Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2009 meets.
New Year’s Day Fresh Air walk 1 January 2009
A total of 9 people in varying states of disrepair, plus one lively dog
roused themselves for the civilised start time of 11am in Nether Booth.
From there we set off round to the end of the plateau and ascended via
Jagger’s Clough which provided several entertaining moments for all as
frozen waterfalls were mounted without any use of specialised equipment
apart from dog claws. The majority opted to take the scrambling route
which proved ‘interesting’ to all and, in a couple of places, impossible
for some. However, by fair means or foul all eventually arrived, after a
lunch break fortified by JB’s brandy flask, at the head of the gully
where excellent views were enjoyed. One of the features of the day,
including during the drive out and back, was the incredible amount of
hoar frost clinging to the trees whilst the ground was almost untouched.
Many photo opportunities were taken.
On reaching the plateau we contoured round the path overlooking Edale
and eventually descended well before Grindsbrook, [it was billed as a
short walk!]. Thankfully the field which had previously contained a bull
was unoccupied, although the warning notice remains. At the end of the
walk the majority of the party decided to ‘wet the head’ of the New Year
in the ‘Cheshire Cheese’ before returning home to comfort, [and in my
case a hot bath].
Paul Gibson
Brough/ Offerton Moor walk 11 January 2009
A very enjoyable day was had by a party of thirteen which gathered at Mytham Bridge on a milder day than we had been experiencing over the last two weeks, although the ground remained pretty well-frozen with only a veneer of mud and ice here and there to catch out the unwary.
After the ‘Russian Roulette’ road crossing by Hitch ‘n’ Hike we took the lane from Shatton which leads past Offerton Hall to Highlow Hall. Local legend has it that these two halls, both displaying some fine Jacobean architecture, were buillt by a doting father for his two daughters on their marriage. In order to ease the pain of parting from them he had the halls built where he could always see them from his own home at North Lees Hall on the other side of the valley.
A few drops of rain threatened as we dropped into Bretton Clough but they didn’t amount to much. It was a steep climb up from Stoke Ford but the ever expanding views across to Stanage, Bleaklow and Kinder made it more than worth the effort. Lunch was taken in the lee of a convenient wall just outside Bretton (the wind was fairly insistent but the buffeting predicted by the forecasters didn’t materialize). The Barrel Inn was by-passed by unanimous consent (yes, you read that correctly!) and we enjoyed some of the most expansive views in the Peak as we strolled the half mile along the ridge-top road before plummeting into the upper part of Bretton Clough and taking the equally steep path up the other side to Abney Grange.
Across the moor we turned right at the top of Brough Lane where we were passed by eight 4×4 s. These went on to totally ignore the signs prohibiting them from the top of Shatton Lane, even driving on to the moor for a bit of ‘sport’ and trashing it in the process – ‘responsible access’, ‘voluntary agreements’ and ‘self-regulation’ clearly don’t work for these people but unfortunately they were too far ahead by then for us to take any details.
We finished our walk down the lane with some steep ground at the bottom to test sensitive knees. We braved the road crossing for a second time and several of us felt that this merited a celebration of tea and scones which were duly enjoyed at the Riverside Garden Centre – highly recommended!
Cheers, Steve W
PS We finished the walk (a little over ten miles) at 2:45pm, having started at 10:00am, which goes to show that not all my walks are endurance tests or speed trials, although it’s fair comment that 90% of them are both!
Aircraft wrecks walk 18 January 2009
Just a quick report on my Aircraft Wreck Walk. There was a good turn out and despite the weather forecast it started as a fine day. The group consisted of Andrew Milne; John Barnard, Rick Siddle, Steve Belk, Charles Knowles, Gordon Riley and new member Mary and her four legged charge Snuff.
Leaving the Snake Inn we walked up Fair Brook onto the Kinder Plateau and with some map and compass work and a GPS found our first wreck, an engine block from a Dragon Rapide. Quarter of a mile further on we found Two engines from an a Avro Anson. Then a route march across Kinder on a baring took us to a small mound off wreckage belonging to a Hampden Bomber and a plaque to commemorate the four crew who died.
We then followed the Pennine Way past the Downfall which was quite spectacular with the water being blown backwards. Rick took us on a small detour to show us some wreckage from two North American Sabre’s that collided in mid air. Then onto Mill Hill for the remains of a B24. We found three engines, some under carrage and wing and fuselage sections.
