Karabiner Mountaineering Club

November 2007 Forthcoming Meets

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

November 18^th - West Yorkshire Walk - Mark Garrod

Meet at car-park on south side of Heptonstall, grid ref 987276, at 9.30am. We are going on a clockwise jaunt, firstly on the Calderdale Way, then picking up the Pennine Way over Clough Head Hill to Gorple Lower reservoir. Heading up Walshaw Dean to the middle reservoir, then over Dean Gate, to drop into Hebden Dale. Finally a steep hike back up into Heptonstall. Looks like about 13 miles to me; if anyone wants to shorten it then the short cut direct into Hebden Dale from the bottom of Walshaw Dean cuts out a mile or more and a good climb.

November 25^th - Llangollen Walk - Brian Taylor

This is the "Not So Wild Wales Walk" for those who could not make Dave Bone's 15 miler, a more civilised 11 miles walk amongst the varied scenery to the north of Llangollen.

Start point: Head for Llangollen then take the A542 towards Ruthin, after approx 2½k from centre of Llangollen take a small entrance road on the right which drops steeply down towards the remains of the Abbey. The road initially goes past some small buildings before it skirts round the side of the Abbey and leads into a field (this field is a camp site in the summer). Park near the loo block GR 206442. Start walk at 9.45am.

Map: OS 1:50,000 No 117 Chester and Wrexham.

The walk takes us over the river and then north through some woods towards a minor road which we cross at GR 208458, we then drop down to a small stream, it's then the start of a steady climb up to Cyrn- y- Brain at 565 metres GR 213492. From there we head towards a minor road at point GR 233491, a steady descent along a small section of tarmac road then takes us back into mixed woodland, we are now on the Offa's Dyke path, we follow the path along the bottom of the escarpment (this is the best section of the walk) until we reach another small section of road. The final section of the walk takes us along the base of a hillock on which stands the remains of a castle which overlooks Llangollen before we head north back to the start point. (If time permits we can divert over the top of the hillock).

December 2^nd - Bowland Walk (nee the Kettleshulme meet) - Dave Bish/Pat Holt

The Kettleshulme meet is a real must do for KMCers and in my experience one of the best attended outdoor meets of the year. This year however there are three major differences:

1. Len Stubbs who normally hosts the meet is no longer with us and will not be able to offer his legendary hospitality.
2. We are moving the meet to the fells of the Forest of Bowland.
3. Pat Holt who has catered for the meets at Len's is offering a full Lamb hotpot dinner with puddings to all walkers who attend so there is no need to stop off at a pub mid walk!

We will be meeting at 11:30 at Pat Holt's house "The Hey" SD675524 (Maps: Landranger 103 - Blackburn & Burnley or Outdoor Leisure 41) where there is ample parking reached by a rough track. The walk will be a comparatively gentle one around the Southwest end of Beatrix Fell up the river Dunsop to Whitedale before climbing upwards to the trig point 431m then over Dunsop Fell and back around to the Hey. There are two minor alternate routes: a) If the party is stronger than anticipated we will take in Croasdale Fell and b) if we are in a hurry to get back to a hot dinner at Pat's we will avoid the summit above Burn Fell.

Several of the clubs ex-members will be present at the meal at the Holt so as well as a good walk this should be a great opportunity to catch up with some old friends and enjoy some good nosh!

Also, the ashes of Len Stubbs will be scattered on the top of Black Hill North of Kettleshulme (SJ989825) at 3pm on Saturday 1st December, anyone wishing to be there is welcome to meet Midge Castick for the event and afterwards for a quiet drink at the Bull at Kettleshulme, Len's local.

December 15^th/16^th - Christmas Bash, Ty Powdwr - Trish Cranston and Michelle Harvie

Michelle and myself are most happy to coordinate the Christmas bash food, and possibly mulled wine this year (if people would like this again). We thought that if people were happy to prepare main (mixture of veggie and meat/fish) dishes and luscious puddings to serve including anything like cream or custard (I can still remember last years...) it would save time in the kitchen and ensure we all get some time outside on the Saturday. We are very happy to make soup, provide bread (I also remember the bread last year...), baked spuds and basic salad, possibly tea and coffee. Cost should be £6.50 each, we estimate, so if you're making something try to keep it to not above that value if possible.

