End of An Era : Weirside at Chapel Stile

In all the time I’ve been a member of the club, two “huts” stick in my mind as those which I would always try to get to whenever they appeared on our Hut Calendar, courtesy of the booking skills of our Hut Secretary Roy Haythornthwaite : High House located at Seathwaite, and Weirside located at Chapel Stile at the head of Great Langdale. High House we are still using, but Weirside has now been sold and the new owners have decreed that it will be no more.

Weirside was always our first hut of the year (end of January), and allowed us to celebrate Burns Night in a traditional manner – haggis, neeps, and tatties, with the haggis ceremonially cut to start the festive proceedings. Most members dressed for the occasion and several even wore ‘proper’ kilts. During the course of the evening, even though the Wainwright pub was just up the road, members used to bring their own single malt whiskies – I would guess, between us, we had a far better and varied selection than most pubs. Of course the Wainwright saw our patronage, with its log fire, TV, and varied beer selections, but it was the atmosphere we all created inside the hut that ensured we spent as much time there as possible.

The usual routine for most people, was to arrive on Friday afternoon, and depart on Sunday afternoon. For those members of the club fortunate enough to be retired, it was usually an early afternoon arrival to book their places in the small car park. Although the hut catered for 16 people (2 x 8-person dormitories for male and female members), invariably there would be too many cars to get in the car park. Those arriving later usually parked up near the Wainwright Inn.

The early arrivals booked their favourite bunks (bottom bunks to save on over exerting themselves after one too many celebratory drinks) then set off for a short afternoon stroll along the quarry path / road that ran behind the beck and Langdale Country Club before emerging at Elterwater, and the Britannia Inn – a favoured watering hole. Several hours were usually spent here before walking back the same way, returning to the hut for something to eat before venturing off to the Wainwright. Some members even brought a local Rossendale delicacy (Cissy Green pies) for a late night supper. On many a Saturday morning, I’ve walked with a hang over.

Saturday saw the serious side of the club – walking and climbing. The Langdale Valley is renowned for being able to cater for everyone’s outdoor pursuits – low and high level fell walking, climbing and, for some, even the opportunity to get pampered at the Country Club on a day membership. Due to the close proximity of the Langdale Pikes, most people would venture of to do something in that area, walking or climbing, whilst others could take a leisurely stroll back to Ambleside at river level and catch the bus back to Chapel Stile.

Invariably, for most, the return to Chapel Stile would include a diversion (deliberate or otherwise) to the Old Dungeon Ghyll for a few more drinks or even hot chocolate with cream. The local bus route stopped just outside the pub and, although unpredictable, it allowed us to make the most of the hills and pub, before venturing back to the hut to prepare ourselves for the evening’s festivities.

By the time we arrived back at the hut, we found several committee members and their partners busily preparing the evening’s meal. Although the kitchen was small, it was equipped enough for our purposes – for a small charge, we usually got a soup starter, followed by the main course of haggis, neeps, and tatties, and ending with a festive dessert and / or a cheese board.

Once we were all seated, the lights would be dimmed and haggis would be set on fire, and was piped in to Highland Cathedral. Once the ceremonial cutting of the first haggis was over, we all tucked in to a sumptuous festive fayre. Beer and wine flowed, as did whisky later, and some members even found enough energy to walk back to the Wainwright for a nightcap or two. Yes, they can be boisterous upon their return but most of us are well prepared (ear plugs).

Sunday mornings were a sombre affair, with most of us venturing outside as early as we were able, to see if the weather allowed more time to walk. On several occasions, I’d ventured outside to find all the cars covered with a hard frost, and the Langdale Pikes looking magnificent with a dusting of snow. On days like that, short walks were in order. However, with our ever changing climate, Sunday mornings were usually a typical January wet start to the day. After doing our chores for cleaning the hut, then juggling cars around for those leaving early, we would all go our separate ways, knowing it had been another thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

Sadly, the Weirside hut’s owners TOC H have sold the building to the Langdale Country Club, and it is no longer available to rent out. We have to assume that the building will be demolished and replaced with something more fitting of the club’s style, and that is really sad for us that have used this hut over the years. The Langdale Valley is one of the best areas in the Lakes for both walking and climbing, and to lose an accommodation venue makes it more difficult for like-minded groups to stay somewhere en-masse.

2010 will see the club using a new venue for it’s Burns Night celebrations – High Moss Hut at Duddon. It’s early days yet but, I for one, hope that it will eventually hold the same sort of memories that Weirside at Chapel Stile has left us with. Whilst the hut’s location will contribute to the enjoyable weekends we’ve enjoyed over the years, it’s the members that attend that really make these weekends what they are.

Long may they continue.

Stuart McDonald