Sunday 2 April 2023 Roaches – Report

five of us enjoyed what all agreed had been a brilliant day. weather continuing to improve from overcast to bright , warm sunshine with dry rock. lots of fun with small crawling challenges and scrambling on Hen Cloud and both lower and upper tiers of The Roaches,. The “torpedo tube” was specially enjoyed and lots of photos taken. views from the Skyline area were spectacular. lots of birdsong very much in evidence and thanks Richard P for identifying them.

The walk along the valley from Roach End produced a bit of mudnesss which needed a bit of care. We visited the crash sites of a Lancaster and later a German Junkers JU88. both were large bombers but little wreckage remains.

Return back to the cars was via the coll between Hen Cloud and The Roaches.

A couple of us took up Bill s kind invite for a coffee.

Gordon

Lathkill Dale walk report Sunday 26 March 2023

5 of us including new members Kim and Mark enjoyed a steady and relaxed day . walking up the dale revealed considerable evidence of recent flooding but the path still easily passable. We had a good look at Mandale mine. By group decision we opted to do the longer 11 mile version of this walk. views from the plateau were as good as ever and the pleasant nature of Lathkill dale and Bradford dale.
A good day was finished with a brew in the local pub,
Gordon

Walk Report Saturday 18 March 2023

Six met at Cawthorne village green and completed a six mile round of the parkland of Cannon Hall and Deffer woods. No rain as predicted, a few blue skies, good chat and easy going walking. An exploration of the historical village cafe was made at the end.
Hope to offer another Saturday walk next month.
Ali

Red Brooks Scramble 19/03/23 Meet Report

Nine of us set off in better than predicted weather to scramble up and down some of the many Red Brooks which drain from the Kinder plateau. After trekking up Ashop Clough we ascended Upper Red brook with two of us shedding our rucksacks to wriggle through the chockstone finish. Joy at reaching our high point at the trig point was short-lived. We then had to make a steep descent to Mermaid’s Pool and scrambled back up to the plateau via Red Brook No 2. Whilst the majority enjoyed their sandwiches, Phil led a few of us down an exciting scramble to a hidden cave right on the lip of Kinder Downfall. We concluded that it might have been preferable on a day when the waterfall was not blowing back up the cliff! After a bog trot across the plateau we descended Nether Red Brook and returned to the cars via Ashop Clough.
An enjoyable day out which kept us away from the Sunday crowds and revealed some of Kinder’s hidden secrets. Paul.

Paul’s pics

Rick’s pics

 

Rhyd Ddu 24th-26th Feb 2023 Report

An excellent meet in a comfortable hut, a beautiful location and fantastic weather.
On Saturday we woke to blue skies and great conditions. After some toing and froing dropping off enough vehicles at the end of the ridge-10 of us set out to do a full traverse of the Nantley ridge in perfect conditions. The initial ascent from the hut to Y Garn was pretty brutal, but the remainder of the ridge was straightforward enough with 2 scrambles and 6 summits. A modest length of 8 miles, but some 3,360 feet of ascent overall made some legs feel weary at the end! The views across to Snowdon and the Moelwyns to the east and over the coast on the west easily compensated for any discomfort.
Back at the ranch a team of cooks led by master chef Leon prepared a great communal curry with a complimentary aperitif of good quality port. The curry was followed by a fresh fruit salad, gateau and Christmas pudding-all washed down with liberal amounts of alcohol.
The drinking and socialising continued in front of the fire in the lounge afterwards-but it all proved too much for the meet leader who had to be woken from his slumbers on the settee after everybody else had gone to bed!
On Sunday the clear weather continued, but with a strong northerly wind and some verglas on rocks in exposed locations. The party split into different groups, with mountain biking, an ascent of Moel Hebog and an ascent of Yr Aran.
A great week-end.
Thank you to all who came for your company and help with the catering and hut management.
Mike D

Scotland, Roybridge 11/2/23 Report

A not so wintery week didn’t stop a 14 strong Castle contingent ticking off 15 munros between us with ice axes and crampons being used sporadically on most days.
Day 1:
A unusually early castle start of 7:30am at Creag Meagaidh car park. We split into two groups to make the ascent, one group opting for Easy Gully while the others took on Raeburn’s Gully. From there parties split and either descend The Window or carry on for the full round of munros (Creag Meagaidh, Stob Poite Coire Ardair, Carn Liath).
Day 2:
We made the most of the best weather and did an anti-clockwise round of The Ring of Steel, finishing off crossing the wire bridge under torch light even though we’d made another pre 8am start! Munros covered – Sgrr A’Mhaim, Am Bodach, Stob Coire A’Chairn, An Gearanach
Day 3:
Some decided on a rest day and explored the local cafe while the majority headed up Stob Ban (the little one). Whilst 3 brave souls decided to climb the wet, greasy & slimy Castle Ridge which had zero snow & ice – it was a long day getting back to the digs at 10pm.
Day 4:
A rest day for all (although a few did opt for indoor climbing at Kin Loch Leven).
Day 5:
3 parties today, 8 went to do the Easains which consists of 2 munros. A really interesting route although everyone was bored of trudging through bog for the last 5 miles. A party of 3 headed a little further east and summited Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn. Two others headed over to Appin in search of snow but only found wet rock an the ascent up School House Ridge to Sgorr Dhonuill & Sgorr Dhearg.
Day 6:
A train day for some, others over slept and missed it! Those who did get up early enough took the train to Corrour and either summited the munro (Beinn Na Lap) or the corbett (Leum Uilleim) only 29m lower. Later in the evening people visited the Fort William Mountain Festival taking in lectures from Tom Patey and 6 films in the running for the adventure film awards.