Duncan has kindly offered to make alcoholic (mince) pies and along with Colin's help to devise a mystery quiz to keep you all entertained whist getting slowly sozzled on the mulled wine (we could provide boxes of wine to start it off but if people prefer to bring their own non-high quality wine, fine, let us know).

Meanwhile, we would be very grateful if 2 or 3 little helpers could emerge to lay tables and assist with preparation around 5.30/6ish. Katy Hogan has offered so far. An offer of Polish gingerbread has been mentioned....yum, drool...

Dishes we need each to serve 6-8 people are:

I will be the main contact so call or Email me if you're coming, and if you intend to bring something, what. Also if you would prefer to bring bottles for mulled wine. We can guide people as to what is needed as the offers flood in! No custard pies mind!!

Hope to see lots of you there to chink a Christmas glass or three,

Trish.

PS. If anyone has a burning and uncontrollable desire to cook the main dishes at the hut as has been done, don't let us stand in your way......

January 13^th - (not very) Scary Dave Bone Walk, Pendle Broomstick tour - Dave Bone

I haven't done a form of this circuit over and around Pendle Hill for some time, so here's a moderate walk, all on tracked (or flag-stoned) terrain to shake off the long break (and a gaping hole in the event list to fill).

Park at Padiham Heights, at the top of the ridge south of the village of Sabden at 786368 - if coming up from Padiham, turn left at the crossroads at the top of the hill, then area on right. Meet 10am to be away 10:15. Triple tick if you arrive on a Broomstick.

Quick idea of circuit: Continue W along the road, then after crossroads, a path down hill to cross Sabden Brook. Rising traverse due W to Wiswell Moor, turning right to follow the path beside the ridge which we continue to follow over the road, then taking the stream (there is a path) up the backside of Pendle Hill, curving round to the summit. A rapid knee tearing descent E, then head S to Ogden Reservoir. Cross the dam, up the hillside, then follow the ridge up to Spence Moor. Before the outward route, wend down paths to Sabden, and back up to the car park on a short footpath. Distance around 11miles, but if not long enough, I can be inventive. Anyone caught flying around will be given the standard water test for a Witch.

January 20^th - Lake District Walk - James Hoyle

This will be the classic Fairfield Horseshoe from Rydal. In my opinion one of the finest winter walks in the lakes with stunning rugged views from the summit, especially if there's a bit of the white stuff about. The walk takes in several smaller peaks including Great Rigg and Dove Crag before descending back down to Rydal. Hopefully all present will then retire, with glowing faces, to the rather quirky Badgers Bar for a little light refreshment. It looks to be about 13 kilometres on the map and if memory serves me correctly it will take about 5 hours to get round so I'm suggesting we meet in the small lane next to Rydal church from 9:30 for a 10 O'clock start. There should be ample parking.

February 8^th/15^th - Norway Ice Meet - Craig Marsden

Fed up with variable Scottish conditions and poor if any ice, want virtually guaranteed conditions with a maximum of an hour and a half walk or as little as 2 minutes, want a choice of some 175 ice routes then Rjukan in Southern Norway may well be the place for you.

Rjukan is fast becoming the ice climbing mecca with cheap and easy flights from the UK and a long climbing season.

The area around Rjukan has a very wide range of climbing available from single pitch climbing at Krokan with any from WI2 through to M10 (dry tooling heaven if that's your thing!) oh and some top roping but we won't say to much about that, the fantastic Fabrikfossen 5 pitches of easy WI 2 with a further 2 of WI3 directly above Rjukan and the 800m waterfall of Gausta giving a 17 pitch "marathon".

Rjukan is a fantastic place to try out ice climbing, it may be possible to hire gear out there. There are definitely options to hire guides for tuition including gear hire, but again not sure of the prices.

There is also a Ski area where skis and such can be rented (alpine and cross country, see website www.gaustablikk.no), an 800mm toboggan run for the inner child, a swimming pool to relax those tired muscles, the Vemork musuem for those people who like war time history.

Getting there

Ryanair fly out from Liverpool, current prices:

Outbound

Day	Date	Depart	Arrive	Price
Friday	8th Feb	18.35	21.25	£14.99
Sunday	10th Feb	12.05	14.55	£ 9.99
Monday	11th Feb	18.35	21.25	£49.99
Wednesday	13th Feb	18.35	21.25	£ 9.99

Return

Monday	11th Feb	21.50	22.45	£ 9.99
Wednesday	13th Feb	21.50	22.45	£ 9.99
Friday	15th Feb	21.50	22.45	£39.99
Sunday	17th Feb	15.20	16.15	£14.99

Car Hire

Various companies: Norway Direct, SIXT, Nova, National.

Anything from £250 to £420 car and company dependent (for some examples see me)

Accomodation

Wooden huts are the main form.

Some directly in town:

Rjukan Hytteby. (although appeared to be full when I e mailed, but they do have a motel). Link: www.rjukan-hytteby.no

Hut for 5 people max, NKr 1050 / night, NKr 5400 / week (£95, £490)

Nearest to shops, bars, swimming and café within walking distance (but do you want to be that close to the bars).

Rjukan Hytte og Caravanpark. Link: www.rjukanhytte.com

Various sized cabins:

	No of sleeping rooms	Sleeps max	Price/Cabin/night
Olabu	1	4	520NKr
Gaustasyn	2	5	1000NKr
Spelemannstogo	2	8	1125NKr *

*(I have booked this and there are currently Sue + kids, Colin + Roisin and myself in this one at a push might fit two in but there would not be much room for stuff).

Rough exchange rate is 11Kr:£

There is a hostel, but not sure of prices.

There are also cabins up at the ski area, about 7Km outside of town.

See www.rgg.no (but you will need to be conversant with Norwegian)

some pictures to wet your appetites!

April 5^th/6^th - Cairngorms, Mill Cottage - David K. Lygate

The KMC's Winter Cairngorm meet is the club's once in a season opportunity to visit a most incredible & magical area in winter for walking, climbing, skiing & reindeer. However, such wonders come at a cost, there are only twelve places available. So with the level of interest that has already been shown (pre-publication), we suggest that the hut fee of £6:50 per night (cheques for £13 total payable to the KMC) is forwarded to the meet leader as early as possible to secure your place. The quickest & easiest way to book is to email requesting a place, then when your allocation is confirmed, put a cheque in the post.

Scotland in March, will there still be snow ?

Possible scenarios:

1. Plenty of snow and ice - well excellent it's exactly what we are going for.
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 west coast has better conditions - We are less than 2 hour's drive from the Ben Nevis.
5. Totally unbearable conditions all weekend - Go to the Cairngorm Hotel for a fantastic slap-up meal (this scenario has been tried & tested), also the bar has a great atmosphere with an extensive selection of beers & whiskies. If this doesn't appeal, then Craig Marsden might take you shopping, a rare treat!

Now that all fears have been banished, back to scenario 1. The Cairngorms are 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.

1. Coire an t-Sneachda
2. Cairngorm / Ben Macdui
3. Lairig Ghru / Braeriach
4. Creag Meagaidh
5. Ben Nevis
6. Plus many, many more including the suggestions above & everything else on the road down south.

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

Mill Cottage is 0.25 miles to the North West of Feshie Bridge off the B970. Follow the old A9 to Kincraig, between Kingussie & Aviemore, take the side road to Kincraig (turn east), over bridge & past the Loch Insh Watersports Centre. Left at the T-junction & left into the Forestry Commission car park, taking the left fork onto an unpaved track above the car park. Turn down the right fork after passing below the pylon line, here you will find the hut (approximately 300 yards from the main road). Grid reference 844047, OS sheet 35 - Kingussie. SMC hut guide - "The hut has 8 bunks & a six berth alpine platform, all with mattresses; full cooking & dining facilities are supplied, all electric. Shower, toilets, drying room, multi-fuel stove in lounge with firewood & coal."

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