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.

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.

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.

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.

• Six of us gathered at 10.30am in the centre of Bolsterstone, newish member Mark and five ‘old’ stalwarts – Kathy, Hazel, J. B. and Chris Kell [much to the relief of this meet leader, who had wondered whether she would have any company at all today, this being the fourth Castle walk in a week]. Heading confidently north towards the outskirts of Stockbridge, assuming that the way would be well-remembered and obvious, having led the same walk in January 2021, we ended up inadvertently ‘exploring’ a housing estate, trying to locate the exit path, and being very grateful [not for the only time on today’s walk] for the GPS and map on Kathy’s phone. Then followed a straight-forward path through water-logged fields and a quiet minor road, before descending Green Lane to arrive at Underbank Reservoir with its surprisingly huge outflow. We stopped for coffee at a convenient table with benches near the currently closed Outdoor Activity Centre, with its climbing wall and high aerial wire, before heading up a road and path away from the reservoir [both wrong!] Kathy’s phone map came to the rescue once again, and after following a very zig-zag route to get us back on track, it was time to stop for lunch on Wind Hill Knoll. After checking that everyone’s energy, joints and healing ankle fracture were OK to continue on the planned route, rather than the direct short-cut back to Bolsterstone, we descended the road and up the other side to gain the waymarked path on the ridge with views over the Ewden valley and Broomhead Reservoir, followed eventually [after the highest wall and stile today] by easy walking on the tarmacked Heads Lane, then through the church yard back to our cars.
  Thank you everyone for coming along and for your excellent company.
  Vanda Boyd
  Kathy’s pics:
  
  Vanda’s pics:
  

Eli, Josh, Tom, Kathy, Mary, Helen, Andy and Geoff gathered at the marvellous Ochils MC hut in Crainlarich. On the first day all attempted Twisting Hill and An Caisteal. All but three saw sense and retreated from Twisting hill in the face of 60mph winds. Three continued, over An Casteal, attempting a traverse, ‘till one was picked up by the wind and somersaulted. A retreat back over An Caisteal seemed the best option, although required crawling at times. Once over the top the descent was easier. A run through modern jive moves livened up the evening. Injuries, not from the jiving, forced two of the Twisting Hill group to retire the next day. The rest of us ascended the N. ridge of Ben More, over to Stob Binnein. Crampons above 500m, fine views from the second summit. Day three was forecast grim, so we explored a part of the West Highland way. Day four, 4 of us ascended Cruach Ardrain. Crampons, tricky snow conditions and navigation near the top. No views from the top, but they opened up as we descended. Josh snowboarded in Glencoe and Tom biked. Day five, most people had to return south. The two remaining did Beinn Challum. Fine views at the start and end of the day; crampons almost from the car. Many thanks to Richard for booking the hut. Very warm and comfortable and an excellent base for local hills. Thanks also to Ochils MC. Geoff
Kathy’s pics: