Karabiner Mountaineering Club

March 2008 Forthcoming Meets

All note the following small print when taking part in meets :-

"I accept that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a risk of personal injury or death. I am aware of and shall accept these risks and wish to participate in these activities voluntarily and shall be responsible for my own actions and involvement."

March 8^th/9^th - Alex Mac' Hut Meet - Roger Daley

The Alex Macintyre Hut provides access to some of the finest winter climbing and walking in Scotland.

Climbing

The classic ridge of the Aonach Eagach, or possibly a route on the Buchaille... followed by a pint and some music in the Clachaig's bar? truly excellent day.

Alternatively how about 2/3 routes on Aonach Mor, perfectly feasible utilising the cable car.

Up for a big day then a route on the Ben Nevis provides the perfect challenge.

Walking

Walks too numerous to mention ... go high?or stay low something to suit everyone.

Relaxing

Just imagine yourself settling down in front of the huts roaring fire enjoying a wee dram after a day on the hill? superb. Excellent facilities.

Mattresses, drying room, hot water, showers, electric cooking, fridge, cutlery, crockery, coal provided all the year round, electric heating in dormitories - £1 meter. Microwave in kitchen.

Location

North Ballachulish on A82, one mile north of the Ballachulish Bridge, on the right, 50 metres from the entrance to Creag Mhor Hotel.

OS Map: 41 Ben Nevis. Grid Reference: 044612.

The KMC have booked 12 places at £5.50 per night If you are interested and have the appropriate experience and equipment, then e-mail, phone, or see me in the pub on a Thursday night.

March 9^th - Peak District Walk - Iain McCallum

Route : Old Mam Tor Road - Treak Cliff Cavern - Mam Nick - Rushup Edge - Dale Head - Upper Booth - Crowden Clough - Edale - Backtor Farm - Backtor - Castleton - Old Mam Tor Old Road.

Variation - depending on the weather and inclination of the party we could lengthen the walk by traversing Brown Knoll, Edale Head, Pym's Chair, Crowden Tower, Grindslow Knoll and so to Edale. This would add about 3 miles to the walk.

A and B walks maybe.

Map : OS Explorer OL1.

Meet at 9.30am for 9.45am start on the Old Mam Tor Road below the Winnats near the entrance to the Speedwell Mine car park - GR 141829. Parking is free on the left hand side of the road.

Refreshments are available from the local café and the Old Nags Head Inn at Edale (Where the KMC was founded in 1944). Also in Castleton towards the end of the walk.

A good tramp around the dales and moors of the Peak Distance about 11/14 miles. Mostly on good paths and tracks. The route can be easily modified to suit the conditions.

March 16^th - Yorkshire Bouldering - Dan O'Brien

This year's Yorkshire bouldering will take place at Widdop (Grid Ref 934324 Landranger map 103). There are over 65 routes from Diff to E9 with bouldering guides ranging from V0 - V9. I will aim to get to the crag for 11am.

Other options are to visit the recently opened Scout's crag (on opposite side of reservoir).

March 21^st/24^th - Snowdonia Scramble Hut and Bivvi - Dave Bish

My plan for the Easter weekend is based around long easy climbs/scrambles (carrying sacks, so pack light) and harsh bivvies (the hut is halfway round this epic). A bivvy bag sleeping bag and mat are important kit for this although the inventive may find ways to erect a light tent. According to the popular press the weekend is due to be arctic - I doubt it but most routes described do go in winter conditions!!

Friday

Meet at Milestone Buttress car park GR:659603 at 10:00

Climb Milestone Buttress (a couple of low grade routes possible), scramble Tryfan N. Ridge (jump from Adam to Eve anyone?) and finaly Bristly Ridge to the top of Glyder Fach. Bivvy options include Castell Y Gwynt atop Glyder Fach or descend Y Gribin ridge to bivvy in more sheltered position alongside Llyn Bochlywed.

Saturday

A route on Glyder Fach or scramble sub Cneifon Arête/Cneifon Arête combo, walk over Y Garn to summit of Elidir Fawr bivvy site (a magic spot - anyone based at the hut is welcome to come up for the night!).

Sunday

Nip down to Ty Powdr early for breakfast then (meeting at campsite gate/bridge in pass GR623570 at 11:30) on to Clogwyn Y Person Arête/Parson's Nose Scramble (or Reades route if preferred) and to the summit of Crib Goch for a real bivvy! If weather is horrendous descend to bivvy in ruined barrack on shore of Llyn Llydaw

Monday

Climb Slanting Buttress on Llewed (V. Diff - starting route by 11:00) and the descend back to hut (if really keen via Cloggy Eastern terrace)

Please phone me and let me know if you fancy some or all of this so we don't inadvertently leave anyone out there if there is a change of plan.

