This is an online version of our group programme, you can pick up a paper copy at any of our meetings. For a quick listing of what's coming up, see the list of forthcoming events.
The programme is split into the following sections:
- Welcome to the Leicester Local YHA Group
- Weekends and Longer Trips
- Day Walks and Events
- Evening Events
Welcome to the Leicester Local YHA Group
We are an informal and friendly social walking group, comprising people of all ages and abilities. This programme details our weekend trips, day walks as well as evening social events such as theatre visits and meals out. We aim to have a regular spread of trips and events throughout the year, with plenty of variety to suit different tastes. We visit a wide variety of destinations throughout Britain and abroad, with events being organised by anyone within the Group
New members are always offered a warm welcome. We meet every Wednesday evening from 8.30 pm onwards at The Western pub on Western Road, near to Narborough Road and the centre of Leicester. Meetings are generally informal, however, we do from time to time organise more formalised get togethers usually around a particular theme, speaker or social event.
The Group has recently produced a New Members Pack, a comprehensive introduction to the Group which answer many frequently asked questions. For those considering organising a hostelling weekend, we have also produced a straightforward guide to booking and organisation.
Before embarking on any our events, please note that all the activities listed in this programme are carried out at an individual's own risk.
If you wish, you can import this programme into Google Calendar.
Weekends and Longer Trips
The Group organises regular weekends away, mainly staying in youth hostels or similar accommodation. Many hostels offer breakfast and evening meals, as well as facilities for self caterers. The advance payment for a weekend covers overnight accommodation and a contribution towards transport costs. Any unused funds are refunded at the Treasurer's discretion. It is advisable to bring food and drink for a mid day packed lunch in addition to any other meals. Almost all weekends involve walking, so it is essential to bring adequate boots, rucksack, waterproofs and warm clothing.
Unless otherwise noted, all our weekend trips depart on Friday night and return on Sunday evening.
4th - 5th July: Puttenham Camping Barn
Stay in a wonderful old listed building situated between Farnham and Guildford. There'll be walking in the Surrey hills on Saturday, and the chance to take part in the Tanners Marathon on Sunday - a choice of 10, 20 or 30 mile walks.
This is a camping barn, so you will need to bring a sleeping bag.
- Organiser:
- Dave - 0116 2600953
- Cost:
- £45
- Web Links:
1st - 3rd August: Barrowburn CB, Rough it in the Cheviots
Hadrian's Wall, The Pennine Way, Roman Roads & Camps and much more in the wilds of the Cheviots.
Staying at another (rescued from the YHA)luxury Independent Accommodation the Barrowburn Camping Barn. Much more includes no bunks, everyone in the same room, no showers and a real fire (bring your own matches and flint) to run around in front of to dry out!
Note first night in another Hostel (to be confirmed) to break up the journey.
An excellent break, NOT for the faint-hearted!
13th - 15th August: Cropredy 2009
Our annual trip to nostalgia. Always fun even if it resembles Glastonbury underfoot!
The grading changes according to how much of the local wet produce has been consumed and, of course, the amount and type of weather occuring.
- Organiser:
- Dave - 0116 2600953
- Grade:
- Easy
- Web Links:
5th - 12th September: St Cuthbert's Way
NOTE: SORRY THIS EVENT IS FULL but you can get onto the waiting list by calling Kathy.
A 62-mile walk through attractive and highly varied countryside between the Scottish Borders town of Melrose and Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland.
The walk is named after th 7th century saint, Cuthbert, a native of the Borders who spent his life in the service of the church. He began his work at Melrose Abbey. He achieved the status of Bishop, and when he died he was buried on Holy Island. He was snctified eleven years after his death, when his coffin was opened and his remains found to be perfectly preserved.
A compelling walk if you are interested in religious history there are also: the abbeys at Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh; a Roman signalling station and a Roman road; not to mention the border itself, a violent battleground in the Middle Ages. Followed the excitement of the causeway, only passable at low tide, to Holy Island.
At 17 miles a day for four days you will need to be a fit walker to undertake this event.
- Distance:
- 65 miles / 105 km
- Organiser:
- Kathy - 0116 2386340
- Grade:
- Hard
- Web Links:
23rd - 25th October: Ravenstor
Good walking so have proper kit
- Organiser:
- John - 07946 877357 or 0116 2551608
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
12th - 13th December: Chairman's Christmas Bash, Kington YH
Back by popular demand. It was an excellent weekend in 2008, good weather, great walking, superb food and brilliant company.
Those of you who missed it are getting a second chance so don't miss out this time. Since all who went will probably repeat you others better get in quickly!
- Organiser:
- Alan - 07970 778649
- Cost:
- £75 due by 4th October 2009
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
31st December 2009 - 3rd January 2010: New Year at Grin Low Cottage
A return to Grin Low Cottage, near Buxton, ten years after our first visit.
- Organiser:
- Mick - 0116 2543536
- Grade:
- Hard
- Web Link:
19th - 21st February 2010: Corris Beer Festival & Walks
Stopping at a new venue in Corris - Braich Goch Bunkhouse (Much more like original YHA hostel. Good facilities. Attached to pub). Crawl up Cader Idris and slide back down again then enjoy the varied beers of Scotland, Ireland and Wales (oh yes and England)
after a hot shower and before and after your evening meal.
- Organiser:
- John - 07946 877357 or 0116 2551608
- Grade:
- Hard
- Web Link:
Day Walks and Events
Members of the Group organise occasional day walks and other events within a fairly short drive time from Leicester. If you are interested in any of the walks, please contact the organisers listed below. As with all our walks, it is advisable to bring proper boots, a waterproof and a packed lunch.
Monday, 6th July: Tanners Hatch (Puttenham Extension)
An extra day of relaxation at Tanners Hatch after the rigours of (or not) of the Marathon and Puttenham Camping Barn.
- Organiser:
- Dave - 0116 2600953
- Grade:
- Easy
- Web Link:
Sunday, 12th July: Goyt Valley, Derbyshire
9:30 am prompt start
Full day walk
This is the PEAKS so bring PROPER gear, no sandals!
Meet at Errwood Reservoir car park:
Take A5004 out of Buxton
After 2 miles turn left towards Errwood Reservoir Dam (Goyt's Lane)
Meet at car park over dam.
Please confirm attendance with Laurie (01536 713571)
Those who want to make a weekend of it can join Laurie & Tony at Coldsprings Farm Campsite (3/4 miles from Buxton) - 0129 822762. £5 per person per night.
- Organiser:
- Laurie - 01536 713571
- Grade:
- Moderate
Sunday, 19th July: Swithland Wood & BBQ
Day walk in Swithland Wood followed by BBQ
Meet at Dorothy's
Phone: 0116 2211 932 to confirm times and entry fee
Dorothy will buy food from entry fee.
- Organiser:
- Dorothy - 0116 2211932
- Cost:
- Call
- Grade:
- Moderate
Saturday, 25th July: Julius Ceasar - RSC, Matinee
Broaden your horizons and revise your Latin - Limited places. Please let Stella know by July 1st. Phone: 0116 2703 720 or 0798 5163491.
- Organiser:
- Stella - 0116 2703720
- Web Link:
Friday, 31st July: Helmsley YH
First night of Barrowburn trip stopover to break journey.
Short walk in the area on Saturday before completing the trip to The Cheviots.
See Barrowburn weekend for prices and other details.
- Organiser:
- Liz - 0116 2708299
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
Sunday, 23rd August: Hathersage
Day walk
Meet 9:30 in ? pub car park
Please confirm attendance with DHH
- Distance:
- 9 miles / 14 km
- Organiser:
- DHH - +447950 885 798
- Grade:
- Moderate
Saturday, 19th September: Chris & Alice's Art Event II - Fineshade Woods
A 1/2 day walk in pleasant woods followed by Chris and Alice's wonderful company and new art exhibition - NOT TO BE MISSED
Meet 9:30am at Top Lodge Car Park
There is a cafe for snack lunch
Please confirm attendance with Boh or Liz
- Organiser:
- Boh - 0116 2708 299
- Grade:
- Easy
- Web Links:
Sunday, 20th September: Three Crowns, Hathern - Walk/Petanque/Meal
Meet at The Three Crowns, 50 Wide Lane, Hathern 9am for short walk (8miles) followed by Petanque at 12 and meal at 1:30
- Organiser:
- Mick - 0116 2543536
- Web Links:
Evening Events
And Finally...
Please note that the Group now holds a computer database of the names and addresses of people who wish to receive copies of this programme. This information is used purely for distribution purposes and is not divulged to anyone not associated with Group activities.
We hope you found this programme useful and informative. Happy walking!
