Secret Life of a Rambler
Alex Ellis - Mansfield & Sherwood Ramblers
I was born in the west end of Glasgow to Peter and Helen Alison Cuniff and have one brother Peter Macleod (My mother belongs to Clan Macleod of Harris and our ancestral home is Dunvegan Castle on Skye). Most of my professional life was spent as a hairdresser but I then joined the prison service for a further 11 years, retiring at 65 with plenty of time on my hands. For the past two years I have been the Area Groups Officer and have enjoyed using my skills as a team leader to help Groups understand their responsibilities. The role also includes boosting morale and occasionally helping to resolve any conflicts. The Groups I have walked with so far are all committed to the Ramblers vision for the future. I love listening to people’s stories as we are walking and, if I have not walked with you yet, watch this space!
Why did you join Ramblers? It’s been one of the best things in my life – good for my wellbeing, fitness, social life (not forgetting my sanity!).
How long have you been a member? At least 7 years.
Where is your favourite walking destination? The Ardnamurchan peninsula which is Scotland’s westernmost peninsula and is rich in wildlife with spectacular scenery and beaches.
If you could walk anywhere in the world, where would you choose? The Great Wall of China for the experience, culture and scenery.
What is your most memorable walk? Glencoe and the hidden valley of Coire Gabhail. It has everything – walking, scrambling, woods, gorge and a stunning view of Glencoe. All you need is the weather!
What is your most treasured piece of walking kit? My Hotter boots, a bargain and so comfortable you don’t know you’re wearing them.
Have you ever got lost on a walk? There’s a tale, a 6 mile reccie turning into a 10 mile slog. The weather had turned the path into a marsh and I went “off piste” onto private land, hoping the landowner wouldn’t turn up. The last stretch was a road with very narrow bends and cars coming in each direction – never again!
Who would be your ideal walking companion(s)? Frankie Boyle, the Glaswegian writer and comedian – he would have me in stitches with his stories.
How do you relax? I like spending time in the garden, reading, dancing, meeting my friends for catch-ups, cooking – also helping our local Wombles team litter-picking.
What is your favourite meal? I like most foods but have to be careful because of my gluten sensitivity. I do like Italian dishes, though.
What is your guiltiest pleasure? Chocolate (but have to limit myself as I could go overboard!)
What music would you like played at your funeral? Difficult choice as I like all music but will settle for ‘My Way’ (Frank Sinatra), ‘I Am Only Human’ (Rag and Bone Man), ‘Give Me Sunshine’ (Morecambe and Wise).
Sum up your personality in three words Loud, Loyal, Bubbly
Written by James Mcgill, August 2024
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~