Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2006 meets.
Rhum 27-30 May 2006
The 2006 CMC trip to Rhum had been eagerly awaited. The Club’s last visit was over ten years ago! I’m glad to report that although eventful, our excursions this year, did not involve any helicopter rescue!
Early birds caught the 7.30am ferry from Mallaig, following dubious sleep, either in the back of the car or in new, pop up, space capsules that did not decamp with ease! More civilised members stayed in bed & breakfast. Those with cast iron stomachs enjoyed a hearty fried breakfast. Others consumed nothing but fresh air. Grey low cloud beckoned. Arrival at Kinloch Castle unearthed two other CMC members who had arrived the day before to avoid the rush?
Within a couple of hours the sun gave a fleeting appearance, through the drizzle, so we grabbed the opportunity to venture outside. The complimentary tea bags had run out by now. Three trudged up to the lower slopes of Hallival and pioneered a 30 foot ?diff? route up wet slime, on a crag that was not advertised in the guide book. Is there any wonder? Others decided to go for short walks to stretch their legs after a long journey. One of these developed into a ten mile hike to Kilmoroy – the site of an old settlement abandoned after the clearances and the location for one of the few sandy beaches on the island. Along the way we met someone from Edinburgh University observing deer – part of a long standing study project. We learned that many of the hinds have names. “Merlot” was wearing her yellow neckband that afternoon. We wondered what some of the others were called : Chianti, Frascati or Beaujolais perhaps? The back of the pick-up housed a fawn catching net, apparently used for tagging young ones. It took a lot to convince us that this net didn’t really belong to some sinister character from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Back to the plot – we reached the golden sands of Kilmoroy beach, admired the view, looked at some old graves and then headed back. The return journey was rewarded with some heavy short downpours and the sighting of a golden eagle, circling overhead.
Our gear seemed to monopolise the drying room back at Kinloch.
We experienced all four seasons that afternoon, in a sequence that seemed to set the weather pattern for the rest of the weekend. Early Saturday evening the rest of the CMC members arrived on the late ferry.
Sunday dawned and a decision was made to make a mass ascent of the ridge. We edged into low cloud on the first summit of Hallival and then skirted the rocky crags of Askival. Occasionally the cloud cleared for some beautiful views across the sea but only enough for a peep through the curtains. After a descent across a boulder field to Bealach an Oir we contemplated our journey upward and downward. The latter proved the more popular. Only two ventured on into the clag. The rest edged their way down to Dibidil, with sightings of woolly goats and numerous deer. Then they tackled the five mile walk back to Kinloch, with fantastic coastal views. Andrew completed Ainshval before returning. Dave notched up the remaining three peaks (Trallval, Ainshval and Sgurr nan Gillean) before arriving for a 9.30pm curry and a round of applause. At least one CMC still has a working pair of knees!
Scrubbed clean after a long hot soak in the Edwardian bath, we gathered in the kitchen to eat. (Some, it remains to say spent longer in the bath than others. It was easy to know when certain members were cleansing themselves – you just had to count the number of people camped out in the corridor with reading matter.) The kitchen, we decided, must have been established with UN funding. It did not win any awards for space and design, but promoted international co-operation, harmony and world peace. You certainly became acquainted with your neighbour because reaching the stove involved delicate negotiations over border crossings, territorial rights and personal freedom. I digress again. Evening meals were a social affair and we enjoyed a glass of something special, purchased from the delightful “island shop” institution which seemed to open to its own schedule. If anyone did stumble across an open door then smoke signals soon created a steady trail of people on the quest for alcohol and tinned puddings.
Monday was designated a “gentle day.” We ambled along the coast looking for otters, but the nearest we came was a sighting of poo! However, Michelle and Janet pointed out other delights such as a young family of eider ducks taking swimming lessons and the constant swooping of oyster catchers.
That evening we treated ourselves to a shared meal, complete with fully set table and waitress service. For me, this was the highlight of the weekend, as we ate in the mahogany panelled, castle dining room, overlooking the sea. The portrait of George Buller watched over us, demanding to know why we were not in evening wear – just forgot to pack it mate! Afterwards we retired to the common room (as we had done every evening) to sit in front of a roaring fire. There we squabbled over Scrabble, read books and tried making fruit mixers for vodka shots from wine gums.
