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September 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."
September 6th - Peak Climbing - Bamford - James Hoyle
I will have just returned from the Alps prior to this meet so the
short walk in to the base of this crag will no doubt make a pleasant
change. This is a great piece of rock for a day out in sunny weather
so here's hoping. There are some great routes right across the grade
bands. I will be at the car parking area on the road side at about
10 O'clock. No doubt the pub may well be calling at the bottom of
the hill by the end of the day. I know we went to Bamford last year
but I couldn't make it and everyone seemed to have fun so I thought a
repeat visit might be welcomed. Hope to see you there.
September 12th/13th - Cycling, Scottish Borders - Andrew Croughton
I intend to camp at Ashieview Stud farm camp site in Ancrum. Tel 01835 830592 or 07814 679854. £4.50 per person per night.
From A68 approx 3 miles north of Jedburgh, take the B6400 (signed
Lilliesleaf & Ancrum). Campsite approx 2 miles past village green on the right, 300 yards
past Ashieburn farmhouse and Caravan Club Site.
Saturdays intended route, from campsite to Melrose, on to Kelso and
back to Ancrum. The ride is approximately 44 miles on good quiet
roads with moderate hills, but nothing too strenuous.
Sundays intended route, from campsite on to Nisbet, on to Morebattle
then on to Jedburgh and back to Ancrum. The ride is approximately 23
miles.
The campsite is quiet and basic with a shower/toilet block, and a
good grassy field.
The Cross Keys pub in Ancrum is listed in the good pub guide and
sells real ale and excellent food.
Drive time from Manchester three and half to four hours. Start time both days, approximately 10am.
Hope to see you there.
September 20th - Bleaklow Bogtrot - Keith Williams
Start: Public Car Park, SE side of the B6105 on the S side of Torside
reservoir. Grid Ref SK067983. I suggest that we park, if
possible, in the bay at the rear LHS.
Time: 09.45 for a prompt departure at 10.00hrs.
Route: Clough Edge above Torside Clough, Wain Stones, Bleaklow
Stones, SK 125 980. From here, down Far Black Clough to the
Trans-Pennine Trail and back to the Car Park. Anyone looking for a
longer trip could extend this over Swain's Head then either Far Small
Clough or Round Hill before dropping down to the T-P Trail and C.P.
Length: Short route - 6hrs/10.5 miles + 1600 feet ascent.
Map: The Dark Peak 1:25K".
September 26th/27th - Northumberland Climbing - Dave Bone
A little bit of difficulty in choosing here, do I go for the
adventurous, never tried before moorland crags, or play safe with the
well known west facing crags. So for best chance of success, I'm
playing 'safe' and starting off at least with a well known crag. In
all of this vast county I aim to be at the west facing Sandstone crag
of Bowden Doors [NU 070 325] from 10:30am on the Saturday. This is
just 200m North of the B6349 Belford-Wooler road, ~2.5mi from
Belford. With over 130 routes in my guide, with stars from D to E
what's that then, there ought to be something to amuse everyone for a
day. How about Tiger's Wall VS 5a***, Lorraine VS 5a***, Castle Crack
VD***, Canada Crack HVS 5a***. Be strong. The rock is heavily
featured and the view of the Cheviots fine. Consider bringing
something to protect the rock from the rope (worn grooves), and note
sandstone is best avoided for a day after heavy rain.
Saturday evening (or more) reconvene to the campsite on the western
side of Wooler at 983282 - Highburn House Country holiday park.
"Follow the A697 to Wooler, turn left onto High Street shopping
centre, left onto Burnhouse Road, we are 400 yards along on the
left". 01668 281344, www.highburn-house.co.uk. It has the advantage
of being a short walk from the town centre with a not-inconsiderable
array of Pubs. It will be seen from the map one can walk into the
Cheviots from here?
