Evening Meets (2025)
Noggarth
Wed 2nd Apr, 2025
Attendees
Mark Rothwell
Robert Clark
Andy Lewtas
Daniel O 'Brien
John Warburton - Guest (Rucksack Club)
Solvig Choi - Guest (Yorkshire Ramblers)
Andrew Stratford
Rebecca Gardener
Daniel Arrowsmith
Kim Keegan
Mateusz Wasilewski
Report
Mark , Robert and John arrived about 1pm blessed with sunny weather, being joined by Soivig early PM they completed most of the routes on the Girls slab area , then moving onto the Central slab area , completing several more climbs ( Solvig leading her first HS - Fillings HS 4B) the early team were then joined firstly by Andy, closely followed by Rebecca and then the rest of the KMC team completing most of the climbs on the slab area the best being Noggin HVS 5a , a bold and thin corner crack trad line , Nogg and Garth 2 x bolted VS lines
Kim arrived later and completed 3 climbs with Mark including the Fang HVS 5a, Matt arrived even later and continued climbing when most left due to the dropping temperatures
Several members stopped off at the Sparrow hawk for a post climb drink
It was generally agreed that Noggarth crag was a welcome new early season addition to the mid week meets list - lots of route ticking at reasonable grades (Mark and Robert cmpleting some 12 + routes)
Pule Hill
Wed 9th Apr, 2025
Members: Andy Stratford, Dan O’Brien, Andy Lewtas, Luke Cullum
Prospective Members: Kim Keegan, Will Fitzmaurice, Matt Wasilewski, Mirek Steadman, Dave Lobban
A slightly chillier evening as we drove east but light winds and low temps also meant a midge free evening at the bone dry crag.
Andy L and Luke had an adventure over on the appropriately named Bed End…’I ended up straddling the Phallus’’…said Andy, perhaps not realising that his statement would immediately be recorded in the little black book for use in this meet report. At the other end of the evening Luke was praying as he attempted Amen – yet another route at this odd little set of crags that claims to be a V Diff but is at least two grades harder. Kim made a cracking lead of Amen including a super gritstone seal flop topout.
Matt watched Kim follow Dan up the super awkward Pilot crack and seemed to nail the Beta as he made the lead look an absolute breeze – it’s no pushover – a Severe that should be a VS and it certainly felt like that as I spun off out of balance under the overhang following.
Will, myself, Andy L and Mirek all lead the awesome Flying Buttress at HS 4b and other routes that got attention included Atlas, Dusky Doddle, Apse Arete, Wackers Wall amongst a few other fine routes.
Thanks to everyone who came, a memorable evening of climbing, good company, great support and top-class banter.
Andy
Andy Stratford
Troy
Wed 30th Apr, 2025
Troy Meet 2025
10 climbers turned out to a lovely afternoon and evening at Troy Quarry (other than the difficult parking which had been unusually busy from early aftenoon )
All climbers paired up and completed numerous climbs mostly on the popular South Face some venturing onto The tower to complete Jussy and Pillar cracks and even further to complete Conian on the Long Wall
Rapunzal, Stacked Deck, Siamese Twins, Troy Groove and Overlooked Crack saw numerous assents
Rob and Rory were on fire completing 4 HVS and two VS climbs, before Rob , Mark and Liam made an early evening exit - no pub this time though - maybe next year
Attendees
Rory and Rob - afternoon and evening
Mark and Liam - afternoon and evening
Rebecca and Ellen - evening
Jared and Luke - evening
Matt and Mirek - late afternoon/evening
Hobson moor
Wed 7th May, 2025
Good weather and good times had been promised for Hobson Moor, and the crag didn't disappoint. Almost 20 KMC members (full/associate/prospective/canine) plus a few friends from the Rucksack Club (an unofficial splinter group from their Club's Wednesday evening meet) came along for an evening of sunshine, good company, good climbing and a pleasant pint in the Wagon and Horses afterwards.
A wide range of routes were climbed, I am sure to have missed some but there were teams on Pocket Wall VDiff, Epitaph Corner HS, Foghorn Groove VS, Crew's Route VS, Parker's Eliminate HVS, Bring me Sunshine E1, Gideon HVS, Evening Ridge S, The Harp HS, plus some top-rope efforts on Gable End (E5).
