Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 1988 meets.
Caving 1. 10 January 1988. A party of seven did Heron Pot in
Kingsdale and then had time to do a second cave on the other side
of the dale. The trip included abseiling down waterfalls and of
course the usual grovelling and squeezing through low and narrow
passages mainly occupied by fast flowing streams.
Patterdale. 22-23 January 1988. Report by Dave Crowther. Another
popular and successful trip to the Starkey Hut and elsewhere,
despite the less than ideal weather. Saturday saw high winds on
the tops, which kept many at low level. Sunday showed some
improvement, with walking, scrambling, and skiing being popular.
Rumour has it that Ian Barton is going to buy a turbo-tractor for
next year’s visit.
White Peak walk. 31 January. Report by John Starey. After a
slight mix-up with grid references, about 15 members and friends
left Bakewell and headed off for Ashford, Sheldon, Taddington,
and Monsal Dale in beautiful sunshine, although with the recent
rainfall which fell on a lot of us in Patterdale the weekend
before, the walking was rather wet and slippery underfoot, even
resembling a limestone bogtrot at times! Neverthless we arrived
at the Packhorse Inn at Little Longstone for lunch to find Andy
holding the fort with the children, as Rosy was with us, and also
Alan Fletcher. From there we had a steady stroll back to Bakewell
via Great Longstone, where cups of tea were drunk at a local
cafe. Out again for 8 o’clock at the Beehive for a pint then
across to the Himalaya where 9 or 10 of us enjoyed a curry and a
chat.
Caving. 14 February. Report by Dave Pendlebury. Seven intrepid
members, led (sometimes from the rear) by the President, did the
excellent ‘sporting’ through trip of Simpson’s Pot, grade IV,
near Ingleton. NB ‘sporting’ is a technical caving term usually
meaning wet. We were not disappointed. The highlight of the trip
was the ‘fun’ pitch out of Slit Pot, the final pitch of Simpsons
where it joins the main system. You have to squeeze through a
tall, very narrow slit into space, as on the other side is an
80′, mainly free, abseil. Some found this more difficult than
others! Special mention must go to Alison Mills whose first
caving trip it was – the girl done well. The trip ended according
to tradition in the Corner Cafe, Leeds – well worth getting wet
for.
Evening moonlight walk. Friday 4 March. It was a brilliant
evening: clear cold and crisp with a bright full moon. A dozen of
us started from the Snake Inn shortly after 8pm. Through the wood
(the only time torches were used), over the foot bridge and up
the path to Seal Stones. Nicely warmed up after the uphill, we
turned west along Seal Edge. There was very little snow cover,
though snow lay along the path like a white ribbon, and the mud
and bogs were nicely frozen. The air was beautifully clear and as
our boots crunched along the edge of the plateau, we could see
the lights of Manchester, lots of stars, the flashing top of the
Holme Moss TV mast, passing aeroplanes, and at one point a
shooting star was spotted. At Fairbrook Naze we met a second
Castle party who had arrived at the Snake late, come up Fairbrook
and were now headed for the Downfall. After a brief whisky and
tea break, we headed down a ridge of hard packed snow and on down
steep heather to join the path back to the pub, where liquid
refreshments were taken.
Nasty Bogtrot. 13 March. In the last newsletter, the meet leader
Rob guaranteed “rain, wind, sleet plus knee deep mud”. Since he
decided not to come on the meet, I am able to tell him that the
prediction was entirely accurate. Definitely a meet for
masochists and five turned up at Hagg Farm for this circuit of
the Alport and Ashop valleys. The wind and rain were in our faces
as we headed past Alport Castles and on towards Bleaklow.
Compasses were soon needed as we climbed into the low cloud. Up
and along the Stake Line – extremely soft going through the
groughs, we arrived at Bleaklow Head and Wain Stones where we
snatched a quick bite of lunch in far from perfect conditions.
