Karabiner Mountaineering Club

January 2009 Forthcoming Meets

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

"I accept that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a risk of personal injury or death. I am aware of and shall accept these risks and wish to participate in these activities voluntarily and shall be responsible for my own actions and involvement."

January 11^th - Forest of Bowland Walk - Dave Bone

After a long break from meets and perhaps not too much activity, something is needed on the Calendar. So here is a circuit in the Forest of Bowland, offering a bit of a mixture, wild untamed moorland, boggy moorland as it used to be, track, woods and riverside. Even a bit of Climbing if you want it.

Start point: Car park in Abbeystead (GR564543 on Landranger 102). From junction 33 on the M6, turn left (south) onto the A6 and 1/4mi fork left following signs for the Trough and Dolphinholme. Left, under the railway bridge, 2nd left and straight on (ignore the Trough now) into and through Dolphinholme (2nd right at the mini-roundabout confusion). Past the school in Abbeystead, over the river and immediately turn right through the wooden gated (open) road. Small carpark on the right so share cars as much as possible.

Route: Follow the Wyre Way Eastwards along the riverbank to the road at 583537. An unfortunate quick mile along the road to Tower Lodge, then up unto the White Moor at 602546. Turn right on the ex-permissive path (now Access Land) and find a way via the knoll of Miller's House to Brennand Great Hill. With more signs of a path head north to the main ridge fence line where a right turn is made for the rocky top of Wolfhole Crag, 527m. This is apparently the furthest gritstone crag from the road in the UK, there are ~8 routes to 9m. For collectors of such notable tops, an RAF Anson crashed here in February 1944.

After a break, head west for the main path at Brown Syke (Dark brown that is), where shorter walk option 1 heads for Tarnbrook (easy after 1st half mile), and the KMC route tackles the peat en-route for the Ward's Stone, highest point of the Bowland (560/1m). After this the going is easier westwards, and a search for a track at 564588 should see us storming downhill past Grizedale Head to rejoin the road. At Lee Bridge, take a footpath to Abbystead school and the carpark.

Total distance 13mi/21km, ~400m ascent. Start time 10am (remember a headtorch in case).

January 17^th/18^th - Joint Meet with Craven MC at Ty Powdwr - Katie Horgan

Wild Walks, Frosty Fell Runs and Cold Climbs - depending on the weather. For those with their climbing heads on, there are long routes all over the place. David's coming too, so he'll have some bright ideas. On a similar note, there'll be running going on, including some Bob Graham training for anyone who wants to stretch their legs and try keeping up with himself. I'm planning to run(!) up Snowdon on Saturday - probably up the Miner's and down the Tourist path. Crib Goch or the Horseshoe would be a good bet for anyone wanting to walk. In the vain hope that January does its thing, I guess something icy might be 'in' - Parsley Fern, Sergeant's Gully? But I doubt it! Join us for cold days out and mulled wine and crumble in.

January 25^th - Yorkshire Limestone - Duncan Lee

Yorkshire Limestone - Pot Scar (GR. SD795678).

Being quick drying and catching all the sun that is going this excellent little crag has as good a chance as any of being climbable at this time of year. If that is the case it is home to a good selection of routes from diff to E3 with the best of the bunch being in the VS - E1 range.

If that's not the case it's in a lovely spot that is well worth a visit and has a fantastic cafe adjacent to the very limited parking spot in the hamlet of Feizor. In fact the slices of home-made cake may actually be bigger than the parking area so car sharing is essential!

If the weather is kind to us I plan to be at the crag by 11am by which time the sun will have had a chance to take the chill off the rock. If the weather is bad I will be sat in the cafe sampling the cakes whilst contemplating a short walk (or waddle in Vicky's case) around some of the other crags in the area, or an attempt at "The duck squeezer's route" (F4+). Who can resist a climb with such a silly name? Not me, that's for sure. So "set Feizors to stun" and give me a ring if you plan to come along so I can try to co-ordinate car sharing.

February 1^st - Peak District Walk - Dave Shotton

This is a pleasant winter walk taking in some familiar Staffordshire gritstone climbing country, along with some lesser-known territory in the form of a wooded gorge and some open moorland.