Cake was provided by Lucie, not quite enough to go around everyone although I'm not sure if that's because the turnout was so high or because Jim came back for seconds so many times?
Thanks to everyone for coming and thanks to some of the Hobby old-timers for pointing people at appropriate routes and bringing up multiple seconds. Apologies to anyone I've missed from the list and to those whose surnames I didn't catch.
Attendance:
Daniel Arrowsmith
Jess Bailey
Rob Clarke
Ellen
Paul Evans
Will Fitzmaurice
Rebecca Gardner
Michelle Harrison
Tommy Harrison
Claire Hawkins
Stuart Hurworth
Jake
Josh
Steve Lopaki
Olly
Jim Symon
Matt Wasilewski
Gareth Williams (meet leader)
Lucie Williams and Henry the Dog
Dave Wylie
Gareth Williams
Dovestones Edge
Wed 14th May, 2025
Members: Andy Stratford, Nils Elgar, Jim Symon, Danny Arrowsmith, Becca Gardner, Kim Keegan, Tommy Harrisson, Josh Lehr
Prospective members: Will Fitzmaurice, Dan Irons, Kevin Grejewski, Ben Jones
An evening at Dovestones Edge in prime condition: a cooling breeze and sunshine from a cloudless blue sky onto rock which hasn’t seen rain in weeks. The classic routes were all in prime condition – notable ascents included Noddy’s Wall which with a tricky high crux with less gear than you’d like was a good effort for Tommys first at VS – the moorland grit was less scrittly than usual (also Tommy’s favourite new word of the day!).
Danny soloed a few easy routes then, keen to get on a rope fancied Left Embrasure (VS 4b) but appeared to have forgotten something – his harness! There were some mutterings about bowlines and the old days, but in the end, a bit of harness swapping resulted in Tommy, Andy and Danny all getting on the route with two harnesses between them.
The meet leader also received a complaint from one of the Kiwi’s present (Josh) that ‘’its too sunny’’ – OK Josh – for as long as you come back here for the rest of your days you’ll probably only ever see rain, mist and midges, and you won’t have to put up with that awful sunshine ever again.
A great evening and a drink in the King William for a few of us in Greenfield on the way home.
Andy Stratford
Burbage North
Wed 21st May, 2025
Attendees: Jess Bailey, Robert Clark, Mich Harrison, Will Fitzmaurice, Jake Fletcher, Steve Lopacki, Josh Luhr, Colin Maddison, Rory Marsden, Jess Pealing, Andy Stratford.
So is Burbage North the best evening crag in the Peak District?
This was neither confirmed nor denied by this meet’s attendees, however everyone did seem to be having a good time. The sun was shining. Serious consideration was given to whether it was “too hot” to climb and therefore the meet location should be revised to a convenient beer garden. In the end climbing prevailed and the hardy members of KMC decided to tough it out in the harsh conditions, with the proviso that Beer O’clock would be called at the first sign of a midge!
Although designated as an evening meet, the breakfast club of Mich, Jess P, Andy, Colin, Robert and Jake had all arrived by early afternoon. Mich and Jess climbed Still Orange (S 4a), Bilberry Arete (S 4a) and Falstaff’s Innominate (S 4a) before being joined by Robert for Big Chimney Arete (HS 4b) and The Big Chimney (HVD or HS 4a depending on your guidebook). The general consensus seemed to be that Hard Severe is about right for The Big Chimney. A worthwhile route but a challenge for any V Diff leader.
Jess and Mich decided it was time for refreshments so Robert teamed up with Jake for a round of some crag classics. Alternating leads Jake then Rob on, Knights Move (HVS 5a), Great Crack (VS 5a), Greeny Crack (VS 4b) and Brooks Layback (HS 4b) also with Josh.
Andy and Colin had been seeking out shade in the trees wherever possible. Andy led Greeny Crack (VS 4b), Brooks Layback (HS 4b) and Submission (VS 5a), while Colin led Amazon Crack (HS 4b) and Big Chimney Arete (HS 4a).
