Walk Report Saturday 9 March 2024

Ten people plus 2 dogs hopped on the very crowded 9.30 train from Hope to Edale. We set off at a brisk pace and ascended the Great Ridge, pausing at Hollins Cross for a photo opportunity. The descent to Castleton followed tracks and quiet lanes, with a brief stop at a shed snack shop. We found a very convenient cafe where the owners were not at all fazed by seating a large group. Here we re-fuelled and then set off across some boggy meadows alongside the river. At Brough we ascended through some woods and enjoyed great views down the length of the Hope Valley and down to Shatton. Joining the river once again, we then stomped through more mud to Leadmill Bridge and then a short stretch back to cars parked around Hathersage station. A linear walk of 9.5 miles completed. Well done all.
Ali
Lorna’s pic

John R’s pic

Roy Bridge 10/02/2024 – 17/02/2024 meet report

We all arrived to unpack fast and race across for a quick drink in the Roy Bridge Hotel, only open on a Saturday evening. 8 in the hut and 2 outliers in a cottage. David and John managed Beinn Fhionnlaidh on the way.

Sunday 11th February
Tom started out all excited and ready to attempt the Ring of Steal when the weather closed in on the Western peaks. As he summited An Gearanach the claggy weather caught up and all the world was getting ready to disappear. Tom retreated to the car admiring the Steall waterfalls.
Pete, Andy, Hugh and Gordon summited Beinn Tealloch, 915m from Roughburn (Loch Lagan) adding Beinn a Chaorainn. A straightforward route to Beinn Teallach, descending to bealach at head of Allt a Chaorainn Tur. Then up to Beinn a Chaorainn with a white out on top of the ridge. All three tops covered and a descent of the ridge.
Dave, John and Helen headed up Sgor na h-Ulaidh, crampons and ice axe required by two and the summit pleasantly dramatic looking down on a snow filled gully and cornice. David led the way home on a bike with squeaky brakes and no lights despite dusk.

Monday 12th February
The forecast was poor so Andy, Dave, Hugh the two outliers and friends headed up Sgurr a’Mhaim looking for a shorter day, unfortunately high winds stopped play resulting in the team turning back at about 750 meters.
Tom, Peter and Gordon stayed low and explored the ‘Puddy Line’ a disused tramway, which consisted of an easy but squelchy walk along the redundant line with three cordoned off bridges to cross. A detour was made around three of them but one enjoyed a balancing walk over the girders. A riverside walk for the return journey and returning to the car dry. Red squirrels observed.
Helen swam in the local pool, joined the gym and sat online. John chilled in the lodge.
Lorna and Simon called in for tea and cake and discuss plans. They became regular visitors over the week and we all learnt about charging electrical cars and the Walkhighlands web site.

Tuesday 13th February
A wet morning led to a beautiful sunny afternoon with snow showers. Four went to the climbing wall in Fort William and enjoyed it all to themselves. Tom and Hugh headed up from Fersit and with heavy snow they turned round from Meall Cian Dearg, a mini alpine day aiming for Stob Coire Easain. Tea and biscuits featured daily with hot toddies courtesy of Geoff’s Shackleton whisky, made by Dave who also cooked the daily porridge. Dave checked out Fort William’s cafes before working in the library. John managed a little local hill, Meall Nan Luath.

Wednesday 14th February
Peter and Gordon took a train to Corrour and completed Bienn na Lap in deep snow with some step kicking. They were back in good time for the return train and dropped in to see Jan at the youth Hostel. Dave and John completed Carn Dearg from Corrour, then decided that soft snow in a whiteout was less than ideal for the continuation to Sgor Gaibhre. They stayed a night in Ossian Hostel utilising the spare food cupboard and some spring greens from Jan, and found Scrabble was played to a high standard.
Andy and Helen completed Beinn a Chlachair, Gael Charn and Creag Pitridh in gentle conditions, snow on the ground but quite mild. Andy working like a fell runner and Helen the shuffling shadow, sometimes at a considerable distance but always there. A golden eagle soared above to complete a perfect day.
Lorna ,Simon and friends headed off up the same track by bike hoping to join up with Andy and his Shadow, but they remained distant moving objects never to catch up. We did say hello to Hugh and Tom as they peeled off up their hill. Hugh and Tom completed Creag Pitridh with its long 5.5k walk in along the excellent track to Lochan na h-Earba.

