Castle Mountaineering Club. Reports of 2011 meets.
Historical walk 9 January 2011
Last Sundays meet was a departure from the usual as it took place out side The Peak District. Despite that it passed through some very attractive country.
Myself: Leon and Jose, Andrew and Ali, Charles, Vanda, Dave P and for the start by Sally, Francis and daughter Eleanor.
We set of from The Yorkshire Sculpture Park car park in cold clear weather and followed the course of the River Dearne, eventually branching of to the ancient village of Emley which is now famous for its television mast which can been seen for miles around. Here on some benches we had lunch.
Heading back towards the Sculpture Park we passed some spoil heaps from bell pits dug to extract iron ore. On reaching the Park we had a look at the David Nash exhibition and enjoyed a drink on a veranda which afforded excellent views of the surrounding country side and Barnsley. A short but pleasant day.
Hugh
Dark Peak walk 13 February 2011
The weather wasn’t very inviting, so I can understand why some of you
decided to stay at home today. My dilemma was what to do if no-one
turned up; slink off home myself or do some/all of the planned walk.
Three stalwarts [Charles, Marion and JB] arrived and therefore saved me
from this difficult decision. We set off from Hope, and approached Win
Hill from a new direction for me, with great views over a very full
Ladybower reservoir and an easy ascent to the top. Shortly afterwards,
Charles decided to peel off back to Hope and the bus-ride home, while
the remaining three of us continued along the ridge to Hope Cross. Here
JB decided to make an attempt at getting fitter/toned up for his Alpine
ski-mountaineering course in a week’s time and headed up alone into the
murk of Kinder Scout, and soon after Marion also left, to descend
Jaggers Clough for a shorter return to Hope. I didn’t take any of this
personally, and continued quite happily but in increasingly wet
conditions towards Edale as planned. At least the wind was either behind
or coming from the side. Then it was up to Hollins Cross and along the
ridge via Back Tor to Lose Hill [not much to see through the clag] and a
squelchy, muddy descent back to Hope; 12 miles in just over 6 hours.
Safely back at home now, and replenished with a cup of tea, hot shower
and dry clothes and thoughts of a slobby day tomorrow. Vanda
White Peak walk 20 February 2011
After Saturday’s snow,Sunday dawned grey,misty and uninviting.
Wondering how many members would sally forth I made the misty journey to Alstonefield.A potential new member,Nigel,arrived at the same time as Andy and Rosey.The Dowling brothers then made it 6.
No other members apparently in evidence we set out at 10.10am.However,as we left the village a car raced up with Dave C and Chris H who agreed to wait for us in Milldale.
The original 6 then descended down a rather slippy slope into Wolfscote Dale and continued to Milldale over Shining Tor.The full complement of 8 was then established.
Dove Dale was then followed past the scene of Hugh and Steve’s previous “Wack and Dangle” exploits to Illam Rock and the Tissington Spires where a short “pre lunch” stop gave us enough energy to get up the hill behind Illam Rock.Lunch proper was taken in a small copse and old lime kiln above Hall Dale.
We were then soon by the edge of the Castern nature reserve enjoying the view of Beeston Tor and the obviously wet and flowing river below in contrast to the dry bed I explored only 2 weeks ago!
An easy walk then led to Wetton and back to Alstonefield where we arrived just before 3pm in time for a drink at “The George” before we made tracks for home.
A pleasant day out in the southern half of the White Peak -a bit short on views due to the dull conditions-but no shortage of conversation and no rain !Join me for the next White Peak instalment on 20th March.
Mike D
Lake District meet 26-27 February 2011
11 members and 1 dog attended last weekend’s meet, staying in what can
only be described as an extremely spacious camping barn just outside
Kendal. Although only nominally big enough for 12, there was room for at
least 30, with lots of comfy settees and chairs.
The weather was kinder than expected on Saturday & Sunday, although the
early arrivers had a miserable clag engulfing them on Friday.
It seems that late nights in huts are a thing of the past, most were
early to bed on Friday, apart from the last person to arrive, who will
remain nameless, who passed the hut at 11.30, but failed to actually
locate it for another couple of hours.
A mixture of activities took place on Saturday, Andrew, Hugh & Mary went
scrambling in Langdale, Russ ascended part of the Howgills and bought
the ‘Guardian’, Charles went off to the canals, everybody else was
transported 12 miles towards Windemere and walked back to base along the
Dales Way, apart from myself who was testing out the injured leg and did
an out and back to the car of about 6-7 miles. The day was mostly
warmish and rain free with substantial amounts of blue sky, almost
Spring-like.
Sunday was decidedly cooler and a little damper at first, Andrew & Mary
took off to find some sheltered easy rock, Charles again went off with
his bike & rucksack to explore alone, a 5 strong party went the opposite
way up the Dales Way and walked back, I sat about in the hut before
going exploring Kendal & Russ & Lynne eventually escaped from my
chatting and headed North for a walk before returning to Scotland.
It made a change to be in a slightly different and much less crowded
area, and the barn was adequate if a little cool, but better than
camping and not as cold as another barn nearby which we stayed in some
years ago.
Paul Gibson
Paul Fowkes Memorial Cycle ride 6 March 2011
Last Sunday’s Paul Fowkes Memorial Cycle was well attended: Charles, Vanda, Rosy and Andy, Caroline, Marion, Mike Doyle, Leon, Rick, and Andrew. We set of from Fairholmes visitors Centre in glorious but cold weather and followed the trail around Derwent and Howden Reservoirs back to Fairholmes for a hot drink stop then back on the track to the A57. Hear there was a parting of the ways.
Half the group went left back towards Fairhomes and the cars and the rest turned right over the viaducts following the side of Ladybower, over the dam wall then followed the track until eventually meeting the road then back along the A57 to where we parked the cars.
Although not a challenging or technical ride. being relatively level and on good surfaces and not overly long,the complete circumnavigation of the all three reservoirs was only 26 miles the shorten version 17 it was very enjoyable and mostly traffic free and the weather was excellent.
Hugh
Roaches walk 13 March 2011
It looked as if we were in for a poor walk with sleet and fog around at 9.30am but fortunately it turned into a glorious day.
Seven of us plus Pillar disgorged ourselves from Bill’s van at the parking which rather suprised Mike, who was the only person to drive over on Sunday morning. We walked the intended route in reverse as the Roaches were just emerging from cloud, following field paths and tracks, sometimes wet or muddy, to the Dane valley. After one or two of us expressed a desire for a pint, we all had luch sitting outside The Ship at Danebridge (see photo).
We then followed the escarpment from the Hanging Stone over Back Forest and the Roaches to our start, with ice creams and a look in the Don Whillan’s Memorial Hut on the way (see photo). The views south and west were spectacular – we could see The Wrekin, Wenlock Edge and the Clywdian Range and we were bathed in bright sunlight. Elen and Bill then provided an excellent High Tea, partly with food provided by the ‘weekenders’. A great day out!
David and Linda
White Peak Walk 20 March 2011
5 members travelled to Wormhill for the start of the walk and set out over the fields to the gigantic Tunstead quarry.An awesome and impressive example of the environmental cost of our 21st century lifestyle.
Safely through the works we stopped in the fields beyond for a tea break.(The meet leader’s earlier suggested stop on the top perimeter of the works being rejected as not affording a sufficiently rural outlook !)
Woo Dale then followed and the traverse above Wye Dale before the spectacular descent into Chee Dale where we stopped for lunch.
Lunch over it was a pleasant romp through Chee Dale itself.The water level was well below the stepping stones,dippers bobbed about and climbers were active on the cliffs.
Leaving Chee Dale the party elected to follow the river into Miller’s Dale thus affording a pit stop at the welcome “Angler’s Rest”.Unlike the Roaches walk a week ago,however,we were not able to sit outside basking in the sunshine.(Although I later learned that Sheffield enjoyed a warm sunny day,Wormhill Chee Dale and area by contrast had a rather dull grey day,presumably because we were the wrong side of the west-east weather line the forecaster had referred to the night before.)
