All posts in Meet Reports

7 members attended and set out from Coombs towards Castle Naze- just after the welcoming rain had stopped.
Once on the top we were treated to panoramic views of the whole area.We pressed on along the edge towards Coombs Moss undaunted by the strong wind and the odd passing shower-however the showers were brief and no-one felt the need to don waterproofs.
A delayed coffee stop (and lengthy chat) was taken just by the locked building on the edge of Coombs Moss (the nearby refuge was not inviting).We then pressed on as patches of sunshine appeared.Reaching the western end of the plateau we took a second break/lunch stop with more expansive views .
A steep descent then led us off the plateau to join the path leading to the White Hall Centre,but with the worst mud patch of the day-fortunately with enough strategically place rocks and an escape ramp to avoid disaster,especially for those without gaiters!
Pushing on ,by now in full sunshine, we enjoyed views of Errwood reservoir and the Goyt valley before continuing north above Fernilee reservoir.Field paths then brought us to Wythen Lache farm and the return to Coombs.A small deviation enabled us to climb to the an excellent view point with dramatic views of the Castle Naze wall and Coombs Moss with the valley and reservoir below.
The day was then rounded off, by some, with a traditional end of walk drink in the pleasant “Bee Hive” pub in Coombs.
Thanks to all who came with your great company.
Mike Doyle

14 members embarked on Ailefroide in the Ercins National Park in the southern French Alp, spread over a 3 week period.
The early arrivers managed to secure a big enough area on the campsite to house us all in.
The main activity was the multi-pitch sport climbing crags which littered the area within walking distance. This was mainly on granite slabs so a few of us decided on the single-pitch crag first to get used to the rock (and the heat!). Luckily there’s enough for everyone in terms of grades and if you wanted to top up your tan or stay in the shade.
Other activities people got involved in were the local via ferrata 3 miles away and another at Vallouise which was a Grade 3 and up up up, rather than in the gorge.
E-mountain bikes were hired by Lorna and Simon for the day to test out and although they weren’t a fan of the bikes, the tracks and trails were all a must.
The local walk took you to the Alpine meadow on the way to Clapouse, this was less than 2 hours walk from the campsite and had stunning views, a small snow field, beautiful meadows and the usual chamois. Gemma ran back down the mountain but later confessed she got overtaken by 2 kids!
More adventurous hikes took you on a loop to Lac d’Euchauda which involved a bit of scrambling.
A couple of mountain huts were stayed in including the Refuge du Glacier Blanc, Refuge de Pelvoux and the Refuge du Ecrins. Different parties took on different expeditions from the huts although the overall outcome was the ground was loose and melting. The guides and hut guardians told us that many weren’t going to the summits due to the conditions being harder now due to warmer temperatures. And even those that had visited the area 15-20years ago noticed that the glaciers had receded dramatically.
All those that took part in the expeditions made it back to the campsite in one piece although it was only Gemma that took to the cold-water therapy of late afternoon dips in the glacial melt water stream that ran through the campsite.
All in all, a brilliant venue for sport climbing for all abilities as well as access to the mountains of the Ecrins. No doubt the club will be visiting again in the future (before all the snow goes?!).
We should start and have an annual summer abroad trip for mountaineering and climbing so all get your thinking caps on for a 2024 venue….  Kial

It should also be noted on the Ailefroide Meet Report that club members accomplished many successful summits – Montagne des Agnaeux, 3664m (Geoff, Pete and Phil), Mont Pelvoux, 3946m (Kial, Adele, Mark, Geoff, Pete and Phil), Roche Fario, 3730m (David, Pete and Kial) as well as numerous multi pitch rock routes above the campsite. Phil, a friend of Geoff’s aged 70+, was a lovely guest on the meet who showed that age is no barrier to achievement and good humour. If we get the weather we deserve, then we surely did. My apologies for missing the other peak the intrepid Geoff, Pete and Phil did, within barely 24 hours of arriving at camp, as I don’t recall it’s name! Thank you Kial for organising such a truly successful alpine meet. Mark Proctor

Despite persistent drizzle, 7 of us set off down Cressbrook Dale from Wardlow. We made an early scramble ascent of Peter’s Stone – also a gibbert stone that displayef locally executed criminals as late as 1815. Tried to listen to a local folk song about the history of the area (supplied by Dave C). We continued down dale, overshot turn off, retreated and then ascended to a higher level path with fine views. In a brief let up of the rain we sat for food and drink before the onward summit bid of Wardlow Hay Cop. Photos at trig point completed, we retraced our steps for about half a mile before exiting back to cars. Much needed coffee in a warm cafe ensued. Thank you fellow explorers for an enjoyable Saturday adventure.
Ali

Seven of us defied the rather dire forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Fifteen minutes after leaving Biggin this seemed a tad foolish as the heavens opened and waterproofs were hastily pulled from rucksacks. Nevertheless we enjoyed expansive views northwards over the upper reaches of the Dove as we descended to Hartington. The rain stopped before we reached the village and we were able to enjoy the riparian delights of Beresford Dale and Wolfscote Dale with only occasional light rain and plenty of sunshine. Swathes of harebells imparted a pale blue haze to the steep valley sides and the angular outcrops of limestone provided a stark contrast. Lunch was taken at Coldeaton Bridge with thunder rumbling around the dale and another short-lived shower. We followed the narrow side dale to climb steeply to the farming hamlet of Coldeaton and on to the road from where we had a good view of Liff’s Low. This late neolithic burial mound was one of the very few intact sites to have been excavated in the 19th century, its skeleton and grave goods having lain undisturbed for four thousand years. From there it was a short stroll through the fields to return to Biggin.
Cheers everyone, for making a potentially poor day into a very enjoyable one.
Steve W

Three members, 2 prospectives, and 2 dogs benefitted from the cooler walking temperature today.
Completed 14.8 miles, taking in the best of the peaks varied terrain , bilberries almost ripening, and foxgloves still with their heads above the parapet. Stopped in Hathersage en route to scoop up a CMC member and sample GALA Charity Tea and Scones at Moorland House. Very enjoyable walk, great company. Thankyo. Fiona

Ten of us and Weaver the dog braved the rather wintry conditions in the Sanctuary area of Harpur Hill quarries today. We found most routes quite hard for the grade – or perhaps sports climbing in Mediterranean sunshine has made us all soft! The bolts were quite widely spaced so there was some deft use of clipsticks. Biggest challenge of the day was retrieving a quickdraw left halfway up a route after a failed attempt. It was eventually reached by an impressive pendulum when lowering off an adjacent route. Typically the sunshine arrived just as most of us had run out of strength and were about to leave. Paul.

Eight set off from Peak Forest and soon we ticked our first top of Bradwell Moor (471m), with views of Mam Tor in the distance. A meander down and along the Limestone Way took us to the head of Eldon Quarry. The location has a certain wow factor and is one of the largest quarries in the country. Apparently works stopped as late as the 1990s and it has been the site of recent filming for the Apple series “War of the Worlds,” So, after refreshments, we decided to make a foray into the abyss. (Perhaps, not an official path!) After skirting the edge of the quarry, we climbed up the tussocky south western slopes of Eldon Hill (470m,) for our second tick, more photos and lunch. After a brief stop to look down Eldon Hole (identified by Thomas Hobbes’ Latin poem De Miralbilibus Pecci 1636 as one of “the seven wonders of Derbyshire” we followed a track back to the cars. Six miles completed on this growing popular “Easy Saturday” CMC meet. As the weather was so glorious, we decided to end the day with a dip in the very cold Derwent on the way home. Thanks for the company. Ali.

Ten humans and one sheepdog struggled up through the bracken and heather to Shining Clough, one of the finest moorland crags. After a period of recuperation we then collected more stars than you’d find in a painting by Vincent Van Gogh! Via Principia*** S 4a, Atherton Brothers** S 4a, Stable Cracks** VS 4b, Phoenix Climb*** VS 4c and Pisa Super Direct *** HVS 5a all received ascents by the main group. Meanwhile Andrew and Leon beavered away in obscurity at the western end of the crag, finally joining the mainstream for an ascent of Stable Cracks. We retreated in the late afternoon as the rain clouds were approaching. Paul.

After a last minute change to our transport arrangements sixteen of us were flown to Lundy by helicopter rather than by boat. This was exciting but meant that we had to restrict the weight of our bags, leave behind gas canisters for our stoves and arrived on the island too late to climb on our first day. We also learned on arrival that due to the success of the seabird breeding colonies this spring there were extra restrictions on climbing areas. From there onwards all was in our favour. Tides were friendly, we had sunshine every day and the easterly winds meant that the west coast climbing venues remained warm and sheltered,
Unsurprisingly the big attraction was the massive slab of the Devil’s Slide so that we needed a rota system to avoid overcrowding. Two teams padded up Satan’s Slip (E1 5a) with it’s gear free 40 metre second pitch up the centre of the slab. A team of three climbed the impressive corner followed by Albion VS (4c). Impressively all fifteen climbers ascended Devil’s Slide HS (4a) during our stay. This led to much discussion back on the campsite on the best way to complete the delicate traverse on the top pitch. Hand traverse or foot traverse? The jury is still out! Visits were also made to Flying Buttress, Landing Craft Bay, Picnic Buttress and Arch Zawn with many classic routes ticked such as Diamond Solitaire (VS), Double Diamond (HVS), Indy 500 (E1), Horseman’s Route (HS) and Headline (E1). One group misguidedly ventured onto the Knights Templar rocks on the windy east coast and climbed in several windproof layers whilst the rest of the group were climbing in tee-shirts on the west coast.
The enjoyment of our climbing was enhanced by our closeness to the island’s spectacular wildlife. Fallow deer, hebridean sheep, wild ponies and highland cattle roam the uplands whilst the sea cliffs are home to nesting seabirds and grey seals basking on the rocks below. Everyone’s favourites were the puffins above Picnic Bay which lined up to watch us eating our sandwiches.
In the evenings good food and excellent beer tempted us into the Marisco Tavern. On two nights we were entertained by a talented group of musicians who encouraged us to sing along to sea shanties and contemporary classics and baffled us with a song about a next door neighbour who liked to dress up as a female badger!
Fortunately the boat was back in action for our return journey allowing some of us to enjoy some final climbing, Gordon and Hugh to search for a WW2 plane wreck and the rest of us to walk round the island enjoying the wildlife. A great trip enjoyed by those of us who were visiting the island for the first time and also by the Lundy regulars.
Paul E

Twelve of us met up at a delightful campsite on the edge of Dartmoor. Some of us were warming up for Lundy but Steve and Charlotte also drove down and Paul and Vanda arrived in their impressive motorhome and treated us to guided tours including tea and biscuits. The dry and sunny conditions allowed us to climb on the Dartmoor tors which aren’t often in condition. We all climbed at Hay Tor, finding the routes enjoyable but hard for the grade. We also provided entertainment for the crowds of tourists flocking to the tor on this bank holiday weekend. David and Mark returned to team up with a local to ascend the plumb line of Aviation. Hound’s Tor also provided us with good quality climbing. The only disappointment was Sheep’s Tor. Although in a stunning situation the climbs were rather oversold in the guidebook and proved to be polished and hard to protect. The group who went to the Dewerstone had more success. The prize line being Spider’s Web which as the name suggests zig-zags up the face of Raven Buttress. Late in the day Mark treated the meet organiser to an exhilarating abseil off the stance at the top of the stunning first pitch of Central Groove. Soloing the second pitch might have been marginally less exciting!
An enjoyable visit to a climbing area which normally only serves as a stop-off on the way to or from Cornwall.

Paul E.