Karabiner Mountaineering Club

September 1997 Newsletter Forthcoming Meets

"I accept that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a risk of personal injury or death. I am aware of and shall accept these risks and wish to participate in these activities voluntarily and shall be responsible for my own actions and involvement."

September 13-14: Birkness Buttermere: Linda Batey

September 20-21: Hawes Camping/Walking: Frank Williams

Camping is at Bainbridge Ings Campsite, if you want to book 'phone Mrs Raw on (01969) 667354, although it is unlikely to be very busy. The site is located at Grid ref., 088893 Landranger sheet 98, to the south east of the village. Other sites near the village are caravan only. Facilities are excellent and the fee is £5.50 for two adults, a tent and car.

It is unlikely that Hawes will be as busy as in the height of the season and it is a delightful village still. There are good pubs and plenty of cafés.

Various walks are planned, possibly over the Pennine Way south over Dodd Fell and back via Marsett and Burtersett High Pasture and Burtersett village. Another possibility is north on the Pennine Way over Great Shunner Fell and down into upper Swale dale to Muker and back over Abbotside Common. If the weather's really bad we can have a valley walk over to Semer Water with its legend of the drowned city, or a tour of the waterfalls, Cotter Force, Hardraw Force and Whitfield Gill Force.

If you can only come Sunday, meet at the camp site at 09.30, hope you can make it !!

September 28: Yorkshire Dales Walk: Iain McCallum

Route: Clapham, Trow Gill, Gaping Gill, Ingleborough (723m), Simon Fell, Park Fell, Sulber Nick, Crummackdale, Norber Boulders - Clapham. Distance 14 miles. The walk can easily be shortened if necessary.

Meet at 9:30a.m. for a 9:45a.m. start at the car park in Clapham (GR746694) Best map - Outdoor Leisure 2 - Yorkshire Dales - Western Area.

October 5: Laddow Rocks: Ken Beetham

This is a traditional crag right from the earliest gritstone days. In fact, most northern pioneers have succumbed to its embraces. The KMC always seem to have enjoyed going and I hope to see many of you there where the tea will be available from my case around 11am onwards. CRAG map ref. is Dark Peak 057015.

This meet will alas suffer from absent friends this year. Black has gone to his place in our memories and I cannot think of a better spot to do him proud than a private thought about his enthusiasm at noon in the cave area. He was always fond of the ankle crashing traverse up top and a symbolic multi rope to that formerly revered, trade test of the old days would not go amiss, but please count me out. I am a realist, most days. In latter years he really did enjoy our mutual birthday parties at the hut and the many kindnesses shown before he went to bed at some unearthly hour around 11pm.

I for one have nothing but fun memories of the gregarious, knowledgeable guy, his impulses and ability to move mountains should the occasion arise. The KMC owes him a hell of a lot and therefore as the Twilight Group has only three survivors of its five originals. i.e. Nat, Bowden, Grey, Davis and I. Out chalk bags and have a days gardening in the pouring rain. Although as we were peed on in '96 is should be a dry day this time.

A volunteer would be assured of a days friendship if he or she would help carry up the water, as nowadays it seems to weigh a bit heavier.

For the uninitiated there are climbs of all grades up to hard VS, but also there are quite a lot of superb V.Diffs and Severes. Take the Wood head Road as far as the Crowden YH car park map ref. 073994 crag is in left hand corner towards Holme Moss. Another approach is from the Chew Valley car park map ref. 013035 and up the road. Either way you have about ¾ of an hour pleasant up, with virtually a guarantee of no queues.

October 11-12: Ty Powdwr; Colin Maddison

Colin will be at Ty Powdwr for the weekend.

October 19: N.Lancs Boulder/Walk: Tony Gask

Fine Weather plan:- Meet around 10:15am (Map 97 GR 481754) close to Trowbarrow, M6 Junction 35A, 2.6 miles north along A6, turn left (sign to Yealand Redmayne, Silverdale and Leighton Moss Nature reserve), after ½ mile turn right at T junction. 1.4 miles into woods with small parking laybyes (Leighton Moss visitors centre is about ½ mile further on) Start by looking at Trowbarrow Quarry, 5 minutes from parking (new fence, footpath sign for Red Bridge, immediately though 'gate' fork right on prominent path) Crag has been recently opened to the public, climbers encouraged! Climbing optional. I'm doing a round walk of approx. 8 miles, maybe to Fairy Steps, then back to cars. Afternoon: Go to Hutton Roof Crag (GR 566784) and boulder. From Trowbarrow, drive back via A6, A6070, through Burton in Kendal, turn right just before Clawthorpe Hall Hotel, park around top of hill, GR 552788. Crag is to the east, 20 mins walk on level path to GR 566784. You'll like it. Good walking too.

