Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2010 meets.
Not the Roaches Meet 3 January 2010
Following the demise of the Roaches walk today, Mike Doyle and I managed to get as far as Cutthroat Bridge, and had a glorious day’s walk in a sunlit winter wonderland, across the moor towards Bamford Edge, then down to the Ladybower dam, up and down Win Hill, back up onto Derwent Edge, and return to Cutthroat Bridge. It may be much the same route as Steve W is planning in a couple of weeks, but I will buy him several pints if the weather and scenery are as good as they were today. Plenty of people out, quite a few mountain bikers, and several children, most loving it, a few hating it! A few photos on the Castlehub Winter 2009-10 page.
Not the Roaches Meet (Part 2) 3 January 2010
As we would have needed 4 wheel drive to leave the lane at the top of Elen and Bills farmhouse, we went for a walk from the farm. We followed the lane uphill and along the ridge with stunning views and few people around. Could see the official roaches walk route. Saw the gritter out thankfully.Will have to do it another time. Got as far as the trig point(off the lane) and through the drifts, though the drifts were not as deep as those down the farm drive!! Even went to the local pub and kept the landlord company. The campervan is near the farmhouse and unless we get a good thaw or a snowplough / digger, it will be there for quite a while so wondering how our house move is going to happen next week…Linda and David.
Not the Roaches Meet (Part 3) 3 January 2010
Sue and I managed to get the car down to Hathersage and enjoyed a very beautiful and picturesque walk along the river and up Padley Gorge. There were plenty of people about on Carls Wark and Higgar Tor but the return via High Lees was very quiet. After this morning’s snowfall I think Linda and Dave may be ‘chez Elen and Bill’ for a while longer – I took Sue to work at North Anston this morning, 20 minutes to get there and two hours to get back (four inches of snow in a little over half an hour) and had to leave the car down the hill in Mosborough. I’m now wondering how I’m going to get her back!
Steve W
Not Hugh’s Cycling Meet 10 January 2010
Several of us (including a variety of ex-members and other hangers-on), some on cross-country skis and some on alpine touring skis, met at the Sportsman at Lodge Moor, and skied to Hathersage. The route took us along the Redmires Conduit and around the south of Redmires reservoirs, then up the track to Stanedge Pole, and across the moor, fortunately with the strong easterly wind behind us. Dropping over Stanage edge proved interesting as it was heavily corniced, and with the spindrift and poor visibility it was impossible to identify the Long Causeway (banked up and corniced). Eventually we found a steep gully beside a wall and floundered (carrying skis) in waist-deep snow. When we reached the track we found a party of sledgers who had just been avalanched, one of them nursing a badly gashed leg. He seemed OK to walk down, so we continued via Dennis Knoll and Bronte Cottage to tea and flapjacks at Outside Cafe (from where we were rescued by various “other halves” with cars, avoiding the need to wait for trains and buses). The descent was marred mainly by an excessive frequency of gates and stiles.
Conditions were definitely not as good as yesterday (some photos now posted in the Winter 2009-10 folder), with the rise in temperature (above freezing) making for much heavier snow, though the lower parts of the tracks into Hathersage are well packed down. Goodness knows why the couple we saw at Stanedge Pole were wearing crampons! The sledging party’s experience shows that the avalanche danger on steeper slopes is considerable, and our experience in the gully suggested that there are a number of unstable layers in the snowpack. Be careful!
Possibly some more skiing midweek this week, if anyone’s interested, though from the forecast it looks as if it may all be thawing by next weekend.
Hope Valley walk, 17 January 2010
Ten of us met at Mytham Bridge under grey skies but with the promise of some sunshine. The climb up to Bamford Edge via Salters Lane, Hurstclough Lane and field paths was hard going in a few places through the remaining drifts of snow. The path above Bamford Edge was a mite harder – the choice being between knee-deep snow along the track or knee deep heather either side of it! Lunch was taken close to Cutthroat Bridge with a wary eye on a substantial cornice some way above us. The sunshine had not yet materialised other than stray beams picking out the cement plant in all its glory. Below Whinstone Lee we turned along the edge above Ashopton, skirting another large cornice before dropping to the road and crossing the dam. The final stretch along the old railway track was icy and walking was rather like cross-country skiing without the skis – but at last the sun broke through to reveal a distant and still snowbound Stanage Edge in all its glory.
