All posts in Meet Reports

17 people and a dog (obligatory) met at Maes y Morfa campsite above Lllangranog, near New Quay for, mainly, climbing on Pen Bilis and Ynys Lochtyn; a small peninsula and its adjoining (mostly) tidal island.

The meet leaders, taking their obligations very seriously, sacrificed a couple of days bimbling around in the Peak District to arrive early and suss out the lay of the land, climbing some one-star future classics on Hidden Wall at v-diff, severe and hard severe (or, in gritstone language, mod, diff and v-diff) and realising that wires from micro to no. 3 and small slings were all that were required; although they continued to carry the rest of their gear for the exercise.

Other members arrived over the next 2 days and together found that there were some decent routes worthy of their stars and with more conventional gear. The rock is a very hard sandstone with quartz veins, varying from blocky in some places to flaky (superb small flakes, which feel fragile – but nobody broke any…) in others.

Climbs were done on Hidden Wall (easy access), Quartz Wall, Recessed Wall and Yellow Wall on Ynys Lochtyn and on Def Squad Buttress on Pen Bilis. Grades from Diff to E1.

Note: the rock on the (traversing descent) approach scramble to Ynys Lochtyn is very grippy when dry and like an oiled Teflon frying pan when wet… There is an abseil post to avoid it.

Climbing highlights
Keith Murray HS 4b
Deeply Dippy VS 4c
Menace from the Deep VS 5a
Seal VS4c
The Day the Balloon Went Up S 4a
Heavy the Beat of Weary Waves S 4a
Heulwen Cwarts E1 5a

Other activities were numerous and included:
Walking sections of the Ceredigion coast path, which is absolutely beautiful, with cliffs cut by small streams, lush vegetation: ferns; bluebells; spring squill; gorse; birds: red kites; ravens; chaffinches; stone chats; oyster catchers. A group of 8 did the section from New Quay (the far side of, as we’d got beta on a free car park saving 75p each..!) to the campsite with some car-shuffling. Others walked south of the campsite, looping back inland; again on beautiful paths, tracks and quiet country lanes.

A family boat trip ended in an exciting transfer to a smaller boat that could cross the new sand bar at low tide to reach the shore.

A local National Trust property, Llanerchaeron, was visited by some.

Painting on Ynys Lochtyn in the shelter of a soft, grassy hollow.

Sleeping, in the same grassy hollow.

Dolphins were seen cavorting on three separate occasions – a wonderful sight.

Sitting round a fire at the campsite – wood supplied free!

The weather was kind, a cold wind on some days, with cloud and sun – much better than it could have been.

The campsite was great – we had a field to ourselves – the facilities were really good and the owner, Pob, was very efficient and almost as laid back as Bill B.

Nine CMC members camped at Sligachan campsite for the Easter break. Bill, Gemma and Kial arrived early and ventured onto the Ridge to bag some peaks before the rest of us arrived on Good Friday. The whole group explored the Quiraing on Saturday, and admired the basalt formations and views from the high points of Sron Vourlinn and Meall Na Suiramach. Inclement weather on Sunday led to an excellent coastal walk along the Ardnish peninsula, near Broadford. Here we spotted dolphins, seals, and a variety of sea birds. Kial and Gemma enjoyed a cultural and historical tour including Dunvegan Castle.
We had to bid farewell to some of the workers on Monday. However the list of bagged tops continued to grow over the next few days with Kial and Gemma completing Marsco, Beinn Dearg, and Beinn Dearg Mheathonach. Marian, Andrew and Ali set off for a two day cycle/walking adventure to the Isle of Raasay. Andrew enjoyed the ferry so much that he made an immediate return trip to pick up his rucksack that he’d left on the dock at Sconser. Having consumed coffee and cake at Raasay House and, finally in possession of all our gear, we cycled to the Northern hamlet of Arnish, following the infamous Calum’s Road – the hard toil of a remarkable crofter who decided to build a connecting link between his community and the rest of the island. Armed with just a pick, spade and wheel-barrow Calum Macleod completed the road over a period of ten years, after numerous pleas to the local council were ignored for many decades. From Arnish we walked to the only bothy on the island, marvelling at the views of Fladda, Rona, Skye and the Torridon hills. On the walk-out, the next day, Andrew summited a relative hill for even more terrific views. The return to the ferry seemed to involve more pushing than cycling at times as the short and steep inclines began to take their toll. Strong coffee provided just the pick-uo needed to complete the ferry ride and cycle back to the campsite.

Other highlights of the Meet included drinks and chats hosted by Chris and Jo one evening (in a Billy Smart sized tent) and also by Kial and Gemma another evening, in their superior tepee with wood burning stove. During these very convivial gatherings we expanded our knowledge of subjects varying from the the geology of the Quiraing to “hot spots” and how to share data. Still confused!

A Scottish away meet is not complete without some wild dips/swims. Several were completed both in fresh and salt water. Bill, Gemma, Kial and Ali all braved the waters at various times.

On the final day Andrew and Kial climbed at Staffa and completed the spectacular two pitch classic “Return of the Stone”. Kial led the second pitch which involved a nerve jangling large step off a rock column onto the main rock face. He wins the bravery award!

Overall the weather was very favourable with clear sunny skies. However blustery winds prevailed throughout the trip which, of course, perhaps preventing some of the planned ridge excursions. Nevertheless, great company made the Skye adventure into a memorable and enjoyable few days. Many thanks to everyone who made the long journey.

Ali

Six met in Hathersage for a ride around the Hope Valley, starting with an ascent to the transmitter above Bradwell, then descending the fairly exciting Bradwell Edge.

Second ascent was round the top of the cement works quarry and across the top to Mam Tor. Descent from here to Edale via Hollins Cross was more exciting.

At the start of the third ascent up to Hope Cross one member decided to cut the ride short, despite having a bike that was worth more than the other five put together. I won’t mention any names, but it wasn’t very presidential…

The remaining five, on a mixture of steeds, mostly from this century, having completed the ascent, descended with much enjoyment to Aston via Twitchill Farm and returned to Hathersage via Thornhill and the old railway line to Bamford.

The chief technical officer recorded a distance of 42.5km and 850ish meters of ascent. The meet leader apologises for not making the promised 1000 – 1200m of ascent and will try harder next time.

Everyone said they enjoyed it…

John

The changing of the clocks obviously affected some people [you know who you are!] but eventually around 10 climbers, 3 dogs and a visiting Mary assembled on a bright morning which had a cool wind on top but was remarkably sheltered and positively warm on the crag.
We were joined by an RAF group learning the ropes and a University group climbing lots of steep routes which meant we had to settle for the lower grades!!
A typical early season meet saw lots of ascents of the popular easier routes, including several members opting for the advertised starred Mod, alongside some ‘slightly’ harder efforts such as Kial and Gemma on trapeze Direct etc.

By 4pm most of us were feeling the strain after several months away from the gritstone and made our way home after an enjoyable and sociable day.
Thanks to all who came.
Cheers
Paul.
I’ll try putting a couple of pics on Facebook if it’s working again.

Three met at Calver crossroads for a ride: Coombs Dale to Black Harry Gate; double back to Deep Rake; down to Rowland, Great Longstone; up to top of Longstone Edge; through (padlocked!) gate on bridleway north to Black Harry Gate again; continue north to Eyam; down byway to Stoney; back along mani road to Calver.

The leader had to stop for a quick caffeine and sugar hit on the way up to Longstone Edge; otherwise it was a non-stop ride, resisting cafe temptation, taking around 2.5 hours.

Alternate warm sunshine and driving hail were in keeping with the season.

Going by the rule that if your pants are dry after mountain biking, you should have gone climbing (and vice-versa) – it was the right activity for the day.

John

Eleven members enjoyed the comfort of a hut the club have not used before (owned by Lincoln Mountaineering Club) which sits down a field off the road to Dinorwic.

Saturday was the main day for action. Ali lead a walk through the slate quarries and down and around Llyn Peris. Five of us did a mini expedition through the quarries following two routes that make up part of a trilogy of routes called Snakes and Ladders. These involve tunnels, fixed ladders (only just fixed in some bits) and a couple of abseils. All in all a great day out, quite unique, and well worth doing. The good news was that the rain started just as we finished.
On Saturday evening we had a group curry which involved a modest six courses. These being poppodoms, onion bhajis, chicken tikka and/or aubergine curry, a break for a glass of port, fruit salad and finally two types of cake. A great meal and thanks to all for planning, supply, preparation and washing up.

The weather on Sunday was poor. Some people did a windy walk, some went to find a café. Kathy and John stayed over on Sunday night and the next day checked out how to find a three star grade 1 scramble though due to poor weather an ascent had to wait for another visit. Plenty of reasons to go back and enjoy some of the walking and adventure in this bit of North Wales.

Cheers
Andrew

Two meets in the area between Matlock and Chesterfield. On Saturday four or us went on a bike ride, Dick put the route on his GPS, so route finding was easy even if hills weren’t. No wild geese at Ogston Res but had a slight deviation to Wessington to see some Wildgoose houses Leon had built. I got points for finding a bench for lunch. Lin got lots of points for excellent carrot cake which we demolished when we finished.

Sunday walk featured industrial archaeology at Lunsdale, pretty perfect Ashover and bits in between. More points for finding enough benches for 14 and two dogs at two lunch stops. Leon showed us more Wildgoose property. I did miss Dick and his GPS on Sunday as i had to navigate.
A good weekend.

Elen