Along the Pennine Way to Snake Top (in bog above up to our knees
at one point) and onwards squelchily to Mill Hill, a rather
tedious section. The rain had now turned to snow and as we turned
the corner, the wind seemed to go round too so that it was still
blowing in our faces. Down to Ashop head and up on to Kinder.
Gone, alas, the hard frozen conditions experienced on the
moonlight walk a few days earlier. Now we had soft fresh snow
lying on top of soft fresh bog. We continued wearily past
Fairbrook and Seal Stones and it became clear that we would not
reach Crookstone Knoll before darkness, as planned, so we decided
to drop down to Blackden Clough. At least we were now out of the
clag and could put away the compass. A leap over the swollen
brook and we were soon back at the road just as it was getting
dark. A couple of miles back along the road brought us to the
cars tired and wet. A nasty bogtrot indeed.
Ring around the Roaches. 27 March. Report by Nesta Hartley. The
Castle turnout for the BMC conference obviously exhausted any
willingness to attend a meet in the same area the next day.
However the meet leader and 3 non-members (all conference
attenders) and dog adjourned to the Roaches for a cool but
enjoyable day climbing there, which seemed preferable to the
‘Ring’.
Scotland, Cairngorms. 1-4 April 1988 (Easter). Report by Jack
Ashcroft. The accommodation in the old railway station buildings
at Nethybridge was quite an economic and unique experience. The
booking hall complete with ticket hatch – you know about 18″ by
24″ half dome top – boarded up behind (like a museum piece) and
the railway platforms with ponies grazing the former railway
track area, was all very unusual. So was the electrical equipment
which tended to trip out into overload blackness at peak hour
cooking time, after a day on the hill.
Fourteen of us enjoyed the pleasure of this, all or some of the
time from Friday to Tuesday. Unusual accommodation – unusual
weather! It was as near as possible perfect. It seemed to follow
a pattern of misty mornings, clear by lunch and fine evening
sunsets. There were some late starts which only proved
advantageous for Alpine glow on well snow covered peaks.
A ski/walk party (John, Robyn, Vee and Sue) traversed Carn Ban
Mor and Sgor Gaoith from Glen Feshie on Saturday. Frank and
Jennifer walked Cairngorm in morning mist and failed to locate
its northern top, Cnap Coire na Spreidhe. Janet and I walked up
Glen Feshie, one of us attaining the distant munro of Carn
Fidhleir. Belinda rested the day having spent two days out in the
Lairig Ghru climbing with Mark on Cairn Toul from Lochan Uiane.
Sunday, a large party (John, Robyn, Sue, Vee, Belinda, Paul,
Carol and Matthew) walked into Gleann Einich and climbed
Braeriach, several on ski. Sgor Gaoith was visited again from
Glen Feshie by Frank, Jennifer and John.
Monday a large party attacked Cairngorm from all directions.
Belinda to climb on the gullies of Coire Sneachda. Frank and
Jennifer over Bynach More and Cairngorm from Strath Nethy (I
forgot to ask whether the top was found the second time). Others
skiing on Cairngorm and Cairn Lochan. Later in the week the
Drumochter peaks were visited from the Nethybridge base.
If you go to Speyside and experience the weather we had over
Easter you would be more than satisfied. Just magnificent – 70F
in Aviemore one day (so the papers said). Was it 70F in Cornwall?
Those on the meet: JB, SS, JM, FM, BS, V, R, JA, JA, M, JR, PR,
M, C – the morning starts from the booking hall were reminiscent
of the inordinate arrival of an expedition at some remote
railhead village in the Himalayan foothills.
Skye. 28-30 May (Spring bank holiday). The weather was a
disapointment, compared to previous visits, but I suppose after
such a long run of good weather on Spring bank club meets to Skye
we were due for a change. Having said that, it was only really
wet for a couple of days or so, and plenty of good mountaineering
was done, although the Ridge was in cloud most of the week, and
damp rock and misty surroundings did not encourage much rock
climbing. There were over thirty members and guests assembled at
Glenbrittle, though numbers dwindled during the week as the
weather declined to improve. Various sections of the Ridge were
done, and also such classics as the Bhasteir Tooth, the Dubh
Slabs and Pinnacle Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean. On the climbing
front, Sron na Ciche was predictably popular, with an ascent of
Crack of Doom and other routes in the Cioch area; a planned
ascent of the West Buttress of Sgurr Mhiccoinnich was abandoned
when the route could not be located in the mist. Other activities
included cycling (a trip to the delightful Isle of Raasay being
particularly enjoyable), sightseeing (Dunvegan Castle etc),
helping the children build sandcastles on the beach, and of
course propping up the bar at the Sligachan.
Capel Curig. 11-12 June. There was a surprisingly small turnout
for such a fine weekend. Saturday was hot and windless – real
shorts and T-shirt weather. A mass family ascent of Tryfan was
made by the Smith, Coggins, and Roberts families, via the North
Ridge and Heather Terrace. Meanwhile the climbing routes on the
mountain were very busy, with queues for each; one club party
caught in the traffic jam made a protracted ascent of Grooved
Arete. Sunday activities included climbing on Idwal Slabs,
walking on the Carnedds and picnicking in Cwm Bochlwyd.
Northumberland. 25-26 June. Report by Dave Pendlebury. Eight of
us made the journey to Wooler for a peaceful weekend in
Northumberland. Saturday was spent at Bowden Doors (when we found
it – a few more road signs are needed) in warm, periodically
sunny conditions. The views are magnificent but the grades are
stiff – a number of “Scottish VS’s” remain! On Sunday, we moved a
little further north to Kyloe Crags, another sandstone outcrop,
and enjoyed some of the classic lines, again in warm, sunny
weather.
Wimberry. 3 July. Report by Dave Pendlebury. Five members and
friends made the trip to the far side of the Peak on a windy day.
We were rewarded by dry weather while it rained elsewhere in the
Peak District. The easier classics were climbed by various
combinations of teams. A green ‘Trident’ was eventually grunted
up while others swore on ‘Blasphemy’. If you like combining
caving and climbing the crag has just the route for you – ’Starvation Chimney’ V.D.
Treasure Hunt. 5 July. This event, held in Longshaw, was devised
by Steve France and involved solving riddles and finding hidden
letters at a number of locations. Besides being enjoyable, it
raised funds for the anniversary book fund. The results,
announced afterwards in The Grouse, were as follows. Winners:
Martin Whitaker, Dubbo and family; Runner up: Gavin Moore; Booby
prize: Mike Doyle (in spite of his attempts to remain anonymous).
Kinder walk/climb. 17 July. Three walked and about five climbed.
Here is a report on the walk by Jack Ashcroft.
The weekend of 16/17 July wasn’t the best of summer weather.
However the walk on the Sunday missed the worst of the weather
which seemed to be concentrated to the west (where the climbers
were). The walkers left Edale car park at 9.10am via Rowland Cote
YH. Jaggers Clough to Win Hill. Then to Ladybower Inn for
lunch-time refreshment (12.10pm). We continued around Derwent
Edge dropping to the main reservoir track to Derwent Dam where
further refreshment was taken (2.00pm). We then walked up to
Lockerwood Farm onto Alport Castles and 1/2 mile further on
dropped into the Alport only to face the challenge of climbing
out again and over the moor to Oyster Clough and down to the
Snake Inn (6.00pm). It was then up and over Kinder via Seal
Stones and Upper Tor to Grindsbrook 8pm-ish, to Edale and home –
one hour behind schedule! But what a pleasant day’s scenic walk
around Ladybower Reservoir and its 3/5 Inns. “A bit up and down”
someone said. What about the ultimate challenge then – the HOB
Route, “Hire of Boat” and fish. “That’s been done before” I can
hear someone say. OK then next time, minimum walking distance
walk around Ladybower and no Inns – just a cup of tea at Derwent
Dam. “You can do that by yourself” I can hear someone say.
