A party of five left Edale station under blue skies and followed field paths to Nether Booth. A short stretch of road brought us to the old holloway path, now becoming overgrown, which led us to Clough Farm where we joined the track to Jaggers Clough. At this point the leader was under some pressure to make this the first stop of the day, but ignored the hints, and encouraged the party to make the gradual but very stony ascent to Hope Cross, where we found a wall to lean on in the sun, and watch numerous mountain bikers appear from the direction of Hope Brinks. The views up the Edale Valley and across to the Great Ridge were superb. Refreshed, we followed the grassy track which eventually led to the summit of Win Hill. The obligatory trig point photo on this occasion was not possible, as it was surrounded by a large group of walkers (posing for a photograph of course), so our photo was taken away from the summit, with a backdrop of the reservoirs and the Eastern Edges. Needless to say on a day such as this the views in every direction were stunning.
We descended to our lunch spot, under yet another wall, admiring the views down the Hope Valley, before continuing to Thornhill. We were soon at the garden centre, where, without hesitation, the party turned left into the café for a cuppa. Revived, we then attempted the most challenging part of the walk, crossing the busy main road, before following the riverside path back to Leadmill Bridge. On the way we were entertained by several flotillas of Mallard ducklings, one of which contained a rather unusual white (albino?) chick. Red Breasted Mergansers and Canada Geese were also keeping cool in the shade.
Thanks to Lin, Chris K, Andy and Rosy for their company on a very pleasant walk of 11.5 miles.
Sean.

The Great Ridge; 3 Jun 2018

Elevenses; 3 Jun 2018

Towards Win Hill; 3 Jun 2018

Top of Win Hill; 3 Jun 2018

We climbed at Rylstone; Crookrise; Eastby and Rolling Gate; picking off the best routes at our grade. Blazing sun, cool breeze on the top. Some climbs rated the best in their grade on Yorkshire Grit. On such a fine bank holiday we only saw 4 other climbers at Crookrise, and 2 at Eastby. None at the other venues. We must be gritstone connoisseurs!
Geoff

A beautiful day for a beautiful walk. An early start , meeting at 9.00 at Fairholmes and then the 6 walkers were ferried over to Langsett and we were duly on the path by 0945. (Dick set off for acycle). We skirted the North side of the reservoir and then climbed gradually on mostly flagged path., giving way at various points to hoards of mountain bikers. (I welcome an appropriate collective noun here).
A coffee stop to admire the view and then onward to the trig point of Margery Hill for lunch. We posed for photos and then continued along Howden Edge to High Stones where the descent began into the Derwent Valley.
A small dilemma ensued at a fork in the path near Abbey Clough. we chose the left branch as this was a new path for Andy and Rosy. However we soon realised why this route is the lesser travelled – very boggy! Listening to curlews nearly all the way down to thee trees, we noticed many newly planted birch trees. A further drink stop ensued in the brilliant sunshine.
After a final romp along the track at the side of the reservoir, we skirted under the dam to ice creams and the cars. Final distance 10.3 miles.
A fantastic day out and a huge thank you to JB and Dick for driving us to required destinations.
Ali

Cut Gate 20 May 2018

Cut Gate 20 May 2018

Cut Gate 20 May 2018

Margery Hill 20 May 2018

ight CMC members camped at Summer Hill farm near Ashburton. Dave Beynon, plus two other climbing friends from the South West also joined us. The weather was glorious for the entire weekend.

On Saturday, six of us completed a 10 mile coastal walk from Salcombe, after a café stop for seafood sandwiches. Elen toured some country lanes on her bike and Dave et al visited the Dewer Stone for some climbing. That evening duck breast, steaks and sausages were cooked on Dave’s “Grilletto” (a new must-have piece of camping equipment I’ve decided), alongside various veggie options..

Sunday dawned bright and warm and the entire group headed to Hound Tor. The majority climbed all day and I’m told the highlight was a fine lead from Leon of Suspension Flake. Josie and myself walked over to Hay Tor, taking in some industrial archaeology along the way.

Monday, folks prepared for home with plans to take in some Devonian tourist sites. Sculpture parks, the country home of Agatha Christie, gardens, potteries, river swimming, tea shops, Brixham also formed part of the weekend itinerary.

A great value weekend in terms of company, activities location and weather. Thanks to all who came.

Ali

15 Castle members made it to the “hot rock” of Stanage High Neb yesterday. A super turnout bearing in mind
a number were away on the Devon meet. Many routes completed by most ranging from Diff to VS.
Great to see so many enjoying the glorious “Bluebird day” along with many other climbers from all over the country.
Pete

Ten of us had a good day climbing at Wildcat, Matlock .and routes from HS to HVS were climbed.
Some of the starts to routes were a little damp but this did not seem to matter. Luckily, the cold wind was blowing over the top of the crag so the climbing temperature was good. It was great to see potential new members Alex and Kyle climbing with us. For some it was the first time climbing on this great crag and even for some the first time climbing on limestone
David

ight made it to Agden despite a mixed weather forecast. One of the best views from any crag in the Peak was shrouded in mist, making for very atmospheric conditions. The rock was generally dry but with damp patches making route choice important. Two routes had been climbed by most and leaders were starting a third when the slowly increasing dampness definitely turned to rain.
Climbing was abandoned at about 2pm and everyone was back at their cars before heavy rain set in. We will be back!
David

Long but excellent bike on Saturday covering 45.6 miles from Winster. A bit of shedding winter gear as the day quickly warmed up with plenty of sun. Some lovely country lanes high up with great views. Main roads to a minimum. Lots and lots of lambs being cute as well as a few buzzards in sight. Harborough Rocks stunning in the afternoon sun. Majority of hills in the last half but conquered unwaveringley by the remaining bikers. Good reasons all for others doing alternatives eg animal rescue, planned shortening – although not always to plan given Dick’d previous post.
A long ride on this occasion which will not always be so. Thanks to all who came.
Mary

Great time and hut this Easter in Scotland. Loads of ticks on tick list crossed off with days out cycling, ice climbing, munro bagging and Corbett topping. Weekend weather particularly good with one of those special beautiful sun and snow days on the hills. Ideal for the Tower Ridge crew but brill for us all. Few drinks, a drop of whiskey and the great craic and company made it a memorable meet.
Mary