Karabiner Mountaineering Club

January 2006 Forthcoming Meets

All note the following small print when taking part in meets :-

January 7^th/8^th - Raeburn Hut - Duncan Lee

This hut is perfectly placed midway between The Ben and the Cairngorms, 5 miles from Dalwhinnie and 3 miles from Laggan on the A889 at grid ref: 636909. Conditions will be perfect and it's a snip at £7 per night per person. Places are going fast so to secure a place collar me at the xmas bash at the hut or 'phone me on my mobile.

I will not be able to make it to the pub at all on Thursdays so be warned.

January 15^th - Sparrowpit Cross Country Ski Meet - Chris Williamson

The Wanted Inn still sits on a 371m spot height. That's 1217 feet above sea level in old money. Behind the village the ground rises rapidly into the darker shading of the Peak District One inch Tourist Map. Snow sometimes falls here. Lanes and tracks can drift in to provide Piste. Unfortunately, last winter provided just one skinny-ski outing - on Christmas Day! Winter 2005/6 is supposed to show with promise. And Dave Lygate phoned just the other evening to ask if last year's meet could be repeated. But with the expectation, on his part, that the world will turn white!

So, at very short notice, here it is again. Get your bike out!! As more than likely the snow won't oblige, we'll tour some of the lesser back roads. And on the way - visit cafes, hills and pubs as the mood takes us. Of course, if it does dump, dig in the back of the broom cupboard and get those planks waxed. Plan C is a walk, but only, Roger, if it is too windy to stay upright on two wheels.

Meet 10:00 for a 10:15 departure from Sparrowpit Memorial Hall (known locally as the Institute) car park - GR SK091807. Directions - Follow the A623 from the A6. Leave this and go straight on at the sharp RH bend in front of the Wanted Inn. This is the road to the head of Winnats Pass. It is marked as the B6061 on some maps and is unmarked on others. If you're reading these directions and driving at the same time - you've already passed the entrance to the car park. The Memorial Hall is on the RHS of the road just behind the Wanted Inn. The car park entrance is at the far end of the hall (furthest from the pub) also on the RHS. We'll be back before dark, but DO bring head-torches or bicycle lights - unless you want to feature in newsletter articles and after dinner speeches for the next five years...

January 22^nd - Winter Peak District Walk - James Richardson

Due to the trains not running on Sunday the meet starting location has changed to create a circular route. We will meet at Hayfield car park 037 869 at 10.15.

We will then walk up to Mount Famine and South Head 062 845 and then to Brown Knoll 084 852. We will then head along the western edge of Kinder and finally back down to Hayfield. The walk can be extended/shortened depending on time. Bring a head torch.

Due to the good forecast for Saturday the meet has been extended to include some climbing at Lawrence Field. If anyone fancies going from South Manchester can I have a lift please.

Thanks,
-James.

Time to walk those calories off!! Three options depending on the weather:

• Quite Nasty Weather: Meet at Chinley Train Station at 10.30 (unfortunately the national rail website only holds train times up to 3 months on advance). Head up farm tracks to a summit at SK 061 845 follow path to Brown Knoll and then off to Kinder. We will then stroll across Kinder and come down in either Hope or Edale (depending on time) and stop for a beer (or two) before getting the train back to Chinley (bring a head torch).
• Nasty Weather: Meet at same place and follow same route to Brown Knoll. Instead of heading to Kinder head down Rushup Edge and aim for Hope. Again getting the train back to Chinley after a pint or two.
• Very Nasty Weather: Probably head down to the white peak. Will meet in Dove Holes and follow a route through several fantastic dales starting in Hay Dale and ending in Wye dale, taking about 5 hours to get to Buxton where beer can be purchased at the Sun before getting the train back.

February 4^th/5^th - Run/Climb/Scramble - Al Metelko

Saturday

Walk/Run/Scramble: meet at the free car park at GR018044 just to the north of Dovestone Reservoir, at 11am. Any scrambling can be avoided.

Sunday

Climb: meet at Beeston Tor for around 11am. This sheltered crag can be pleasantly warm in the winter with routes VD upwards.

February 11^th/12^th - Aite Cruinnichidh, Roybridge - Craig Marsden

Aite Cruinnichidh is an incredible venue with more than enough winter activities within the surrounding area. The options are almost endless and it would be impossible to fit them all into a single weekend. Additionally, with a local pub there is the added opportunity of whisky sampling in the evenings.

The accommodation is situated 2 miles east of Roybridge on the A86 opposite the Glen Spean Lodge Hotel. (grid ref. 301811, OS sheet 41). The McofS publication "Scottish clubs' huts" describes the accommodation as, "Warm, comfortable, friendly country hostel in converted barn, set in stunning scenery near Roybridge. Ideal location for walking and climbing (Creag Meagaidh, Ben Nevis), canoeing and mountain biking.". The hut provides a good sized kitchen, showers, varying sized rooms and even duvets so no excuses. There are also local opportunities for ski touring and alpine skiing at Aviemore or Fort William, which are both quite close (less than 1 Hour drive away) and if all else fails there are memorable shopping experiences available(even wrist gaiters if you lean that way!).

To claim a very limited place send me a cheque, made payable to C Marsden as I will settle up with the warden on the 12^th. I will try and make it to the pub before hand, but if you have any questions e mail or phone me.

February 19^th - North Pennine Eye-Opener - Jim Gregson

This winter walk will attempt to provide a close encounter with the superb landscape feature of High Cup Gill, weather and conditions permitting, with a start and finish in Dufton. Nesh southerners aka Mancunians, please note, this will be in the real north of England so it will probably be very cold and even feet-deep in snow.

START POINT: Carpark in Dufton (behind the public bogs) Grid Ref. NY 689 250 MEETING TIME: 0915 for very prompt start at 0930 - this is February!

ROUTE: Leave Dufton northwards on Pennine Way/Hurning Lane bearing NE up Green Fell to reach Knock Old Man then the broad top of The Heights/Knock Fell. (Optional extension from here for the very fit/very keen - remember it's February and will add 4+ kilometres - go NW to top of Great Dun Fell and back, passing and repassing Dunfell Hush, relic of the mining industry). From the Heights head SE towards Great Rundale Tarn, on rougher ground, aiming to find the shooting box (corrug. tin roof) at Grid ref 728 283 - suitable spot for lunch stop (or death if desperate). If sill alive skirt N shore of Tarn to pick up and follow course of Tarn Sike/Maize Beck to footbridge at Grid ref 749270. Go SSW across High Cup Plain to High Cup Nick - this is the "eye-opener", spectacular view, fingers-crossed, South through High Cup. Choose correct steep gully in far NE corner to descend via bouldery scramble into the head of High Cup then follow floor of canyon all the way SW to join farm track at Grid ref 724235 to reach minor road beyond Harbour Flatt. Finish along road back to Dufton with possible variation along track past Town Head to Pennine Way near to Bow Hall thence into Dufton. NB - in case of severe weather/thick fog/deep snow it may be advisable to return by the Pennine Way all the way from High Cup Nick along a pleasant terrace without the descent of the Gill itself.

DISTANCE: Yes

TIME: Personal Best

This route is also suitable for runners so any member of that persuation is cordially invited to travel it at speed. TRAVEL TO DUFTON: from Manchester area by M61, M6 to Penrith Junction 40, then A66 towards Appleby - slip road for Dufton just after going under railway bridge, then R at T-junction and uphill on minor road into Dufton. Suggest leave Manchester no later than 0700. All welcome, old, young, new members, prospective members, E9 leaders et al.

MAPS: OS Landranger 91, Explorer Map OL19 Howgill Fells; Old Style Yellow Cover OL31 Teesdale.

February 26^th - Bouldering for Beginners - Kevin Anderson

KMC insiders tell me the forthcoming meet 'bouldering for beginners' is the talk of the club - apparently many of the international members are, as you're read this, traveling from the four corners of the earth to attend this prestige event. So what can one expect...?

• World class bouldering at all grades
• Many problems with excellent landings
• A beautiful quiet setting steeped in bouldering history - who could fail to be impressed by the sights of Metelko grappling with Charlotte Rampling, Colin floundering on Whillan's Jam, and Craig wrestling his not-insubstantial bulk up Big Body Squirm - or, if something 'under the counter' is more your scene, how about Rob Allen attempting to force his way up Obscene Cleft before failing to get his Nuptials. For those unable to digest such testosterone laden machismo, perhaps the elegance, poise and grace of Sabina gliding up Honour and Obey, Julie making short work of Bridesmaid, Midge tiptoeing to the summit of Knot Tonight, or even El Presidenta surmounting Big Sister may encourage you to head to Yorkshire.

Approach The crag is accessible for Todmorden, Burnley or Hebden Bridge.

From Burnley
Take the road towards Todmorden. Turn left at Walk Mill, go up the hill, then take a right just before the pub. Follow The Long Causway over the moors, past the windmills, then shortly after passing through the small village of Hugencroft you will see the rocks on the right hand side ahead. Park a little further on, after reaching the Sportsman's Arms pub. Walk down the farm track towards the rocks bearing left where the track bends down right to reach the first area.

From Todmorden
Take the A646 towards Burnley. When you reach Cornholme, turn right under a railway arch and drive up a very steep hill on a narrow road. Turn right where this joins The Long Causeway.

From Hebden
Go through Heptonstall village then turn left. Continue passing though Balckshaw head, until you reach The Sportsman's Arms.

March 5^th - Peak District Walk - Iain McCallum

Route: Hope Station - Win Hill - Crookstone Barn - Crookstone Moor - Ringing Roger - Edale - Hollins Cross - Lose Hill - Lose Hill Farm - Killhill Bridge - Hope Station.

Distance 12/13 miles.

Map : OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 1 Dark Peak.

Meet at 9.30am for 9.45am. start at Hope Station (Off the A625 - GR 181832). Park at the station or on the approach road. There is a train service from Manchester Piccadilly via Edale and Hope.

Refreshments : Available at "TheOld Nags Head Inn" in Edale and at local cafes in Edale and Hope.

A good walk on good paths and tracks around the hills bordering the Edale Valley. The route can easily be modified to suit the conditions. ETA in Edale at the Old Nags Head Inn is between 1pm and 1.30pm. If anyone wishes to join the walk at Edale I am prepared to give them a lift back from Hope station to Edale.

March 11^th/12^th - Glencoe, LSCC Blackrock Cottage - David K. Lygate

The KMC's Winter Glencoe meet is the club's once in a season opportunity to visit a most incredible and magical area in winter for walking, climbing and skiing. However, such wonders come at a cost, there are only ten places available. So with the level of interest that has already been shown (pre-publication), we suggest that the hut fee of £5 per night (cheques for £10 total payable to the KMC) is forwarded to the meet leader as early as possible to secure your place.

Scotland in March, will there be snow ?

Possible scenarios:

1. Plenty of snow and ice - well excellent it's exactly what we are going for. (This was the exact scenario we had at the Alex Mac last year - March 2005, see DKL's Meet Report).
2. Too much snow - (i.e. very high avalanche warning - SAIS www.sais.gov.uk). Go skiing instead, sounds like perfect conditions for Aonach Mor or the White Corries.
3. No snow - Treat this as a summer meet but without the fearsome Scottish Midgy.
4. The east coast has better conditions - We are less than 2 hour's drive from the Cairngorms.
5. Totally unbearable conditions all weekend - Go to the Clachaig, the folk singer should be there on the Saturday night, along with a real fire, fantastic beers and a good hundred bottles of whisky to choose from. Or if this does not appeal, then there is always a trip to the newly opened "Ice Factor" in Kinlochleven to fall back on. This is the "UK's premier indoor mountaineering centre", with a real ice wall, climbing walls etc. See www.ice-factor.co.uk.

Now that all fears have been banished, back to scenario 1. Glencoe is a magnificent place in the winter or the summer, but especially in winter, be it for walking, skiing or climbing. So here are a few of the local areas of interest.

• The Aonach Eagach
• Stob Coire nan Lochan
• The lost valley
• The Buachaille
• Ben Nevis

I think that all of these areas speak for themselves. So if you are interested plus have appropriate experience and equipment, then e.mail, phone, or see me in the pub on a Thursday night (places are on a first come first served basis).

Blackrock Cottage is on the access road to Glencoe ski area (White Corries), at the foot of Meall a' Bhuird, about half a mile south of the main road (A82), about 1 1/2 miles south east of the Kingshouse hotel. Grid reference 267530, OS sheet 41 - Ben Nevis. SMC hut guide - "The hut has 10 beds with mattresses; electric lighting and cooking; microwave oven; utensils provided; coal fire; WC." There is no camping - no dogs allowed in the hut.

March 19^th - Almscliff, Yorkshire Bouldering - Dan O'Brien

This year's bouldering masterclass will be held at the historic Almscliff (with emphasis on the "ARMS"). The usual rules apply, in order to get your tick you must either climb a boulder, "spot" a boulderer (telescopes frowned upon), or sit on a rock wearing a warm jacket, complaining about the friction and drinking Bovril^® (Bovril^® optional).

I will be at the first boulders near the stone wall (that is on the right as you get through the gate) at about 10.30. If that is unclear then just follow the crowds until you are standing in a bouncy play area (bunch of crash-pads).

Hope to see lots of you there.

March 26^th - Robinson's Rocks - Mark Ashley

Location: SE 030 018 (OS Map 110)
Train: to Greenfield (SD 992 048) from Manchester
Bus: 180 to Clarence hotel (SE 002 040) from Manchester via Oldham
Car: Pay and Display (SE 014 034) off A635 from Manchester - Holmfirth road

From the car park go past the Yacht Club, through the gate and on past the memorial woods. Cross the bridge over the Chew Brook and follow the road up the hill. About 500m after crossing a stile, where the road starts to bend left, strike out up the hill for the rocks.

I hopefully will be there about 10:30/11:00am. I am looking to get as many people as possible up the Ylnosd rib route and to see someone lead the Nose route.

Anyone who feels these climbs are not taxing enough can, after doing a route and getting a tick, wander off to any of the crags in the valley or descend to play on the Wimberry boulders.

August 12^th/13^th - Pyrenees - Al Metelko

This is the meeting up weekend. I plan to go for 2-3 weeks. There are various ways of getting there, by air to Toulouse or one of the airports around Barcelona, overland by train, bus or car. All members welcome walkers to extreme climbers.

During the first week I'll be organising a couple of mountain days to get a feel of the area followed by a couple of climbing days. This is an opportunity for members who have wanted to go the big mountains without having to worry about crevasses and bergschrunds. Please let me know if you're interested.

January Newsletter Index.

Copyright © 2006 Karabiner Mountaineering Club