described as being one of the best viewpoints on the island and I would not argue with that.  Arran, Jura, Rum and Skye were all in view as well as the much closer Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe and surrounding mountains.  The following day was set aside for a visit to Iona which is a bit of a drive followed by a short ferry crossing.  A nice day out and there was even a Corncrake to look at too.

With the intrepid backpackers due to arrive at Blair Atholl on Thursday we reluctantly left Mull on Wednesday and set off to join them.  From Blair Atholl we set off for the bothy of Allt Scheicheahan six miles away which was the appointed meeting place.  Arriving at lunchtime we relaxed for a while before setting off for Beinn Dearg 1008m.  Higher up it was cool and misty with some drizzle.  We didn’t linger too long on top and were back at the bothy just after 5pm.  Most of the others arrived at about 7.30pm with Alastair and Gary later.

Bothies are not the cleanest of places but this was not too bad.  There was a sleeping platform upstairs but rather too much evidence of mice.  At least it kept us in subject matter for the night.  Later we had a fire set with damp paper and various pieces of wood that did not really fit into the fireplace.  Damp heather kept it going until Alastair arrived having carried substantial chunks of wood from Blair Atholl.  Excellent man.  We now had far more wood than we could ever burn in one evening.

The following day Colin and Ann returned to Blair Atholl while the others headed off into the mist and drizzle above – but that is another story.

CRIANLARICH RECIPES  Alastair

More from one of our leading celebrity chefs.  The final instalment is not to be missed in the next newsletter.

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE (Alison Holt)

100g butter

1C sugar

2 eggs

1t vanilla essence

¾C flour

¼C cocoa

1t baking powder

Melt butter in microwave.  Add sugar and beat (with a wooden spoon? not a full-on beater).  Add eggs and vanilla and beat again.  Sift in dry ingredients and mix just enough to combine – no need to overmix.  Pour into a greased and lined microwavable container (plastic is ideal but hard to find – I had to get mine in Spain).

Microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes until centre is dryish.  The exact time depends on the container and microwave so experiment a bit – ours is just right at 4:30 minutes:seconds.

Leave to stand for 5 minutes or so then turn out onto a rack to cool a little.

MUNRO COLLECTORS  Tony

Initially, on reading the article in the previous newsletter re. Munro collectors I was overwhelmed with an extreme fear at the thought of David chasing me across Mount Blair with Cameron Highlanders. I also knew I couldn’t face another incarceration at Her Majesty’s pleasure.   However, after the initial panic had subsided, I began to wonder if the Cameron Highlanders really existed at all or were they just a figment of our editor’s lively imagination.   So to clarify the matter I proceded to the appropriate website where I was informed that in 1961 the Cameron Highlanders were amalgamated with the Seaforth Highlanders and that ever since their ghostly apparitions have been known as The Queens Own Highlanders.   As a consequence, my fears were somewhat dissipated although I could imagine that David clad in highland dress charging across the heather with claymore brandished aloft could  prove an equally terrifying sight.

Not being very valorous I have decided that discretion is the better option,  so below is my list of Munros to which I claim ascent: (Your editor has taken the liberty of re-organising the layout, apologies)

TONY’S MUNROS           TOTAL 25
NAME	GENERAL LOCATION	NUMBER OF MUNROS
Cruach Ardrain	Crainlarich	1
Beinn Challum	Crainlarich	1
Stob a’Choire Odhair	Bridge of Orchy	1
Beinn a’Bheithir	Glencoe	2
Buachaille Etive Mor	Glencoe	1
Buachaille Etive Beag	Glencoe	2
Aonach Eagach	Glencoe	2
Beinn Sgulaird	Glen Creran	1
Ben Nevis	Fort William	1
Carn Mor Dearg	Fort William	1
Chno Dearg	Loch Treig	1
Gleouraich	Loch Quoich	1
Spidean Mialach	Loch Quoich	1
Sgur Mor	Loch Quoich	1
Five Sisters	Kintail	3
The Saddle	Kintail	1
Sgurr na Sgine	Kintail	1
Beinn Fhada	Kintail	1
A’Glas-bheinn	Kintail	1

MUNRO TOTALS

Colin                                       284

David                                     124

Tony                                        25

Keith                                          6

Michele                                      6

Eileen                                         4

Paul                                            2

Steve                                          2

Debra                                         1

 

The list is now underway so it’s time to ‘out’ yourself and own up to your total.  Corrections welcome.  Totals will do, but complete lists (see Tony’s opposite) are also acceptable.

