UK APUG Chapter meet-up-and-shoot 2004/5

[Graeme]

Hi all,

I suppose I should introduce myself in the proper place but my name is Graeme and live in Rochdale in Lancashire. I was introduced to this site by cheryl Jacobs and would love to join up with you guys in the lake district in Feb. Me and my family stay in log cabine at the end of ullswater every easter. The cabins are wonderful and in a beatiful location and are reasonably priced at that time of year especially in that they sleep 6 if anyone is up for sharing. the Cabins are called Hartsop Fold. I'll try to post a link.

Graeme

 

[Dave Miller]

Thanks for that Graeme, I've found the site, looks interesting.

 

[Dave Miller]

I’ve scoured the internet and come up with four possible venues for the softies among us requiring B & B. Actually I only found three, Ailsa suggested one of them, put I will leave the rest of you to guess which.
I would like those of you that intend coming along to look at each establishment’s web site and list three in order of preference – on the scale of 1 being the most desirable and 3 the least so, or say if you are happy to go along with the majority. I will then make contact and check prices and availability, and then let you know which one I recommend that we to go for. Apart from reasonable prices and facilities, we do need somewhere for the campers to join up for an evening meal and chit-chat on the Saturday.

The candidates are:
Royal Oak Hotel www.royaloakhotel.co.uk
The Edwardene Hotel www.edwardenehotel.com
Horse and Farrier Inn www.horseandfarrier.com
Crow Park Hotel www.crowpark.co.uk

So there you are, get surfing.

As an additional point, since the idea of the weekend is to meet and do things as a group, it seems that we should identify photographic subjects in advance and decide a short list, both for the Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning. This will go someway towards avoiding wasting time discussing the subject on what promises to be a busy weekend, although a certain amount of flexibility will be needed to cater for the weather.

 

[Leon]

Out of interest - how many would be thinking of camping? those wishing to ... this site looks good, although the couples and families only is a bit worrying . ..? http://www.castlerigg.co.uk/

my only preference for location would be castlerigg circle (http://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/casstone.htm) at dawn - I'm happy to tag along for the rest of the days.

 

[Les McLean]

One thought for those planning to stay in a hotel or B&B is that breakfast is usually at the time the light may be at it's best and as we are in the Lake District it would be silly not to take advantage of photographic possibilities.
Those of us camping can have breakfast on the hoof if necessary.

Good thought by Dave re planning locations in advance and also sorting out an evening venue where we can perhaps have a look at some work. If you want some of my favourite Lakeland places let me know Dave.

 

[roteague]

One thought for those planning to stay in a hotel or B&B is that breakfast is usually at the time the light may be at it's best and as we are in the Lake District it would be silly not to take advantage of photographic possibilities.

I sure wish I could come

 

[Thomassauerwein]

We will take any suggestions that are close to the campers. Being geographically dis-advantaged at this point all suggestion are appreciated. We sure are looking forward to it though so we'll see you where-ever there!

 

[Dave Miller]

Good thought by Dave re planning locations in advance and also sorting out an evening venue where we can perhaps have a look at some work. If you want some of my favourite Lakeland places let me know Dave.

Yes please re locations, anything with in say 20 min drive of Keswick.

 

[Dave Miller]

]

my only preference for location would be castlerigg circle (http://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/casstone.htm) at dawn - I'm happy to tag along for the rest of the days.

I think this venue has to be top of the list. Crossed tripods at dawn anyone, or should we just hug a rock?

 

[photomc]

OK, I was feeling bad enough that I could not be there..but if you guys are going to be hugging rocks!!! D**n, now I really wish I was there ;^)

 

[Dave Miller]

I’ve scoured the internet and come up with four possible venues for the softies among us requiring B & B. Actually I only found three, Ailsa suggested one of them, put I will leave the rest of you to guess which.
I would like those of you that intend coming along to look at each establishment’s web site and list three in order of preference – on the scale of 1 being the most desirable and 3 the least so, or say if you are happy to go along with the majority. I will then make contact and check prices and availability, and then let you know which one I recommend that we to go for. Apart from reasonable prices and facilities, we do need somewhere for the campers to join up for an evening meal and chit-chat on the Saturday.

The candidates are:
Royal Oak Hotel www.royaloakhotel.co.uk
The Edwardene Hotel www.edwardenehotel.com
Horse and Farrier Inn www.horseandfarrier.com
Crow Park Hotel www.crowpark.co.uk

So there you are, get surfing.

As an additional point, since the idea of the weekend is to meet and do things as a group, it seems that we should identify photographic subjects in advance and decide a short list, both for the Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning. This will go someway towards avoiding wasting time discussing the subject on what promises to be a busy weekend, although a certain amount of flexibility will be needed to cater for the weather.

We seem to homing in on the Crow Park Hotel or the Horse & Farrier Inn. Anymore input before a decision to book is made?

 

[Dave Miller]

One thought for those planning to stay in a hotel or B&B is that breakfast is usually at the time the light may be at it's best and as we are in the Lake District it would be silly not to take advantage of photographic possibilities.
Those of us camping can have breakfast on the hoof if necessary.

Les, please be assured, the only decent light at breakfast time is that over the breakfast table.

