Wednesday 20th April 2011 - Beacon Batch G/SC-003

Jimmy, Liam and I were ordered off the premises by Marianne, who hinted that Liam wanted to go back to visit Minehead again. Minehead Youth Hostel did not have availability, so I booked a couple of nights at Cheddar Youth Hostel, which had Minehead within day-trippable range. In my mind, I worked out a formula which might allow both boys - and me - to enjoy the break.

   

We set off from Macclesfield around 10am on the Wednesday morning and made good progress down the M6 and M5. Jimmy navigated me into Cheddar village, and after finding the location of the youth hostel, we went for a peek at the Gorge. I had never been to Cheddar Gorge before, but Marianne gave it high recommendation. I did rather like it, and we walked a little way up and down it before selecting a big chunk of Cheddar flavoured with cider, herbs and garlic to take with us.

   

Now we drove all the way up Cheddar Gorge, admiring the high imposing cliffs. Jimmy directed me to the small parking place on the B3134, by Ellick House. The route was familiar, for we had done this one less than a year before, and an identical approach was followed.

   

By the time Liam and I were on level walking along the broad ridge, we could see Jimmy setting up at the trig point. We soon joined him, and I set up for 40m. We all sat on the stones surrounding the trig point, sharing out the cheese as mountain bikers bemoaned that they could not ride their bikes right up to the pillar because of the stones.

       

Jimmy made 8 QSOs on 2m FM, while I managed 27 on 40m CW. That was plenty though, and it was time to be checking into the hostel, making up our bunk beds, and seeking out some food and beer. This came courtesy of the Bath Arms in Cheddar, and Steak & Guinness pies for the lads, and trio of sausage & mash for me. Jimmy and I also sank a couple of pints each of local ale.

I was grateful to finally reach the comfort and respite of the youth hostel bunk bed that night, and had a good night's sleep. We looked forward to the next day's planned trip to Minehead, and Selworthy Beacon G/SC-005.  Thanks to the following stations worked from the summit: