Join Merseyside IVC on its annual excursion to Shell Island (http://www.shellisland.co.uk/). From Monday, 18th June to Sunday, 24th June 2018, for five nights under canvas. Shell Island is a stunningly beautiful place with very good facilities (hot showers, pub, shops and restaurant). It lies on the Welsh coast between Harlech and Barmouth. It is the largest campsite in Europe. When that nugget was first heard it rang alarm bells but it is the antithesis of a cross between Butlins and Hieronymus Bosch's vision of hell (http://youtu.be/-_7GUMX_K64). It is low density and in some areas almost wild. It is possible to camp 15 minutes walk away from the amenity block. As most children will be in school, the campsite will be quiet and the roads clear. Bring a tent, wine and walking boots.

Some people arrive early and leave late, so you can add to the core weekend. It is perfectly all right to come for just one night. The daily charge is £7·75 per person. (If you are over 60 years old, bring proof and ask for the reduced price.) Bookings may be made online at the Shell Island website. In the evening we play petanque, barbecue and discuss what we will be doing the following day.

It cannot be predicted whereabouts on the site we will be setting camp. There are favourite places but it is always possible for them to be already occupied. By our tents there will be signs bearing the Merseyside IVC emblem. We aim to pitch the tents in a big circle around a central gathering and cooking area. If you arrive when there is no one about, please do not set up in that nice big space in the middle.

For those approaching from the north and the M62 corridor, the North Wales Express Way (A55) is very strongly recommended. At Conwy turn south onto the A470 to travel up the Conway valley. After Llanrwst and after passing the road to Betws-y-Coed, take the turning on the right signposted Blaenau Ffestiniog. It is still the A470.

At the bottom of the hill, before Blaenau Ffestiniog town centre, there is a very small round-a-bout. Turn right here, following the signpost for Porthmadog A496 (A487). As soon as you see them, follow signposts for Harlech, which will lead you onto the A487.

Harlech is a medieval town stuck on a lump of rock and is to be avoided. Look out for the sign to Barmouth. It will indicate a right turn shortly before Harlech. Take that turn. It is further but quicker.

Continue towards Barmouth. You will not be going as far as Barmouth. In Llanbedr look out for the Victoria Inn, cross over the bridge and immediately turn right towards the railway station. 2·2 miles later you are at Shell Island.

If you miss the tide, go and eat in the Victoria. If you are a couple of minutes late do not be tempted to drive through. The salt water will ruin your car and the difficulty is not the depth of water but locating the road surface.

Approaches from the south and east involve going through Dolgellau. The road between Llangollen and Dolgellau is prone to clogging with slow moving vehicles.

Links to Tide Times (http://www.shellisland.co.uk/pdf/Jun18.pdf) & Camping Details (http://www.shellisland.co.uk/)

Link to Google Street View

Link to The Turn to Shell Island from the A469

Shell Island’s Location - Post Code LL45 2PJ
OS Map OL18 - NGR SH 556 266
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Camping at Shell Island [2014] by Sarah Davis

Camping at Shell Island, which is situated on the coast of North Wales, just south of Harlech, was the perfect camping experience. The site was amazing, the views were stunning, the company was excellent and the weather was glorious.........what more could anyone want.

The event was organised by Nick Wilkinson from Merseyside IVC, who proved the perfect host. Nick had been to Shell Island before, so picked an ideal camping spot for the group and had everything well organised.

The camping party had 6 IVC members, from 3 different IVC clubs, Merseyside, Sheffield and Cambridge, as well as a few friends. Everyone arrived on Friday, in time to get tents set up and prepare for the BBQ in the evening. We ate exceedingly well, washed down with a glass or two of wine and sat around chatting and getting to know each other before retiring to our cosy accommodation.

Saturday morning was a very chilled affair; people surfaced in dribs and drabs, boiled kettles, drank tea and ate breakfast before deciding what to do during the coming day. We split into different groups during the day, some people heading for Barmouth, others exploring the fabulous beaches and Shell Island itself and drinking tea in nearby Llanbedr. In the evening we had another BBQ ...........all in all a perfect day.

Most people packed up Sunday morning after another lazy start to the day, before heading off home. My friend and I stayed on and visited Harlech Castle in the afternoon, a spectacular castle built by Edward 1 in the late 13th century.

Unfortunately, I awoke the next day to the sound of rain at 5am.........well it was Wales! The rain was torrential and we even had thunder, but after breakfast it cleared so that we were able to pack up relatively dry tents before leaving to beat the high tide at 12:30.