Thanks to everyone that came and made it a very enjoyable week, lets hope for some snow next year!

Kial

Spot the climbers

Brocken Spectre

Late night river crossing

Sunday walk Feb 12th 2023 Report

Eight of us met at Calton Lees to the shocking news that since there is a half term in the month free parking had been suspended. Once I felt I had grovelled enough I led off towards Beeley. After being told off by a farmer for straying off the footpath, I started to feel that this was not my day. However the weather and the company were both good and things began to get better even though an attempt to avoid a known bog resulted in an abrupt U turn at a totally flooded point. Stand Wood wasn’t too busy. despite the school holiday, and we stuck to the lesser used paths to avoid crowds. On leaving one section we were taken aback to find a farm cart full of kids with water pistols heading our way, they were meant to be shooting at sheep targets in the trees but ‘hey’. After admiring various clumps of snowdrops in Edensor we passed 2 large herds of deer one Roe, one Red on our way back to the car park. Having shunned the Chatsworth cafes on the grounds that they had enough of our money for one day 4 of us retired to the garden centre cafe for coffee and delicious freshly baked cheese scones.
Thanks to those who turned out and paid up, it was worth a fiver to walk with you.
Lin.

Wilderness Gully East via Oaken Clough

A chilly start saw 5 members plus two new attendees heading up the valley to join Oaken Clough which turned out be be a bit of a soggy route up for a couple of people!
A quick coffee break at the top of the clough while drying out in the sun. We then had a easy walk along the Pennine way and cut across to Chew reservoir. Crossing over below the dam we followed the edge round to Charnel Clough and lunch. Heading down the clough was a much drier affair than the previous up.
An easy walk up Chew Brook saw us at the bottom of Wilderness Gully East, again much drier than earlier on but very green on the alternate finish squeezing through & under boulders.
Heading back to Chew Reservoir we then headed across moorland (not exactly in a straight line) to reach Hollins Clough and Lads Leap.
From here we had an easy walk back along the path to the carpark.
Great day out, thank to all that came.
Cheers
Kial

 

Southern Highlands Meet 28 Dec 2022 – 1 Jan 2023 Report

28th – Beinn Chabhair – heavy rain, strong winds, mist and snow.
29th – Beinn Dorain – strong winds, mist, snow, a bit less rain. Ice formed on my specs.
30th – deep flounderary snow. Had to turn back.
31st – Meall Corranaich and Meall A’Choire Leith – no rain, no mist, no wind. Views! Still deep snow.
1st – Home. I believe Bill and Elen also. Geoff Mary and Helen off to Aviemore for more adventures.
Well is was an experience, a proper winter world. Feels positively balmy back here now.
Richard Pegram
PS The Ochils MC hut was great and we ate really well.

New Year’s Day 2023 Walk & Dip Report

Fifteen set out from Baslow on the first day of 2023. Wet and blustery showers accompanied our ascent to Wellington’s Monument – which we decided was not worth the visit due to the conditions. Visibility was very limited at this point! jInstead, we opted for the shelter of trees and descended steeply from the edge to a woodland path. At this point, the only person who needed to heed my warnings of wet and slippery slope was myself – as I promptly fell over twice! The journey continued down through the woods to a wild beck in full flow;. A heron appeared at the bridge crossing and photo opportunities beckoned. After crossing the A621 we began the ascent to the rocks of the “Three Men” but halted at a gate for a coffee and five minute snack. By the time we emerged at the road crossing near the Robin Hood pub the rain had, at last, stopped. Even a few patches of blue sky became visible. We then followed Dobb Edge and enjoyed the clear views out over Chatsworth and beyond. Past the Hunting Tower, we headed for Emperor Lake. Three of us then went for a very quick dip into the water and managed a 60 second swim simulation – the hardest bit of this venture was then getting changed in a biting wind. After hot drinks and quick bite to eat we then headed down the steps and across the estate back to the cars . Four of us then warmed up in a cafe . About 8 miles completed. Thanks to everyone who came.
Ali