Pit stop over we pressed on up Monksdale and back over the fields to Wormhill.
A good day out enjoyed by all in some classic White Peak scenery.Shame about the the lack of sun!
Mike Doyle
Rivelin meet 17 April 2011
What a lovely sunny day for the Rivelin meet today, it certainly brought
a decent turn out with a mixture of ‘old-stagers’, many sporting their
latest injuries supplemented with a very welcome number of newcomers,
all of whom seemed to enjoy themselves and several first leads/first
outdoor routes were done.
Rivelin really is a wonderful crag in early Spring with the sun shining
through the trees, birds singing and containing enough gentle routes to
get the early season rust out of the system, not that everybody neeed
that, fine ascents of Altar Crack and other more difficult routes were
completed.
If last year is anything to go by, now is the time to get on the crags
before the weather turns, for those going to Skye for Easter, let’s hope
it stays fine.
Paul Gibson
New members mountain biking meet 14 May 2011
Some very heavy showers as I made my way to Mytham Bridge did not make this outing look too appealing and perhaps explains why only four of us turned up for the challenge. At least I can boast that 50% of the team were potential new members – Rob and Katherine – with Leon completing the party. Charles was also in attendance although he was planning a gentler ride in the direction of Fairholmes. He was, as usual , well-prepared for any eventuality and kindly lent me his spare waterproof jacket (on the srtength of an ‘improving weather’ forecast I’d left mine behind).
It was dry but windy when we set off and fortunately stayed dry as we made our way steeply up to Offerton Hall and then more gently along the road to Highlow Hall and Abney. A right turn brought us out on to Abney Moor and the top of the climb where we paused for a drink and to take in the views across to Stanage and Kinder Scout. However it was the clouds which really caught the eye – bruised and ragged clumps scudding over us, it would only be a matter of time before we got wet!
The descent of Brough Lane was exciting – much rougher than I remember – and we were soon back in the valley and heading along the road to Hope and then to Townhead Bridge where we began the next long climb up the Roman Road towards Hope Cross. As we took a break above the most difficult strech we looked along Edale and saw a huge squall blowing in over Brown Knoll and filling the valley below us. There was no escape and we just got the waterproofs on before it hit us. It was only a short distance before we turned along Hope Brink and got the wind behind us for the final pull to the top of the climb. The rain had already eased off and we were soon freewheeling down the airy track above Twitchill Farm and in to Aston. A short ride along the back lanes through Thornhill brought us back to Mytham Bridge remarkably dry and feeling we had pulled of a good ride in fairly unpromising conditions.
Cheers, Steve W
Beginners Climbing Meet 15 May 2011
Despite the weather, cold wet and windy, we had a good turn out at Burbage North for the beginners and potential new members meet. Due to the large numbers of participants we split into two groups,one with Andrew Milne and Mark Roberts disappeared whilst the rest of us including myself; Dave and Linda and Garry did some of the easy routes around Ash Tree Crack area. After some heroic efforts climbing and stoic efforts belaying, the top was freezing and blowing a gale, we moved just past the Mutiny Crack area were more determined climbing and belaying took place, until the rock got too wet and the belayers too cold. A retreat was called and we regrouped in the Norfolk Arms which was a lot warmer and dryer.
A big thank you to everybody who came and I hope the beginners weren’t to put off by the weather and I hope that we see them again on future meets.
Hugh
New Members Weekend walk 15 May 2011
As planned, I met up with John Barnard and potential new members, Martin and Jenny, in Edale carpark at 10am for a circuit of part of the Edale skyline. All started fairly well as we headed up Grindsbrook Clough [almost went the wrong way; not a way to impress newcomers with one’s map-reading skills] then onto Kinder Scout, and passed Crowden Tower and the head of the Edale valley. It was pretty windy and wet on top, but we managed to find somewhere sheltered for a brief lunch-stop, so we didn’t need to take up Martin’s kind offer of use of the emergency wind-shelter he was carrying. Unexpectedly, an old Castle club member approached [Dave Dunk] with a friend, so John, who had decided to take the first ‘escape’ route back to Edale [his excuse – ‘my fridge needs sorting out’] was left talking to them [with Martin, who had also decided he’d had enough of the drizzle], leaving Jenny and I to continue the walk for a little longer over Brown Knoll towards Rushop Edge. I didn’t realise until much later that Jenny was now carrying Martin’s GPS, which had been monitoring our route, so when the cloud descended and we were searching for a way off [we weren’t lost; we were just doing a ‘variation’ of the planned route] there is now an unwanted record of our meanderings. Below the cloud base, we could take stock again, and descended precipitously towards a farm with several unwelcoming and unhelpful ‘no path’ signs, and, eventually back on route, many dilapidated stiles. We safely negotiated between a mother cow, who was blocking our way, and her calf; less successful was my slippery slab-crossing. Meet leaders aren’t meant to worry potential new members by lying winded on their backs unable to move for quite a while, only managing to just gasp that they were ‘alright really/nothing serious’. Eventually I was able to return to a more normal upright position and we could then continue our way uneventfully back via the end of the Pennine Way to Edale and meet up with Martin in the carpark. So a slighter shorter walk than originally planned, but definitely entertaining, and we were out in the fresh air for 5 hours, walking about 8 miles, and the company was excellent. Thank you Jenny, Martin and John.
Vanda Boyd
Scottish sailing trip 21-27 May 2011
Six CMC members have just returned and eventually dried out from our
exploratory Scottish sailing trip, which had a number of ‘interesting’
aspects.
The trip was originally conceived after a Greek trip last year,
eventually only 2 from that trip, Greg Hartshorn and Chris Kell made it
to Scotland along with myself and 3 newcomers to sailing, Hugh Dowling,
Chris Huxham and Dave Crowther. A 31ft [that’s small for 6!] yacht, Lily
J, was chartered from Ballachulish with the intention of sailing to
Mull, Eigg and beyond, but of course sailing is dictated totally by the
weather and we certainly got plenty of that, even for Scotland.
Saturday was very very wet and with winds to F6 we decided just to take
the boat out along the loch and through the bridge to give everybody a
taster and get all the waterproofs tested! Evening spent trying to get
them dry again.
Sunday morning was slightly better when we set out for Oban but it
didn’t take long before winds were gusting over 30kts which makes life
rather unpleasant, but we arrived eventually having motored straight
into the wind for a good part of the day.
Overnight the wind had risen again to 40kts with forecasts to F10 so
wisely we stayed put in Oban Marina which is actually on an island
across Oban Bay. After debating taking the water taxi into town
thankfully we decided to stay put as we’d have been stranded after winds
got up to F11 and boats were breaking moorings all around the bay. We
watched ‘Drum’, formerly owned by Simon le Bon, washed onto rocks and
being dragged off by a tug boat, several others were washed ashore and
one arrived unmanned in the marina and was hauled in by marina staff who
also were called on to repair the pontoon we were moored to as it split
apart. I’ve never sailed actually attached to the marina!
Tuesday morning winds were still high but slightly less by lunchtime,
but with bad weather forecast all week we abandoned our original plans
for fear of being stranded out on an island and decided on a series of
daysails around the area. As the only boat to leave the marina we were
slightly cautious but out for around 3 hours before a fraught return to
the marina, not helped by a most objectionable man threatening Hugh who
was only carrying out instructions. We got our revenge later!
Weds was again windy but dry [at first] so we set out to sail to Loch
Spelve on Mull and had a fine sail across and through the narrow
entrance, unfortunately the rain returned but we made it to the SW end
and anchored for lunch. At this point it should be said that the two
Chris’s spent a good proportion of the week supplying hot and cold
lunches and drinks, purely by their own choice and we were all very
grateful. I should also say the evening meals were cooked by Greg and
myself and a couple of local hostleries. The return from Loch Spelve was
in miserable conditions, windy, wet, poor visibility and lumpy seas but
not downhearted we got back just in time to be ready for the water taxi
to meet up with Dave & Jenny Kime who drove over to meet us and lodge on
Jenny’s brother’s boat which, quite by accident, we were moored next to
and he recognised us from her description of us, whatever that was. A
very sociable evening of good food and chat was ended after games of
pool in which Jenny took her first steps to the Crucible, trying her
hand on the green baize for the first time.
By Thursday we started to head for home, aiming for Fort William via the
Corran Narrows, supposedly awkward to pass through, but a combination of
passage planning and weak tides saw us arrive in time for tea, with Hugh
and myself rowing the dinghy ashore for extra provisions [and a bag of
chips]. After a decent night swinging around a mooring buoy we set off
for Loch Eile via the bottom end of the canal and through the Annan
Narrows before turning round and heading back to base, but not before
the cloud lifted briefly to give views of Annoch Mor and even the top of
Ben Nevis. After handing back the boat, still in the rain, we headed
down to Doune to stay overnight with Russ and Lynne in the first warm
dry conditions for a week.[many thanks again].
So not quite what was planned, the storm in Oban was the worst for over
30 years we were told, but we made the absolute most in the conditions,
which saw very few other yachts even leave their moorings, the 3 new
sailors all performed extremely well and most of all we all had lots of
laughs. Would I do it again? You bet!!
[ps I’ve put a few pics on the site to see what it was really like]
White Peak Walk 10 July 2011
Things often don’t work out exactly as planned. Unexpectedly on the Sunday morning, drivers from Sheffield to Chesterfield were being diverted from the Dronfield bypass, which meant that this meet leader arrived at the meeting point outside the Crispin Inn in Ashover, somewhat flustered and after the others; not a great way to start. Initially all went well, managing to leave Ashover on the correct footpath [not always the easiest thing to do, especially when the walk hasn’t been recce-ed beforehand] crossing the river Amber and climbing gently up along delightful ancient paths under Cocking Tor. A stile was missed but rather than retracing our steps, I decided to continue in the correct southerly direction and hope to pick up the continuation path shortly. The plan had been to walk through Highoredish and Brackenfield, to the southern end of Ogston reservoir before skirting its western shores and heading NW back to Ashover, doing 11 miles in all. Things didn’t quite work out like that, but fortunately Steve Warwick’s larger-scale map was more up-to-date than mine [showing the correct/present position of paths that the landowners had diverted] and everyone got involved spotting the hidden stiles. There was also bird-watching and trying to remember the names of the various wild flowers on the way. It was lovely to be in a new area with different views, some beautiful old houses, paved paths and lush green lanes. Ogston reservoir could be seen in the distance; unfortunately the sailing club at the northern end of it, which was when I realised that we’d missed out a whole chunk of the planned route. So we arrived earlier than anticipated, and had our lunch, looking at the reservoir. The day was quite muggy by then, with dark clouds gathering, so people seemed to be quite happy to just walk directly back to Ashover on the planned original route, even though only completing 8 miles. So there was time for a welcome drink in the pub, before driving home in torrential rain [so perhaps the curtailed walk was a blessing in disguise]. Thank you everyone, and particularly Steve for your map-reading assistance. Vanda Boyd
Kinder Downpour 17 July 2011
Despite a less than encouraging weather forecast three hardy souls arrived at the Snake Inn, Myself Pete Tingle and Rosa the weather didn’t seem to bad so I optimistically thought we would get at least one climb in before it started raining.
Halfway up Fairbrooke any thoughts of climbing were cast aside and walk was suggested, by the time we reached the top a retreat was on the cards. As Rosa had never seen the downfall or been on top of Kinder and we couldn’t get any wetter we compromised, walked across the plateau admired the downfall complete with water blowing back then squelched back. Arriving at the cars looking like the proverbial drowned rats.
I and Rosa dried out and warmed up in the Snake Inn over a delicious hot chocolate, with cream Not quite the meet I was hoping for but it is summer so what do you expect.
