Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2008 meets.
Black Hill 6 January 2008
Greetings – especially to the survivors!
To say I was surprised (and delighted) to find fourteen of us ready to go at 8:30 on a cold January Sunday morning would be an understatement. These longer walks are not usually known for their large turnouts – just the usual diehards with nothing better to do! A few of the team had already let me know that they wouldn’t be doing the whole walk but in the end ten of us managed the ‘full monty’.
The steep climb up to Ward’s Piece on Lose Hill was a bit of a lung burster so early in the day and deserved a longer halt but the bitter wind prevented that and we were soon striding out along the ridge. At Hollins Coss we parted with the splinter group and picked up the pace over Mam Tor and Rushup Edge. The crossing of Brown Knoll was the usual rough and muddy terrain and a few of the many small pools had a thin veneer of ice on them. However the sun was becoming more persistent, the wind was dropping and the clouds were rapidly thinning out. We took our first long break at Edale Cross and had to prevail on two of the team to keep going in the face of blisters and the after effects of a Christmas virus. Ibuprofen did the trick for Andrew and Compede and a spare pair of trainers mollified the blisters (just enough) for Andy. The southern edge of Kinder Scout gave us plenty more mud but the amazing rock formations of the Woolpacks, the Pagoda, Crowden Tower and the tors above Grindsbrook provided plenty of visual interest and the clear air and bright sun gave us good views back along our route, across to the Derwent moors and to the still distant Win Hill. It seemed a long way to Hope Cross where we took our second long break. Steve B dished out some delicious Christmas cake (baked by his own fair hands) which was laced with enough brandy to numb tired limbs and see us along the wide ridge and up on to our final summit. It was also remarkably effective in pacifying a horse which had thrown its rider and bolted – Andrea just walked up to it, offered it a piece of cake and led it calmly back to its owner who was fortunately unhurt. We reached the top of Win Hill shortly after 3:30 and watched the lowering sun for a while before taking the final steep descent past Twitchill Farm and so back to Hope. Attempts to get a drink in the crowded Cheshire Cheese were thwarted so we adjourned a short drive down the road to the Travellers Rest – a great day out!
Cheers
Steve W
PS I have posted a photo album on the Yahoo Group – please feel free to add to it
Borrowdale Meet 23/24 Feb 2008
Barrow House YHA is in a fine position, with views over Derwentwater
and set in extensive grounds with an impressive waterfall. This was
a very sociable well attended meet, with 20 Castle members, despite a
poor weather forecast. Friday evening saw most of us in the Pool
room relaxing and planning the next day’s activities.
Saturday dawned a grisly grey day with the expected rain.
Undeterred, Andrew Milne and Rick Siddle set out on an ambitious
ridge walk from Braithwaite forest up Hobcarton End on Grisedale
Pike. However they had to retreat in the face of strong winds before
reaching the summit and console themselves with a coffee in the
visitor centre and a trip round the gear shops of Keswick. Steve
Warwick had planned a pleasant walk up Borrowdale, suited to the
conditions, for himself and Sue, only to find himself leading a large
party of meet participants who had invited themselves along. We took
a bus from the hostel gate to Grange and set off in driving rain on
the scenic path overlooking the river to Castle crag. The rain eased
off as we neared the crag, and a few people caught a fleeting glimpse
of a red squirrel on the way up. Photos were taken on the top, where
the views were the more dramatic in the mist. Descending to
Rosthwaite, our meet leader was faced with a critical decision
outside the Rosthwaite tea shop. Should we stop for tea there, or
press on to the one at Watendlath, and risk it being closed? (His
original plan of no tea shop stop never really stood a chance.) The
matter was settled by a good bit of marketing as a female voice
called from within `I’ve just got the pasties out of the oven’. The
previously empty tea shop was soon heaving as our party was joined by
Mike Doyle’s party, which was doing a similar route in the opposite
direction. After a brief stop at Watendlath for sandwiches, we
followed the scenic path by the stream down to Borrowdale. Disaster
nearly struck when, unbeknown to the majority of the party who were
ahead, Charles slipped on a footbridge made treacherous by the rain
and fell into the stream below. He must have managed to do some
kind of backflip and land on his rucksack, emerging from the stream
wet but otherwise unhurt with a little assistance from Gordon
Tyrrall. He was soon underway again and continuing his conversation
as if nothing had happened ? amazing. Our walk took us past the
picturesque Ashness Bridge and the sun came out as we approached the
gate to the hostel grounds. Then down the steep path past the
waterfall in full spate and we were back for tea.
A number of us enjoyed a three course evening meal at the hostel
which was very good value. A game of scrabble rounded off the
evening.
Next day was again wet at the start, but those who decided to walk in
spite of it were soon rewarded with a brilliantly sunny day. Two
parties walked round Derwentwater. Leon, Josie, Gordon and I
climbed Catbells on the way round. In the Borrowdale woods we met
another red squirrel which obligingly perched on the wall in that
characteristic red squirrel pose just long enough so even I caught a
glimpse before it disappeared. Later on, leaving Keswick, we also
met Paul and Vanda and Paul’s family walking round the lake the
opposite way. Others had more ambitious plans that day. Mike
Doyle, Hugh and Charles did a circuit from Honister Hawes over
Robinson to Buttermere, and back over Fleetwith Pike. Andrew and
Alli climbed Little Mel Fell near Rheged on the way home, then
visited the Cumbria museum at Rheged ? well worth a visit
apparently.
Thanks to everyone for your company on this enjoyable meet. It was
good to support the YHA and renew our group membership ? let’s make
use of it.
Caroline Whitehead
Cycling Meet 2 March 2008
This meet came very close to being called off but fortunately the
gales of Saturday night had calmed down just enough to make it worth
a try. Just five of us turned up for the 10:30 am start at Tuxford
and we were soon on our way down pleasant country lanes to Laxton.
Despite its unique status as the only place in England which still
practises the Medieval strip field system of farming we didn’t
linger – at this time of year there is little to see (although there
is a small visitor centre attached to the village inn, the Dovecote).
We pressed on along more lanes with expansive views through Moorhouse
and Skegby and soon reached Gibraltar (thus beating James Cracknell
by at least two days, or is that a different Gibraltar?). After a
brief stop for a team photo by the ‘rock’ and an exchange of weak
jokes about dogs which could talk, shop etc we successfully
negotiated a ‘road closed’ section and arrived in East Drayton in
time for lunch on a very conveniently placed bench by the church. Not
long afterwards we turned east into a steady wind and began the long
drag up Mill Hill – at 67 metres above sea level this was the highest
point of the day! After threading our way through another ‘road
closed’ section we made our way through the back streets of Retford
and then took a zig-zagging course through Eaton (with its college),
Upton, Askham and East Markham back to Tuxford.
Charles had clocked 32.5 miles but, as Hugh said, it felt like more
because of the long sections with a steady headwind. Nevertheless it
had been an enjoyable ride through some delightful rolling
countryside, charming villages and with wide-ranging views.
I have posted a few photos on the club website which you can access
at http://members.madasafish.com/~rpc/
Cheers
Steve Warwick
Scramble Meet 9 March 2008
Fourteen turned out for the scramble up Wild Boar Clough, on what, initially, looked like a clear and promising start. There were murmurings about a lot of rain falling in the previous 24 hours but no one seemed deterred. Charles said hello and goodbye in the same breath as he was off for a walk onto Bleaklow. In a cloud of dust the wellies disappeared over the horizon.
A steep initial ascent led the rest of us into the gorge where we slithered over wet rocks, to the first easy but greasy small rock pitch .By this time AW had already taken an early sitting bath. A belay was set up by Al who, consequently, sat around in very damp conditions, through a mini hailstorm, aiding other members of the group. And so we continued to the top of the gully, some choosing to take the rope on the second small rock step, others not. Wherever we stood it was a slippery affair and the gully was in full flow.
At the top, we met up with two wise members who had decided to walk round the worst of the water and wet rocks. After a coffee break and comments of: “I’m not sure I enjoyed that,” a decision was made to miss out the second gully. By now the sky was ever darkening.
So, we set off on a compass bearing bog trot to join the Pennine Way path and descend via the ridge of Torside. A deserved lunch break at the top and a steady walk down on a proper path soon enticed some back to their cars. However, six of us decided to contour on difficult ground, near the base of Torside Clough, to take a short scramble up a, little-known, dry, narrow, gully. But, needless to say, the ‘dry patches’ were hard to find!!
An amble back to the cars and quick change into dry footwear signalled a desperate need for a tea and cake infusion at Langsett Cafe – where we sat around lamenting our scrambling day. Thanks to everyone who turned out.
Ali Williams
Sunday walk, not the whack and dangle 16 March 2008
Mike, Charles,Mandy, myself and Rachel [a nice surprise!] congregated
at the public convenience in Thorpe as planned and then proceeded to
do our “figure of eight” 10 mile walk up Dovedale to Alstonefield and
back. [An alternative description could have been a double “S-bend”
toilet tour of the southern White Peaks—–perhaps it was the cold
weather affecting us all?]
It was a very pleasant walk with stunning views and some new
footpaths to explore. Particular interest and unexpected
entertainment was provided by the impressively gymastic whack and
dangle duo, Steve B. and Hugh, in their cave.
Following repeated mutterings about tea and cakes, I only just
managed to prevent a mass diversion to Ilam Hall, and later to the
Isaac Walton hotel [much too posh for us in our muddy boots] but hot
chocolate and banana toffee crunch icecream [yum-yum] provided some
compensation in the carpark.
Wondering about the possibility of crossing the [underwater] stepping-
stones at the southern of Dovedale, we didn’t actually have to try it
out, as a young couple, with great panache, demonstrated that you
would get wet in the attempt. A summit attempt on Thorpe Cloud was
successively achieved by Mike [in training for the John Muir trail]
and Charles [possibly missing his Marilyn-ticking]
All in all, a great day out. Many thanks to all who were there.
Vanda
Braemar 21-24 March 2008
12 members attended with Mike Doyle and Sue Miller taking the places
of Steve Warwick and Gavin Moore who unfortunately had to cancel
because of illness.
Bad weather in Glen Shee brought unexpected complications to the
outward journey on Friday.At the top of the pass Hugh’s car was hit
while stationary by an oncoming vehicle itself hit from behind by a
third vehicle unable to stop.Fortunately Hugh and Mike (travelling
with him)were unhurt and the car was still drivable so they were able
to continue to Braemar.The others made it unscathed, but deteriorating
conditions resulted in the pass being closed.Leon, Andrew and Josey
were then forced to divert to the coast and arrived somewhat later,but
in time for a drink at the pub.
On Saturday the group’s activities took account of the somewhat poor
conditions.Paul,Vanda,Simon and Alan Cash hired skis and managed a
tour westwards up the Dee valley and over the hills to the south of
the village.Chris Kell and her friend Jan likewise donned skis and
explored the Dee valley.The remainder set out in 2 cars to tackle 2
corbetts (Carn na Criche and Carn na Drochaide).Leon,Josey ,Andrew and
Catherine Tuck set out first with Mike and Hugh following a short
while later.In a classic comedy of errors both parties failed to meet
up ,each apparently missing the other while driving back and forth in
the valley!Ultimately Leon and co completed the planned route while
Mike and Hugh returned to the hut and ascended the local
peak,Morven,and essentially walked Paul and co’s ski route.
In the evening after dinner the group adjourned to the nearby Fife
Arms Hotel where a geriatric coach party were being entertained with
music in one room and a ceilidh was in full swing in the main bar.Mike
and Hugh were sufficiently inebriated to be persuaded to join in the
ceilidh.
Easter Sunday saw an attempt at gully climbing up Lochnagar with
Andrew and Alan leading the way with a 6am start.Paul,Simon,Hugh and
Mike followed somewhat later, but eventually all turned back in deep
soft snow when the weather turned worse and the conditions were not
inviting.The remaining group sensibly set out into the Balmoral estate
and successfully summited on more modest peaks.
The evening was again highly convivial and after much wining and
dining in the hut the hard core drinkers finished back in the Fife Arms.
On Monday the majority of the group left for home leaving Mike and
Hugh to explore the Balmoral estate and woodlands on skis.
Not the most successful of meets in terms of mountaineering
achievements, but none the less a very enjoyable and sociable event in
a great part of Scotland.
Mike Doyle
Birchens Edge 6 April 2008
With a so-so weather forecast, snow on the ground and unfortunately, due to vitally important golfing commitments, no meet leader things did not look good for a successful Sundays climbing on Birchens Edge. Eleven club members showed true mountaineering spirit and decided to see if practice was better than theory. They were rewarded with a fantastic days climbing in conditions that were if not unique very rare.
