With the cycling abandoned, somewhere in the region of 24 new and old members, plus three dogs, arrived at my house for the walk, though I will never cease to be amazed by the capacity of one honorary member (who arrived late) to get lost within 50m of the starting point. The wind had actually dropped a bit since the previous day, but we headed down into the Rivelin Valley with occasional bits of sleet, crossed the river and climbed up the other side towards the Hallam Golf Club. We decided to forego the coffee break at a couple of benches with a view over the Rivelin Dams as the wind hadn’t dropped that much, and there was clearly more weather heading our way. The pub was already in sight, and we reached it just as our missing honorary member caught up, and the doors opened. The Sportsman’s staff were most helpful and efficient in distributing hot roast sandwiches and home-made soup to those who wanted them, and after about 50 minutes we were on our way again. A couple of members (and two of the dogs) dropped out at this point, and the rest of us descended a steep and muddy path below the Three Merry Lads, directly to the Rivelin Dam. There was a minor diversion as one member, doubtless recalling his enthusiastic climbing days of years past, headed up towards Rivelin Edge, rather than taking the gently ascending traverse path through the woods below it, which led eventually to Woodbank Road. The fields above this provided the worst mud and strongest winds of the day, but after crossing the Riggs Road, we were able to take shelter in the woods overlooking the Loxley Valley. A rising traverse, just below the ridge, brought us back to Stannington, and the traditional tea-party, where we were joined by a few additional non-walkers.
Many thanks to all who came, the staff at the Sportsman Inn, those who brought contributions of mince pies, scones etc., and the washers-up. It was great to chat both to old members I hadn’t seen for ages, and to newly-joined ones. Unfortunately since everyone went home I have gone down with a horrendous cold (main symptoms: sore throat, hoarse voice, and total lack of energy), so I hope I haven’t given it to anyone else (Covid test is negative). Merry Christmas to all! JB

Eleven members plus 2 dogs turned up at various points under the Roaches at 9,30am. The drive over seemed promising with blue skies and sunshine. However, the western Peak seemed to be shrouded in low cloud! An atmospheric romp up Hen Cloud revealed sculpted rocks and numerous mini scrambling areas. Some even spotted climbs completed eons ago. A contour of the hill led us back to the ridge where we continued through the murk, passing a fenced off Doxey’s Pool. Soon after, we sheltered behind a huge boulder for drinks and a snack before the trig point (tick) and second Ethel of the day.
A descent and woodland path led to Lud’s Church, a deep rocky chasm that you can walk through, now dripping with lush green ferns. It boasts some history of early Christian worship and a legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Lunch and a brief bit of drizzle gave us the impetus to continue the circumnavigation of the ridge crossing fields and following tracks and a minor road back to cars.Nine miles completed and we enjoyed some clearer westerly views in the afternoon. We were back at the cars by 2.30pm. A few then went on to Whitehouse Cafe chez Bill and Elen – many thanks for your hospitality. And, thank you to everyone who came out. An enjoyable day.
Ali

Meet report. A great walk from Alport Bridge on the A57 Snake Pass up Bleaklow’s “finest and wildest glen.” Passing the historic Alport hamlet and Britain’s largest landslip we made steady progress beside the River Alport until the vague track petered out. Striking steeply up hill we located the small path that took us above the now steeply sided valley to Grains in the Water. This is the point where several small tributaries (grains) convege on open moorland. While we were lunching here low cloud rolled in so we abandoned plans to walk to Alport Head and Bleaklow Hill, instead heading south east for Over Wood Moss. Sometimes following faint sheep tracks, sometimes on rough moor we traversed Alport Moor and into the top of Oyster Clough with dramatic views of the waterfalls in Alport Dale on the way. Oyster Clough Cabin provided a welcome break and much laughter. The route was now much easier – down the Clough to pick up the line of the Roman road which took us back to our starting point. A great exploring day away from sizable or any paths. We saw no one from Alport hamlet back to the Snake. Some said that we had a whale of a day! David

8 members and 3 prospective members + 2 dogs completed 10.5 miles. The walk started at Fairholmes Car Park, where surprisingly there was ample parking. Crunching beech leaves along the upper Derwent path , we climbed via Abbey tip plantation, Howden moor to Lost Lad, where we had visibility and views despite the overarching cloud. We continued along Derwent Edge and enjoyed all the sculpted gritstone Tors en route , before descending towards grindle Clough and eventually back on the track running along the reservoir. Although the leaves were falling from the trees , the autumn colours were still vibrant in parts, so a lovely finish to the walk. Thanks to everyone for their company. Fiona

Charlotte’s pic

The meet was based in the Fell and Rock club cottage in Langdale. This is a 17th century farmhouse with lots of character, open fire, ceilings too low for John Barnard, and one cooker. Of the 12 people on the meet, 4 attended the Fell and Rock AGM on the Saturday afternoon, some after visiting Kendal wall in the morning. Booking the Thursday night meant groups could walk on the Friday as well as over the weekend. This all worked well. Beautiful autumn colours. Misty hills. The cottage is cheap to book and we only had to pay for the places we used. It would be very good for a summer meet because of all the climbing in Langdale. Geoff.

From the village hall at Onecote in Staffs, eight people plus 3 dogs set off to complete a round to bag three trig points. A romp along a quiet lane led to the first trig of Bradnop at the side of the road – just reachable over a dry stone wall and barbed wire. An ominous white van drew up – me thinking it was the local farmer trig police, but no, it was Elen! After a brief hello and chat we crossed the first of many boggy and muddy farm fields that opened up to ever expanding views across the Manifold Valley.
The sky was clear and a beautiful sunny day set the scene for a host of animal sightings – some farm animals, others wild. These included: geese, ducks, alpacas, pheasants, buzzards. kestrels, a hare, rabbits, grouse, cows, sheep, cats ……… and others that the grey matter won’t recall.
After a coffee break, and a descent through mud into Ford, where more than one body ended up horizontally in the mud, we ate lunch on a log.
Some path re- routing around a farm led to mixed fortunes. We missed the second trig point of Moor Top but met a local alpaca smallholder who educated us in how they make a lucrative business – selling their poo and dressing them up for weddings! We also learned of a nearby aircrash site memorial for an RAF plane that was sent out to drop supplies to villages cut off in the snow in 1947.
We made the detour and descended to the very pretty village of Butterton for the planned trig number three – Butterton church tower.! Opposite stood the Black Lion . A unanimous vote to stop for a drink in the garden gave the leader time to replan the ongoing route. After a further hour across fields, moorland and lanes we reached our cars .
An approximate ten mile round on slippery ground, in sunny weather, with ever lively company gave a great day out, in this less visited part of the Peak District.
Needless to say, we visited the missed Moor Top trig point on the car journey home!
Ali

Rosy hints on the tops on the early morning drive over to Edale. After the meet leader had been reminded of the start time five of us set off up Grindsbrook, taking the North branch to the plateau. Just enough water to make this fun scramble practical. A navigational senior moment took us directly to the top of Fairbrook, rather than Kinder gates – but that was the aim in the end anyway. We descended Fairbrook Gully which has managed to unjustifiably sneak into the scrambles guide. Fine autumn colours descending Fairbrook. Back up to Seal Stones and over the short crossing to Edale. A lovely day. Thanks to my bog trotting companions. Geoff.

The first wave of club members have just returned from a fun-packed week sport climbing in NW Sicily. The first group was made up of seven Castle members plus honorary member Rich and honorary spaniel Mani.
We demonstrated a strong work ethic climbing in most sectors of the Scogliera di Salinella crags and ticking an impressive number of routes. Most teams climbed for two sessions a day – ticking off routes in the morning, having a siesta by the pool during the afternoon heat, and then climbing again in the evening. Our only “rest day” involved a 500m scramble up Timpone Ridge, a striking curved ridge which runs up the hillside near the campsite. Paul ensured that the occupants of Chalet 5 were out on the crags early by suffusing the apartment with pleasant smells after his morning visit to the WC. Rumours of major blockages in the local sewage system proved unfounded.
It is hard to pick out individual routes and performances. Eli set a high bar by stylishly gliding up routes up to and including 6c. Andy took advantage of the mid-season transfer window by moving up from the Vanarama league to the Premiership and was soon powering up 6a and 6a+ routes. A standout expedition was an evening visit to the stunning two-pitch Sunset Arete (5b). Thanks to Tom’s skilful rope management we were able to do the route as a team of four. The route lived up to its’ name as the sun did indeed set when we were on the route. By the time we lowered off the bottom pitch it was pitch dark!
The après-climb was very sociable. Chalet 5 hosted jolly evening planning meetings providing nibbles and alcoholic drinks – though it is unlikely that the “Tom Andrews”, a combination of lambrusco and limoncello, will enter the list of classic cocktails!
When we should have been packing on the last evening we were still raring to go. Simon demonstrated his inner caveman by dragging Lorna off to do the Trad Route (5a) up the inside wall of a cave – but Lorna quickly reasserted 21st century womanhood by making him go back up the route to retrieve the gear! Eli, Rich, Andy and Keri ticked off a selection of harder routes. Tom combined his love of climbing and trashy B movies by leading the Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (6a) and the Creature from the Black Lagoon (6a). Paul and Julian wandered off to do the highly recommended Happy Birthday (5b) but managed to do Chris (6a) by mistake! They followed this by scaring the pigeons roosting in a cave on the impressive El Bahira (5b). This three-star route has an awkward start through steel cables which secure a massive block to the main face. You are then rewarded with an airy ascent of the arete on small but positive holds.
A great week with brilliant climbing and excellent company. Many thanks to Lorna and Simon for coordinating the meet and providing invaluable advice about the different climbing areas. Paul E

Eleven of us made it to Galloway over the course of the meet. Marian, Mary and Kathy joined from a 5 day cycling trip in the area. Friday afternoon we climbed on Crammag Head – on Viking Zawn; difficult to identify the routes, some of which remain a mystery and one of which is now minus a large block. On Saturday – we climbed at Mull of Galloway, Carrickcorie. Routes included ones put up by club members Martin, Pat, Dave and Linda in 2000: Old Whippersnappers, Anemone Action, Ruddy ‘ard Kipperling, Friends in High Plaices, Happy as a Sand Martin – and others. Clearly some route naming fun in the day. On Sunday we went back to Crammag Head –Lighthouse walls. The guidebook supplement written by a local climber was very helpful with a lot of worthwhile routes at easy grades. Poor weather on Monday meant those remaining retreated to sodden Sheffield.

All the joys of sea cliff climbing: tricky route finding, abseiling in and some loose rock. Wonderful atmosphere with pounding waves, dolphins, sun on the sea and views of distant land. Some top quality climbs. If we go again its worth seeing if a new guide has come out. The SMC web site records a lot of new climbs since the 2004 guide, many at easy grades, but these will be easier to locate with diagrams. Worth taking cycles as a poor weather option. The Galloway coast path would also be worthwhile. Welcome to Em and Tomasz on their first away meet. Thanks to the cycling team for booking a chalet which provided a warm haven in the evenings.
Geoff

Kathy’s photos: