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

Festive stagger 18 Dec 2022 -Report

A cold grey morning heralded the end of the recent crisp conditions and clear blue skies.
11 members set out from Canterbury Avenue carefully negotiating icy paths and roads on the initial descent into the Mayfield valley where some members were impressed by the Hobbit House at the start of Ivy Cottage Lane!
A steady up hill walk over fields followed, with some icy and slippery stiles, before the edge of Bole Hill Plantation on the north side of the Limb Valley was reached.Following the edge of the woods two rope swings were encountered and enjoyed by two members!After the second of the swings the group made a steady descent through the trees to reach a decidedly icy stretch of the valley floor-at which point it was discovered that one member of the party was missing !A quick telephone call established contact and the missing member rejoined the fold.
Crossing the dubious wooden bridge (thank God for the hand rail) the party continued through the woodland and then the first world war like wasteland due to a recent extensive tree felling operation.
Leaving the Limb Valley the party reached Whirlow Farm where 3 members left the group to head back home.
The remaining 8 members continued to the clubroom for lunch in relative warmth thanks to the electric heaters.
Lunch over the leader decided to cut out the stage through Ecclesall Woods to avoid the worst of the forecasted rain and snow.
The party then retraced their steps up Little Common Lane and soon reached the entrance to the Limb Valley where the group climbed the wooden slopes on the north side of the valley to reach the footpath over icy fields to Wrigley Farm.
A steady descent past the former Whiteley Wood Hall ( now a girl guide centre) then led back to the Mayfield Valley and so to Canterbury Avenue where large quantities of tea and various goodies were consumed.
Thank you to all who came for your company and your contributions to the post post walk food!
A happy Christmas to one and all and looking forward to more Castle events in 2023.
Mike D

Meet report 11th December 2022, bus, walk and snow

The 65 bus from Ecclesall Road to Millersdale was slightly late, but got there in time for a cup of tea at the station. Leaving Millersdale at 11.0 the route followed roughly the Limestone Way to Peak Forest and above Castleton. Beautiful views over the snowy fields and trees. Mam Tor at quarter to four, using pull-on spikes on iced up path. Wonderful pink glow over Kinder. Made Castleton in good time for the 16.55 bus, which had not appeared by 17.15, so hitched home. Three lifts, confirming faith in the human spirit. A grand day out.Geoff.

Report Christmas Weekend 2-4 Dec 2022

  • We arrived to a very cold centre on Friday evening. But, after purchasing logs for the wood burner, wrestling with the heating controls and starting a table tennis tournament (thanks to Linda for supplies and organisation), we began to thaw out, albeit slowly.
    Saturday morning dawned cloudy and nippy. However, some had already departed by 8am for the day’s adventures. These included various walks, taking in: Harter Fell, reservoirs, rivers, waterfalls, industrial heritage, walled gardens, parts of the Pennine Way and, of course, the odd café. The road cyclists set off on a 25mile circuit but experienced some unexpected drama as one of the group skidded off his bike. Although bruised and battered, he remained stoical throughout and help came from a friendly local. Elen and Bill completed a mighty mountain bike trail with new dog Weaver. Afterwards and out of the three, he looked the most lively!
    The evening commenced with some aromatic mulled wine (thanks to Elen) and for many, a trip to the pub for more aperitifs! We sat down for our delicious three course Christmas meal at 7pm. Jo had worked tirelessly all day to prepare and cook the turkey and vegetables – a huge thank you Jo!. The other chefs had also put in lots of work behind the scenes for the other courses and so a thank you to them also (Hazel and Elen for soups, Mary for the Jalousie, Chris for the home-made Christmas puddings, Marianne for the cheesecake and Elen for the chocolate mousse). We were all spoilt for choice! At the end of the meal, brief speeches and awards were given as per tradition.
    The merriment continued with some gentle circle dancing (thank you Vanda) and then more drinking, chat and dancing until midnight, with music from DJ Paul (thanks to his sound system and play list).
    We had to vacate the centre on Sunday morning but everyone had surfaced by 8.30am and then, with true CMC team work, we tidied, vacuumed, washed up, mopped and cleaned the centre. It was certainly in better shape than we first arrived.
    Various Sunday outings took place including more walks, visits to Low and High Force, Gibson’s Cave (hideout for a loveable rogue William Gibson, in the 1500s, on the run from the Constables!), Bowes Museum and Barnard Castle.
    The weekend was a great success and we enjoyed the different scenery of Teesdale with all it has to offer. Perhaps what made it special was the camaraderie that the Club is so well known for. Everyone chips in when there is a problem or a job to do. We missed the members who couldn’t make it but hope you can come next year!
    A final THANK YOU to all who contributed to the weekend. Brilliant company as always. Looking forward to 2023 already!!
    Ali