All posts in Meet Reports

We started with 7, lost 2, then lost another and finally gained one to bring 5 back to the cars. Andy broke his nose and Dave his circlip, Rosy didn’t like rain and Marian was suffering from the after effects of woman-flu. Apart from all that we had a nice day, with only a bit of light rain.
Andy and Rosy, Dick and Linn, Chris K, Marian and Dave C started from the south end of the Monsal Trail a little after the 10am scheduled start and pedalled uneventfully until rain caused a stop for an additional layer a bit short of Millers Dale station. About to depart, a voice from behind said “I think we’ve got a problem….” Andy’s trusty and well-used Brooks saddle had fallen apart at the front end. A tape repair seemed to hold it together, but the possible painful consequences of a further failure persuaded Andy and Rosy to turn back to the cars.
The rest of us continued to the (sadly closed for the season) Blackwell tea room where Marian decided that a combination of after-flu and Dick’s Tuesday ride plus a heavy and uncomfortable bike would send her back down the trail. The remaining 4 trudged up the Pennine Bridleway and over the top, when the odd noises coming from Dave’s bike were tracked down to a broken circlip which was no longer supporting the pannier. Dick kindly offered to add Dave’s bag to his own and off we went again, to meet Jo cycling up the High Peak trail from Parsley Hey to meet us. Luckily the tearoom was still open, and we enjoyed hot drinks with our lunches before heading down to Friden where we took to tarmac.
Our bikes stayed nice and clean through Middleton and Youlgreave to lovely little Raper bridge over the Lathkill. After this however, the uncyclable ascent and slippy track across fields led to some accumulation of mud and loss of brownie points for the leader. The best mud still awaited us though, with some super-clarty stuff on the final bridlepath from the A6 to the cars which doubled the width of knobbly tyres, clogged up forks. and made riding very tricky. Thus 5 muddy individuals arrived back at the start to head home to hosepipes and hot baths, with car thermometers showing 4C on the way.
Thanks to those who turned up for (despite all) a very enjoyable day.
Dave C

A party of 7 and Tiggy the dog alighted at Edale station, undaunted by the 19 minute delay ( ?leaves on the line) which had been announced on our arrival on the platform (Plan B was actually being discussed just as the train arrived.)
We set off in cool but sunny conditions and took the path to Ollerbrook and onwards to the Youth Hostel. On arrival at Jaggers Clough we took a break and then followed the track to Hope Cross. Here we posed for the customary group photo (courtesy of Dave C.) and then commenced the long gradual ascent to the summit of Win Hill, where a bright and breezy lunch was taken with the Hope Valley spread out below us. To the east the colours of the high moorlands and edges were superb.
At this point Tiggy decided to lead his two companions down to Hope station, whilst the rest of the party proceeded down towards Thornhill and thence to the garden centre. Here it was unanimously decided to investigate the tea room and it’s facilities. Suitably refreshed, we spent a pleasant hour walking beside the River Derwent in the sunshine to Leadmill Bridge, and then to the cars.
A very enjoyable 12.2 miles.
Thanks to all who have led and supported the first season of Summer Sunday monthly walks. There have been 8 walks, visiting both Dark and White Peak areas, the environs of the Goyt Valley and the land to the West of Chesterfield. Parties have varied in number between 2 and 11, and distances between 10 and 19 miles (total all walks 105mls!).
Thanks for your company.
Sean.

Great location in the Dales. The hut even has central heating!! Plus John M had got a nice open fire going in the lounge, which gave all a warm welcome! 13 of us at some point or other.
Cycling and walking was on the agenda as it was a bit wet each morning. As some of us puffed our way up the hills, the scenery and wildness reminded us of why we love spending time there.
Evening communal meal, vegetarian, saw Leon trying to convince me that he had put the beef steak mince in his bag by mistake. Portions for about 5 that people were asked to bring seemed to be at least double that, and I am surprised that anyone could move the next day.
We raised our glasses to the first anniversary of Caroline’s death. Had a year really gone by so fast. She would have approved of the meet, having stayed in the hut with us all 2 years ago. You are not forgotten.
Thanks to all, for a very pleasant weekend. Linda
Clapham hut/Ingleton/Kingsdale/Dent/Ribblehead/Ingleton/hut. 42 miles/4,050′ ascent (my memory of Dicks’s measurement). I have 10 pics. Didn’t seem much point in taking a camera on Sunday’s ride to Malham because of torrential rain, but the afternoon turned out as glorious as Saturday (eventually!). Russ

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

About 10 of us converged on Broken Buttress – which nearly all of us
climbed – in glorious sun in the morning. We spread West, to the
Creepy Crawly area, and some as far as Titanic. A heavy shower at
4.00 pm finished most climbing. Some esoteric stuff – a secret shared
is a secret no more.
David

10 club members and a dog met up at Gardoms Edge last Sunday The sun shone on us although unfortunately it also brought out a fair few midges. This didn’t put us off and a good few climbs were tackled with enthusiasm, (well I wasn’t too enthusiastic when I struggled up the top of N.M.C. crack) Thanks for your words of encouragement Hugh! Helen was the wildlife expert of the day hearing bats squeaking in one crack and having to use her nut key to clear slugs from another. Julian notched up another few leads and Dick and Phil admitted they hadn’t been to that area for about 20 years. Thanks to all for coming and making it such a pleasant day. Judith

You would have been forgiven for thinking it was the middle of summer at Aldery on Sunday 18th. It was roasting…..a little too hot for some! 15 club members and 1 dog turned up to make the most of the Autumnal sunshine. Julian and Tina continued storming through their leads and everyone enjoyed the classics on a bit of limestone after all the grit. The BMC have cleared and cleaned the right hand section making the whole crag feel more extensive . We could all spread out and Castle voices could be heard shouting encouragement and advice up and down the crag. The response to said encouragement and advice was, shall we say, mixed but all seemed to have a long and satisfying day.
Thanks for the excellent company, hope to see everyone again soon.
Helen

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

Aldery Cliff, Earl Sterndale; 18th September 2016

6 of us started out from Litton with sun hats,sun hats,sun glasses &,in some cases ,shorts on a seemingly perfect summer’s day.
The initial stages were soon over & we then headed down Cressbrook Dale past the former Mill and so to the splendors of the high level traverse above Miller’s Dale.The meet leader,engrossed in conversation,missed the normal descent to the Monsal Trail -but,no matter a tea break was enjoyed while the meet leader explored the path he was following discovering that it led exactly to where he wanted to be!
To avoid a trudge up the Trail dodging the army of Sunday bike hirers,we descended to Litton Mill & took a scenic detour up Tideswell Dale and over the fields to Miller’s Dale..Lunch was taken on a grassy knoll above Miller’s Dale Church after which we headed into Chee Dale.
The usual muddy entrance awaited where a slip nearly saw Jenny fall head first into the river.Luckily she stopped inches from the water.Once through the mud things improved & we continued over the stepping stones.The cycle shed& cafe at the end of the Dale provided a welcome tea before the ascent to Blackwell.
An impromptu change to the planned route saw us take the path from Priestcliffe to Miller’s Dale Nature Reserve with great panoramic views in the evening light.A pleasant descent then led back to the Monsal Trail.
We again abandoned the busy trail & descended to Litton Mill again to tackle the final ascent of the day to Cressbrook village,
All that remained then was to take the route through the woods and over the fields back to Litton,where a a pint in the Red Lion rounded off a great day’s walking at ,it seems on subsequent investigation, 15.5 miles.Slightly longer than the advertised 14,but well worth it.
Mike

The first wave of the Cornwall meet got started with a mass – well 6 people – ascent of commando ridge in great weather. Fun had by all and a great trip out. With swelled ranks on Saturday we headed for Bosigran for climbing, sketching and chilling. Poorer weather meant the cycling and walking order of the day on Sunday. Monday dawned bright and clear and Sennen climbing called with us meeting up with the second wave of club members. Lots of climbing done and a great night in the pub. Unfortunately the party had to end with various people heading back home or going sailing. Hope the others had a good week.
Mary

Commando Ridge

Lands End

More pictures on FaceBook.

3 of us from Fulwood and 1 from Hathersage travelled together but overestimated the journey time to Longnor “its in Staffordshire you know” but enjoyed a pre-walk coffee in Cobbles Cafe. At 9.45 a car load of Family Smith arrived, more than doubling our numbers and almost halving the party’s average age. It drizzled lightly, as per forecast, and we made our way through fields of long wet grass before crossing the ridge line near Top Farm and descending to cross the infant R. Dove via stepping stones and a rickety hand rail. The precipitation became heavier as we approached Crowdecote and those of us who had not previously donned waterproofs now did so, in the hopes that this would placate the rain gods.(Eventually it did).
Now followed a breezy ascent of High Wheeldon, the first of 4 hills on today’s route. This stretched the party out a bit but all foregathered at the summit and admired the view northwards where our route next lay. Before we had followed it very far we arrived at Aldery Cliff where two men, one carrying a large sledgehammer, were just emerging from the environs of the crag. There appeared to have been a rockfall on the right section of the crag.
After a short walk up the road we arrived at the Quiet Woman and decided on lunch on the village green which allowed access to supplementary refreshment for those who wished. After this fortification we felt able to tackle Parkhouse and Chrome hills in quick succession, although the slippery conditions meant care (and backsides) needed to be employed.
We now had just Hollins Hill left and took afternoon tea in the basin shaped summit tumulus. The weather had cleared up now and the views back were very rewarding. A descent to Hollinsclough and a reascent of a knobbly bridleway led to the minor road back to Longnor.
12.3 miles and quite a bit of up and down. Thanks to all for the company. Frank Mellor.

Driving out of Sheffield through a cloudburst, the meet leader nearly lost faith in the BBC weather app. It was still trying to drizzle at the Robin Hood, and two other early arrivals retired to Baslow for a weather-improving coffee. A successful strategy. By midday there were 8 of us at play: Gordon R, Julian, John, John, Vanda, Paul, Leon, Bill – and Scout of course. The afternoon saw plenty of routes done – and some of the forecast sunny intervals. A good day – even if the pub does close at 4 on Sundays.John.

Birchen Edge 21 Aug 2016. Photo: Chris Kell

Birchen Edge 21 Aug 2016. Photo: Chris Kell

Birchen Edge 21 Aug 2016. Photo: Chris Kell

Birchen Edge 21 Aug 2016. Photo: Chris Kell

Birchen Edge 21 Aug 2016. Photo: Chris Kell