Thursday 15th February
Gordon and Pete, after the full English, spent the morning doing micro navigation practice from the church above Achluachrah taking in Chrachaire, a sheepfold, various spot heights, fence corner junction and a massive bog trot back where Pete managed to get a boot full.
Tom and Hugh both went to Fort William shopping. Helen online again elevating a swollen knee after a small bash on a rock.
John and David managed Sgor Gaibhre, returning by the 16.00 train.
Andy joined Lorna and Simon bagging two more Munro’s, Carn Sgulain and A’ Chailleach whilst bog trotting.
Food was amazing as Hugh cooked up Cuillin Skink and finished with trifle before Helen headed off with Hugh to the 20th anniversary of the Fort William Mountain Festival.
The award for the best biscuits goes to Lorna and Simon topped only by Hugh turning out the Cuillin Skink. As Tom commented he never lost weight on any of these trips, the food has been wonderful. John’s leftover Camembert wafting out of the fridge on every opening.

Friday 16th February
David and John drove up to Loch Quoich and squelched their way up Gairich, a mountain they were actually able to see!
Lorna, Simon, Jeremy and Martin with Andy and Helen cycled up Glen Finnan through a beautiful Glen with a train passing overhead and Harry Potter waving down. The deer were being fed hay looking with bemusement as we cycled by. Today there were 7 people shadowing a long way behind the Pied Piper Andy charging off in front and running back to the bikes. Blue skies at times and sun attempting to break through, the snow sugary and the crampons left in the car.
Pete, Gordon and Hugh left from Fersit and climbed Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg, an ice axe needed for the first time this trip and kicking steps on the ascent. Interesting mountain structure with lots of tops. A nice high col between the two summits. Descening Chno Dearg Pete did a lot of glissading, Gordon tripped in the deep snow and broke his pole.
Tom kept the home fire burning.
Everyone out to Spean Bridge Station Restaurant for a well earned meal and to complete the meets report. A toast to absent friends Pete McGlynn and Geoff Nichols.

Saturday 17th February
Everyone headed south except Helen, John and Dave who cycled in and ascended Gulvain. Before heading in their different directions. A productive meet. Mountain bikes were very useful for reducing the walk ins.

Geoff

Lorna’s pictures

Dark peak walk Sun 18 Feb 2024 – Report

3 of us met up for this walk one of whom met us below Mam Tor due to it being impossible to find anywhere to park in Edale. An atmospheric time was had going over Rushup Edge and Brown Knoll in mist, light rain and strong westerly winds The mist and low cloud didn’t lift until we were on Kinder. An uneventful descent was made via Grindslow Knoll to return to Edale. Thanks for the company it was good to chat although the meet leader was struggling a bit from being ill and tired after the Scottish trip. Gordon.

Meet Report Rehab Walk Sat February 17th 2024

Eight members met in murky conditions, but enjoyed a 16km (10mile) walk. Starting at the Haywood car park we slithered our way down to Grindleford with a slightly unplanned detour via Tegness Quarry and the former residence of two members. On the flatter ground we walked along the River Derwent valley via Froggatt and Calver to Baslow with muddy fields, quiet lanes and good views of snowdrops and waterside gardens. Lunch in Baslow churchyard with a display of snowdrops and crocuses before climbing up to Baslow Edge where we were rewarded with extensive views as the mist had cleared. A welcome coffee at the van in the Curbar Gap car park before the final stretch along Curbar and Froggatt Edges and back to the cars. Fairly easy going underfoot and plenty of time to admire the views. Chris.

Coniston Hut Meet 26-28 Jan 2024 – Report

10 humans and 3 dogs embarked on a weekend in Coniston staying at the Barrow mountaineering & Ski Club hut. Arriving at varying times on Friday night the group soon got the stove roaring and everyone exploring the quirky but very comfortable hut. Plans were made for a circular walk for the following day.

Two groups formed, the affectionately named dog group and a smaller but mighty team – both had similar walks planned albeit the mighty team were also the early birds!