 

[FrankB]

Les, please be assured, the only decent light at breakfast time is that over the breakfast table.

Whilst I am down for B&B, I anticipate using only the first B (unless they do packed breakfasts!).

 

[Les McLean]

Les, please be assured, the only decent light at breakfast time is that over the breakfast table.

Provided that breakfast is at 10.30pm?

Seriously Dave, for those interested in being there how about an early photo session at Castlerigg Stone Circle followed by a short drive down Borrowdale and a walk down Langstrath were there are a few worthwhile photo situations. The reason for Langstrath is that it is not a strenous walk, the place being relatively flat, for the Lakes that is. I would aslo suggest that at some point we take the uninitiated to those trees at Buttermere, for the light is perfect at just about anytime of the day in February provided the sun is shining, to get the tree beautifully lit. There are also a few other places around Borrowdale that offer good photography.

What sort of light do you have over your breakfast table?

 

[Helen B]

I've marked the dates in my diary, and will try to arrange to be back in the UK then. I haven't been to the Lakes since 2000 or so. Our raggety mob always used to camp at Hollows Farm in Grange when we wanted to camp in Borrowdale. It's a nice campsite, a lot less formal but with rather basic facilities compared to the Castlerigg Hall one, and further from Keswick.

I used to drink at the Royal Oak in Keswick now and then. Nice pub. If you'll pardon me to be immodest, my favourite memory of the Royal Oak was from once when I was chatting to Chris Bonington at the bar - we had a few mutual climbing partners, though I never had the pleasure of climbing with CJSB himself. Over on the other side of the room, one of my friends overheard a complete stranger say 'Who's that talking to Helen Bach?' I'm sure that if CJSB had used more hairspray, he could have been as famous as I was.

Best,
Helen

 

[Dave Miller]

Provided that breakfast is at 10.30pm?


What sort of light do you have over your breakfast table?

Moonlight generally, at least during the working week.

Joking aside, your suggestions seem in order. What about Ashness bridge and Watenlath, have I spelt those correctly?

 

[Leon]

do any of those planning to camp have a preference for campsite? It would be good to make sure we are all in the same site.

 

[BarryWilkinson]

do any of those planning to camp have a preference for campsite? It would be good to make sure we are all in the same site.

Helen's suggestion of Hollows Farm at Grange seems a good idea, there website suggests 'Advanced bookings for groups' so it might be worth contacting them if enough are interested. The website does not give any idea of camping facilities, what's there Helen?

I also notice that B&B is available at Hollows.

I shall probably camp, but I am open to any other options.

Regards

Barry

 

[BarryWilkinson]

oop's

There is info available rearding facilities at Hollows, It's on the 'Main Field' page, I waslooking at the 'Group Field'.

 

[Les McLean]

Just hada look at the Hollows site, it gets my vote.

 

[Dave Miller]

Helen's suggestion of Hollows Farm at Grange seems a good idea, there website suggests 'Advanced bookings for groups' so it might be worth contacting them if enough are interested. The website does not give any idea of camping facilities, what's there Helen?

I also notice that B&B is available at Hollows.

I shall probably camp, but I am open to any other options.

Regards

Barry

Unfortunately the B&B consists of only 3 bedrooms, and I'm hoping we will need a few more than that. I'm trying to get the "Horse & Farrier" to talk to me, so far without success, maybe they don't read their email too often. I shall wait another day!

 

[Dave Miller]

Hotel Accommodation

The softies among us have chosen the Horse and Farrier Inn to provide our featherbeds for the weekend of the 12th and 13th of February 2005.
Those of you that plan to attend had better book promptly because this is a small establishment who have only 2 single rooms plus a twin and 6 double rooms. The rate is £35.00 per person per night for Bed and Breakfast. They have a restaurant for evening meals although they also do meals at the bar. The later facility is something that I hope the campers will avail themselves of on the Saturday evening, so that we can all get together for a chinwag, and a jar or two.

One slight drawback is that it seems that this establishment is not yet fully computer literate, tending to fire-up their computer on a weekly basis at best, so I would recommend that bookings be made either by telephone 01768 779688 or by fax on 01768 779824. Their web site is: www.horseandfarrier.com for those that want more information.

 

[BarryWilkinson]

Campers

Just hada look at the Hollows site, it gets my vote.

Hello Les,

I have just spoken to the lady at Hollows Farm. Bad news, they are not open in February, It's a pity they don't put that information on their website.

There does not seem to be many sites with web pages online that cater for the winter period. I have found one at: -

http://www.sykeside.co.uk/sykeside/about_syk.asp

It says it is open all year, but appears popular with climbers (may be noisy?)

There are a number of sites listed at: -

http://www.lake-district.com/Cumbria/ld/Accommodation/Camping_and_Caravanning.html

but without web details. Does anyone know any of these, or have any further suggestions?

Barry

 

[BarryWilkinson]

It's very quiet, are Les and I the only campers?

I have found another site which may also be of interest?

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/campsites/lakedistrict/campsites/greatlangdale.htm

Open all year, bookings available for groups.

Barry

 

[Leon]

No - I'm camping too. I'll just go to wherever you guys are going, I'm not overly fussed about where - as long as we are near to town.