The sun was on the crag when we got there and the rock was dry. Climbing and even belaying at the top of the crag were given an extra dimension against a backdrop of a sunlit Peak District with snow covering the higher hills and the fields below emerald and verdant. Occasional snow flurries didn’t stop the climbing or amazingly the sunshine which kept fingers and rock warm and dry. Al Cash was so exhilarated by the conditions he climbed the three star classic ‘The Crows Nest’ and declared it to be his hardest ever lead.
With heavier snow threatening to fall in the late afternoon some of the party headed home. Others were so inspired they carried on – well that’s what top ropes are for!
If you didn’t make it on Sunday due to the forecast reflect on John Ruskin’s words:
‘… snow is exhilarating, there is no such thing as bad weather only different kinds of good weather!’
Andrew Milne
Whillans Memorial hut/Roaches 12-13 April 2008
Charles and I arrived on Friday p.m.to stay in this quirky ex
gamekeepers cottage built into the rocks at the foot of the Roaches.
On Saturday in fairly blustery conditions Charles and I set off on a
muddy walk across the valley to the Gun ridge and returned in drier
conditions along the Dane Ridge and the top of the Roaches.Alan Cash
arrived after we had set out and packed in a walk to the Hanging Rock
area, returning through Back Wood and the Roaches.
On Saturday night re-enforcements arrived in the shape of
Andrew,Ali,Hugh and Jacki.A convivial evening followed with one of
Andrew’s communal hot pots once the fumes from Al Cash’s chile powder
had cleared sufficiently to allow the cooking to proceed.
On Sunday further troops arrived in the shape of Steve and Sue
Warwick,Leon and Chris Kell.The conditions were murky and damp making
the prospects for climbing look poor.Al Cash departed for home in
disgust. The rest of us decided on a morning walk in the hope that
things would improve for the afternoon.We therefore proceeded quite
briskly to Castle crag and Lud’s Church returning over the
Roaches.However I led Charles astray over the concessionary path
starting just below,which took us into steep woodland requiring
navigational and climbing skills to escape from.
By the time of our return to the hut the sun was out and things were
decidedly better.Steve led up Flack Crack-a repeat of his first climb
40 years ago.The rest of us followed or soloed ( Andrew of course).
Andrew then teamed up with Leon and Hugh with Jacki for some more
serious climbing.The rest of us rested on our laurels on a covenient
rock platform above the hut while Steve produced cake and the bubbly
stuff.
All that was left was for us all to toast Steve’s 40th climbing
anniversary before departing for home at the end of an enjoyable and
memorable event.
Mike Doyle
Coniston camping week-end 3-5 May 2008
The camp site was vast and packed full of the Bank Holiday
masses.Unfortunately the camp site owners failed to give very clear
instructions to club members on arrival and we ended up in 2 groups in
2 separate but adjacent areas.
Saturday dawned clear and sunny-if a little windy.Andrea stayed to
occupy her 3 active children, while the remainder of us headed up to
Dow Crag.
Andrew,Leon and Al Cash climbed Murray’s route on B Buttress.Mike
Griffith/Gordon climbed Gordon & Craig’s route on C Buttress.Chris
Kell and myself , with a Swedish friend I met in the Pyrenees last
summer, ascended the Easy Terrace and walked over to the Old Man.
Heavy rain fell overnight and Sunday started showery, but gradually
degenerated into a very wet afternoon and evening.
Most of us largely spent the day in the gear shops, but Gordon and
Mike put in a very creditable walk over the Old Man and Dow Crag.
Without wellies Andrea had to accept defeat and take her muddy tribe
back home.Oh the joys of camping with young children!
Sunday was a perfect day,the early morning mist soon giving way to
sunshine.Saturday’s groupings continued with Leon,Andrew and Al Cash
climbing at Troubarrow and Gordon and Mike climbing at Walthwaite crag
Chapel Style.Chris and myself continued our John Muir training with a
walk over to the Duddon valley via Brown Pike,White Pike and Caw, with
a very strenuous return via Seathwaite Tarn and Goat’s Hawse.
Altogether an excellent week-end with 2 very 2 good days out of the 3.
Mike Doyle
Isle of Mull 24-28 May 2008
Early morning dawned bright and clear on the first day of the meet, as ten Castle Club members boarded the ferry from Oban. There was some frantic last minute car packing, as luggage was transferred, in order to car share, but everyone soon settled to either a refreshing cup of tea or full Scottish breakfast.
On arrival at Craignure, we booked into the campsite, a convenient five minute walk away. After some hungry hovering over The Guardian, at the local store, we managed to steal ourselves away from various distractions. The plan for the day was a ten mile walk, to walk up the Corbett, Dun da Ghaoithe (Fort of the Two Winds). The ascent was hard going under foot, negotiating uneven grassy tussocks. However we were rewarded with some close sightings of sea eagles circling overhead and then roosting in a tree. The terrain became easier as we reached the ridge to the summit, where we enjoyed views in all directions ? with Ben Nevis in the far distance. The descent became rather drawn out via a track, but we reached the campsite by early evening, ready for sustenance.
Home for some of us, over the next few days, consisted of two large fixed tents called Shielings. Built on a concrete plinth, they provide furniture, a simple kitchen area, electric light and fire. More hardy Club members camped nearby. The professional travellers, of course, brought the camper van. Located on a hill, overlooking the Sound of Mull, the site attracts a sea breeze and consequently few midges. With good facilities and great views it provides a very comfortable resting place. Over the course of four days, nineteen CMC members attended this meet.
Day two beckoned with more clear blue skies, which set the pattern for the duration of our stay. The group divided into two parties. The first set off at a respectable 9.00am to walk up the only Monroe on the island, Ben More. The second group adopted a more holiday style approach, setting off late morning to Carsaig Bay , on the Western part of the island, for an eight mile walk to Malcolm?s Point and the Carsaig Arches. With towering cliffs and basalt columns at every turn, the backdrop for this walk was spectacular. More wildlife entertained us ? wild goats frequented the ledges of the cliff face and various carcasses proved how precarious their life can be. Overhead, peregrines and golden eagles presented an aerial combat display. En route, we visited Nun?s Cave which provided shelter for Ionian nuns during the Reformation and also housed some early Christian carvings. Both groups returned to the campsite reporting a successful day.
For some, however, preparations for the evening meal did not prove as successful. Vanda lost her tussle with a sharp knife and an avocado, resulting in a nasty cut to her forefinger. Following various phone calls it was decided that a hasty retreat needed to be made to Sheffield ? many thanks to Hugh for helping out with the driving.
Walking was not the only outdoor activity to be pursued during this trip. Dave and Chris arrived on bikes and managed a noble forty-five plus mile round on the first day. Marian also arrived a la bicyclette. Caroline and Gordon joined her on a cycle to Coggan but Gordon returned early, declaring it was not for the fainthearted! Greg and Sue made various forays onto the sea lochs, in their sea kayak, enjoying quiet bays and close encounters with wildlife.
Day three transformed into a tourist day for most. One group visited Iona , soaking up the white sandy beaches and peaceful ambiance of the abbey and other historical sites. Sightings of the corncrake were much celebrated. Josie and Leon walked from the campsite to Duart Castle . Andrew relaxed with a blast up BeinnTalaidh (Soothing Hill)!
The final day of our stay on Mull was celebrated with a walk around the island of Ulva , through mixed landscape. The local café served local delights, so we sampled some fresh oysters. Andy and party walked along the Dun da Ghaoithe ridge. Steve and Sue joined an RSPB ranger for a rewarding day of bird watching whilst Gordon and Caroline visited the various galleries of Tobermory.
One of the main highlights of the whole trip came that final evening, with sightings of otters, a mere 200 metres from our tents. A female demonstrated her prowess in diving and fishing, retrieving various scrumptious offerings for her young. Needless to say, the digital cameras were on overdrive, the gasps of wonderment frequent and, I?m not ashamed to say, the odd tear shed by me!
Departure day arrived and as if to mark our sadness, the weather turned. Cloudy skies loomed overhead during the ferry crossing back to the mainland. Our stay on Mull provided beautiful scenery, clear views, fantastic weather, varied days out and good company. Thanks to everyone who attended. I am now looking forward to the next Scottish island meet.
Ali Williams
Laddow Scramble and Climbing 8 July 2008
Fantastic weather greeted us for this meet – dry, hot and sunny. The climbers set off to the crag via the Pennine Way whilst the scramblers ambled along the valley to ascend Oakenclough Brook. There was still a fair bit of water cascading down the rocks which meant that a short rope was needed for the first pitch. After that we made steady progress to the top of the gully, over sometimes greasy rocks. An interesting chimney provided the final obstacle before the top. We celebrated with a bite to eat and a coffee enjoying the sunshine an giving me time to dry out! We continued by contouring round the hill to Laddow Rocks for the next instalment – the 24m Staircase. Greg skilfully led us up this two pitch mod climb and discovered that the P W provides a convenient bucket seat from which to belay. After more sustenance five of us continued walking on to Black Hill, returning via Tooleyshaw Moss and White Low.