Cheers, Steve Warwick
Litton walk 31 January 2010
In the absence of the meet leader, Andrew, who had gone searching for ice in the Lakes with Steve,the “fab 4″( the Dowling brothers, Dave P & myself as substitute meet leader)set off from Litton on a grey and chilly morning.
The greyness followed us through Tideswell and Wormhill,but as we passed through Chee Dale the cloud began to dissipate.Lunch was enjoyed on a lofty and sunny vantage point on the Miller’s Dale “Haute Route”.
The bright and clear conditions then continued with fine views on Longstone Edge towards Mam Tor and Kinder in the north and towards Stanage in the east.Cressbrook Dale and Tansley Dale then led us back to Litton.
A good round in excellent conditions.
Hopefully Andrew and Steve were successful in their quest !
Mike D
Walk from Hathesage 14 February 2010
An intrepid group of Linda, Chris, JB and Andy S.managed to meet in Hathersage at the crack of dawn (10.30!).
We enjoyed a route made up by Andy on the spur of the moment as he was the only one with a map showing the whole area. Lovely blue skies at the start and the finish of the walk with a cloudy raw feeling in the middle section.
Fantastic views from Abney Moor and some snow patches still on the moor with quite a few snowy areas looking very scenic on all the visible edges.
Surprise, surprise we ended up for lunch break of tea, sandwiches and biscuits at Rosy and Andy’s house where we enjoyed the extensive panorama from their living room window. A slightly smaller group (missing Andy!)finished the enjoyable day by walking mainly by the riverside back to Hathersage.
Lakes Meet 27-28 February 2010
At last!!
Attendees: Steve B, Paul &Vanda, Steve W, Mary, Caroline &Gordon, Mike, Andrew, Chris, Paul K, Mark (NZ), Leon & Josie, Charles and John B
We all trickled in on a very damp and miserable Friday evening for an enjoyable two days in the Bowderstone Cottage. Mike had the key and got a fire going making the living room very cosy.
Saturday dawned clear and frosty and caught us by surprise. Several plans had been made the day before. Mike, Steve W, JB, Chris, (might have been more) “ascended Grains from Stockley Bridge to below Great End and then continued to Esk Hause and Esk Pike,before dropping back down to Esk Hause again and climbing Great End.We then descended to Esk Hause once more and finished over Allen Crags and Glaramara.”(quote). Andrew & Mary, Paul K, Mark and myself headed for Great End in search of ice and found a bit in Central Gully. Paul’s first ice climb. Mark and I returned over Glenamara . Paul & Vanda headed for Foule Crag/Sharpe Edge o Blencathra and found some snow/ ice. Not sure of the others but we all felt we’d been treated to some great weather.
Saturday evening was a traditional communal feast and seems to be rapidly coming the norm on winter meets. The Bowderstone kitchen is small so 16 people cooking individually would have been a nightmare. Both the meat curry and veggie curry were all polished off followed by wine and music from Gordon & Paul. An end to a great day.(not a play on words)
Sunday dawned clear as well but it hadn’t been cold enough in the night to warrant another ice hunt. Everybody went their ways. Our group Andrew, Mary, Mark and myself did Intake Ridge which is a scramble of interest on Thorneythwaite Fell or thereabouts. At one point it deteriorated into a rock climb. It was planned as a short day which is a good job because when we got back to the hut, guess what. We couldn’t find the key!! The meet leader had assumed too much. We all thought the key was under the coal sacks but the coal had been shifted. To cut a long story short the saviour of the day was Charles as his methodical approach meant he took note of the hut contacts. Unfortunately they were not available to tell us where the spare FOB was so the affected group (everybody else had taken their gear out) set off home gearless. En route a bizarre set of circumstances resulted in the spare key and our gear. The key fob never turned up so it is assumed it got burnt in the merriment of the Saturday evening.