Andy also manged to fit in climbs with Jess B leading Still Orange (S 4a) and Will leading Hollyash Crack (VS 4b),
Steve and I had arrived “late” (4pm) so only had time for, Knights Move (HVS 5a), Great Crack (VS 5a), Hollyash Crack (VS 4b) with a big cam, and Big Chimney Arete (HS 4a). Having had a rest on my first attempt at Knights Move I then went for a much more enjoyable, and cooler, second go with Jess B this time on second.
The routes at Burbage North really are fantastic. Every route was thoroughly enjoyed with Greeny Crack and Great Crack (what a move into the layback) getting a lot of love. There was also a lot of love from those leading Hollyash Crack for the big green Black Diamond cam and the irresistible urge to get intimate with the crag.
In spite of 8 previous visits to the crag and having logged over 50 routes there, Andy led four routes that he had not climbed previously, Greeny Crack, Brooks Layback (how had you not done this before Andy?), The Artist and Submission. This was a great topic for conversation in the pub. Do we just climb the same classic routes at each crag? Are the less travelled routes just as worthwhile? Are there any crags (not Windgather) where collectively the KMC have climbed all the routes?
Sadly there wasn’t enough time or beer to come up with the answers so we’ll have to do it all again next week.
Rory MarsdenFroggatt
Wed 11th Jun, 2025
Froggatt Edge Meet report 11th June 2025
Present: Tommy, Lynne, Colin, Robert, Becca, Mirek, Harry, Andy S
They say don’t meet your heroes. But if I’d never met Robert Clark, I might never have known he was my climbing hero. So, imagine my delight when none other than Robert was the first to meet me at Froggatt, one stinking hot Wednesday in June.
It was a textbook walk on to the crag with KMC veterans, with Robert talking us through the merits of each route we passed (“that one’s a nice route”) and Lynne providing the cultural commentary, including which routes she had and hadn’t climbed on her last documented trip to Froggatt in 1991 and why her recent trip to Arran had ended her mountaineering career.
Lynne kicked us off with sunset slab (HS) (last done in 1991). Whilst racking up both her gear and all possible excuses, one of the bunch of old boy climbers next to us chimed in to correct one of Lynne's excuses, telling her the idea of it being too hot for the rock to not be grippy had no scientific basis, quoting scientific journals that had proved rubber was grippier when hot.
“But what about our sweaty little mits?” Lynne asked. “… Just think about how they warm up f1 tyres before a race!” one of his mates replied. It was settled then. Conditions were as grippy as could be and Lynne would just have to climb sunset slab, without excuses and with only her gear for company.
After sunset slab, none other than Lynne’s climbing partner from 1991 (Colin Maddison) emerged out of the summer haze. They teamed up to continue Lynne’s trip down memory lane, which left me alone with my climbing idol.
I followed Robert down the crag to “one down there I haven’t done” (Bollard crack VS). He sprinkled himself in pixie dust and pranced up the slab, swam up the crack and floated over the bulge to the top. “That’s how you do it”, I thought. Sadly, my pixie dust wasn’t working quite so well. But I did make it up after him. Eventually.
Becca was the next to emerge from the bracken jungle, and kindly joined us to stop Robert wearing me out quite so badly.
Earlier in the spring, I’d trialled “climbing like Robert” with my quickdraws clipped onto a sling over my shoulder, like a bandolier. But today I’d go one better. I’d forgotten my helmet and Robert would lend me his for me to lead a route. Inspiration followed and it was time for my second ever VS. And before I knew it, I was channelling my inner Robert, swinging a leg over the crux of Trapeze Direct VS 4c and topping out.
“How was that?” Becca asked from the bottom. Quick - think Tommy… What would Robert say??
“Yeah it was alright”, I called down.
Afterwards we joined the pilgrimage of KMCers in the shade of Green Gut HS (put up by former KMC club member, Nat Allen), just after Lynne had led it.. Harry and Andy Stratford then arrived. “Whose idea was it leading a meet in this heat?”
And soon Jess also announced her arrival from round the corner.
“Jesus! I’m sweating my tits off!”
“Hi Jess.”
The shade of Green gut meant it was then also led by Harry and then by Jess. While Robert made us watch from underneath the sun-baked roof of pedestal crack (HVS 5a) next door.
I was sorry to make hard work of Congestion crack (HS) in front of Robert. But I should have known he'd have me covered.