Sunday is a little more open - for more of the same there are the
Kyloe crags - in the woods or just outside, or maybe even those
moorland crags in the direction of home. It will depend on the
conditions and those present, so contact us if you really can only
make a single day.
Please contact the leader if you are going, a solo leader might not
make it that far else!
Maps: Landranger 75 (and 81 for the moors). Web info thenmc.org.uk.
October 3rd/4th - Bowderstone Hut - Trish Cranston
Having enjoyed the character of the Bowderstone hut on what was, I
recall a very damp weekend organised by Mary about three years ago,
which I gatecrashed as I recall, I thought it might be nice to
revisit it, I think of it as "the Hobbit Cottage"...
On a practical level , there are 6-10 spaces available for the KMC,
possibly I can negotiate more if needed. we will otherwise be matched
with a "compatible group" if that is possible!! It is £6 per person
per night. Its about a 15 -20 min walk in from the NT car park, grid
ref is NY254163. Probably best to pack light, and bring a head torch.
It is very basic; there is only one shower and cooking on hobs, no
cookers. There are two coal fires, one in living room and one in the
dorm
On that front I plan to make curry for the Saturday night (veg/chick
pea type concoction and rice, and if i am very lucky in finding
blackberries, crumble...could be cold and hot custard!)...Please let
me know if you are interested in this so I know roughly how much to
produce if any at all!
On the climbing front there are many crags around in varying
directions...Shepherd's crag the most popular with lower grades,
diff to VS, Raven Crag diff to MVS, Black Crag S-E4, Falcon crags
VS-E4, Goat crags VS-E6, Heron Crag HVS-E2. Im sure other more
seasoned climbrers can name a few more...
There is also a wealth of scrambling, with water for the pterydactyls
such as Gate Gill, Gillercombe inc sour milk gill, or dryer
Seathwaite upper slabs,Cam Crag, Combe Gill Crag to name a few, and
walking in the Wantendlath area, Borrowdale fells and Langstrath or
across to High Spy, Dale Head, Hindsgarth area or even venture to
Buttermere...
I will be there from Friday 2nd Oct night, and use of the hut is
until Sunday 4th until about 4pm. Let me know if youre interested.
Trees should be pretty....
Saturday October 10th - Fell Race - Roger Mapleson
Courser planners - Roger Mapleson & Craig Marsden.
Hospitality - Sabina Cosulich.
This year's fell race will once again be staged in the Peak with post
race food and warmth being provided by Sabina at her home in Rowarth.
I have to concede that last year's event was a little long, for some
at least, so a shorter course is planned for this time round. The
turnout last year was excellent with 24 starters. However, I hope that
the shorter course will reduce the attrition rate for 2009.
If you took part last year you have some idea what to expect. If you haven't
done it before you need to know that you will be given a map at the start with
locations of checkpoints. You then need to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint
in order and then to the finish. You will need a compass and you must be able to
navigate. The course will cover high ground and the weather could be poor so take
appropriate kit. Any doubts or queries contact Roger Mapleson or Craig Marsden.
Although it is a race, it is not absolutely necessary to run it and the
course can be completed at a walk within daylight hours provided you
don't get lost.
- The start is from Bowden Bridge car park (SK 048 869) near Hayfield.
- The finish is at Sabina's home, in Rowarth.
Lifts will be provided from the finish back to the start to collect
vehicles but you could arrange to meet up with fellow competitors at Sabina's
at the start of the day and sort your own lifts to the start before and
after the race.
- The earliest start time is 10.30am
- The latest start time is 11.30am
Just turn up, register and you can start. A map will be provided. If you have a
GPS, leave it home. If you have an altimeter you are welcome to use it. You must
have a compass and a watch. You should know what else you need to wear or carry.
Any doubts ring Roger or Craig.
Checkpoint details given on the day will include a closing time for
each checkpoint. There will be no marshals there after this time.
Contact phone numbers will be provided on the day.
If you retire or do not arrive at the finish for any reason YOU MUST
MAKE SURE THAT THE ORGANISERS KNOW YOU ARE SAFE.
There are classes for the fastest male, fastest female, fastest first
time competitor and fastest on handicap. Non-members are very welcome to
participate, so please bring along friends and family to swell the entries.
The course is approximately 17km, with a mere 760m of ascent - shorter and less climb
than last year. Participants will navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint in order and
then to the finish.
Post race food will be provided at the finish at Sabina's for participants,
marshals and anyone else with a reasonable claim - £1 to cover costs.
Everyone is welcome and for those not doing the fell race, there are
plenty of other options for walking and mountain biking.
For those of you interested in mountain biking, there are plenty of
options to start and finish your ride at Rowarth.
If you are coming along, please let Roger know, so we have some idea of
numbers for catering and let me know if you are entering the fell race or
not so I have some idea of numbers for the race.
Finally - any questions, problems, queries, etc., please contact Roger.
October 17th/18th - Ty Powdwr Working Party -James Hoyle
CANCELLED!
Due to a double booking on the hut this weekend the planned working
party has been cancelled and may be rearranged to another time.
Details to follow.
October 25th - Rivington Mountain Biking - Heather Brooke
Distance: 12 miles, Off-road: 72%, Time 2-3hrs.
Start/Finish: Great Barn (Information centre and Café) @ Rivington,
near Horwich (OS Landranger 109, Explorer 19)
I've chosen this route as it is relatively short and not-too-serious
but an excellent route. This route can be easily extended if
required or even made shorter if necessary. Should provide an
enjoyable half-day mountain biking for all standards (beginners
welcome).
November 1st - Arnside/Silverdale Walk - Brian Taylor
This is a variation on a walk I led for the KMC approximately 10
years ago!
Start Warton Crag Car Park, OS map Landranger 97, SD 492 724 at 10am
- exact route yet to be finalised but we will head north towards
Leighton Moss Nature Reserve and then past Eaves Wood before a small
section of walking along the coastline. It is then an ascent of
Arnside Knott and then the return via Yealand Redmayne and Leighton
Hall. Approximate distance 10 miles.
November 7th/8th - Ty Powdwr Bonfire meet - KMC
An invitation to the hut goes out to all members to attend the annual
bonfire bash. A great atmosphere is guaranteed. The usual set up is
for members to bring their own food and drink and a few fireworks to
add to the collective effort. Sally Brown has already kindly given a
good stock of wood for the fire so it should be nice and warm
whatever the weather. What could be better than enjoying a bonfire
and fireworks in the surroundings of the Welsh mountains?
We intend to make mulled wine, so people interested should bring some
red wine; the spicey end of the mulled will be taken care of!
After a fine nights sleep, walking or climbing on the Sunday is a fine
way to work off any excesses from the night before.
November 14th/15th - Annual Dinner - Andrew Croughton or Heather Brooke
Due to the Old Dungeon Ghyll being unable to offer a reasonable deal
for this year's meal, we will be holding this year's Annual dinner at
the Middle Ruddings Hotel, Braithwaite, near Keswick in Cumbria.
The hotel is superbly situated and has a reputation for good food,
traditional Ale and has hosted dinners for CAMRA.
Check out www.middle-ruddings.co.uk
Dinner only is £25.
One night Dinner, Bed and Breakfast will be £65 per person, Or for 2
night's B&B accommodation and for the dinner on the Saturday 14th it
will be £105 per person.
Please note if looking to stay in the hotel itself you should book by
20th October as after that date they will open rooms up to the public
again if not all booked.
For those not wishing to stay in the Hotel:
Local B+B's available:
- Maple Bank (www.maplebank.co.uk), Speak to Tommy or Rhona on 017687 78229.
One night £40pp &Two Nights £35pp/pn - may do a special winter rate -
ask them.
- The Sidings 017687 78042 B+B £30pp approx. Ask for Silvia Clarke.
