Clitheroe Mountaineering Club

Six members of the club enjoyed an energetic August Bank Holiday weekend of mixed weather whilst attending a three day camping meet at Brithdir, near Dolgellau.

After an early start on Saturday to leave a van parked in the remote Cwm Cywarch, members caught the local bus to Llanuwchllyn, at the southern end of Lake Bala, to walk the main traverse of the Aran mountains. Setting out in clear, bright conditions, the group climbed a gently rising ridge, surmounting numerous stiles, to reach the rocky slopes of Aran Benllyn. Here the party was engulfed in low cloud, and buffeted by strong winds and heavy showers. As the ridge steepened, a subsidiary summit was passed on the way to the main 844 metre top of the mountain.

Continuing south with little height loss, members sought out a sheltered spot for lunch before a steep, rocky climb led to the trig point on the higher summit of Aran Fawddwy. Skirting along the edge of sheer cliffs, the group located the narrow descent ridge of Drws Bach which was followed to reach the lower summit of Dyrysgol and on to the head of the valley of Hengwm, where the descent of a straight, steep incline brought the party to the waiting van.

Throughout the night and on to the following morning the heavy showers continued, so on Sunday the group headed off to Blaenau Ffestiniog to explore the former deep mine workings of Llechwedd slate quarries and the visitor centre. However on emerging back into daylight, the weather took a dramatic turn for the better at 1pm, encouraging members to take the short drive to Boch-y-rhaidr near Llyn Celyn to climb Arenig Fawr. The mountain, the site of a memorial to the eight man crew of a US Flying Fortress which crashed there on 4th August 1943, was climbed via its south eastern flank from Llyn Arenig Fawr and provided an extensive panorama of the mountains of Snowdonia, the Lleyn peninsula, Barmouth Bay and the Rhinogs. Leaving the summit, the party headed north to Craig yr Hyrddod to descend to Pont Rhyd to follow a disused railway line back to the start.

On Monday one group decided to make the most of the idyllic weather by climbing the 500 feet Cyfrwy Arete, ambiguously described as a Grade 3 scramble or a Difficult rock climb, depending on which guide book you use. Leaving the Ty-nant car park near Dolgellau, members followed the old Pony Path before skirting beneath crags to reach the shore of Llyn y Gadair, where the ascent of a scree chute and a rightward leading terrace brought the trio to the initials C A marked on a large vertical slab. Above the slab a steep rock arête with good holds led to a corner, then another arête, to reach the top of The Table, a pinnacle of rock detached from the main ridge. The use of a rope was appreciated as members crawled over its top to reach the corner revealing the route of descent into the gap providing access to the rest of the ridge. After descending awkwardly, a long climb up a series of short walls split by airy knife-edge ridges of broken rocks brought the party successfully to the top of Cyfrwy late in the afternoon. An impressive achievement for one member, who had never experienced a rock climb before.

The August day meet was based at Kirkland in the Eden valley near Penrith. Nine members set out in glorious weather to climb Cross Fell via High Cap before descending to Tees Head and continuing via the Pennine Way to Little Dun Fell and Great Dun Fell, the site of the Civil Aviation Authority’s air traffic control radar. Returning to Tees Head, the party descended via Wildboar Scar and the Hanging Walls of Mark Anthony back to Kirkland.

The annual Bivvy Meet must be the most flexible meet on the CMC calendar! Once again it was shaped to fit the interested participants, and once again it involved overnighting in a hut rather than on the mountain. Up until Thursday we were Good to Go, but the forecast slipped and the members faltered, so Friday night, although it was fine, saw us relaxing in Borrowdale.

Saturday a group of four climbers had a full day out on Sergeant Crag Slabs, a compact little buttress 50 metres high with a lot of very good routes packed into a small area. Not like the multipitch mountain routes above Samson’s Stones, more like sport-climbing without the bolts, but a very active, sociable, and enjoyable day. (see photo gallery)

During Saturday night it poured with rain, and Sunday it got worse, so we could feel smug with the knowledge that fluid planning had let us make the best of the weekend.

Glenridding on the south western shore of Ullswater was the starting point for the club’s June day meet. Leaving the car park members headed up to the picturesque viewpoint of Lanty’s Tarn, whose waters were somewhat depleted by the consistently dry weather, and over into the valley of Grisedale. Here the party followed the path up the valley to just beyond Elmhow Crag where a steep, zigzag track led eventually to the base of Pinnacle Ridge, a grade 3 scramble, on St. Sunday Crag’s rocky, western buttresses.

After locating a small cairn to the left of a gully, members scrambled up a series of spiky blocks to a large, cannon-like rock, behind which they were confronted by a short, steep wall. This was climbed via a vertical groove on good holds to reach the ridge’s exposed crest, where an awkward descent to a narrow notch led to the finishing climb up a staircase of blocks to heathery slopes beneath the mountain’s summit, the scene of a dangerous avalanche during the Winter.

Heading southwest to Deepdale Hause, the group descended to Grisedale Tarn where lunch was enjoyed in the warm sunshine before an energy sapping climb to the top of Dollywagon Pike. Excellent views of the surrounding Lakeland peaks and the Galloway hills beyond were gained as members continued over Nethermost Pike to reach the summit of Helvellyn, where the top of Swirral Edge was located for the descent to Red Tarn beck and the route back to Greenside mine and Glenridding.

Thirty club members travelled to the Isle of Arran during the May bank holiday for an extended weekend stay at the newly refurbished Lochranza youth hostel.

Arriving early on Friday morning in Brodick, via the first ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland, one group headed north to the former fishing village of Corrie to climb Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. A steady climb in warm sunshine took members from sea level to the start of the rocky ridge of Meall Breac for the final steep ascent over rocky boulders to the summit. Here the effort was rewarded with excellent views of the monks’ retreat of Holy Island, the knife-edge ridge of A’Chir and the notorious Witches’ Step above Glen Sannox.

Over lunch low cloud drifted in, changing what had been an idyllic Spring morning back to wintry conditions, with a freezing cold wind and flurries of snow, so the party headed off quickly to scramble up to the rocky top of North Goatfell, continuing to the high point of the ridge of Mullach Buidhe before descending to High Corrie and a refreshing pint by the sea shore at the Corrie hotel.

After meeting together in the evening at the youth hostel, plans were made for an early start on Saturday morning with two main objectives, an ascent of the hills of Kilbrannan Sound from Pirnmill, and a traverse of the mountains of the Glen Sannox horseshoe.

Leaving the car park in Sannox village, one party headed off up the glen over rough heather and boggy peat towards the rocky ramparts of Cioch na h’Oighe, whose defences were breached by climbing an indistinct, rightward slanting path leading to a scramble over rough slabs and terraces to reach its summit. Continuing southwest along a narrow, well defined ridge, members scrambled to the summit of North Goatfell before making a long, arduous descent to The Saddle, the pass between Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa.

During lunch, the group scoured the impregnable looking slopes of Cir Mhor, searching for any sign of a path to reach the summit. However after setting off, a route was identified which allowed members to regain most of the height which had been lost, leading to a final, sharp climb to the top of the tapering peak. Leaving the exposed blocks of the summit, the group continued to the top of the final mountain, Caisteal Abhail, and the final obstacle of the Witches’ Step.

A steep descent over loose gravel led to the seemingly impassable notch, but a climb up a short corner gained an easy terrace allowing the party to emerge on the ridge at the far side of the step. Walking over the ridge of Suidhe Fhearghas with its steep eastern cliffs brought members to the final descent back to Sannox.

On Sunday one group drove up the rough track past the campsite in Glen Rosa to climb the peaks of Beinn Nuis and Ben Tarsuinn before descending to the pass below the start of the A’Chir ridge. Due to the threat of incoming rain, members took a path traversing beneath the crest on the Glen Iorsa side to reach the pass of Fionn Choire for another ascent of Cir Mhor, this time by an easier route. Returning to the pass, the party descended into Glen Rosa with excellent views of the rocky spire of the Rosa Pinnacle for a long walk back down the glen to the start.

Due to the forecast of excellent weather on Monday, members returned to Glen Rosa heavily loaded with sacks of climbing gear for the long walk up to the Rosa Pinnacle. One group headed up to the base of the south ridge to tackle South Ridge Direct, a rock climb graded Very Severe and considered to be one of the best routes of this grade in the British Isles. The other party headed up into Green Gully to reach the west slabs of the Rosa Pinnacle to climb Sou’wester Slabs, regarded as the best Very Difficult granite route in Scotland.

The climbers arrived back at the youth hostel just in time to get ready for the club’s final get-together in the Lighthouse Inn at Pirnmill, where an excellent evening meal was enjoyed by all. The club secretary, Nick Millward, was heartily thanked for organising such a successful and enjoyable event, with members looking forward to another Scottish holiday meet next year !

Eleven members of the club went to the south west corner of the Lake District on Sunday 18th April to ascend Black Combe – the most outlying of Wainwright’s peaks.

The walk started from the village of Whicham where there is convenient parking near to the church and old school building.

Early mist and fog gradually cleared as the party climbed the grassy track up the south ridge of the mountain.

Black Combe is known for being one of the quieter, more remote hills of the Lake District. Not on this occasion though - during the stop for lunch on top the group were joined by about 50 members of the Barrow HF Rambling Club who had come to celebrate their 80th anniversary. They were re-enacting their first club walk in 1930 and many had come in period dress to add to the atmosphere.

Leaving the bustling summit and after enjoying the views from the main ridge, the route then took our group north west descending toward Bootle. A pleasant bridleway then contoured round the west side of the hill back to Whicham. By this time the cold wind was left behind and the sun was out – a glorious end to a very pleasant day’s walk!

With so many reports the previous week about avalanches and mountaineering accidents in the Lake District, it was only after careful consideration, consulting weather forecasts and with full winter mountaineering equipment that nine members of Clitheroe mountaineering club set out from Longsleddale in the eastern Lakes on Sunday 28 February. Their intention was to complete the eastern leg of the Kentmere Horseshoe before the predicted snow arrived around 3pm.

The snow line was reached at 500 metres, and on climbing the first peak of Kentmere Pike members came to snow drifts at wall-top level. Fortunately it was mostly possible to walk on top of the drifted, consolidated snow, but with an occasional slip boots broke through the surface sinking to knee level. With dry weather and spectacular views the group continued to Harter Fell, delaying their main lunch stop until reaching the shelter of sheep folds under Adam’s Seat. Despite all members having carried crampons, the conditions didn’t necessitate wearing them, and an early finish avoided the snow fall, leaving time for a refreshing beer before leaving the wintry Lakes.

During the same club meet, three climbers set off to find some ice in the Dollywaggon / Ruthwaite Cove area. The cornice above Dollywaggon North Crag wasn’t very large, so they cautiously went up the groove lines on the left side of the crag, following reasonably good ice and neve. The finish was up the quaintly named route called, Dolly Mixture, watched by a dozen or so walkers who were on the top of Dollywaggon Pike.