Meanwhile twelve people decided to take advantage of some of the many great routes on Laddow Rocks, which has a rich history for climbing, mainly because the railway provided such easy access a hundred years ago. In fact, in the early days, it was one of the “prime venues visited by climbers at the cutting edge of the sport .” Now the CMC visit it! Reports inform me that some of the highlights included: Tower face (VS), Priscilla Ridge (HVS) and Long Climb.The meet was well supported and included two visitors who enjoyed themselves. In fact, I was assured that we passed the friendly test!! Thank you to everyone who attended.
Ali Williams
White Peak Walk 17th August 2008
After my pronouncing Chee Dale perfectly passable following a recce on
Saturday 16th August, heavy rain fell for a good deal of Saturday
night making the conditions on Sunday very different!
Nevertheless, a total of 5 members sallied forth from Litton.After the
traverse above Millers Dale and,despite dire warnings from other
parties emerging from Chee Dale wet and plastered in mud, we decided
to proceed anyway.Conditions were muddy and the second set of stepping
stones only just above the water.However, the threatened further rain
held off and we made it through successfully.
A drink at the Red Lion,Litton,in unexpected evening sunshine ended an
enjoyable walk through the heart of the White Peak.
Mike Doyle
Sheffield-Castleton Walk 14 September 2008
Despite some unpromising weather over the preceding days a small group
assembled at Hunters Bar and were rewarded with a dry day. We set off up
the Porter Valley – easy going but a bit tricky due to dogs and small
children on bicycles – calling in at the historic grinding hull of
Shepherd’s Wheel (a rare occasion for it to be open) before climbing
steeply via Jacob’s Ladder to Ringinglow. Houndkirk Road was pretty
quiet and only had one large puddle to detour round before we tackled
the last climb of the day over the moor and into the southern end of the
Burbage Valley. There were plenty of people about at the top of Padley
Gorge enjoying the rare spell of dry weather but we didn’t linger and
were soon down at Padley where we found that the Chapel was open to
visitors – another rare occurence. Scene of the capture of two Catholic
priests who were subsequently martyred at Derby in 1588 the old building
(then the gate house for Padley Hall) is in remakably good condition and
still has its original 15th century roof. At Leadmil Bridge the female
contingent of the team (Sue, Vanda and Chris) departed by bus to meet
prior commitments but Charles and I pushed on, passing along the river
via Brough and Hope to reach Castleton in time for a leisurely pint in
the Cheshire Cheese before catching the 5:00 pm bus back to Sheffield.
Steve W
Seven Stones Walk, 19th October 2008
14 human members (including a couple of new ones) and one dog caught
the bus up to King’s Tree on Sunday morning, including some who had
been busy at a ceilidh in Matlock the previous evening.
A few spots of rain quickly dispersed, and the tops were clear as we
headed up the Cut Gate track from Slippery Stones and our first
objective, the Bull Stones (I) came into view. We left the path and
headed straight for them, where we encountered the full force of the
wind. The traverse past Crow Stones (II) was mainly on a path, but
there were quite a few hidden holes to fall into, one of the larger of
which was found by the canine member of the party. She limped along to
the Horse Stone (III), and though she seemed to improve as sandwiches
were brought out, it was decided that she would be better off taking
an escape route into the Derwent valley. For some reason this seem to
require the escort of no less than five of the human members of the
party, along with two helicopters flying overhead on standby.
The remaining nine set off across the trackless moor, traversing muddy
groughs, and managed to regain some of the 45 minutes we had fallen
behind schedule before reaching Shepherds Meeting Stones (IV). A few
minutes brought us to Dean’s Head Stones (V) before a steep drop to
the river Derwent, and even steeper climb up the other side,
eventually led to the rather spread-out Barrow Stones (VI). Here we
regained a good path along to Grinah Stones (VII), our final
objective. A rather wet section (those in wellies at a definite
advantage) led to improving paths and increasing pace down the Westend
valley, and we caught the intended bus with several minutes to spare.
The general verdict was an excellent bogtrot though the absence of
some of the club’s best-known bogtrotters was noted. If satisfactory
excuses are not forthcoming, a report may have to be made to the
Ethics Committee.