- Braithwaite Farm 017687 78411 B+B £30 pp approx. Ask for Jenny Clarke.
These are all within Five minutes walk of the hotel and have been
recommended by the hotel themselves. Other local B&B is available.
There is also a campsite five minutes down the road - Lanefoot farm
campsite, not officially open but willing to let people stay and they
also have two self catering cottages and loft accommodation
available. www.stayinthornthwaite.co.uk or call Helen or Gareth
Davies on 017687 78097.
Please book and pay early to secure your places.
Guest speaker and Menu choice will be published closer to the Date.
Contact Heather Brooke or Andrew Croughton for more information.
November 22nd - Bowland Walk - Mike Graves
This is a delightful walk, great scenery, and not too many people
around.
The walk will start at 09.45 sharp! Starting from Fell Foot grid ref:
SD601443. The walk continues low level, passing Blindhurst, Higher
Fair Snape and on to Holme House.
From here we climb up to Fiensdale Head. The path now descends,
following Fiensdale Water, to Langden Castle G.R. SD 605 503.
From Langden Castle we may have a paddle as we have to cross two
streams! Our route now continues up Bleasdale Water, as we climb out
of the gully we turn west and follow the path for a short distance.
We take a path down Saddle Fell, to Saddle End, and continue going
south west to Wolfen Hall, and back to our cars.
Total distance about 11 miles.
November 29th - Yorkshire Dales Walk - Phil Ramsbottom
This could be a nice short walk for a short November day, however if
the weather and the mood of the party is favourable it can be
extended to around 13 miles.
Meet at the car park in Langcliffe at 9.30 for a 9.45 start, from the
B6479 from Settle to Ribblehead turn right about half a mile after
passing under the railway bridge - signposted Malham if you cross
over the railway you have gone too far. Pass the village green on the
right and the car park is on the left opposite the church ref
SD823651.
Route will be: up to Jubilee Cave, follow track (not shown very
clearly on map) heading East, then swinging round to South to
signpost at SD882648. From here we can either head South West to
track leading to Stockdale Farm. Or continue straight on to arrive at
the dry valley above Malham Cove, down through the Cove to Malham
where there is a pub for the devotees, we can then follow the paths
climbing past the various barns and Hoober Edge which will rejoin the
short route on the track leading to Stockdale Farm.
Half a mile after the farm we will turn right to pass below Attermire
Cave and Scar, then Victoria Cave before dropping back down to
Langcliffe.
Best Map - Outdoor Leisure 10 - Yorkshire Dales South
December 12th/13th - Xmas Bash - Trish Cranston/Ann Waters
Ann Wooley-Waters and I (with help possibly from Heather, and maybe
one other if anyone fancies giving a hand, maybe a mulled wine maker)
are coordinating the Christmas bash this year.
We decided to make it a buffet style, at £6 a head, and we will
provide soup and rolls for starters and green salad to go with main
dishes. We are happy to make mulled wine but this may raise the price
to £7. It is easiset done if people just bring wine for the pot, and
someone brings fruit, perhaps.
We will otherwise need (all dishes big enough to serve 6 portions):
- 6 veggie dishes
- 4 meat dishes (assuming that there are not so many meat eaters, correct me if im wrong!)
- 6 puddings with whatever you wish them to be served with eg. cream, custard
- Someone to make mince pies for approx 30 people
- Someone to bring fruit for mulled wine
- Some entertainments for the interval whilst slavering and waiting for food
- Some help with table decorations or just decorations!
- ....and a partridge in a pear tree...!
Al has kindly offered to handle the money so if you know you want to
come but don't wish to cook anything it would be very helpful to pay
him in advance. If making a dish, if you can produce something for
around £6 that makes life a whole lot easier!
So come along and enjoy the festivities, let's hope for some snow!!
Hope to see you there!
Trish
September Newsletter Index.
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