Those members that attended the weekend at Shap enjoyed a truly splendid time! Three days walking in beautiful countryside. The weather turned out to be kind; not too hot and not too wet. We welcomed a visitor from Australia - Wendy Blencowe - who took the prize for the furthest distance travelled.

On Saturday we followed a similar route to that taken on a previous visit, visiting the Shap Wells Hotel, which some believe to be the model for Callows, the house where Dr Thornton was held captive. We also saw the railway embankment where the train had come to rest, and then followed the cutting which had been blocked by the snow. To cap it all we even saw a steam train, possibly the Duchess of Sutherland, passing over Shap Summit during the morning.

Sunday was less Savillian, in that we visited Keld Chapel, walked up over the concrete road built by the water company, had lunch by the river Lowther, then walked on to Rossgill and finally to Shap Abbey, where we found a farewell message left by Wendy who had to leave us earlier in the day.

For those who didn't have to rush home, the weekend was stretched to include Monday. For this we drove to Ullswater and took the steamer across the lake and walked back along the opposite shore. The walk was a little more strenuous than advertised, but everyone agreed that it was most enjoyable.

In conclusion, the weekend was deemed to be a great success and thanks must go to the organisers of the weekend, Phil and June.

Photo's of the event

Coronation Scot ascending Shap Fell

Start at Wetsleddale

Duchess crossing Shap Summit

Could this be Callows

Blowing Bubbles?

Glassy water on Ullswater

Group with Mackie