All’s well that ends well and as far as I know we haven’t been banned as a result. In fact we weren’t charged ? apparently classed as running costs. Should we book again. I’ll leave that for the meets secretary.
Apologies for the lateness but been very busy at work.
Steve B
Glossop-Bleaklow walk 7 March 2010
Having confidently predicted that parking would not be a problem for this walk I nearly had to eat my words. The superb weather, the snow and the occasion (it was the Paul Fowkes Memorial Meet) brought out a large contingent who just about managed to squeeze into the available space with much shouting, steering mimes and banging on the roofs of cars. When the dust and noise had abated a party of nineteen plus two guests set off towards Glossop along the Doctor’s Gate track. The snow was frozen hard on the first section causing varying amounts of diificulty and one tumble which fortunately, although painful, didn’t cause any serious damage. A steep bank of snow further down gave the adrenalin junkies a chance to show off their glissading skills in a more or less controlled fashion but mostly on their backsides! We were soon below the snowline and headed down the impressively steep-sided Shelf Brook before climbing the Lightside ridge and stopping for lunch near Yellowslacks. The views were magnificent and nearby Dowstone Clough looked in fine winter condition. We followed the upper reaches of this on good snow before crossing to the Wain Stones and the Henry Moore-ish Kissing Stones where we found an igloo – a little small for overnight accommodation though. Bleaklow Head was only a few strides away and then it was on to the second and remarkably unimpressive 600m summit of the day, Bleaklow Hill. However, the surrounding waves of frozen and snow-covered peat made for an unusual landscape and, as I pointed out to Andrew, it’s listed in someone’s book so it can be ticked – what more could you want! The Hern Stones were our next port of call where we paused for afternoon tea and then continued to the trig point at Higher Shelf Stones which provided its usual stunning views of the surrounding moorland and the Cheshire Plain. The snow was a little soft by now and the return to our starting point via deep groughs gave us some harder work and some fun – when Ali went up to her thighs in soft snow it was one of our guests who offered to help her out, the rest of us just reached for our cameras! All in all a cracking day out.
Cheers, Steve W
Three Counties bike ride 14 March 2010
A pair of Dowlings, a Roberts and a Doyle joined two Boleys for a cold, windy and precipitous 21km bike ride, starting from Derbyshire Bridge. Snow stopped us riding along the only flat section of the ride but fear and lack of stamina also meant that we all spent much of the time pushing bikes up – and down – tracks and up roads steeper than many V Diffs.
All of us visited three Counties, some people managed to cross two fords without getting wet feet, one person wore wellies and nobody (let alone the meet leader) knows how we missed the best downhill part of the whole route.
And if all that sounds grim – we even cycled past two pubs. Good views tho’.
Elen
Scramble/ walk 28 March 2010
A belated report from 28 March. Seven turned out for this scramble, another of Tom’s hidden delights of the Peak. We set off on a chilly morning from Doctor’s Gate and ascended Ashton Clough, which offered various aircraft wreck relics and a lot of loose boulders at the start. There were one or two easy short and interesting scramble pitch steps and a waterfall that only James climbed (the rest of us backing off as it seemed too wet and slimy). Further up we met more loose material, mainly the result of recent freeze and thaw slides, before topping out on grassy slopes where we found a plaque dedicated to the lives of lost airmen.
We then contoured and descended into Yellowslacks Brook. We followed the watercourse, hopping up easy rock steps before the gully steepened We were met by a relatively high waterfall which has already invited us back in the summer months! We had to bypass this before finishing the route walking over and under two snow bridges. This second part of the route was really enjoyable and offered a real gem for Peak District scrambling. The sun finally came out at the top of the gully, where we took a short break for lunch, before walking on to the trig point at Higher Shelf Stones. We then descended, via the Pennine Way, back to the cars. A short day but packed with interest and scenic surprises. Thanks to all those who attended.
Ali W
Easter meet at St Davids 2-5 April 2010
Was this the alternative meet or the original ??????
There was a really strong turn out – All 2 of us, Mike Griffiths and myself, well at least we were fairly strong.
I’m aware the poor forecast put lots of people off but as we drove west on the friday the showers noticably lessened in frequency and intensity and we ended up putting the tents up in evening sunshine.
The tides dictated that climbing would be lunchtime onwards. Saturday started with Initiation Slabs (cos we needed initiating??)
The weather bit back on this with a downpour just as I set off to lead Vanishing Crack which made it a bit more interesting. A cafe in St Davids was just the job for drying out and getting warm again and late afternoon sunshine tempted us back out. This time to Craig Caerfai and a route to finish off the day. What a brilliant place, warm sunshine, warm rock, sea views, huge slabs, good holds and pro. Thought I’d died and gone to heaven.
Saturday evening in the Farmers Arms was memorable for a really good sing song. They had an Irish folk group and the local rugby club in the same pub, with predictable results, a brilliant session which didnt end until about 1 30 am.
Sunday gave the best weather and climbing on the slab at Porth Clais.
In summary a really good weekend and well worth taking a risk with the weather.
Gordon Riley
Lawrencefield 9 April 2010
Glad to report that the climbing season is off to a flying start, and
no, that doesn’t mean people faliing off, although a certain member has
already been spotted [again] revisiting aid climbing techniques of the
60’s. Just a pity the gear fell out when pulled.
Friday night at Lawrencefield was excellent with 3 prospective members
putting in an appearance, two of them even returned to Birchins on
Sunday, so welcome to Pete & James. Several routes were climbed, old
favourites and a couple of previously undiscovered gems for some. James
put some of the ‘old stalwarts’ to shame by several classy attempts with
very little gear. I’m sorry my ageing memory has forgotton the name of
our 3rd newcomer who climbed with James but hopefully he’ll return.
Paul Gibson
It’s a Rockout 11 April 2010
A fine Sunday for It’s a Rockout, nothing like some of ther cold, wet
meets of the past. Yet another prospective member turned up and made
quite an impression. Lauren had never climbed outdoors before, but after
a ‘gentle’ introduction via a couple of Mod slabs and a VDiff chimney
[sorry] we ‘encouraged’ her to follow the President up into the bowels
of Sail Chimney, these days graded Severe 4a. With encouragement from
above and threats/promises from below she eventually used a combination
of technique and language to emerge unscathed if not a little trembling
at the top. A well earned rest found Lauren introducing the President to
the delights of woodcraft and strange juice drinks. A female version of
Ray Mears, although she denies this. However a strong rumour has emerged
that the next Xmas dinner will consist of roast tree bark with nettle
trimmings!
Meanwhile normality was resumed with the rest of the group ascending
many routes, including ‘Ratline’ and other less notable routes. Is this
the first time a E1 has been climbed during It’s a Rockout?
Later in the day as the group spread out, much cheering and merriment
was heard from along the crag. Upon investigation it was discovered that
Lauren had encountered difficulty in folowing Kathleen up the tricky
start of Trafalgar Crack and had ‘recruited’ a group of young men to
assist with well placed hands etc in vital places, watched by a sizeable
crowd.
Late in the day we were joined by Ali, hotfoot from work, who arrived
just in time to do a couple of routes before tea. A lovely day, with
lots more to follow during the coming months.
Paul Gibson
Gower 1-3 May 2010
A total of 10 members and guests attended this meet streching from
Thursday to Tuesday, with many varied activities taking place.
The meet organiser and I arrived first in time to bag the prime spot on
the 3 Cliffs Bay campsite, not altogether a good move. Closely following
us were Simon & Catherine complete with new tent, won in a photo
competition featuring the Ailefroide campsite from the club meet there a
couple of years ago. The photo has already appeared in UK Camping and is
soon to feature in Climber mag.
Having set up our tent Vanda & I set out to the beach for a late
afternoon stroll, unfortunately misjudging the tide and being unable to
re-cross the stepping stones, leading to a 3 mile detour to return in
time for dinner.
Thursday night was wet & windy, by Friday our cliff edge tent was in
danger of collapse and was leaking so we took advantage of a spare small
tent offered by C & Si and retreated to a pitch behind their palace. The
day was most unpromising but by lunch had improved enough for us to
venture out, not on the cliffs, but a nearby golf course, where our walk
was interrupted by occasional swipes at golf balls, I was fortunate
enough to extract cash winnings from the others. On our return Chris K
and friend Christine plus Gordon T has arrived by Toyota Tardis to
increase the numbers.
Saturday was a much better day and after waiting for the tide to retreat
3 of us went for the climbing option, 1 stayed tent guarding, 3 went
walking and Rachael & Greg arived, soon joining us on the cliffs, where
many & varied routes were climbed. Sat evening was spent in the palace
playing word games etc along with a little light refreshment.
By Sunday the wind had turned bringing a cold northerly blast so Rachel
& Greg took off on a mighty cycle ride, the remainder went walking or
touristing round the Mumbles and Swansea marina. By 5pm the cold drove
us into the excellent Tug & Turbot pub for drinks and multiple games of
Kerplunk, a game for 5yrs and over, for which we just qualified. At some
stage during the day Caroline arived hotfoot from a birthday bash.
Monday brought a parting of the ways, some to return home, some going on
to other things and a small remaining party went to walk around
Rhossili, which is a lovely spot and they reported a fine day to end the
trip.
All in all a fine weekend on a site with fantastic views and access to
the beach with opportunities to experience camping on a tilt. Just like
sleeping on a boat really, without thinking you’re sinking.
Paul & Vanda
ps. We bought a new tent today!!
Abbey Brook 13 June 2010
A rather mixed forecast – showers and possible thunderstorms – perhaps put some members off but nevertheless a group of five plus one guest set off from Fairholmes as planned. The ascent of Abbey Brook was made under clearing skies and to the sound of curlews calling all around. During our coffee stop we were entertained by buzzards overhead and the uncommon sight of a short-eared owl quartering the hillside opposite. A family party of red grouse was flushed as we made our way round the headwaters of the brook and two mountain hares were spotted as we crossed the moor to Howden Edge where we stopped for lunch and admired the magnificent views down into the deep valley. At Cut Gate Gordon decided to extend his day by walking on towards Outer Edge whilst the rest of us made our way down to Slippery Stones and along to the bus stop at King’s Tree. The first drops of rain fell as we boarded the bus – hope you didn’t get too wet Gordon!
Steve W
Ladybower & Derwent skyline walk 15 August 2010
A party of 7 met at the lay-by above Cut Throat bridge in,for this summer,surprising sunshine.We were about to set off when a last minute call came in from Caroline and arrangements were then made for her ( and Gordon) to join us at the Ladybower dam wall.
We then set off walking across the moors towards Bamford Edge.However, about a mile into the walk I discovered,to my horror, that my car keys were missing.The sensible conclusion was that I needed to retrace my steps-particularly in case the keys were lying on the roadside by the car or nearby-but if I did so the group would then have a long wait for my return and possibly have to continue without the meet leader if I didn’t.
The day was saved by Vanda selflessly volunteering to go back with me so that if my keys could not be found,she and I could then drive to Ladybower in her car and so rejoin the others.
To my intense relief a helpful Samaritan had found my keys and left a message with a mobile number.On contacting him I was soon given instructions enabling me to retrieve the keys from a safe hiding place.
Vanda and I then drove round to Ladybower and joined the others who were waiting with Caroline and Gordon.
The walk then continued without further incident.
A stiff climb got us to the summit views on Win Hill followed by lunch in the sunshine at Hope Cross.The descent through the woods then followed with the climb up to Bridge End Pasture.We then had a pleasant walk along the ridge and steady descent to Ashopton viaduct where Caroline and Gordon peeled off to retrieve their car.
The rest of us continued with a rather stiff climb up Ladybower Tor to gain the bottom end of the Derwent skyline ridge with lovely views of the reservoirs in the late afternoon sunshine.
A steady descent to Cut Throat bridge then finished off a good round in perfect weather marred slghtly,in my case, by the drama of the lost keys!
Mike Doyle
Northumbria 21-22 August 2010
Despite a less then favourable weather forecast twelve hardy souls turned up at Demise Farm Campsite, Bellingham. I arrived late evening having given a lift to a potential new member Gary Sheppard. On arrival I was confronted by a tent the size and luxury of which, made Blenheim Palace look like a council flat in Rotterdam. This was the abode of Paul and Vanda, it even had illuminated tent pegs.
The evening was spent convivially sat outside the tents talking. There was a short attempt to discus astro physics but the conversation soon went down hill, so much so that Dave jenks name was mentioned. The rest of the group consisted of Charles; Pat and Martin in there camper van and an old Friend of mine called Alison and her two teenage sons Euan and Cameron. Latter on, after dark, Russ and Lynne on there way to the Whitby Folk Festival joined us.
Saturday dawnwed rather over cast: the plan was to climb at Great Wanney the local crag to Bellingham. The last time I was there was was 1992. Despite climbing at lower grades it was still quite difficult. I and Gary had a battle on a Diff. Alison was keen to give her sons a go at climbing and I dragged them up an amusing V Diff. Alison was attempting to give her kids a tast of adventure showing them that there was more to life than computer games. Some would call this character building others child abuse. Russ did his first climb in six years and Charles cycled up to join us.
Saturday evening we dodged the showers and had a BBQ. The people at the big tent had a take away Chinese, obviosly not wanting to eat with the rif raf
Sunday: After heavy rain in the night the sky was blue with a fresh breeze.Paul and Vanda; Martin and Pat with Gary went climbing on Peel Crag. I and Alison left our cars at Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrians Wall and Charles gave us a lift to Burnhead Car Park. The plan was that I, Alison and the boys would walk back along Hadrians wall to the cars and I would then pick Gary up from The Twice Brewed Pub. Charles having done that section set of in the oposit direction, returning to his car via the bus service that links all the car parks the route number of which is AD 122.
Our route back to the cars took us over Peel Crag were we met up with the climbers. Unfortunatly Gary had been hit on the knee by a falling rock which had put pay to him climbing so he and Pat were sunbathing. The other incident that day was the the turbo charged Cameron striding off ahead of us and going past the car park. After the use of mobile phones he was eventually recovered.
Apart from Gary’s knee it was a plesant and successfull meet and it was nice to see Russ and Lynne if only briefly.
Hugh Dowling
Rowsley walk 10 October 2010
After a misty autumnal start to the day, 7 of us set off from Rowsley
heading south over Stanton Moor, passing the ‘Nine Ladies’ stone circle,
taking footpaths east of Birchover towards Winster [Marion left us here,
nurturing her poorly achilles tendon and ankle] before turning westwards
to Elton. The cafe, much-loved by cyclists and others, may have closed
down, but we were fortunate enough to coincide with a fund-faising event
in Elton village hall, offering delicious soups and cakes, we which we
enjoyed outside in hot sunshine. Heading north, we felt we should
investigate ‘Serenity coffee shop’ at Cliff farm about 1 mile from Elton
[GR. 218621] which has replaced the Elton cafe and welcomes people in
muddy gear, serving locally made cakes, freshly brewed coffee, soup etc.
