Sitting in the car at 10.45, the weather was a mix of snow, sleet, rain and wind and the meet leader and companion wouldn’t have minded too much if nobody had joined them. But in true Castle tradition a dozen hardy souls duly arrived and we were forced to set off.
The route originally skirted Totley Moor, extending a little more than planned as the meet leader decided, privately, to explore a bit further in the assumption a track would eventually lead us back to the trig point. Luckily it did and we found said trig. After pictures were taken we descended to the road and eventually, after Linda’s plea, found a sheltered spot for a tea break.
Shortly after we crossed the road and ascended to the northern end of White Edge, some of the party diverting slightly to hug an unidentified stone, before reaching the road junction to Froggatt.
At this point several of the party decided that shopping for rock boots and socks, free tea in Longshaw café and other unspecified excuses were vitally important and turned towards Longshaw whilst the remaining six headed towards Froggatt via the track beyond the white gate which most of us had never walked. A delightful path took us into the woods for lunch before we headed, via quarrying remains, to the Grouse Inn for reviving drinks; mulled wine, beer and hot chocolate were consumed next to the woodburner.
On leaving the pub the weather was markedly better and dry, we descended to the top of Tegness Quarry and the excellent view from the far end, before further descent to Grindleford Station and a trek back up Padley Gorge and through Longshaw to the Fox House, which was full as we passed by, to the cars.
An unpromising start eventually led to a fine walk to start the New Year, just touching 11 miles, thanks to all who attended. Pictures on Facebook.
Happy New Year
Paul and Vanda.

After a slight delay while one member phoned in from Rivelein Valley Road for navigation instructions, seventeen members assembled on Uppergate Road on Sunday morning and set off for Worrall. The party included a number of members who have not been seen on meets for some time. We walked past Storrs and down a rather steep and muddy track (“seasonal slither” might have been a more appropriate name for the walk) to Stacey Bank in the bottom of the Loxley Valley. Then, passing by the Nags Head, it was up Back Lane to Holdworth where we joined the Sheffield Country Walk trail to Worrall. The President, evidently still in Thursday walk mode, requested a coffee break, which many people used to eat some sandwiches, and we arrived at the Blue Ball a bit behind schedule, to find the cycling party, plus Charles, already installed. We had missed the bacon butties, but carol-singers in the back room were in full voice, and the pub was quite crowded, so most people sat outside for refreshment. Certainly consumption levels on these staggers seem to be a lot less than when they were instituted in the late 1980s, and it was barely 2pm when we set off back to Stannington. This was a more direct line, apart from for some horses which were blocking access to a stile till Dave C did his horse-whisperer tricks to get them to move. We dropped down the edge of Loxley Common (several interesting fungi on the trees, identified by Francis) and though Loxley village to the river again. Then up through the Acorn Hill woods below Stanington Ruffs, that undiscovered gem of gritstone climbing, which has unaccountably been omitted from the meets list for the past quarter of a century. (I have lived within ten minutes walk of the Ruffs for 28 years, and have visited them with my rock boots only once – and that was once too often!) Here mud was again encountered in profusion, but we didn’t lose anybody, even on the steep bit, and returned to Uppergate Road to find that Charles and Dave P (from the cycling group) had already got the kettle on. Muddy boots were left in cars, and everyone enjoyed the cakes, mince pies, biscuits and other delights which had been contributed. A couple of other members turned up to enjoy the festivities, and the whole event was deemed a success. Not perhaps the most strenuous mountaineering expedition, but a pleasant seasonal excursion nonetheless. Merry Christmas to all!
John Barnard

An amazing 20 of us started from the pond area in Hartington.!! Quite a few regular walkers found footpaths they had never been on. The weather, after 10 mins of drizzle turned into shafts of sun highlighting distinctive peaks.
I was so pleased to offer lifts, as Chris noted on arrival at my house, that I had a flat tyre! So she kindly agreed to take us. Then Leon lent me his poles as I had left mine handily in the boot of my car! Hugh looked longingly on as at tea break I offered Leon as many figgy biscuits as he wanted. Hugh said he liked figgy biscuits, but as he had insulted me as usual, I said they are nice aren’t they! Lunch in Hartington by the pond for most, 2 nipping for sneaky cake and hot choc.
I had not reccied the southern loop, but this was well known. We did nearly lose Mary at the toilets. We thought she was taking a long time, and waited. Then sent Marian in to check, she had gone! Someone spotted her trying to escape from us and beckoned her back.
Not sure what Pete’s daughter made of us all. Andrew described the squeeze in the cave en route as a tight fit when he was a skinny 10 year old which discouraged anyone from trying…shame.
Thank you for your company. Cheers Linda.

22 members gathered at Hollin Bank car park on a beautiful morning and under the expert guidance of Bill Gordon, warden for the North Lees estate, we were soon engrossed in the first of many historical features, this being the ‘cut and cover’ water supply channel for North Lees Hall. We descended through woodland, passing the remains of Romano-British boundary walls and ancient enclosures, with Bill all the while pointing out features in the landscape and identifying our position on ancient maps. We arrived at the Grade 1 listed North Lees Hall, and were privileged to be shown inside. We climbed the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and admired the view and late autumn colours in warm sunshine.
After an external inspection of the adjacent cruck barn we made our way to the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and Holy Trinity Well, then descended to the Paper Mill Dam for lunch. It was difficult to imagine over 700 tons of paper being produced weekly from this site for transportation to Sheffield.
Greens Farm, the Limekiln and the site of the Raddle Inn were next visited, before we crossed the road at Dennis Knoll to make our way to the enormous Buck Stone. Perhaps used as a shepherd’s shelter, and a site of early religious significance, we were introduced to the first of many ‘apotropaic’ symbols to be seen en-route. We joined the ancient Causeyway and quarryman’s path onto Stanage and followed the edge to join the sled path for our descent to the plantation, which contains species of trees not native to the area, raising the question ‘who planted them and why?’ Our final ‘discovery’ was the almost secret location of the Resolution Stone and plaque to the Woodcraft Folk, a relatively recent addition to this ancient landscape.
Although familiar ground to us all, Bill’s expert knowledge provided an insight into how this landscape has evolved over many centuries, and revealed features which we would perhaps never otherwise discover.
A good day out, and thanks to all for your support.
Sean.
NB. ‘Apotropaic’ – from the Greek ‘apotrepein’ – to ward off. From apo (away) and trepein (to turn).

We started with 7, lost 2, then lost another and finally gained one to bring 5 back to the cars. Andy broke his nose and Dave his circlip, Rosy didn’t like rain and Marian was suffering from the after effects of woman-flu. Apart from all that we had a nice day, with only a bit of light rain.
Andy and Rosy, Dick and Linn, Chris K, Marian and Dave C started from the south end of the Monsal Trail a little after the 10am scheduled start and pedalled uneventfully until rain caused a stop for an additional layer a bit short of Millers Dale station. About to depart, a voice from behind said “I think we’ve got a problem….” Andy’s trusty and well-used Brooks saddle had fallen apart at the front end. A tape repair seemed to hold it together, but the possible painful consequences of a further failure persuaded Andy and Rosy to turn back to the cars.
The rest of us continued to the (sadly closed for the season) Blackwell tea room where Marian decided that a combination of after-flu and Dick’s Tuesday ride plus a heavy and uncomfortable bike would send her back down the trail. The remaining 4 trudged up the Pennine Bridleway and over the top, when the odd noises coming from Dave’s bike were tracked down to a broken circlip which was no longer supporting the pannier. Dick kindly offered to add Dave’s bag to his own and off we went again, to meet Jo cycling up the High Peak trail from Parsley Hey to meet us. Luckily the tearoom was still open, and we enjoyed hot drinks with our lunches before heading down to Friden where we took to tarmac.
Our bikes stayed nice and clean through Middleton and Youlgreave to lovely little Raper bridge over the Lathkill. After this however, the uncyclable ascent and slippy track across fields led to some accumulation of mud and loss of brownie points for the leader. The best mud still awaited us though, with some super-clarty stuff on the final bridlepath from the A6 to the cars which doubled the width of knobbly tyres, clogged up forks. and made riding very tricky. Thus 5 muddy individuals arrived back at the start to head home to hosepipes and hot baths, with car thermometers showing 4C on the way.
Thanks to those who turned up for (despite all) a very enjoyable day.
Dave C

A party of 7 and Tiggy the dog alighted at Edale station, undaunted by the 19 minute delay ( ?leaves on the line) which had been announced on our arrival on the platform (Plan B was actually being discussed just as the train arrived.)
We set off in cool but sunny conditions and took the path to Ollerbrook and onwards to the Youth Hostel. On arrival at Jaggers Clough we took a break and then followed the track to Hope Cross. Here we posed for the customary group photo (courtesy of Dave C.) and then commenced the long gradual ascent to the summit of Win Hill, where a bright and breezy lunch was taken with the Hope Valley spread out below us. To the east the colours of the high moorlands and edges were superb.
At this point Tiggy decided to lead his two companions down to Hope station, whilst the rest of the party proceeded down towards Thornhill and thence to the garden centre. Here it was unanimously decided to investigate the tea room and it’s facilities. Suitably refreshed, we spent a pleasant hour walking beside the River Derwent in the sunshine to Leadmill Bridge, and then to the cars.
A very enjoyable 12.2 miles.
Thanks to all who have led and supported the first season of Summer Sunday monthly walks. There have been 8 walks, visiting both Dark and White Peak areas, the environs of the Goyt Valley and the land to the West of Chesterfield. Parties have varied in number between 2 and 11, and distances between 10 and 19 miles (total all walks 105mls!).
Thanks for your company.
Sean.

Great location in the Dales. The hut even has central heating!! Plus John M had got a nice open fire going in the lounge, which gave all a warm welcome! 13 of us at some point or other.
Cycling and walking was on the agenda as it was a bit wet each morning. As some of us puffed our way up the hills, the scenery and wildness reminded us of why we love spending time there.
Evening communal meal, vegetarian, saw Leon trying to convince me that he had put the beef steak mince in his bag by mistake. Portions for about 5 that people were asked to bring seemed to be at least double that, and I am surprised that anyone could move the next day.
We raised our glasses to the first anniversary of Caroline’s death. Had a year really gone by so fast. She would have approved of the meet, having stayed in the hut with us all 2 years ago. You are not forgotten.
Thanks to all, for a very pleasant weekend. Linda
Clapham hut/Ingleton/Kingsdale/Dent/Ribblehead/Ingleton/hut. 42 miles/4,050′ ascent (my memory of Dicks’s measurement). I have 10 pics. Didn’t seem much point in taking a camera on Sunday’s ride to Malham because of torrential rain, but the afternoon turned out as glorious as Saturday (eventually!). Russ

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

Dales meet 15 Oct 2016

About 10 of us converged on Broken Buttress – which nearly all of us
climbed – in glorious sun in the morning. We spread West, to the
Creepy Crawly area, and some as far as Titanic. A heavy shower at
4.00 pm finished most climbing. Some esoteric stuff – a secret shared
is a secret no more.
David