And here is a report on the climbing by Dave Crowther. July
was somewhat Decemberish and the meet leader was unfortunately
rather late out, so he missed Frank, Jennifer and Dave Dunk who
actually did a route (hardy folks!). Basically a walking day.
Yorkshire Dales. 23-24 July. Saturday was warm, humid, and wet;
Sunday was cool, windy, and wet. The meet was based at Hawes, in
Wensleydale, and local walks proved pleasant and popular,
including an ascent of Wether Fell which overlooks the town.
Black Rocks. 31 July. Report by Dave Pendlebury. The committee
has been given strict instructions that this crag should not
appear on the meets list again! Only the France/ Coates team
appeared at home on this crag, mere mortals being reduced to
fighting their way up, sideways, or not. I’ve never seen more
Friend 4’s used in earnest! Most of the routes I witnessed did
not involve much normal climbing technique – lying on your back,
sitting astride aretes, moving on your side yes, but climbing?
Antony Alford and Helen Eaton’s ascent (sic) of ‘Neb Traverse’
summed up the day for me – an outing involving a whole repertoire
of ungainly techniques, leaving them knackered and almost where
they started.
September stroll. 11 September. We started from Castleton, eleven
of us, which wasn’t bad for a walk starting at 9am on a Sunday
morning. At first it was rather cloudy and windy but as the day
progressed it became very pleasantly warm and sunny. We started
up the defile of Cavedale to emerge onto Hurdlow. A track took us
past a motorbike scrambling meeting and skirted Eldon Hill quarry
down to the road. We then had to do more than skirt the quarry,
which has obviously been enlarged since the map was drawn; the
path now goes through it, and we scurried across, running the
gauntlet of tipper trucks being driven at full tilt. The route
continued uneventfully across fields and over stiles in the dry
stone boundary walls, some of which took rather careful
mapreading to find. We passed Peak Forest to the delightful
hamlet of Old Dam and then on to a place whose spelling seemed
uncertain – Brecktor on the 1:25000 sheet, Brocktor on the
one-inch. The first mutiny of the day resulted in a stop for
elevenses. Then it was on past the flourspar workings of
Tideswell Moor to Windmill and Great Hucklow, the latter looking
very pretty with colourful flowers in its immaculately kept
cottage gardens. The Ashcroft Howgate consortium here diverted
into the Queen Anne, whilst the rest of us pushed on through a
few more fields to the official lunch stop, the Lazy Landlord at
Foolow, where we enjoyed a drink at the tables outside in the
sunshine and ignored the signs forbidding the consumption of
one’s own food. Here we were joined by two members who had not
got up early enough for the start of the walk. The afternoon
involved crossing Bretton Clough, rejoining the splinter group,
and following the track across Abney Moor through the tall summer
bracken, whilst gliders and hang-gliders soared overhead in the
clear blue sky. A descent to Brough and walk along the riverside
path bought us back to Castleton, thronged with tourists. A most
enjoyable day’s walk, slightly longer than the advertised 15
miles.
Eskdale. 24-25 September. Although in the best tradition the meet
leader did not make it to the campsite at Boot, more than a dozen
members did. Saturday was damp at first but beautiful later, with
the becks in spate after heavy rain and excellent views through
the clear air, though the cloud hung around the highest tops all
day. Most people walked to Wasdale returning over Scafell, via
Lords Rake. A family party did a shorter variation over Bleatarn
Hill. The evening was passed pleasantly in the Burnmoor Inn.
Sunday dawned perfectly but sadly it didn’t last and by lunch
time the rain and mist had closed in again. Most people headed
for the Coniston fells, though one optimistic team lugged
rock climbing gear up to Napes Needle, only to be rained off.
Wildcat. 9 October. “Me and him and Andy Dight had a great warm
day whilst you were all lying in bed. Where were you? Linda
McLeish.”
Cader Idris. 15-16 October. A dozen or so members attended this
meet which turned out to be excellent. Saturday saw a mass ascent
of Cyfrwy Arete; everyone was there except Vanda and Steve who
had gone to the wrong campsite and did their own thing. There was
a light haze down in the valley but above, the sun shone out of a
clear blue sky, and all the way up the ridge we had wonderful
views across the cwm to the summit and northwards down to the
Mawddach valley. We were clearly on the right side of the
mountain, as from time to time swirls of cloud billowed over the
summit ridge and into the cwm. The route itself, which we had
entirely to ourselves, is a 500ft diff in an excellent situation,
technically easy but with a certain amount of loose rock;
fortunately most of this was cleared away by Hugh during the
ascent. The main feature of the ascent was the very strong wind
which necessitated short pitches and a lot of shouting. It was
nearly four o’clock by the time we reached the lunch stop at the
top of the route and coiled the ropes. We returned to camp via
the summit of Cader, being fortunate enough to see Brocken
Spectres en route. Later our hoarse throats were soothed by
copious draughts of Marston’s Pedigree in the Railway Inn at
Abergynolwyn.
On Sunday (except for Hugh and Andy who climbed at Bird Rock) we
all made an ascent of Rhobell Fawr, including the Ashcrofts who
were timesharing with an Oread meet. The wind had dropped and it
was a perfect day, really summery, ie the sort of warm sunny day
we ought to get in the summer but usually don’t, and it was
sweaty work getting to the summit trig point. Here we ate lunch,
enjoying the excellent views in all directions. All the major
ranges of the area can be seen from this little visited peak:
Snowdonia to the north, the Rhinogs to the west, Cader to the
south, the Arans and Arenigs to the east. The keener members of
the team also took in the lower rocky little peak of
Rhobell-y-big, reached across rather boggy ground, before we
regrouped for our return route through the forest, the initial
part of which was obviously little used and needed bushwacking
techniques to penetrate. We dropped back down to the cars through
blackberry lined lanes. A good day was rounded off nicely by a
cafe stop in Bala before the journey home.
Bleaklow Bogtrot. 30 October 1988.
A dozen of us met at the old railway bridge below Rollick
Stones. With an anti-cylone hanging over the country, the weather
was perfect for the time of year: clear, crisp, calm and sunny.
The air temperature was low and there had been a heavy frost
overnight, but we soon warmed up as we headed uphill to Wildboar
Clough. This proved a most enjoyable scramble, involving not a
little care as many of the rocks were ice-covered.
All too soon the scrambling was over and we emerged into the
sunshine on the open plateau, and soon reached Bleaklow Head, “a
lunar landscape” someone remarked with some degree of
justification.
The visibility was excellent as we paused for refreshments
and photographs. It was too cold to hang about long, and we
pressed on to the trig point on Higher Shelf Stones, across peat
groughs which were unusually firm, thanks to the frost. More
snacks were consumed and photographs taken before were again on
the move, this time quitting the plateau and dropping down Hern
Clough to Grains in the Water.
Our route took us through the pathless heather with only the
gurgling brooks and the occasional grouse to break the silence;
across the Westend and up Deep Grain to Grinah Stones, where we
stopped for lunch sprawled over the rocks in the sunshine resting
our feet and enjoying the views.
Michele pulled from her rucsack half a bottle of Navy rum
and a box of chocolates; I don’t know what kind of club she thinks
this is. Soon Rob was getting restless so we were off again,
across the moor to Barrow Stones, down to the infant Derwent, up
and over Swains Head and back to the A628.
To get back to the cars we took the track contouring above
the road on the north side of the valley. An excellent day of
about 13 miles, though the really dedicated bogtrotter may have
found the lack of either really squelchy bogs or the need for
compass navigation a little tame.