Karabiner Mountaineering Club

May 1998 Newsletter Meet Reports

1 March 98: Peak Walk: Iain McCallum

Present:
Members - Bob Anderson, Ken Beetham, John Dwyer, Sheena Hendrie, Alan (Hyde) Jones, Iain McCallum, Neville McMillan, Lester Payne, Alan Peck, Nigel Rosenbaum, Derek Seddon, Brian Taylor, Chris Thickett, Peter Walker, Keith Williams, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Dave Wylie (18).
Guests -Christine Jones, Dudley Moore, Sally Moore, Zoe Rosenbaum, Richard Walker and another - Paul or Frank?? (Sorry) (6)

The weather turned out to be better than the forecast indicated. Although snow fell overnight it soon melted in the bright sunshine turning the paths into mudslides in places. Grindleford provided plenty of free parking ( rather rare in the Peak these days) for everyone. From Grindleford our route took us past Padley Mill and Padley Hall and eventually to Leadmill bridge. After crossing the bridge we headed up the road towards Abney for about half a mile before bearing left downhill and across Highlow Brook to Hazelford. From here we continued up Bretton Clough for a short distance before stopping for coffee next to a spring, a warm spot bathed in sunshine. The paths in Bretton Clough proved to be very slippery in places and Ken's "smooth soled boots" lost traction on several occasions much to the chagrin of their owner Eventually we arrived at Stoke Ford. From here we ascended the path up to Gotheredge Barn where Bob. regaled us all with details of the murder which took place there many years ago. Continuing uphill along the path we arrived at the Barrel Inn (Built in 1637- a rendezvous for the local lead miners). Some of the party stopped for a drink at the Inn while others pressed on along the road towards Great Hucklow for about three quarters of a mile before turning right down into Bretton Clough where they stopped for lunch. After lunch our route took us past Abney Grange, (a very ancient hamlet - it belonged to St. Mary's Monastery, Rufford prior to 1537), then across Abney Moor, where we met Dudley and Sally plus dog who had missed the start of the walk, over Smelting Hill and down to Offerton Hall ( a Tudor house once owned by the Eyre family - the site "Uftune" is mentioned in the Domesday Book).

From here we continued downhill to the river where we turned right to follow the river back to Leadmill bridge. Shortly before reaching the bridge we stopped to refuel and regroup. After crossing the bridge we continued alongside the river for most of the way back to Grindleford passing Padley Hall again. (Two priests who were arrested here in 1588 were later executed at Derby). The walk ended with tea and cakes at the Café.

Thank you all for your supporting my meet.

13 -15 March 98: Onich: Roger Mapleson

Members and Guests: Al Metelko, Ann Woolley, Chris Ivory, Matthew Taylor, Bridget Mapleson, Craig Marsden

Two carloads headed north on a fine Friday night on a promise of a multitude of magnificent mountaineering options. On Saturday morning the Meet Leader was charged with the awesome responsibility of deciding what everybody else was going to do for the day. An early start was foiled partly by a luxurious lie-in on rock hard bunks and partly whilst we waited for Craig "Fartin' aboot like a fairy" putting his contacts in.

The chosen route was the round of the Corryhully horseshoe from Glenfinnan which has, allegedly, very fine views northwards into Knoydart. The weather totally failed to clear up for the entire 13 miles/2 Munros. The walk will be remembered (if at all) for driving drizzle and soggy snow. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially Matt who took this ideal opportunity to break in his brand spanking new Scarpa Fitzroys (and his feet).

Sunday; cloud base 100 feet, raining, Nevisport, home.

Roll on summer

19 April 98: Gardom's Edge: Mark Garrod

WHO CAME? Michelle Harvie, Matt (guest), Sabina Cosulich, Jeremy Engineer (guest), Dave Wylie, Dave Dillon, Ken Beetham, Robert Clark, Linda Batey, Lorna Marsland, Rick Davies, Colin Maddison.

WHAT CONQUERED? Probably a fear of green slime! Jeremy's start on Nowanda (HVS) looked suitably hard, with other routes bagged including Garden Face (various), NMC Crack and Apple Arête. Colin took the green approach, train and foot to the crag, and retrieving unsightly friends from cracks whilst soloing. Ken dropped by, but wasn't tempted by the conditions to don a harness. Dave W can now say he has used his new guidebook to Chatsworth area.

ANYTHING ELSE? Just thanks to those who came out on a day rather cooler and cloudier than hoped for - good effort.

May 1998 Newsletter Index.