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March 2009 Meet Reports
November 8th - 2008 Annual Dinner - Katie Horgan/Dave Bish
Annual Dinner Saturday Walk
Although overcast and slightly damp, it was not classic pre-annual
dinner walking weather, due to the reduced precipitation and mild
temperature. The meet leader passed the meeting point at 10:50am on
the way to drop off the dinner organiser at Stanage. Little did she
know he was about to drop himself off, but more of that later. On
return to the start she was met by the patiently waiting crew of Iain
McCallum, Pete Walker, Frank Williams, Dave Wylie, Paul Gee and Perry
Libeau. Paul and Perry were new and having not seen them since, I
guess we scared them off! Keen to get going, Mr McCallum lead the
way and we all followed on behind, following the road for about half
a mile before joining the footpath. At which point, Trish called to
say she'd be late and would meet us along the way. We carried on,
crossing the river and picking up the footpath alongside it. A muddy
trudge for a coupe of miles and then we turned uphill towards
Offerton Hall. Just before the hill there was a gentle mutiny as a
lunch stop was demanded. Unused to such luxuries, I was more than
willing to comply! We continued uphill, making a brief detour on the
wrong path - the fools that follow me! We put ourselves back on the
right track and carried on. Coming up the side of Offerton Edge, I
spotted a small be-hatted person on the skyline and thought 'That
looks like Trish'. Twenty metres further on, it clearly was Trish -
she'd headed round the other way to meet us in the middle. We joined
the track from Smelting Hill, past the Tumuli and down Brough Lane.
A first beer stop was made in the Traveller's Rest and then we headed
for the second at The Rising Sun, where Perry and Paul left us. An
easy paced, straightforward walk and I didn't lose anyone!
Annual Dinner Saturday Climb
Overcast and slightly damp, it was not classic pre-annual dinner
climbing weather and as meet leader I was less than surprised to turn
up at Stanage and find myself the only KMCer in sight. I sent a few
hopeful texts and walked along from Robin Hood's cave to the
plantation in the hope of finding another lost soul. There were
plenty of parties being dragged up diffs on top-ropes but little of
note going on the slimey green rock. James called with the good news
that he, Kasia and Chris were just arriving. "Action at last," I
thought, "let's just solo up this little route here and nip back and
meet them". The route (near Paradise Wall) was surprisingly
un-slippy for the first 10 or so feet and it was only as I was
launching for the final mantle that I lost my footing, stopped going
up, started going down, started turning around and started worrying
about the ground. I scrabbled a bit on the slabby descent and just
hoped I wouldn't break anything - I almost managed to land well but
my butt hit a rock with a whump and my breath left me. I grovelled
to my phone and called James who then proceeded to run 1/2 the length
of Stanage in record time to meet a winded and stiff but adrenaline
fueled casualty (I'm not a patient patient!). Sadly James, Kasia and
Chris weren't too happy with my desire to lie at the bottom of their
route in a bivvy bag and they found that the slimy rock really wasn't
going well in any case (it seems they were not even encouraged by my
encouragement!) so after another hour or so they delightedly dumped
me at the dinner venue and went off for a walk in the general
direction of the earlier party.
Annual Dinner Eating and Speaking
The Rising Sun Inn did us proud with the beautifully laid out room
complete with fresh flowers on the tables and a long head table set
against the wood panelled walls that made the various trophies on
display look well posh.
The nosh came out a bit slow but it was worth waiting for. The beef
in Guinness casserole was the hit of the night with plenty on the
plates and even some leftovers (rumour has it that some people even
asked for - and got - more!)
The easier dinner quiz this year got table groups being a bit silly,
with the architects and engineers in the party on their feet. The
wine for the winning table helped keep things oiled to such an extent
that the KMC's benevolence netted £250 for the Edale mountain rescue
(OK - they only did it for the raffle prizes but the Goblin pie, hat
and toaster were true collector's items!)
Geoff, our speaker, arrived bursting with his legendary enthusiasm
and spoke with passion aided by pictures of climbs that have inspired
him, the rope he secretly stole from his dad to go cragging (before
he got found out because he couldn't coil it when he put it back) and
the climbing belt and long socks he bought from one Lenn Stubbs' shop
on Deansgate ("Red will hide the blood" he was allegedly told).
Geoff went on to contend that if there is such a thing as a natural
climber he doesn't know what the creature looks like but that a
passion for the hills is something all great climbers share. This
speech - not too long, not too short went down well and got people
talking (I think Ken only heckled once!).
