To kick off the summer season 9 people and 4 dogs assembled at Earl Sterndale for a 9.30 start. The objective was to complete a three mini-peak circular for list-tickers. We arrived at the first peak within the first kilometer. A short and very steep grassy ascent led to the first trig point of High Wheeldon. From there we had great views over to Parkhouse (often called the Dragon’s Back) and Chrome that dominate the landscape in this part of the Peak District. After the obligatory photo stop we contoured down the valley and onward to Pilsbury Hill with some significant sculptural limestone outcrops and then Carder Low (both Ethels). The latter was little moe than a bump in a field! A refreshment and lunch stop at Pilsbury Castle – a great example of a Norman motte and bailey – provided us with the energy to complete the route back up the valley. We were graced with hares chasing around in meadows and buzzards overhead. One last pull over Hitter Hill finished the walk at the back of the old pub, The Quiet Woman, (now under construction), where Andrew remembered being able to buy Hartington cheese offcuts back in the day! Approximately 10 miles completed on a windy day with warm sunny spells. Great company all the way round! Ali.

What have the Romans ever done for us? Luckily they provided an excellent venue for our recent Hadrian’s Wall away meet – though we could have done with a few more of their aqueducts to drain away some of the rain that fell over the weekend.
On Saturday the climbers managed to “carpe diem” and tick off lots of routes at Peel Crags. These included two “Top 50” routes – Overhanging Crack (VS) and Sunset ( described in the guidebook as the best Severe between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border). The rest of the party kept busy with activities including e-biking (Dick and Lin), landscape painting (Gordon) and walking along sections of the wall (everyone else). Saturday evening was very sociable with groups from both campsites joining up for BBQ, paella and virtuoso guitar playing by Gordon and Paul G.
Weather conditions deteriorated on Sunday providing an opportunity for people to visit the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Bill and Paul E ventured into Kielder Forest on their mountain bikes – though many of the tracks would have been easier to negotiate via canoe.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in a very enjoyable weekend with lots done despite the unfavourable weather. Photos to follow on the Castle Facebook and Instagram sites. Paul E
Paul’s pics:

A great day with hot sunshine attracted 21 of us to climb a wide variety of routes from the fairly straightforward to more challenging routes such as Tody’s Wall and Three Pebble Slab.
It got so warm that most of us adjourned to The Grouse in late afternoon for a well deserved drink.
A reminder to be aware of ticks which are increasingly common. I picked up two, I think on this day. David

Tents, vans, wet grass. Pub?
Fourteen people in Cracoe
Bike ride past Malham
Moorland walks, gordale scar. Sun!
Rylstone beckons, rain returns

Wonderful company with less than perfect weather!

Charlotte

8 of us (6 Castle members and 2 friends) plus Weaver the dog, set out from Hope Primary School in rather cold weather with a steady breeze creating a light wind chill. After the ascent of Lose Hill we traversed the Great Ridge which was busy as usual with a mixture of runners, walkers and those on a “mission” like us.
Coffee break was taken at Mam Nick followed by Rushup Edge and the long paved way to Brown Knoll. We stopped for lunch at Crowden Tower and then crossed the peat bog which wasn’t as bad as I had expected it to be. Also the fords at the top of Crowden and Grindsbrook plus the rest of the fords along the skyline route east were easily crossed due to very little running water. A brief drinks stop at a path junction near the Druids Stone was followed by a longer one at a wall prior to the ascent of Winn Hill. From there the descent back to Hope.
Altogether a grand day out – good views, no rain, mainly overcast skies with the odd sunny period plus a “pit stop” at the Old Hall pub to finish off. My Strava relates 7hrs 45mins of walking time, 9 hours total. 19.22 miles plus 3334ft of ascent. Thanks to all who came and well done for the achievement! Pics of the team on Lose Hill and Win hill can be found on the walking WhatsApp group.
Pete

Bill’s pics

Steve’s pic

4 members attended on an unexpectedly sunny and dry day !
Setting off down the top end of the Dale we were soon admiring the Dove Holes (caves)and the nearby Ilam Rock pinnacle.
A stiff climb then followed to the top of Ilam Woods.Passing Air Cottage we continued over the summit of Bunster Hill with panoramic views of Ilam and the valley beyond.
After a steep descent,we took the path round to the bridge at the foot of Thorpe Cloud where we joined the multitudes toiling their way to the summit.There we stopped for lunch before taking the obligatory long route down (the two usual routes being closed because of erosion and accident risk).
The world and his wife were gathered by the river and Stepping Stones-so we pressed on up the bottom section of the Dale resisting the temptation to go on forays to visit places like “Tissington Spires” and “Reynard’s cave” (a trip for another day perhaps?!}
Before long we found ourselves back below Ilam Rock.One member then continued up the Dale following the route we had taken in the morning,while the remaining 3 took the longer route up Hall Dale and over Stanhope pastures to reach the car park in Mill Dale.
The full team then enjoyed some excellent ice cream to round off a lovely day in spring sunshine.
Mike D

A small, select group, me and Hugh braved the early start but we had no problem getting parked up. Had lots of varied weather from horizontal rain and mist to bright sunshine. route was completed finding the 3 crash sites we went for. A good day despite the weather. Gordon