|
March 2005 Meet Reports
April 12th/13th 2003 - Roybridge Hostel - David Whittingham
Members: John Evans, David Lygate, David Whittingham.
Guest: Shaun Thompson.
Sun, snow, centenary climbs and car catastrophes.
Better late than never, here is the meet report for the Roybridge
meet in 2003; with my apologies for the delay to the small but
perfectly formed team who honoured me with their company.
Several potential participants cried off from this meet, claiming
that the weather in Scotland in late winter/early spring might be
slightly iffy!
They missed a wonderful weekend of blue skies, warm sun and no
midges. Not much good maybe for ice climbing but there are other
things to do north of the border.
But to start at the beginning.
The four of us left Manchester on Friday evening in my car. The drive
north was uneventful, apart from the car making very peculiar noises
going over Beattock. These were soon fixed by a quick wipe with an
oily rag from an AA man, and we continued to Roybridge hostel without
further delay, except for being stopped by the police in Fort William
for not speeding; I think they were bored and just wanted someone to
talk to.
We were up bright and early on Saturday. Well the weather was bright
and we were early-ish.
When in Scotland climb Ben Nevis seems to be a rule so off we plodded
up the Allt a Mhuilinn. The north face of the Ben looked impressive,
as always, with a mixture of black rock and white snow. Less
attractive was the continuous tinkle and thump of the ice and snow
falling off. As I said at the start, blue skies and warm sun.
Rather than walk below all the avalanche paths we turned right and
scrambled to the start of Castle Ridge to find warm dry rock and no
wind. More scrambling took us onward and upward towards the top of
Carn Dearg with many exclamations of joy at the conditions and
situation.
For the non-climbers who fancy a go at this delightful scramble in
most impressive surroundings a small word of caution. There is one
chimney pitch which although only Mod, or perhaps Diff on a cold
windy day, feels very "out there" and a rope and a couple of slings
may offer considerable reassurance. (Under winter conditions the
ridge is a good grade III outing.)
Anyway, back to the day. We crunched up snowfields to the summit of
Carn Dearg and onward to the summit of Ben Nevis. Black hills, white
snow, blue skies, sparkling lochs, views don't get much better than
this, and it was definitely a day not to be wasted. So on we went,
onward downward and upward over the Carn Mor Dearg arête, Carn Mor
Dearg and Carn Dearg Meadhonach and completing the circuit down the
ridge and hillside back to the Allt a Mhuillin before dark.
The entire party agreed that this had been an exceptional and
memorable day and felt very superior to those who cried off from the
meet.
The finishing touch came back at the hostel after haggis and chips in
Fort William. Examination of the guidebook revealed that it was 100
years to the very day since the first ascent of Castle Ridge, also by
a party of four.
Sunday morning dawned fine again and we decided to go for more of the
same, but a shorter day.
Glen Coe was conveniently on the way home so it was agreed to ascend
Buchaille Etive Mor by Curving Ridge. Have you ever noticed how some
of the best days on the hill make the shortest stories? No drama or
danger, just another wonderful day out and a warm glow afterwards.
Thus it was. Up the ridge, a slight detour to take in the Crowberry
Tower then up over snow to the summit and down by Coire na Tuilach
The drive home was uneventful, until the peculiar noises reappeared
and my car ground to a halt in the Lake District. The noises were
diagnosed as terminal by the AA this time, and we were eventually
relayed home to Manchester.
But these mere mechanical mishaps could not take the edge off what we
all agreed was a delightful and memorable weekend.
July 11th - Lake District Scramble, Low Water Beck/Brim Fell - Martin Heaton
Members: Christine Beeston, Virginia Castick, Roger Dyke, Lester
Payne, Dave Wylie.
Guests: James Hartley, George Ashton and family (Kate, Caroline,
Gillian), Trish Cranston, Jonathan Williams
Saturday's awful weather in Manchester probably put a few people off,
but my mole in Cartmel (Lester was staying at his Dad's) assured me
that it was fine in the Lake District, and there was a fairly good
turnout at the Walna Scar Road car park.
With nearly half the group being members of Longridge Mountaineering
Club, I am expecting invitations for a reciprocal meet in the very
near future!
I had originally intended to walk straight over to the beck, but I
was alerted to a little known Grade 1 scramble, The Bell ("More Lake
District Scrambles" by R. Evans), hidden away in the Coppermines
valley. This proved to be a gem; a good warm up and adding interest
to the approach to the main scramble.
After a break at the foot of the beck, we managed to weave a way up
by the side of the initial impressive waterfall. After this first
section, it was a case of finding interesting ways up the slabs and
walls of the beck up to Low Water, depending on how adventurous
people wanted to be! Dave Wylie found the best way up the last
section: to the left of the beck, a steep, seemingly blank wall
revealed excellent holds and friction.
From the tarn, Brim Fell looked quite disjointed, but provided a very
enjoyable scramble up a fairly continuous line of slabs, onto the
ridge up to the Old Man. There was some talk of a further scramble on
Dow Crag, but we settled on a walk over it and down to the Walna Scar
Road, and from there back to the cars, and the Sun Hotel.
October 2nd/3rd - Ty Powdwr Working Meet - Chris Thickett
Members present: Iain McCallum, Bob Anderson, Chris Thickett, Alan
Wylie, Dave Wylie, John Castick, Duncan Lee, Scott Sadler
The main task for the weekend was to provide safety rails and to
improve the ladders to the upper tier bunks. Everyone had a hand or a
foot or just sixpenny-worth in the project with a successful result
to the satisfaction of all. So now you would be able to tie up your
horse if pets were allowed in the hut. Perhaps some darker varnish
will be needed.
Plenty of cleaning was done in various rooms large and small.
Appliances such as the vacuum cleaner and dehumidifier were stripped
down and fettled whilst all other equipment and devices were checked
for satisfactory operation.
Iain provided us with an appetising lunch.
Outside, John continued his road improvements and the excess mortar
was removed from the car park wall.
Inspections were carried out both internal and external to determine
any problems.
All this effort left the hut in a splendid condition, so come on down
and get it used!
In the meantime, Duncan and Scott did some climbing in the reasonable
weather of Saturday afternoon, whilst Bob, Alan, Dave, Chris and Iain
managed to miss the worst of the rain by taking short walks on Sunday
morning. The rain gods were at their best later and we left Wales
through the deluge when a more appropriate form of transport home
would have been by speed boat.
October 24th - Walk... and Meal - David Sumerfield, Pat Holt
First an apology for not taking a note of those that came on the walk
and the ones that went to Pats for the meal (some did their own
walk). But you know who you are.
I got a black mark from Derek S. for setting off at 9:29! As we
walked up to Langden Castle (which is not a castle just a shepherds
hut) he had to run to catch us up.
The days walk went as per Sept/Oct newsletter with 20 members and
guests enjoying the sun shine and good company. To finish at about
3:30 just as it started to rain. Then we drove round to The Hey for a
very enjoyable meal at Pats where some members and friends had gathered
as guests of Pats.
I do hope those that came along enjoyed it as much as I did.
PS just to say WELL DONE Pat it was a wonderful meal.
November 11th - 60th Anniversary Walk, Edale - Iain McCallum
Members : Bob. Anderson, Alan Barber, Sue Brooke, Bob Haynes, Alan
(L) Jones, Iain McCallum, Lester Payne, Alan Peck, Derek Seddon, Jim
Taylor, Chris Thickett, *Peter Walker, Dave Wylie,
Guests ex-members : Clive Bullock 1947-1951, *Alan McGeary, 1958 -
1972, Dudley Moore 1957 - 1993.
* Peter and Alan walked from the the Old Nags Head to up Grindsbrook
to Nether Tor
and back.
The Gods failed to bless this very special day with bright sunny
weather. Instead we were blessed with drizzle and low cloud as we set
off from the foot of the Winnats Pass towards Castleton. Upon
reaching the upper edge of the Winnats by means of a steep gully we
headed for Mam Nick along the top of the cliffs, pausing for a few
moments for a minute's silence in memory of those who gave their
lives in the two world wards. After a short pit stop deep inside a
cave near Mam Tor we reached Mam Nick where we were joined by Alan
Barber, Bob Haynes and Lester Payne. Following a fairly rapid
traverse of Rushup Edge through low cloud we dropped down the
hillside to White Moor Clough and thence to Upper Booth where we
joined the Pennine Way. At the Old Nags Head we all enjoyed a very
pleasant lunch with Peter and Alan McGeary.
In the afternoon the Gods smiled on us and the tops cleared. Heading
east we made for Ollerbrook Booth before crossing the valley to climb
up and over the ridge via Backtor Nook. We slid rather than walked
down the grassy slope towards Only Grange Farm. At this point our
routes seem to diverge but in due course most of us arrived in
Castleton.
Here a group of us stopped for a very welcome teabreak at the Castle
Inn while others headed straight back to their cars. Leaving
Castleton we made our way along the track to the Winnats reaching our
cars just at night fell - just like old times.
Thank you all for coming to celebrate this very special day. I feel
our founders would have approved.
November 14th - A walk on Kinder - Andrew Croughton
This is an automated email from Dave Dillon.
Contained within can be found the Meet Report for Andrew's Kinder Meet.
This email will be sent repeatedly until it appears in the Newsletter.
(FX. small sort of chuckle echoes from round corner)
Present : Trish Cranston, Robert Clark, John Dobson, Lester Payne,
James Hartley, Margaret Williams, Frank Williams, Sue Brook, Iain
McCallum, Brian Taylor, Linda Crossley, Dave Wylie, Joanne Castick,
Virginia Castick, Dave Wittingham, James Richardson, Anne Sanderson,
Michelle Harvey, Dave Dillon.
Guests: Amanda Breed, David Wigley, Mark Heslop.
Having pulled the shortest straw in the 'Who leads Andrew's Meet'
contest the ML was found sitting in Mr Cooper's cafe with a
cornucopia of fresh morning comestibles on order.
At approx 9.31 the ML was hauled kicking and screaming from the
Cooper café clutching a bacon butty rescued in the nick of time from
the seething cauldrons in the back room. Where upon the McCallum gave
ML the eye for starting after the 9.30 deadline.
So began the day, easily up past the Nags Head towards the open land,
past gates and other impediments up to the Nab. Here abouts the ML,
leading from the rear, lapsing in navigational acumen bypassed the
ridge of Ringing Roger, assuming that the main troupe had beetled off
on to the edge by now. ML was somewhat surprised to see everyone
bearing down from behind.
Moving swiftly on, along the nicely laid stone slabs, the merry band
landed at the head of Grindsbrook. Here, sat on the stream bed with
lovely stepped seats cleaned by some previous flash flood, we
performed the writes of Elevenses.
Thence mooching off towards Grindslow Knoll, ignoring the wails of
dismay when the ML pooh poohed the idea of taking the westerly dual
carriage way of stone slabs. As the mutterings got louder the ML
thought it best to save face by calling a Meeting of Maps. This gave
the ML enough cover and bluster to head off confidently to the west
and rejoin one of the edge paths heading for Crowden Towers. A
re-group at the head of Crowden Clough and quick chunter up to
Crowden Tower.
John Dobson, renegade and raconteur, led a few of the weaker willed
on a directissimo of the boozer at Edale. Good Feller, I say.
The ML thought it best sticking to the instructions and head straight
for Kinder Gates. So with marvellous slight of hand the ML proceeded
to march off into the mist, compass held high, with the pretext of
knowing the intended destination. This had previously been sealed in
a brown envelope before every one and stashed away for future
verification. Without wasting time on all that boxing lark, the ML
ploughed straight through the groughs and bogs. The mists were
getting thick so the ML skinned a passing hare and stuck it on his
bonce to provide a more noteworthy land mark for the party to follow.
After some time, when the surroundings looked a little more familiar
the ML tore open the brown envelope to reveal that the correct
destination had in fact been reached. The ML surreptitiously
discarded the other 17 brown envelopes. Twas but a simple ruse to
regain some navigational face. Onwards, paddling, to Kinder Gates and
a quick on site squirm up Dead Bird Chimney. A hastily snuck in cup
of juice and onwards, inadvertently leaving Trish to pee in the mist.
More paddling round to the Down Fall which was doing just that, as
there wasn't much wind blowing.
Move south from the Down Fall, into the home leg now with all to play
for. Past Red brook and heading for the trig at (what was once) 2088
the ML, as ever leading from the rear, had the vague impression of
being on some sled pulled by approx 13 huskys who knew were they were
going. Alas the huskys got wise to this, stopped, demanding more seal
meat (or some such). ML was forced to trot off into the mist and
deliver the trig point. Luckily, as Dave Wittering was already there,
twas just a matter of homing in on the emissions, whilst brandishing
the compass for good effect.
ML enticed a few worthies to climb on top of the trig for photies. At
last the Edale rocks appeared as we dropped below the white mists.
Here the young and the wise tarried a while with a few boulder probs.
The Jacobs Ladder spotting contest was entered by all, though not all
were equal in wisdom.
The final hurdle was in Upper Booth were the McCallum, eager for a
quick injection of Mother Nature's Elixir of Everlasting Life
demanded with impeccable diplomacy that we take the most direct route
to the Nags Head were said stuff was on draft at reasonable prices.
Who was the ML to mess with such desires?
And so it was that the day ended in the Nags Head supping magic
falling down juice, with tales of dragons, white haired individuals,
bar maids and sundry. Thinking we were lucky to be alive and thanking
Andrew for setting us all up.
Cheers.
The meet leader.
December 5th - Kettleshulme - Len Stubbs/Jim Gregson
In attendance: Len Stubbs, Dave Wylie, Lorna Marsland, Kath
Saunders, Bob Haynes, Lester Payne, Sheena Hendrie, Brian Taylor,
Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Peter Walker, Roger Daley, Neville
McMillan, Roger Dyke, Martin Heaton, Alan Liv. Jones, Derek Seddon,
Joe Flynn, David Summerfield, Bob Anderson, Mike Graves, guest
Joan?..(sorry, surname forgotten), Trish Cranston, Kate Sparks, Sandy
Gregson, John Castick, Virginia Castick, Jim Gregson, Pat Holt,
Richard Holt, Ken Beetham, Ethel Hallam, Al Metelko, Dave Dillon,
Alan Hyde Jones, Christine Jones, Sabina Cosulich, Sue Brooke.
Although Len initially worried that few might darken his door this
year as a consequence of the 'away start' for the walk, the afternoon
and evening duly delivered the human locust effect onto the splendid
spread so well presented at Paddock Close by Len, Ethel, Pat, Richard
and Ken and their efforts were much appreciated by the pedestrian
contingent returning from deepest Wilboarclough.
Most of the above list of usual suspects completed the advertised
walk and were blessed for their troubles by the lovely sunshine which
replaced the rather misty hloom of the early morning. Some
participants for a variety of reasons - whimsy, geriatrics, injury,
hyphochondria, forgotten boots, lack of form - opted for the
variations of route but nobody went missing so the day can be voted a
success. Thanks from Len and myself for supporting the meet.
January 9th - Impromptu Bouldering Meet - Coincidence
This unplanned meet happened by a combination of disorganisation and
coincidence.
The meet was well attended, considering nobody was invited?..and took
place among the boulders of Burbage. Personally, I was persuaded to
by the prospect of appalling weather and a forced spell in the pub,
but fortunately (or not) the weather stayed dry for the majority of
the day. Numerous problems were climbed throughout the day, although
none of any considerable difficulty due to the conditions. Many of
the easier problems had long queues of KMC members at the bottom, so
much so that people at the back of the queue had seen the problem
done so many times before it was their turn it was almost impossible
to fail.
Roger did a number of problems to show that he still had the knack,
but left in favour of the warmth of a good brisk walk.
Julie arrived late, having done some real exercise and completed a
few cursory problems before leading the meet on to the pub.
January 16th - Winter Peak District Walk - James Richardson
Full Ticks: Members:
Christine Beeston, David Whittingham, John Evans, Lester Payne, Bob
Haynes, Alan Jones, Margaret Williams and James Richardson.
Full Ticks: Guests:
Kate Sparks, Richard Turner and Skippy the Dog.
Half Ticks: Members:
Pete Walker and Alan Peck
One of my better attended meets, even I managed to turn up at this
one!
After releasing that I probably wouldn't be able to complete my
entire walk on a winters day John suggested that we got the bus up to
the far end of Derwent.
I managed to meet the K.M.C. just about on time and we caught the
10.33 to Kings Tree from Stanage Popular End. It is then a short
walk up to the edge below Margery Hill, we then followed the edge to
Howden Dean and cut off across roughish terrain to join the Derwent
Edge path which included a small river crossing. Around this time a
mutiny occurred as half the team stopped for lunch, they then
rejoined us at the designated lunch stop at Back Tor. With the
harder part of the walk over we then proceeded along the Derwent and
then up and along Stanage Edge, finishing in the dark. At some stage
along Stanage it was noticed that Alan Peck was no longer with us and
no one had seen him for a couple of hours, I hope you got back okay
Alan! The only other half tick goes Pete Walker who strolled in the
opposite direction hoping to meet us at some stage, we never did meet
up.
An unconventional meet but I believe everyone enjoyed the walk, you
get to walk in some of the less visited parts of the Peak. We had
pretty good weather for the time of year and fantastic sky and
scenery throughout.
January 23rd - The Whaley Bridge Run - Sabina Cosulich
Members present: Pete Walker, Iain McCallum, Joe Flynn, Chris
Thickett, Keith Williams, Pete Scholefield, Julie O'Regan, Mark
Garrod, Michelle Harvie, Ken Beetham, Dave Wylie, Dave Dillon, Sheena
Hendrie, Craig Marsden, Trish Cranston, Alan L. Jones, Robert Clark,
Brian Taylor, Kate Sparks, Ivy Lee (x2!), Sue Brooke, Heather Brooke,
Roy Lee
Guests: Mark?; Karen?
The meet leader had booked beautiful weather for the day, so many
KMCers turned up at the Whaley Bridge Cafe'. Not surprisingly, the
walkers were the first to turn up and keenest to get out in the
hills. The runners had a more leisurely start- thankfully. Most of us
were relieved to find out that poor Thomas Marsden was ill and unable
to come on the run. Phew! -once again we had managed to avoid
embarrassment from the young lad outrunning the rest of us. We
already had the old age pensioners to keep up with!
Three routes were run on the day- a short route (3-4 miles), a medium
length route (~5-6 miles) and a long route (~10-12 miles).
The walkers, of course, went on an even longer route over Shining Tor.
Most of us got back in a reasonable state?. well?.nearly reasonable
for KMC standards.
This year, I didn't even have to force three helpings of soup on
everyone- we had just about enough when the last (keen) walkers
turned up at dusk.
Many thanks to everyone who came along to support the meet. It was a
really enjoyable day.
January 29th/30th - Mill Cottage, Feshiebridge - Mark Garrod
Attendees: Tony no crampons Gask, Michelle Via Bergen Harvie, Jenny Great
Escape Varley, Al turn back at 4pm Metelko, Cath F***All Ridge
Sanders, Ann day trip Sanderson, Pete music man Leeson, Sabina ice
lips Cosulich, Colin Glasgow kiss Maddison, Craig climbing Tourettes
Marsden, Andy I'll drink Dave's as well Croughton, Dave I'm too
sleepy to notice Lygate, Julie fancy thermals O'Regan, Sheena
touching 100 Hendrie, Mark grumpy leader Garrod.
What a fantastic day Saturday was. Sunshine and wonderful views all
day, with not much snow but firm ice above 800-900m. The Cairngorm
plateau was one massive chandelier, with amazing ice shapes and
patterns. Eleven of us (in 2 parties - why was that?) climbed or
walked up the Northern ridges and over to Macdui; a full 6-7 hours
with crampons on. Jenny had a more relaxing day from the hut, and
Tony got as far as no crampons would allow, then hiked into the
Monadhliaths. Colin and Craig, after reports of dubious conditions in
the Northern corries (partly true, as Sunday showed) got up very
early and had a great outing up Glovers chimney on the Ben.
Saturday night was pretty quiet - could it be everyone was knackered
after having to exercise?
Sunday was a bit windier, colder and cloudier, but that didn't deter
Dave, Al, Sheena, Sabina, Colin and Craig heading off to the corries
for more climbing, and probably even more ice dodging, some of which
failed. They have the cuts and bruises to prove it. Most of the
others had a wild glen experience. Led ably by Pete, all paths were
avoided, trees hugged, and views absorbed.
Thanks to all who came, and made the best of the opportunity. A great
mountaineering weekend!
February 20th - Yorkshire Bouldering, Caley Crags - Dan O'Brien
Members Present: Dan O'Brien (ML), Heather Brooke, Susan Brooke, Al
Metelko, Dave Dillon, Dave Wylie, Duncan Lee, Kevin Anderson, Anna
Neubert, Julie O'Regan, Scott Sadler, Rob Allen.
Guests Present: Graham Haslehurst, Stuart Lucas, Miriam
Alcaraz-Stapleton, Alex (sorry about the surname, lost my sheet of
paper), Jesper (See lost piece of paper).
The weather was very, very, very cold and snow was in the air. It
looked like bouldering would be the ideal choice of activity. The
walk-in was made easier by the usually boggy ground being frozen
solid and we were soon all huddled beneath a rather high looking
boulder looking longingly at Almscliff on the horizon bathed in
sunshine.
After wrestling with the intricacies of the Yorkshire
bouldering grading system (using grades such as "Benign Bumbles and
"Masterful Manouvers") we set about exploring. Guest Stuart
impressed by nailing a very high 5c first go whilst the bulk of the
group moved further down the hill out of the wind.
The next location had boulders even bigger than before but by
this time everyone had wrapped their heads around the scale of the
place and settled down to tick the areas obvious challenges. Notable
ascents included Wavey Dave climbing a nasty looking offwidth in
gloves and Julie dancing up a slabby arête that turned out to be less
easy that she made it look when Rob and I tried to follow!!
A good day was had by all (though some of us wimped out at
about 3pm and headed for the pub) and we have all learned a lesson
about bouldering in Yorkshire. It is not for the fainthearted.
March Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2005 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
|