The dog team had a fantastic walk taking in 7 of the local Wainwright peaks- Wetherlam, Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Brim Fell, Coniston Old Man and back to Dow Crag (an excellent route making the best use of the elevation gain). The group, led of course by our four legged friends, then headed back to the saddle between Swirl How and Brim Fell to lead us down past Levers Water to the hut. Conditions were challenging with wind, rain and our fair share of poor visibility, but an enjoyable day in the hills nonetheless. The mighty group had planned the same route albeit assenting via the ridge to Wetherlam. Unfortunately the strong winds battered the group and they opted to retreat from the edge. After a pit stop of coffee and table tennis (an added bonus that should be a must in all huts) the group ventured out again and to tackle Coniston Old Man and its neighbours for an excellent days walking in challenging conditions.

The team reconvened at the hut at remarkably almost exactly the same time and enjoyed refreshments and hot showers. More table tennis was played before play was stopped (owing to the net being attached to the dining table!) by the arrival of Paul’s famous vegan paella! Not only were we treated to this savoury masterpiece but Lorna and Simon also provided two delicious home made (and home grown for the most part!) crumbles with custard. With full tummy’s and warm bodies the groups plans turned to Sunday.

The group split with a couple of the team deciding to partake in shorter endeavours due to family commitments but the majority ventured to a National Trust car park close to Blea Tarn which provided the starting point for tackling Pike of Blisco and Cold Pike. The day again saw challenging conditions but two more excellent peaks (and its fair share of discussions as to exactly which high points were summits as more emerged from the mist). By the end of the walk the weather had lifted and we got some hints of the Lakeland views we had been missing.

Some chose to head straight off, others to meet at a cafe to charge and recharge before the journey home. An excellent weekend was had by all and one very tired pooch in our van on the way home!

Thanks to the food makers, the wood bringers and the whiskey providers.

Special thanks to those who arranged the hut and the meet despite not being able to attend themselves due to family and work commitments, we really appreciate your efforts!

Until next time! Rosie

Lorna’s pics

Chris Lunn’s pics:

WhatsApp Community

 

To reduce the administrative work for the club we are planning to bring all the WhatsApp groups under one Castle Mountaineering Club community group. This has been done by a number of other clubs such as Eagle Ski club , Mynydd and Alpine Club. This means that all club members will automatically become members of the Castle community WhatsApp group. Members will then be able to opt to join sub-groups within this. For example, a climbers group, a walkers group, a chat group, bird watching etc.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS ARE:
Members can be joined onto the big club community group and then opt to join the sub groups of interest.
Members will be made aware of the full range of activities which occur within the club.
It will be much easier for new members to see the range of groups in the club and join the ones they are interested in.
By controlling who is in the community group we can manage who is in the other groups. So if a prospective member does not subsequently join the club, or if a member leaves, we can remove them from the community group and automatically from all the other groups they were in.
As before, we can create groups for away meets. Control of the community group allows us to delete these groups when they are no longer needed.
Everybody is used to using WhatsApp – so we know members will find it easy to use.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We will move the Walking, cycling and Climbing groups and all its members over to the new Castle Mountaineering Club Community by the 31st January.
Feel free to join any additional groups that interest you.
Once you have done this continue to use WhatsApp as before.

If you are currently not in a WhatsApp group and would like to be, please email me and I will give you further instruction as to how to join. Lornamnicholson@gmail.com

Anyone who is not a castle club member or prospective member will be removed from the WhatsApp community and subsequent sub groups.

ARE YOU ADMIN OF SOME OF THE OTHER EXISTING WHATAPP GROUPS?
eg. gardening, bird watching, wild swimming, art. Would you like your group to be accessible to all castle members?
If, yes, once you have joined the community group, “add group”, then add existing group. You and your members will be transferred over to the community. Please consider if this is appropriate for your group, as non castle members will be removed.

