All posts in Meet Reports

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.

A small group of us wandered round the various follies of Wentworth Castle, fuelled by coffee! Picture taking, deer spotting and structure perusals formed the basis of the walk. A wave of colour welcomed us into the gardens via the grand avenue. Azaleas and Rhodos in full glory. Lunch at the castle folly, an ascent of the tower, and then a meander to the tropical glass house before tea, ice cream and cake. Tough going in beautiful sunshine with lovely company, but we made it!! A grand 5 miles completed.
Ali

An enthusiastic group completed this 10.5 mile circular walk – following the round of Birchens, White, Curbar/Froggatt and Baslow Edges. Sunny skies, pleasant breeze and wonderful views throughout. Highlights included the sighting of an adder, a small herd of deer and bluebell woods. It was lovely to catch up with Rachel (ex CMC member, visiting the area for the weekend.). Nostalgia also played a part in the day, learning that Froggatt was where Charlotte first met an upside down Steve over thirty years ago.! ( Not my story to tell!) Great company everyone- thank you.! Keep an eye out for the next summer walk posting!
Ali

Lots of us met at Wharncliffe to do homage to Puttrell’s routes. In fine weather many routes were climbed and right tough some of them were. Much traditional stuff. I don’t know how many – but someone may make a claim for their own tally on whatsap. Good to see you all. We could easily repeat the experience, working along the crag from where we left off.  Geoff.

9 People and 4 dogs had a great weekend at Kildale in the North York Moors. Beautiful weather for 2 days on a great campsite which we effectively had to ourselves. 2 members went to Whitestones Cliff to do the best VS in the country, others went to Scugdale or a walk on the Saturday and then climbing and mountain biking on the Sunday. Some pictures have gone out on the whatsapp groups. Many thanks to all who came and commiserations to those that couldn’t make it – you were missed and missed out. Mary

27 of us set out from the Foxhouse proceeding across Totley Moor to the Trig Point before descending to Barbrook Bridge for a coffee break. See pic below (courtesy of Andrew). We then headed up hill passed Lady’s Cross, over the White Edge Ridge past White Edge Lodge and so down to lunch at the Grouse to celebrate Charles Knowles 90th birthday. Apart from those walking, others had either travelled by car or cycled to swell our number. 43 members past and present, plus Charles’s nieces and friends, sat down for an excellent lunch. We also were treated to a very tasty birthday cake, kindly made by Rosy.
Speeches then followed by Vanda, Paul and Charles who in turn was delighted to see everybody including his old friend the writer Hamish Brown, whom he had accompanied on many trips in the UK, the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Himalaya and especially the Atlas mountains of Morocco over the past 50 years, and who had travelled down from Fife in Scotland. Some of us then returned to the Fox House via the Longshaw estate, skirting round some logging loading on the main track.
A great occasion, a great turnout and pleasant sunny weather. For those walking to and from the Fox House, a distance of just over 6 miles.
Many thanks to all for making it a special day for Charles.
Pete

Andrew’s picture:

JB’s pictures:

 

Linda’s pictures:

five of us enjoyed what all agreed had been a brilliant day. weather continuing to improve from overcast to bright , warm sunshine with dry rock. lots of fun with small crawling challenges and scrambling on Hen Cloud and both lower and upper tiers of The Roaches,. The “torpedo tube” was specially enjoyed and lots of photos taken. views from the Skyline area were spectacular. lots of birdsong very much in evidence and thanks Richard P for identifying them.

The walk along the valley from Roach End produced a bit of mudnesss which needed a bit of care. We visited the crash sites of a Lancaster and later a German Junkers JU88. both were large bombers but little wreckage remains.

Return back to the cars was via the coll between Hen Cloud and The Roaches.

A couple of us took up Bill s kind invite for a coffee.

Gordon

5 of us including new members Kim and Mark enjoyed a steady and relaxed day . walking up the dale revealed considerable evidence of recent flooding but the path still easily passable. We had a good look at Mandale mine. By group decision we opted to do the longer 11 mile version of this walk. views from the plateau were as good as ever and the pleasant nature of Lathkill dale and Bradford dale.
A good day was finished with a brew in the local pub,
Gordon