With a few hours of daylight left, the party went round into Ruthwaite Cove and climbed Jogebar Gully, a fine pitch of ice, hard snow and frozen turf. On top by 4pm the weather had closed in, and it was snowing hard, as the three followed a compass bearing back to Grizedale Tarn, arriving back at the car on Dunmail Raise as daylight finally ran out.

The twenty club members who took part in the January weekend meet at the George Starkey climbing hut in Patterdale, were surprised how much colder the temperatures in the Lake District were than those they had left at home.

On Saturday one group headed into Grisedale, taking the popular path towards Helvellyn’s Striding Edge, to reach the Hole-in-the-Wall, where crampons were fitted to boots before passing Red Tarn en route to the climbs of Red Tarn Cove. Two members of the party having only one ice axe each, and one of them never having tackled a winter climb before, it was decided to ascend a steep, but uncomplicated, slope of compacted snow from the western shore of the tarn, to the right of Viking Buttress, up to the summit shelter of Helvellyn. Using ropes for protection, members surmounted the final cornice to emerge on the plateau bathed in sunshine, with blue skies and ‘alpine’ views in all directions.

After a well-deserved lunch, the group skirted the ridge above the bowl of Nethermost Cove to reach the summit of Nethermost Pike, and then continued south to climb Dollywagon Pike, before descending to Grisedale Tarn to start the long walk down Grisedale back to the hut.

Other parties, who walked over summits in the High Street area, were rewarded with views of a large herd of deer, including a huge stag, and circling buzzards, everyone agreeing that the day was one of the best that they had ever experienced in Cumbria.

The quality of the day extended into the evening as members enjoyed a delicious communal meal, with the main course prepared by the weekend’s coordinators, Jane Pyzniuk and Dave Grosvenor, and contributions of soup and desserts from others in the club. Secretary, Nick Millward, gave a vote of thanks to everyone who had contributed to the event’s great success.

On Sunday, with appetites whetted by the previous day’s activities, the climbers set out along Deepdale bound for Scrubby Crag in Link Cove. Following an arduous trek, carrying heavy rucksacks up to the cove, the group geared up at the foot of Pendulum Gully to climb the broad, steep snow slope up to where the gully narrowed. Here the distinct lack of adequate snow or ice cover made progress up the route much more problematic, awkward moves having to be made to surmount a series of three obstacles in the narrow gully bed. After passing these, another steep, but straightforward snow slope led to the finish, quite late in the afternoon due to the difficulties. Climbing to the summit of Hart Crag, the party headed northeast along the ridge of Hartsop above How to reach the road at Deepdale Bridge in the dark after an exhilarating day out.

Deep, soft snow was a feature of the club’s January day meet in Kettlewell. Despite a poor weather forecast, six members set out up the lane to Cam Head, then traversed the slopes of Starbotton Fell for a climb up to the south ridge of Buckden Pike. Repeatedly members sank through the snow up to the knees, making walking difficult. Heading north, the party visited the memorial dedicated to five Polish airmen who lost their lives when a RAF Wellington bomber crashed there during a blizzard on January 30th 1942, then continued to the summit trig. point. After retracing their steps to Starbotton Fell, members descended via Knuckle Bone Pasture to Starbotton and walked along the west bank of the Wharfe back to Kettlewell.

Forty members of the club attended the annual Christmas dinner weekend based at the Convention Centre in Keswick.

On Saturday morning a group of twenty set out in rain, with forecasts of better weather to come, along the Cumbria Way to the car park at the foot of Latrigg for an unrelenting climb to the summit of Skiddaw Little Man. Members experienced brief respite from the bad weather, before gale force winds sprung up, blowing the rain horizontally from behind. After a slight descent, members trudged over melting snowfields to climb the ridge up to Skiddaw’s main peak, where there was little shelter from the icy blasts of the wind, causing members to swiftly leave the summit to find a sheltered place to eat.

For some this involved descending the south ridge and then heading north east to the shelter at Skiddaw House, before returning via the Cumbria Way to the centre, whilst others retraced their steps to the car park and then climbed Latrigg on their way back.

On Saturday evening members enjoyed a four course communal meal, planned and prepared by the club’s retiring chairman, Brian Davies, assisted by Jane Pyzniuk and Dave Grosvenor, and an army of volunteers.

The new chairman for 2010, Ian Grace, thanked Brian for his delicious roast beef dinner and for the contributions he has made to the progress and development of the club during his term of office. Members who provided starters, desserts and table decorations were also thanked for their contributions. A special award of a flying monkey toy was presented to George Wostenholm for surviving an incident when a fallen climber dislodged him from a winter climb in the Cairngorms, and for the impressive progress made in his rock climbing ability over the last twelve months. Condolences were also expressed to new vice-chairman, Bern Hardman, whose garage set on fire as he was setting off for Keswick on Friday evening, depriving members of his entertaining, guitar accompanied songs.

Unaffected by the previous evening’s festivities, members set out on Sunday morning from Little Town in the Newlands valley to climb Dale Head via Dalehead Crags. Due to the previous day’s heavy rain it proved impossible to ford Newlands Beck, so a path was followed to Dalehead Tarn, where the east ridge of Dale Head was climbed to the cairn on the summit. Here, buffeted by strong winds, but with excellent views of the surrounding peaks including a now snow-free Skiddaw, the group followed Hindscarth Edge to reach the summit shelter on Hindscarth for lunch, before heading north above High Crags to return to Little Town.

Despite forecasts of dire weather conditions for the first weekend of November, the Rhyd Ddu climbing hut near Beddgelert in Snowdonia proved to be a popular venue for this weekend meet.

Early on Saturday morning one group set out in heavy rain and thick mist to traverse the six peaks of the Nantlle Ridge, leaving the car park near the hut to follow a boggy, marked path through fields to reach the steep grass shoulder leading to the summit of Y Garn. Climbing a narrow ridge, with some scrambling over wet, slippery rocks, to the south and then the west over Mynydd Drws y Coed and Trum y Ddysgl the party reached a tall obelisk on the summit of Mynydd Tal y Mignedd where lunch was enjoyed, together with fleeting views of the Nantlle valley and the route covered so far.

Continuing south-west along a broad, grassy ridge the steep descent of a badly eroded path brought members to the pass of Bwlch Dros Bern where a steep scramble up broken rocks climbed the north-east ridge of Craig Cwm Sylyn. Now a broad, stony slope, with a wall to the left for guidance, led to Garnedd Goch, the final summit of the traverse, in the early afternoon.

The group descended south-west to locate a path leading over moorland to the road in the valley of Cwm Pennant. However the route appeared to be little used and was difficult to distinguish, making progress slow. Eventually however the road was reached and members headed north to its end at the farm of Beudy’r Dol.

With dusk looming, members headed for the disused quarry workings of Cwm Trwsgl and the Beddgelert Forest thankful of their head torches and the help of global navigation systems for guidance back to the lake of Llyn y Gader and the drying room and evening meal at Rhyd Ddu.

Before the food however, champagne flowed to congratulate the club newly-weds, Christine and Rick Yates, who regularly join the club activities from their home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Following the toasts, a communal meal kindly provided by the weekend’s coordinator, Humphrey Johnson, together with contributions of soup and sweets from various other members was greatly appreciated by all.

Five members gathered at the cricket club on this bright, dry Thursday. Parking at Fairmile Gate on the Sedburgh to Tebay road the group headed north to reach Carling Gill. The gill was followed to Black Force where Tony and Alan elected to climb the ridge alongside the gill whilst Eric, Dave and Martin set off up the gill accompanied by a very energetic Jeff, Tony's black labrador. The climb proved quite interesting but do-able until we reached the final 20 foot greasy slab which necessitated an escape up to the left to reach the top of the falls.

Reunited, the group climbed to the skyline overlooking the main ridge leading to The Calf. The weather was lovely and sunny with distant views of all the Lakes peaks, Morecambe Bay and Inglebrough and Whernside. After a pleasant lunch we strolled along to The Calf before dropping off to Four Lane Ends and returning to the cars along the road eating blackberries and the odd hazel nut.
Altogether, a most enjoyable day.

Two days of clear, sunny weather greeted members during their weekend stay at Low House climbing hut in Coniston. On Saturday one group made its way from Haws Bank to Goats Water along the Walna Scar Road to climb Dow Crag via Easy Gully, which in fact is not that easy, before completing an inclusive round of all the Coniston Fells including Coniston Old Man, Brimfell, Swirl How, Grey Friar, Great Carrs and Wetherlam.The party was rewarded for its efforts with stunning views of all the Lakeland fells, the Howgills, Morecambe Bay and the Isle of Man.

Saturday evening all enjoyed a delicious, communal Indian meal kindly prepared by Ann Connell and Frank Taylor, together with a choice of desserts donated by other accomplished chefs in the club. Chairman, Brian Davies, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of all those present.

On Sunday one party parked near Wall End farm in Langdale to climb via The Band to the great slab of Flat Crags near Bowfell Buttress, which provided an access route to the shattered rocky summit of Bowfell. After descending to Three Tarns, members traversed the five tops of Crinkle Crags, and then continued to Pike O’Blisco before returning to the valley, after enjoying another sunny day.

The August Bank Holiday weekend saw members, family and friends on a camping meet at Brithdir in southern Snowdonia. Saturday provided good weather so walks on Cader Idris were enjoyed. Some members completed the classic horseshoe, whilst those with young children in their parties walked around Llyn Cau. The weather held out long enough for a very sociable barbecue on the Saturday evening.

Unfortunately the weather on Sunday was extremely inclement, so a leisurely trip was taken to the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth. Some members did brave the weather and cycled from Dollgellau to Barmouth along the former railway line cycle track along the course of the Mawddach Estuary.

Four members of Clitheroe mountaineering club ignored warnings of stormy weather when they attended the August day meet in Swindale on Sunday. Arriving in the Lake District in fine, but windy conditions the group set out from Swindale Foot to walk to Swindale Head to follow the route of the Old Corpse road towards Haweswater. After gaining height, members headed south to High Birkin Knott, and then climbed via Selside End and High Blake Dodd to the summit of Selside.

Reaching the summit cairn in thick mist, heavy rain and blustery winds, the group decided to descend, following a fence to the east, to reach Swine Gill via a short ascent of Nabs Moor. Here the crossing of the beck leading to Hobgrumble Gill proved problematic and gave an insight into the fun to come.

After choosing to follow the track to Mosedale in order to find some shelter for lunch at Mosedale cottage, the way was blocked by two “fords” which required determination and care to cross the foaming water. Walking poles proved an asset to provide the stability to wade through the thigh deep torrents prior to emptying out boots and stripping off waterproofs in the confines of the bothy.

Duly refreshed, the group was forced to face the elements again and tackle the obstructions one more time as they retraced their route back along Mosedale to Swine Gill, then descended with impressive views of the tumbling Forces Falls to Swindale Head where the fields alongside the river were flooded.

Despite the outing being one of the wildest and wettest that members could remember, they enjoyed the challenges that it had provided.

The western Highlands of Scotland attracted ten club members for a May Day holiday weekend stay at the isolated Corrour station near Loch Ossian.

Setting out from Kinlochleven on Saturday morning, various routes were chosen to reach the station in the late afternoon. One involved walking the West Highland Way to Fort William to catch a train to the destination- one member climbing a couple of Munros on the way, whilst another took a footpath past the waterfalls of Kinlochmore to reach the southern shore of Loch Eilde Mor for a climb up to the summit of the Corbett, Glas Bheinn. From here the party descended steeply to Lochan Tom Ailein before climbing to another summit, Beinn na Cloiche. Following a lengthy ridge to the north east, the group eventually reached Creaguaineach Lodge on the southern shore of Loch Treig for a final trudge over bogland alongside the railway line to the station.

On Sunday members walked along the landrover track past Loch Ossian youth hostel to reach the north west ridge of the day’s first Munro, Carn Dearg, where views of the whole expanse of Rannoch Moor were enjoyed. After descending to the pass of Mam Ban, the group climbed the next objective- the second Munro, Sgor Gaibhre. Heading north towards the subsidiary top of Sgor Choinnich, then west along the ridge of Meall Nathrach Mor, members descended to Corrour Lodge for an arduous climb up the east ridge of the day’s final Munro, Beinn na Lap. A descent to the south on easy-angled slopes of dwarf vegetation brought the party quickly back to Corrour station.

Returning to Kinlochleven on Monday morning, one group headed off through the mist to climb the rocky north east ridge of the Corbett, Leum Uilleim. From here members headed west in increasingly heavy rainfall to reach the top of Beinn a’Bhric for a long descent to Loch Chiarain where the group had to wade across a river to reach the shelter of a bothy for lunch, and to meet up with the other party who had walked out via Loch Treig.

Further river wading was experienced as the whole group continued south west to the monument commemorating the labourers who lost their lives constructing the Blackwater reservoir, and finally to the huge Blackwater dam, which was crossed to reach the Old Military road leading back down into Kinlochleven.

After hot showers and a change into dry clothing, members headed off to the Tailrace Inn for celebratory drinks and a hot meal.

Many thanks to Nick for organising such a great extended weekend- the accommodation at Corrour station was brilliant. Cairngorm beer on draught and cordon bleu venison meals ( the vegetarians were also very well fed!) were the icing on the cake. Now we are all looking forward to the next May Day meet north of the Border on the Isle of Arran at the newly refurbished Lochranza youth Hostel. So get your name down before it’s too late and pay up your deposit quickly.

Six of us met up at Hathersage Station for this walk. Early morning fog burnt off as we walked up the delightful valley from Grindleford to Burbage, emerging on the moors at the iron age fort of Carl Wark. On over Higgar Tor to Stanage - many climbers were out enjoying the sunshine and there was plenty of time to stop and observe their antics. The route back took us through fields to Hathersage Church, Little John's Grave and a timely afternoon tea in the Bell Room.

Sixteen members of Clitheroe mountaineering club attended the weekend meet at the Glan Dena climbing hut near Capel Curig. On Saturday one group set out from the cottage to tackle the steep scramble up the north ridge of Tryfan, where despite the mist and chilling wind the rock proved to be very dry and in ideal condition for climbing. After reaching the summit rocks of Adam and Eve members descended via the Far South Peak to the pass of Bwlch Tryfan to take a path up rough scree to the start of another rock scramble, Bristly Ridge.

Here a short scramble up a gully was followed by a short traverse to the crest of a jutting prow of rock, climbed directly via a series of pinnacles to reach the piled summit blocks of Glyder Fach, where map and compass were needed to find the route ahead. The party located the path leading past Castell y Gwynt, the castle of the winds, and skirted along the edge of cliffs to reach the top of the Y Gribin ridge, which was descended to the lake of Llyn Bochlwyd, where a path was followed back to the hut.

In the evening an excellent communal meal was enjoyed in the hut. The weekend coordinators, Catherine and Eric Mansfield, were thanked for cooking the main course, and a long list of members was appreciated for their contributions of starters and desserts.

On Sunday some members headed to Capel Curig to climb Moel Siabod via its east ridge from Llyn y Foel. Again, dry rock provided entertaining scrambling following the crest to the summit, from where the long north east ridge was descended back to the start at Pont Cyfyng.

My guess is that the eight of us who walked this extended Kentmere Horseshoe, (starting from Sadgill in Longsleddale!) slept very well in our beds last Sunday evening! Well I certainly did. This was a mammoth hike, even by Shaun's standards. Fourteen miles, according to Derek's GPS. Starting out in glorious sunshine, there was a distinct feeling that spring was in the air, as we headed up Gatescarth Pass. However, winter was soon rediscovered on a very blustery Harter Fell. From here it was onto Mardale Ill Bell, and a much needed lunch break at Thornthwaite Crag. Thereafter we hiked up Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke, and finally descended into Kentmere, by which time feet and legs were beginning to feel just a little weary. Yet the spectacular views across snow speckled fells, and down to sunny Windermere, had made it more than a little worthwhile. It has to be said that the last few kilometres from Kentmere to Longsleddale, saw a noticeably quieter group, as everyone concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other! It was a memorable day, and many thanks to Humphrey for 'stepping in', so to speak, and coordinating a great walk.

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Members travelling to the George Starkey hut in Patterdale for the club’s January weekend meet found that the road from the Kirkstone Pass was closed due to roadworks, requiring a detour via Threlkeld or Penrith, or a wait for the road to be reopened at 5 p.m. However they were rewarded with a weekend of fine weather, with snow on higher ground and gale force winds.

On Saturday one group set out from the nearby village of Hartsop to climb via the steep north ridge of Hartsop Dodd to the summit, then continued along Caudale Moor to reach Stony Cove Pike before descending sharply into Threshfield Mouth. Here members battled against the strong wind to climb the rough scree slope up to the beacon on Thornthwaite Crag, falsely expecting to find shelter for lunch behind a substantial dry-stone wall. So after a brief stop, the party set out in mist towards the summit of High Street, gaining just fleeting views of the Helvellyn range and Haweswater reservoir.

Leaving the trig. point that marks the high point of the broad ridge, members headed north to claim the summits of Kidsty Pike and High Raise, where it was difficult to remain standing due to the savage gusts, then descended quickly the firm snow slopes from The Knott down to Hayeswater for the path back to Hartsop.

Overnight snow gave an alpine atmosphere to the views on Sunday as members headed out from the hut towards Boredale Hause to walk north over the virgin, white slopes of Place Fell and descend via Hart Crag to Low Moss, where a large herd of deer was easily spotted without its usual camouflage. Continuing over the aptly named Sleet Fell, the group descended steeply to the hamlet of Sandwick and returned to the hut in worsening weather along the eastern shore of Ullswater.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a communal meal enjoyed by everyone on the Saturday evening. Many thanks go to Jane Pyzniuk and Dave Grosvenor, the co-ordinators and main-course providers of the feast, together with all those others who contributed to make the meal such as success.

Sixteen members of Clitheroe mountaineering club congregated outside the Brackenclose climbing hut in Wasdale on New Year’s Eve before setting out for the club’s annual climb to the summit of England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. With visibility severely limited by freezing fog, and arctic temperatures, the group followed the path alongside Lingmell Beck towards Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones, where the party spectacularly emerged into a cloudless, blue sky and sunshine, with a sea of swirling, white cloud below. Continuing in crystal clarity, members quickly ascended a steep, frozen scree gully to reach the Scafell ridge at Mickledore, then headed north above the cliffs of Pikes Crag to gain the final path through jumbled boulders to the summit.

Here the group lingered to enjoy probably the most breathtaking views of the surrounding Lakeland peaks that had been observed on New Year’s Eve since the club was founded in 1978, a cloud inversion with the high summits thrusting through and no sign of man’s intervention.

After a festive lunch of Christmas leftovers, members descended the narrow ridge to Broad Crag col and then dropped steeply down to the head of Piers Gill to take the path along its eastern edge to reach the Styhead valley route back to Wasdale Head. Here the day ended with a warm fire and refreshment in the Wasdale Head Inn.

Fifty Clitheroe mountaineering club members attended the annual Christmas dinner weekend based at the Convention Centre in Keswick. In wintry conditions of ice and deep snow, members enjoyed ascents of Blencathra via Hall’s Fell ridge, a traverse of the Helvellyn range from St. John’s in the Vale to Dunmail Raise, and climbing on Stepped Ridge on Helvellyn’s Brown Cove crags. The highlight of the weekend was a communal meal of numerous courses contributed by various members of the club, with special thanks being expressed to Jean and Brian Davies for the mammoth task of cooking a main course for such a large gathering of guests.

Twelve members of Clitheroe mountaineering club took part in the recent day meet to Langdale. One group set off from the car park at Old Dungeon Ghyll to climb up Mill Gill to Stickle Tarn from where the slanting terrace of Jack’s Rake, crossing the face of Pavey Ark, was scrambled up to the mountain’s summit. Despite care needing to be taken on slippery sections of rock, members enjoyed excellent views of the tarn below and the surrounding panorama.

Leaving Pavey Ark, members descended southwest for a scramble up the next objective Harrison Stickle, then continued over the peaks of Loft Crag and Pike of Stickle to Stake Pass for the descent via Langdale Comb into Mickleden, and refreshment at the Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel.

Another party walked to Cambridge crags beneath the summit of Bowfell to tackle the classic rock climb, Bowfell Buttress. Despite the difficulties of the route being significantly increased due to water seepage after a long period of rain, the pair was successful in completing the route.

This meet took members to Swindale near Shap where weather conditions, rain and mist, enabled members to practise their navigation skills. Using a route compiled by chairman, Brian Davies, each person in turn, with a bit of help from each other, navigated in stages round a circular from Swindale Head. The first objective was the bothy, Mosedale Cottage, followed by the summits of Branstree and Selside, with locating the cairns of Artle Crag being added to provide further challenge. After descending Selside End, the Old Corpse Road was located for the return to Swindale Head.

Nine of us spent the August Bank holiday weekend camping at Brithdir near Dolgellau in Wales.

On Saturday the group drove to the secluded village of Croesor near Blaenau Ffestiniog to climb the south-west ridge of Cnicht, an elongated rocky crest peaked with one summit and numerous subsidiaries, providing good views of Tremadog Bay. After descending to a cairn overlooking the waters of Llyn yr Adar, the party turned right to follow an indistinct path to Bwlch y Rhosydd where old quarry workings were explored. Here an old railway incline brought members to a boggy plateau for the start of an unrelenting slope of steep grass, through gathering mist and increasingly heavy rain, leading to the trig. point on the summit of Moelwyn Mawr.

Trusting map and compass to locate the connecting ridge to Moelwyn Bach, this was followed over the rocky peak of Craig Ysgafn to reach the summit. A long and gentle, grass ridge leading downwards to the west brought the group down to the road for a short walk back to Croesor.

Despite forecasts of low cloud on Sunday, members headed out to Tal-y-Bont, north of Barmouth, to walk a round of two mountains in the Rhinog group. Starting from Cors-y-Gedol, the site of an ancient burial chamber, a bridleway was followed until the party headed north to reach the saddle between Moelfre and Moelyblithewm. An ascent of the latter led to a short, steep climb to the summit of Y Llethr, where a continuous wall was followed southwards to Diffwys, the day’s second objective. A long, grassy descent to the south-west brought the group back to the narrow bridge of Pont Scethin, where two off-road driving enthusiasts were attempting to extricate their Landrover from a deep ditch alongside the bridleway leading back to Tal-y-Bont.

On Monday, before returning home, members braved strong winds and heavy rain to climb Cader Idris via a circuit of Cwm Cau. Starting from Minfford, the party followed a stony path, which zig-zags steeply through woods to emerge eventually in Cwm Cau, where a path rising steeply to the left was taken to gain the ridge enclosing the cwm. The crest was followed over Craig Cwm Amarch and Mynydd Pencoed to reach the main summit of Pen y Gadair, where a mountain bothy provided welcome shelter from the hostile weather. After lunch members descended north-east over rocky ground to reach the ridge to the top of Mynydd Moel where a fence was followed down to the start at Minffordd.

June 11: Day 1. John, Pamela and Dave flew to Alicante and drove to John’s house in Los Collados, a small village on the edge of the Sierra de Segura National Park.

June 12: Day 2. Local walk from Molinicos, the nearest town with a shop. Saw a snake on the path. Walked past a deserted village and reached a rock arch on the highest point of the walk. Phil and Rosie had arrived in the meantime, having flown to Murcia on June 10 and spent a couple of nights near Cartagena sightseeing.

June 13: Day 3. John cycled; the other four of us walked from Los Collados along the dirt track to Quebradas, the next hamlet. We were searching for the GR route onto the ridge, which is marked on the map – this is no guarantee in Spain and John had failed to find it on previous occasions. We eventually discovered the path and were rewarded with fantastic views from the top. Phil and Dave climbed the Balcón de Pilatos, a limestone pinnacle.

June14: Day 4. Excitement - fruit and veg van visits Los Collados. Local walk with John from Molinicos. Moorish fortification/signalling tower, deserted villages seen along the way. Late afternoon we watched the annual Bull Run at a nearby village, Peñarrubia.

June 15: Day 5. Rosie cycled around Los Collados while the others walked up to and along the San Blas Ridge from Elche de la Sierra. Ridge 2.5 km long, knife-edged in places, guarded by spiky vegetation. Local English resident (from Ingleton), Denise, popped along for evening dinner.

June 16: Day 6, and the housemates are feeling the strain – legs bloodied, scratched and bitten from the thorn bushes, insects and bull-fighting. All 6 of us walked from Quebradas onto the ridge behind the village again and took the right-hand path up and onto the plateau, the Sierra del Cujón (1556 m). When we returned we had a fantastic meal at the local bar where for €12 each Amelia attempted to stuff us with too much home-grown food and wine. In Phil’s case she succeeded.

June 17: Day 7. John, Pam and David walked into a gorge, followed by tapas at a local bar. Phil and Rosie explored the local forest tracks opposite the village and saw another snake.

June 18: Day 8. Ridge walk north of Riopar to Almenara (1796 m) which looked to have an interesting climbing face. On reaching the top we were attacked by hundreds of ladybirds and butterflies. Stunning views all round over much of southern Spain. On descending we drove via a bar to a local beauty spot, the source of the Rio Mundo, and walked to the waterfalls which were in an amphitheatre similar to Malham Cove but about three times as high!

June 19: Day 9. Walked up onto the Sierra del Agua, north of El Laminador, to Alto del Gallinera (1629 m). Again, good views into the valley below.

June 20: Day 10. Car trip to Anya, a village clinging to the cliff face, known for its cave paintings. Unfortunately when we arrived we discovered that you had to book 24 hours in advance and needed to bring torches, helmets and a climbing rope! We had a good day though and picnicked by the river. On our return to Los Collados David, Pam and Rosie walked up the hill to Torre Pedro which was a Moorish signalling tower. The path petered out half-way up but we eventually found the tower and had lovely views over the village of Torre Pedro.

June 21: Day 11. Longest walk of the holiday! Walked up to and beyond Balcón de Pilatos from the Riopar side of the valley. The climb was very steep but once on the ridge we had fantastic views all around. The plateau, topped by the peak of Argel (1698 m), became what can only be described as an alpine garden with fantastic flowers. The way down was long but gentle and we spotted 2 snakes slithering across the road in front of us.

June 22: Day 12. Rest and cleaning day, when we visited some local villages: Torre Pedro, Cañada de Morote and El Pardal where we had a drink at a local bar with beautiful views over the valley. In the evening the English lady (Denise) invited us to her beautiful home for a farewell meal.

June 23: Day 13. Sadly, time for John, Pamela and Dave to catch the plane home. Rosie and Phil drove into the national park, via Siles to Segura de la Sierra, a picturesque hill-top village clustered around a restored castle. On the way they walked near Peña del Olivar and found a small cave entrance which blasted out cold air, a sure sign of an extensive system to be explored. Next trip?

June 24: Rosie and Phil did a circular walk (intermittently way-marked) from the village of Segura de la Sierra, reaching the ruins of a hill-top fortification about which very little seems to be known.

June 25: Rosie and Phil walked up Espino (1722 m), a beautiful limestone plateau, and in the evening toured the castle, bringing its total for the day to 8 visitors, it seemed.

June 26: Rosie and Phil flew home via a couple of hours on the beach with loads of other Brits.

All in all we had a fantastic holiday, the villagers were friendly and made us welcome despite us having almost no language in common. The weather started off cloudy at times but became gradually hotter, until walking early in the day and then taking a siesta became the sensible option. Spring had been wetter than usual which helped account for the unbelievable profusion of stunning wild flowers, especially on the open summits. Despite the wonderful scenery and, at times, actually being within the national park, we met no other walkers the whole time.

The paths range from good cyclable forest tracks to almost non-existent trods through undergrowth. Way-marking is erratic if at all. Much potential for scrambling, some of it loose. There are many limestone cliffs which might provide routes of all standards, but we did not take full climbing gear. There seem to be few detailed guidebooks even in Spanish. In sum, an area with massive potential.

Two of our mountaineering club members, Godfrey Metcalfe and Nick Millward (along with Judith Robinson) recently completed a sponsored cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. This is a brief account of their trip.

Setting out from Land’s End after a brief photo shoot the previous Sunday morning, the group headed off through the narrow Cornish lanes for a 69 miles journey through Helston, Truro and St. Austell to the youth hostel at Golant near Fowey. The following day consisted of a more arduous route of 75 miles, including numerous hill climbs, along the western edge of Dartmoor to Shobrooke, near Crediton, in Devon.

Tuesday’s 84 miles to Bristol took in a lunch stop at the hippy haven of Glastonbury, a long climb over the Mendip Hills and concluded with disappointment at Bristol youth hostel. Fortunately alternative bed spaces were found at the hostel in Bath, whilst the bikes were stored in Bristol till the following day. On Wednesday after crossing the Severn Bridge, the group headed up the Wye Valley to Monmouth, then along the Golden Valley to Kington, where the climax of a 76 miles day was a 1 in 4 climb up Bredbury Hill.

An 87 miles tour through the Welsh borders on Thursday brought the team to Chester for the final day’s push up through the Wirral to Birkenhead, then across the Mersey to Liverpool and the A59 back to the Ribble Valley, where a rest day was to be taken and a chance to do some washing.

On Sunday 15 June, before setting out to complete the final phase of the journey to John O’Groat’s, the cyclists pedalled from Browsholme to receive a blessing at Whitewell church at 9.15 a.m. in memory of Judith Robinson’s mum, Phyllis, who died of cancer in August 2007. “Team Whitewell,” accompanied by three cycling friends, headed off to Slaidburn for the hill climb over Tatham Fell and continued via High Bentham to Kirkby Lonsdale for a lunch stop at Devil’s Bridge, where they were rained on for the first time during the journey. Conditions improved as they cycled north through Tebay and Shap, and over Shap Fell to spend the night at Edenhall near Penrith.

The next leg was a daunting 90 miles route from Penrith to Melrose via Langholme, Hawick and Selkirk, completed in a time of 6 hours 45 minutes, which provided the confidence to tackle the following day’s stage of 113 miles from Melrose to Pitlochry.

All went well till the three cyclists reached Edinburgh, where the lack of signposts made the Forth road bridge difficult to find and two punctures slowed the group down after the cycle track to it was eventually located. A further handicap was that the cycle track over the left-hand side of the bridge was closed for repairs, causing an unwelcome detour.

Finally free of the city, team Whitewell headed upwards through Dunfermline and Perth for a buffeting in wind and rain along the long stretch of the A9 to Pitlochry youth hostel, where the back-up team provided a very welcome meal after the cyclists’ 8 hours on the saddles at a respectable average speed of 14.1 miles per hour.

After a hard day some relief was gained by a shorter journey over the Drumochter Pass to Aviemore. This was achieved thanks to the cycle track running alongside the busy A9, providing continual interest and stunning panoramas, though some wet weather was experienced on the descent to Dalwhinnie.

The team was joined in Aviemore by club member, Humph Johnson, whose input provided further encouragement to complete the final two legs of the epic journey. Reaching Inverness via Tomatin, heavy rain was encountered as the party descended to Kessock Bridge, though a sighting of dolphins in the Beauly Firth made up for the discomfort. After passing through the Black Isle a causeway across the Cromarty Firth led to Invergordon and Tain, the site of the Glenmorangie distillery, and on to another causeway spanning the Dornoch Firth, which proved arduous to cross in a fierce headwind. Arriving at a B & B just north of Dornoch, the group enjoyed views of Loch Fleet after covering 79 miles at an average speed of 14.2 miles per hour, the best day’s performance so far.

Team Whitewell reached the climax of the journey on Friday 20th June rounding the shores of Loch Fleet to reach Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale assisted at last by a south-westerly wind. The next objective Wick lay beyond a notorious series of steep hills known as the Berriedale Braes. Descending to the beginning of these recorded the journey’s highest speed of 49 m.p.h. which was drastically reduced on starting the climb. However the route north of Wick proved to be the final test as the wind swung round to blow from the north-east, making progress to John O’Groats painfully slow.

Freewheeling down to the final John O’Groats signpost, the team was cheered home by the support team, relatives and friends after finishing the 956 miles challenge. Despite a celebration photo shoot, the cyclists felt unable to rest till they had visited the lighthouse at Duncansby Head and retraced their route to John O’Groats youth hostel.

Another good turnout for this meet, ten of us set off from Tilberthwaite and made our way up through the mine and quarry workings to the NE ridge of Wetherlam. A couple of short rocky steps brought us out onto the summit where we were able to relax and enjoy the views on this beautiful day. While a smaller group completed the round of Swirl How and Coniston Old Man, the main party took the grassy ridge south from Black Sails into the Coniston valley then back over Hole Rake to the cars. The day finished, as all good days in the hills should, with us all gathered together in the Sun Hotel, Coniston!

We had booked Scotland for Easter as usual but an indifferent weather forecast and a spluttering cough which hung on too long made it essential to implement 'plan B'.
Catherine trawled the internet for an hour or so and found a week in Mallorca for a low price. We booked it. Then we booked airport parking, a hire car in Mallorca and holiday insurance in the next hour and settled down to wait 4 days before departure.
The weather in Mallorca was perfect, warm, dry and clear. We arrived on Saturday and on Sunday set off to do the Puig Roig (Red Peak) circuit which is closed for the rest of the week.
We followed this trip with the climb up Massenella which is the highest summit open to the public. It costs 4 euros to cross the farm at the foot but is well worth it. It was a lovely sunny day with superb views from the summit.
Our next jaunt was into the Torrent de Pareis. This fantastic canyon has walls a thousand feet high on both sides and is only 3 or 4 metres wide in places. We also had another look at the Cavall Bernatt ridge which is stunning in that it plunges 1000 feet vertically into the sea. We also did a bit of sight seeing and had an excellent week. (See photos in gallery)

Eleven members of Clitheroe mountaineering club attended a day meet at Cautley near Sedbergh on Sunday. Trudging through deep, soft snow, the party climbed the path bordering the Cautley Spout waterfalls to reach the summit of The Calf, where to the north stretched extensive, snowy views of the Lakeland Fells in alpine appearance and to the south the Three Peaks and Morecambe Bay. Despite azure skies and bright sunshine, the biting wind made this no place to linger, so members headed swiftly south over Bram Rigg Top to Calders blasted by spindrift from the many deep snowdrifts. Continuing south the group traversed the tops of Arant Haw and Winder before descending steeply into Sedbergh.

The club’s recent weekend meet was based at the Glan Dena climbing hut in the Ogwen valley near Capel Curig. On Saturday members’ activities were severely limited by storm force winds and torrential rain. One group headed to Aber where a track through the nature reserve was taken to view the spectacular Rhaeadr Falls, then to ascend the minor peak of Bera Mawr, which proved to be no pushover when one could hardly stand. Scrambling up rocks to reach the summit, members raised their heads just above the highest point then hastily retreated back to the drying room in the hut.

After hot showers and changes of dry clothes members were able to enjoy a communal Italian meal with starters prepared by Denise and Steve Andrews, a main course cooked by the meal coordinators Jane Pyzniuk and Dave Grosvenor, and an array of desserts contributed by various others, including a birthday cake for Ellen Derby. Committee member, Frank Taylor, gave an appreciative vote of thanks on behalf of all the guests.

One second in the life of a mountaineer - Keith's Fall on the Fiachaill Ridge

It was the week of the annual lads trip to Scotland for some winter mountaineering. This year’s venue was the northern Cairngorms. The weather had been very windy for the start of the week but on Wednesday the wind had dropped and the tops were clear of cloud. The weather bulletin in the top car park gave a high avalanche risk for steep north and east facing snow slopes, so that seemed to rule out gullies.

We all decided to go up the Fiacaill ridge between Coire an T-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain. I was the last of the party when Keith was on the final short buttress. He had negotiated the snow covered slab at the bottom of it and was on good ledges above with his head over the top, just a couple of steps to go. I moved to the bottom and started up the slab. I was about to move onto the ledges when I saw that Keith’s boots and crampons were still above me as he hadn’t yet made the last step up. I was quite happy with my position as I had my hands round two big holds and my dachsteins were sticking very well to the snow covered rocks as I waited for Keith to move. However, instead of pulling up, he fell backwards onto me.

I had no chance of holding the two of us and started to slide down. We separated, Keith going right while I went left. I was now falling free – not a pleasant feeling. I bounced off a boulder near the base of the slab and turned over. I was now head first, face down, sliding down snow – much more comforting than falling free! I came to rest looking out over a couple of hundred feet of fresh air into Coire an T- Sneachda. In all, less than a 20 foot fall. I cautiously tried moving my arms, legs, neck and back, all seemed to be as normal. I carefully got to my feet and climbed back up to look for Keith. He was lying across a rock and did not respond to my shouts or when I reached him and touched his shoulder. He was breathing harshly, but was face down with his head to one side so his airways were unlikely to block and he did not appear to be losing any blood. I decided that he didn’t need any instant attention so I quickly climbed the buttress to alert the others. At the time it didn’t occur to me to think that there might be a problem climbing the buttress and that perhaps I should have chosen another route!

Keith recovered consciousness quite quickly and could move his arms and legs but had pains in his lower back. It was clear that he was not going to be able to walk down so we needed assistance. We made him as comfortable as we could in a bivvi bag with rucksacks for padding and sitmats and spare clothing to insulate him from the snow. The Lossiemouth helicopter took about 35 minutes to get there and it took another hour and a half to get him immobilised, onto a stretcher and winched up, because of the awkward position he was in. At Inverness hospital he was found to have fractured his L5 vertebra and be suffering from mild hyperthermia. He is now back home and walking about wearing a brace which he has to use for 6 weeks.

The George Starkey climbing hut in Patterdale was the venue for the club’s weekend meet in the eastern Lakes.

On Saturday, a fine day at last after a week of heavy rain, members set out for Grisedale, one group heading for Eagle Crag and another bound for Pinnacle Ridge on St. Sunday Crag. The first group climbed via scree to a ruined mine building, then scrambled via the straight-cut gash of an old mineral vein to gain the rocky, east ridge of Nethermost Pike where a steep, rough walk led to the summit. Looking north east, ant-like figures could be seen crossing the pinnacles of Striding Edge, but no sign of the snow and ice which had led to two recent fatalities.

The party continued north along the rim of Nethermost Cove to reach shelter on Helvellyn from the freezing cold wind. Whilst lunch was eaten there were excellent views in all directions and some evidence of recent wintry weather, such as slowly collapsing cornices on the Red Tarn face of Helvellyn and some remaining patches of snowfield beneath them. With numbed fingers, even on gloved hands, members resumed their climb to the trig. point on the summit, then descended around the edge of Brown Cove to Helvellyn Lower Man, continuing north over the peaks of White Side and Raise to Stybarrow Dodd.

Here the group headed east to the rounded slopes of Green Side for a final climb to the top of Sheffield Pike and a knee-wrecking descent to Glen Ridding.

On Saturday evening members enjoyed a communal meal, kindly organised and prepared by Veronica and Nick Millward, ably assisted with contributions of soup and desserts by other members of the club.

Sunday’s forecasts threatened a return to rain, so a majority of members decided that it would be a good idea not to onto the tops. Instead an interesting day was spent in the Greenside area, seeing some of the many reminders of the extensive mining activity that once took place in this part of the Lake District.

Thirty members travelled to Keswick at the weekend for the club’s annual dinner meet. On Saturday one group drove to Stonethwaite in Borrowdale to walk up the valley of Langstrath to scramble up the rocky, Cam Crag ridge and to explore Woof cave. After scaling the greasy, wet rocks in a buffeting wind, the party descended into Combe Gill to reach the foot of Doves Nest crag where a steep chimney capped by large chockstones, a traverse along a balcony and then a climb up a v-groove were scrambled on to reach Attic Cave, now a dangerous place to explore due to recent rockfalls. Other parties completed a round of the Newlands horseshoe and the mountains of the northern Lakes around Mungrisdale.

On Saturday night a communal Christmas meal, co-ordinated and prepared by John Beard, Dave Grosvenor and Jane Pizniuk, and with contributions from many other club members, was enjoyed, followed by a vote of thanks given by the vice-chairman, Ian Grace, together with a short speech, including an entertaining mountaineering parody of one of Stanley Holloway’s famous monologues.

Despite the late night festivities, members were out on the mountains again on Sunday. One group travelled to Mungrisdale to walk a round of Souther Fell, Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell. See gallery for photos.

In keeping with the previous week’s walk, the weather for the day was appalling, and as nine intrepid souls gathered at Chipping the rain just hammered down. However, as the bikes were already in Lancaster and a minibus turned up on time, there was no escape.

The plan was to follow the North Lancs Bridleway, which is a mixture of cycle tracks, minor roads and two long off road sections. The rain eased slightly as we left Lancaster along the Lune cycleway to Caton, from here it was up some very minor lanes to the start of the Salter Fell Road. Luckily at this point the torrential rain was on our backs, and we were partly blown up hill.

After a short break we set off along the nine miles of Salter Fell, John Beard had probably done about a mile when he punctured, found some shelter out of the wind, and with a bit of swearing he was soon back on the road. The rain eased but the side wind made some sections very tricky. As we dropped over the top, we gained some shelter, and it became far more enjoyable, it was here that Godfrey entertained the ladies by flying over the front of his bike, luckily damage to bike and rider were minimal.

It was decided to miss out the next off road section (Nick reported it was a mud bath), and head to the café in Dunsop Bridge. Here that the team felt we should cut straight to Chipping rather than risk getting caught in the dark on the long off road section to the finish.

Despite the weather all enjoyed the day, there will be a full re-run in the summer, and it was decided to run half a dozen MTB days throughout next year. See gallery for photos.

After a very wet night, and despite an appalling forecast a party of seven gathered to go bog trotting in Bowland, any significance in the fact they were all males?

Starting up the Langden valley and heading up to the mis-named Langden Castle, the party made the first of several river crossing on their way to Fiendsdale Head, although not raining at this point, the mist made a detour to the view point at Paddy’s pole (on Fair Snape Fell) rather pointless, so we continued along the worst of the peat bogs towards Totridge Fell.

With the weather always threatening it was decided to take the drier option across Hareden Fell and pick up the shooters track down the valley. Lunch was taken in one of the shooting bothies, although part of the roof was missing, we had the luxury of a table and chairs.

Over lunch the party were entertained by tales of part shooting parties by Joe Marsden, who had been born in the area, and very often went beating for the ‘toffs’ and was paid 10 shillings a day!

From the bottom of Hareden we headed back to the cars, and all agreed we had made the best of a bad day, as the promised rain and snow never did materialise.

In mid October three of us set out to do a 125 mile circuit of the Cairngorms, although the recommended route suggested four days, we opted for three, but carried lights just in case.

Day one started from Aviemore and headed on the back roads towards Ruthen, before going up and over Glen Tromie to Gaick Lodge, then a lovely section of single track, and a long descent to Dalnacardoch Lodge. From here it was about 7 miles downhill on the old A9 to our first night at Blair Atholl. A good day at 47 miles, and it stopped dry!

Day two was shorter at 30 miles, starting up Glen Tilt, the autumn colours were magnificent, and the sound of rutting deer echoed around us. We soon reached the picturesque bridge at Falls of Tarf, this was followed by a long section of single track with a big drop on one side, I needed to take care, as the bike definitely doesn’t handle the same with panniers on! Then we headed down to the Linn of Dee, again beautiful in the autumn sun, and a run into Braemar YHA.

From the start we had a long climb up to 700m under Culardoch, then a great descent to Loch Bulig, and a run along Glen Avon to Tomitoul (bacon butties recommended in the old Fire Station café). From here the route got a bit convoluted as we crossed to the Braes of Abernethy and Glenmore, at this point we saw a storm crossing the mountains, so elected to go into Nethy Bridge and follow the Speyside Way home, there is great new off road section from Boat of Garten back to Aviemore. We did 47 miles and managed to get back before dark. The only rain we saw in 3 days was the last hour of the ride.

A great ride, lacking in café stops (we made up for it at the Mountain Café in Aviemore), there are already plans afoot for similar multi day rides in the future.

Over the years I, like many other people, have always enjoyed a challenge. I find that it is something to look forward to, aim for, get yourself fit for, and you get a real sense of satisfaction if you achieve your goal. My challenges in the past have included running the Ben Nevis Race, reaching the summit of Mont Blanc, (never had the chance to do it again), the Fellsmans Hike (never been tempted to do that again), and the traverse of the Cuillin Ridge on Skye.

So, earlier this year, as my sixtieth birthday fast approached I was wondering what I could do to mark the occasion. Not being a party animal, (a bit anti-social at times), I recalled, a couple of years ago, wanting to walk the Three Peaks of England, Scotland and Wales in twenty four hours. Two friends offered to come with me and another offered to do the driving, so at 4.30pm on Friday 29^th of June the four of us set off for Snowdonia.

Going from south to north meant that we could have a celebratory drink in Fort William on Saturday night before driving home on Sunday.

Leaving the car park opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway terminus at Llanberis at 8.00pm we followed the main tourist path by the rail track up Snowdon reaching the summit in intermittent patches of mist at 9.45pm. After five minutes taking photos and catching glimpses of the sun setting over Angelsey we began our descent. At the large stone pillar at Bwlch Glas my mates produced a small cake and some candles and I was made to pose for another photo shoot. Soon we were on our way again arriving at the car by 11.20pm.

An uneventful and sleepless drive through the night saw us arrive at Wasdale Head soon after dawn had broken at 4.30am. We were kitted up ready to leave by 4.40am. As the sole was hanging off my fell shoes after Snowdon I had decided to wear my boots and, for assistance, take my walking poles. Brown Tongue, Mickledore and the summit was reached by 6.00am. A few photos and then off down via Lingmell Col and Brown tongue to reach the car at 8.25am.

Breakfast was taken in Morrisons at Carlisle and one and a half hours were lost going through Glasgow, due to the midday traffic. Lucky really, as shortly afterwards the car bomb at Glasgow Airport went off and we would never have got through.

I had hoped to arrive at the youth hostel in Glen Nevis by 1.00pm, giving us seven hours to go up and down the Ben before 8.00pm, but alas it was 3.15pm leaving only 4hours 45minutes. My boots felt cumbersome on Scafell Pike so the chosen footwear here was trainers which had a good tread on the bottom, on reflection, a good choice as speed was of the essence.

Over the youth hostel footbridge, up to the main path and into Red Burn we were surprised to find a spring in our step. Spurred on by the knowledge that this was the last one and that we had to keep a good pace up we made the summit by 6.00pm.

Two hours to get back down, could we make it? The main problem coming down was dodging the hoards of people going up. It must have been a popular weekend for doing the Three Peaks Challenge as many were setting off up the Ben as their first peak on Saturday evening. You had to feel some sympathy for some of the participants when, just above Red Burn, looking wrecked, they were asking “How far to the top.” They had a loooong hard trip ahead of them.

We were flying now, cross Red Burn, by the lochan, over the wee metal bridges, reaching the junction were the path diverts for the youth hostel. It was 7.40pm at this point, success! Our driver Chris was waiting for us as we crossed the bridge by the youth hostel at 7.50pm with ten minutes to spare.

By nine o’clock, after shower and change of clothes, we were enjoying a meal and a jar of the local brew in Fort William. Midnight saw four weary lads tucked up in bed giving it Zzzzzzzzzzzzs. No need to bother about snoring, traffic, etc. world war four wouldn’t have woken us.

Back at our lodgings, while lying on the bed, waiting my turn for a shower, I told my mates that if I ever suggested doing any challenges again would they please give me a good kicking. A week later I was thinking of something to do for my 61^st birthday. Needless to say I await a good kicking.

Many thanks to my two mates Mick and Stewart for accompanying me and to Chris who chauffeured us all weekend.

To mark the end of the outdoor evening climbing season and the start of indoor wall-climbing, the regular climbing group went for a meal at the Assheton Arms in Downham. The menu was simple and wholesome, but what the food lacked in inspiration was easily made up for by the group spirit. (When the party on the next table got up to leave, they thanked us for an entertaining evening!)

We decided not to climb first, but five out of ten diners arrived by bicycle, and two of us might have run there if Godfrey’s wife hadn’t arrived home in time to give us a lift. Godfrey reckoned no-one would sit next to us, but our delicate post-exercise aroma can’t be as embarrassing as Brian’s flashing bowtie!

Brian had offered Ian a ride on the back of his tandem, so when George arrived expecting a lift he was presented with a bike, a helmet, and a head torch and told to follow behind! No-one told Ian that the tandem had no brakes and he would have to hold a torch aloft to guide it, but having crashed through a five barred gate (which fortunately burst open when they hit it) he began to get the picture.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening, ending with malt whisky to fortify the cyclists for their homeward jaunt.

Remember: if you want to join us for next year’s Climbers’ Night Out the “rule” is that you have to come climbing at least once (or bribe Bern). You might even want to come more! Thursday evenings, 5:15 at the carpark, no previous experience necessary! Anne

The weather was forecast to be wet for the Borrowdale walk. The six people who met at the council office car park had already been forewarned that plans would change if the forecast was poor...

So it was, that two cars arrived at Selside before 9.00am. We just had time to don walking gear and waterproofs before the rain started. We took the route along the road towards Ribblehead before turning into the fields and following the base of Park Fell to Colt Park. From there we climbed into the mist onto Park Fell and followed the track along to Simon Fell. Still in mist and rain we turned right to reach Swine Tail and climb to Ingleborough summit where we had a good view of our boots in driving rain.

After a quick lunch at the shelter we took the track down to Sulber Nick, the rain stopped and we stepped under the clouds to be rewarded with views towards Bowland, Settle and Horton. Even Pen-y-Ghent popped out of the clouds for a while. The bridleway from Sulber Nick returns almost to Alum Pot before we turned for the cars. There are no photos, it did not look like a camera day but had anyone taken one we could have recorded a Birdseye Primrose in full bloom! Either a couple of months late this year or nine months early for next - global warming even in Yorkshire.

Everyone enjoyed the day and agreed it was preferable to driving all the way to the Lakes to examine the interior of clouds!

Seventeen members attended a popular weekend meet at Low House climbing hut in Coniston.

On Saturday a group of three headed for Dow Crag, hoping that the weather would be dry enough to climb the classic Murray’s route, which weaves its way up “B” Buttress. Despite lowering cloud, strengthening wind and spots of rain, the party reached the steep, polished slab whose crossing forms the crux of the climb, then continued via a series of chimneys, grooves and hand traverses to end the four pitch route at Easy Terrace. As the sun fleetingly appeared, the group scrambled down the terrace to the foot of the cliff to pack up their gear, then climbed to the summit of Dow Crag and followed the curving ridge above Goats Water to reach the summit of Coniston Old Man. A descent of the mountain’s south ridge brought the party back to Walna Scar Road and Coniston.

Another, larger group set out from the car park on the Walna Scar Road to complete a trio of classic rock scrambles. After scaling the south ridge of The Bell, members climbed up the course of Low Water Beck to reach the tarn, which is the source of the stream. Finally the party continued scrambling up the slabby face of Brim Fell to reach the summit, gaining 1400 feet of vertical height. Here some members continued to the summits of Swirl How and Wetherlam, whilst others explored the level tunnels of Coniston Old Man’s abandoned slate mines, guided by the club’s mining expert, David Taylor.

Other members also enjoyed rock scrambling on Great Carrs Buttress and long, mountain walks over Coniston Old Man, Brim Fell, Swirl How and Wetherlam.

Despite heavy rain on Sunday, members enjoyed a scramble on Raven Crag in Yewdale, and explorations of Hodge Close quarry, and the tunnels and caves of Cathedral Quarry in Tilberthwaite.

Veronica and I recently spent 3 memorable nights on Rum, stopping in the hostel at the back of Kinloch Castle, the former holiday home of the very wealthy Bullough textile family from Accrington. Well worth a visit if only to do the castle tour.

The Rum Cuillin (two Corbett’s) was the main objective, but sadly the mist stopped very low, so we were confined to some very interesting coastal walks. The best day was the day we left, the bonus being that the ferry trip around Eigg and Muick was superb.

Then it was onto Tobermory, and 3 nights in the YHA, again, the mist never really lifted, but we had a good trip to Iona (where John Smith is buried), and an excellent walk around the Treshnish peninsula. Ben More never came anywhere close to clearing.

A great week, Rum is highly recommended and we fancy a week (in better weather) on Mull.

The annual August Bank holiday Welsh camping meet was held at Brithdir near Dolgellau. Despite optimistic forecasts of good weather, Saturday proved to be a very cloudy day, providing challenging navigation in the mountains.

Starting from the village of Croesor members climbed the southwest ridge of Cnicht, whose cone-shaped profile was lost in the mist, then descended towards Llyn yr Adar enjoying the only brief spell of sunshine of the day. At a boggy plateau just before the lake, the group veered south-east to pick up a path leading to the extensive former slate quarry workings at Bwlch y Rhosydd, where lunch was taken behind the ruined, roofless buildings. An old tramway incline, climbing south between spoil tips, took the party to a path leading up the north-east ridge of Moelwyn Mawr, then on to the summit of Moelwyn Bach whose grassy west ridge was followed back to Croesor.

On Sunday members took the local bus to Llanuwchllyn near Lake Bala so that they could complete a full traverse of the Aran mountains from north to south. In clear, blue skies and sunshine, the group climbed the quartz-veined rocks to the summit of Aran Benllyn, then continued to the higher top of Aran Fawddwy before descending via Drws Bach to the minor summit of Dyrysgol, gaining extensive views of the sharp crests and steep crags on the eastern side of the range. A slanting path down the valley of Hengwm took members into Cwm Cywarch, overshadowed by the steep rock buttresses of the Craig Cywarch crags, where the route finished.

Another day of excellent weather on Monday enticed a group of mountain bikers to ride the cycle track from Dolgellau to Barmouth and back, whilst another party headed for the Minffordd hotel to climb Cader Idris and Mynydd Moel via a circuit of the rocky rim above Cwm Cau. From the main summit of Penygadair the coast was clearly visible over Llyn y Gadair and the knife-edge of the Cyfrwy arête.

