Group Programme
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.
10th - 11th July: Minehead YHA, Exmoor
This attractive house sits high in the Exmoor hills of Somerset, just two miles from sandy beaches. A great place to relax or be active. Right from our back door is the start of the South West Coast Path and some easier trails for walkers. The medieval village of Dunster is just over the hill with a castle and water mill to explore.
- Distance:
- 12 miles / 19 km
- Organiser:
- Alison Raven ( Mob: 0779 0853013)
- Cost:
- £65 due by 12th May 2010
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
23rd - 25th July: Long Weekend at Wastwater YH
YHA Wastwater is a stunning half-timbered National Trust-owned house dating from 1829 and still retains many original features. Enjoy beautiful scenery from the grounds, which extend to the shores of Wast Water.
This will be a long weekend - travelling up on Thurday evening (22/7) and returning on Sunday.
Please pay ASAP
- Distance:
- 10 miles / 16 km
- Organiser:
- Kathy (Tel: 0116 2386340)
- Cost:
- due by 2nd June 2010
- Grade:
- Hard
- Web Link:
12th - 14th August: Cropredy Folk Festival
Our annual outing to Fairport Convention's outstanding Cropredy Festival. This year Thursday is topped-off by Status Quo - tickets are going to sell fast! Prices? see Fairport's site for details.
- Organiser:
- Dave (Tel: 0116 2600953)
- Cost:
- due by 1st May 2010
- Web Links:
11th - 12th September: Tanners Hatch, Surrey
Another chance to eat, drink and sing in the company of friendly folk within the whitewashed walls and open log fire of this archetypal country cottage away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Not forgetting the opportunity to stretch your legs through National Trust woods enjoying the sounds of the forest . There's an extensive network of footpaths and bridlepaths to explore around the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Distance:
- 12 miles / 19 km
- Organiser:
- Dave (Tel: 0116 2600953)
- Cost:
- £50 due by 7th July 2010
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Links:
23rd - 24th October: Ollerbrook Bunkhouse
A basic bunkhouse with excellent walking and 2 pubs nearby in Edale.
Note: sorry folks but we had to increase the cost of this.
- Distance:
- 12 miles / 19 km
- Organiser:
- John (Tel: 0116 2551608, Mob: 07946 877357)
- Cost:
- 20 GBP due by 18th August 2010
- Grade:
- Hard
- Web Link:
4th - 5th December: Chairman's Christmas Bash - Hathersage
As we made a loss on this event last year we only booked 22 places. Sorry to say that these are now all taken but since December is so far away please contact Doroty to have your name added to the waiting list. Places will be allocated on a strictly first come first on basis so call early.
If successful we may book more beds or revert to rent-a-hostel next year.
Price includes the Christmas meal.
- Distance:
- 8 miles / 13 km
- Organisers:
- Alan ( Mob: 07970 778649)
Dorothy (Tel: 0116 2211932) - Cost:
- 50 GBP due by 8th September 2010
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
11th - 12th December: Christmas @ Tanners, Surrey
Another chance to bask in the warmth of the log fire and personalities at Tanners Hatch.
Not to mention some excellent walking in the crisp December air!
- Distance:
- 8 miles / 13 km
- Organiser:
- Dave (Tel: 0116 2600953)
- Cost:
- due by 29th September 2010
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Links:
31st December 2010 - 3rd January 2011: New Year at Grin Low Cottage (part 11)
Running on a similar basis to last year with a meal included in the price. Should be about
- Distance:
- 10 miles / 16 km
- Organiser:
- Dave (Tel: 0116 2600953)
- Cost:
- due by 14th October 2010
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Link:
22nd - 25th April 2011: The Herriot Way at Hawes YH (tbc)
The Herriot Way is a 52-mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales - the region made famous by the James Herriot books.
We'll be tackling the whole walk in four 13-mile stages over the Easter weekend, staying each night at Hawes YH.
- Distance:
- 52 miles / 84 km
- Organiser:
- Chris (Tel: 0116 2332230)
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Links:
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.
Sunday, 4th July: 20-20 Cricket: Leicestershire v Nottinghamshire
Turn up at Grace Road for an afternoon of cricket (play starts at 2:30). Buy your own ticket, and we'll meet up in the ground.
- Organiser:
- Chris (Tel: 0116 2332230)
- Cost:
- £12
- Web Link:
Sunday, 1st August: Grand Union Canal and Great Central Railway
Meet at Maiden Street, Syston and from 9:30 walk the nearby Grand Union Canal to Leicester North Station (Birstall)and travel on the steam train to Loughborough Central Station (ticket price TBA.) Continue walking the canal back to Syston - about twelve miles in all. Various chances of refreshment on route.
Please confirm attendance with Dave.
- Distance:
- 12 miles / 19 km
- Organiser:
- Dave (Tel: 0116 2600953)
- Cost:
- TBA
- Grade:
- Easy
- Web Links:
Sunday, 8th August: Ivanhoe Way (Part)
A pleasant stroll through the National Forest along part of the Ivanhoe way and the Leicestershire Round.
Meet at the Nature reserve car park, Billa Barra (SK 469 117) at 9:30 for a 10 am start. Please let Matt know if you intent to go.
- Distance:
- 8 miles / 13 km
- Organiser:
- Mat ( Mob: 0797 3518796)
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Links:
Sunday, 5th September: Gotham
A rewarding walk taking in much of the Gotham Heritage Trail. Packed full of history and weird tales. Meet at 9:30 St Lawrence Church (opposite the Sun Inn), Gotham.Please let Matt know if you intend to walk it.
- Distance:
- 8 miles / 13 km
- Organiser:
- Mat ( Mob: 0797 3518796)
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Web Links:
Sunday, 19th September: Nailstone - National Forest
Meet 9:30 am at the church
Please confirm attendance with Mick
- Distance:
- 12 miles / 19 km
- Organiser:
- Mick (Tel: 0116 2543536)
- Grade:
- Moderate
Sunday, 17th October: Langtons
Meet 9:30 near church at Church Langton. Please let Mick know if you intend to participate.
- Distance:
- 7 miles / 11 km
- Organiser:
- Mick (Tel: 0116 2543536)
- Grade:
- Easy
Evening Events
Friday, 6th August: Italian Meal at Roma Cafe Bar
Meet 7:30 for 8 at 11 Halford Street, Leicester. Easy parking nearby, or get bus as just off Charles Street.
Excellent food both a party menu (3 courses for 12.50 GBP) and A La Carte. Of course there is also a bar!
See website for menus.
- Organiser:
- Boh (Tel: 0116 2708299, Mob: +447832192402)
- Web Link:
Saturday, 7th August: Booze 'n' Blues @ Cow and Plough
Great venue. Great beer, wine, cider etc. Good food too. Room to pitch a tent if you intend getting too drunk to drive. Just turn up but please let Matt know if you intend to be there.
- Organiser:
- Mat ( Mob: 0797 3518796)
- Web Link:
Friday, 1st October: Indian Meal. Kayal, Granby Street.
Southern Indian cuisine. Kayal, 153 Granby street, near railway station. Meet 7:30 for a great night out.
Please let Matt know if you intend to go.
- Organiser:
- Mat ( Mob: 0797 3518796)
- Web Link:
Wednesday, 10th November: AGM
Held in the function room of our usual Wednesday social venue The Western Hotel. Western Road.
AGM starts 8pm. Meet at 7pm for meal.
- Organiser:
- Alan ( Mob: 07970 778649)
Friday, 17th December: Christmas Meal at Roma Cafe
Reinstating the Group Christmas Meal. This year to be held at Roma Cafe with easy parking and public transport.
Menu and prices to be confirmed closer to the time.
Please email or phone Boh if you are interested.
- Organiser:
- Boh (Tel: 0116 2708299, Mob: +447832192402)
- Cost:
- TBA
- Web Link:
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!