“Some holds have probably come off… more like VS”
“Thanks Robert.”
Jess was also struggling in the extremely grippy conditions, as she was forced to back off a route “for the third time that week.” she said “And it’s only Wednesday.”
Colin headed home and Lynne joined us for more nostalgia as Robert climbed one of his favourites, Diamond crack (HS), not once but twice! (Once on lead with Becca following and once on second, giving me the chance to lead.)
The exertions of the day began to tell when I was at the top of the route and I had to be reminded by Robert to place more gear and not just push on. And it was only with an Adam Ondra scream/dying dog yelp, I managed to heave myself over the final move. Robert emerged over the lip what seemed like seconds later.
“Ooo climbing diamond crack twice in a day. What a treat!”
I was absolutely done.
“Okay me and Lynne are heading off” Robert said.
I was saved.
“Oh. You don’t fancy one more Robert?”
“No best be going.”
Climbed me under the table then even came up with an excuse for me to stop without losing face. What a legend.
“Seeya Robert.”
Fortunately, they’d not left before Lynne was able to offer Andy S some moral support after he’d cramped up in the throes of three pebble slab (HVS). Which he then swapped for the dizzying highs of vanquishing Tody’s wall (HVS 5a). And as the sun set over Froggatt, we closed out a fine day by Becca leading Slab Recess (Diff).
I walked back to the car, following the edge north and weaving groggily between the abandoned millstones. The sky was streaked orange and pink above the green fields of the peak and swifts nipped between the trees picking off insects before nightfall. I wondered if Robert was as tired as I was right now. Then decided I’d rather not know.
Tommy HarrissonSecret Stanage
Wed 18th Jun, 2025
In attendance were, Robert Clark, Colin Maddison, Andy Stratford, Daniel Arrowsmith and Tiphaine.
A select few turned up and experienced a beautiful crag on a lovely evening. The breeze kept the midge away (until perhaps 9.30), and a fair few climbs were done. The crag here is less polished than more popular parts of the edge, the paths a bit less obvious, it has a more isolated feel, and the outlook on an summer evening is fine. Its a secret, so don't tell too many of your friends.
Climbs; Titanic (vs 4c), Q.E.2 (vs 4c), Gnat's Slab Arete (HS 4c), Gnat's Slab (D), Lusitania (S), Anniversary Arete (E1 5b), Parallel Cracks (vs 4b), Persuader (vs 4c), Broken Buttress (VD).
Robert ClarkWitches Quarry
Wed 6th Aug, 2025
A good turnout with 5 of us at the crag. Personally my first time at Witches and I really enjoyed it. Though we all held a consensus that we didn't entirely enjoy the crumbly grassy topouts!
Myself, Becca and Kev first climbed Halloween Outing (S 4a), lead by myself, as a nice warm up. Kev then lead Cracklap (HS 4b), followed by my tactical lead on Witches' Favourite (HVS 5a). The proximity to the HS as a bail route next door gave me the confidence to bag my second ever HVS.
Matt and Kim climbed Serenity (S 4a), Nance (VD) and Halloween Outing (S 4a) before joining us at the end of an expertly thrown rope from the top of Witches' Favourite (I hit the trees three times, got the rope caught and had to ask Kev to be lowered to untangle my mess and finally throw it over...).
Harry PottsGarden Party Social
Thu 7th Aug, 2025
Social Garden Party Meet – Aug 7th
Report by: Michelle Harvie and Mark Garrod
Attendees: Robert Clark, Dave Wylie [plus nephew Peter], Jim Symon, Philippa Symon, Michelle Harvie, Kate Harvey, Pete Attwood, Daisy, Mark Garrod, Joe Dugdale, Christine Beeston, Maggie Baldock, Dave Shotton, Alan (L) Jones, Jeremy Engineer, Cathy Devine, Colin Maddison, Mary Stuart, Neil Boynton, Caro Churchill, Steve Lopacki, Sabina Cosulich, Bridget and Roger Mapleson, Sue and Craig Marsden, Caroline Gay, Ann Waters (28 members)
Hurrah – the weather was kind and it was warm enough to enjoy ourselves outdoors. No leaky roofs this time. Judging by the volume of chatter the event seemed to fulfil a need for members to catch-up with each other. We had an impressive age range in attendance, from Alan at the ‘more experienced’ end of the scale [good effort to come over from the Wirral] to Daisy at the other end, happily crawling around people’s feet on our patio, and smiling continually to all and sundry.
Thanks to everyone who came along and made the summer garden party a success, and for bringing enough food along to feed everyone [just about –even the massive Eton Mess got demolished], with a nicely varied spread.
Our collection raised £125 for St Ann’s Hospice, and they have sent their thanks to us all.
We now have to decide when the next one is – maybe in 2 years?
Mark & Michelle
Mark GarrodBack to Current !!!!
If you are considering coming along to a club meet, please read the following:-
Participation Statement
"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."
More Evening Meets:
During the spring and summer months evening meets are held outdoors at local crags, usually on Wednesdays, weather permitting. Keep an eye on the scribbles for the latest information. Indoor climbing wall meets start again in the autumn.
Some lucky people may be able to get out climbing nice and early, but this will vary depending on work hours and the traveling distance. Generally you should find KMC climbers at the crag by 6pm and some might still be there after its gone dark.
If you have any questions about coming along to a meet, or if you want to try and arrange car sharing, etc., then just send us an e-mail. For the latest information check the Scribble pages.
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Outdoor Climbing Venues Used:
Alderman Rocks, Chew Valley (18)Aldery Cliff (3)
Anglezarke Quarry (16)
Ashworth Moor Quarry (1)
Bamford Edge (11)
Beeston Tor (1)
Big Depot, South Manchester (2)
Blackstone Edge (5)
Bridestones (West Yorkshire) (1)
Broadbottom Quarry (2)
Brownstones (3)
Cadshaw Rocks (6)
Castle Naze (25)
Coire an t'Sneachda (1)
Cow's Mouth Quarry, Littleborough (16)
Deeply Vale (3)
Den Lane, Uppermill (13)
Denham Quarry (8)
Dovestones Edge, Chew Valley (18)
Dovestones Lower Left Quarry (1)
Egerton Quarry (4)
Froggatt Edge (2)
Harpur Hill Quarry (14)
Helsby (14)
Hen Cloud (2)
Heptonstall (7)
Hobson Moor Quarry (45)
Hollywood Park Boulder (2)
Horseshoe Quarry (5)
John Wayne Memorial Crag (1)
Kinder Downfall (2)
Lester Mill Quarry (2)
Longford Park Boulder (3)
Millstone Edge (7)
Misty Wall, Kinder Northern Edge (1)
Moving Buttress, Cheedale (1)
New Mills Torrs (12)
Pex Hill (5)
Pot Hole Quarry (2)
Pots and Pans Quarries (2)
Pule Hill, Marsden (17)
Ramshaw Rocks (8)
Ravensdale (1)
Ravenstones - Chew Valley (1)
Reddyshore Scout (2)
Roaches Lower Tier (1)
Roaches Upper Tier (8)
Robs Rocks - Chew Valley (10)
Rough Knarr (1)
Running Hill Pits, Saddleworth (20)
Shining Clough Rocks (6)
Staden Quarry (6)
Stanage North (2)
Stanage Plantation (1)
Stanage Popular End (4)
Standing Stones - Chew Valley (7)
Stoney Middleton (1)
Summit Quarry (2)
Swinton Boulders (1)
Tegg's Nose (2)
The Pump House (1)
Thors Cave (1)
Tintwistle Knarr (2)
Tissington Spires in Dovedale (1)
Tonacliffe Quarry (2)
Troy Quarry (34)
Victoria Park Boulder, Stretford (2)
Warton in Silverdale (3)
Wharncliffe Crags (1)
Wilton 1 (20)
Wilton 3 (11)
Wimberry Rocks (9)
Windgather (23)
Winnats Pass (1)
Witches Quarry (21)
Woodhouse Scar (2)
Wormstones (1)
Yellowslacks (3)
Climbing Walls Used:
Manchester Climbing Centre (118)Marple Rope Race (3)
Rock Over Climbing (6)
Stockport Awesome Walls (181)
The Depot: Manchester (73)
Warrington North Face (3)
Other Evening Meets (203)
Lancs online guidebook