Start point: Gradbach car park and picnic area at grid reference SJ998662 on the road to Gradbach Youth Hostel (approach from the A53 via Flash, or from the A54 at Allgreave). The car park is apparently free, but is relatively small so please share cars where possible.

Start time: Meet at 09:45 for a 10:00 start.

Map: OS Explorer OL24 White Peak Area; alternatively Landrangers 118 (Stoke-on-Trent & Macclesfield) and 119 (Buxton & Matlock).

Distance: 12 miles or thereabouts. Bring a headtorch just in case.

Route: From Gradbach car park, head towards the Youth Hostel then take the path to the right of it. Keeping the River Dane on your right, follow the woodland path down the river gorge, crossing a footbridge over Black Brook and continuing along the Dane Valley Way towards Danebridge.

Just before the bridge at Danebridge, turn left at a stile and follow signs to Hangingstone, climbing through woodland and continuing across fields and on tracks above Hangingstone Farm and below the Hanging Stones.

Follow the ridge to Roach End and on past the Roaches, keeping as high as possible above the crags along the way. Carry on and descend the ridge, passing to the right of Well Farm and skirting around the north side of Hen Cloud. Follow paths and tracks past Naychurch to the A53, then turn left and follow the ridge of Ramshaw Rocks.

Heading north from Ramshaw Rocks, descend across heathery moorland towards a lane junction, then cross the road and follow paths across rocky ground and through the bog- and woodland of Black Brook Nature Reserve. Turn left to join the road near the farm at Gib Torr, and after a short distance turn left again at a T-junction. Follow this road trending downhill towards Gradbach, continuing straight on at a junction to follow a walled track heading in the same general direction. Continue along paths below Gradbach Hill, then keep on along a track and finally a lane leading back to the car park.

February 8^th - Derbyshire Walk - Joe Flynn

Sunday Stroll by the Stream

Please join me for a Sunday Stroll by the River Wye . The stroll will start from the lay-by on the A6 three miles east of Buxton at Grid ref 113725 ( map OS Explorer OL24). Free parking. Be there for 9.45 for 10am start.

It will be a 12 mile stroll. The route follows much of the Monsal trail.

Chee Dale

Litton Mill

Miller's Dale

Cressbrook Mill ( AKA the Devils' Mill)

Water cum Jolly

Lunch at the Monsal Head Hotel ( Muddy boots allowed, Black Hole Mild and very good menu )

Taddington village

Various options back to cars depending on condition of weather and group.

February 14^th/15^th - Hut Working Party - James Hoyle

This will be mine and Chris' first working party since taking over the management of the hut from Roger. As always many hands make light work and it would be great if loads of people could make it down to Snowdonia for the weekend. Tasks lined up are numerous, varied and suitable for all abilities but a good spring clean is definitely in the offing, a new hot water boiler may be installed in the kitchen and there's always plenty of potential for a spot of woodwork or painting. Lunch will be provided on the Saturday and February is the best time of the year to appreciate the fire in the lounge over a beer or glass of wine in the evening. Wales has already experienced a bit of early season winter climbing this December so this could be an omen of even greater things to come for a bit of a play on the Sunday. Alternatively if winter has already come to an end a good walk may be the order of the day. Perhaps a round of the Carneddau? Who knows; but no doubt plans will be discussed during furious bouts of scrubbing, brushing and polishing! If you could let me know if you intend to come it would help me to ensure I have enough food and we hope to see you there.

February 22^nd - Kinder Northern Edges - Phil Ramsbottom

Please join me for a walk around the Northern side of Kinder which can also serve as a rece for the interesting part of my Marsden - Edale in June.

Meet at Birchen Clough Bridge - ref SK109915 at 9:30 for a 9:45 start.

The route will possibly vary with the weather and conditions but will be something like:

Up Ashop Clough to the top of William Clough, then follow the Northern Edges heading East to Fairbrook Naze and then on to Seal Stones. From here down Gate Side Clough back to the valley which will the lead us back to the cars.

This will be around 9.5 miles but this can be varied considerably - either longer or shorter.

February 28^th/March 1^st - Lagangarbh Hut, Glencoe - Brian Street

This is a spectacular base for a winter Scottish meet right underneath Buachaille Etive Mor in the Glen Coe pass (grid ref 221 559). This is the little white building that you always see on the TV adverts for Scotland! What is more, it is only about 1.5 miles away from the Kings House Hotel for some hard earned refreshment after a hard days toil on the hill. The bad news is that there are only 8 beds available (at a mere £7 a night). As is the usual custom, it is first come (or paid), first served. Please give me a ring or e-mail me at work if you are interested.

March 7^th/8^th - FRCC Joint Meet - Chris Thickett

Accommodation for this meet will be at FRCC's 'The Salving House' hut in Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Grid Reference NY 258148. I expect to reserve 7 male and 5 female places for the weekend at a cost of £5 for KMC members and £7 for guests. Contact me to book your place in advance, fees will be collected during the weekend. Please note that the car park can fill up quickly if the hut is anywhere near full.

Although high crags are most likely out of condition so early in the year, there are any number of low lying crags in the Borrowdale area providing routes of all grades. For example, Shepherds Crag is just down the valley and Castle Rock is not so far in the car. Walking options are endless with easy access to the highest fells. Even if the weather is lousy, there are many fine low level walks from the hut.

Perhaps I should mention the pub - 'The Scafell' is about one minute walk from the hut! The village shop is less than 10 seconds away; Keswick is 15 minutes in the car. You're sure to have a good time whatever the weather, so book early to reserve your place.

March 21^st/22^nd - Alex Mac Hut - Mark Garrod

For those who don't know the hut, it is in a superb location for Glen Coe, the Ben, and even a trip to Fort Willam if you need to go shopping, being one mile north (over) the Ballachulish bridge on the right, just 50 metres after the Creag Mhor hotel - grid ref 044612.

The days will be longer and hopefully the conditions great for either winter days out, ice-climbing, and skiing, or sun-kissed routes and Munro-yomping. Whisky may figure in the evening plans - who knows.

Normal booking conditions for hut meets please, which are that you don't get a confirmed place until I see the colour of your money (or cheque). Cost is £5.50 per person per night. If those interested can get in touch, I can help to try and coordinate transport if needed. Michelle and I will probably be up there from late Thursday or early Friday.

March 29^th - Bridestones - Dan O'Brien

Bridestones if an extensive bouldering crag situated between Hebdon Bridge and Todmorden. The landings are generally good (i.e. flat!!) and the walk in is short (i.e. not too far to lug those enormous crash pads!!)

There are plenty of problems across the grades to keep everyone busy all day, indeed Bridestones is an ideal place to practice climbing off-widths in its many chimney-based problems.

I intend to park near the Sportsman's Arms on a road called The Long Causeway (between Burnley and Hebden Bridge!) Unhelpfully this road does not have a number (according to Google) and the pub does not have a postcode (again, thanks go out to Google) so this vague description will have to do...

Get yourself on the A646 between Burnley and Todmorden and drive until you get to a small village called Cornholme (if you get to either Burnley or Todmorden you have gone too far, turn around and try again, slowly this time!) If you are coming from Todmorden turn right under a viaduct up Pudsey Road (if coming from Burnley take a left, you get the picture, right??) Carry on up the road for a long way (yes, we know it's really steep!) until you reach a t-junction. Go right and the Sportsman's Arms should be on the left.

I will be at the carpark for 10am and will leave immediately for the crag. I'd like to climb initially at the far end of the crag (nearest the Bridestone itself) and then work our way back to the cars over the course of the day.

No ropes required! Bring a pad if you have one, else just bring yourself. Hope to see a good turnout, the Sportsman's Arms awaits!

April 4^th/5^th - Bob Graham Challenge Walk - Des Chadderton

In support of Dave Bish's Bob Graham attempt this meet is designed to give walkers a feel for the distance of the BG. Variations on a theme are possible and less severe walks can be undertaken utilising the accommodation at the Wayfarers Hut opposite the Raw Head Hut (FRCC) in Langdale which will be booked for Saturday evening only.