Crossing over Harthill moor [more stunning views in ‘summer’ sun], we
then did a loop passing Cratcliffe Edge back towards Birchover. Gavin
invited us on another diversion, this time to explore the Druid caves
just on the outskirts of Birchover, providing another excuse for
sustenance and view appreciation. Then we returned back over Stanton
Moor, along the edge of Sheepwalk wood, to rejoin the Wye valley via
Congreave and back to Rowsley. Thank you to Andy and Rosy, Gavin,
Marion, Dave and Linda for your company and sharing a great day out in
fantastic weather, along many footpaths I’d not been on before. We did
12 miles in all and despite the occasional hesitation on the map-reading
front, we didn’t deviate from the planned route at all [I wouldn’t tell
any of them where we were going, so that only I would know when we’d got
lost!]
Vanda
Yorkshire Dales 16-17 October 2010
A brilliant turn out for a camping meet in mid -October. In all 14 members attended and enjoyed the late Autumn sunshine at Knight Stainforth. However little mountaineering took place and most people chose to cycle, with a road and a mountain bike group. Perhaps a name change is needed to ‘The Castle outdoor-type group for people with bad knees’. Charles and John explored the crags to the west of the Ribble and Sue and Greg (with Chris on Sunday) walked up Pen y ghent and Ingleborough.
The camp site on the banks of the river Ribble proved popular and is recommended for another visit and the local pub had good beer and hearty food.
Sue Allenby
Ringinglow, Blackamoor & Stanage Round 6 December 2010
10 members assembled at the Norfolk Arms Hotel,2 having walked up from Fulwood, in sparkling clear conditions.As we started up the bank leading to Houndkirk we were joined by Ali and Linda who had been delayed due to an argument with a passing wing mirror!
The party,now 12,then set out across Houndkirk moor when Gordon Riley parted company with sole of one of his boots ( surely a castle first !)and sensibly-in view of what was to come-retired.The band of 11 continued ,but the number returned to 12 when we were joined by a panting Rob Green who had run all the way from Bents Road !
We then cut across to the top of Burbage Edge following footsteps in the snow that led approximately in the right direction ( easier than following the actual path which was covered in snow and unwalked)with one or two deep sections which proved too deep for Leon’s wellies!An exciting descent through deep snow led us down to the Green Drive,but which was only achieved after crossing a deep ditch.Unfortunately Ali slipped into the stream at the bottom and had to be pulled out with a wet foot.
The party then continued to the pack horse bridge below Carl Wark and ascended to the top of Higgar Tor for lunch with brilliant all round views.
Sadly Ali and Leon were suffering from cold wet feet and,therefore, peeled off for home when we reached the road below Higgar.
The remaining 9 ( Josey having joined the escapees) continued to the trig point at the eastern end of Stanage and then floundered through deep but well trodden snow to Burbage Bridge.We returned along the the snow bound road with a deviation to enter the winter wonderland of Lady Canning’s plantation.
A drink in the Norfolk Arms Hotel finished off a wonderful winter’s day out in glorious conditions.
Mike
Longnor walk 12 December 2010
The dog walking branch of the Castle were out on Sunday following a rather
convoluted route bagging Longnor’s finest and highest hills. I got to bore most
people with my geology lecture but I did manage to stay largely on route with
the help of Gordon (thank you). Most memorable bit: the fine selection of
Barnsley jokes with our sandwiches.
Elen
Festive Stagger 19 December 2010
17 members set out on foot and a further 4 on mountain bikes plus one who made it by car.
Conditions under foot were good with much of the recent ice having melted making for a straightforward traverse of Bell Hagg edge and,once below “the Coppice”, a safe crossing of the stepping stones.
The difficulties over we then made good progress through the valley to the Holly Bush which we largely had to ourselves.Shortly after, the cyclists arrived,looking rather cold after the final descent to the pub!
Well fed and watered we then began the long traverse and climb of the southern side of the Rivelin valley to the edge of the Hallamshire Golf club ( while the cyclists made a direct ascent of Hagg Hill).
Thereafter the walkers,the motorist and one cyclist made it back to Canterbury Avenue for more feeding and watering.
As usual the party continued well into the evening and,in the final stages, the cosiness of the warm fire, music by Pink Floyd and a bottle of Laphroiag produced a fine finish to an excellent day.
Mike D