19 October – Monday Ramblers – Parcent to Alcalali

Ten of us for today’s walk, the maximum we are allowed

For the first time we could not take everyone who wanted to walk

But Derek will have priority next week 

We usually drive to the “chicken shacks”, which is where we start this walk

But the road is closed for resurfacing, so we would have to do a detour

So instead we walked down, adding half an hour each way to the walk

We are both really enjoying these shorter Monday walks 

It is such a pleasant way to spend a sunny morning

Much more relaxing than our more challenging Thursday walks

We have had to create shorter three hour walks

And this has given us the opportunity to rediscover our lovely Jalon valley

Even after 14 years we still discovered some new tracks

So far it has been a particularly sunny and warm October

In previous years we have had to cancel walks due to rain

It is colder in the morning and evening

But that just makes for more pleasant walking weather

Another very enjoyable walk

 

Stats

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

Total Ascent – 90 metres

Temperature – 16-24c

15 October – Thursday Explorers – Alt de Ample

Only 7 of us on today’s walk

It should have been nine, but two late cancellations due to injury

It was nice to see Roger, first time since lockdown

He and Helen have just returned from holiday

Once more we were very fortunate with the weather

It was warm with a cool breeze, like a good summer day in the UK

We really like these smaller groups

There is less pressure and everyone mixes so well

The only problem is late cancellations

These always happen, but are not so noticeable with larger groups

We also need to build up the membership

Before lockdown we had a membership of 30 plus

But on our first walk this season only two of those were available to walk

I am sure it will not be long before we build up the membership again

Lovely walk and good company in excellent weather

Stats

Time taken – 5 hours

Distance – 11 km

Total Ascent – 415 metres

Temperature – 16-24c

12 October – Monday Ramblers – Lliber Hidden Valley

Ten of us again for today’s walk

This included another Paul, who joined us this week

The weather was considerably cooler than last week

Blue skies and pleasantly warm 

But with a nice cool breeze

It was cool enough walking, but warm enough for our breaks 

It is a public holiday today, and we thought it might be busier than normal

Despite being a local walk we only saw a few cyclists, no other walkers

We had our banana stop in the dry river

 

It is quite a sun trap, but the cool breeze made it pleasant today

It is quite difficult getting the pace right with so many new walkers

But everyone seemed to manage ok

 

There were a few cars where we usually stop for our picnic

So we had our break on the wall opposite

Everyone seemed to enjoy the picnic, which we don’t have on the shorter walks

Except Peter who had eaten his when we had our banana stop

Nice easy downhill walk back to Lliber after our break

Our usual break at the “frying pan man”, who now had a face mask

Pleased to get a table in the busy square in Lliber

Stats

Time taken – 4 hours

Distance – 11 km

Total Ascent – 310 metres

Temperature – 18-21c