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Eli, Josh, Tom, Kathy, Mary, Helen, Andy and Geoff gathered at the marvellous Ochils MC hut in Crainlarich. On the first day all attempted Twisting Hill and An Caisteal. All but three saw sense and retreated from Twisting hill in the face of 60mph winds. Three continued, over An Casteal, attempting a traverse, ‘till one was picked up by the wind and somersaulted. A retreat back over An Caisteal seemed the best option, although required crawling at times. Once over the top the descent was easier. A run through modern jive moves livened up the evening. Injuries, not from the jiving, forced two of the Twisting Hill group to retire the next day. The rest of us ascended the N. ridge of Ben More, over to Stob Binnein. Crampons above 500m, fine views from the second summit. Day three was forecast grim, so we explored a part of the West Highland way. Day four, 4 of us ascended Cruach Ardrain. Crampons, tricky snow conditions and navigation near the top. No views from the top, but they opened up as we descended. Josh snowboarded in Glencoe and Tom biked. Day five, most people had to return south. The two remaining did Beinn Challum. Fine views at the start and end of the day; crampons almost from the car. Many thanks to Richard for booking the hut. Very warm and comfortable and an excellent base for local hills. Thanks also to Ochils MC. Geoff
Kathy’s pics:

Twenty people and a dog pack left Bradfield in slightly drizzly conditions. However very soon the sun and blue skies took over. We welcomed 2024 with sherry and biscuits at Dale Dyke Resefvoir, then crossed uner the dam. Higher up on the other side we lunched by a dry stone wall – great views to Agden Roche. Down the Strines road we passed the old Windmill Hill Outdoor Centre – now with roof but essentially derelict. An attractive path leading around Agden Reservoir (busy with human dippers) led us back to the start. 12km total and lovely dappled light all the way round. A fabulous start to another 12 months of outdoor adventure. Happy New Year!

The 65 bus arrived at Hunters Bar at the advertised 9.47. Cathy, Lorna and Simon boarded at the Fox House. We got off at Tideswell; as that’s where the timetable told us the bus terminated. As we looked back the bus destination morphed to Millers Dale; where we’d wanted to go; and Buxton. Too late to board again, we set off across fields to intercept the Limestone Way. By-passing the bogs of the dale we took a minor road to the East, eventually cutting down into Dam Dale and then to Peak Forest. A section enlivened with political debate. Back on the Limestone Way we extended the walk by going round the top of the Winnats, down the old road to the Odin Mine, then to Castleton. 17k. Spent half an hour in the visitor centre before catching the 272 back to the Fox House, again, right on 16.08. Feeling green and virtuous we retrieved our cars. Nice to do a bus trip which worked, especially for those of us with a pass. Geoff.

8 of us ranging in age from 13 to 70+ arrived for the meet on a dry, coolish morning with intermittent sunshine, not quite the glorious weather enjoyed by the navigators yesterday but perfect for a steepish ascent.
After a fairly gentle start, with numerous crossings of the stream, we eventually reached the waterfall that precedes the start of the scramble. Unfortunately the path had suffered a minor collapse over a 25 foot steep drop, so various options were taken to avoid too much tension. Reconvening above the Falls we set off up the Grade 1 scramble, continuing interest was enjoyed, especially with a large amount of ice/verglas.
The Kinder plateau was reached just in time for lunch, after which we turned North, with a few options available to complete the trip. After some while it became fairly obvious that the longer options would leave us in the dark at the mercy of a single head torch between us, so the consensus was to drop down Fairbrook, see if we could find a path back to the cars (we couldn’t) or walk down the road. Having almost got a lift, but not quite, we walked the mile or so back to the cars.
7.75 miles, much ascent/descent in almost 6 hours, no navigating happened, thanks to all that came, lovely to be out on the hills again.
Pictures on walking WhatsApp page.
Paul Gibson.

The bus was late at Crosspool but it gave me the chance to talk to a passing stranger about all the long distance walks she’d done – recommending Hadrian’s Wall and the Wolds way. Once on the bus I met up with the Sheffield 20 – 30 walking group. I think that’s the age rather than distance of walks. Looks like a type of mating behaviour. Apparently I was not eligible to join. Due to a lack of bus drivers the bus was not going to the Snake, just Fairholmes and Hope. So I got off at Ashopton viaduct in case any other Castle members intended to meet up there. None. Put a thumb out and got the first car. The driver was an Afghan who had escaped the Taliban the first time they got into power. He has relatives in Afghanistan, but can’t visit. We discussed the plight of migrants, the Afghan cricket team (who all come from one favoured tribe) and Gaza (they just need to stop killing each other and make peace). He has an Italian restaurant on Glossop Road – I must visit. We shook hands as he dropped me at the top of the Snake. Full waterproofs needed right away. Got to Bleaklow at 11.0. Compass out to find The Ridge and indistinct paths to Alport Castles for 1.45. Bog, rain, wind, more bog. Met two other bedraggled souls making their way to Bleaklow – that was it. A bit of solitude is good for connecting with the self. After lunch, behind the first bit of shelter, made Fairholmes at 3.15. He who travels alone travels fastest. The next bus was due at 4.08, but due to diminished faith in busses and general dampness I stuck a thumb out again and got a lift to Nether Green. The driver was on a day navigation training with the Park wardens, which was cut short. I may have persuaded him to join our club. A grand day out, meeting some lovely people and confirming faith in the milk of human kindness. Looking forward to the next bus walk! Geoff.

Nine of us made it to Mississippi area, starting late as it had been very wet overnight, although this meant more hassle with parking.  Stanage was still very popular with the masses.  It brightened up in the afternoon, allowing for some good climbing and with lovely autumn colours in the trees.  The last of the season’s planned outdoor climbing meets.  Back to the wall, but I’m sure we’ll manage some opportunistic days out in the next months.   Geoff.

4 humans and one dog met at Errwood Hall Car park, Goyt valley. We left one human behind, who was on call for work with issues to sort out. 3 humans and one dog set off up Foxlow Edge, Pym Chair, Cats Tor, along the ridge to Shining Tor our high point of the day at 559m. We popped into the closed Cat and Fiddle pub, which is now a Whisky distillery. As we were all doing well, including our four legged companion, and had time, the walk was extended from the original plan following the Dane Valley Way to reach our bonus Ethel Cheeks Hill. We returned via Derbyshire bridge and met up with our fourth human who was finally released of work responsibilities to join us for the last stretch. Lovely sunny day, great view and great company. Approx 13 miles, with 5 Ethels bagged. Lorna.

Meet Report – Well after an epic journey there and back, taking in the usual rest breaks at the Kiosk Cafe on the A66, Cafe Areite in Moffat and Graham Tiso’s, this is how the trip went:
Monday – most of us climbed Moruisg: Me, Richard Craig from FRCC, John, David, Goeff and Pete. Climbing in the mist and bitterly cold wind and quite a dull hill, but I enjoyed the descent. The demoted Munro by it was more interesting.
Tuesday – me, Geoff, Peter and Helen climbed Liathach in perfect conditions. What else can I say? John and David did Maoile Lunndaidh and Richard Maol Chean Dearg.
Wednesday – Geoff, Helen and Peter endured buffeting winds to climb a munro on Beinn Eight before retreating off the ridge. Me and Richard turned back already, at the triple buttresses. John and David completed the Plockton cafe horseshoe – challenging but rewarding apparently.
Thursday – With Storm Babet arriving, with forecast comments like “red alert”, “unprecedented rainfall” (in Scotland!} and ” hurricane force winds” we all decided to bugger off home, via the usual cafes.
Note: I’d flag up that Torridon YHA was great: clean, comfortable and friendly with a full range of facilities, including a lounge with panoramic views and, it even looks like we’ll get a couple go days refund on our early departure. Recommended. I might start using hostels more often. Richard.