Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2013 meets.
New Year’s Day walk 1 January 2013
The weather over the festive season has been far from inspiring, so when New Years Day dawned dry and clear I knew the mince pie I had sacrificed to the weather gods had worked.
Much to my amazement I had an excellent turn out, 19 people and 3 dogs although only 11 were club members, still not bad, the rest were sister: brother-in-law, 2 nieces and various friends of mine and theirs.
The walk started at midday, late enough to give people chance to recover from the exesses of New Years Eve, in the ancient village of of Laughton en le Morthern, just outside Rotherham. This was a departure from the usual Peak District but its nice to go somewhere where a lot of club members have never been before.
History abounds on this walk, Laughton has seen a battle between Normans and Saxons and a skirmish between Royalists and Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. There are the remains of a Norman mot and bailey castle, a long abandoned WW11 RAF station and the impressive remains off a Cistercian Abbey.
The walk was, according to my sisters GPS 5.3 miles and not surprisingly, very muddy. As a reward for turning up on the walk, tea, hot beef sandwiches, mince pies and mulled wine were distributed at my place.
An pleasant day out and an excellent way to start a new year.
All the best for 2013. Hugh
Bike ride 6 January 2013
10 riders left a sunny Hope following 2 slightly different routes but meeting up the other side of Castleton at top of Winnatts Pass. The one and only puncture occurred before the haul up Mam Tor so very convenient stop to allow stripping off of clothing and gathering of energy. All went well and we were close to Tideswell when we lost a member when they went for a wee – although given the hill we encountered and they then did a slightly alternative route, perhaps they just had more sense. The cafe in Tideswell was packed with cyclists and a long break ensued with a magnificent breakfast consumed by Dave and it’s a wonder he actually managed to move. Lots of cycling, lots of chat – what more could we ask for.
Thanks for a lovely day folks. Mary
Winter walk 13 January 2013
Looking out of our kitchen window at 8.45, things looked bleak for today’s walk. So much so that Vanda & I were secretly hoping nobody would turn up. However as we drove over to Hope the sky began to clear and by the time we came across Dave Crowther, the first arrival, things were looking up. Even so, by the advertised start time of 10am, we thought it was just the three of us, not realising that 2 prospective members, Dan and James were lurking in the car parked next to us!
Even better, just as we were about to set off, more members arrived, having parked back in Hope and walked to the start at the ‘Cheshire Cheese’, and we eventually set off as a group of 16, about 10.15.
We wound our way above and below the railway line, passing the National Trust offices at Edale End before emerging onto the hillside below the ridge of Win Hill. On reaching the ridge and the Roman Road we wandered along, taking lunch behind the wall before reaching the summit around 1pm, where several of the party attempted to mount the trig point, only Dan and Helen being totally successful! Pictures to follow.:D
As we began to descend, the party split, half going down the easier flank of the hill, the leader and others taking the direct descent towards Yorkshire Bridge before turning along the old railway line and eventually into Thornhill. The 4 at the front continued along the lane, waiting a while for the female half who had once again been led astray down a footpath and back by Rosy, exploiting her local knowledge. However, we were reunited and arrived back at the start around the same time as the other half of the original group and gathered in the pub, together with Andy Smith who had walked from home to meet us, for a pleasant hour of chat and drink and eating Linda’s chips.
Thanks to all who came, it turned out to be an excellent day and a fine way to test my new Christmas present boots.
Paul Gibson.
Helyg hut meet, North Wales 15-17 February 2013
Another great Castle w/e enjoyed by 12 of us, staying in the Climbers Club hut near Capel Curig. Perhaps inspired by the roll-call, above the mantelpiece, of famous names of those who had been on early Everest expeditions, and who had also stayed in this same hut when trying out the new-fangled oxygen equipment planned for the attempts on Everest, the majority of our party took themselves off to the nearby Glyder mountains to scramble and climb on the occasionally snowy, occasionally scary and rather exposed ridges there. The remaining four of us opted for a low level 9 mile circular walk from Capel, below the clouds [!] passing the Crafnant hut where the club has stayed on previous occasions, and meeting up later [what a surprise] in Jo Brown’s gear shop. But the high spot of the w/e has to be the shared 5 course meal organised by the Dowling brothers [and all for only £3.40]. Leon coordinated the chopping/slicing/ kneading/frying in true chef style [‘Geoff-the-dog’ has now to be renamed ‘Geoff-chappati-man’ – he must have made at least 30 of them] and slowly this wondrous and delicious feast appeared, including Al’s homemade cheese-cake. Afterwards we all gathered around the roaring log/coal fire where more alcohol was consumed with much laughter and talking [including our esteemed President in full flood]. The final climbing challenge of the day for some, was safely summiting the 3 storey-high bunk-beds [well done Josie!], and eventually peace and quiet returned to the hut. Sunday morning arrived, a beautiful day, with clear blue sky, stunning views in all directions for miles, and spring-like warmth. Some did more scrambling/climbing; the small walking group swelled to 6, this time walking straight from the hut and up towards the Carnedds, returning via the cafe in Capel.
Thank you everyone for making it such an enjoyable weekend.
Vanda Boyd
Chrome Hill 24 February 2013
11 of us and 2 dogs met at Earl Sterndale, and Elen popped along to say hello before going off for a run with Scout. Cloud levels were high, and the views were good, the sun peeked out briefly. Conditions underfoot were fairly frozen so boots generally stayed clean apart from a track with muck which must freeze at a lower temperature! Chrome Hill was particularly dramatic and could be a potential place for the art and walk group in the summer? After a brief stop in the church yard in Longor for lunch mark one, we headed south to where you could imagine Normans setting up their motte and bailey Pilsbury Castle. Guiness, the larger dog, needed assistance over the many stiles ! Then after lunch mark two we walked north to the final High Wheeldon hill opposite Alderey cliff, for fine views. A quick trot up the road finished a good 13 mile walk with friends.
David
Paul Fowkes Memorial walk 3 March 2013
This was billed as an Astronomical walk suitable for anybody and 11 of
us set out from the Wall Sundial on the side of Eyam church, including
the recuperating Mike and back-up emergency nurse Gill. They walked with
us for the first part of the walk, good to see Mike hasn’t lost any pace
after his op.
We started walking west, leaving Eyam along a green lane quite well
populated with a mountain biking event before heading over numerous
stiles. As Linda was in attendance we stopped for tea [and first lunch
for some] after an hour and a bit when the GPS revealed we’d covered 3.5
miles. It didn’t feel that fast!
After walking along the ridge opposite Froggat and Curbar Edges, playing
spot the crag with Judith & Helen [at 1 point at least 8 crags were
visible] we descended down past a few craters, a Black Hole, ancient
earthworks and a Civil War farm to take lunch near the river. At this
point the pace had slowed slightly but 7 miles had been covered on
gentle gradients. As we stopped the Sun came out for some time but
eventually we moved on past Baslow Bridge and on to Froggat village
where we re-crossed the river and struck up the hillside, past another
farm onto a little used track and descended to Stoney Middleton via the
‘Roman Baths’, the octagonal St Martins church and the Nook before
reaching The Moon. The gravitational pull was great enough for us to
orbit inside where we drank a rememberance toast to Paul.
Finally we returned to Eyam via the path containing the hollowed stone
where the plague sufferers left money for food in 1665/6. On reaching
Eyam, several of us spent some time in the church examining the displays
and book of rememberance before returning to Sheffield.
Many thanks to Andy & Rosie, Mike & Gill, Helen, Judith, Josie, Hugh,
Linda & David who turned up and helped remember a much missed friend.
Paul Gibson.
Walk report 10 March 2013
A select group of 6 including 2 dogs, who could get over stiles easily, went on Dave Crowther’s Lathkilldale walk, or half of it anyway. It was cold and snowy but it did brighten up and we didnt get snowed in. It was very sociable and worth going out in what looked like an unpromising day. Thanks to Greg and Sue for ensuring we didnt dip out and drive straight home!! Linda.
It’s a snowout 17 March 3013
A team of five of us assembled at Torside reservoir car park just of the Woodhead Pass in full Ice Warrior mode. Undaunted by the previous days temperature we set off up Wildboar Clough ice axes at the ready.
It was probably a triumph of optimism over meteorology. We found some ice and snow to play on and had a good time. At the top we had our sandwiches and then went in search of an aircraft wreck, after finding it we headed down Torside Clough then up another Scramble mentioned in Tom Corker’s book but I can’t remember the name. This scramble took us onto the Pennine way back to the cars. A very enjoyable day.
For those of you who feel a sense de ja vue it was the same thing I did last year but without the snow. Hugh
Derwent Moors walk 24 March 2013
Only two of us made it for this walk. I was on the way back home after failing to get through on the A57 below Hollow Meadows when a call from David P informed me that the Fox House road was passable. This proved to be rather stretching the margins of the word but eventually we met up in the lay-by at Ashopton viaduct. After digging out parking slots we were on the hill for 10:30. The late start and extra distance made us change our plans so we set off for Alport Castles up the long ridge beyond the viaduct. At Crookhill Farm a herd of young longhorn cattle stared at us balefully, their shaggy coats festooned with beads of ice which rattled when they ran off. The going was quite demanding – deep snow in the sheltered spots or a stinging, bitter easterly driving spindrift across our faces where the ground had been stripped bare. We had a refreshment break above Lockerbrook and then pushed on in increasingly wild conditions. The forecast had predicted a windchill of -14C and I don’t think we would have argued with that. At Alport Castles there was only an intermittent view through the clouds of spindrift but just enough to make out the cornices which had formed at the top of the cliffs. We thought we might take another break in the observation hide there but when we got the door open we found that it was stuffed full of snow! The walk down to the Westend was into the teeth of the wind, resulting in frozen eyelashes and numb faces but eventually we reached the shelter of the trees and then down to the road. It was a long walk back to Ashopton through occasionally deep snow but it became easier when we reached a ploughed section near the Derwent Dam. A final rest near Fairholmes gave us the energy to complete the walk.
It was a demanding day but we agreed that it had been quite a privilege to have such a large and normally popular area of the Peak entirely to ourselves for most of the day – well worth the effort!
Cheers, Steve W
Walk or possible ski 24 March 2013
David and Steve went out to Ladybower, David just got past the Fox House and made it to the a57 and Steve turned back on the way out via the A57 from Hillsborough then went round the way David did. They had to dig a space in the layby to back into. On the walk , at times they were up to their thighs in snow and took it in turn to break trail. Can picture your garage and house!! Incredible. Linda.
It’s a Rockout 7 April 2013
It’s a rock out visited 8 crags we hope to visit soon! Out of all of them bits of Lawrencefield were ok and 2 climbers found a dry bit at Millstone. Burbage seems to have the most snow, and Stanage looked similar. 10 of us enjoyed a leisurely look and odd scramble looking at all of them. Amazingly lots and lots of very large frogs mating at the edge of Lawrencefield pool and frog spawn well accumulated. Very vocal and as Vanda said- if you only had a chance of sex once a year you might as well make the most of it! She was she stressed talking about the frogs! Thanks to all for a very sociable walk. Linda
First evening climbing meet Lawrencefield 10 April 2013
Four of us [Paul, me, Linda and Helen] went to Lawrencefield yesterday, where the still-present snow drifts at the bottom of some climbs, necessitated kicking steps with our climbing shoes [not that easy] to then launch ourselves across the ‘bergshrund’ onto rock to start each climb. Paul was our heroic leader [we all had completely valid reasons why none of the rest of us could possibly lead] and after 2 climbs and wet/frozen feet, the lure of central heating and a cup of tea at home was too strong to resist. Where were you all? Vanda
Birchen Meet 14 April 2013
Thanks to all who turned up today for my inaugural club meet. 17 people turned out and enjoyed the climbing despite the wind and occasional shower. It was great to see such a mix of ages and experiences being supportive towards each other. Helen and I managed to lead a short route each and I must give thanks to Mary and Andrew for talking us through setting up a belay when we were having trouble hearing what they were saying and we were almost being blown away. I think Vanda would also like to thank Mark for giving her an ‘assisted start’ in the form of a push up to get her going on a route. Some of us snuck off when rain threatened, for a hot chocolate in the Robin Hood ( as recommended by Rosa)
Lets hope it’s the start of a really good climbing year for everyone! Judith.
Skye meet 4-6 May 2013
The weekend was a bit dreek, as they say up here, and I’m glad that Chris and I were in the hostel rather than camping. However, two decent day walks were accomplished.
Saturday saw us doing the circuit of McLeod’s tables (very windy on the summit of the higher), while on Sunday we took a scramble up Sgurr nan Gobhar then walked up to the main ridge at Sgurr na Banachdich. Chris’ i-phone with GPS and Viewranger confirmed that the pile of stones on te ridge was indeed the summit (views of about 20m) then we descended via An Diallaid.
Monday was wetter and we headed off down the road. Dave.