Tuesday was our last day on Rhum. Some were offered a lift to Harris and then marched back. Others enjoyed a castle tour and then took leisurely sejourns to catch a last glimpse of ???? Our stay on Rhum had been delightful. We had warmed it up for Prince Charles, who was arriving two days later. (SNH are hoping to receive some restoration funds for the castle!) The ferry departed for Arisaig, in glorious sunshine, via the North shores of Eigg – yet another inviting island. Perhaps this could be the destination for a future trip? Who knows?
Ali Williams
Almscliffe 11 June 2006. Yes, it is a meet report, not been many about
recently, due to problems with the Smart group, but hopefully when more
people sign up to this group normal service will be resumed.
Anyway, today’s meet was blessed with stunning conditions, hot sun, NO
MIDGES, and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. a shame we
had to climb really!
Hugh & I arrived to find the crag practically deserted, most surprising
on such a great day. As both of us were feeling lazy we began on some of
the easier routes on Low Man, but we were soon found out, as more
members arrived. The grades gradually got tougher [and steeper] as the
day wore on. I was ready for stopping quite early, but Leon commented
that I usually force Vanda to climb on to the bitter end, so I was
forced to do more. Luckily we had both finally taken off our gear before
Steve B had led Great Western, the only 4 star HVS in Yorkshire. Hugh
ably seconded him, with only a slight flying lesson. It was also good to
Steve Leather again, living locally, he didn’t arrive till late but
still seemed to float up after Steve & Hugh. Many routes were ascended
during the day, Gordon & Caroline enjoyed several climbs, including the
classic H. Sev jamming route of Bird’s Nest Crack.
Coincidentally at around the same time Gordon spotted a Red Kite soaring
on the thermals above the crag; apparently several of these magnificent
birds have been released into the wild in the area.
A very enjoyable day was had by all, I left Hugh & Steve to do just one
more route on this fine crag, vowing to return soon both to Almscliffe &
other crags in the area, which is less than an hours drive from
Sheffield. Paul Gibson
Wildcat (Dovestones) 2 July 2006
I had been a bit out of touch due to work and found myself at Millstone
I was told there would be few people around on the Sunday but asked if
i’d be climbing. I’d pulled a muscle the Sunday previous so the
thought of a big trog didn’t grab me. By Saturday night I realised I
was meet leader so set about rectifying things. And that’s how Hugh,
Leon, Jacq, Tristan and I found ourselves at the foot of Puma Buttress
out of the sun and the odd shower. We did three routes and Tristan
seconded his first HVS in style and it was no pushover (Puma direct)
Good crag, good company and the odd climbing success.
If anybody had wanted to go to Dovestones Crag please accept my
apologies. Actually it might be a good place to go to in view of the
long dry spell. Leg’s suddenly go better!!!
Not a long report but wanted to send congratulations to Tristan.
We also talked about High Tor but that’s another story.
Cheers Steve Belk
Roaches 23 July 2006
Apologies for delay in reporting, but I went to Whitby immediately after
the meet.
Six of us camped on the Saturday night, Jacq & Tris arriving too late to
climb, having been to Tatton Park Show earlier. However, despite passing
through a couple of thunderstorms on the way four of us arrived at
lunchtime in glorious sunshine and after a leisurely lunch decided on
some easy routes to help Nicole, aged 11, to gain confidence. This
worked, as after leading a VDiff to warm up, she proceeded to second her
first HVD before immediately leading a route at the same grade.
Meanwhile Simon and Vanda were enjoying similar routes.
Unfortunately, after persuading Si to lead one of Vanda’s least
favourite routes, ‘Sifta’s Quid’, the approaching thunderstorm got a
little too close and ended proceedings for the day, around 4pm. It
didn’t rain too much, but cafe and shopping beckoned.
Saturday night was spent in the Rock Inn, Sunday morning dawned damp and
gloomy but fortunately cleared up to produce another glorious day.
Simon, Nicole & I began on a 2 pitch route whilst Vanda, Tris & Jacq
occupied a parallel slab, followed by Tris leading them up a two pitch
Severe. Meanwhile I was failing to reach the initial moves on a Hard
Severe described as ‘hard for the short’. Luckily Si’s extra height
brought success.