ARE YOU LEADING AN AWAY MEET OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS ?
Consider creating a WhatsApp group for your meet by “add group” button, followed by “create new group”

If anyone has any questions please or needs help, please contact me Lornamnicholson@gmail.com

Bleaklow Scramble Report 21st January 2024

Eight humans and two very intrepid sheepdogs got better than expected weather conditions for our scramble up Torside Clough today. Most of the snow and ice had melted overnight so the biggest risk was wet feet whilst boulder hopping across the stream. The two dogs by contrast enthusiastically plunged through the pools and cascades – deserving honorary membership of the club outdoor swimming group!
After emerging from the clough we had a breezy walk to Bleaklow Head. Some less than competent navigation by the meet leader had has plouging through heather and wandering along groughs until we regained the Pennine Way and completed our return journey just as Storm Isha was approaching.
Thanks to everyone who braved the weather warnings to participate in a sociable and not too strenuous day out. Paul.

Walk Report Sunday 14 January 2024

12 humans and two dogs met on the A57 Birchin Clough Bridge. We walked up Snake Path, joining the Pennine Bridal Way for a short time, before forking left along the Northern Edge of Kinder Scout. We started off with the sun shining through the trees (please share some photos on WhatsApp) but encountered mist on the edge challenging my navigation. Lunch at Fairbrook Naze, then with the increasing snow showers walked down Fair Brook. The final obstacle was a bit of a river crossing at the end. Thankfully no one got too wet. The ground was part frozen which made a nice change from wading though mud in recent walks. Thankyou to everyone who joined us. Lorna.

CASTLE CHRONICLE #5

The committee met on 8th January and this is the latest update to let you know what we have been getting up to:
• Recent club highlights have been the talk by Mick Fowler and the well-attended Christmas Meet at the excellent Coldwell Centre on the East Lancashire Moors. Many thanks to Andrew and Ali for the organisation and to everyone who helped prepare the sumptuous Christmas meal.
• The list of away meets for 2024 is looking healthy. Meets are planned to Coniston (January), Capel Curig (Easter), Yorkshire Dales (May), Northumbria (Spring BH), Cairngorms (May-June), Chapel Stile (June), Dentdale (July), Mid-Wales (August), Galway (September) and the Lakes (November).
• After last years’ successful Alps trip to Ailefroide another trip to Aosta is planned for late June / July. Those lightweights who prefer sunshine rock are catered for by a trip to Sicily in October!
• We are organising some skills sessions run by experienced club members including winter skills and navigation. Future sessions may include self-rescue, sports climbing techniques and abseiling. Let us know if you have any suggestions.
• On the social scene, after last years’ successful ceilidh, another has been organised for Saturday 23rd March. Vanda has organised more slideshows and Helen is organising some “Pub Grub” evenings allowing members to share good food and convivial conversation. We are also hoping to hold another photographic competition.
Information about away meets, skills sessions and social events will be posted on the message board.
The committee are continuing to look for ways to streamline club communications and are considering the following proposals:
• Reactivating the Castle Facebook and Instagram accounts. This will allow us to share information about club activities between club members. It will also help us to promote ourselves as an active club to people outside the club, especially younger folk, who may be interested in joining us. We will be encouraging all club members to contribute photos etc which reflect the wide range of current club activity.
• Setting up a WhatsApp Communities group. This is a way of organising the different WhatsApp activity groups which will be helpful to the membership team. Please note that the existing activity groups will operate in the same way that they do now.
• We are trialling a Microsoft programme which will streamline the membership process and reduce the administrative workload of the membership team.
Geoff is working on proposals for the club to reduce our environmental footprint – watch this space for the results.
As always the committee welcome feedback from club members – especially suggestions for meets and other activities. Volunteers to organise climbing and walking meets are even more welcome!

Walk Report Saturday 6 January 2024

Thirteen plus dogs set off from Hope with blue skies and sunshine overhead. Through an array of muddy fields we walked into Castleton. Next came a watery ascent of Cave Dale. At the top we stopped for a drinks break. Tracks took us to Windy Knoll for an early lunch. A short climb to the top of Mam Tor to bag the first trig point of 2024. The crowds meant we had to negotiate photo time for a group shot – but alĺ very amicable. Obviously “the place” to be on a Saturday. We romped along the Great Ridge – Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Losehill. A brief pause there before a slide down to cars. A cafe reward for the majority followed. A nine mile circular. winter sun and chatty companions were the perfect ingredients for a very enjoyable day. Thank you everyone who came. Alison Milne.