Awards followed and with the coveted golden mouse once again going to
our treasured webmeister Dave Wylie, with a golden swimsuit for Midge
Castick's frozen aquatic antics, a golden Karabiner for XXXXXX and a
golden compass for Anne Sanderson with several minor awards I am not
going to mention.
Annual DInner Sunday (Presidential) Walk
Ask Andy - he dunnit!
Annual Dinner Sunday Climb
For the second year running our guest speaker did more climbing on
the Sunday than anyone else (a tradition becoming established or a
gauntlet for the KMC ?). Geoff led a small group finding the drier
patches on Froggatt edge while a few less hardy members sampled the
delights of Grindleford Cafe (reader, I confess - I was that tea
drinker) and the Padley Gorge.
November 29th - Black Rocks Meet - Richard Yorke
Attendees: Richard Yorke (Meet Leader), James Hoyle.
Very cold and very foggy weather made for an atmospheric meet with
three routes done: Gaia, Meshuga and Curving Arete. And then James
and I awoke from our dreams and climbed Right Promontory Gully,
Stonnis Arete Variations and Blind Man's Crack. Shame about the
weather and the poor turnout but we both left the crag feeling better
than when we arrived so it must have been worth it. We shall return.
January 11th - Forest of Bowland Walk - Dave Bone
Members present: Dave Bone, Mark Ashley, Bob Kelly.
Guest: Elizabeth Wilson.
As usual I had little idea who would be there, and it turned out to
be a solo drive (for all) up the M6. The forecast was not brilliant
it had to be said, with gale force winds due and some rain, but with
2 definites I had to go. What's this, "Road Closed" at Abbeystead -
phew, it's from tomorrow? Bob was already there, but the signs caused
consternation amongst those following so the party was only complete
at the appointed hour. Well done the Navigators!
So we set along the river in murky conditions, just about dry above
but soggy underfoot. It had been frozen solid only the day before,
but the rapid thaw had left the mud unconsolidated. Still we
eventually gained the road and marched along it, strangely no
motorcycles streaming past, with a quick exit up the gravel track
past Tower Lodge. A break in the shelter of the wall - no more such
for miles and the wind was being felt now, as was the flying
drizzle/mist/cloud. On across the grassy moor to Brennand Great hill,
where a large boulder broke the force of the wind, still behind us.
Humidity inside as great as out, we soon battled onwards to the main
ridge, all visibility gone inside the cloud. And taking the wind on
the other cheek, we were hurried out to Wolfhole Crag, with a Trig
point at long last appearing in the gloom.
Now for a hunt for shelter, being very definitely lunchtime and no
where else likely to offer it. The wall was no good - too low and no
corners. The escarpment edge faced the wind so one of the climbing
crags had to do (but not for climbing on today, as anyone would be
ripped from the face such was the force of the wind now). The crag
looked big enough but strangely the wind blew right round it so we
had to make the best of the huddle of boulders at one arete. Lunch
wasn't long? There might be some caving in those boulders - if you do
and find a flask top, it's Mark's.
Then it was back down the ridge again, wind more in our faces. I
think it did rain a bit at times, but it went by so fast in the
overall 100% wind driven humidity we never had time to say hello,
just got 100% damp instead. Not particularly cold though with all the
effort expended. I have to say that the going underfoot was not the
usual Bowland stuff. Once on the hill, the ground was still frozen
hard under a surface layer of water, so with the odd patch of neve,
walking, or balancing on the solid peat pinnacles, was pretty fast.
Instead of getting black, you just got wet. A serious discussion at
Brown Syke - cut it short or carry on - but the mad devils all wanted
to continue, so on it was following wall and fence line. The fence is
being replaced - abandoned tractors and other tools seemed to litter
the moor. Linking the two tops of Wards Stone required a compass
bearing, and then it was off west on the scrappy path. The only
person of the day was seen here - a fell runner (not the Bish)
heading the other way - don't know who was the crazier. The ridge
flattened out - where the heck is the track - I want off (as did
everybody). That's a post, and yes here is the track. Suddenly it
gets easier, and we dropped below the cloud - we even had a sort of
view. The miles back to the cars were easy then, and one could relax,
battles done. Sometimes it feels good to have gone out and fought a
good fight. No more rain and we were back by 4pm - no other hill
walkers about still. Thanks to those who came along, hope you will
return.
January 17th/18th - KMC/Craven MC Joint Meet - Katie Horgan
Members present: Katie Horgan, David Bish, James Hoyle, Kasia Hoyle,
Trish Cranston.
Craven Members: Dick Winslow, Bruce Miller, Mark Kitching.
Guests: Gill Davidson, Geraldine ..., Andrew Ketley, Rachel Ketley.
And about 22 members of the Royal Veterinary College.
The KMC and CMC parties arrived at about 9:30pm on a chilly Friday
evening. This was the second meet with members of the Skipton based
Craven Mountaineering Club. Tea was eaten, wine and beer were drunk
and we all retired to the various dorms. At about 1am more arrivals
were heard. It sounded like thousands but could only have been a few
extra, given the rubbish forecast. Morning came and as I stumbled
into the kitchen I realised that thousands were nearer the mark -
there were bodies everywhere! 22 members of the Royal Veterinary
College had turned up and, finding people in nearly every dorm, had
gently squeezed themselves into the gaps, opted for the floor or
crashed in the sitting room! They turned out to be about the most
organised group of students I've ever come across - breakfasts and
evening meals were prepared and cooked with almost military
efficiency and orderly feeding and washing up queues formed
everywhere!
Anyway, we old and disorganised folk stumbled our way through
breakfast and, seeing blue skies and light winds, stuck to the
original YGarn walk plan - yes, I know everyone's done it about a
billion times but I wanted a walk from the hut for new people! David
and Geraldine headed off to Tremadog for rock.
We headed out and up, it was cold and a bit windy but sunny. The
slopes up to Elidir Fach were pretty tough going for some of us, so
the party in true KMC fashion, divided, with the stronger walkers
leading off to the top of Elidir Fach and then on to Elidir Fawr.
The CMC crew, Jill and I were in the B party, which briefly stopped
for lunch on Elidir Fach. We headed of to Elidir Fawr but halfway
up, with the wind blowing us sideways, Dick, Jill and I turned tail
and headed down to Machlyn Mawr reservoir while Mark and Bruce
continued up to join the others. The reservoir was looking
distinctly maritime with tidal waves crashing on the far shores -
very spectacular and after we'd walked along the road to the quarries
and round to bus stop, the waterfall in the quarry was defying
gravity. We arrived at the hut pleased to be out of the gale and the
rest of the party arrived about 30 minutes later, having got to
Elidir Fawr and heading into Nant Peris before coming back up past
the power station.
The RVC crew arrived en masse with some having attempted Snowdon
(they too were turned back by the wind) and the others having done a
valley walk. David and Geraldine weren't far behind. They'd bagged
Craig Ddu wall in the gale force winds - an exciting trip by all
accounts!
We all had a steamy, sociable evening in the hut with an attempt at
the numerous bottles of whisky (we didn't get very far) and made
plans for a lower down walk for Sunday. The morning dawned slightly
less windy with some sun, so David and Geraldine again decided to
climb, although David ran first before they went off to do Flying
Buttress on Dinas Cromlech. The rest of the KMC/CMC party headed to
Trefriw for an 8 mile walk along the Crafnant valley, past the old
lead mine workings and through to Llyn Crafnant. It was a bit tough
for the 'new' walkers but a lovely route through the valley and
forests around Trefriw. We were a bit late for the tearooms at the
end of the day, so went back to cars for the journey home. CMC had a
good trip and sent a 'thankyou' email the next week, so I'm pretty
sure that a pleasant day was had by all!
No idea what the RVC's did but we passed them trudging along the road
through Llanberis!
February 1st - Peak District Walk - Dave Shotton
Members: John Castick, Virginia Castick, Trish Cranston, Andy
Croughton, Roger Dyke, James Hoyle, Kasia Hoyle, Bob Kelly, Iain
McCallum, Neville McMillan, Dave Shotton, Brian Street, Brian Taylor,
Frank Williams.
Guests: Rachael Flynn, Katy Perreault, Jeff Richardson, Liz Wilson.
A grand total of eighteen keen walkers gathered at Gradbach car park
and set off around 10 a.m. in fine weather past the Youth Hostel to
follow a path through woodland above the River Dane leading to
Danebridge. There we resisted the lure of the local pub (much to
Andy's disgust) and climbed up steeply through woodland, pausing for
elevenses just before we reached open fields at the top. We then
walked across the fields past Hangingstone Farm and followed the
track passing below the Hanging Stones. (We didn't detour to visit
these although some of us were curious about a plaque distantly
visible on the rocks; this, I later discovered, is a memorial to
local member of the gentry and military man Lt Col Henry Courtney
Brocklehurst, killed in Burma in WW2 - though it doesn't mention his
responsibility for the wallabies which once roamed the Roaches after
escaping from his private zoo!). We continued in somewhat duller and
breezier weather towards the intersection with the road at Roach End,
where John Castick and Frank Williams left us for a shorter route
back to the start point.
The rest of the party carried on along the ridge taking us above the
Roaches, by which time a fine, dry snow was beginning to fall.
Temperatures must have been low recently as Doxey Pool was frozen
over when we passed. We continued down the ridge in driving snow to
the saddle between the Roaches and Hen Cloud, and followed tracks
past Well Farm in the general direction of Naychurch. At this point
the meet leader got decidedly lost and a detour ensued along a lane
taking us above Dains Mill in the direction of Upper Hulme; the route
was finally retraced and we continued through the farm at Naychurch.
The snow had stopped falling by this time so we stopped for a late
lunch in the lee of a rocky outcrop next to a bend in the minor road
just west of Ramshaw Rocks. At this point John Castick suddenly
reappeared in his trekking sandals having driven to find us and
collect his passengers.
Lunch eaten, Virginia, Roger and Neville accepted John's offer of a
lift and made an early exit, although not until Roger and Neville had
led us on a short excursion to the southern end of Ramshaw Rocks to
point out a noteworthy climb they had done a few years before. After
failing on a VS on the Roaches, and even deciding against doing the
Moderate escape route, they had retreated to Ramshaw Rocks where they
had surprised themselves by succeeding in climbing a short but fierce
corner groove which goes at E1! Roger subsequently identified the
route as Louie Groove, described in my Staffordshire Gritstone guide
as "an intimidating lead". [Strongly attacked by the KMC during Foot
and Mouth. Ed.]
Over the Roaches ridge [D. Shotton].
Now down by five, the remaining stalwarts continued north along the
ridge of Ramshaw Rocks, down across fields of heather and long grass,
crossed the road and continued north on a track past the crags of
Baldstones. Paths led on over rocky ground a little way to the right
of Gib Torr Rocks and on through a deforested area just before we
reached the road by Gib Torr Farm.
From here the way headed west on the home stretch towards Gradbach
along the road and a subsequent track which contoured around the
lower slopes of Gradbach Hill. A fine snow had started to fall again,
driven by wind and starting to settle on the ground.
We passed the Youth Hostel a little before 4 p.m. (unfortunately not
leaving time to avail ourselves of their public weekend café which
was closing at that time) and regained the car park shortly
afterwards. Total distance covered by the main group in the day
should have been around 12 miles, although the detour near Hen Cloud
probably made it nearer 13!
As twilight approached, around 10 of us repaired to the Traveller's
Rest on the A53 near Flash for coffee or something stronger (and
chocolate Freddo Frogs), before heading home through the snow.
February 8th - Monsal Trail Stroll by the stream - Joe Flynn
Members: John Dobson, Pete Walker, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Iain
McCallum, Dave Summerfield, Lorna Marsden, Ken Beetham, Phil
Ramsbottom.
Guests: Andrew, Rachel, Geoff, Sylvia.
The BBC reported that England had been brought to a halt by a
widespread blanket of snow a few days before this walk. A phone call
to Chris and Rosie, who live at Sparrowpit, confirmed that all roads
were open. Yet again a few inches of snow around broadcasting house
and the capital had resulted in mis-reporting the true national
picture. Some northern local authorities even had enough snowploughs
and road salt.
I received re-assuring phone calls that if the roads were open then I
would have company for the walk. As you will note from the list of
people above if was a well attended meet. The lay-by on the A6 above
Chee Dale was virtually free of snow but for the rest of the day we
crunched through a couple of inches of nice snow. The only hazards we
met were dangerous Swords of Damocles icicles as we walked by the
river beyond Chee Dale and at Water cum Jolly and later the packed
ice/snow on popular sections of path particularly on the accent to
the Monsal Head Hotel. This is a steep narrow path that many
motorists ventured on to and auditioned for Dancing on Ice. Phil
rescued an unfortunate (about four times) and prevented him from
becoming a human avalanche and taking the rest of us with him.
By the half way point at the Monsal Head we had only lost one person.
Pete had decided to return and back his own way back. Ken met us at
the Hotel and it was great to see him. We had refreshments but some
of us did not have the patience to wait for the barrel of Black Hole
to be changed and settled for an inferior substitute. Keen to be
moving again we left Andrew and Rachel waiting for food and possibly
a better pint. ( Has anyone seen then since)?Geoff and Sylvia headed
back retracing their steps and reduced in number we headed back down
to the river and the second half of the walk. We arrived back at the
cars at 4pm and five minutes later Geoff and Sylvia Arrived. Pete had
left but I rang him at home and he said he enjoyed the walk.