March 30^th - Yorkshire Boar Hunt - Dave Bone

Right, you've had the introductory and intermediate courses - now for the third in the trio. This time we move to Yorkshire and the Dales (but we won't see many of them). This is a circuit in the north-west corner taking in some big wild, open spaces and with very few paths on the map, though the going is mostly on grassy moorland.

For the start, drive to Sedbergh (A684 off the M6) - take the A683 Kirby Stephen road east from here for ~6mi, past the Cross Keys and take the first minor road right after Rawthey Bridge. Take the next right on the dead end road to Uldale. Park on the roadside with care in the few hundred metres before the public road end. Meet at the junction of the start of the plantation, and side-turn to Needle House [GR: 728972 at OS Landranger no. 98]. Allow ~2hr from S. Manchester and remember this is the start of BST.

Walk start at 10:30 BST. Distance ~12mi. Total ascent ~800m. The route: Head NE over the grassy moor (limestone country), by the side of the stream at Flint Howe and onto Sand Tarn. A bouldery ascent to the summit plateau of Wild Boar Fell and a visit of all the tops to get the varying views. Then off south on a good path to Swarth Fell. At Swarth Fell Pike we turn left and follow the wall down to arrive in the valley (Rawthey Gill Foot). The vast open expanse of Baugh Fell (pronounced Bow (and arrow)) is the next objective so we'll follow Rawthey Gill to its head at some tarns.

This area is exceedingly confusing in mist. First top (and summit) of Tarn Rigg Hill is next using a wall as aiming off point if necessary, then the wall is followed to the next top of Knoutberry Haw. On to the lonely West Baugh Fell tarn, and descend north to the river Rawthey. There is a nice riverside path on the south bank which is followed downstream to a bridge and a path back to the Uldale house road.

And the Boar hunt? It is a popular belief that the last wild Boar in England met its fate on these moors in the 15th century, though this is claimed by other areas too. But who knows what is on the moors these days? Pigs are supposed to be quite intelligent, maybe they learnt the art of disguise?

April 5^th/6^th - Cairngorms, Mill Cottage - David K. Lygate

The KMC's Winter Cairngorm meet is the club's once in a season opportunity to visit a most incredible & magical area in winter for walking, climbing, skiing & reindeer. However, such wonders come at a cost, there are only twelve places available. So with the level of interest that has already been shown (pre-publication), we suggest that the hut fee of £6:50 per night (cheques for £13 total payable to the KMC) is forwarded to the meet leader as early as possible to secure your place. The quickest & easiest way to book is to email requesting a place, then when your allocation is confirmed, put a cheque in the post.

Scotland in March, will there still be snow ?

Possible scenarios:

1. Plenty of snow and ice - well excellent it's exactly what we are going for.
2. Too much snow - (i.e. very high avalanche warning - SAIS www.sais.gov.uk). Go skiing instead, sounds like perfect conditions for Aonach Mor or the White Corries.
3. No snow - Treat this as a summer meet but without the fearsome Scottish Midgy.
4. The west coast has better conditions - We are less than 2 hour's drive from the Ben Nevis.
5. Totally unbearable conditions all weekend - Go to the Cairngorm Hotel for a fantastic slap-up meal (this scenario has been tried & tested), also the bar has a great atmosphere with an extensive selection of beers & whiskies. If this doesn't appeal, then Craig Marsden might take you shopping, a rare treat!

Now that all fears have been banished, back to scenario 1. The Cairngorms are a magnificent place in the winter or the summer, but especially in winter, be it for walking, skiing or climbing. So here are a few of the local areas of interest.

1. Coire an t-Sneachda
2. Cairngorm / Ben Macdui
3. Lairig Ghru / Braeriach
4. Creag Meagaidh
5. Ben Nevis
6. Plus many, many more including the suggestions above & everything else on the road down south.

I think that all of these areas speak for themselves. So if you are interested plus have appropriate experience & equipment, then e.mail, phone, or see me in the pub on a Thursday night, (places are on a first come first served basis.)