John Barnard
Last climbing meet of the year 2 November 2008
On a murky, damp Sunday morning the final climbing meet of 2008 took
place, attended by a very select few, ie the meet organiser and his long
suffering belay bunny. As Stanage was completely soaked and parts of it
covered in green slime, it was felt that nothing more than a symbolic
route should be attempted; what could be more appropriate than Castle
Chimney, a fine 2 star Mod which felt considerably harder with numb
fingers and wet boots. However, honour was satisfied, the route
completed before b-b joined the ad hoc walk organised by Ms McLeish and
meet organiser left for pub and footy on Sky Sports.
So ends what has been a rather damp summer of climbing, but never fear,
the first climbing meet of 2009 is only 20 weeks away!
Paul Gibson
Kinder Walk 9 November 2008
A small select group Gavin, Hugh Martin and Dawn & myself met at the snake in steady rain which eased as we ascended to seal stones and along the top to Fairbrook. The plod over to Kinder Gates was uneventful and we followed the river to the downfall in steadily falling snow. The promised strong south westerlies were developing and water was being blown back from the downfall.
Lunch break was a hurried stop behing rocks above sandy heys before further progress towards the nerthern edge was made interesting by difficulty standing up against the wind. fortunatly it was blowing onto the plateau.
A small ammount of aircraft wreckage was found (which we were not looking for). Unfortunatly the Grid ref of this doesnt correspond to anything in the books I have. Grid Rref was 068897 anyone got a more up to date book of aircraft wrecks than mine?.
We made our blustery way along the northern edge and returned to fairbrook before descending to the snake for well earned liquid refreshnent
General consensus was that a good time was had by all
Gordon Riley
Tideswell walk 7 December 2008
This was the Tideswell-not-Tissington walk last Sunday. If you weren’t there you missed a treat. There were 14 of us [plus 2 dogs] and the 9 mile walk went in a north-westerly direction passing through various dales [Monks, Peter, Hay and Dam] and villages [Peak Forest, Old Dam] before returning to a wonderful teashop in Tideswell. The weather was glorious [clear blue skies and not a breath of wind], the views stunning and quite spectacular [even without having to climb any steep hills] and the frozen ground allowed us to scamper over what normally would have been a quagmire. There was even remains of snow along the edges of fields to add interest for the photographers. [I’ve offered to lead a walk next year: the Tissington-not-Tideswell walk] Vanda
Seasonal Stagger 21 Dec 2008
On the shortest day of the year, 17 members set off from
Bradwell in the Hope Valley to scale the heights of Bradwell
Edge. From the end of the lane a (very) muddy section led to a
steep but straightforward diagonal path up to the crest of the
edge. After regrouping, we pressed on along the edge past the
paraglider take-off spot. None were out however, on account of
the stiff breeze and drizzle into the bargain, but
nevertheless good views over Bradwell were afforded. Partway
along the edge we were accosted by Gavin who had arrived in
Bradwell too late for the start and had taken a shorter way
up. A short distance farther on brought us to Rebellion Knoll,
and a pause in which we appeciated the extensive view, not
only over Bradwell and Bradwell Moor, but also including Mam
Tor, Kinder, Lose Hill, Win Hill, Bamford Edge and Stanage.
Retreating out of the wind to Brough Lane, the more
pessimistic of the party donned waterproofs. A descent of the
lane, now regrettably rutted by trail bike and 4×4 traffic,
brought us to a stile and path through fields to Ellmore Hill
Farm. We continued the descent via a farm track, a pathless
right of way across a field, and a path towards Brough. After
pausing for a picnic (fortunately the precipitation had
stopped by this time) we continued to the road and the
Travellers Rest for liquid refreshment and conviviality. Here
we were joined by Rick and Caroline, who had not been able to
get to the start of the walk. We were now a party of twenty.
With an effort, we managed to leave the pub and continue past
the Roman fort Navio to Hope and Castleton via the riverside
path. At this point Marian and Tom left the group, leaving the
remaining eighteen of us to return to Bradwell via the
shortest route, this being the public bridleway through the
cement works, which was a new experience for some. We reached
the village in the gathering gloom and repaired to Andy and
Rosy’s house, and a rendezvous with Pat and Mary, and Marian
who had fetched them from Grindleford. Prodigious quantities
of tea, cakes, mince pies, and hot buttered crumpets were
consumed. Thanks to all who brought contributions.
Andy and Rosy