Pilgrim Get-together in the UK

[garranos]

Dear Rosina, Isabel, Liz, Pieter, Sally, Lydia, Sue and all,

Thank you for your replies! From the feedback to date, it seems like the idea of a UK meeting is a good one! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Lake District National Park, it is situated in the northwest corner of England in a county known as Cumbria.

The peninsula is renowned for it’s striking beauty that includes many of the highest mountains and largest picturesque lakes in the country. And as Pieter quite rightly states - home to many a famous writer and artist, such as Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin. Even Turner and Constable both painted Lakeland scenes there.

As for the speedboater! Sally’s right, it was Donald Campbell who attempted to beat the world water speed record on lake Coniston in 1955 in his famous boat the Bluebird.

My reason for choosing the region: it’s many similarities to the Basque hills and mountains of the western Pyrenees and it’s value in terms of leisure and hospitality.

I also liked the idea of Glendaloch in Co Wicklow, Ireland. Truly magnificent
 and with it’s many Pilgrim associations it would make an excellent venue! Maybe something to look forward to in the future?

In Sally’s reply she mentioned accommodation costs and alternative walks for those who would like to do something a bit less demanding. Yes, there are so many walks in the region and to suit all tastes! The walk I had in mind could be done in stages: uphill, downhill, through the forest, lunch in a traditional Lakeland tavern, etc. It’s up to you! Furthermore we could also arrange transport as backup! Some people might want to help out with that?

As for accommodation there’s so much to choose from, and at prices that will suit all budgets. I usually go camping or stay in one of the many mountaineering clubhouses, but the Youth Hostel Association England & Wales (YHA) has over 25 hostels and bothies in the region, and many of these are similar in many ways to the Albergues and Refugios on the Camino. Prices range from £8.25 - £11.50 per night for a bed only. There are also many beautiful hotels and guest houses in the lakeside villages for those of you who require something a bit more up market!

Here’s a copy of a reply I got from the YHA:

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your e-mail which has been passed on to Group Reservations. Until we have some definite dates and numbers we cannot accommodate you.

Ambleside has 245 beds and Windermere 69. You can find all the information you need about hostels on our website,

"http://www.yha.org.uk/website-yhauk/sctn_rgnl/lake-district.html"

Once you have had answers to all your questions and are ready to go ahead with your plans, we will be happy to help you find a suitable hostel.

Best wishes

Sue Browne

For those of you who are interested in shopping! Ambleside is a Mecca for the Outdoor enthusiast, and for the souvenir hunter
 Buen compras!

Coniston is also a stones throw away; see:

"http://www.coniston-net.com/"

Lydia also mentioned the wearing of badges. Another good idea and I’ve no doubt that many of you will be adorned with at least two or three!

Somebody expressed some concern over the itinerary, and Pieter the organising of it all!

It’s not difficult to organise such an event. In fact much of the organising is done by yourselves; flights, transport, booking accommodation, etc. As for the various sessions, many of you have already expressed an interest in helping out, either by telling a short story or by giving a talk on the many aspects of the Camino.

Ruth also mentioned that the Confraternity of St James already holds practical pilgrim days in the UK. Something I was unaware of! It’s a good job I included them in the original post:

From:  garranos Date:
Fri Sep 26, 2003  9:26 am
Subject:  Pilgrim Get-together in the UK

> We could also invite members of the Confraternity of St James and make it a combined effort?

We don’t want to encroach on anybody's territory! Please invite them too, it would be a good opportunity for them to meet you all!

I hope this helps?

Spring or Fall?

Ultreya – Jason
Moderator Ultreya forum






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