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Fifteen set out from Baslow on the first day of 2023. Wet and blustery showers accompanied our ascent to Wellington’s Monument – which we decided was not worth the visit due to the conditions. Visibility was very limited at this point! jInstead, we opted for the shelter of trees and descended steeply from the edge to a woodland path. At this point, the only person who needed to heed my warnings of wet and slippery slope was myself – as I promptly fell over twice! The journey continued down through the woods to a wild beck in full flow;. A heron appeared at the bridge crossing and photo opportunities beckoned. After crossing the A621 we began the ascent to the rocks of the “Three Men” but halted at a gate for a coffee and five minute snack. By the time we emerged at the road crossing near the Robin Hood pub the rain had, at last, stopped. Even a few patches of blue sky became visible. We then followed Dobb Edge and enjoyed the clear views out over Chatsworth and beyond. Past the Hunting Tower, we headed for Emperor Lake. Three of us then went for a very quick dip into the water and managed a 60 second swim simulation – the hardest bit of this venture was then getting changed in a biting wind. After hot drinks and quick bite to eat we then headed down the steps and across the estate back to the cars . Four of us then warmed up in a cafe . About 8 miles completed. Thanks to everyone who came.
Ali

A cold grey morning heralded the end of the recent crisp conditions and clear blue skies.
11 members set out from Canterbury Avenue carefully negotiating icy paths and roads on the initial descent into the Mayfield valley where some members were impressed by the Hobbit House at the start of Ivy Cottage Lane!
A steady up hill walk over fields followed, with some icy and slippery stiles, before the edge of Bole Hill Plantation on the north side of the Limb Valley was reached.Following the edge of the woods two rope swings were encountered and enjoyed by two members!After the second of the swings the group made a steady descent through the trees to reach a decidedly icy stretch of the valley floor-at which point it was discovered that one member of the party was missing !A quick telephone call established contact and the missing member rejoined the fold.
Crossing the dubious wooden bridge (thank God for the hand rail) the party continued through the woodland and then the first world war like wasteland due to a recent extensive tree felling operation.
Leaving the Limb Valley the party reached Whirlow Farm where 3 members left the group to head back home.
The remaining 8 members continued to the clubroom for lunch in relative warmth thanks to the electric heaters.
Lunch over the leader decided to cut out the stage through Ecclesall Woods to avoid the worst of the forecasted rain and snow.
The party then retraced their steps up Little Common Lane and soon reached the entrance to the Limb Valley where the group climbed the wooden slopes on the north side of the valley to reach the footpath over icy fields to Wrigley Farm.
A steady descent past the former Whiteley Wood Hall ( now a girl guide centre) then led back to the Mayfield Valley and so to Canterbury Avenue where large quantities of tea and various goodies were consumed.
Thank you to all who came for your company and your contributions to the post post walk food!
A happy Christmas to one and all and looking forward to more Castle events in 2023.
Mike D

The 65 bus from Ecclesall Road to Millersdale was slightly late, but got there in time for a cup of tea at the station. Leaving Millersdale at 11.0 the route followed roughly the Limestone Way to Peak Forest and above Castleton. Beautiful views over the snowy fields and trees. Mam Tor at quarter to four, using pull-on spikes on iced up path. Wonderful pink glow over Kinder. Made Castleton in good time for the 16.55 bus, which had not appeared by 17.15, so hitched home. Three lifts, confirming faith in the human spirit. A grand day out.Geoff.

• We arrived to a very cold centre on Friday evening. But, after purchasing logs for the wood burner, wrestling with the heating controls and starting a table tennis tournament (thanks to Linda for supplies and organisation), we began to thaw out, albeit slowly.
  Saturday morning dawned cloudy and nippy. However, some had already departed by 8am for the day’s adventures. These included various walks, taking in: Harter Fell, reservoirs, rivers, waterfalls, industrial heritage, walled gardens, parts of the Pennine Way and, of course, the odd café. The road cyclists set off on a 25mile circuit but experienced some unexpected drama as one of the group skidded off his bike. Although bruised and battered, he remained stoical throughout and help came from a friendly local. Elen and Bill completed a mighty mountain bike trail with new dog Weaver. Afterwards and out of the three, he looked the most lively!
  The evening commenced with some aromatic mulled wine (thanks to Elen) and for many, a trip to the pub for more aperitifs! We sat down for our delicious three course Christmas meal at 7pm. Jo had worked tirelessly all day to prepare and cook the turkey and vegetables – a huge thank you Jo!. The other chefs had also put in lots of work behind the scenes for the other courses and so a thank you to them also (Hazel and Elen for soups, Mary for the Jalousie, Chris for the home-made Christmas puddings, Marianne for the cheesecake and Elen for the chocolate mousse). We were all spoilt for choice! At the end of the meal, brief speeches and awards were given as per tradition.
  The merriment continued with some gentle circle dancing (thank you Vanda) and then more drinking, chat and dancing until midnight, with music from DJ Paul (thanks to his sound system and play list).
  We had to vacate the centre on Sunday morning but everyone had surfaced by 8.30am and then, with true CMC team work, we tidied, vacuumed, washed up, mopped and cleaned the centre. It was certainly in better shape than we first arrived.
  Various Sunday outings took place including more walks, visits to Low and High Force, Gibson’s Cave (hideout for a loveable rogue William Gibson, in the 1500s, on the run from the Constables!), Bowes Museum and Barnard Castle.
  The weekend was a great success and we enjoyed the different scenery of Teesdale with all it has to offer. Perhaps what made it special was the camaraderie that the Club is so well known for. Everyone chips in when there is a problem or a job to do. We missed the members who couldn’t make it but hope you can come next year!
  A final THANK YOU to all who contributed to the weekend. Brilliant company as always. Looking forward to 2023 already!!
  Ali

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The weather gods looked kindly on us, so that 14 of us had a great walk of twelve a a half miles from Hathersage. The aim of the walk was to visit six of the seven halls reputable built by Robert Eyre for his sons in the sixteenth century. Local knowledge saved the walk leader from going too far astray. The weather improved over the day and we experienced a great sunset from Moorseats Hall. Thanks to all those who came. David

Seven of us met for this walk – starting in mist so thick we could barely see out of the car park. Things brightened up as we covered Stanage Edge, the pole, Moscar Moor, Ridgewayside, and Carrhead rocks – with many historical interludes. Finishing at dusk. There may be photos of members being lowered into Robin Hood’s cave, and emerging from it, on other media. Geoff.

Ullapool meet 22nd – 30th October
Eight of us used a bunkhouse just S of Ullapool for this trip. A great location for hills. Generally fine weather, and beautiful trees. Almost as warm as Kalymnos, the alternative venue for this time of year! Parties covered the Fannichs over 3 days, Beinn Dearg, the remote Seana Bhraigh and other local hills. Good for Munro hunters. Many more fine hills left to do, so could easily use the same place again. Good to meet up with local resident Sue Miller. Guest appearances from Dave (mate of John Hutchinson), Pete Wimbush from the Peak CC, and Josh from Macclesfield.
Geoff

Gordon

Five hardy climbers, two spectators and a cockapoo braved the elements at Hen Cloud today. The chilly autumn winds made it hard to believe that only a few weeks ago we were setting off at 6am to avoid the heatwave in Pembroke! Two teams enjoyed classic routes including Roof Route, K2 and Great Chimney. The highlight (lowlight?) was a three man assault on the Central Climb which started with some impressive grunting and an even more impressive belly-flop finish by the leader of the first pitch which was followed by a massive rope tangle on the first belay ledge, continued with various subterfuges to avoid the crux of the second pitch and ended with several variations when topping out of the final pitch. We finished slightly earlier than we might otherwise have done to avoid hypothermia. Paul Embley