The wind was getting up and the night would soon be upon us so we headed back via the Snake Path omitting the last wreck on the list, the two Sabre’s which lie off the Snake Path. We got back to the cars just as it got dark
A grand day out, my thanks to everyone who came and especially Charles and Rick who got back from ski ing at 5 O’clock that morning and Rick who managed to find most of the wrecks first.
For anybody who is interested her are some 10 digit grid references taken with a GPS.
Dragon Rapide SK 10160 88243
Avro Anson Sk 10117 87857
B24 SK 05634 90600 This is just one site.
Hugh
Whack & Dangle climbing meet 15 February 2009
Just a quick meet report. It was a lightly attended meet with just me and Mike Doyle. However we successfully practised various hauling and crevasse rescue techniques as well as abseiling using a prusik for protection. We then had a pleasant walk around Chee Dale.
Despite lack of numbers a successful and enjoyable day.
Hugh
Lakes Week-end 20-22 February 2009
Another successful and enjoyable week-end attended by 10 members and 1
relative.
The procedings got off to an excellent start with a celebration of
Ali’s birthday on Friday night.
Saturday dawned clear and dry with patches of sunshine.2 parties
sallied forth with the first party (Ali,Chris K,Charles and John M)
ascending Striding Edge and Helvellyn from the hostel.The second party
comprising Andrew,the Dowling brothers,Mary R,Ric and the President
ascending Hoggert Gill from Brothers Water.
The Helvellyn team successfully summited and returned to the hostel
without incident.
The same cannot be said for the Gill team,however.As the party neared
the start of the Gill 1 member was found to have wandered up the wrong
valley.Exercising his presidential duties the president rounded up the
stray.Re-united the team then did battle with the Gill and eventually
emerged victorious after various epics on greasy rocks and
waterfalls-although only Leon managed the first awkward section and
the greasy wall by the final waterfall had to be avoided .
The party then topped out on Dove Crag and walked over to Hart Crag
where,in view of the time and to avoid a long walk back to the cars by
road,it was decided to take the descent down Hartsop above
How.Although this resulted in a lovely descent in beautiful evening
light,there was further excitement when, the party having stopped for
to admire the view,Leon’s ruc sac was dramatically blown off the ridge
and was seen bouncing its way into a gulley and out of sight several
hundred feet below !The President decided that his duties did not
include rounding up stray rucsacs, so Leon descended the gully with
great aplomb and soon returned triumphantly clutching the errant sac.
Back at the hostel a convivial evening followed with the majority
taking advantage of an impressive hostel dinner fortified with a
plentiful supply of wine.
On Sunday the group again split into 2 parties.This time Andrew led
Ali up a “relative hill” ( Wansfell Pike)while the rest of the party
headed up the Knott and High Street followed by a descent down
Hartsop Dod with superb all round views stretching in the south to
Lake Windermere and Morecomb Bay.
Another excellent week-end in dry and generally clear
conditions-although the snow had virtually all gone.Roll on the next
away meet-the rescheduled Dufton meet on 20-22nd March.Ali is waiting
for your bookings!
Mike Doyle
Paul Fowkes Memorial cycle meet 1 March 2009
Some 16 members attended and made their way by various high and low
roads to Castleton.
The entire party made it to the Fox House,where Sally Holmes missed
the Grindleford turn and headed off to Hathersage.In Grindleford
Charles opted for the Hope Valley low road, while the rest of us
pushed on on the high road via Eyam, Wind Mill and Great Hucklow ,
joined along the way by Sally.Some even went even higher with an
ascent to Bretton.Steve Belk arrived independently by a mountain bike
route.
Eventually the different strands came together in Castleton where the
party again split into different factions and headed off into each
faction’s chosen lunchtime establishment-some opting for the “Chippy”
,others a full cafe experience and some the lighter tea/hot chocolate
and cakes experience.
All factions then visited Paul’s Memorial on the eastern edge of
Castleton with lovely views towards Mam Tor and Hollins Cross etc.We
found Mrs Fowkes there too and she was impressed and delighted with
the numbers turning up to remember Paul.
The high and low road theme then continued with different parties
proceeding to the Norfolk Arms Hotel-most by Aston,Thornhill,Bamford
Edge and Stanage,some (who shall be nameless) via Hathersage and a
previously cached car.
All in all a very pleasant day’s cycling.
Mike Doyle
Derwent Edge Walk-Report 15 March 2009
9 members assembled by the ladybower viaduct ,and after some squeezing and pouncing on spaces the minute they were vacated, we all successfully parked with only JB having to go the other side of the viaduct.