SATURDAY (29 miles & 11,000 ft gain/loss) - LEG 1&2 of the BG

The walk starts at Keswick in the early hours of the morning with a huge push up and down Skiddaw and then via Threkeld to complete the full traverse of the Clough Head- Helvellyn- Fairfield ridge before dropping down into the pass at Dunmail Raise, north of Grasmere.

A car has to be parked at Dunmail Raise to pick up the starting car at Keswick. Accommodation will be in the Langdale valley.

SUNDAY (28 miles & 10,000 ft gain/loss) - LEG 3 of the BG plus extras!

The walk starts very early at Dunmail Raise with a climb up High Raise via Steel Fell and then via Rosset Pike to explore the summits of Esk Pike through to Scafell before returning via the ridge Esk Pike (again)-Bowfell- Crinkle Crags. And finally a pint at the New Dungeon Ghyll Inn!

Obviously the car at the New Dungeon Ghyll Inn will need to be dropped off very early on Sunday morning.

IMPORTANT

This event is not for the faint hearted and very much dependent on the weather. Langdale accommodation will need to be booked in advance and it is subject to availability. Therefore please notify me if you are interested ASAP.

Anyone attempting the walk will have to carry all relevant equipment to make an independent exit from the main party and foreshorten their walk because of blisters, lost lunch boxes, dropped beer funds, etc. Also depending on the number interested you may also have to hitch to someplace warm to await recovery.

You may also choose to stay in the hut and do your own thing or support the walkers or Dave running the full BG.

Dave will complete BG legs 1, 2 & 3 on Saturday and will sleep at the Brackenclose Hut in Wasdale (he can sign in a couple of guests I understand). On Sunday he shall complete legs 4 & 5 and return to Keswick covering 42 peaks, 70 miles & 27,000ft of gain/loss in a weekend. So why not support him?

April 26^th - President's Hotpot - The Committee

The venue for this year's President's Hotpot and Slide show competition is THE GLOBE INN in Glossop.

The usual Hotpot will be provided with a dessert option still under discussion.

The Glossop is situated on the main road through Glossop. Full address is The Globe Inn, 144 High St West, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8HJ. Tel: 01457 852417

The Globe is a Vegetarian & Vegan Pub, which serves a large variety of Real Ales. For more information about the venue visit their website at www.globemusic.org or give Heather a call.

More information about prices and the other events on the day will be in the next newsletter.

If people want to book their places early, please contact Heather by email or by phone.

All entries for this year's competition should be sent to Andrew Croughton by email or post.

Categories are:

Mountain Landscape

Mountain Action

Climbing Action

Human Interest

Digital Fun

All entries must have been taken over the 2008/2009 period leading up to the Hot Pot itself. Please note any entries outside of this time period will be disqualified and the culprit barred from future competitions.

May 23^rd/31^st - Skye Week - Rough, Tough Mountaineer's Accommodation Proposal! - James Hoyle

Those of you who have already given the meets calendar for next year a scan may have spotted that I am organising a KMC week on Skye for the last week in May. It would be wonderful to see as many members there as possible be they into walking, climbing, scrambling or whatever. Indeed as I write this in mid November I have already had several members see me to express a keen interest in the meet. Some of them have asked me to look into the possibility of hiring a guesthouse as the Glenbrittle hut was fully booked when I tried. Having done so I have discovered many in the village of Carbost about 10km from Glenbrittle which would cost about £100 per person for a week. If people could contact me before the end of February if they are interested in this I will organise it. Fear not if this is not your cup of tea as there are loads more options including campsites, youth hostels and bunk barns. Final details will follow in the next newsletter.

June 27^th - Marsden to Edale - Phil Ramsbottom

This is advance notice of my June meet which is going to be the Pennine classic walk. This is to allow you plenty of time to start training.

I intend to do it in classic (now called environmentally friendly) style ie: early train from Manchester Victoria to Marsden and then train back from Edale to Manchester Piccadilly (ask me and I'll tell you where you can park free close to Victoria). I have chosen Saturday because the train times are better than on Sundays.

It would be good to camp overnight in Edale but this will need a volunteer to meet us there with the camping gear - I am certainly not carrying mine all the way.

January Newsletter Index.

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