#054 Ranger Expeditions' guided challenge walks for Charity Groups & Corporate Teams.

Charities and groups: How Ranger Expeditions can help you in the post-Covid fundraising landscape:
With the vast majority of the population financially suffering from the economic effects of the Covid pandemic. Charities are now struggling to bring in funds to continue their ongoing missions. It’s fair to say Covid-19 has plunged people and charity organisations into crisis.

During the 2020 lower tier levels, when legally permitted, Ranger Expeditions guided small groups within the parameters set by the Government approved National Governing Body for Mountain Leaders. We fully implemented Covid precautions to keep our participants, team members and communities safe, while not impacting upon everyone’s enjoyment of their day.
2021 will eventually bring an easing of restrictions, we have our Covid precautions in place and are looking positively forward.

What will the ‘new normal’ mean for Charities? And how can Charities best go about maximising fundraising potential within the context of ongoing restrictions, especially for large mass start groups? 

Mass participation events have become the mainstay of fundraising strategies over the past couple of decades. These may no longer be possible, appropriate or as popular. Especially if social distancing measures are to continue for several more months. This is where Ranger Expeditions offer a viable alternative which is more than just a stop-gap. We bring proven expertise and experience in guiding smaller, bespoke groups with a focus upon quality, memorable days for every individual.

How can charities adapt to the fact that Covid-19 means many of the population are now barely solvent? 

As a direct consequence of the pandemic, more than ever, people are increasingly likely to need help from charity. Let alone have residual sums of cash to give in minimum sponsorship scheme commitments. People simply have less available to give. Thus making grass roots fundraising even more difficult. Charity participants will encounter a tough post-Covid fundraising landscape and will rightly seek greater value from their ‘challenge day’ as a reward for their efforts.

Ranger Expeditions organise low-key, high value, experiential guided challenges and walks for: Groups of individuals, friends, companies and charity fundraisers. Our core principles are:

• Enjoyment of the experience
• Inspiring challenges
• Fair wages for local guides
• Using local suppliers for supplementary services
• Transparency: Fees are for organisation costs and wages.
• We do not take any funds away from fundraisers in sponsorship schemes etc
• Supporting the charity fundraising mission

If you are a charity coordinator and believe that as well as the key aim of raising funds to support your mission, it’s also great to support local providers and communities. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

We have a selection of challenges and open join-a-group dates available.
Or we can offer bespoke days specially for you.
We’re here to organise a great adventure for your fundraisers.

Charity Coordinators And Corporate Teams:
Don’t be lost in the crowds. Choose Ranger Expeditions for your next fundraising and team building challenge. By taking out the middle men & booking agents and coming straight to us, the service provider: You receive the best value for your investment, achieve a higher rate of return from fundraising and enjoy an experience tailored to your aspirations. You also directly support local businesses and qualified, professional Mountain Leaders.
Contact us: rangerexped@gmail.com

Ranger Expeditions' Peak District Guided Walks
Guided walks and supported challenges in the Peak District, led by local Mountain Leaders. For company team building, groups of friends and charity fundraisers. There are also open group dates for you to join. We look forward to welcoming you to the Peaks and sharing a grand day out in the hills.

Walk. Fund raise. Enjoy. We’ll do everything else.
Our pricing structure is transparent, ethical and great value for money. Our fee covers the cost of organising the challenge, paying for third party services such as transport and fair wages for local guides, who are experienced and qualified. This leaves 100% of funds raised by sponsors to go to your chosen charity. We are committed to your group’s safety whilst enjoying great day in the hills.

Click the links for a selection of our guided adventures.
Peak District 3 Peaks Challenge
Edale Skyline Challenge
Kinder Skyline Challenge
Hayfield Skyline Challenge
Summer Specials

Discovery Walks

Example: Peak District 3 Peaks Challenge
Originally created by Ranger Expeditions
Welcome to a grand weekend in the Peak District. Discover glorious and remote high moorland, gritstone edges and the spectacular Kinder Downfall waterfall, all along classic and historic trails. Total distance 22 miles.

The Open Group challenge is fully supported and guided by experienced local Mountain Leaders. Includes…

• Transport from meeting point to the start of the linear walk.
• Support vehicle with snacks, refreshments and drinks at road crossing on the route.
• Pre-event notes and advice to help you make the most from your challenge.