We then set off upwards to Derwent Edge which was followed in excellent weather with lovely all round views to Back Tor from where we descended over Lost Lad and the moors to Hollin Clough for lunch.
At Fairholmes 5 of the party hurried off to watch the England v France rugby match-most by the path alongside the reservoir,but one( Ric S)via Lockerbrook and Bridge-end pasture thus completing the walk by the planned route.
The remaining 4 decided to extend the walk by including a visit to Alport Castles facilitated by the timely arrival of the bus.After leaving the bus at West End we then ascended to Alport Castles and admired the new bird observatory,which we decided had been deliberately built lopsided to reduce the wind resistance rather than its having been semi blown down already !
A steady traverse of the ridge to Lockerbrook and descent to the cars via Bridge-end pastures and Crook hill farm then completed a pleasant day in excellent weather.
Mike Doyle
Yorkshire Dales meet 14-15 March 2009
Ten people attended the away meet at Dufton Youth Hostel, located in a delightful village and with a welcoming pub over the road! Following an evening of beer and wine around the fire, the last of the party arrived by 11pm.
Saturday dawned and everyone set off on a linear walk of 12.5 miles, planned by Steve. (I’ve been told I can’t call it 13!) Clear skies and pleasant countryside and a steep climb along the Pennine Way beckoned onto Knock Fell and then a long windy ridge walk onto Great and Little Dunfell. We passed a giant golf ball masquerading as a military signalling station, which provided an interesting feature on the skyline for some of the walk. Crossfell was our highest point but by the time we reached its summit the clag had fallen. After a brief encounter with a mountain biker and his deaf dog we set off on the 4 mile descent to where the cars were parked. We arrived at the youth hostel for a mass tea and biscuit infusion round the fire and a long historical/political discussion of memorable events from the UK. After cold showers (the boiler efficiency was the only downer of the weekend) and more tea we enjoyed a pub meal. However others stayed in to cook.
On Sunday we dispersed to pursue several activities. Hugh and Mary set off biking, hoping to take in some off road routes. Steve and Sue drove to High Force and enjoyed a walk along the river which offered plenty of bird watching opportunities. Charles and Mike walked up to High Cup Nick and so did Marian and myself, although we stayed in the valley bottom. I’m not sure where Caroline and Gordon went but hope you had a good day and reached home safely!
An enjoyable weekend in this scenic area which remains uncrowded – at least on our visit it was! Thanks to all those who came.
Ali Williams
It’s a Rock Out 29 March 2009
A fantastic first meet of the season, which began with blue sky, sunshine plus myself and Mike. We duly headed up to Plantation area of Stannage in search of other Castle Clubbers but to no avail. So…Mike and I enjoyed a gentle introduction to the season with a few climbs in the ‘Away from it All’ section before heading back along the crag to see if anyone else had arrived.
We found Paul and John B on Sand Gully and Steve B and Hugh on Sand Crack. Martin, Pat and the Warwick family also joined us as well as Adrian. Many thought the meet leader i.e. me had forgotten to turn up as I couldn’t be found initially!! I was there at 10a.m. promise – Mike can vouch for me!
A lunch in the warm sun plus a discussion regarding the colour of Hugh’s top – was it mustard or olive green? This was followed by more routes along the Paradise Wall, Milsom’s Minion and Pegasus Wall; this included a very undignified ascent of ODG’s Chimney – Andrew you missed a great camera opportunity there!!
Overall a great start….
Fliss
Navigation meet 23 April 2009
Thursday’s evening meet was quite well attended; Charles Knowles, Mike Doyle, Gordon Riley, Mark Bechall, Dave Crowther, Andrew Milne and Ali Williams all turned up.
I supplied everybody with a list of grid references at which I had chalked a letter. The aim being to find as many letters in an hour and a half. This wasn’t a competition just an exercise however there was a strong competetive air as everyone set off in different directions clutching maps, compasses and GPS’s.
Congratulations goes to Dave Crowther who found all the letters. He was using a GPSs which was a major advantage, however he did forget his map, not an unuseful item for a navigation exercise, I loaned him mine.
Andrew and Ali found four using traditional methods; Charles and Mike found four with the aid of a GPS Gordon and Mark using map and compass also found four.
The moral of the exercise is: aren’t GPS’s good and if you can understand the instruction they would be even better.
Hugh
Goyt Valley walk 26 April 2009
A select group of 3-Charles,Ric and myself-attended for this circuit of the Goyt which,in contrast to all previous Castle Goyt meets I have attended, was completed in lovely spring weather.