Iffy/Dampish Weather plan:- circular walk of about 16 miles passing Hutton Roof Crag. Same start.

More details - contact Tony Gask

October 26: Little Hayfield: Rich and Julie Johnson

Walkers, bikers and climbers welcome. Park on the main road near the Lantern Pike pub in little Hayfield and meet at our house (4 Clouch Lane) at 9:30 am.

We will depart on the first loop of a figure of eight walk at 10 am, returning to our house about 1 o'clock. Those who wish to continue walking can do another loop whilst the Johnsons will meet in the set valley trail car park at 2 pm for a mountain bike ride. everybody is welcome back at our house about 4:30-5:00pm for tea and cakes. (Mucky bikers should bring a change of clothes!)

November 1-2: Ty Powdwr

This is the bonfire do. Vinny has volunteered himself for the pole position and no doubt will provide great amusement, in his own flamboyant way.

November 8-9: Annual Dinner Lakes

This year it's the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Langdale. Scene of many a previous years noshup. Vinny Goodwin and Andy Croughton are the main organinsers. They are currently awaiting the menus. There will be, as usual, meat and vegeterian options. There will be a disco for the youngsters (or young at heartsers).

It would be extreamly helpfull if you could contact either Vinny or Andy and inform them of your requirements re seats and choice of meals. They should have a price by the time you contact them. Just remember that a valid cheque, or handfulls of dosh, will secure your wildest dreams.

Accomodation in the ODG itself should be booked by yourself, stating that you are from the K.M.C. and are there for the Annual Dinner. Camping is available at the NT site opposite the ODG. There is also the Green Howe caravan site further down the valley, approx a mile, where there are six berth caravans to be had quite cheap. Several club huts exist in Langdale in which beds can be booked. If need be Vinny or Andy will tell you about the accomodation.

November 16: Peak Walk: Peter Walker

An attempt to please every one except those who want a long hard winter walk.

Map - The White Peak. Park at Danebridge 963652 at 9:30am. Not much room so try to share cars.

The walk is an easy 12 miles taking in The Roaches, Hen Cloud, Gradbach Wood, Lud's Church. - OR - anyone who climbs on the Roaches or Hen Cloud is also considered on the meet, keep an eye open for us coming through. - OR - include a climb or two and the walk. The walk can be very easily shortened of the weather is vile, for a quick return to "the Ship" at Wincle. If you want a longer walk you could try and fit in Ramshaw Rocks. Contact for more details - Pete Walker

November 22-23: Working Party: Steve Taylor

This is the working party do. I think that it is by invitation only. Don't feel left out if you aren't on the guest list. Contact Steve Taylor if you really need a fix.

November 30: Mountain Biking: Ian Bennett

Come and join us for some top mountain biking in some of the peaks finest mountian biking country. We will be meeting at the large layby at the Burbage end of the Snake Pass just before the Laydybower bridge. We will meet at 10:29 am and you will need to bring a bike [Ah haa]. I will try and find out whether there is a mobile bike hire place so that we can get bikes for all people (if you don't have your own). I will be down at the Pub in the week before the meet. Otherwise contact me

December 7: Kettleshulme: Len Stubbs/Ken Beetham

*** Volunteer Wanted ***

The Kettleshulme meet will likely as not need a leader for the fuller walk which I have previously organised. I have not taken the huff but currently have recurring problems with the left tootsies. There is no way I can guarantee Olympic qualification but may be able to lead a minor circuit leisurely no doubt to the joy of others? All I ask is that any member taking the job remembers that most of the people who turn up don't want to be gutted and like a pub stop at some time during the day, also coffee late morning requires a location not in a swamp.

To satisfy me of your humanities, map reading capability and bull fighting potential - phone me. In the meantime the walk starts from Len Stubbs Kettleshulme bungalow, namely 1 Paddock Close, off Paddock Lane opposite the Bull in Kettleshulme village at 9-30. Early morning tea etc. will be available from around 8-30 am.

Park with care etc. Usual rules apply.

Ken Beetham.

December13-14: Ty Powdwr Christmas Bash: The entire KMC

The usual mahem and food.

December 20-21: Yep it's blank

All yours.

December 27-28: And so it this one

September 1997 Newsletter Index.

Copyright © 1997 Karabiner Mountaineering Club