All posts in Meet Reports

A fresh and sunny autumn morning tempted eleven club members (along with associate members Molly and Poppy) to come to the Dover’s Wall area of Stanage at one stage or another. Five members actually climbed other’s stopped for chat. Amazingly as it got to midday there was sufficient warmth in the sun to make the climbing pleasant rather than a freezing fingers ordeal. The meet leader warmed up by soloing Bumbler’s Arete and A Black Yin two not to be missed mods that both must be at least four metres in length. Other harder routes followed in what is one of Stanage Popular End’s quieter areas yet packed with quality routes. The climbing came to an end following a hail shower in mid- afternoon. Thanks to all who came on the meet whether for a chat or to climb. That could well be the outdoor climbing finished for the year though three of us had a great afternoon at a sunny Froggatt yesterday so you never know.
Andrew

The die was cast at 6.0pm Saturday when the meet leader checked the forecast, for showers from midday on the Sunday, and diverted the meet to the Foundry. Sunday dawned – bright and sunny. The meet leader dutifully exhausted himself on all the self-belay routes available at the Foundry – meeting up with Jo for lunch, and then moving out to sunny Stanage. There we met three other Castle members – who had been sunning themselves for the morning. The drizzle dutifully arrived – the others left – we did a couple of climbs, walked through the glorious plantation woods and back over Carr Head rocks in the late evening light. Went over to Wharncliffe on Thursday – did some fine routes in the Hell Gate area, and green stuff around Long John’s stride. Wharncliffe deserves another meet.
Geoff

Eight club members, 3 others and 4 dogs met on a cool but sunny sunday morning. We ascended to Rushup Edge via the Chapel Gate track and picked up the penine bridleway to South Head. We met Frank at South Head as he completed the route in reverse, reaching South Head by Jacobs ladder. Couple of stops for coffee and lunch en route and we stopped to admire the great views towards Manchester and Hayfield on such a clear, if windy day, where group photo was taken by Tim ( see attached).
All agreed to skirt the southern edge of Kinder rather than descend to Upper Booth via Jacobs Ladder . We followed the path to Grindslow Knoll and followed the nice but steep descent back to Upper Booth. Chris noted that we had clocked 12.9 miles.
Lovely Walk and great company. Thanks to Sean for such a good route.
Fiona

Brilliant weekend. Fully booked and lots going on. Russ came down from Scotland and Su cane up from Norwich on her way to Scotland. Climbing at Giggleswick, Robin Proctor Scar and Oxenber. The latter had a few gems and a particular sandbag!
Walkers had a good day walking from the hut up Ingleborough. And then Penygent on Sunday.
Cycle rides to Slaidburn and also up Kingsdale to Dent and round, plus a mountainbike route up and over..
So something for everyone!
The meal on Saturday night came together very well thanks to people’s skills and effort. The fire was well looked after by John.
All very sociable ,energetic, and a beautiful part of the country to visit. Thanks for a great weekend. And for once as far as I know no one left anything behind!!
Linda

Photos by Dave Crowther:

Ali at the top of the haul up Ingleborough

Ingleborough and its guardians

Oncoming traffic on the road bike ride

About 10 of us, plus 2 dogs, braved the blue skies and dry rocks of Neb Buttress to enjoy a full day’s climbing at Bamford. Multiple routes from Mod to HVS were ascended on a lovely day. An unexpected non climbing visitor arrived in the shape of Dave Dunk who is threatening to attend a Thursday walk to catch up with old friends.
Later in the day the majority moved towards Wrinkled Wall whilst Vanda and I attempted our 1st VS lead for about 5 years. Suffice to say an ascent was (eventually) made and we were joined by 2 charming gents from Warwick who removed all the gear😊
Thanks to all who defied the weather forecasts and attended.
Paul and Vanda