Having walked off the early morning chill we soon reached Goyts clough, after which we crossed the valley to the ruins of Errwood Hall admiring the view from its elevated burial ground over morning coffee.We then ascended to Pym Chair,stopping to inspect the curious shrine below Foxlow Edge.
Lunch was taken on the moors beyond Pyms Chair with glorious views of Jodrell Bank to the west and Kinder Scout to the east.Windgather Rocks followed where we indulged in a small scramble.We then descended to Fernilee Reservoir and the steep climb back to the cars,but with a crawl through the tunnel under the B Road adding a final bit of interest.
No thrills or spills, just a pleasant day exploring this fairly distant corner of the Peak District in lovely spring conditions.
Mike Doyle
Northumberland meet 2-4 May 2009
Nine of us made it to Winshields Farm with Mike & Charles, Kathleen Mark & Jemma arriving Fiday night and the remainder on Saturday morning.
Saturday was quite windy and cold and come to think on so was Sunday but rain held off for the most part. Most crags in Northumberland face north such that the first climb on Crag Lough at midday left us feeling demoralised. We nearly bailed out to an alternative venue but fortunately the sun started to hit parts of the crag and the afternoon got better and better. Great climbing at the Severe, VS level. Meanwhile the others who we had not seen marched eastwards along the Roman Wall and judging by their spirits in the evening had a good day.
The evening was spent supping in the Twiced Brewed and on Sunday Leon, Andrew Mary myself headed for Corby’s and were joined by Kathleen, Mark and Jemma. Unfortunately Jemma, by this time, had developed signs of Chicken Pox. Oh! I forgot to introduce her. She is testament to the Castle’s youth policy and at 10 months is one of our youngest aspirants. Judging by her crawling techniques she’s got lots of potential. Anyway Corby’s offered some interesting puzzles again in the middle grades although the general consensus was `steep’. Mike and Charles decided to march east on the roman wall and then return on the bus. Mike was upset `cos he’d forgotten his bus pass.
And that’s all I know. Mike & Charles stopped over on Sunday (I think) and everybody else returned. Bye for now Northumberland. Till the next time.
Steve B
4 Crags 8 Climbs 17 May 2009
Weather somewhat inclement. Below is an extract from an e mail to a mate in London whose was going to come along but sensibly stayed put in the capital.
“That was the walk/climb that was. No takers for my 4 crags 8 climbs. A largish group turned up and did a low level walk but I was fired up so much that,to their surprise, I set off up the hill with all my gear with the intention of at least visiting the crags. That was hard enough. Soloed a couple of easy routes on Rob’s Rocks but by the time I reached Laddow it was raining and it carried on (and off) like that all day. A lot of stomping across moorland and feeling not quite sure where I was. Eventually found Ravenstones followed by Dovestones but these are big crags and not in condition so I walked on by.
8 routes on this set of crags is no push over so I may give it another go when summer eventually arrives. Or has it been and gone!!.”
If anyone one wants to take me up on this then let me know.Needs a reasonable spell of weather in June/July.I see I’m leading the meet on the 12th July so watch this space. This year’s meets seem to focus on this area. So far no route been done. We need a reversal of fortunes.
These crags are unspoilt by Stanage standards. Rob’s Rock’s by the way is like a high level Windgather without the hoardes. Nothing above VS and easy to get to.
Steve B
Alternative 8 climbs 4 crags meet 17 May 2009
Eight people turned out for the low level version of this meet. A howling wind awaited us at Dovestones Reservoir. Steve was off before we even had a chance to don boots and credit to him for sticking to the original plan.
Our walk took us into new territory for the club – south along the Oldham Way. We had pleasant valley and village views in the morning of Mossley and Stalybridge and beyond. Lunch took place between the attractive Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs. Then, as promised, rain arrived as we began to climb towards Higher Swineshaw Reservoir and then Ogden Clough. Once on top of the moor we traversed the usual boggy gullies, aptly named Chew Hurdles before sightings of the Chew Road and the descent to Dovestones. Following the old railway link, to avoid the hard surface, we arrived back at the cars.
A mixed day out but I think most people enjoyed it. A few complaints of “feeling tired” so the approximate ten miles was obviously enough!
Ali W
Cornwall 23-25 May 2009
After hassle free journeys, apart from one chipped windscreen, [more
later], 4 members and one guest [Vanda’s sister Jane] arrived at the
designated campsite in plenty of time to erect tents and enjoy the first
evening beers and meal.
Friday dawned dry and sunny with a bit of a cool breeze so 3 climbers
visited the cliffs of Sennen Cove, the cyclist [Charles]roamed the lanes
to Land’s End and back [16miles] and the guest went on the first of
several stone circle walks.
As one of the climbers, I can report a full day of climbing by all
concerned, which was almost as much as Chris had done all last year.
Mind you, Sennen rock has more holds than Stanage, especially for the
petite! The evening ended rather disappointingly in the Fountain Inn,
not up to previous standards, which prompted a very fine barbeque the
following night.
Saturday was once again fine which prompted a selection of walks,
including a circuit of Cape Cornwall Golf Course by some, including
getting involved in a wedding party; very entertaining for a number of
reasons!
Following the Saturday BBQ Sunday was one of those magical days which
stay long in the memory. Scorching hot, clear blue sky and great
climbing. After initially being disappointed not to be able to visit
Halldrine Cove due to an insitu youth group, we ended up on some of the
classic lower grade climbs of Bosigran, with Vanda back on her old form
discovering that there is life after ## [censored]. After a fantastic
but exhausting day we thoroughly enjoyed ice cold beers before returning
to the Trewellard Arms for mountains of food, drink and chat, to
discover Charles had been mining and Jane chatting up farmers!
Monday was cooler with grey clouds scudding across the sky, Vanda & I
had to be back in Sheffield by the evening so had an enjoyable visit to
Perranporth for more golf in an ever improving day, whilst Chris K,
Charles & Jane went on a joint walk to Newlyn, Mousehole and beyond.
Vanda & I were home by 9.30 after a remarkably traffic free Bank Holiday
journey, whilst the others stayed till Tuesday when the main activity
was to be a visit to Autowindscreens in Truro to fix the Knowles
windscreen.
Although a meet of few numbers, the weather and activities made for a
fantastic trip. If you want a glimpse of what you missed, photos on the
website.
Paul Gibson
Limestone walk 21 June 2009
Six of us completed a circular walk of about 10 miles starting from Monyash and walking via Flagg, Chelmorton, Taddington and Deepdale. Some of the many highlights included a flower display in Chelmorton church, ancient wells, goldfinches, flower filled meadows, a bull filled meadow, 2 types of orchids and beautiful weather throughout. Altogether an interesting walk with varied landscapes, good views, only one minor route finding delay, and very few other walkers. A delight! – which was rounded off by some of us with refreshments at Chris’!
Marian
Blackden Clough Scramble 5 July 2009
Ten people turned out for this meet with two meet leaders (unheard of) on a warm sultry. After a pleasant path to Alport Bridge we met Caroline and Gordon before the ascent of Blackden Clough. Most chose the path but at least four dipped their feet in the water and scampered up the early waterfalls, which proved to be very slippery and unstable leading to at least one slither!! Nearing the top the path disappeared so easy scrambling ensued, some choosing the left fork, others the right. Reunited on the top we walked along the edge of the Kinder plateau before descending Fairbrook Clough. Vanda was lost on the descent (choosing to exit via a not so steep path) but soon discovered again. As the clough levelled out, the scene looked like Blackpool, with a row of white legs dangling in the water. Yes this was the CMC and all that was missing was the knotted hanky. With clean feet at least we continued along the valley bottom back to the cars. A great route which was surprisingly tiring – must have been all the refresher breaks! Back home for the last set of the epic tennis match. Perfect timing!
Ali W
Broomhead Moor, Derwent Edge & Dale Dike walk 25 July 2009
5 members met at the car park in Low Bradfield and set out to High Bradfield and Agden Rocher.The initial drizzle soon stopped,but those of us who had not donned over trousers got a soaking from the wet ferns and undergrowth!At Bar Dyke we were joined by John B with his sister and brother-in-law bringing the numbers to 8.
A crossing of the moors to Back Tor then followed,mostly in the dry,but with some drizzly patches.Lunch was taken in a sheltered nook before the climb to Back Tor.At Back Tor itself the showers ceased affording good all round views.The weather then held until we reached the end of Dale Dike when it again turned showery.However the full deluge held off until we had made it back to the cars in Low Bradfield.
A pleasant and enjoyable day with good company and views.
Mike Doyle
North Wales Camping meet 29-31 August 2009
4 members attended-Melanie,Gavin,Charles and myself.
Melanie,full of new found Alpine fitness announced her intention of doing all 14 Welsh peaks over 3000 feet in one day.I persuaded her to settle for the full 14 over 2 days.Day 1- Snowdon to Ogwen.Day 2- the entire Carneddau and agreed to join her.
Charles volunteered to help with relaying cars and a rather bemused Gavin agreed to join us,but without any guarantee of how far he would get after Snowdon.
So on Saturday we left my car at Ogwen and transferred to the Pen-y-Pass where Charles wished us well and then left to go cycling.Crib goch was soon ascended and the ridge traversed with spectacular cloud effects and dramatic views into the Lanberis pass.Crib-y ddysgl and Snowdon were enveloped in cloud and rain.The new Snowdon cafe provided a welcome tea before the long descent to Nant Peris.
Out of the cloud and even with some sunshine we had lunch just beyond Nant Peris and then began the long ascent to Elidir Fawr.At this point Gavin broke away escaping up the other side of the valley to the main ridge below Y Garn and thus avoiding Elidir Fawr.Melanie and I continued to Elidir Fawr as the clouds and rain again descended.
Foel Goch then followed and eventually Y Garn where the clouds again broke up to give marvellous views south to Snowdon and the coast as well as east to the Glyders and Tryfan.
Melanie was going well,but I was tiring.Ascending Glyder Fawr I was definitely slowing and feeling tired.To save Gavin a long wait by the car and allow Melanie to get up the remaining 3 summits in the fast diminishing daylight without being delayed by a tired President I descended to Ogwen Cottage.
I finally got to the car at 7.40pm-some 12 hours after leaving the Pen-y Pass.Melanie staggered down an hour and a half later having managed the 2 Glyders but not Tryfan.Tiredness and lack of light had prevented further progress.
On Sunday Gavin elected to have a relaxed breakfast before heading for home.
Melanie and myself,however,gratefully accepted Charles’offer of a lift to Aber and so set out to complete a north-south traverse of the Carneds followed,we hoped, by a quick ascent of Tryfan to give Melanie her full 14 ticks.
However,after a promising start the weather quickly deteriorated.After Foel Fras we were enveloped in cloudy gloom and the wind began to worsen.We were grateful for the shelter of the refuge below Foel Grach where we had lunch.By Llywelyn the the wind was quite severe and the detour to Yr Ellen and back was achieved in the face of increasingly grim conditions.On our return to Llwelyn we were struggling through driving rain and were finding it difficult to keep upright in the teeth of a full gale.
We therefore decided to abort the attempt on the remaining 2 Carneds and descended to Ogwen via Penyhelgi-du.
This time , our overall time on the hills was a more modest 9 hours.
The final tally was 11 summets for Melanie and 10 for me-not the full 14,but a creditable effort given the conditions.Whilst the weather was not at its best-the overall experience was mostly enjoyable with some memorable views and dramatic cloud effects.
Monday dawned windy and wet.The 3 of us still remaining unaminously agreed to head for home.As always the camaraderie in the pub as well as the mountain experiences made an enjoyable-if challenging-week-end.
Mike Doyle
Langdale 26-27 September 2009
6 full members attended (7 with Gill Doyle)and all secured pitches on the group field which was relatively uncrowded-although the remainder of the site filled rapidly and by Saturday morning was declared full.
It was great to welcome Pat to a Castle meet again,even if she did spend the majority of the time in the camper-van.However she did manage to walk from the camp site to the Old Dungeon Gill and back, unaided, which was no small achievement.
Saturday dawned clear.The terror of the site-a partially dressed Vanda emerged at 6.30 am to confront a group of students, who were up and noisily about, with a demand that they consider those still sleeping!There was a shocked silence.
Sunshine and the smells from Hugh’s usual hearty breakfast,however, soon got us all up.No other members being in evidence,we split into 2 groups.Martin and Hugh going off to climb on Raven’s Crag while Paul,Vanda and I set off for a scramble up Crinkle Gill followed by a traverse of the Crinkle Crags themselves and an ascent of Bow Fell.The views and conditions were superb.
The Gill scramble followed the usual pattern with fallen/overhanging trees lower down and wet mossy rocks and waterfalls higher up.All went well with only one major obstacle,a double waterfall pitch involving a greasy climb up the side and delicate traverse to gain the top of the waterfalls.Only I managed it after some hesitation,preferring to continue rather than attempt to go back down.Paul sensibly retreated, but with a major epic on the descent involving the use of a long sling looped over an overhanging tree and assistance with foot placements from Vanda below.
Once up the views and conditions were superb,although we only successfully found the right angled turn on the ridge and continuation to Bow Fell when confronted by a group of confused elderly chaps asking the way to Bow Fell!
On the descent we bumped into John Barnard on his way down from a day’s climbing with the Eagle Ski club.Seeing the length of the queues at the ODG bar we decided against joining them for a drink.
Later,however,the hardened drinkers-Hugh,Paul and myself visited the New Dungeon Gill/Stickle Barn.The evening was enlivened by a Geordie comedian and singer who delivered some rather blue jokes and songs-including a verse of ” The Wild Rover” I have never heard before!
Sunday brought a more cloudy day with occasional drizzle.Paul and Vanda set off to climb Jack’s Rake and the Langdale Pikes,while Hugh and Martin went to climb on White Gill.Gill and I went for a walk over Lingmoor Fell and return up the valley to the New DG for a spot of tea before the drive home.
An excellent week-end with the most incredibly beautiful conditions on Saturday.A shame that only 7 of us were there to enjoy it.
Mike Doyle
Alport Valley walk & scramble 18 October 2009
4 members attended-Andy Smith,Steve Warwick,Andrew Milne and myself.
We left in sunshine and beautifully clear conditions.Leaving Howden reservoir we were soon at Alport Castles where we descended to the farm and started the walk up the Dale.After a boggy start we made the first river crossing,but no one followed me on my first traverse along a wet and slimy overhung right bank!
Further fun followed with river crossings and traverses each side of the river.Andy Smith was the only casualty here when he slipped on a greasy slab and dunked a leg in the river!Onwards and upwards brought us to the first waterfall with its particularly nasty climb up a wet greasy and vegetated bank.3 of us made it,but Andy Smith sensibly walked up and round.The second waterfall was successfully climbed by all 4 of us and we were soon lunching at “Grains in the Water” with the river section completed.
The weather was by now cloudy & cool,but the threatened rain held off.We made a short climb over the moors to join the ridge leading back to Alport Castles and so to Lockerbrook Farm.From there it was a short drop down through the woods to the cars where we finished in good order at 4.20p.m.
A good day exploring a little visited corner of the Dark Peak in fine conditions.
Mike Doyle
Cleveland Backpacking Meet 24-25 October 2009
Apologies if it’s a bit long, I waffle and a lot happened. Hopefully photos to follow. Personally my feet suffered a bit but am now recovered.
After a limited period of planning, a few emails and a couple of phone calls Mike, Hugh, Paul( new to club) and myself set out on Friday to walk the first part of the Cleveland Way in the North Yorkshire Moors. We left Paul’s land rover at the car park below Roseberry Topping and returned to Helmsley where the walk starts. Parking the vehicles gave us our first intro to Cleveland generosity and kindness, the whole bill coming to about a tenner.
We started about 2:00pm and reached our projected campsite by 5:00 pm, the Hambleton Inn. An easy start. The sun wasn’t out, the pub was shut and there was no sign of a campsite. The meet leader was under pressure to produce the goods. At 5:30pm the pub doors opened and we were greeted by Sue, the stand-in landlady, who changed our spirits instantly. “Why didn’t you knock on the door, I was just having a nap. You can camp next to the trampoline in the Beer Garden” By this time Charles had arrived and the evening was spent maximising the facilities, food, beer, including an extra plate of chips, thoughts of the walk ahead and the rain outside out of our minds.
Saturday dawned, damp and miserable, to shouts of “you said 8:30 start” from Andrew and Mary making the group seven. We set off at 9:30am, thanking Sue (she’d opened for a shoot) and leaving Charles with various items, from beer to kit, to transport to the next site. I have promised myself not to berate the non- purists!! The mist was down, it was drizzling, but that was not really an excuse for missing the sign post to Sutton Bank. My inner self told me to go back but commonsense prevailed and we cut across fields to join the route. The morning was spent walking in rain along the edge of the escarpment, reaching Osmotherly and a teashop about 2:00pm wet but in good spirits as I’d convinced everybody that there was only 5-6miles to go. Looking at the map the estimate increased to 7miles and it felt more as the terrain became more undulating. Fortunately the weather improved with wonderful views, certainly a very picturesque area. Mike and I walked together spending the last hour or so wondering where Paul was, having concluded he’d got lost only to find that he’d managed to keep up with Mary and Andrew (almost). We arrived at Lordstones Café, just below Carlton Bank about 6:00pm where Charles and John Murton had set up camp.
The evening was spent around John’s fire basket and in spite of the wind, which had now replaced the rain, in good spirits. He’d arrived with his son Steven who planned to fell run the next day’s walk. This made the group nine and a fair amount of beer, wine and whiskey was supped. In fact everything our support team had brought in. The only incident involved John’s chair which decided to break at the wrong moment. We went to bed early in rising winds anticipating an easier last stage of about 17miles.
We sent off on Sunday morning, our sacks slightly lighter, at 7:30am (the clocks having gone back), taking our leave of John and Charles, climbing up from the campsite where we had our first view of Rosberry Topping. It seemed a long way off and our route went east before turning north. We took a break about 10:00am on the B1275 then headed back up on to the moors and I followed Andrew so I could see the delight in his face as he ticked his second “relative top” of the day. Our next staging point was Kildale, and tea shop, and looked about 9 miles on the map. The route was across moorland on rough tracks in a gusty wind. It went on interminably. This is part of the Lyke Wake Walk and Mike kept reminding us that he’d failed in disgust about 35years previously. By the end of the track we were all strung out but Andrew, who was first, stopped so we could re-group. The trog into Kildale was almost as bad along road and RT wasn’t getting any closer. We arrived at 3:00pm but it took at least half an hour to be served. Not a patch on the Hambleton. We had about 6miles to go and just over 2 hours of daylight. The terrain became more interesting taking us past Capt Cook’s monument through forests but for most the day was becoming hard work. Andrew and Mary ploughed on ahead and had left with Charles by the time we finished. Mike, Paul Hugh and I reached Roseberry Topping almost together in the waning light but before it was illuminated (another story). Then photos.
I hope everyone found it a useful and reasonably challenging w/e. For the record I think we walked about 48miles in three days. Sat & Sun were 20 miles each I reckon. Will we do it again? Thanks once again to everybody especially John & Charles as support.
Steve B
White Peak walk 8 November 2009
A good turn-out [10 of us] for my walk last Sunday, starting from White Lodge car-park [sorry that you had to pay £3.50; I learnt too late to change the meeting place] and climbing above Monsal Dale to cross over the old railway bridge [where we paused for 2 minutes silence at 11 o’clock] to Monsal Head. Then we headed off south along a well used path to Ashford in the Water, before looping northwards past Churchdale Hall and under the Monsal Trail/disused railway bridge towards Great Longstone. There were mutterings from some quarters about the lack of ‘elevensies’ or coffee stops, so we stopped shortly afterwards for lunch [in autumnal rain], entertained by a very large hunt trotting past nearby. Leaving Great Longstone, we climbed up towards Longstone Edge through an un-named ‘small and perfectly formed’ miniature dale, to be rewarded with the rain stopping and stunning views of our walk so far that day. Then it was downhill to Little Longstone, past some very large [and, to me, rather scary] horses, who seemed to be trying to stop us getting through ‘their’ stiles, but we safely navigated their rear ends and made our way back to Monsal Head, and then returned along Monsal Dale to our cars. A very enjoyable walk of 11 miles, approx. 5 hours, good company and some new paths, even for those members who know the area very well. Thank you for joining me, Vanda
Calver and Baslow Round 6 December 2009
9 members attended and,despite the heavy rain overnight,set out in dry and clear conditions.
The water in the river was impressively high and the going boggy in places-but mostly dry.The biggest surprise was the beautifully clear views in lovely sunshine (if a little windy on Bamford Edge)which made it a pleasant and enjoyable day out.
Mike Doyle
Seasonal Stagger 20 December 2009
Many thanks to all the people who turned out for yesterday’s Seasonal Stagger. Over 20 members took part in varying degrees and started out on a wonderful sunny morning. By a devious route, including paths that many long-standing members hadn’t been on before, we approached the Norfolk Arms in driving snow, heartened by a phone call from Charles who was waiting for us. Over a convivial lunch more members arrived plus appearences from old friends from the past including Joannie & Simon and Clive Wilson.
Post-lunch we lost the President but gained more walkers and set off through Lady Canning Plantation in a winter wonderland of snow in the trees. By the time we reached open country wind and snow combined to give ‘proper’ winter conditions which continued for some time, but relented as we descended Porter Clough and back for tea at High Storrs Rd. Unfortunately by this time, road conditions were sufficiently poor to prevent even more expected guests to join us.
Hopefully everybody got home without too much trouble.
I have attached a few photos on this site.