On the way home I detoured to Buxton so John could recover his
favourite hat that he thought he had left in the Roseleigh hotel.
This capped a great day.
For those who missed it and want to following our footsteps the route
was from the lay-by on the A6 three miles east of Buxton at Grid ref
113725 (map OS Explorer OL24). Free parking. The 12 mile stroll
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.
Photographs from the meet are in the Picture Gallery
February 14th/15th - Ty Powdwr Working Party - James Hoyle
Members Present: James Hoyle, Chris Williams, Iain McCallum, Dave
Wylie, Dave Bish, Kasia Hoyle.
A huge number of tasks were undertaken by the members present. Lots
of cleaning was the main order of the day with Dave Bish feverishly
cleaning the main cooker until it looked almost as good as new and
Kasia working hard on the fridges. Both bathroom areas were cleaned
as were the bedrooms and the lounge. Chris put up many new notices
to tidy up those that were looking a little out of date and completed
a multitude of other jobs whilst Dave W fitted a new water boiler to
replace the one that had a leaking tap. He then leapt into action on
the roof to replace a slate, which had slipped off and was letting
water in. Lots of jobs were done tidying up and finishing things off
like where the bedroom ladders once were and testing various systems.
Perhaps most interesting was the tour of obscure hut areas given by
Dave W whose advice and experience in hut related matters was most
appreciated and a big thank you to Iain for creating the most tasty
part of the day in lunch. Chris and I were able to introduce
ourselves to Sally Brown at the farm and hope to be able to maintain
good relations between her and the club.
Looking to the future Chris and I made an inspection of the track
following concerns raised by other members and found it to be in
reasonable order however the steeper sections have had the top layer
of stone washed away over the years and really need a replacement
layer or the track will become potholed. We are in the process of
investigating the best way to deal with this matter at the moment.
Finally I should just say that measurements were also taken of the
foam mattresses in the dorms. The covers are now in a very poor
state of repair with huge holes ripped in several. I would like to
buy some new material and make some new bed sheets. Unfortunately
standard sizes you can buy in the shops won't fit so I desperately
need the help of some members who are handy with a needle and thread
(or sewing machine) to help me with this task.
A massive thank you to those who came to my first working party as
hut manager. A lot was achieved and I hope some fun was had even if
all the snow had melted just before we got there!
February 22nd - Kinder Northern Edges Walk - Phil Ramsbottom
Members: Sheena Hendrie, Virginia Castick, Sandy Gregson, Jim
Gregson, Alan Peck, David Shotton, Chris Thickett, Roger Dyke, Alan
(H) Jones, Phil Ramsbottom
Guests: Katy Perreault , Angela (?), Jason Whitby
For those of us who enjoyed a frozen Kinder in near perfect condition
on Jim's meet in December this was the ideal antidote - mile upon
mile of soft wet peat and mud enhanced by a persistent drizzle blown
into our faces as we climbed up Ashop Clough.
We were huddled down for coffee behind some rocks just after Mill
Hill when Roger came up with the quote of the day "Lets face it
Skippy (Alan H's dog) is the only one enjoying this".
After this it got really muddy with the peat made even softer after
the recent snow as we slalomed along the edges passing the rescue
team carrying a customer on a stretcher (if it was an exercise I bet
there was a fight for who was going on the stretcher).
It did improve however, that is the mist lifted and the rain stopped
so that by the time we had reached Fair Brook one or two faces were
actually looking cheerful as we stopped for lunch.
Onward and upward we managed to stay together to Seal Stones where
Virginia, Sheena, Chris and Roger opted for a shorter return down
Gate Side Clough. Much to my surprise the rest chose to continue to
Blackden Brook which gave us an entertaining scramble down to the old
barn. Some of the party taking a direct line whilst the rest stuck
with the right of way which leads to the vital footbridge via a
slight diversion, (watch for the ruined sheepfold on the right).
Once at the road we were forced to go downhill to Hayridge Farm. From
here there was a very definite age and fitness split in the climb
back up to the cars - Alan H and the younger members of the party
disappearing into the distance as the rest of us puffed along in
their wake.
Back at the cars everyone (apart from Jim and Sandy of course) was
plastered with peat juice but the three new faces were still smiling
and claiming to have enjoyed the day - a thousand thanks for not
blaming me for the weather.
March Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2009 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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