If you choose to raise money for charity as part of the Ranger Expeditions' Peak District 3 Peaks Challenge, this is great. The price you pay is for the professional event organisation and guiding. There’s no minimum sponsorship, hidden fees etc, hence all the money you raise is for you to donate to your chosen cause.

We look forward to discussing your requirements and dates. 
rangerexped@gmail.com

#053 Not ideal weather for archaeology

Every day's a school day, so the saying goes.

My wheels were in for an MOT at a garage in the Peak District village of Dove Holes. Students of stone age archaeology may be familiar with the Bull Ring henge in the centre. Now surrounded by the village school and a housing development.

Combs Moss - north (OS Maps subscription)

With a couple of hours to pass the time, I went for a walk up to Combs Moss. It was an opportunity to visit a handful of sites which I'm not usually nearby in the course of my work. These were not the iconic places that Peak District archaeology is better known for, such as the Nine Ladies and Arbor Low Stone Circles. But the diminutive, the easily missed. With just a gothic script on the map to indicate that at one time, several thousand years ago, they were imbued with meaning and memory.

Cow Low

The first location was Cow Low. A bronze age burial mound (c 2350 to 701 BC)

Cow Low (OS Maps subscription)

Cow Low appeared indistinct on the approach. Its diameter is around 27 metres. The height, now 1 metre, is much reduced since the Bronze age.

The barrow itself has a depression in it's top, indicating it had once been dug out. According to information on megalithic.co.uk and Derbyshire Monument Record MDR203: Thomas Bateman excavated Cow Low and found a hexagonal cist containing two skeletons and food vessel. He published his book, Bateman's Ten Year Digging - where he describes excavating in 1846 and finding a number of cist burials.

Cow Low

It was only standing atop the burial mound that a more complex set of earth works was revealed. Three circular tiered terraces on the steeper side of the hill. These were probably later features, possibly dug to source stone for walling at the time of the Enclosures Acts. 

In contrast to the December halcyon day before, the weather had turned overnight. From early morning onward, the cloud base had descended. Bringing a water saturated mist which turned to rain the higher I walked and was ultimately supplemented with a gusty breeze.

Next, I ascended to the top of the spur to find Lady Low. Another bronze age burial mound.

Lady Low (OS Maps subscription)

This round barrow is 20 metres diameter and 2 metres high. It showed similar signs of disturbance to Cow Low, although there are no surviving known documents of excavation.

Lady Low

I then just had enough time to gain the upper edge of Combs Moss and handrail the plateau around to Castle Naze. An iron age hillfort with natural cliffs on the north and south west sides.

Castle Naze (OS Maps subscription)

The defensive ramparts, double row ditches, bisecting the far north west corner of the plateau are still very evident. When freshly cut and embellished with palisades, they would have been a formidable obstacle to would-be aggressors. 

Castle Naze ramparts

I looked over the steep face of the Short Edge, through a brief parting of the mist. Below, I saw a colour change in vegetation. A distinct linear shape. That looked like another ditch, I thought. Cross checking the map this was confirmed by chevron earthwork symbols. Further research showed this to be an ascending hollow way, which forms a defensible access to the hill fort.

 J.D.Sainter's plan of Combs moss Hillfort aka Castle Naze (1878) 

According to Megalithic.co.uk: It was surveyed in 1957 by students from a Nottingham University summer school and The Workers' Educational Association of Buxton, when it was established that the fort had undergone three phases of construction, two of the Iron Age and one Medieval. Obvious differences in the method of construction confirmed that the two prehistoric phases were not contemporary.

Castle Naze aerial photo - Google Maps

It was time to go and I retraced my route. I thought about what route the people that used the fort would have taken. Features in the landscape commonly continue to serve as reference point, even when their original meaning or significance has changed. 

Catle Naze ramparts ditch

Archaeologists often refer to the ritual landscape. But perhaps too readily, things that elude understanding are put into the ritual category. Phenomenology techniques have helped modern archaeologists make better sense of the sites they are studying. More than what's possible by just looking a two dimensional maps. By actually being within the environment and using cues for all the senses, one can achieve a deeper level of insight into how people interacted with their landscape.

Possible trackway, eastern side of Combs Moss

As I walked off the east side of plateau, I didn't think ooh, lets now do some phenomenology. But I did notice what first appeared to be a shallow ditch, with small puddles under sprigs of heather reflecting the grey sky. The ditch widened further and followed the natural line of descent. Not straight down, but contouring, easing the gradient. Aside from a couple of very subtle deviations on contour lines, it wasn't shown on the map. Although it was in common with the natural line I was taking and also heading towards the lower ground and direction of Dove Holes. 

The realisation sprang to mind, that I was perhaps following another trackway ramp. For the Iron Age communities below the eastern side of the plateau to access the defensible structures on higher ground. 

From a day of undemanding expectations and claggy mist, I carried home this little gem of insight.

#052 A Taste Of Iceland Part 3

In this Part 3 of the Taste Of Iceland series, I contrast two main meals: One for the grown ups. And one for a  family lunch or dinner which the children will find lots of fun to help prepare.

Salmon with Skyr & Sauteed Kale

What impressed me about this dish is for the relative simplicity of preparation and with a little 'cheffy' presentation, it really delivers on flavour. This is a good one to offer visiting friends. To be enjoyed and savoured during a relaxed evening dinner with a chilled pinto grigio. The Skyr and salmon connects Iceland farming produce to the traditions of sea. Adding a garnish of samphire gives a briny estuary taste, inviting the diner to breathe in, as if walking along the shoreline.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

12oz wild mushrooms, sliced (I used shitake)
1 bunch kale, trimmed and chopped

4 skinless salmon fillets

Natural unflavoured Skyr

1 tbsp horseradish, prepared and drained (I substituted a samphire garnish)

1 green onion finely chopped

2 tsp spicy brown mustard

Instructions:
1) Heat oil, add mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 5min (until soften). 

2) Add kale, 5 to 7 mins (until stems tender) stir occasionally

3) Cook salmon, season

4) Stir together Skyr, horseradish, green onion, mustard and season

5) Serve salmon over greens, topped with Skyr sauce. (I added a bed of sautee potato to make a complete meal)

Landmannalaugar Trout Burgers

I first experienced the delight of trout burgers, when served from an old American vintage style school bus at the campsite below the rainbow coloured rhyolite cliffs of Landmannalaugar. The bus was most likely originally shipped over for use at the Keflavik US NATO base. The base itself was substantially decommissioned in 2006. Visually, at least, Keflavik is all the better for it. 

A military airstrip was established at Keflavik in World War 2 to help protect the north Atlantic air routes and the strategic position of Iceland itself from Third Reich invasion. During the Cold War, Keflavik was an important reconnaissance and monitoring location against the Warsaw Pact threat..

On my first visit to Iceland, a 30th birthday surprise from Dolores, we were on a guided tour which passed by Keflavik. The tour guide was a friendly, distinguished, gentleman in his 80's who was intensely proud of his country. But when we passed the US airbase, with ragged strips of wind blown polythene and rubbish caught up all along the perimeter fence, he expressed embarrassment. The litter was jarringly incongruous compared with the surrounding pristine lava fields, scrupulously clean Reykjavik and actually everywhere else in Iceland.

One outstanding perception of every Scandinavian country I have visited (Iceland, Norway, Denmark, The Faroes) is the conspicuous absence of litter, general cleanliness and love of country.

After the disgusting mess left for other people to clean up, both during and after Summer 2020 Covid lockdown, its a lesson which many people in the UK could take on board. It beggars belief that so many people have so little self respect to leave a trail of discarded trash in their own wake. All those years of Keep Britain Tidy campaigns came to nothing.

Shrimp Gratin Ingredients:
350g skinless trout fillet
150ml milk 
150ml hot fish stock (I used a fish stock cube)

1 medium onion finely chopped (alternative 4 spring onions)
350g mashed potato
1 tsp tartare sauce

1 egg beaten

50g fresh white breadcrumbs
salt & pepper
flour
2-4 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1) Poach trout in frying pan with milk, stock and onion. Simmer 5 mins

2) Lift fish out of pan and set aside. 

3) Strain stock through sieve into bowl. Set aside poached onion. Save the liquid for a different dish, e.g. fiskesupa

4) In a large bowl, add mash potato, stir in tartare sauce, egg and breadcrumbs. Flake trout into mixture, add onion. Fold and season.

5) Divide mixture into 8, shape into burgers. Coat each in flour. Put in fridge to firm up.

6) Heat oil, fry for 10 minutes, turn once.

7) Serve in bun, with mayo/tartare sauce and salad (I didn't have any salad left in the fridge, so instead  I fried some mushrooms alongside the trout burgers)

Aðalbláberog Rjomi

An Icelandic version of Blueberries and cream. 

Ingredients:
As simple as it gets, bilberries gently mixed into plain skyr. The bilberry season in Iceland and the UK is relatively short in August with some berries lingering into September. Maybe even October, as I've seen as few patches of escapees from the birds and sheep on the moors around Hayfield. They're prolific in the Icelandic West Fjords and uplands of the UK. 

#051 Recreating The Dog Stone

The Dog Stone, situated on the slopes of Kinder Scout, near Cluther Rocks. 

Quern stones found on the site date usage of the grit stone back to at least the Iron Age. Several abandoned round mill stones are also easily found. Taking a moment to view their recumbent pose in the landscape, there was once a day when it was decided that there was no longer a need for them. 

Photo credit: Rob Lowton

Perhaps the mason's foreman brought the message while they were working. The clinking sound of chisel on stone stopped forever. The stonemasons packed their tools away and walked off the hill, calling in at one of Hayfield's many pubs to contemplate how to feed their family while they sought further employment. Or maybe, they assembled one morning at the edge of the village ready to hike up to the quarry, only to be told the news. 

Photo credit: Rob Lowton

The Dog Stone, is a local enigma. It has a cryptic inscription and an etching of a dog's image a few inches across. The form of the dog, with pointed ears, thick tail, strong jaw, and robust frame could be an Alsatian or similar breed. 

The image of the dog itself could be explained as the idle lunchtime doodle of a stone mason. However the inscription adds a layer of complexity to interpretation. and opens the possibility that the etching is more than a mason's lament to his departed loyal companion. There has been speculation that the Dog Stone dates back to mediaeval times.

The inscription can be decoded using a version of Pigpen Cypher. The earliest forms of Pigpen date back to the 1500's but use only square grids to decode letters. In 1531, German polymath and theologian, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, wrote Three Books Of Occult Philosophy in which he describes a cipher which would eventually be called the Rosicrucian cipher.

The Freemasons began to use the Rosicrucian Cipher and then Pigpen. They are perhaps the most famous and prolific users, which is why it is often referred to as the Freemason's Cipher. There are still surviving examples of letters written using the cipher from the 16th Century. It can also be found on Masonic medals, certificates, tokens and gravestones.

(Source: https://www.boxentriq.com/code-breaking/pigpen-cipher)

Standard (masonic) pigpen decoding of The Dog Stone yields nothing but apparent gibberish. 

However, the Grid,X,Grid,X version reveals the following...

"See may be small but she is of the best green stone"

Note the first word. Is this a misspelling of 'she' before the mason corrected the mistake later the encryption? Or, is the word 'see' intentional? 

Underneath the Pigpen Cipher is another set of symbols: A linked triangle, square and circle. Other masonic imagery incorporates simplified stylised set square and dividers, combined into a square and bounded by an overlaid circle. Metaphorically, 'squaring the circle'.

Then while I was researching the linked geometric shapes, the following image of a silver ring popped up on Amazon with product description stating: The triangle is symbolic of the concept of time with past, present and future, spirit, the holy trinity, ancient wisdom. The square represents the earth and being stable. The circle represents things that are spiritual and sacred in nature. 

Perhaps then, the mason is expressing his connection to the landscape and its materials. Up on the high shade less slopes of Kinder, in rain, hail and inescapable sun, his life was inextricably bound to the weather and seasons. He may not have experienced this in the liberal terms, which we today think of as spiritual. More likely it was as he gave thanks and honor to his omnipotent God the creator and provider.

There is also a geoache at The Dog Stone. It makes a fun 'target' for navigation training sessions. I've shared the pleasure of finding this special place with many clients, friends and family...a 'Kinder Surprise'.

There are other rock markings on Kinder. But none discovered thus far date back to the prehistoric cup and ring symbols of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. 

The lesser known incongruous 'Aztec' marks are without precedent in the United Kingdom. Archaeologists consider the image to be old but not ancient. 

Aztec Rock - photo credit Chris Eardley

I was inspired to recreate the Dog Stone on a nice slab of Orcadian sand stone, for my Ancient Stones hand crafted in Hayfield collection. The flat, fine grain surface would take take the etching and the overall proportions were well suited.

https://rangerexped.co.uk/index.php/stone-age-crafts/

#050 A taste of Iceland - Part 2

In part 2 of our Icelandic inspired culinary adventure, we revisit a couple of Þrír frakkar specials as well as including a couple of tasty meals which can be put together in less than half an hour. 

Perfect after a day's gravel trail driving along the ghost road.

Or leisurely stroll through the woodland park to the Perlan atop of Öskjuhlíð hill

Heilsteikt Þorskflök með rækjum “gratin”
Panfried fillet of Plaice with shrimp “gratin “
Shrimp Gratin Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
30 uncooked peeled & divided shrimp
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 onion thinly sliced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 175degC
2) Heat oil and butter in skillet, melt, reduce heat to medium, whisk in flour, stir until thick paste, 5 mins.
3) Gradually whisk in milk and simmer. Cook and stir until sauce is thick and smooth. 5-10 mins.
4) Season with nutmeg (or ground pepper) and salt.
5) Plate up panfried cod. Ladle shrimp gratin sauce on top. Cover with cheddar, add onion. Top with breadcrumbs and parmesan. Place under a medium heat grill until cheese gently melts and breadcrumbs turn golden, but not burnt.
6) Add your choice of vegetables and serve.

Grillsteikt Þorskflök á mildri sinnepssósu
Grilled fillet of Cod on mild mustard sauce

Ingredients for mild mustard sauce (Quick recipe):
1 cup double cream
1/2 cup Dijon mustard (to taste)
Pinch of ground white pepper
Salt (to taste)

Instructions:
1) Mix cream, mustard and pepper on low heat
2) Simmer stir and season
3) Pour onto warm plate, place grilled cod on top.
4) Add your choice of vegetables and serve.

Ingredients for mild mustard sauce (Long recipe):
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups milk
Salt & pepper
Chopped parsley

Instructions:
1) Melt butter, low heat, add mustard, 30 seconds
2) Add flour and stir in until smooth and slight change in colour
3) Add milk, slowly and stir until incorporated using a whisk, avoid lumps
4) If sauce tastes slightly floury, it hasn't finished cooking, continue simmering.
5) Pour onto warm plate, place grilled cod on top.
6) Add your choice of vegetables and serve.

Pan seared salmon on cauliflower mash

Ingredients:
1 lb salmon fillet
1/2 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
2 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into 1" cubes
1/4 cup whole milk
2 - 4oz unsalted butter
Salt & pepper
6 Cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
Handful pine nuts (optional)
2 lemon slices (optional)

Instructions:
1) Boil potatoes and cauliflower until very tender. Drain and return to the pot.
2) Add milk, butter, salt and pepper, mash until smooth. Beat with a spoon until it has a whipped texture.
3) Blend cherry tomatoes and pine nuts. Or just gently pan fry the tomatoes.
4) Heat frying pan and sear salmon.
5) Plate up mash, place salmon on top.
6) Plate up tomatoes to the side.
7) Add further vegetables of your choice.

Hekla Dessert
Mount Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, known in antiquity at the gateway to Hell and folklore has persisted that witches gather on the summit during Easter. In the time of the early settlers, Hekla's more explosive eruptions caused widespread destruction and farms to be abandoned.

Inspired by the infamous volcano, this dessert is my own creation. 

I discovered the butterkissed lava bombs method by mistake. I was trying to create a caramelise for potatoes and had the pan too hot. So when the butter was added, instead of a runny coating, I ended up making the inside of a Cadbury's Crunchie bar.

Ingredients:
Skyr unflavoured
Frozen cherries
Golden syrup
5 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:
1) On medium frying pan. Heat sugar until melts, stir in butter. Mixture will crisp up and cling together, making butterkissed.
2) Serve a generous scoop of skyr into bowl
3) Place defrosted cherries on top
4) Gently pour a little cherry juice on top to create the 'red lava flows'.
5) Gently add a teaspoon of golden syrup to the top for the 'super heated lava flows'
6) Crunch up the butterkissed and spinkle to the base to place the 'lava bombs'

In his book Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, Jules Verne wrote of Hekla:

Yet, people didn't leave this gruesome territory, instead they tries to reach Hekla's peak countless times until they finally succeeded. Thus depriving Hekla and her Gods of its deadly reputation.