ACTIVITIES
AIM HIGH After the huge success of archery’s Big Weekend in the summer, more and more people have been taking up the sport once reserved for Robin Hood wannabes – and it’s easy to see why
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ot only is archery one of the few common. At the end of the course, the sports genuinely suitable for club will normally invite you to join, everyone to have a go at, it also helps to at which time you would usually also build muscle endurance and flexibility, and develop hand/eye coordination and body strength. There are mental health benefits too, as it improves focus, drive and resilience, perfect for mindfulness and letting go of everyday stress. Archery is for all genders, ages and abilities. It’s a truly inclusive sport and those taking part are generally a sociable lot! They compete and learn together and love sharing cake or a barbecue away from the shooting line. All around the country, clubs run beginners’ courses tailored to the Master a new skill needs of their communities, which are delivered by qualified coaches. become a member of Archery GB. One of those promoting the current So if you fancy taking aim, visit www. surge in new recruits is local startarchery.co.uk and use the club archery club Long Mynd finder tool to book your first course. Archers, which has been running since 1978 and Get ready “It improves counts six-time Olympian You can also try archery focus and Alison Williamson at one of many approved and Paralympian Kay centres, including at holiday resilience, and Lucas among its past parks, tourist attractions is perfect for members. The club and through organisations like the National Trust and now has almost 50 letting go of Scouts. All equipment is members, with a mix of stress” provided, and everyone is junior and senior archers insured during the sessions. from Shrewsbury, Telford, Wear flat shoes and tie back Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock your hair if long (you don’t want it and surrounding villages. tangling in the bow!). Sunglasses or a Courses can vary from club to club, visor are advisable in bright sunshine. but they will all share some things in As with many sports, archery can be done with basic equipment. As you progress, you may find tailoring your kit can help improve your technique – it’s up to you how technical you make it. Age is definitely no barrier: it’s not unusual to see people on the shooting line aged from eight to 80 – or even younger, as there is a ‘soft’ version of the sport with arrows fitted with suction cups instead of points.
Let the kids have a shot
CLOUD SURFER Clive Williams leads us high above the Cheshire Plain
CLIVE’KS WAL
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walk over Bosley Cloud – ‘the Cloud’ – is a must if you’re near Congleton. The view from the 343m (1125ft) summit looks out over the Cheshire Plain and on a clear day we could see as far as Winter Hill transmitter in Lancashire, across to Fiddlers Ferry in Warrington, and my home hills of the Breiddens on the Powys border in the distance. The gritstone hilltop and adjacent slopes are owned by the National Trust, and you’ll find walking routes on their website. A popular starting point is Timbersbrook picnic site (CW12 3PP, parking free). Following the finger posts, you can choose You can see for miles between very steep steps on the lower slope or taking the right-hand path for a gentler ascent along part of the Gritstone Trail. Whichever you pick, the views reward the effort! We walked from the Plough Inn, just outside Congleton – a glorious seven miles in fine weather. However, the terrain near the top can be rough underfoot and you may wish to adapt your route to your party’s abilities. Download a map at www.theploughinncheshire.com
January/February 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 87
Active JanFeb 2022 FINAL.indd 1
23/12/2021 13:14
