Robbie Burns and the Welsh dragon

Always keen on finding excuses for a celebration, Kev and Gill from NWSK laid on a weekend in Wales to include a Burns Night Supper. We rented a grand house in Harlech ideally situated between the mountains and the sea.

Some went for and early morning paddle on the Mawddach Estuary, whilst Kirstine me and several others opted for lofty heights of Cnicht. This mountain gives is a little off the beaten track but offers excellent views over the Moelwyns, Dwyryd Estuary and the Snowdon Massif.

Despite there being few scots among our number, we managed to embrace the concept of following a brisk day in the outdoors with a hearty plateful of haggis, neaps and tatties. Pudding was homemade ice cream made with a good quality 16 year old malt whisky. Finally, a wee dram of yet another fine malt made for the perfect nightcap!

   

Festive Fun

The wintry freeze didn't show any sign of loosening its grip during the Christmas period. With the Mersey Valley looking like a winter wonderland, we made our traditional pilgrimage to the pub on our cross-country skis.

On Boxing Day I met up with other members of Manchester Canoe Club for the traditional festive ice breaker. The fun started with a spot of canoe sledging...

Following a series of overnight temperatures of around -10 celcius, the River Goyt was partially frozen over. However, that was not enough to put off over 30 paddlers from making the tour from Brabyn's Park to the club site.