Just three of us met in Old Glossop for this meet. To be honest it was two more than I expected given that there was an away meet and a climbing meet running on the same day. However Sean J, Chris K and I were rewarded with a fine day out on Bleaklow to make the lengthy drive over worthwhile. After disentangling ourselves from a large group of Dearne Valley Ramblers we left the town along Shepley St and passed a rather noisy clay pigeon shoot before leaving the main track and climbing steadily up the ridge towards Yellowslacks. Ahead of us was a tantalising belt of blue sky but we were uncertain whether it would extend in our direction. Doubts were resolved a short time later when, as we took a short break, the sky cleared and we were bathed in sunshine for the rest of the day. We passed Hern Stones, joined the Pennine Way for a short distance then wandered over to Wain Stones and the much photographed ‘Kiss’. At the large cairn of Bleaklow Head we were approached by a couple who had wandereded up by Torside Clough using a ‘phone app. ‘Which is the best way down?’ they asked. ‘The same way you came up,’ was our considered advice.
We had met only a few people on the hill so far and we had the next stretch completely to ourselves. We made our way towards Bleaklow Stones across dry ground and through swathes of long grass rippling gently in the breeze – a truly freaky experience for those of us who remember the stark, peaty morass which preceded the ‘Greening of the Moors’ project; the transformation is remarkable. Grouse, buzzard and mountain hare were seen before our lunch stop at the Stones and then it was down The Ridge to Grains-in-the-Water and the Swamp. Even after our long, dry summer there was some damp ground here but it was easily avoided and we were soon across it to follow the narrow track up Hern Clough and to rejoin the Pennine Way. From there it was a brisk mile to the top of the Doctor’s Gate track which we followed down through its sinuous, steep-sided valley (more regeneration here too, in the form of an extensive tree planting scheme) and back to Old Glossop. A really enjoyable day out – the only time I have ever come off Bleaklow with clean, dry boots!! 13 miles
Steve

Seven of us met up at Kildale camp site. Saturday we climbed on the Wainstones. The highlight was Sphinx Nose Traverse – an improbable looking wander into space on surprisingly good holds. Rain stopped play briefly. Two of us explored Park Nab; which we could walk to from the camp site; and was a fine evening venue. Sunday was wet. We walked to Cooks Monument, Rosebury Topping, Highcliff Nab and back over the moors. Highcliff nab is in the guidebook, but exceedingly green. Monday, we climbed at Scugdale – short routes but great variety. It was interesting to explore new crags and a new area. Some great views from the Cleveland way and the crags. A neat and conveniently positioned camp site, and a lot of local mountain biking. Maybe an option for another meet in a couple of years.
Geoff

A lovely sunny day for 9 of us to cycle from Low Bradfield to Langsett and back in a sort of figure of eight going through Bolsterstone on the way out and back but otherwise taking different roads. After several miles we were still passing signs saying 2 miles to Bradfield but in my defence we had gained height ‘relatively’ painlessly. After refuelling at Langsett café we returned and despite my efforts to give confusing directions, Leon kindly retrieved half the group who had gone the wrong way. After that everyone waited patiently at every junction just to check.. Apparently 26.4 miles and 3370ft of ascent …approximately.
A very enjoyable cycle with great company. Thanks to all who could make it.
Marian

Equipt with new OS app on phone, and having plotted the Boundary Walk section, at the first possible junction that Sean politely pointed at, I ignored this and the phone . After 100m , decided to look at phone and little arrow off route and we all turned round and got on route.
I booked the weather, and moderate temperatures helped the 9 keenies. First break of many up at Hob Hurst house above Chatsworth, admiring the purple heather. All had triple rations, but on reaching Milnthorpe 3 of us easily squeezed in some artisan icecream. On to the second stage, up and up reversing some of the down down irritatingly, we made it up to the moor scenery again. Another blip on the route discussed at another break, and a knowledgable Mary, and we headed up without going off route to our high point on Houndkirk moor. Could see smoke billowing from the Leek area, which turns out to be a wild fire at the Roaches. Also could see across to the Hallamshire hospital and gave John a big wave. We had send him some of Andrews one liner jokes earlier. And got a joke in return.
All very pleased to start romping, stomping and stumbling on the final mile to the pub. Well done to all, some who were particularly chuffed . Andy was there already waving a pint. 21 miles and 930m of ascent and 50350 paces!! The latter a record for my 3 month old app.
16 for the meal was a great way to finish off the day. Thanks to all for a good day out and putting up with my gadget enthusiasm. Linda.

Despite the last minute plans six turned out for the walk on a gloriously hot day. Starting from Eyam village, the route went via the Boundary Stone descending into the back streets of Stoney Middleton. Distracted by a heron and chatter we took the wrong path and walked to the wrong bridge! However after a regroup, coffee and a brief spell watching some brave bathers in the weir we continued along the river to Froggatt Bridge and then along an ancient paved routeway to Grindleford. More riverside took us to Leadmill Bridge and a lunch stop before the ascent to Stokes Ford 1 and 2 – the former masquerading as the real thing! Aftera bit of map pondering we ascended to Sir William Hill along adelightful balcony path, taking our time to name all the crags and hills we recognised from this fantastic 360 degree viewpoint. No takers for the trig point at this stage so we continued across the fields before the steep descent back to the cars. 11.8 miles in total – the added distance after a detour to Eyam Hall for some much needed refreshments, although no-onef tried the new Plague Beer. Maybe the branding needs work? Thanks to all for company and enduring the heat.
Ali