All posts in Meet Reports

A group of eight and Poppy gathered on a very cold morning and under an overcast sky we followed the frozen footpath up to Derwent Edge. At Whinstone Lee Tor not only were we feeling warmer but the sun had reappeared and the clouds were dispersing. Snow covered the landscape as far as the eye could see in all directions, and below us patches of ice were visible on Ladybower reservoir. We continued along the edge into a cold fresh breeze, with hard packed snow underfoot. In the lee of Back Tor we had a brief break, before making our way to Lost Lad. Again we paused briefly to admire the all-round views, and the sharp sighted amongst us were able to identify the Holme Moss mast in the far distance.
We descended to a small plantation for an early lunch, a fallen tree providing a convenient seat. We did not linger long, and made our way down to the side of the reservoir, feeling warmer out of the wind. A short walk brought us to the path up Grindle Clough. Avoiding the ice underfoot and the mountain bikers approaching us from both directions, made for an interesting ascent back to the Edge. Here we took the path by the grouse butts until it crossed the unfamiliar (to some) Highshaw Clough. We followed the clough back to the main path and Cutthroat Bridge, just as the drizzle and predicted thaw arrived.
An excellent winter walk in almost perfect conditions. 10.2 miles, and thanks to all who came.
Sean.

8 of us met at Low Bradfield and set off for Dale Dike Reservoir in welcoming sunshine and well sheltered from the strong winds.
Taking the south bank of the reservoir we crossed below the overflow channel of the Strines reservoir above and stopped for a tea break in the woods below Brogging.Continuing around the north of Dale Dike we then headed up Wilkin Hill and into the woodland around the western arm of Agden reservoir.
Lunch was taken ,well sheltered, in the woodland stream flowing into the reservoir at it’s western end.We then headed north steeply up Agden Side.Reaching the top we were greeted by all round views and the strong northerly wind.Continuing along the ridge we admired the view of Agden Rocher Edge beautifully lit up by the afternoon sun.Traversing below the edge we continued through the woods to the exquisitely sited St. Nicholas Church with it’s commanding views of the upper Loxley valley and the Agden and Dale Dike reservoirs.Some of the inscriptions on the tombstones were were noted including one to a local resident which (after giving his name)finished abruptly with the comment “who died”- but with no date or further comment!
The final loop on the Sheffield Country walk maintained the elevated position with the commanding views of the valley below and a snow covered Derwent Edge in the distance.We then descended through the fields back to Low Bradfield.
An enjoyable day with great views and lovely light in this outstanding area.
Thanks to all who came for your company.
Mike

Ten people met at Wildboar Clough car park before setting off in the clag along a pleasant woodland path through ankle deep snow. Arriving at Three Shires Head we admired the two dip pools. Note to self and other wild swimmers – definitely worth a return trip mid week when warmer. Here we paused for a snack and debated the directions of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Onward we trod through the mist, mostly following tracks and minor roads. We stopped again on top of Axe Edge Moor for a short lunch break, with nowhere else to sit but in the snow. Unfortunately, there were no views of the Goyt Valley, as advertised, until mile 9, just outside The Cat and Fiddle. Blue sky broke through and glimpses of distant skylines most welcomed. The terrain became more interesting here as we descended into the stream gully, of Danethorne Hollow, before arriving at the carpark, shortly afterwards. A 10.5 mile round completed – thanks to all who turned out.
Ali

Thanks to all 19 members who made this such a sociable weekend in the comfortable FRCC hut Raw Head. Unfortunately this year not a trace of snow or ice – in fact out of the wind jackets off was the dress code!
Sue M and myself took advantage of Friday’s good forecast to ascend Pike of Blisco meeting John S and Kathy at the summit – fabulous all round views. A cozy evening round the coal fire on Friday as we all arrived.
Saturday forecast rain and increasingly strong winds and parties did various routes to Lingmoor Fell, Elterwater to Cathedral Quarries and Red Tarn by various running and walking routes, with Vanda, Paul and Hugh getting back last to the hut after a very wet ascent of Browney Gill and The Old Dungeon Ghyll.
Fantastic teamwork organised by site supervisor Leon had us consuming 6 different home cooked curries. We managed to eat them all and the apple crumble from John B and birthday cake made by Josie for Leon!
Sunday’s forecast of more rain and winds gusting 60mph didn’t deter Gemma and Kial from running up to Red Tarn and getting back before the Bowfell party of 6 set off! We got as far as Three Tarns after an interesting river crossing at the foot of Hell Gill before the strong gusts persuaded us to head down and homewards meeting Sean at the hut who had been blown along Mickleden.
Chris

A party of 14 and three dogs assembled at Hope Primary School under an overcast sky. Although cool, the long ascent of Lose Hill soon had members removing layers, and when we all finally arrived on the summit the sun began to break through. It was a busy day on the Great Ridge, and we had fine views into the Edale valley although at the foot of Back Tor the sun was obscured again by low cloud. We descended from Hollins Cross and our first break was taken just after passing underneath the railway line. Thankful that we were no longer on the Ridge, which was now in thick cloud, we followed the path to the Youth Hostel and onwards to an almost sheltered lunch stop at the bottom of Jaggers Clough.
After arriving at Hope Cross the sun re-appeared and the cameras were clicking. We had good views back towards Edale with the hills shrouded in mist, whilst ahead Win Hill and the Hope Valley were bathed in sunshine. We followed the track to Fullwood Stile Farm, and returned to our starting point after 10.1 miles. Thanks to all who came along.
Sean.