All in all the perfect weekend end away.
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Emma Thompson expresses the sentiment of IVC at Shell Island. 

TripAdvisor

Notes

Some friends who are not members of IVC may also be camping.

One of the activity options is to stroll south along the beach the ten kilometres to Barmouth. At the halfway point, the Afon Ysgethin runs to the sea across a pebble beach. The water is only 20cm deep but you will want to take off your good footwear to ford it. Because of the pebbles, it is very uncomfortable in bare feet. A pair of crocks or old plimsolls are invaluable.

There is another option for a group expedition.

An option is to drive to Porthmadog and catch the Welsh Highland Railway (http://www.festrail.co.uk/) to Caernarfon (http://www.caernarfon.com/). Then going for an evening meal in Porthmadog to let the drivers rest a little before the ride back to Shell Island.

Porth Merion (https://www.portmeirion-village.com/visit/) is nearby.

Follow the links, have a think and it will be discussed at Shell.

This is an IVC National Event. You must be a full (paid up) member of IVC to attend. If you are not a member do not contact the organisers. Speak with your nearest branch of IVC. Your nearest club is to be found at http://www.ivc.org.UK .

For the organiser’s contact details and other confidential information, please, ask a committee member.

Our Dance/Disco being held at the Swan Inn in conjunction with the AIVC 2018 Annual Conference. The price for tickets is £15 each and include a Disco and Buffet. The venue is 10 minutes easy walk from the University of Sussex.

Join us at the world's greatest entertainment festival. After a terrific week at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 we will return in 2018. We will stay in value for money, student accommodation close to the heart of the festival. We will help you navigate your way round the festival which is vast and can be overwhelming. We will organise shared visits to events and several team social get togethers - or you can just do your own thing. Help will be provided with travel arrangements and prebooking of recommended avents - but most events can be booked when you are there.

Contact Dave now for more details and to join the acommodation waiting list. This will cost around £200 for the week for your own room in a shared student flat which is basic but comfortable.

Join London IVC to join us!

Possible visit to Festival No 6 Port Meiron Wales.

You need to be a member of one of the many clubs around the country to attend this event.

This event is organised by London IVC. If you are interested in joining London IVC check out our website here

Merseyside IVC is off to Tenerife in October. Members stay in the seaside resort of Los Cristianos, on the southwest coast. Temperatures are likely to be in the mid 20s and most children are back in school. This is a national event and members of other IVCs will attend. Our host, Mike Hulligan, is inviting his friends so the event is not exclusively IVC.

It may be worth bringing walking gear and waterproofs or you may opt for the beach and bars. The holiday will be what you want.

Merseyside are staying at
Apartmentos Costamar
Av. Juan Carlos 1, 40
38660 Arona
Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Search for ‘Costamar Apartments los Cristianos’ [also listed a 'Costa Mar']. A number of firms broker the accommodation. Next door is the Spring Arona Gran Hotel for those looking for luxury and across the road are the Paloma Beach Apartments. For other accommodation go to
and see what is nearby.

Tenerife Apartments

Mike is flying from Liverpool with Ryanair. He leaves at 1135h and arrives at 1610h on Wednesday, 10th October 2018. His return flight leaves at 0645h on Wednesday, 17th October 2018 and arrives in Liverpool for 1110h. A taxi to los Cristianos costs around €25. Transfers are cheaper or catch a 111 bus.

Opposite the Costamar, on the Avenida Juan Carlos 1, is a row of shops, bars and restaurants. We will gather there for a meal around 1900h. Mike will have his telephone and will share the number with those who are travelling.

Organiser

Mike Hulligan, Merseyside Intervarsity Club

For the organiser’s contact details and other confidential information, please, ask a committee member.

This is an IVC National Event. You must be a full (paid up) member of IVC to attend. If you are not a member do not contact the organisers. Speak with your nearest branch of IVC. Your nearest club is to be found at http://www.ivc.org.UK.

Walking/Sightseeing Holiday in Madeira Thursday 22nd November to Sunday 2nd December 2018 (provisional dates).  You can come for all or part of the time.

We will be based in Madeira's Capital Funchal close to the old town where there are a large number of tourist attractions.  The weather in Madeira is good all year round so bring your swimwear as well as your walking boots. 

Most walking will be on the Levadas (irrigation channels) which provide easy level walking.  Walking is optional - if particpants prefer to do other things this is completely up to them.  This will be a very relaxed holiday.