Stanage Popular End 10 May 2013
The uncharacteristic good weather over the Bank Holiday has not lasted, three stalwarts of the club ventured out on Friday to Stanage Popular End, myself, Mary and John Cook and were meet by a strong cold wind and after two climbs the call of The Norfolk Arms became to great.
Sunday was not much better; myself, Mark Proctor, John Cook and newcomer Simon Marks braved the cold wind and rain until the latter gained the upper hand.
Lets hope this will not be the pattern for the rest of the summer. Hugh
Froggatt meet 19 May 2013
I’m sorry, I have to say it…..I TOLD YOU IT WOULD BE SUNNY!!!!
Although only a small contingent of 6 (and a dog) set off for the crag at 10:30 (Andrew and Mary were already throwing themselves at the grit), 22 people made it to the Froggatt meet over the day. In fact walking up and down the crag there seemed to be CMC members in nearly every area! We had an international flavour with the pleasant addition of John’s American friends and Judith got another lead under her belt with helpful tips from Steve Warwick. With walkers, boulderers and climbers making the most of the sunshine, it felt like a Bank Holiday all over again. Hopefully a sign of things to come 🙂
Helen
Roaches 15-16 June 2013
Bill kept his promise with the weather, it was dry with sunny spells on Sunday. I think that there were about six people from the Castle and one from the Peak. I imagine that everyone had a good day. We were all so busy climbing scattered in the different tiers that it was difficult to catch up for a chat! There are many routes left that I would like to climb…perhaps Bill’s Birthday will be another opportunity to climb in that marvellous crag. Rosa.
Yorkshire Dales meet 22-23 June 2013
Belated meet report due to me being away for the fortnight following.
13 members attended the meet, despite a poor forecast, staying on the campsite in Cracoe.
Friday was a brilliant day and those able to get away early climbed or walked.
Hugh and Linda climbed mainly classic routes at Rylstone and Martin and Pat climbed at Eastby. John M had a good walk that day.
Saturday was not good enough to climb. Mary and Nigel cycled and a large party walked part of the Dales Way from Kettlewell to Burnsall via the Grassington Festival.On Saturday (and Friday too) a new world record was established for the number of people in an Eriba caravan (courtesy of Leon and Josie). This included a stray cyclist picked up from the toilets!
Sunday was again damp and local walks were done.
A very sociable time, looking forward to North Wales
David
Derwent Edge climbing 30 June 2013
There was an excellent turnout for this meet; 14 members, a friend and a dog. Andrew proved that parking near the Strines Inn provided a quicker approach to the crag [35 minutes if we can believe him, but he might have been running] against our 1 and 1/2 hours from the A57 car-park near Cutthroat Bridge, but perhaps we were just enjoying the stunningly clear views over Ladybower reservoir to Kinder, Edale and Mam Tor on the long walk along the Edge to Dovestones Tor. We had sunshine but also an incredibly strong blustery wind, so perhaps slightly lower than usual grades of climbs were chosen to cope with this [that’s my excuse anyway] and throwing down top-ropes to the bottom of the climbs was challenging, but the gritstone was wonderfully unpolished and delightfully different with its strange hollows and scoops. No names mentioned [but we know who you are]- one member ripped his trousers so badly squeezing through a chimney that he had to put shorts on underneath them to remain decent, and another member’s new orange helmet – well perhaps the less said the better, but Nigel’s helmet now looked almost dull in comparison. So a great day out on a crag we don’t visit very often – Paul and I were last there in 2004. Vanda
Stanage 7 July 2013
A Sunny Sunday on Stanage was enjoyed by 9 people at various points through the day. Although very hot plenty of climbing happening which I thoroughly enjoyed as well as the smashing company. Thanks to all. Mary
Stanage Crow Chin meet 28 July 2013
We had an enjoyable (and quite eventful ) meet at Crow Chin on Sunday. Two potential new members, two rescues (of neither me nor Helen!) two leads by me, one fall and one catch – (thanks Leon ) finishing with a very heavy downpour at 3.30. Vanda turned into Wonder Woman, and set up an anchor at the top of the crag in about 30 seconds flat with Paul directing from below. A very wet group of us made our way back to the car park and finished the day with soup, cake and tea in the cafe. Judith
Harborough Rocks 8 September 2013
Well it was a lovely, sunny Sunday for the meet at Harborough Rocks. Despite a light, and at times chilly, wind on top none of the forecast showers arrived and 5 of us were able to climb all day. We were joined later by Charles and Caroline. There were some great routes completed during the day, short but challenging, and some lovely, bobbly, dramtic-looking v. diffs for Judith and I to practise our leading on. I had a little play on the hundreds of bouldering routes there but the bouldering mat was soon commandeered to squash down the nettles at the bottom of some of the less used climbs…mind you I suppose that`s better than it being used as an incontinence pad as suggested by one member on a particularly tricky move!! All in all a day of lovely views and good company and a nice opportunity to make the most of a sunny day before the Autumn. Helen
(pics on Facebook)
Wasdale week-end 21-21 September 2013
13 members attended with a friend of Dave Beynon,John,swelling the numbers to 14.
