The morning dew soon disappeared as more climbers joined us in the sunshine for some quarried limestone sport climbing.
It was the first time I’d been to this venue and the first time I’d done any sport since Norway 4(?) years ago! I’m not sure all the trad climbers enjoyed some of the distances between the bolts but there were some very nice routes for those top-roping. Those a little more used to it, showed us how it was done, leaving the better routes for the afternoon.
Gemma
I thought that I had planned the meet well – the birds had finished nesting, the Army were on holiday and the tides were great. However, I had not anticipated a heatwave, meaning we had to climb in the shade where possible. Still 17 of us made it to Bosherston and had a great time. We tended to start climbing very early, doing routes on west facing crags until the sun came on them and we escaped to the beach and a swim. Most of the climbing done was in Range East, with new cliffs being visited by many or the whole area by some. We all learned that it takes a long time to find the right cliff and set up the abseil in the right place – sometimes taking longer than climbing the route itself.
I am sure that everyone will remember the blue skies, benign blue sea and great climbing for a long time. A sociable time in a very special part of our country. David
Miller’s Dale was the start of this White Peak gem. Six CMC members plus two family guests and 3 dogs set off along the length of Chee Dale – over the stepping stones and through the tunnels of butterbur . At Topley Pike we climbed up and over Deep Dale, stopping at a convenient bench for drinks. Work at the quarry is still active and extensive. Chelmorton churchyard provided a lunch spot before more ascent up and over the valley to take us down throughout Priestcliffe to the Monsal Trail and ice creams. Lovely warm day. Non stop chat kept the party moving to complete our 8.7 miles (official figure from Dick).
Ali
Thirteen of us and Billy, the Jack Russell, took advantage of almost perfect weather conditions at Laddow Rocks. We ticked lots of starred routes with several teams enjoying the “Top 50” classics the Long Climb and Tower Face. Some impressive leading skills demonstrated by our newer members but it took two old lags to show the rest how to do the difficult start to Tower Face with minimal fuss! Paul Embley
Saturday dawned damp. Two at Chew scrambled up Winderness Gully – which was dry, over to Laddow, Black hill, Holme Clough [dip] and back to Dovestones Reservoir. Sunday dawned very wet – and a retreat was made to Awesome Walls in Stockport, where we met up with Ian from Glossop and some friends. The Stockport wall is good, very tall routes. Worth a day visit, especially if combined with the Emporium café next door. Camping at Greenfield is also a good option. Well kept site. Probably best to leave Chew as a day meet next time, with the option of a weekend if the weather looks good. Geoff
We opted for an early start to beat the heat and shortly after 7.30am ten of us gathered at Neb Buttress and then moved around to make the most of the many classic routes scattered around the edge. Matt and Rosie went Happy Wandering, Rosa and Julian entertained the TikTok brigade with an acrobatic ascent of Gargoyle Flake, Eden demonstrated his rapidly developing leading skills by cruising Brown’s Crack and Nick, who had unfortunately forgotten his harness, did an impressive solo ascent of Bamford Wall. Lots of other starred classics were climbed including Bamford Rib, Wrinkled Wall, Bilberry Crack, Quien Sabe? and Curving Crack. And if anyone wants a No 3 Rock they could try dislodging the one we got stuck at the bottom of Bilberry Crack – but you might need a masonry drill as three of us tried for 45 minutes and couldn’t budge it! Paul Embley
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:
