I’m not sure whether it was a communications issue, lots of people being away or too many alternatives for such a beautiful Spring day but only the two of us turned up for this walk. Nevertheless we enjoyed a wonderful amble high above the Wye, through Priestcliffe Lees NNR, High Dale, Brushfield and back along the Wye to Monsal Head. Wall to wall sunshine, a pleasant breeze, wildflowers, wonderful scenery, birdsong and good company 😉 made it a very rewarding day.
Steve W
Four Edges Walk Sunday14 May 2023 – Report
An enthusiastic group completed this 10.5 mile circular walk – following the round of Birchens, White, Curbar/Froggatt and Baslow Edges. Sunny skies, pleasant breeze and wonderful views throughout. Highlights included the sighting of an adder, a small herd of deer and bluebell woods. It was lovely to catch up with Rachel (ex CMC member, visiting the area for the weekend.). Nostalgia also played a part in the day, learning that Froggatt was where Charlotte first met an upside down Steve over thirty years ago.! ( Not my story to tell!) Great company everyone- thank you.! Keep an eye out for the next summer walk posting!
Ali
Wharncliffe Meet Report 14th May 2023
Lots of us met at Wharncliffe to do homage to Puttrell’s routes. In fine weather many routes were climbed and right tough some of them were. Much traditional stuff. I don’t know how many – but someone may make a claim for their own tally on whatsap. Good to see you all. We could easily repeat the experience, working along the crag from where we left off. Geoff.
Kildale Away Meet Report: 6-8 May 2023
9 People and 4 dogs had a great weekend at Kildale in the North York Moors. Beautiful weather for 2 days on a great campsite which we effectively had to ourselves. 2 members went to Whitestones Cliff to do the best VS in the country, others went to Scugdale or a walk on the Saturday and then climbing and mountain biking on the Sunday. Some pictures have gone out on the whatsapp groups. Many thanks to all who came and commiserations to those that couldn’t make it – you were missed and missed out. Mary
What’s the committee up to?
We thought it would be a good idea to let everyone know what we discussed at the Castle committee meeting held on 21st April 2023:
• Geoff highlighted the success of recent club events including the away meets to Scotland and Snowdonia, the ceilidh and the celebration for Charles’ 90th birthday. He thanks all meet leaders and activity organisers for their hard work.
• Future away meets were proposed for 2024 including Roy Bridge (February/March), Capel Curig (Easter) and Braemar (May).
• Now that we have decided to keep the lease on the clubroom, Paul and Vanda are planning a maintenance and cleaning day to be held on Monday 22nd May from 4pm. Willing volunteers needed!
• The recent New Members Meets were a great success. We agreed to ask Gordon, the equipment secretary, to buy three new climbing harnesses for use at future meets and training sessions. We are also looking for volunteers to help organise the next New Members Meet planned for September.
• The committee is currently investigating how the club can streamline and improve club communications including reviewing current methods and trialling new options. This is intended to improve clarity in club communications and to assist in the smooth running of the club.
• We are looking for ideas to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. Car sharing is an obvious way – but we welcome other ideas.
• The membership team emphasised how important it is to have a complete, up-to-date database of club members to allow the membership process to run smoothly, provide emergency contact information and identify member’s privacy requests (such as use of photos on social media). The committee agreed to send out a message to all members encouraging them to complete the Membership Renewal Form and explaining the reasons why it is important.
Finally we are always keen to receive suggestions for club meets and social activities – so if you have any bright ideas please let us know!
Charles Knowles 90th Birthday – Thurs 20 April 2023
27 of us set out from the Foxhouse proceeding across Totley Moor to the Trig Point before descending to Barbrook Bridge for a coffee break. See pic below (courtesy of Andrew). We then headed up hill passed Lady’s Cross, over the White Edge Ridge past White Edge Lodge and so down to lunch at the Grouse to celebrate Charles Knowles 90th birthday. Apart from those walking, others had either travelled by car or cycled to swell our number. 43 members past and present, plus Charles’s nieces and friends, sat down for an excellent lunch. We also were treated to a very tasty birthday cake, kindly made by Rosy.
Speeches then followed by Vanda, Paul and Charles who in turn was delighted to see everybody including his old friend the writer Hamish Brown, whom he had accompanied on many trips in the UK, the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Himalaya and especially the Atlas mountains of Morocco over the past 50 years, and who had travelled down from Fife in Scotland. Some of us then returned to the Fox House via the Longshaw estate, skirting round some logging loading on the main track.
A great occasion, a great turnout and pleasant sunny weather. For those walking to and from the Fox House, a distance of just over 6 miles.
Many thanks to all for making it a special day for Charles.
Pete
Andrew’s picture:
JB’s pictures:
Linda’s pictures:
Easter 2023 at Capel Curig – Meet Report
16 of us stayed at the North London Mountaineering barn in beautiful Capel Curig at Easter. After a slightly soggy start the weather turned rather lovely until Monday where it again poured it down. Much climbing and hiking trips were done, including Holyhead Mountain, Tryfan, the Moelwyns, Moel Siabod, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and even some sport climbing on slate in LLanberis. It was lovely to see everyone there making the most of the delights of North Wales. Thanks to everyone who made it a very enjoyable meet and hope to see you all on another soon.
Linda
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