Saturday dawned wet and drizzly with the cloud level well down the hill sides.The conditions steadily worsened and it became clear that it was not going to be a day for epics on rock.
We split into different groups ,some heading west to the coast,but the majority,in true castle spirit, heading into the hills.
Hugh,Leon & Josie walked over to Langdale and back finding the conditions there no better.
Nigel,Al Cash,Helen & Garry went up to Napes Needle,but in the conditions did not attempt to complete the climbers’ traverse route.After a descent to Sty Head they ascended to the summit of Gable by the walking route and then took a line straight to Wastdale head down steep ground and scree.
Dave,Gordon & John also went up Gable,successfully negotiating the Sphynx ridge before arriving in the pub shortly after dark.
The non hill goers headed west to the coast.Bill & Ellen (plus dog) exploring a coastal trail that led to a ford which was under water and appeared very deep in the middle.sensibly they elected not to cross it!
Charles & I mounted cycles and cycled pst Wastwater and into the delightful wooded hills beyond-Charles bravely pushing on despite arthritis.The pub at Santon Bridge proved too much of a temptation so we stopped for a pint and bowl of soup.Charles then headed back while I pushed on to the coast,returning via Eskdale,Gosforth and the “high level” road into Wasdale.
After a convivial night in the pub we woke to another dull and cloudy day.All groups headed home after an easier day walking,visiting the coast or the gear shops in Ambleside.
A successful,if rather damp, outing to this classic lake district venue.
Mike D
Black Rocks meet 29 September 2013
A happy group of us went to Black Rocks, some for the first time, some not since the 1990’s, to tackle a mixture of fearsomely steep sunny routes plus easier if greener/damper offerings in the shade. Various contortions were observed including climbing laying down, over-wide bridging, gear pulling and even some ‘proper’ climbing in good style. Entertainment was also had by watching others struggle, comparing hand-jamming scars and lounging in the sun. Although the sun was still glorious, all but David were exhausted by 5.30 and beat a retreat, hoping to recover in time for next Sunday’s final climbing meet of the year at Agden Rocher. Paul.
Pictures on Castle Facebook page.
Cromford walk 13 October 2013
The day was less wet than expected.
A group of four Castle and three Derwent MC members plus one hybrid went for a 13 mile walk. People said they enjoyed it – maybe because of the the dry lunch spot in a railway carriage and the spot of blue sky, but maybe it was the pigsties.
Three cyclists tackled some steep hills but not all the hills were conquered by all three.
We enjoyed your company
Elen and Bill
North York Moors Meet 26-27 October 2013
The Gods favoured the club this weekend with dry weather Sat and for most of Sun – think the mountain bikers might have been caught.later on Sun. Traditional modes of transport dominated Sat with 10 bikers in 2 groups and Charles steam training to Whitby and then a charabanc tour. A number of members bemused with the word charabanc. Big hills in that part of the world ensured all got a good workout. Sunday appeared with further rides and a break away group heading for Fountains Abbey. Initial impressions of camping barn reviewed and given thumbs up. Beautiful part of world.
Thanks to all for a lovely weekend. Mary
Youlgreave walk 3 November 2013
A great day for rainbows, with only one heavy shower, plenty of sun and extensive views.
We started from Alport where the river Bradford was flowing strongly into the very full Lathkill. Walking upstream we passed a dipper living up to its name, plenty of mallard and coot and a couple of goosander flying past. No kingfisher unfortunately. After walking through beautiful woodland, crossing the river by various historic bridges we exited onto farmland, still following the river valley to Gratton Grange Farm where we bought free range hen and duck eggs. The hens were certainly free range, scatting round our feet. Next came the infamous Gratton Date which was not quite as muddy as expected before we left the headwaters of the Bradford and headed west up Long Dale.
Fields and tracks the to led to the beautiful village of Middleton from where we headed over more fields down into Lathkill Dale and so back to our starting point. Distance approximately 12.5 miles. Linda
Carsington Water walk 17 November 2013
An excellent turnout for this planned 12 mile walk from the Millfields car park and picnic area on the southern end of Carsington Water; 12 people in all, including the usual stalwarts, but also some not seen for a while – MIke Griffiths, Gavin and Debbie Moore. There was slight uncertainty about the correct path to take initially [always a potential problem when the route hasn’t been checked out beforehand!] but then we were heading on the right track and paths towards Kirk Ireton, helped by the largest ‘stile’ signpost ever seen. There was more uncertainty about which road to take on leaving the village, and enquiring from a slightly unhelpful local who waved us vaguely towards a rough track, meant that we went straight to Biggin, and missed out Ireton Wood and a ford [which also shortened the walk by 2 miles, but at least it would then finish well before dark]. The steep paths were quite slippery [one muddy bum for the meet leader] but much of the walk was on minor roads and tracks as we skirted south of Atlow and down to the Henmore valley. The main climb of the day took us to the top of Madge Hill, where we had lunch by the trig point with misty views over Carsington Water and our earlier part of the walk. Then through another most unusual gate/stile, which led us down to the very pretty village of Hognaston, and easy navigation to the long retaining dam-wall of Carsington Warter, where we joined all and sundry taking their Sunday afternoon stroll along its top. So approx. 10 miles in less than 5 hours [thank you Leon for carrying your GPS map-plotter to occasionally check where we were!] Vanda
Lantern Pike walk 15 December 2013
A magnificent seven of us turned out for a very enjoyable walk on Sunday which took in Lantern Pike and Cown Edge.
After a couple of miles we stood on the top of Lantern Pike and enjoyed fine views both over towards Kinder and the Downfall [pics on Facebook page] and west towards the urban sprawl of Manchester. It was interesting to try and work out which peak and valley was which from a viewpoint only I’d been to before. The name comes from a time when the hill was used for signalling by lighting a fire on a beacon, although the remains were apparently demolished in 1907, even before CRK went there.
After descending the Pike and traversing above the Sett Valley trail we dropped down to take lunch in the Little Mill Inn at Rowarth, complete with huge mill wheel and an old Pullman railway carriage from the Brighton Belle train. Hugh was very interested and it wouldn’t be a total surprise if he booked B&B in the carriage.
After a very pleasant hour with a roaring log fire, beer & food we had to make a relatively steep ascent onto Cown Edge with extensive views in all directions, which resulted in a vague plan to organise a climbing meet to Yellowslacks, visible in the distance.
We also came across an abandoned quarry high on the edge with climbing possibilities that perhaps even Mr Milne hasn’t sampled [yet].
On reaching the northern end of the ridge we descended to the Monk’s Road and returned via fields and tracks to the cars. After a lovely day of fine weather and a bit of wind, we were fortunate that it didn’t start to rain until we were safely driving home.
Only 8 miles, but a lovely walk for a short winter’s day. PG.
Festive Stagger 22 December 2013
What an amazing day and what an amazing turn out!
25 walkers set out from the designated parking area by Marian’s and a further 4 set out on bikes.
The change of start meant a slightly longer initial stretch through upper Fulwood but we were soon over the Hallamshire golf club and descending into the Rivelin valley with great views ,particularly westwards towards the dams.
By popular demand we stopped by one of the old mill ponds in the valley for elevenses after which we climbed Coppice lane and then took the concessionary path through Rivelin Rough to Rivelin dams. A short ascent up Fox Hag then brought us to “The Sportsman” where the cyclists arrived and a further 2 members who came by car making a grand total for lunch of 31.Somewhat more than my estimate of 21!
The pub ,however, coped magnificently. Duly fed and watered the party then made their way back to Marian’s by various routes and means ( bicycle, car and Shanks’ pony).The main group returned to the edge of the Rivelin valley and continued to the head of Wyming Brook from where it was an easy amble along the Redmires Conduit to the playing fields alongside Crimicar lane and so back to the cars and Marian’s for Tea and mince pies etc.
An all round great day and great end to the year.
Mike
P.S. Leaving Marians in the dark I put on the fabric boots next to my rucsac. On arrival home these turned out to be a pair of HiTec Fabric boots which do not belong to me! Would the person who picked up my Quecha fabric boots please get in touch !