26 of us gathered at Taddington school, plus Harvey a Border Terrier, to start this walk. The reason for this huge number was due to the fact that 11 Castle members were joined by 15 members of The Association Of British members Of the Swiss Alpine Club who were staying reasonably close at Monyash. (Five Castle members are also ABMSAC members) At least it gave us plenty of people to talk to!
From the school we crossed the A6, headed north on the Priestcliffe road then took the Limestone Way to the Monsal Trail where we turned left and through the Chee Tor Tunnel. As the River Wye was running low we descended into the depths of Chee Dale and took the superb path along the river crossing over stepping stones in a very dramatic setting. Just after we saw two climbers doing an impressive 7A sport route, if only youth hadn’t passed me by……….!
Eventually we came to Blackwell Mill Cottages, crossed the bridge over the river and stopped for coffee on the riverbank close to where the wild garlic was about to burst into flower.
After our break we crossed back over the A6 at the Topley Pike car park and then took the enclosed path alongside the quarry which has been working since 1907. Due to new quarry workings we unfortunately couldn’t take the path along the floor of Deep Dale so took the re-routed path along the top of the dale which did give us some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside plus a walk amongst a carpet of primulas, daisies, orchids and other wild flowers.
Lunch was taken close to the junction of Horseshoe Dale and Back Dale with again fine views from the top of the dale albeit in a rather chilly position. At the end of the Dale we took paths to Chelmorton passing the church set at 1200 feet making it one of the highest in England. We also passed some stone troughs which once supplied all the village water.
Climbing up from the village we passed Sough Top our last hill climb before descending back to Taddington.
Thanks to all who came and for your company. A really enjoyable walk especially along the river Wye.
Pete and Jane
Easter Isle of Skye Meet Report April 2019
Nine CMC members camped at Sligachan campsite for the Easter break. Bill, Gemma and Kial arrived early and ventured onto the Ridge to bag some peaks before the rest of us arrived on Good Friday. The whole group explored the Quiraing on Saturday, and admired the basalt formations and views from the high points of Sron Vourlinn and Meall Na Suiramach. Inclement weather on Sunday led to an excellent coastal walk along the Ardnish peninsula, near Broadford. Here we spotted dolphins, seals, and a variety of sea birds. Kial and Gemma enjoyed a cultural and historical tour including Dunvegan Castle.
We had to bid farewell to some of the workers on Monday. However the list of bagged tops continued to grow over the next few days with Kial and Gemma completing Marsco, Beinn Dearg, and Beinn Dearg Mheathonach. Marian, Andrew and Ali set off for a two day cycle/walking adventure to the Isle of Raasay. Andrew enjoyed the ferry so much that he made an immediate return trip to pick up his rucksack that he’d left on the dock at Sconser. Having consumed coffee and cake at Raasay House and, finally in possession of all our gear, we cycled to the Northern hamlet of Arnish, following the infamous Calum’s Road – the hard toil of a remarkable crofter who decided to build a connecting link between his community and the rest of the island. Armed with just a pick, spade and wheel-barrow Calum Macleod completed the road over a period of ten years, after numerous pleas to the local council were ignored for many decades. From Arnish we walked to the only bothy on the island, marvelling at the views of Fladda, Rona, Skye and the Torridon hills. On the walk-out, the next day, Andrew summited a relative hill for even more terrific views. The return to the ferry seemed to involve more pushing than cycling at times as the short and steep inclines began to take their toll. Strong coffee provided just the pick-uo needed to complete the ferry ride and cycle back to the campsite.
Other highlights of the Meet included drinks and chats hosted by Chris and Jo one evening (in a Billy Smart sized tent) and also by Kial and Gemma another evening, in their superior tepee with wood burning stove. During these very convivial gatherings we expanded our knowledge of subjects varying from the the geology of the Quiraing to “hot spots” and how to share data. Still confused!
A Scottish away meet is not complete without some wild dips/swims. Several were completed both in fresh and salt water. Bill, Gemma, Kial and Ali all braved the waters at various times.