Meanwhile Nicole had been scouting for her next route, as the H. Sev
would have been impossible. She found herself a nice looking crack
[Damascus Crack] which she wanted to try leading, without realising it
was also H. Sev. Having never seconded a Severe, it was probably too
ambitious but she managed about half the route before letting Si attempt
the rest. Unfortunately he got no furthur, having placed some gear in
the vital hand hold, [haven’t we all done that?]. Eventually I did
manage to lead the rest of the route, followed by Simon, Vanda & Nicole.
Unfortunately Tris had taken ill by now, probably too much sun, so they
departed.
Returning along the base of the crag we found Caroline & Gordon enjoying
Pedestal Route amongst the crowds. Luckily Jeffcoats Chimney was now
vacant so the 3 of us followed Simon up this classic route and Vanda & I
finished off with Right Route which has become so polished in the many
years since I last did it to become not enjoyable. If it’s on your tick
list, do it soon before it becomes impossible. A case of guidebook
stars/descriptions having a negative effect, I think.
Ice creams brought the day to an end just before 6pm, although I suspect
C & G were still climbing, but we couldn’t see them. A fine short
weekend enjoyed by all participants.
Paul Gibson
Windgather 20 August 2006
On a day which was more like November than August, unbelievably 6
climbers & 2 spectators turned up at Windgather. The weather had got
steadily worse the further from Sheffield we drove, on arrival the rain
was lashing, in the low cloud the crag was invisible from the [very
close] road and the wind howled. However we were eventually encouraged
to put the Sunday papers down and climb by Steve W who wanted to try out
some new boots before his Pembroke meet next week.
Conditions on the rock were horrible, wet everywhere and slimy in
places. Nevertheless Steve soloed in his new boots and Vanda was sent up
a crack to see how much gear she could jam in before the top. She
managed quite a lot before bringing Steve, Michelle & myself up. Just as
we were about to retreat Hugh & Melanie arrived, forcing us to do
another route. Fortunately the rain had eased but we were still buffeted
by the strong breeze as the crag lived up to its name.
Eventually we all did at least four routes in the lower grades, anything
else was totally unfeasible in the conditions. By 2pm only Hugh &
Melanie were still climbing, although they were about to finish. Of
course, by the time we passed through Hathersage the sun was out, roads
were dry and summer was back. In past years we might have stopped at
Stanage but age, infirmity and soaking wet gear led us back home,
probably the best idea as the rain looks like returning even as I type.
See you in Pembroke next weekend, if not Stanage on Tuesday?
Paul Gibson
Pembrokeshire 26-28 August 2006
Eleven people made it to SW Wales for this meet – though
disappointingly only four experienced climbers. Those who did go were
rewarded with fine sunny weather as is so often the case down there
when the forecast is unsettled elsewhere. Climbs were done at Saddle
Point and Proud Giltar and we enjoyed the unique experiences that this
area has to offer – clifftop abseils to sea-level stances,
marvellously rough rock with wonderfully sharp holds, great lines to
climb at all grades, seals bobbing up to watch the action and the
soporific sound of the sea gently sloshing just below your feet. Walks
were done in the Broadhaven, Amroth, St Govan’s and Stack Rocks areas.
Walkers were rewarded with fine views, wildflowers, seals and
seabirds. Sue and I finished with a wonderful walk in the Marloes area
with Rob and Freda where we watched seal pups suckling down below us
on the inaccessible rocky beaches. Wish you’d made the effort? Too
late now!
Steve Warwick
Ilkley 3 September 2006
We came, we saw, we got soaked!
Setting out with a car full of climbers, in bright sunshine, things looked set for a good day on a crag rarely visited by the Castle. Unfortunately, for the first time in ages, the weather forecast was correct, and rain began to descend on W. Yorkshire.
Nevertheless, it was felt obligatory to do at least one route, so Vanda & I chose a 1 * V. Diff chimney to swarm up, whilst Andrew & Melanie had a look a bit further on.
As the rain lashed down I slithered slowly upwards, meanwhile Leon arrived, took one look at what we were up to and followed Andrew & Mel, who by this time had decided retreat to the pub was the best option. However, we pressed on, Vanda was even heard to say that it was ‘fun’, at least for one route. After completing the route we decided it was unfair to keep our passengers waiting any longer and joined the retreat.
A pity that for once the weather wasn’t kind, [sorry Mel!], but we shall return and won’t leave it another 10 years next time.
Just to prove we really did climb in such awful weather, a photo is [hopefully] in place on the relevant page.
Paul Gibson
Hope Walk 10 September 2006
A bit belated but better late than never. A combination of long work shifts and then a trip to Berlin is the excuse!
Fourteen people turned up for this walk, one for every mile! It was a glorious sunny day and we set off in tee shirts up to the top of Losehill. After a few minutes break, watching the antics of a kestrel we then followed the ridge to Hollins Cross, before the descent in Edale. Andrew left here for greater things and returned to his car and another three of the party detoured – which set the pattern for the day. At various intervals people left and reappeared.
At Edale we stopped for drinks and munchies at the village shop and then continued along the valley to Upper Booth for lunch. Not the most picturesque spot for lunch was chosen -the remains of a small car park but it was either that or refusals to continue!
The ascent onto Rushup Edge was not as bad as anticipated and we were rewarded by glorious views of the whole Edale valley. Apart from a thick cloud of flying ants the walk continued unevenftully to Mam Tor. Here we skirted round the back of the hill before rejoining the ridge. However Janet and Michelle decided that they were not going to leave out any of the tops.And then there were 11.
At Hollins Cross we descended into Hope and occupied the Cheshire Cheese pub for tea, beer and meals, but not in that order. At about 6.30pm the final two arrived and we lamented over a fine day.
Ali Williams
Nine Edges (Alternative Meet) 17 September 2006
On Sunday 17th September Mark and Steve completed the nine edges endurance event in aid of Edale Mountain Rescue.
The weather was perfect and the rock bone dry. We completed the following routes, walking inbetween, in 8 hours 54 minutes – all routes soloed:
Dovestone Tor – Jacobite’s Routes VD **
Stanage – Right-hand Trinity S 4a **
Burbage North – Baseless – VD *
Burbage South – The Staircase – HS
Froggatt – Heather Wall S ***
Curbar – P.M.C. 1 HS 4a ***
Baslow – Flying Crag Groove? – VS 4c *
Gardoms – Apple Arete – VS 4b ***
Birchens – Trafalgar Wall – S 4b ***
This will now be an annual event and I hope that the club will be able to put this on the meets list for next year – I will let you know the date for next year very soon. Meanwhile any club donation to Edale Mountain Rescue would be welcome.
Cheers, Mark Procter
Wye Valley 23-24 September 2006
On Friday evening Leon, Hugh and myself headed off to the Wye Valley
for a weekend of limestone climbing. After heavy rain earlier in the
day the weather improved quickly towards the evening giving good hope
of finding dry rock the next day. We stopped for food in Ross-on-Wye
where we managed to find a slightly suspicious looking fish and chip
shop. From here the campsite shouldn’t be far away, however due to
wrong directions in the guide book we ended up at the wrong farm,
scaring a grumpy farmer (or did he scare us ?). With the right
directions we finally managed to find the campsite at about 22:30.
After a good night sleep we were joined by Steve at breakfast. The
four of us set off to Shorn Cliff, which is within walking distance
from the camp site. After some rounds around the toilet block we
managed to find the right path and a short walk up through
the `jungle’ led to the base of the cliff. Route finding was a bit
difficult at first, since the guidebook didn’t have any topo’s of the
rock, but Hugh and I managed to find a HS to start with while Steve
and Leon decided on a VS. Unfortunately Hugh had left his belay
device at home and I lend him my spare figure of eight. However he
didn’t seem to like it much because he decided to throw it off the
cliff when we were at the top of the second route. With some
improvisation we both managed to get down safely and finished the day
off with one more route. We had a nice evening meal in the pub and
headed back to the camp site a couple of beers later.