Hugh
Stanage 31 July 2011
Many thanks to all who turned up at Crow Chin today to make it a thoroughly enjoyable day, especially Chris who was a fine belayer, Mary & Nigel who gave this ageing body a rope on a couple of routes and the weather gods who gave us a fine dry day with some lovely warm sunshine and enough breeze to keep the biting monsters away.
Congratulations to Judith who took her first leading steps and Maggie who was on her first outdoor meet [I think]. Also to Andrew for ascending the Marmoset, which usually sees much fruitless energy wasted.
Many routes were ticked, even more attempted, it must have been good, I’m falling asleep typing.
See you all on a crag somewhere soon.
Paul.
Staffordshire gritstone climbing 14 Aug 2011
Eight of us made it to Hen Cloud on a rather cool and windy day. Thankfully it did not rain – it rained in Leek each of the preceeding 5 days and it was raining again by 8pm.
A number of classics were climbed including K2, Ancient, Modern, Batchelor’s Climb, The Arete and Great Chimney.
The meet coordinator also spent some time hanging around on Delstree before eventually topping out.
We were all reminded of how hard work steep gritstone can be!!
David
Bradwell walk 21 August 2011
8 Club members assembled at the appointed time and place in
Bradwell, two of them on foot (one of whom was Charles who had
taken a break from cycling round the waterways of Lincolnshire
and bussed out from Sheffield). We set off up Bradwell Edge. The
conditions were perfect: dry and clear but not too warm. The
paragliders were out in force, but after leaving the launch area,
we saw few other walkers as we passed through beautiful heather
in bloom on Abney Moor and had extensive views to the south.
After dropping down to Stoke Ford we stopped for elevenses to
refuel ourselves for the pull up to Bretton. From here the route
continued through Grindlow, Great Hucklow and Windmill to the
lunch spot at High Rake Mine. From here there was an excellent
panorama to the north: Lose Hill, Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Win
Hill. After our picnic we made our way up Tideslow Rake, the
scene of many old spoil heaps from past mining activities. From
the top we went down to the road and past Bushey Heath Farm
before taking the track northwards to the top of Bradwell Moor;
again very few other walkers were seen on this section. Finally
we descended the Moor back down to Bradwell village, for welcome
tea and homemade cakes on the terrace at Nether Tor Cafe (aka
Andy and Rosy’s house). Andy
Birchen Edge 17 Aug 2011
7 climbers watched by Charles had a pleasant evening, with the midges not appearing until the sun had almost set. 5 of the climbers were female, supported by Gordon and David. The focus was on routes to the right of the main popular area, with ascents of a few lesser known gems. The evening was rounded off in traditional style in the Robin Hood Inn.
Bank Holiday Climbing 27-29 August 2011
5 turned up to Millstone and started at the far end. The wild wind and odd squall was enough to move us to the other end of the crag after a couple of routes. Played on this section and enjoyed sun and less wind, before wandering off to the pub!
A different 5 came to Baslow, with David , Linda and Christian managing both days. The wind was equally as wild, and the sun was not to be found. Bill and Elen showed up later and thought we were all mad, and we should have better things to do with our time. So they went off for a run and we all put on another and another layer. It felt like autumn… Still we got a fair few routes done and perversly enjoyed ourselves. Linda and David.
North Wales weekend 17-18 September 2011
10 people braved the rain for last weekends meet in N Wales. After a couple of brews at Eric’s cafe and a wet walk over a relative hill, the climbers managed to touch rock 4pm ish on Sat. 3 climbing groups disappeared in 3 different directions looking for good weather on the Sunday although Hugh and Eric managed a second soaking of the weekend. The walkers/scramblers had 2 successful outings with the Llech Dhu spur ticked off and the lone cyclist explored the canals and viaducts. Thanks to all for an enjoyable weekend. Mary.