On the final day Andrew and Kial climbed at Staffa and completed the spectacular two pitch classic “Return of the Stone”. Kial led the second pitch which involved a nerve jangling large step off a rock column onto the main rock face. He wins the bravery award!
Overall the weather was very favourable with clear sunny skies. However blustery winds prevailed throughout the trip which, of course, perhaps preventing some of the planned ridge excursions. Nevertheless, great company made the Skye adventure into a memorable and enjoyable few days. Many thanks to everyone who made the long journey.
Ali
Nine CMC members camped at Sligachan campsite for the Easter break. Bill, Gemma and Kial arrived early and ventured onto the Ridge to bag some peaks before the rest of us arrived on Good Friday. The whole group explored the Quiraing on Saturday, and admired the basalt formations and views from the high points of Sron Vourlinn and Meall Na Suiramach. Inclement weather on Sunday led to an excellent coastal walk along the Ardnish peninsula, near Broadford. Here we spotted dolphins, seals, and a variety of sea birds. Kial and Gemma enjoyed a cultural and historical tour including Dunvegan Castle.
We had to bid farewell to some of the workers on Monday. However the list of bagged tops continued to grow over the next few days with Kial and Gemma completing Marsco, Beinn Dearg, and Beinn Dearg Mheathonach. Marian, Andrew and Ali set off for a two day cycle/walking adventure to the Isle of Raasay. Andrew enjoyed the ferry so much that he made an immediate return trip to pick up his rucksack that he’d left on the dock at Sconser. Having consumed coffee and cake at Raasay House and, finally in possession of all our gear, we cycled to the Northern hamlet of Arnish, following the infamous Calum’s Road – the hard toil of a remarkable crofter who decided to build a connecting link between his community and the rest of the island. Armed with just a pick, spade and wheel-barrow Calum Macleod completed the road over a period of ten years, after numerous pleas to the local council were ignored for many decades. From Arnish we walked to the only bothy on the island, marvelling at the views of Fladda, Rona, Skye and the Torridon hills. On the walk-out, the next day, Andrew summited a relative hill for even more terrific views. The return to the ferry seemed to involve more pushing than cycling at times as the short and steep inclines began to take their toll. Strong coffee provided just the pick-uo needed to complete the ferry ride and cycle back to the campsite.
Other highlights of the Meet included drinks and chats hosted by Chris and Jo one evening (in a Billy Smart sized tent) and also by Kial and Gemma another evening, in their superior tepee with wood burning stove. During these very convivial gatherings we expanded our knowledge of subjects varying from the the geology of the Quiraing to “hot spots” and how to share data. Still confused!
A Scottish away meet is not complete without some wild dips/swims. Several were completed both in fresh and salt water. Bill, Gemma, Kial and Ali all braved the waters at various times.
On the final day Andrew and Kial climbed at Staffa and completed the spectacular two pitch classic “Return of the Stone”. Kial led the second pitch which involved a nerve jangling large step off a rock column onto the main rock face. He wins the bravery award!
Overall the weather was very favourable with clear sunny skies. However blustery winds prevailed throughout the trip which, of course, perhaps preventing some of the planned ridge excursions. Nevertheless, great company made the Skye adventure into a memorable and enjoyable few days. Many thanks to everyone who made the long journey.
Ali
Open Climbing Meets 2019 – May 10 and 12
Go rock climbing outdoors with us in the Peak District this year in April or May.
Image copyright Peter O’Donovan.
Meet fellow climbers, find out more about the Club, and learn how to progress from indoors to outdoors.
These weekends provide the opportunity for potential new members to find out more about the Club, and meet fellow climbers with a range of abilities and ages.
It can be daunting to move from the security of the climbing wall, to placing your own gear, setting up a safe belay, and working out where a route goes in the outdoors. Joining up with a mountaineering club and its club members, who have been there before and often have many years experience, can ease this move. Members are able to offer informal advice, mentoring and climbing partners while Club membership provides access to BMC training courses.
Dates and locations
1st Meet:
12 April – Indoors: Awesome Walls, Sheffield, from 6pm onwards
14 April – Outdoors: Birchen Edge, from 10am (meeting at the car park adjacent to Robin Hood pub).
2nd Meet:
10 May – Indoors: Awesome Walls, Sheffield, from 6pm onwards
12 May – Outdoors: Stanage Popular End from 10am
What you need
Ideally you will have, as a minimum, climbed indoors, have your own harness, belay device, helmet and shoes and can tie on safely and belay someone competently. However, the club has some equipment which will be available on both weekends. If in doubt, please speak to Andrew (see below).
Who we are
Castle Mountaineering Club members undertake a wide range of activities including rock climbing, mountaineering, walking, trekking, skiing, ski mountaineering, ski touring, cycling and mountain biking. We are a sociable and supportive group with a lot of combined experience. What unites us is our love of the outdoors, whether it’s the great countryside on our doorstep in the Peak District or adventures further afield.
If you would like to join us on one of our weekends, it is important to contact us in advance, to let us know your details, in case we have to inform you of a change of venue, due to bad weather.
Andrew Milne, membership secretary can be contacted on 0114 268 6605 or via Contact Us on the Home page.
Meet Report – Mountain Biking 13/04/2019
Six met in Hathersage for a ride around the Hope Valley, starting with an ascent to the transmitter above Bradwell, then descending the fairly exciting Bradwell Edge.
Second ascent was round the top of the cement works quarry and across the top to Mam Tor. Descent from here to Edale via Hollins Cross was more exciting.
At the start of the third ascent up to Hope Cross one member decided to cut the ride short, despite having a bike that was worth more than the other five put together. I won’t mention any names, but it wasn’t very presidential…
The remaining five, on a mixture of steeds, mostly from this century, having completed the ascent, descended with much enjoyment to Aston via Twitchill Farm and returned to Hathersage via Thornhill and the old railway line to Bamford.
The chief technical officer recorded a distance of 42.5km and 850ish meters of ascent. The meet leader apologises for not making the promised 1000 – 1200m of ascent and will try harder next time.
Everyone said they enjoyed it…
John
Froggatt Edge Meet report 31-3-2019
The changing of the clocks obviously affected some people [you know who you are!] but eventually around 10 climbers, 3 dogs and a visiting Mary assembled on a bright morning which had a cool wind on top but was remarkably sheltered and positively warm on the crag.
We were joined by an RAF group learning the ropes and a University group climbing lots of steep routes which meant we had to settle for the lower grades!!
A typical early season meet saw lots of ascents of the popular easier routes, including several members opting for the advertised starred Mod, alongside some ‘slightly’ harder efforts such as Kial and Gemma on trapeze Direct etc.
By 4pm most of us were feeling the strain after several months away from the gritstone and made our way home after an enjoyable and sociable day.
Thanks to all who came.
Cheers
Paul.
I’ll try putting a couple of pics on Facebook if it’s working again.
Mountain Biking 17th March 2019 – Report
Three met at Calver crossroads for a ride: Coombs Dale to Black Harry Gate; double back to Deep Rake; down to Rowland, Great Longstone; up to top of Longstone Edge; through (padlocked!) gate on bridleway north to Black Harry Gate again; continue north to Eyam; down byway to Stoney; back along mani road to Calver.
The leader had to stop for a quick caffeine and sugar hit on the way up to Longstone Edge; otherwise it was a non-stop ride, resisting cafe temptation, taking around 2.5 hours.
Alternate warm sunshine and driving hail were in keeping with the season.
Going by the rule that if your pants are dry after mountain biking, you should have gone climbing (and vice-versa) – it was the right activity for the day.
John
Sun Mar 3rd 2019 meet report
Sadly the light drizzle seemed to deter our hardy mountaineering folk, so just Leon, Josie and the meet leader set off from Redmires car park at 10am. Yes, it was a dull day, and spitting, but never bad in the time that we were out. We walked down past the Headstone, across the A57 and up to Crawshaw Lodge where a decision was made that we would all omit the loop north of the old Sheffield road and head along it to Moscar Cross. A coffee stop here fortified us in the cooling breeze and we set off for Stanage end. We met one runner and a couple of walkers along the edge, but it was a quiet day ont’hills. A lunch stop was taken at High Neb, then the return to the cars made via Stanage Pole. We were back before 2pm, and well before the first heavy shower of the day. A shortened day, but still 8.5 miles by Leon’s GPS, and enjoyed by all 3. Dave.
Photo: 2/3rds of the team at the lunch stop, High Neb trig behind
North Wales 15-17 Feb 2019 meet report
Eleven members enjoyed the comfort of a hut the club have not used before (owned by Lincoln Mountaineering Club) which sits down a field off the road to Dinorwic.
Saturday was the main day for action. Ali lead a walk through the slate quarries and down and around Llyn Peris. Five of us did a mini expedition through the quarries following two routes that make up part of a trilogy of routes called Snakes and Ladders. These involve tunnels, fixed ladders (only just fixed in some bits) and a couple of abseils. All in all a great day out, quite unique, and well worth doing. The good news was that the rain started just as we finished.
On Saturday evening we had a group curry which involved a modest six courses. These being poppodoms, onion bhajis, chicken tikka and/or aubergine curry, a break for a glass of port, fruit salad and finally two types of cake. A great meal and thanks to all for planning, supply, preparation and washing up.
The weather on Sunday was poor. Some people did a windy walk, some went to find a café. Kathy and John stayed over on Sunday night and the next day checked out how to find a three star grade 1 scramble though due to poor weather an ascent had to wait for another visit. Plenty of reasons to go back and enjoy some of the walking and adventure in this bit of North Wales.
Cheers
Andrew
Wild goose weekend meet report 9/10 Feb 2019
Two meets in the area between Matlock and Chesterfield. On Saturday four or us went on a bike ride, Dick put the route on his GPS, so route finding was easy even if hills weren’t. No wild geese at Ogston Res but had a slight deviation to Wessington to see some Wildgoose houses Leon had built. I got points for finding a bench for lunch. Lin got lots of points for excellent carrot cake which we demolished when we finished.
Sunday walk featured industrial archaeology at Lunsdale, pretty perfect Ashover and bits in between. More points for finding enough benches for 14 and two dogs at two lunch stops. Leon showed us more Wildgoose property. I did miss Dick and his GPS on Sunday as i had to navigate.
A good weekend.
Elen
Sunday walk report – 3rd Feb 2019
A group of eight and Poppy gathered on a very cold morning and under an overcast sky we followed the frozen footpath up to Derwent Edge. At Whinstone Lee Tor not only were we feeling warmer but the sun had reappeared and the clouds were dispersing. Snow covered the landscape as far as the eye could see in all directions, and below us patches of ice were visible on Ladybower reservoir. We continued along the edge into a cold fresh breeze, with hard packed snow underfoot. In the lee of Back Tor we had a brief break, before making our way to Lost Lad. Again we paused briefly to admire the all-round views, and the sharp sighted amongst us were able to identify the Holme Moss mast in the far distance.
We descended to a small plantation for an early lunch, a fallen tree providing a convenient seat. We did not linger long, and made our way down to the side of the reservoir, feeling warmer out of the wind. A short walk brought us to the path up Grindle Clough. Avoiding the ice underfoot and the mountain bikers approaching us from both directions, made for an interesting ascent back to the Edge. Here we took the path by the grouse butts until it crossed the unfamiliar (to some) Highshaw Clough. We followed the clough back to the main path and Cutthroat Bridge, just as the drizzle and predicted thaw arrived.
An excellent winter walk in almost perfect conditions. 10.2 miles, and thanks to all who came.
Sean.