Swindale near Shap in the eastern Lakes was the venue for the club’s August day meet. Leaving the valley by the Old Corpse Road, members walked in damp, misty weather to the summit of Brown Howe, then retraced their steps to Selside end to reach the summits of Selside, Artlecrag Pike and Branstree. After descending into Mosedale the party climbed Harrop Pike, Great Yarlside and Sleddale Pike on the return to Swindale Head.

Imagine sitting outside your tent on a balmy summer evening, high in the Lake District, miles from the road, something nice simmering on your stove...

The Bivvy meet was always open to change at the last minute, and Thursday/Friday saw a flurry of debate among interested parties, as we finally agreed on a weekend at the Fell and Rock hut in Borrowdale, to make the best of a volatile forecast.

Our numbers were somewhat reduced (illness, work, holidays) but three of us set off Saturday morning and enjoyed a fine walk as the weather picked up during the afternoon. To keep below cloud-level we headed up High Spy, Maiden Moor, and down over Cat Bells, returning to Rosthwaite via the Allerdale Ramble.

The meet swelled to five people for a sociable evening at the hut, where the unpredictable weather meant there was little point in making plans for the morrow so we opened another bottle of wine...

Sunday dawned dry and fine, but there had obviously been plenty of rain during the night, and more forecast for the afternoon. We were all keen to climb, so Shepherd’s Crag was the obvious choice, being quick-drying, near the road, and with routes at grades to suit us all. Splitting into teams we joined the crowds who felt the same way. It was after three when the rain spattered in, so we’d done a few good routes. We drifted down to the cafe and regrouped over a cup of tea.

Verdict: Two short days out, but it still made for a satisfying weekend in the Lakes.

...And the moral of this weekend’s tale: a bivvy meet is a great idea if you also have a Plan B.

In spite of the poor forecast a total of ten hopeful optimists met at the end of the Walna Scar track on Sunday morning. The Meet coordinator fulfilled his coordinating role at the car park, but announced he’d walked in rain often enough before and wasn’t keen to do it today. The climbing coordinator was armed with a good weather plan and a showery weather alternative, but both had to be abandoned in favour of walking. However, the group that set off up Dow Crag and onward to Coniston Old Man was eight strong and happy to make the best of things.

Interestingly the age range of the party spanned sixty years, from 13 to 74. Was it the enthusiasm of youth or the stoicism of old age that motivated us? More likely grumpy middle-aged obstinacy, but whatever it was, it paid off. Although the waterproofs came on and off several times in the early part of the walk (and at one stage the cloud was down and the rain looked set in) as we continued from the Old Man along the ridge, over Brim Fell to Swirl How, the sun came out and we were rewarded for our perserverance with fine views accentuated rather than diminished by the clouds.

The youthful trotted out to the summit of Great Carrs to see the memorial to eight airmen lost in 1944 (the wreckage visible on the slopes below) then we descended Prison Band to Levers Water, where the foolhardy paddled. The adventurous climbed on the Pudding Stone, and the ex-biologist told us the Latin name of obscure sedges along the way.

The day ended as all good mountain days should, with an excellent pint, (in this case brewed on the premises in Coniston) and just to make us feel really smug, this was the point when the heavens opened and the rain began once more.

Over the weekend of the Spring Bank holiday a camping meet was held at Wooler. Due to the weather reverting back to wintry conditions members were able to experience at first hand why the area is frequently used for demanding endurance events like the Karrimor mountain marathons. On Saturday the group took a long walk to the head of Harthope Valley to reach Carn Hill, where the Pennine Way was followed to reach the summit of the Cheviot. An undulating ridge walk taking in the tops of Scald Hill, Broadhope Hill, Cold Law and Steely Crag led back to the starting point.

Heavy, overnight rain persisted into Sunday morning, so the party headed out to the coast at Seahouses to enjoy a wind-blown walk along the coastal path with clear views of the Farne islands and the lighthouse made famous by Grace Darling’s daring rescue.

On Sunday members setting out in heavy rain from the car park at Barrowburn in Upper Coquetdale questioned their sanity, but were rewarded with improving weather as they followed the Border County Ride bridleway to Ward Law and the summit of Windy Gyle. Despite a sharp shower at the trig. point, sunshine gradually emerged as the party followed the Pennine Way along the ridge towards Mozie Law, enjoying attractive views of an unfamiliar, sparsely populated landscape used for military training. A descent via Black Braes, Swineside Law and Hindside Knowe completed the round.

Fourteen members of Clitheroe mountaineering club attended this day scrambling and climbing meet in the Langdale valley. Setting out from the National Trust car park near Stickle Barn, one party headed for the climbs on Raven Crag whilst another scrambled up the bed of Dungeon Ghyll to reach the southwest face of Harrison Stickle. Scrambling up perfect, dry rock via various ribs and walls, members emerged on the summit plateau to enjoy extensive views in all directions.

After a descent to the west the group continued to the next peak, Pike of Stickle, then a lengthy walk over Martcrag Moor led to Stake Pass and on to the summit of Rossett Pike. Here a traverse line around the Hanging Knotts crags of Bowfell was identified, so members descended into Rossett Ghyll then scrambled through boulder fields and scree to reach the foot of Bowfell Buttress, where a welcome spring provided refreshment. Following the climbers’ path the party reached the Great Slab on Bowfell, which was climbed to reach the summit.

On returning to Langdale via the Three Tarns path and the Band, members enjoyed a hard earned pint in the Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel and were greeted by the small, but jubilant group of climbers who had ignored the Met. Office’s forecast of showers and brought their racks of climbing hardware to complete a day on the rock of East Raven crag, tackling routes from Severe to Hard Very Severe in warm sunshine.

The Peak District was chosen for the April meet as a place where both walkers and climbers could enjoy a day out. And so they both did!

A select band of three climbers shunned the 8am start from the car park and left Clitheroe at 9am instead. Thus when the walking element strolled past Millstone hoping to see some ‘Action and Derring-Do’ the climbing team were just arriving! A total of seven routes ranging from Vdiff to Hard VS were climbed, in spite of the late start and late-afternoon shower. A pleasant start to the summer climbing meets.

Other club members enjoyed a cloudy, windy but generally dry day’s walk – a tour of the Eastern Edges. From Hathersage Station the route followed footpaths up onto the moors near Higgar Tor and along to Millstone Edge and Lawrencefield Quarry. Resisting the temptation of the tea-room at Grindleford Station the group stopped for lunch at Tegness Quarry beneath the pinnacle. Quite why the gritstone should have been quarried so carefully around the perimeter to leave the pinnacle remains one of life’s mysteries (the first recorded ascent of it was in 1902).

The rolling parkland of the Longshaw Lodge Estate (National Trust) provided a brief interlude (and some good public conveniences) before a return to the moors above Burbage Edges. The final crags visited just had to be Stanage, mecca for gritstone aficionados, where dedicated souls were being wind- and grit-blasted as they sat huddled on the edge. And so it was that the not-so-famous five left behind the rock-jocks and boulderers and returned down tracks and lanes, through woods, across fields and around ‘private, no entry’ signs to visit Little John’s Grave (yes, really..) in a Hathersage churchyard. Ending the day in the garden of a tearoom and tackling the largest scones to be found this side of Devon…. Who says we can’t please everyone?

I’m still pinching myself to check that I didn’t dream the events of last weekend. Last week a couple of things happened that brought this all about – first our son, Greg, arrived home from university, then Andy and Tony were raving about conditions on Ben Nevis and the good weather forecast..

Decision made, Greg and I left home at 8.30pm on Friday and were parked up beside Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at 2.00am Saturday. After pretending to sleep for just over an hour we left the car at 3.30am and were on the start of Tower Ridge at 6.30am. Clear skies, a full moon and a hard frost bode well for things to come. Quite a number of climbers were already ahead of us further up towards Observatory Gully (including Andy Brown?) and on Tower Ridge we slotted in between two other ropes. The guys we soon caught up with were from Sabden having also driven up overnight.!

The snow was perfect, rock-hard neve, any patches of ice were also just right and exposed rock was dry. A couple of little ice pitches and an easy plod brought us up to the Little Tower. That was soon passed - moving roped up and placing gear when the opportunity arose.

In the lead now, we arrived at the foot of the Great Tower and the start of the Eastern Traverse. The sun had softened the surface just a bit by now but the snow was still solid underneath. After double-checking the belay I moved gingerly across the traverse. It was really very easy apart from the huge drop below. A few bits of gear, even an insitu peg to clip and we’re really enjoying ourselves.

Tower Gap came and went with a bit of teetering on a knife edge of snow and the scramble down into and out of the gap. We were soon at the belay on rocks just 20m or so below the summit plateau. Emerging back into the sun and a horizontal snowy world felt good. Brought Greg up and we could just sprawl in the sun and take it in. It was 11.00am and it felt just like holiday time in the Alps. Tee shirts, a lot of climbers topping out and the mandatory Nevis punters in trainers with carrier bags.

What a fantastic day, great route, brilliant conditions and a life-long ambition for me achieved at the age of 50! (That’s two out of three ridges done, just Observatory Ridge left).

On Sunday we parked at the very end of Glen Nevis and walked up Aonach Beag. The NE ridge looked really good but it also looked a long way down to the start of it. Instead we satisfied ourselves with an easy-ish route on the north face – Whiteout (grade 2) – and back to the car in reasonable time.

Footnote: Just to put our humble efforts into context, as you will have gathered, Tony Halliwell and Andy Brown have also been active on routes on the Ben at various times in the last two weeks. Their tally includes Slav Route, Point Five, Comb Gully, Astral Highway, Orion Face. Some truly incredible climbs to go with the incredible conditions of these last couple of weeks. I am sure we all look forward to seeing their photos.

A week after the North Wales weekend, on the club’s day meet at Austwick, the strong winds returned together with hail and snow showers, as members set out along Crummack Lane bound for Crummack farm and Trow Gill, where shelter was briefly enjoyed beneath the overhanging limestone crags, before proceeding to Gaping Ghyll for a steady climb up the southeast flank of Little Ingleborough. On reaching the cairn on this minor summit, the group headed north towards the main Ingleborough plateau battling to remain standing in the icy blasts. Here it was decided to traverse across the eastern sheltered slopes to reach the path to Sulber Nick alongside which lunch was enjoyed in a ruined shooting hut. Duly refreshed the group set out to discover the crevasse-like cleft of Juniper Gulf pothole, and then continued to the limestone pavements of Thieves Moss. A walk over the top of Moughton Scars led to a descent into Crummackdale and another snow shower as members reached their cars.

The club’s weekend visit to the Glan Dena climbing hut in the Ogwen Valley, North Wales, was unique this year due to the absence of snow, the usual wintry weather being replaced with gale force winds and damp, misty conditions.

On Saturday morning one group set out to the Llanberis Pass to scramble over the peaks of the Snowdon horseshoe, but on reaching the car park at Pen-y-pass found that at 9am all the spaces were full. The alternative was to drive down to the lay-by by the Cromlech boulders for an ascent of the north ridge of Crib Goch. After crossing the Afon Nant Peris stream, members headed towards Cwm Glas Mawr, then scrambled over rock and scree on the western flank of Dinas Mot to reach the starting point of the ridge.

Firstly climbing broad, stone covered slopes, the party’s progress was made more difficult as the ridge narrowed to a jagged, rocky arête exposed to strong gusts of wind and rendered slippery by the dampness. Eventually members reached the point where the normal East Ridge path from Pen-y-pass joins the summit ridge, and continued in dense mist along the airy traverse of Crib Goch’s knife-edged crest and the rock pinnacles beyond.

On arrival at the grassy col of Bwlch Coch the route continued on further rocky ground over Crib y Ddysgl and Carnedd Ugain to join the gentler Llanberis path alongside the railway track to the summit of Snowdon. Due to ever worsening weather conditions, the group retraced its steps to Bwlch Glas to descend the Miners’ Track to Llyn Llydaw where the causeway was crossed for the walk along a rough road to the haven of the café at Pen-y-pass.

Sunday’s forecast warned of even stronger winds, but one party drove to Capel Curig after a mild collision with a mountain goat outside the climbing hut, to climb the isolated peak of Moel Siabod. Leaving Pont Cyfyng along the track to the old quarry, members skirted by the northwest shore of Llyn y Foel to reach the mountain’s east ridge, where the scramble along the skyline had to be avoided due to the violent gusts. After climbing to the trig point on the summit, a sheltered spot for lunch was discovered prior to the taking of bearings for the return along the splendid northeast ridge, which proved to be in the lee of the prevailing wind and an interesting climax to the day’s outing, but sadly devoid of any views.

One of the many things I have found rewarding over the years walking on the fells is the occasional meeting and passing the time of day with complete strangers from all walks of life. You’ll probably never see them again but a cheery word, informal chat and a smile lifts the spirits on the gloomiest day.

Walk round any large town or city, say “Hello” and begin to talk to a stranger and you will be looked at with suspicion, a crank, someone to be avoided. On the fells if you walk past someone without speaking and your considered unsociable.

When I began fell walking the usual format was to visit as many tops as possible each time we went out. On a day in the Langdales a friend and I reached our first top of the day and sat down to have a bite to eat. It was a hot summers day and I had brought some especially tasty home grown tomatoes with me. Soon a lad appeared, we began chatting and he sampled my tomatoes. After a while we said our goodbyes and off he went. We set off in the opposite direction. At our next bait stop, hey presto, he appeared again. On reflection, that day, each time I opened my bait box he materialized from nowhere.

During a CMC weekend meet at Braithwaite I was wandering the fells alone. At the steam that runs between Grassmoor and Crag Hill I came across three Geordies sat in the snow having a brew. I stopped and chatted for a while before continuing on my way.

Later that evening John Beard came in the hut. “I’ve just been talking to some Geordies” he said, “They said they had met one of our members up on the fell. Couldn’t understand a word he said” - THAT, coming from a Geordie.

A few years ago Eric Mansfield and I spent two days walking the Cuillin Ridge on Skye. Late on the first day, we had just traversed Collies Ledge on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich when a girl appeared. Looking straight at Eric she said “I know you”. We were dumbfounded at the chances of being recognized so far from home. It turned out that she was from Settle and she remembered Eric from a visit to one of our CMC indoor meets. You don’t forget Eric in a hurry.

Probably my strangest “encounter“ was during a lone visit to Scotland. After parking near the Ben Lawers visitor center I was heading up Meall nan Tarmachan. Near the top I could see, sat on some rocks above me, a man. He had on some white clothing and I assumed that he was having a rest. In order to reach his position I had to take a roundabout route. To my surprise when I arrived he was nowhere to be seen. To this day I cannot explain his disappearance or whether I imagined him.

Some meetings, though potentially serious at the time, you can laugh about later.

John Barrett told of an encounter with a man, in some remote spot, who was tightly wedged between two huge boulders. He had been there a while. John helped free them man but not before he had taken his picture. You have to get your priorities right.

In total contrast to these meetings a story told at a CMC indoor meet by Rusty Bold of the Cave Rescue Organization many years ago. It concerns four potholers from the northeast.

Arriving in the Yorkshire Dales they planned an underground traverse of two potholes. They first set up a ladder in the pothole which was to be their way out. They then set up a ladder at their entrance to the system and climbed down pulling the ladder down behind them and began the traverse. Arriving at their exit they climbed up, pulled up the ladder and went to the pub before driving home. Just before arriving home they realized “there were only three of them”. They had left their other mate down the pothole. After a telephone call the CRO found the lad cold, wet and a bit miffed to say the least.

So remember, when out on the fells, a smile, nod or a bit of light conversation is usually welcomed and reciprocated, in the city you’ll probably get arrested.

Following a week of relentless stormy weather, members of Clitheroe mountaineering club were pessimistic about conditions for their recent meet at the George Starkey climbing hut in Patterdale. On Saturday morning one party set out from the White Lion car park in strong gusts of wind to climb St. Sunday Crag via Birks fell, struggling to remain upright on the summit and during the descent to Deepdale Hause. Here it was decided to return to the valley as the cloud lowered and heads were bombarded by hailstones, but whilst lunch was being taken the mist lifted and the sky brightened, so members scrambled over Cofa Pike and continued to the summit of Fairfield. As the group headed southeast along the ridge to Hart Crag excellent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys were enjoyed, though bad weather returned whilst leaving the latter summit. Members endured a constant battering of hailstones as they descended via the Black Crag and Gill Crag ridge to reach Deepdale Bridge.

On Saturday evening members were treated to a communal meal organised and prepared by Jane Pyzniuk and Dave Grosvenor, with additional courses being donated via the culinary skills of various other members of the club. Committee representative, Godfrey Metcalfe, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of everyone who enjoyed the feast.

After a night of snow showers a group set out from the hut in calmer, brighter conditions to take the path to Boredale Hause. Heading southeast to Angle Tarn members continued to The Knott where steps were kicked in deep, soft snow to reach the summit. A long walk south in the lee of a dry stone wall took members along the summit plateau of High Street, where three ladies from Barrow mountaineering club were excavating a snow hole in which to enjoy their lunch.

The party proceeded to Thornthwaite Crag to stop for refreshment, and then descended into Threshthwaite Mouth to reach Hartsop by Pasture Bottom, returning to the hut via a bridleway.

Clitheroe mountaineering club’s recent annual dinner weekend based at the convention centre in Keswick was attended by thirty-seven members.

On Saturday, despite early heavy rain and gale force winds, different groups set out to climb a variety of peaks in the area. One party travelled to Underscar near Applethwaite to walk over Jenkin Hill to Skiddaw. Approaching Little Man the strength of the wind increased so much that it was difficult to remain standing and members were forced to detour from this minor summit to gain some shelter. Continuing up Skiddaw’s south ridge the group then battled its way along the exposed whaleback plateau to the trig. point and the relative calm of a dry-stone wind break.

After enjoying a few minutes respite and good views of the mountain ridges around Keswick, the party descended to the north to pick up the Cumbria Way track to Skiddaw house, passing groups of mountain bikers including a few club members, and continued via Lonscale Fell back to the starting point.

In the evening a communal meal, with numerous courses prepared by various club members, was enjoyed in the centre, followed by games and entertainment. Brian Davies, the club chairman, thanked all those who had prepared food and the many helpers whose contributions had resulted in such a successful event.

On Sunday torrential rain and continuing gales forced members to seek the sanctuary of the national mountaineering exhibition at Rheged, near Penrith, where the clothing system used by Mallory on Everest can be seen, reproduced from the samples found on his body in 1999.

“The Karrimor” (now known as the “Original Mountain Marathon” or OMM) is an annual fell race. Competitors in teams of 2 carry their own tent, food and equipment in a gruelling 2 day event in the mountains with an over-night camp. Over 3000 participants enter a variety of sub competitions depending upon their anticipated skill and endurance. The main sub division is between those completing a fixed course in the earliest possible time, and those achieving maximum points by visiting the most check-points within a fixed time.

And so it was that Ian Grace and I in our later years (some would say too late) found ourselves at 8.00am at the race start line in the Galloway Hills for our first Karrimor following in the footsteps of other CMC members. It was raining of course, to further soften the already water-logged ground, an absolute must for the Karrimor. For me it was one of the “100 things to do before you die”; but for Ian (and I didn’t know this at the time) it was a merely a follow on from many other prestigious events such as The Great North Run, the Lake District Mountain Trial and Tough Guy (4 times). Why didn’t someone tell me that Ian had done a marathon last year in only 3 1/2 hours or that people like Sir Ranulph Fiennes were also in the event?

I was wearing the strangest of footwear called “Walshes” (bought 2 weeks earler £45 with discount because “they felt sorry for the old man”), with centimetre deep rubber studs and gossamer thin uppers which felt like you were in bare feet. However amazingly you could run (ok I admit it, walk mostly) on a 45 degree slope and still not slide down. No fleeces or mid-layers for us; just a vest and waterproof because we would be moving like lightning and generating our own heat .Amazingly it worked (ok I admit it; more because of the above average temperatures than moving like lightning).

As we moved to the start line with say 20 others for the 09.11 gun we couldn’t believe how some of our competitors had managed to get their gear into sacks half of our size. Then we remembered the exhibition tent where all sorts of specialist light weight gear was on show - such as the match-box sized 100 gramme sleeping mat that requires you to blow up and insert 5 kids elongated balloons to provide insulation.(don’t go to bed with anything sharp in your pocket) or the titanium tent pegs! Amazing specialist gear around for serious fell runners (like us?)

We’re off! But the first few minutes are spent looking at the map that has just been given to us (no written words and 1:40,000 scale just to confuse you) We’re trying to work out a plan that will give us maximum points, take us in the direction of the first night’s camp and most important of all, get us there in the allowed time because they deduct a lot of points if you are late.

Within minutes were off running alongside a stream in spate with mud above ankle level. We are being overtaken by 2 men on the other bank and when in front of us the first jumps the steam, lands poorly and falls squirming in the mud. The second who has already committed himself to the jump now also leaps and falls partially on top of the fallen first runner but in trying to avoid injuring him, ends up with one of his legs in the stream. The first runner then attempts to get up but partially stumbles again as he tries to get running in spite the deep mud. I ask myself, what have I got into here where runners are that determined to achieve a good score?

And so our day progressed walking quickly and running occasionally but overawed by the skill and yes, bravery of some of the high class competitors. Ian’s orienteering skills in finding check points and judgement in leaving sufficient time to complete the event, came into their own during the 2 days and helped us quite a bit in the final result. We came in with a modest 145 points with 20 of the 200+ entries getting a negative score due to time penalties!

The most memorable event at the overnight camp was Ian’s extraordinary frugal use of hot water 4 times over:

At the end I was pretty exhausted but I don’t think Ian felt too bad. Main memory is the wonderment of how the top performers could cover difficult broken ground at a trot over a distance at least three times further than our own. We feel that we kept our end up and didn’t disgrace ourselves. We were in the “Long Score” competition which is one of the tougher comps. We came 180th out of 220 teams, a number of whom had had to retire.

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