Seven Stones Walk 16 October 2011
Eight members were on the 0935 bus up to Kings Tree on Sunday morning, and started the walk in slightly damp conditions, which gradually improved during the day, though parts of it were muddy, and the rocks were greasy. As we got up onto the moors we were met by a chilly northwesterly wind, but made good progress along to Shepherds’ Meeting Stones, where we stopped for lunch. Marian left us at this point, to return to Kings Tree along the Derwent valley, while the rest of us carried on to Grinah Stones, and the descent to Westend. Once we were out of the wind again, we warmed up in the afternoon sunshine, and arrived comfortably in time for the planned 1610 bus back to Fairholmes. A pint at the Ladybower rounded off an excellent day.
Many thanks to all who attended. JB.
Party: JB, Marian, Andy C, Andy and Rosy S, Rosa, Mike D and Gary
Full day of fun at Froggatt 30 October 2011
Despite a less than clement outlook, but with promise of later sunshine,
Vanda & I duly arrived at 10am shortly to be joined by Rosa and slightly
later by Eric. The area chosen to meet was busy with another club but
we managed to squeeze in a couple of routes including the first route I
ever managed to climb. As the rock gradually dried out and the sun shone
we gradually moved along the Edge ticking routes along the way. John B
joined us for a route after he’d lunched with friends in the ‘Grouse’,
shortly afterwards Charles came to observe and just as we were
contemplating stopping Hugh arrived hot foot from work so we ‘allowed’
him to lead us up a couple more routes just before dark.
We all enjoyed a lovely day of climbing but the philosophical comment of
the day was surely ”you don’t realise when younger when you’re at your
peak, but you definitely know when you’ve passed it!”
Hope to see you in the Clubroom on Thursday for the slide show.
Paul G.
Monyash walk 6 November 2011
What a beautifully sunny day, with clear blue skies and stunning views, for our Sunday walk. We did a clockwise loop northwards from Monyash, passing Flagg, and then through Chelmorten, Taddington and Sheldon. There were 8 of us and 2 dogs, and, rather surprisingly, not many other walkers around. We only went off-route once [adding another 2 miles, which just meant, near the end as the sun was setting, we took the more direct route back from Sheldon to Monyash, so a total of 13 miles in all]. Many thanks to everyone for help with the map-reading [!] and to Sue and Greg’s dog who was brilliant at always finding the next stile. An excellent day out in good company. Thank you to Ali, Sue and Greg, Leon and Josie, Dave and Linda. Meet ‘coordinator’ – Vanda Boyd
Aircraft wrecks walk 13 November 2011
It was a small select group that meet at the cross roads at Western Underwood on a dull, overcast Remembrance Sunday. Along with myself; Charles Knowles and Mike Doyle we had a rare appearance from Gavin Moore.
The main aim of the walk was to find a monument that marks the spot where a Whitley Bomber crashed killing all five crew. The plan being to observe The Two Minute Silence. We only just made it. To my surprise we where the only ones there. After the Two Minute Silence we were joined by a local dog walker who told us that there use to be a remembrance service held there and that it was attended by members of the family of the aircrew.
from the memorial we walked through some pleasant rolling countryside back to the cars, where Charles bowed out. The rest of us did a second loop and were rewarded by some blue sky.
An interesting walk through a part of the country the club rarely visits.
Hugh
Mountain Bike Meet 27 November 2011
A small group of 4 waved off by Charles at the Curbar crossroads soon swelled to 7 as 3 were picked up at the car park. After a couple of small delays with bike brake failure the happy band made it along Baslow Edge – much to short – to then hit some muddy more interesting patches coming back under the Edge followed by a quick decent into Calver. The track up towards Long Rake was steep but excellent and thanks to Mr Came’s naviagational skills we found the great descent into Rowland – once again too short! The following muddy bits between Hassop and Baslow didn’t live up to the worst expectations and much too quickly we were in Baslow having cake and coffee. The pull up to Baslow Edge and Wellington Monument was amply fuelled by said cakes and then a nice little finish admiring and avoiding the Highland cattle. All in all pretty pleasant and a much better day than the weather originally suggested.
Thanks to all. Mary.