A rather wet morning prompted thoughts of nobody turning up, but by 10 am, 15 hardy souls and two dogs had congregated. By 10 past two more arrived, [President and Mrs President!].
The planned route had been kept a closely guarded secret, ensuring the party was kept on their toes wondering where to next and where the guaranteed undercover lunch spot, much needed, could be.
The route set out through the Highcliffe allotments and wound its way to Ringinglow Rd, crossing over to the Birkdale School playing fields where a sharp right took us to the top of the steep, [muddy] steps down into the Limb Valley where the bridge was crossed to the coffee stop, outdoors, at Whirlowbrook House, café closed.
We then cut off through the woods and fields to cross the Hathersage Road, descending to Ecclesall woods through a series of winding tracks, eventually crossing Abbey Lane and took the path which comes out almost opposite the Rising Sun, enabling an indoor lunch in the clubroom, heaters ON!!. Charles joined us for lunch.
After suitable refreshments a direct route up Little Common Lane, through the estate and fields back to High Storrs Road was taken, including a skipping race between Jaycee-May [age 8] and Ali [slightly over 8]. I’ll leave you to guess the winner.
A hearty spread of tea, cakes etc was partaken of, for which another 4 or 5 members arrived, sensibly deciding that a very wet day was worth missing, although those who walked all seemed to enjoy it.
GPS registered 8.9 miles, slightly above estimate but no steep hills.
Thanks to all who participated in whatever capacity.
Pictures on Facebook page if computer lets me.
Cheers and Merry Christmas
Paul Gibson & Vanda Boyd.

The annual dinner weekend saw 33 of us descend on the bunkhouse in the tranquil hamlet of Halton Gill. Despite a mediocre to poor weather forecast the excitement was high on the Friday night as various bottles and cans of liquid refreshment were opened and the competitive element of some members started to express itself on the pool table. I won’t go into this in detail but if you come to the slide show in March all will be revealed.
Saturday morning dawned with damp dankness on the fells. Different walking groups formed and at least two of the groups did virtually the same walk in different directions. The point in common was a stop at the Queen’s Arms in Litton where, along with teas and coffees, beers brewed in the pub’s micro-brewery were sampled in front of a roaring fire. Another group set off on mountain bikes bound for a café somewhere over the hills. The dynamic duo of Steve and Hugh avoided the rain by heading underground.
Everyone returned safely with some making use of the sauna to relax before dinner while others made full use of the day arriving back just before and just after the seven o’clock dinner deadline. This was no problem as there was plenty of delicious food for all. Once again club members had risen to the challenge of catering for all tastes and big thanks go to Dave C, Rosy, Mary, Lin, Sue M and Marianne for their hard work in making a great three course meal.
Evening entertainment included laying down challenges for the President to complete in 2019 (these included activities ranging from learning a poem, playing golf, dancing, archery, hard climbs and multiple climbs, through to spending a night on a porter-ledge with Jez). The President, having had a couple of beers and at least one glass of wine, accepted all the challenges. Ali ran a beetle drive, Vanda led circle dancing, there was more pool and more consumption of liquid refreshment.
On the Sunday the weather remained damp but this did not stop the outdoor activities.
Thanks to all who came for contributing and supporting the meet. Now where shall we book for next year?
Andrew and Ali

8 of us set out on a rather gloomy but dry morning from Yorkshire Bridge, intending to visit the usually underwater Derwent Village, flooded in 1944 to create the Ladybower Reservoir. We son reached the village and spent some time exploring before resuming along what’s usually the bed of the reservoir. My intention was to reach Fairholmes through the woods but it was unilaterally decided by somebody (Elen?) that we should cross the river via a log and stones. Although there was much potential for falling in, nobody did so, coffee etc then taken at the cafe. Much delay was then caused by the meet leader losing his bike lock key. After substantial searching Elen decided to take action and returned with some bolt croppers, don’t ask, and proceeded to cut the lock off!
Progress was then made towards Tin Town until one bicycle suffered a major failure necessitating a long walk back for Dick. Lynne heroically decided to accompany him. The rest of us finally continued on to Slippery Stones and returned via the Eastern edge, briefly pausing to chat to the immediate past President of the Eagle Ski club recuperating from an 18th birthday party the previous evening.
Back at the cars the early returners had gone, hopefully alls well. The majority ended the day in the Angler’s Rest, Yorkshire Bridge too full.
GPS said 19.7 miles. Legs said more!!
Paul

7 people joined Bill and Elen on a mountain bike circuit of Chatsworth: 3 Castle and 4 Derwent MC members. It was really good to see two new Castle MTB riders: Kial and Paul Fidler.
Thanks to a member of the Derwent who knew the local bridleways we were able to do some easy single track diversions on route. There was some good downhill bits and most of the uphill bits were rideable, although even Kial was seen to put his foot down on one section.
Some people wisely decided on an early bath, David P and Elen showed lack of wisdom by taking a short cut involving riding up Rowsley Bar. The early finish meant that a support vehicle could be driven down to Darley Dale to pick up the finishers and transport them back up the hill.
Bill & Elen