Roaches Meet – May Bank Holiday

[Matthew Biggins]

Hello!
So, something a little bit different for my first foray into organising a meet.

As the Roaches is a little drive, I suggest that we make a weekend of it for those that want to. It is a bank holiday weekend so can extend into the Monday if you’d like.

We will be camping at; White Lea Farm Campsite, Blakelow Road, Onecote, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7SG

Welcome

01538 304522 or 07762 567502

If you can please book yourself into the site. I have spoken to the owner (Peter) so he is aware that we will be staying as a club. He advised to book soon, particularly if you are in a campervan, but currently has plenty of availability.

Rosie & I will be staying from Friday night until the Monday. If you can reply on here when you have booked and for how long so we can keep an eye out for you 😊 and so I can keep Peter updated on numbers.

The weekend plan is;
Sat 30th – Meet at 9.30am = Climb at Roaches area. If wet an alternative walk of 10-15 miles, will take in some light scrambling on Hen Cloud and a route around the Roaches area. Possible dip at Doxey Pool.

Sun 1st May – Meet at 9.30am – Challenge Day (see below). If wet, an alternative walk.

Mon 2nd – TBC on the day. Either a walk (10-15 miles) or a climb. Possibility of some limestone climbing on return to Sheffield.

For Sat and Sun meet at the Parking on Roach Rd, Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 8UA (just down from Don Whillans memorial hut). GR: SK 004, 622.

The Challenge
The Brown – Whillans challenge. The B-W challenge is a list of climbs (Link here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/set.php?id=653 ) which were first ascended by Joe Brown & Don Whillans.
The challenge is to climb them all in one day! As it’s a quite early in the season and because the grades are pushy, I am also compiling a Castle Challenge List! This is a similar list of 31 routes. Though the maximum grade in this list is HVS (Valkyrie Direct) with most grades in the low-mid range.

The challenge categories.
Complete the Brown-Whillans Challenge and / or the Castle Challenge as;
– Whole Club (We can do it!)
– Team – Teams of up to 6
– Pairs

Prizes! There will be some climbing related prizes for the most completed climbs of either challenge. Prizes TBC but they probably won’t be life changing, so maybe don’t go soloing that E4 just to win.

If you don’t fancy the challenge then of course you can just come and climb anyway. There is also plenty of walking to be had if you’d like to come along and not climb. Volunteers to lead a walk on any day appreciated.

Hope to see you there. Any questions just let me know (07895273916).
Matt

[Matthew Biggins]

Hi All,

Some last minute details for this weekend.

Camping

I understand my original campsite choice is now full.

I have spoken to another local campsite who have availability, so propose this site as an alternative.

Details;
Brooklyn Grange Farm Campsite
Please text Sally on 07974 869221 with;
– Nights
– Campervan / tent etc.

https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=20840

Parking

If the layby is full when you arrive there is additional parking by the Roaches Tea Room for £2. It may just be easier to park here anyway!

Paddock Farm, Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 8TY

If you park here, we will still meet at the layby as mentioned.

See you there, any Q’s just let me know 07895273916

[Gemma Scougal]

I’ve just seen the Brown-Whillans Day Out Challenge has a record of 3hours 14 mins – that’s 31 climbs!
Looking forward to the Castle version you’re compiling Matt 🙂
Gem

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