Mill Cottage is 0.25 miles to the North West of Feshie Bridge off the B970. Follow the old A9 to Kincraig, between Kingussie & Aviemore, take the side road to Kincraig (turn east), over bridge & past the Loch Insh Watersports Centre. Left at the T-junction & left into the Forestry Commission car park, taking the left fork onto an unpaved track above the car park. Turn down the right fork after passing below the pylon line, here you will find the hut (approximately 300 yards from the main road). Grid reference 844047, OS sheet 35 - Kingussie. SMC hut guide - "The hut has 8 bunks & a six berth alpine platform, all with mattresses; full cooking & dining facilities are supplied, all electric. Shower, toilets, drying room, multi-fuel stove in lounge with firewood & coal."

April 13^th - Hot Pot & Slide competition - Andrew Croughton, Katie Horgan.

The Venue for the Presidents Hot Pot has been booked for the 13th April 2008. This meet will replace the listed meet of Durham Bikes & Boulders.

Pre-Hot Pot Climbing

Climbing will take place at Froggatt.

Pre-Hot Pot Walk

For those who'd prefer a walk to a climb on Sunday, Katie Horgan is leading a "round the Edges" bimble of about 10 miles. It can be cut short if you're desperate to get back for a pint.

We'll start from the Grouse (OL24 GR257779) at 11am. The walk will head onto the moor from the pub following the track past White Moor Lodge. We'll cross the road and head down onto the Longshaw estate and down through Padley Gorge. This will bring us to Grindleford Station Café (DON'T DO THAT signs abound) where we can have a brew, as long as we behave ourselves! The walk heads through Froggatt Wood and the village and continues along the base of Curbar Edge before turning up Curbar Gap. If we're feeeling fit and keen then we can take in Baslow as well. From here we'll follow the top of Curbar and then Froggatt, where we can heckle anyone on the rock and race them back to the pub!

Hot Pot

The meal and slide show will be £10 per person. Please state Meat Hot Pot or Vegetarian Red Bean casserole when booking. (The meal will also include Apple pie & Custard.) This year's venue will be: The Innfamous Grouse, Longshaw, Sheffield.

Entries to the competition should be sent to Andrew Croughton.

Categories are:

• Mountain Landscape
• Mountain Action
• Climbing Action
• Human Interest
• Digital Fun

All entries must have been taken over the 2007/2008 period leading upto the Hot Pot itself.

Please note any entries from two/ten/twenty years ago will be disqualified and the culprit barred from future competitions (You know who you are.) The best entries will also be considered for the 2009 KMC Calendar.

April 19^th/20^th - Ennerdale Meet - Phil Ramsbottom

This is advance notice, (partly because it is raining and I am bored). What I am planning is to walk the best part of the Ennerdale Horseshoe over two days.

I will be leaving the Bowness Knott car park (grid ref NY108154) on the Saturday at about 9.30, heading for Steeple, Scoat Fell, Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts spending the Saturday night in a bothy. I am being deliberately obscure about the location as I would prefer to have exclusive access to the bothy, and I don't want this picked up by some search engine.

If you want the exact details drop me an email and I will fill you in about location and facilities (none - apart from walls and a roof). If the idea of the bothy does not suit you there is always a nearby Youth Hostel (for £19 per night) but you will have to sort this out for yourself.

Sunday will involve an early pre breakfast stroll up Fleetwith Pike, then (after numerous brews) Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike before dropping straight down to Gillerthwaite Youth Hostel. The super fit can of course complete the circuit in one day and then spend the Sunday on Pillar Rock, crag rats can just spend two days on Pillar Rock - there are good campsites at Wasdale and Buttermere.

I hope this gives something for everyone - please come along and prove me right.

April 27^th - Lancashire Walk - Frank Williams

Meet at the car park on the B6214 south of Holcombe, GR 782163. Explorer 19 map West Pennine Moors. Time 10.00 for 10.15 start.

The distance is about 8 to 9 miles, past the pub heading north, Chatterton Close, then on Rossendale Way across Alden Brook, north towards Great House, west to Musden Head Moor, and on leaving the RW west to Causeway End. Turning South to Whowell Heights to join the road at the pub, (unlike Len I don't know their names), a bit of road which we leave at Springsides Farm, south to near Crowthorn Delf where we turn east up the track to cross the moor towards Bull Hill, round it south or north depending on red flags and then over Holcombe Moor to Pilgrims' Cross ( "Stone" on map ) and returning south across Harcles Hill to the Peel Tower and back down to the Car Park.

There are a few pubs for refreshments and since we (M and I) are geriatric we will propose sheltered collecting points where we can reconnect with the speedies. This is decidedly Thickett country so if I get lost he may be there to guide us!!

For those who don't know the area it is a varied route with a mix of tracks and paths (bogs) and wild moorland as well as farm lanes and paths. The last two miles are the finish route of the Three Towers Fell Race, quite rough going in the event after 20 miles or so.

May 3^rd/5^th - Isle of Arran - Roger Daley

Arran

"Here the climber is surrounded by a chaos of rock and boulder, soaring summits, frowning precipices and startling pinnacles, that represent a perfect paradise in which to exercise their favourite pursuit. The peaks of Caisteal Abhail and Ceum na Caillich, as seen from the shores of Sannox in wild and misty weather, have a fearful look of life about them, like the primeval sea-monsters tossing their heads in the air."

Extract taken from The Granite peaks of Arran by W. Douglas

The Isle of Arran is the most southerly Scottish island and sits in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre. Although only 19 miles long by 10 miles wide it has a remarkable diversity of landscapes and seascapes.

Getting There

There is a regular Ferry service from Ardrossan to Brodick; one of which I will be taking on Friday 2^nd May and returning to the mainland on Tuesday, May 6^th.

To cross from Ardossan to Brodick you will need to book with Caledonian MacBrayne

• See www.calmac.co.uk for timetable and fares
• Booking Hotline 08000 66 5000

Taking your car across is not cheap and you are advised to book early if you intend to do this. I would recommend leaving your car on the mainland and travel across as a foot passenger (£8.95). There is a good bus service which coincides with the arrival of the ferry, see below in Campsite and Location section.

Bus services on Arran including Brodick. For details contact traveline tel: 0871 200 22 33.

Campsite and Location

Our campsite is the Glen Rosa site near to Brodick; it is sited over a very large area of natural ground; the location is exceptional (Site of Special Scientific Interest), next to the Glen Rosa track, which leads to the Arran Hills with access to some excellent climbing, scrambling, walking, including the highpoint of, Goatfell.

The Glen Rosa site is the only one in Brodick; Glen Rosa is two miles (3km) outside of the village. It takes roughly 40 minutes to walk from the pier, however there is a good bus service. Buses coincide with the arrival of the ferries from both Brodick and Lochranza. Ask the driver to stop at the Glen Rosa road.

From Brodick Pier, turn right into Brodick village and continue past the co-op, the guest houses, golf club and Heritage Museum at the junction carry on straight ahead following the signs to Blackwaterfoot, 100 yards on the right is the Glen Rosa track. Book in at the farmhouse (first house on the left immediately on the roadside after the bridge.)

The facilities are very basic, wash hand basins, toilets and bins. Cold, drinkable water is available. There is no hot water, showers or electric hook ups.

• Telephone: 01770 302380
• £3.50 per person per night.
• Dogs are permitted by permission but must be tethered.
• Campfires are allowed if care is taken.
• Discounts available for Children.
• Very limited parking available.
• No separate charge for cars, dogs or tents.
• Two and half miles from Brodick pier.
• One and half miles to the nearest pub/restaurant.
• No need to book in advance, except for large groups.
• Noisy groups are not welcome and will be removed.
• Waterproofs and insect repellents are advised.

If people let me know their interested nearer the time then I can coordinate car sharing etc.

Saturday May 10^th - South Pennines Walk - Mike Graves

This should be a delightful walk of about 11.5 miles, with some great views of the South Pennines. The walk starts at Worsthorn, and parking is on the Gorple Road, just after the church. SD 877 324 the route follows the Gorple Rd before dropping down the Hurstwood Reservoir 889 318 and passing the Cant Clough reservoir 897 310. We then join the Burnley Way near the Widdop Reservoir 926 324. Soon we cross Exwistle Moor, passing Swinden Reservoir, through some pleasant woods and back to Worsthorn. At least we should see some water!

Sunday May 11^th - Bamford Edge Meet - Ann Sanderson

This magnificent crag overlooking Ladybower Reservoir is now open thanks to the CRoW Act. Because of past access difficulties the gritstone is superbly rough.

[Please note the landowner has been granted a 5 year ban on dogs].

There is a magnificent selection of routes, such as the pleasant Bamford Wall (S), well protected jamming in Brown's Crack (HS), the delicate and photogenic Wrinkled Wall (VS), the spectacular finish on Gargoyle Flake (VS), the superb finishing move on Quien Sabe? (VS), the almost too well protected Bilberry Crack (VS 5a) and Neb Buttress (HVS) requiring careful ropework.

