December 2nd-4th 2016
Friday
Kent and I were the first to arrive at the hut on the friday afternoon, where we set about getting settled in and making the fire for the lounge/dining area of the hut. All the other members arrived later and we all had a chance to catch up with members we know well and to welcome newer members and discuss plans for the following day before bed. 
Saturday
Most people were up fairly early getting themselves ready for the day ahead in the beautiful, if quite wet peak district.Kent and I drove out to Snake Pass and walked up to Kinder Scout and then stopped on route back at the Snake Pass Inn for much needed refreshment.
Stuart, Jason and Alan headed for the hills to the East of Ladybower reservoir and did a circular route over the top, past Dovestone Rocks, down to Ladybower Reservoir and Upper Derwent Reservoir, and then back over the Moor. Gillian and Adam climbed Mam Tor then went for a walk around Castleton and visited Treak Cliff Cavern. Bob and Sophie went bouldering on the Pinnacle Boulders until after dark. Other members were either walking or climbing in various locations. 
When we got back to the hut and got cleaned up myself, Alan, Jason and Stuart under supervision of our head chef Kent started cooking an epic xmas dinner (3 courses), which as ever was delicious and everyone was truly stuffed.
The rest of the evening was spent having a few xmas drinks to xmas songs and talking about what we had done that day and our plans for the next day and catching up with everyone.
Sunday
After quite a lot of cleaning up from the night before, everyone packed up and either made tracks home or decided to stay local. 
Stuart, Jason, Nick, Zoe and Alan decided the rock was calling even though it was a very chilly day, so they headed off to Burbage North. But there was sunshine and between them they climbed more than half a dozen easy routes. Bob and Sophie went bouldering in the Dowhill Racer and Pinnacle areas. Gillian and Adam drove across Snake Pass and went for a short walk.
This xmas trip is always a very popular one as it is always a lot of fun, thanks to everyone for your help in the kitchen and for the great company and a special thanks to my husband Kent for being a genious in the kitchen.
Andrea Perrin
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.
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” 
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. 
Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2016
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!).
Great trip and some quality climbs. And some extensive abseil practise!