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Seven plus Meg the dog gathered in Old Glossop in a blistering 26 degree heat for this Bleaklow round. After 1km of track we ascended to Yellow Slacks and duly rewarded ourselves with a refreshment break. Following the left hand edge of Dowstone Clough, compass directions and with the aid of indistinct paths we headed across the moorland to the Hern Stones and then the Wain Stones – our chosen lunch spot. Admiring these sculptural pieces, we decided that “Kissing” should be replaced by “Grimacing Stones”. 250m further on the level gave our first top of the day – Bleaklow Head – a very uninspiring pile of stones with a metal pole. Retracing our steps to the Grimacing Pair, some playtime was had with photo opportunities, jumping from one head to the other, plus an inelegant scramble to the top of the boulder opposite. Onward with a bit more compass work to the aircraft wreckage (Boeing RB-29A Superfortress which crashed on 3 November 1948 whilst descending through clouds). Plenty of twisted metal bits to root through. ( Can you tell I am not a military historian!) A tad beyond this, we located the second top of the day – Higher Shelf Stones. The long descent involved crossing a ravine at Crooked Clough where we joined the Pennine Way and then the Doctor’s Gate path back to the cars. We completed 9 miles/15km with 1850ft/564m ascent on a very hot day with no shade (felt more!). However it was a gift to see this beautiful area, with all its features, on a clear bright day. Great company as always.
Ali

Five CMC embers joined a Derwent MC meet to do part of the Jo Brown Challenge. The route took us down the Goyt Valley to Castle Naze and Coombes Edge. The weather was kind, the views were grand and the crack team made mincemeat of JBs challenge. Best of all I got to use my first aid kit on a relatively minor injury.
David P and Paul E took on the whole challenge , finding all clues and taking 12 hours to do 24 miles (not sure if this includes backtracking to pick up forgotten rucksack) and 4200ft ascent or thereabouts.Elen

Am happy to report that even though stormy wet weather forecast, 23 + Helen for day on Friday, rolled up to Duddon Valley meet.

Routes were climbed on WallowBarrow Crag, Wainwrights were bagged, walks in stunning valley of rivers + rocks were taken, dips were taken in scintillating river pools and the Newfield Inn featured quite a lot too!

Andrew was first to arrive and had established himself on a fine camping spot and was soon surrounded by CMC members, each choosing a delightful spot amidst the rocky knolls.

Friday was fine and the 9 climbers headed to Wallowbarrow, joined by Linda + Dave, who arrived later and as I understand had a good time doing a few routes. Meanwhile, the walkers also headed for the crag, where they lounged in the sun at the foot for a while, before doing a circular walk around Wallowbarrow and up to Grassguards. So chilled they all were on this sunny Summers day, that none of them noticed they were completely off route for a while! Back on route, they made a bee line for the finish..Newfield inn for a cream tea! Having indulged, we bumped into Steve, Marianne and her son Seth, returning from a much bigger day climbing up Dow Crag and The Old Man of Coniston. All gathered in a very sociable circle later on campsite

The outlook for Saturday was gloomy, compounded by heavy rain falling from skies during the night. Sadly, one tent did not stand up to the elements, with the inhabitants heading to the Newfield Inn for breakfast. Meanwhile, the rest of the party, with the exception of a few, were heading off all cagouled up in the rain to Green Crag + Harter fell. Contrary to expectations, the day turned out to be pretty good and a few extended the walk to Hardknott. Meanwhile, the meet leader, Bill + Scout mooched down the valley to The Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills in sunshine.

Spirits were good and a party of 15 went for dinner in the Newfield Inn.

However, Sunday did live up to the forecast, with a mass striking of camp by 9am, followed by breakfast in Pub for some. The six of us remaining went for a misty, damp walk up the Dow Crag side of the valley. Afterwards, Julian + Seha headed home and Linda, Dave + myself enjoyed a lovely evening at the end of a great weekend, supping a glass or few of wine with Chris in her luxury pad. Thank you Chris.

And thank you everybody for coming. Sue

A warm and cloudy day on which the Castle Club went to Birchen.
A good turnout of members at Emma’s slab, which was new or at least little climbed for most. A good selection of routes from easier to harder grades, with members climbing most of the routes on the slab. The namesake route was a particular favourite for Gemma & Rosie, whilst Andy preferred the lofty heights of Crow’s Nest. The crag was busy with climbers, with numbers swelling as a group of excited younger climbers passed through on a bouldering / weaselling round of the crag.
After castle numbers reduced to a few we moved across to Sail Buttress where Ratline was boldy led by Nick followed by a jaunt up Top Sail, a lovely climb.
The day was ended or so we thought until Julian appeared, bringing some glorious sunshine and some additional climbing on Orpheus wall.
A really great day, thanks all! Matt. Photos by Rosie:

Five members plus 2 dogs set off on a sunny but blustery day to complete the three hill, ten mile round.. The first and, perhaps, most shapely, Parkhouse was summited and descended within the first hour. With a narrow fin ridge, various descents were chosen, including a bum slide earth gully and the steep and more sedate tussocky grass path.A quick refreshment stop boosted the party for the next short ascent of Chrome .Again, an interesting small peak with limestone caves and outcrops.Lunch quickly followed before more ascent and descent to the pretty village of Earl Sterndale. The duck pond afforded some convenient seats, just in time to witness the feeding frenzy for the resident grey lag geese and and many mallard pairs. A rough track led us to a small lane for the final hill of the day – High Wheeldon, with a short and sharp climb to the trig point.Far reaching views were enjoyed before a knee busting descent into the valley and a short pull back up to Longnor. A great walk completed, at a shifty pace. We rewarded ourselves with tea and cakes at the local cafe. Thanks for the company and a shout out to Alison who drove all the way from Kettering! Ali

5 cyclists set off on what was predicted to be sunny with a ‘moderate breeze’ but translated into very strong winds and intermittent sun.Still a good ride on overall quiet roads in the White Peak. Route went from Bamford to Bradwell and then on to Bradwell Moor ( 1000 of ascent according to Leon’s garmin) Wormhill,Hargate Wall Millersdale, Steep road out of Millersdale to Tideswell then on to Coplow Dale , Bradwell, Bamford. 27 miles 2 cafe stops ( Oggies at Wheston and the Khazi Cafe, Bradwell for ice creams) . Good ride and very good company. Thankyou
Fiona

12 castle members, 2 dogs and 3 potential new members gathered at Windgather on Sunday. Although a little chilly and windy early on, the Sun soon made an appearance to make for some pleasant climbing. Many routes were climbed with several members enjoying the friendly nature of the crag to start leading outdoors. Thanks to everyone that turned up. Kial. Photos by Gemma:

Four of us set off from Pym Chair car park, including new member Simeon. A blustery walk along Shining Tor flag stones led us to the trig point, fine views of Shuttlingsloe, Jodrell Bank and the Cheshire plains. Next we descended into Todd Brook Valley and had a stop at some long abandoned farmstead ruins. Further down the valley, we explored the remote Jenkin Chapel built in 1773 for a local landowner. The second part of the valley offered quite a contrast to the higher moors – both in terms of temperature and scenery – with tropical sunshine,j babbling brooks, working and derelict farms, and endless green pastures. We made a brief skirt around the village of Kettleshulme , before a sharp pull up to Taxal Edge. A detour through some woods gave way to Windgather rocks, where only a few people were climbing.(Good news, maybe for the forthcoming visit!) A further 30 minutes along the edge took us to the cars. Total distance of distance of 10.5 miles (16.9km), arriving just before the weather began to deteriorate. A varied, undulating walk with plenty of interest and great company chat.
Ali

How to turn one day into 3!
Five of us arrived on Friday at the campsite and were treated to an excellent sunset and for some a lovely warm wood stove, courtesy of Gemma & Kial.
The weather for Sunday looked a bit ropey so the Castle Challenge was extended to the Saturday. An excellent sunny climbing day, the five campers were joined by five other members and one dog. The CMC challenge list of 30 climbs on the Upper & Lower Roaches was presented and many took part. Some friendly competition followed with most members opting to climb on the Upper roaches. Many new routes were climbed and repeats for some, though not since the 1980’s! As the day lengthened, scores were totted up, with the most climbs being 8 by one pair. This pair shall not be named at risk of the competition being considered rigged. We didn’t make the overall challenge to climb all 30 routes as a club, though we managed to squeeze in a lot of routes between us!
Sunday was a wet start as anticipated so an alternative walk. Several members had colds at varying stages so opted for home, or a shorter walk en route leaving four (one vaguely healthy!) to complete the total 13.5 mile round from the campsite. The route took us north from the campsite, through farmers’ fields, farmyards (both deliberately and accidentally!) and alongside a wide array of animals. An old working piano took Geoff’s interest though sadly no concerto. Shortly after the meet leader was escorted out of a field by a rather intimidating sheep. Following an eventful morning we made it to Upper Hulme where a trip to the tearoom was in order. Refuelled we made our way alongside Tittesworth reservoir before looping into the outskirts of Leek and the gradual climb back up the ridge to the campsite.
Monday saw us climbing again, with 4 members joining for the day. Most climbed at the Upper & Lower roaches on various routes. A small group split off to boulder in the afternoon. A very sociable time with some delicate and bold moves on the boulders.
Thanks all for a great weekend! Photos to be added to the Facebook page. Matthew.
Gemma’s photos: