Milton Keynes Mountaineering Club

 Another good Burns Night at PCU the Chester Mountaineering Club’s hut in Llanberis, North Wales. Over the three days numerous ascents of Snowdon were undertaken by various routes with Shane and Lexie doing the most with two & half trips to the summit (Half was an evening dog walk for Bob and Skye) . Others also walked the Nantile Ridge, Crib Goch and parts of the Moel Eilio ranges. A traditional Saturday evening was a “Burns” meal of Haggis, Tatties & Neeps organised by Alan with everyone joining in to help.

Thanks to everyone who made it another successful weekend trip. Attendee: Andy, Alan, Louie, Gill, Adam, Floyd, Alex, Matt, Mac, Sam, Shane, Lexie, Malcolm, Bob, Sophie, Jason, Romuald, David, Graham & Catriona.

This became a pure mountain biking trip because of a shortage of, well climbers. After a comfortable nights sleep at the Bungdale Head campsite I peddled off down (and up, and down again) into Helmsley to meet with local snowboard and now mountain bike legend Phil Lee. We had agreed to start with a loop from Helmsley described in the Vertebrate publishing guide, which fortunately the towns only bookshop had in stock and we set off suitably well equipped. The ride was quite long, challenging and took us through some beautiful countryside, but somehow, perhaps on account of the at times awkward route finding and less than difficult descents we returned to Helmsley not quite satisfied. After a refuelling pint we agreed to finish off the day with a spin around Dalby Forrest where I tried to keep up with Phil on the mix of man made trail and sneaky off piste. When my legs (not Phil’s I should add) were spent we made it back to the campsite a whole lot more satisfied than we earlier had been.

This part of the world is favoured for its “Dark Skies”  http://www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/ and handily I not only had a 150mm refractor in the back of my car but we also had just about enough daylight left to it set up, whilst leisurely enjoying a little more refreshment. September is a good time to look for Andromeda, one of the more easily observable galaxies and sure enough after a bit of poking around I’d managed to locate it roughly above Mirach a star in the Pegasus constellation.

On Sunday Phil was unable to ride but he had pointed me at another route in the guide, this time a little further east. Known locally as the “Gillamore loop” it actually starts in the tourist honey pot Hutton-le-hole. For anyone who can afford the car park it is well worth a visit. This route ticked all the boxes, after chocolate box sightseeing it is up onto the moor with a pleasurable fire road to high point Rutland Rigg. Great views. And then down to the valley again by a long, flowing and sometimes testing single track as good as any I’ve previously enjoyed on Wales or the Peak.

So a somewhat unusual climbing trip, but a fine weekend all the same and ultimately you can’t really g’wrong wi Yorkshire.

Friday 15^th to Sunday 17^th July 2016

The advanced party, namely Kent, Ang, myself, plus Spud and Tiny (the dogs), arrived at Beeches Farm campsite on Friday afternoon. Once pitched we relaxed and took in the wonderful views of Brockweir and the Wye Valley below us.

On Saturday morning Keith J. arrived and the two of us set off to climb at the Great Central Cave Area at Shorn Cliff, a twenty minute walk away. Kent and Ang went walking with the dogs in the morning and turned up at the crag early afternoon. Iain, Julie and Marc D also arrived early in the afternoon. It was a hot day, but the crag was in the shade for most of the time which made it very comfortable for climbing. (There are some lovely, well protected climbs in the Musketeers area, all at a reasonably amenable grade). Gillian, Adam, Savannah and Gillian’s two dogs (Bob and Sky) did a sightseeing tour of the Forest of Dean and also had a great day.

In the evening BBQ’s were lit and we whiled away the hours counting stars (some of us were counting stars in the guide book!).

Sunday morning was another hot day, and most of the group had walks planned. Marc and I decided to climb and went to Wintours Leap where we did Cheetah and King Kong, two excellent routes, and for my part, very satisfying.

Participants: Alan, Kent, Ang, (+ Spud & Tiny), Gillian, Adam, Savannah (+ Bob & Sky) Iain, Julie, Keith J, Marc

Saturday 11^th to Saturday 18^th June 2016

This trip nine members of the club stayed done in the town of Marazion opposite St.Michael’s Mount. During the week the main activity was completing sections of the coast path near the Lizard, Lands Ends and Gurnards Head. In between walks some members managed to climb the fast Commando Ridge and others did horse riding on the beach.

The weather was reasonable for most of the week and pubs beer & food was excellent. A great week was had by all in this beautiful part of the country.

People attending: Andy (trip organiser), Diane, Kent, Ang, Lyn, Alan, Cathy, Dan & Chrissie plus Leo, Molly, Spud & Tiny the crazy hounds.