Meet at the Neb Buttress area of the crag. I will be there from 10.30am.

May 17^th/18^th - FRCC Brackenclose meet - Chris Thickett

"JOINT MEET with FRCC at BRACKENCLOSE, WASTDALE".

9 male and 6 female places have been booked for KMC members at £5 per night each. Please contact Chris Thickett to secure a place. Pay at the hut.

Arguably the best hut in England at the best location. Some of the best climbing, walking or scrambling.

May 24^th/26^th - Tyndrum - Keith Williams

Another old-fashioned Scottish meet hopefully early enough in the season to avoid the worst of the midges. There are around fifty Munros within twenty miles of Tyndrum. To the south you'll find the Arrochar Alps with Ben Vorlich and Ben Vane among them. Travel east via Crianlarich and Ben More and along Loch Tay to Ben Lawers and Meall nan Tarmachan or west to the Dalmally horseshoe and Cruachan. To the north you've got the whole of Glencoe with the Buachailles, Aonach Eagach and Bidean so there should be enough there to keep you out of mischief for 3 or 4 days.

Venue - By The Way camp site adjacent to Lwr. Tyndrum railway station. Full details on their web site at www.tyndrumbytheway.com. This site offers a variety of accommodation in addition to camping. The campsite facilities include shower and toilet block (showers included in price), camper's kitchen and dining room, good drying room and laundry facilities. Camping costs £6 per person per night. You will need to make your own booking arrangements to stay there if you want to use their wig wams, huts or hostel. Otherwise, I would just ask folks who intend to camp to let me know not less than two weeks beforehand so that the owners can earmark an area of the site for us.

June 21^st/22^nd - Llanberis Pass - Cwm Glas Mawr hut - Al Metelko

Situated in the heart of Llanberis Pass, surrounded by crags galore, right in the centre of Britain's climbing Mecca is the Cwm Glas Mawr Hut (GR 620 569). Adventures of many kinds can be had from here; Door step climbing with the nearest crag a mere 150m away, Journeys in to the high mountain crags of Cwm Glas, which in turn could be combined with a route or two on Cloggy what could be better than that on the longest day of the year.

There are only 10 places available and £6 per head secures a space. Book your spot early to avoid disappointment.

Below are a number of ideas to whet the appetite -

The Anderson Challenge: one route per crag (not sure what the record is but this is the weekend to break it).

Distance climbed (guide book heights added up): good > 400m, excellent > 700m and superb > 1000m

Linking scrambles: for example - Jammed Boulder Gully -Clogwyn y Person's Arête - Lliwedd West Buttress.

The Almost Two Horseshoes Walk: North Ridge of Crib Goch - Crib y Ddysgl - Snowdon - Lliwedd - Miners Track to point 993 Bwlch Glas - descend Gyrn Las ridge to the hut.

Or just a nice easy day out on the boulders, crags and surrounding hills above and below the hut.

July 14^th/20^th - Lofoten Islands Meet - Dave Bone

I've reserved the week 14th July to 20th July as a central meeting up week though I would expect to be away for a fortnight to make the most of it. You will be expected to organise yourselves as to getting there and drop in for as long as you want - I'll just be a reference point. Travel arrangements look to be complicated with many options. We'd be based mainly on the island of Austvagoy, main town of Svolvaer.

From what I've seen, it's a stunning place with plenty for climbers & hill-walkers, as well as Bird watching etc. At this time, there will still be some midnight sun (just) so 24 hour climbing is possible, which is handy as good weather cannot be guaranteed. The rock is Granite and all the routes are Trad with very little fixed gear. Routes are 1 to 20 pitches long, with lots under 5. Routes described seem to range from HS to E4 with lots in the VS to E2 range. It's not all about 'hard' climbing - there are also some very good hill walking and scrambling expeditions but don't expect signed paths. Hills are of 'Munro' height - the highest being Higravstinden, 1161m (see Wikipedia Lofoten entry).

You might like to look out for books and maps. THE climbing guide is "Climbing in the Magic Islands" by Ed Webster. It also has some peak bagging and scrambling. It is likely to be hard to find, but you can download a Rockfax mini-guide to the Lofoten Classics, and there is a neat little Matt Heason article on the PlanetFear site. Since I have the first, photocopies of classic sections can be made if all else fails.

"Walks and Scrambles in Norway" by A. Dyer, J. Baddeley and I.H. Robertson ("Rippingyarns.com") - expensive but has 7 hill walking/scrambling expeditions on Lofoten. (I have not stressed the credit card with this one).

Map - "Lofoten 1:100,000" Brandl &Tietjens, Pub. Fachhochschule Karlsruhe, Germany.

Map Norway: 100K and Other Scales Turkart Topographic Hiking Maps, Sheet reference: 2549. Publisher: Ugland IT Group (previously Statens Kartverk). Scale: 1:150,000.

By the same publisher you may be able to get some at 1:50,000. Try ordering from Stanfords.

You've seen the pictures, now overcome your fear of the Bank Manager and make plans. As I don't know of anyone going, I'll just confine myself to the basics of the logistics as you would need to think about these soon, if not already having done so. I have more details to hand if needed, otherwise this is the last advert.

There are two main jumping off points on the Norwegian mainland for the Svolvaer area of the Lofotens, Bodo and Harstad-Narvik. Bodo is the larger and more southerly town - onwards travel requiring a Ferry (choices, to various Lofoten destinations) or a Local Wideroe flight (see www.wideroe.no , but there's a 15kg weight limit). You'd be better off car hiring on the islands.

Harstad-Narvik is the more northerly group. Narvik being of WWII fame and for Iron ore exporting - it has the Railway station. Harstad is another town a long way away, and the airport that serves both is Evenes, a 1hr 10 bus ride from Narvik. From Evenes, it is about 2.5 hours drive down to Svolvaer (no ferry needed now), Harstad being in the right direction, Narvik not! This makes more sense if camping. Travel options from the UK:

If you have time on your hands, you can drive there. First there is the 23hr ferry from Newcastle to Bergen, then there is a solid 2 days drive to Narvik at a miserly, rigidly enforced speed limit. Alternatively having got to Oslo, there is the train to Bodo (a full day), or to Stockholm and a train to Narvik, another full day. So like us, you're likely to fly out via Oslo to one of the above destinations.

There are two main options (with 20kg limit).

1. SAS from Manchester - www.sas.no/en. One Direct flight per day at 11:30 - connecting flight gets you to Bodo or Evenes late afternoon (1705) or evening (1950). Return starts early in the morning. You're unlikely to get to Svolvaer the same day with car, and the indirect flights don't help.
2. Norwegian Air ("Easyjet equiv.") from Stansted - www.norwegian.no. Earlyish morning out, choice of Norwegian or SAS onwards from Oslo. You can get there mid-afternoon and the flights had been a bit cheaper, but of course you have to get to Stansted. Other regional airports have the odd flight like Edinburgh and Newcastle, and Heathrow has plenty of choices?

Car hire is available from Bodo, Harstad or Svolvaer, noting opening times. Useful but not essential - the crags are within an acceptable walking distance of some of the 'wild' camping areas at least. There is a reasonable bus service along the main road, and there are good links to Bodo and Harstad/Evenes. Summer timetables not yet released but a good site for these routes, and most ferries, is www.177nordland.com. See also for buses, www.nor-way.no and the Narvik-Svolvaer express (3hr25) boat, www.lsbs.no. The Bodo to Svolvaer ferry link means a drive/bus north to Skutvik, express ferry links run by www.hurtigruten.com or if you are OK with Norwegian, see www.oves.no for Skutvik ferry prices.

Accommodation is expensive. Camping at an organised site like Sandvika Fjord is about £10-13 a night, but there are recognised 'wild' campsites with no facilities, and truly wild (out of sight of habitation on ungrazed land) camping. Cabins/'Rorbu' seem to be around a mean of £100 a night for 4 but you may be lucky. There is a youth hostel (www.vandrerhjem.no) at Kabelvag (+Harstad, Narvik) but is ~£24 pn. Good sources for accommodation options (most places have an Internet presence) are the Tourist Information site www.lofoten.info and www.lofoten-startside.no/overnatting.htm.

The Meeting up week is July the 14th to 20th. Tony and I are flying out to Harstad-Narvik via Oslo from Manchester on the 11th and leaving on the 25th. Flight cost ~£260. We are probably going to hire a car (definitely not cheap, well worth sharing), and currently plan on camping (probably 'wild' camp for a good portion) as a fallback option to limit costs. We can figure out meeting places if anyone going gets in touch before, but will be on Austvagoy, somewhere between Svolvaer and Hennigsvaer.

March Newsletter Index.

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