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May 2006 Meet Reports
February 19th - North Pennines Walk - Jim Gregson
Supported by: James Hartley, John Castick, Virginia Castick, Sandy
Gregson & Jim Gregson.
This excellent walk went exactly to plan despite a slightly
fog-affected approach drive.
James was introduced to some of the best landscape in the true North
of England and Virginia wore rather more clothing layers than the
temperature really demanded at times. True, there was a short
interlude when snow actually fell - note for younger readers: this is
what in English is called 'winter'. The shooting cabin provided a
bracing spot for lunch before the walk via Maize Beck to High Cup
Nick. By the time we got there, the sun was shining brightly and we
could fully appreciate the great views across to the Yorkshire Dales,
the Howgill Fells and the snow-decked Lake District mountains. A
slippery descent into High Cup then led us comfortably down, and
thence back to Dufton. Convivial company and varied conversation
helped to make for a very enjoyable day out.
March 5th - Peak District Walk - Iain McCallum
Members present : Mike Graves, Bob Haynes, Martin Heaton, Alan (H)
Jones, Alan (L) Jones, Iain McCallum, Lorna Marsland, Alan Peck, Derek
Seddon, Zoe Talks, Peter Walker, Keith Williams, Dave Wylie.
A glorious day for a walk around the Edale valley. Snow on the hills
and lots of sunshine. Our start was delayed due to railway
construction work at Hope Station.
An extremely large crane occupied the car park and there were several
very long trailers parked on the approach road. Because we could not
cross the railway by the station we had to tramp along the road to
Aston. Near to Aston Hall we struck off the road and climbed the
hillside by the path leading to the summit of Winhill Pike. Here we
stopped for a bite and drink. From the top the panoramic view of the
Dark and White Peak was superb. After a short descent we headed along
the ridge to Hope Cross. By the time we reached the Cross we were
well spread out so we stopped to re-group. Alan (H), Bob and Derek
had gone back Winhill to try and find some gear which Derek had lost
so we decided carry on without them. Soon we passed Crookstone Barn
and followed the track up Crookstone Hill to gain the Scout's
Southern edge. The track contouring the edge was plastered in snow,
which made the going difficult at times. On reaching the path below
Ringing Roger dropped down to Edale through hordes of fellow walkers.
We lunched in Cooper's Cafe as the Old Nags Head was closed for
refurbishment.
Here we were joined by Alan (J), Peter and Martin (and Alex. aged 2).
Zoe left and Martin joined the team.
Leaving Edale we crossed Grinds Brook and tramped across the valley
fields towards Hollins Cross. Near Peter Barn we had to negotiate a
herd of cattle and a morass before climbing the hillside up to
Hollins Cross. Turning East we headed along the ridge towards Back
Tor and Lose Hill. Below Back Tor the team split. Alan (J) and Peter
taking the low road below the ridge. At this point Martin returned to
Edale to sort out a problem with his car, which had refused to start
for Zoe. After ascending Back Tor and Lose Hill we all dropped down
to the road near the Cheshire Cheese and so back to Hope Station.
We finished off the day with tea and scones in a cafe in Hope.
Later Mike Graves (technical assistant) advised me that we had walked
13.25 miles and ascended 3,105ft.
Thank you all for your support.
March 11th/12th - Black Rock Cottage - Andrew Croughton (stand in leader!)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Colin Madison, Craig Marsden, Brian Street, Ann
Sanderson, Bridget Mapleson, Roger Daley, Dave Bish, Andrew Croughton (Acting meet leader).
Member NOT present: David (Nancy Scottish boy) Lygate.
Guest NOT present: Jim (Nancy Scottish boy's chauffeur).
Saturday 11th
Colin & Craig set off bright and early to the Ben & Coire Na Ciste,
and in the words of the brave duo themselves, they have never
expended so much energy in not climbing a route, and seldom as much
energy on a route.
Colin actually used up so much energy he was actually seen to be
running at one point, although it has to be said that he was running
away from the mountain and heading for the nearest cafe in Fort
William.
Ann & Bridget also made an early start heading for the Mamores, at
the head of Glen Nevis, and the Ring of Steall in search of the Dave
Lygate memorial cairns, left by Dave on his previous visit.
Unfortunately they found themselves unwitting heroines aiding the
rescue of a damsel in distress who had taken a tumble down the hill.
The lady in question, Louise Frederick, had fallen about 30 feet
suffering from badly dented confidence and mild shoulder damage.
Whilst awaiting her walking companions, Mike Wicks and Lillian
McDonald, all members of the Heriot Watt University & Queen Margaret
College Mountaineering Club, Ann & Bridget helped calm her nerves and
comfort her.
After all this excitement the weather once again proved less inviting
than the local tea shops and, after the first summit An Gearanach,
they too headed down and ran for the comfort of the Nevis sport cafe.
(since the event, the club has been contacted to pass thanks on to
the trusty duo, Ed)
Roger & Dave again made an early start, but headed for the Lost
Valley Minor Buttress area.
After attempting to climb the routes via the avalanche debris, they
found the snow in the gulley petered out and they too headed back
down, off the hill.
Although this time much later in the day and in the direction of the
hut via the local Spar for provision, the plastic bags not being any
where near as substantial as the bags they used to have when the
store was a Mace. (What is the world coming to?)
Brian & I opted for the more relaxed approach, getting up at our
leisure and having a late breakfast at the hut, before strolling
across the road to the Kingshouse Hotel and the clag laden Corbett of
Beinn a'Chrúlaiste.
After following the military road as far as the Lagangarbh Hut we
headed up the west ridge of Beinn a'Chrúlaiste itself onto the
plateau summit and the wonderful views across to Glen Etive and
Glencoe, all of which looked surprisingly white with white edges and
a surprisingly cold wind chill to them, that's Scottish winters for
you.
After fighting our way off the summit plateau, missing the obvious
ridge descent in the mist, and having to circle around the bottom of
the ridge to regain the descent path alongside the burn, we found
ourselves back at the Kingshouse sampling the aptly named Nimbus Ale
- even in the pub there was no escape from the clag outside.
Sunday 12th
It had snowed heavily overnight, four foot drifts of snow blocking
the access road to the hut and the A82, which was closed to traffic
in both directions.
After two hours digging we managed to clear the track enough to
enable the cars to get away from the hut.
The A82 was now open in the direction of Glencoe Village, though
traffic was not being allowed from Glencoe across the Rannoch Moor,
and those heading back today made a dash for it.
Ten minutes after the six other members of the party had left for the
arduous nine hour journey home, the doors to the hut burst open and
an unfamiliar face appeared seeking refuge from the biting cold winds
and driving snow. Close on his heals came his wife who after having
been turned back on the Rannoch Moor road had decided to take a short
walk up to the Grey Corries Ski Lodge before once more heading back
via Oban to their home town of Edinburgh.
Unfortunately the wind blowing into her face had brought on a rather
severe asthma attack and she could continue no further. Brian acted
as host brewing a very welcome cup of tea for the weary travellers
and helping them back on their way.
It has to be said the English being so hospitable to the Scots on
their home soil is not well known, especially after such a
humiliating defeat at Murreyfield in the Calcutta Cup during last
weekends six nations championship, what is the world coming too?
The excitement over all that was left to do was to keep the fire
burning, sit out the weather and wait for the pub to open.
Unfortunately the weather held out longer than we did, the next two
days remaining cold, wet and windy with very poor visibility, so that
our only option was to sit out the weather waiting for opening time
at the Kingshouse.
That's all that can be said about the weekend's activities but
whatever the forecast it is always worth the effort to travel to
Scotland. You never know what might occur, be it unexpected blue
skies heavy snow fall or the opportunity to rescue fellow walkers
either on the hill or in the comfort of a nice warm hut.
Let's hope for an even better winter for 2007,
March 19th - Yorkshire Bouldering - Dan O'Brien
Members Present: Scott Sadler, Duncan Lee, Vicky Alderton, Dave
Wylie, Dan O'Brien.
Guests Present: Graham Hasselhurst, Richard Challinor, Carl Pulley
and two of Carl's friends who's names I accidentally deleted.
Bouldering Terminology: Highball [hi'i baw'll] (adj) : A problem that
thinks its a route.
After a late start the fun and games got underway. Carl and Scott
headed off in the direction of Demon Wall (HVS) and a severe spanking
while the rest of us descended to the lower tier for similar
punishment. After a warm up on a lovely traverse with rounded holds
(End Wall apparently) several team members made ascents of the
classic, slightly-highball* Morrel's Wall(6a). After a short rest,
to allow forearms to recover, the team attempted the "Three Swings
Traverse". Although not the hardest problem we had attempted it
certainly made up for it in length (~90ft). Most memorable would be
the "Swings" themselves as the all involve feet-free moves at an
alarming height off the ground. My arms were calling for another
rest.
Next, a direct route through "Three Swings" was climbed by Duncan and
myself. This I would describe as quite-highball** and certainly got
the heart pounding. The team then moved over to the "Lower-Man" area
in the hope of finding milder sport, but to no avail. By this time
Scott and Carl had returned. Scott joined us bouldering whilst Carl
started up "Whiskey Crack". The intrepid meet leader then attempted
an ascent of the "classic" albeit very-highball*** "Matterhorn
Arete". At about three-quarters height, Duncan (ever helpful) points
out that I was higher off the ground than Carl was and he had two
bits of gear in. As I topped out Scott shouted something about "Not
scaring him like that again!" I didn't quite catch it.
The day was rounded off with some slightly less harrowing problems to
dispatch the last of our fingertips and at 5ish the rain started and
stopped play, which coincided with the cows returning to reclaim the
crag from the climbers. Carl and co managed one more route under
full "Cow Assault" before beating a hasty retreat. A good time had
by all.
*Something you wouldn't want to fall off.
**No seriously now, don't fall off.
***Almost certain death, equivalent to Derbyshire E5.
March 26th - Rob's Rocks - Mark Ashley
Robinson's Rocks - I suggested this crag after climbing here last
year in the sun, on dry rock, about this time of year. This year the
weather had different ideas. The coldest and snowiest March for 30
years meant the rock was green and slimy.
When I left home it did not look that bad despite the showers the day
before - arriving at the crag it was dry. Coming up the track I saw 3
black Range-rovers with tinted windows - was my meet going to be
hijacked by some gangster-rapper climbers? No, it was Oldham Mountain
Rescue in some cars blagged from a sponsor for the weekend.
Routes done:
Owt (M), N'owt, (M), Cripple's Way (VD), Letter Box (HD)
and Zacharias (VD).
Marks:
Peter Walker, 1 tick for touching the rock, ditto Julie
O'Regan.
Mike Hunting 2 ticks, Jim Symon, 2 ticks and a star for running to
the meet, climbing and running home.
Karen Kennedy and Trish Cranston, 2 ticks and ½ a star (lost ½ a star
for messing up their clocks and being late).
Dan O'Brien, 2 ticks and a star for volunteering to lead the climbs,
saving my hands from the slime.
Dave Dillon, 2 ticks and a Gold star for belaying four people in the
rain.
The rain stopped play about 3pm, thanks to all who came,
April 2nd - Hotpot Slide Show & outdoor activities - Andy Croughton, Heather Brooke, Jenny Varley
The Walk
Members present, Dave Bish, Roger Daley, Joe Flynn, Dave Wylie, Iain
McCalum, Alan Peck, Linda Crossley, Karen, Brian Street, Andrew
Croughton.
Guest, Sarah.
Not much I can say about this meet really, it took place and was very
enjoyable.
It was a wet and wild day that didn't deter the hardy group from
eating ice creams, drinking beer and taking shelter when the rain
stopped, in order to have food and drink.
Not sure if this was a walk or a social gathering now. A big thank
you to those who braved the weather and completed the circuit almost
as planned despite the horrendous conditions. Lets hope for better
weather this summer.
The "Climb" - Castle Naze
Members Present: Dan O'Brien, Heather Brooke, Mark Ashley.
Guests Present: Graham Hasselhurst, Neil (journalist guy, sorry),
Tim Howarth, Rhian Blade, Laura Bond.
Scene #1, Castle Naze. Weather looked awful and the wind was
howling, but our enthusiasm would not be dampened. So with the
barest minimum of dragging we arrived at the crag to find that most
of the routes were wet. The two dry routes at the far left of the
crag ("Double Crack" and "The Arete") were ascended by each member of
the team and after receiving a soaking on the belay at the top we
retreated to the cars.
Scene #2, The Beehive. With the rain in we headed for the pub.
There was a nice open fire and Graham enjoyed Gammon and Eggs. The
mistake was made when someone spotted in the guidebook that New Mills
Tor would probably be dry in this weather. We abandoned the warm
comfort of the pub and headed out into the maelstrom again.
Scene #3, New Mills Tor. Not quite as dry as we had hoped. The wind
had been blowing the rain under the protective canopy of the road
bridge and soaking the routes underneath. Seepage was moistening
everything else. Undeterred, Heather began working a long traverse
on the dryer part of the wall, Mark and Neil headed off in the
direction of a grotty looking corner whilst Tim and myself attempted
original route (VD). The rain by now was battering down ("Why on
earth is he still going up?" - Tim) and I was pleased to hear that
only one extra person wanted to second the route thus prolonging my
misery on the tree belay. An abseil descent followed by a second
retreat, to a second pub, followed by a third retreat, to a third pub
and a lovely slide-show.
The Slide Show
This year's photo competition/slideshow had the benefit of a
fantastic judge who not only carefully considered all entries, but
honoured us with his charming presence on the night to present the
slideshow. There was lots of quality as usual, and he had a very
difficult job choosing the winners.
The photo competition/slideshow winners are as follows:
Rock Action
Winner: James Bouldering at Wimberry by David Bish.
Mountain Action
Winner: Lliwedd by David Bish
Close 2nd: Untitled slide by Colin Maddison.
Mountain Landscape
Winner: Untitled slide by Duncan Lee.
Close 2nd: Lliwedd View by Sean Kelly.
Human Interest
Winner: Untitled slide by Colin Maddison.
These pictures can be seen in the gallery
Both myself and the judge were a bit disappointed that there weren't
more really funny human interest photos this year, so get busy with
those shots for next year, the sillier the better!
Thanks go to Alan (H) Jones and Kevin Anderson for their efforts on
the projectors. And Al Metelko for providing the emergency last
minute judging venue!
(The awards are not being treated with the reverence they deserve?
Apparently someone left their Cup / Award from the slide competition
behind at the Swan. It is behind the bar awaiting collection by
Sabina (kindly). Ed)
May Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2006 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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