During the night a big thunderstorm kept us all awake for almost two
hours and the heavy rain seemed to decrease the chances of being able
to climb the next day. However in the morning the weather had cleared
and it looked like another nice day. Dave was keen on joining us to
get some climbing done, so we decided to have a quick look at the
rocks at Symond’s Yat, which is on the way home. With Dave’s route
finding skills even worse than ours the `nice bit of walking’ soon
turned into another horror jungle trip steeply uphill. But surprise,
there were actually some dry bits of rock at the top. Hugh headed off
with Dave and Nicola to climb a VS while Steve was keen on trying a
HVS with Leon and me seconding him. After this it was time to go home
but not before another steep E1 4a mud slope had to be climbed in
order to get back to the top.
We all had a good weekend with some nice limestone climbing in a very
idyllic setting.
Melanie Michon
Back Forest 1 October 2006
Wot, no climbers?
With the final evening meet having taken place earlier this week, the climbing season is naturally drawing to a close, but the prospect of a ‘new’ crag we’d not previously visited before gave Vanda & I an added incentive to get up and out, despite a less than promising morning. The ‘official’ meet leader having phoned the night before to say he’d be late, however, didn’t encourage a dawn start.
We eventually arrived shortly after 11am, found the crag and tried to decipher the guidebook. With no diagram and certainly no photo it took some time but we eventually started up what was perhaps not the best introductory route to the crag, being rather short of protection where it mattered and the crucial crux hold being full of wet slime. It definitely felt more than VDiff!!
Undaunted we continued in what by now was glorious warm sunshine, two more routes, including the excellent 2 star HVD ‘Portcullis Crack’, very steep but well protected where it counts, before lunch and a quick sunbathe. Not bad for October.
After a late lunch we moved up to the starred VS, ‘Grasper’ followed by Vanda leading the tricky-to-start ‘Rocking Stone Ridge’. Unfortunately by now a storm was obviously approaching, the distant Wrekin completely enveloped in black cloud and rain. Wanting to push on to do one more route we decided an easier grade would suffice, lucky we did as Vanda was caught out seconding, but fortunately we were able to descend to shelter without getting too wet.
As it was now approaching 5pm we decided to retreat to car and home after an extremely enjoyable day, ticking 6 new routes. Just a shame we had nobody else to share it with.
Paul & Vanda
Edale-Malin Bridge Walk 8 October 2006
A good time was had by all (three of us). Trains, buses and trams all
arrived/departed on schedule and we left Edale Station at 10:10am.It
stayed dry and mostly sunny for the whole walk with a cool breeze to
stop us overheating. Apart from the honeypots of Win Hill summit and
Stanage Pole we had the route pretty much to ourselves and made the
most of this, pausing to enjoy the many different views across wide
areas of the High Peak. We reached Malin Bridge in a touch over seven
hours and enjoyed a well-earned pint before hopping on to the tram to
be whisked back into the city.
Steve Warwick
Curbar 15 October 2006
At one point there were 9 people out on the Curbar meet last week,
and the president wasn’t even there! The weather was a bit overcast,
but during the afternoon the sun managed to come out a couple of
times and with temperatures being mild for the time of year, it was
quite a pleasant day. Andrew, Stan and I arrived at about 10:30 and
started of on some typical Curbar lower grade esoterica. I learned an
important lesson that day: anything graded HVD 4a should be avoided
at all cost! Soon we were joined by Steve and Mark, who finally
managed to find us after waiting for half an hour at the other side
of the crag. Jacq and Tristan joined in as well and Michelle and
Janet provided a good audience. Around midday Andrew said he had
better things to do (painting, that is) and left us giving Stan a
lift back. Since the meet leader hadn’t bothered to bring a rope or
gear (I was still recovering from my cold and hadn’t anticipated on
doing that much) we ended up climbing Two Pitch Route as a four,
turning it into Three Pitch Route. This provided good entertainment
for Jacq and at one point it felt more like she was watching a game
of golf walking a short distance each time to watch the next pitch!
After some expert jamming lessons from Steve (I still have the scars
on the back of my hands) a good day was ended with an ascent of The
Brain. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the weather will stay mild for
a bit longer so that the last two climbing meets will be successful
as well !
Melanie Michon
Buttermere 21-22 Octoer 2006
As the meet organiser, Hugh, is yet to connect to the internet I
promised to write this report for him.
Unfortunately, other committments meant I was unable to join the meet
till Saturday evening, but I am reliably informed that Vanda spent
Friday evening in the pub alone as the other two meet participants
arrived after closing time!! Nothing to do with Hugh’s legendary
navigation I’m told.
With only three people in the hut on Saturday morning the day’s
activities soon resolved into a 2 man cycle ride for Messers Dowling &
Came and anticipated collection of new slate hearth plus walk/shopping
for Ms Boyd. The cyclists duly pedalled for 15 miles, got wet and went
to Keswick whilst Vanda’s plans were upset by not collecting slate.
After waiting all night in the pub they all left shortly before closing
time, 10 minutes before I arrived, delayed mainly by delivering family
members elsewhere and locking car keys into car boot and waiting for the
AA to release them!!
After eventually reaching what was advertised as a camping barn, I was
pleasantly surprised by the standard of accomodation, much better than
the last barn the CMC stayed in; very clean, big kitchen area, smart
showers, loo etc. A bonus point to Hugh for finding it, hopefully we can
use it in the future.
Saturday night also proved the barn was watertight as torrential rain
and high winds lashed the area, by morning it was still so wet nobody
got up till 9.30, but eventually the intrepid cyclists decided on what
sounded to be a very ambitious route, cycling and carrying bikes over a
2000ft peak. I only know they got back because Hugh rang that evening to
say he’d left stove and sleeping bag in the barn!! Luckily I was staying
in Keswick for a couple of days, so rescued them.
By the time Vanda & I had eventually collected a very heavy slate slab,
the weather was slightly improved, but not enough to risk Buckstone How
which was right in the teeth of the wind, so we descended to Borrowdale
and spent the afternoon climbing the excellent Bowderstone Needle, not
so easy as it was still wet through and we certainly didn’t follow the
guidebook advice about the possibility of leaping from the Pinnacle top
to the [almost] adjacent buttress. We also avoided abseiling down the
adjacent gully as it was doing a decent impression of Niagra Falls and
‘enjoyed’ exploring the dense undergrowth looking for a way down.
Although the members who attended all enjoyed themselves, the fact
remains that we only filled half of the eight places booked, which means
the club again lost money. Hopefully we can reverse this trend, starting
with the Christmas meet, which still has some spaces left. See previous
posts for details.
The AGM notice and new meets list is in the post tonight and should be
with you this weekend.
Paul Gibson
Alport Watershed 12 November 2006
Just a short, rather belated report on last Sunday’s walk. Ten members
plus one guest met at Ashopton Viaduct so we took a couple of cars up
to the limited parking at Alport Bridge and headed up to Alport
Castles via the farm. There was a stiff breeze blowing as we made our
way up onto Bleaklow via the broad moorland ridge. The sun tried to
make an appearance but before we reached Bleaklow Head the cloud
descended and we were soon being soaked by persistent drizzle which
became heavier. We decided to cut our losses and head down the Pennine
Way and Lady’s Clough to below the Snake Inn. Here the Hon Membership
Secretary advised, nay ‘strongly recommended’, that we should stay
with the river all the way back to Alport Bridge (instead of the
higher path north of the road) because he ‘knew’ there was a path all
the way. Oh well – short cuts make for long delays and we finished
with a rather dodgy half mile along the busy A57 in the dark. No
lasting harm was done and everyone claimed to have had a good day out
so it must be true!
Cheers, Steve Warwick
A.G.M. 15 November 2006
Thanks to all those who attended, and excellent news regarding the individual collections made on the night, which will supplement the donations made from club funds.
The main conclusions agreed were as follows:
Clubroom to open every Thursday throughout the Winter at 8.30pm, by the meet organiser for the following Sunday. Announcements to be made at 9 pm. This will be reviewed for the summer months.
Subscriptions to rise to £20, the first rise for several years. Payable direct to the Membership Secretary, Andrew Milne.
If hut meets are not well attended, alternative arrangements may have to be made, as we have lost considerable amounts of money recently, on pre-booked places.
A climbing meet to be organised each Sunday throughout the Summer. At least one walking meet each month will be organised to start near a climbing venue to give members a choice of activity on the day.
The photographic competition will be held in Autumn 2007, with both traditional slides and digital pictures accepted.
The 40th Anniversary Alps meet will take place in the second half of August 2007. Several people have already signed up, the list will be taken to the Christmas dinner, after which the venue will be decided amongst those on the list. Once decided, details will be posted for anybody else who wishes to take part, so if you have a particular venue in mind, sign up now.
The 40th Anniversary Ceilidh is booked for the Autumn, I think October, although the Secretary’s minutes say November. Ali will confirm this, I hope!
40th Anniversary t-shirts etc. to be produced, with particular emphasis on a range of sizes to include the smaller figure! Anybody with any ideas of designs, colours, logos etc please get in touch.
Paul Gibson
Easy Cycling 19 November 2006
On a gorgeously sunny morning, 7 members assembled at Worksop Station for the latest instalment of the Dukeries Easy Cycling Series. In contrast to previous years, we headed west along the banks of the Chesterfield Canal, heading, via minor roads, bridleways and tracks, to Creswell Crags for lunch. [Incidentally, the visitor centre shop was offering Chris Cragg’s ‘100 best limestones climbs’ book for £5.99, despite the crags not being a climbing venue, as it’s a site of major archaelogical significance.] Along the way we encountered the usual series of punctures etc. finally resorting to squirting some magic potion into Sue’s rear tyre, causing the damaged object to inflate and get her through the rest of the ride.
With the weather being perfect for cycling, sunny but cool with little or no wind, we all opted for the extended version of the route, taking in a little of the slightly more strenuous and smaller tracks of the area leading into the glorious surroundings of Clumber Park, followed shortly by a hasty dash through the infamous Manton estate, before passing the 10th centuary Priory and returning to our cars.
Around 24 miles of throughly enjoyable easyish riding, so good that I’ve promised to take the absent meet organiser [she was working] on a return trip over the Christmas holidays. It’s rumoured that the rest of the party ended up in a local hostelry, I can’t confirm this, as I had to visit mother to mend her oven!!
Paul Gibson
Seasonal Stagger 17 December 2006
The Seasonal Stagger went ahead as planned, those turning out were
rewarded with a glorious day which showed the beautiful Moss Valley
at its best. Twenty members plus four guests were there to enjoy the
sunshine and to annoy the local rotweiler with their chatter as they
donned boots on the road opposite her bedroom window. She protested
from the said window ‘that some people work nights’ but she has been
retired for nearly ten years and as far as I know passes the time by
terrorising small children. After informing her that we were
a ‘ramble’ and not a ‘rally’ we set off undaunted to enjoy the rest
of the day. After the persistent rain of the previous week the paths
and bridleways were a little muddy providing more of a ‘downhill
experience’ than many Alpine resorts can currently boast. This was
more than compensated for by the blue sky and widening views as we
climbed up towards Ridgeway before dropping down between fields and
through woodland to the floor of the valley. The Moss Brook was in
spate but fortunately the ford is also provided with a footbridge.
Much conversation meant that time and distance passed quickly –
indeed the meet leader had to remind two particularly loquacious
ladies to spare some time for the views. (they replied, somewhat
disrespectfully I thought, that I was quite fond of a few words
myself!). We were given a good welcome at the Gate Inn at Troway
where the landlord generously allowed us to eat our packed lunches
inside – we needed no persuading to buy a drink or two in return.
After a very pleasant hour or so we dragged ourselves outside to
resume the walk and here things went a little awry (possibly due to
the pleasant hour or so?). The club’s senior member plus the Hon.
Treasurer and his wife were a little slower in getting underway
which meant that just 300 metres along the track we all turned left
and they went straight on! Back down in the valley we realised they
were missing so I turned back and spent a fruitless half hour
looking for them. Just as I turned back for home I remembered that I
had the only door key to the house so I had to make a fairly rapid
return, getting back only ten minutes after everyone else.
Fortunately the missing party showed up a short time later having
made history as the first people ever to resort to GPS to get out of
Eckington – as Charles admitted, his Boy Scout training had taught
him to always ‘Be Prepared’. Reunited we settled down for a spell of
tea and mince pies – the perfect end to an (almost) perfect day.
The Season’s Greetings to one and all
Steve and Sue Warwick
PS Paul and Mandy found their way to the meet without resorting to
Satnav or GPS. Is this a first for you Paul?