Click on the list opposite to read our club members’ recent articles.
Idle thoughts from a new member. (Mac)
I’ve just finished unpacking from my first MKMC away meet and I wanted to share my experiences for all those new members who have not ventured out so far.
I am a relatively experienced walker who has spent a lot of time over the years in Snowdonia and various trips out to Brecon, the Lakes and the Peaks. So when I moved to MK I was keen to find other like minded people to share some of those experiences with and wanted to get into climbing to boot (my 6ft+ arm span had to be good for something!). My search led me to the MKMC. On first look it sounded spot on with lots of pictures and stories on the web site about various mountain adventures and, when Big Rock opened, I took the plunge and joined up.
Lake District Feb 2011 (Kent)
It all started with a missed call at 3:30pm and a message from my brother Gary saying “Sorry I’m going to be a bit late”. He then arrived at 7:30pm. I’d taken the day off to relax and was chomping at the bit to just get going. I got some food into him and we then proceeded to the YHA at Derwentwater, arriving at midnight, sorry if we disturbed anyone in the shared room.
Cliffhanger – Saturday 3rd July 2010 (Alan)
After much discussion and numerous e-mails, three intrepid members of MKMC headed for Millhouses Park, Sheffield, and the 3rd Annual Cliffhanger event. Gary sent out an e-mail …
Climbing in Mallorca (Matt Box)
The easiest sector at Puig de Garrafa is called Sector Solarium, and for good reason: this south-facing crag is unrelentingly blasted by the Mediterranean sun throughout the day. Consequently, any pale, anaemic British climber caught beneath Apollo’s withering gaze is instantly transformed into a sweaty, gibbering heap.
First experiences- A beginner on a wall (Kent)
A beginners perspective on his first indoor wall experience.
Quarries (Various climbers)
Having purchased a bargain of a guide book at the Outdoor Show. Alan set out to explore the yet unexplored (for a group of MKMC climbers) world of sport climbing in the quarries of the Peaks.
So what did you do at the MKMC Christmas meet? (Alan Mountford)
Answer. A great deal of eating and drinking, some scrambling and a bit of climbing.
Friday night, and the journey up was uneventful, which is how I like my car journeys. With Alex at the rudder, we were soon pulling into our parking spot at Caseg Fraith, our accommodation for the next two days.
Christmas Meet – Dec 2009 (Gary Lloyd)
The time spent honing axes and crampons to razor like levels of sharpness, was not time well spent. The time should have gone in to reproofing water proofs. Or looking at the weather forecasts.
The only water ice I was going to find was in the back of the …
Pulling Power in Hot Chamonix (Alan Mountford)
From my perch 2500m above sea level I could see the snow covered summit of Mont Blanc. Paragliders circled around the cable car which had brought us to Le Brevent, and far below, Chamonix. This was the setting for my coral wedding anniversary, 700 miles away from my wife, Cathy, who was watching birds at Slimbridge. And what a setting!
Cherry Hinton Chalk Quarry (Gary Lloyd)
After a initial late night visit to Cherry Hinton Chalk quarry I had pretty much written the place off as a choss pit of death.With a sprinkling of choss.
On the first outing I climbed a shallow groove line on the Brenva face, from the quarry floor it looked a walk in the park. In practice the crumbly, friable chalk offered no security what so ever. I got a little freaked out and vowed never to return.
Costa Blanca March 2009- The Puig (Rachel Sutton)
Following an enjoyable trip out to Spain last March, Bill and I decided to head back out there this spring. The prospect of warm climbing and the potential of a long multi pitch climb lured Alex into joining us.
Ice climbing in Rjukan (Gary Lloyd)
On the 28th Feb 2009 four MKMC members flew out to Rjukan, Norway for a spot of ice climbing. Read one of Gary’s tales and see Nigel’s photos.
End to End. The tale of an x runner (Alan Mountford)
A fascinating day by day account of Alan’s journey from Lands End to John O’Groats by bicycle.