Beinn Dearg

Blair Atholl

1

SCOTLAND – BLAIR ATHOLL 17^th – 20^th May      David

In attendance were Colin, Ann, David, Matt, Ian, Tony, Eileen, Sheila, Alistair and Gary.

Thursday 17^th May – six of us travelled by train arriving at Blair Atholl for 3.30 pm.  By then we all elected to stay in a B&B for the last night.  A meal was obtained in the hikers bar with liquid refreshments to hydrate ourselves before walking into the hills to the bothy at Allt Scheicheanhan. Colin and Ann had already been in Scotland for a week and were in residence in the bothy when we arrived.  Alistair and Gary had travelled by car and arrived later.  The bothy had a sleeping platform which was suitable for all.  However I preferred to camp which was further confirmed by Matt’s “mouse” incident.  Following a scream and then silence (at which point I imagined that he had fallen down the ladder) we found Matt in a semi distressed state having put his hand in Sheila’s bag and on to a furry thing!  He and Ian then also camped outside. This provided endless entertainment for the rest of the weekend.

Friday 18^th May – Colin and Ann headed home.  The rest  went up Beinn Dearg 1008m.  The weather was deteriorating as forecasted. It was very difficult to stand on top of the hill.  On the other side a camp site was found next to the river in what seemed an ideal spot.  The weather again took a turn for the worse.  Several of the party tackled the Corbett immediately at the back of the camp.  There was an interesting night with torrential rain and high winds.

Saturday 19^th May – the bad weather persisted.  The river had risen alarmingly and Eileen’s tent seemed to be sitting over a stream!  On breaking camp, Matt, Eileen and Tony elected to go back to the bothy.  The rest of us then set off to tackle An Sgarsoch 1006m and Carn an Fhidhleir 994m which Colin had previously described as being the “prize”. Both mountains are remote and are committing due to their position.  The first hill was hard work due to the increasing wind speed which made standing and walking difficult.  It was incredibly cold.  At the col between the two mountains, Alistair and Gary returned to the camp site whilst Ian, Sheila and myself went on to finish our third Munro.  The return was very difficult walking into the wind.  By this time was I very tired but all faced a long return journey over  another row of hills to join the river and then to the camp site to pick up our tents.  After an awkward river crossing (which was worse for the others – but that is their story) we made it to a loch for another camp.

Sunday 20^th May – the weather was good albeit cold.  On to the fourth Munro at Carn a’ Chlamain 963m it provided good views. We waved at Alistair and Gary from a distance to realise later that it was not them (as they had returned to Blair Atholl by a different route).  Whilst on top we met a couple who had been to the first bothy the night before and had cycled around.  Rather bizarrely they had met Matt, Eileen and Tony to fill us in on their story – they had a difficult river crossing and 5 ½ hours of hard walking.  There was a very long descent and walk back to Blair Atholl (a bike would have been very useful) to the first pub we came by to re-hydrate.  The following day we had a good rail journey home during which time planning was set n motion for next May!

The best of the weekend were the good rail journeys, the B&B, 4 Munros and good equipment which remained dry inside.  The worst aspect was the weather (so what is new!) and the re-hydrated foods.

A POEM FOR MATT  Alastair
I don’t know the title of this poem by Ivor Cutler, but apparently it’s on his 1974 album ‘Dandruff’, and it’s also at the very end of the album ‘Defenestration’ by Jacky Tar.

I love mice
Mice are my brothers
Mice never bother me
Sitting at my tea
I give them half of what I’m eating.

Rats are a different kettle of fish
Faces ain’t so friendly
When they eat you in the night
You do not want to know
And they smell very, very strange.

ALLT SCHEICHEAHAN ANTHEM – A Windmill In Old Amsterdam

Chorus:
I saw a mouse!
Where?
There on the stair!
Where on the stair?
Right there!
A little mouse with clogs on
Well I declare!
Going clip-clippety-clop on the stair
Oh yeah

Written by Ted Dicks and Myles Rudge.  Versions by Ronnie Hilton and also Freddie and the Dreamers.

For all the words just put ‘lyrics’ and the title or some distinctive words into Googe and up they will pop!

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