Milton Keynes Mountaineering Club

Sunday 12^th April 2015

A classic walk from main visitors car park to the village of Hartington (and back) along the banks of the very picturesque river Dove amongst the steep limestone outcrops. Explored a couple of the caves and crossed the river via the stepping stones. The navigation was straight forward just follow the river (mostly).

Big thank you to everyone (7 people & 4 dogs) who came along and enjoyed a day in the Peaks plus to Steve Scott for arranging it. Thankfully the rain held off until the last gasp. Being lower we also missed the strong gusty wind. Our next Day Trip will be a little more exposed in the Hope valley around Mam tor Castleton area. More details will follow shortly.

Friday 20^th to Sunday 22^nd March 2015

Staying in the Wayfarers Hut in the heart of Langdale, just a short walk from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Pub.

Over the course of the weekend there were a total of 22 people who went. Of these 16 people were club members.  Overall a very good turn out. It was an excellent club trip and the weather was kind to us and allow people to get out into the hills.

As part of our initiative to get as many of our members involved in the club and with the help of one of our ‘regular’ members Steve Scott we have devised a series of Peak District walks designed to increase in difficulty.

Steve has kindly volunteered to organise the walks………

Sunday 12th April 2015, Dove Dale, classic walk everyone should do.

Sunday 10th May 2015, Hope valley, Mam tor, Castleton area…..

Sunday 7th June 2015, Howden Edge. First step into the dark Peaks. Bit of a climb up (600m)

Sunday 5th July 2015, Kinder Down fall. Route of the original mass trespass, plus a section of the Pennine way.

All will involve either licensed premises or café at some point. Meet at 10am and be walking by 10.15. We will send out detailed information about each walk a month in advance so you can plan your diary and organise lifts. Other than the first walk they will be circular walks.

Walk 1 Dove Dale ‘’A classic walk everyone should do‘’! From main visitors car park to the village of Hartington Walk along the banks of the very picturesque river Dove amongst the steep limestone outcrops, The climbers amongst us could use it as a recce. for future climbs. Explore the caves and cross the river via the stepping stones, there is also a footbridge. The navigation is straight forward… follow the river (mostly). Bring the kids, dogs, mother in law.

Contact Details; StevenScott@fsmail.net We hope to see you there. Any questions don’t hesitate to contact Steve or any member of the committee.

Chester Mountaineering Club, PCU Cottage, Llanberis, Snowdonia, North Wales

For the February meet this year the club returned to the Chester Mountaineering Club Hut in North Wales. This converted cottage is situated on the Snowdon’s Llanberis “tourist” path and is about 300m above the town of Llanberis, Snowdonia.

Friday: The first club members arrived in Snowdonia around lunchtime and then headed off into the hills & valleys to make use of the rest of a relatively dry day. Dan & Andy walked form the hut to complete the Moel Eilo range of hills, while Louie headed up the Llanberis path to visit the summit of Snowdon & then scramble along Crib Goch before hitching back to Llanberis and the hut. Little Tryfan was the target for Rae, Mac & David W for a spot of scrambling and practice in ropework while Alan, David H & Ivona headed down to Llanberis to visited the Slate Mines and the lake. The rest of the club members turn up at various times during the evening.

Saturday: Daybreak brought some very cold and changeable weather so after a quick breakfast those attending the meet split into three groups; one going across to Pen-y-Gwryd and completing a transverse of the Glyders returning via the café at Pen-y-Pass (Alan, Andy, Dan, David H, Conor, Ivona, Shane & Jason), another went to the Idwal area in Ogwen to complete a scramble near Idwal Staircase (David W, Rae, Mac & Louie) and the last group also went to the Ogwen Valley and completed a circuit of the Carneddu incl Pen Yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn (Bob, Sophie, Abu & Stuart).

Sunday: The team awoke to very windy weather and a forecast of heavy rain from middle morning, so the more brave members attempted to get up Snowdon via the Llanberis path but turned back because of the high winds (Bob, Sophie, Stuart, Conor & Shane), others went to the Ty’n Llwyn car park, not far from the Ugly House to visit the Swallows Falls & Betws-y-Coed (Alan, David H, Ivona & Jason) while the rest returned home to Milton Keynes following a hearty breakfast.

Thanks to everyone for joining in another excellent weekend in North Wales.

MKMC members attending: Alan, Andy, Dan, Bob, Sophie, Rae, Mac, David W, Conor, Louie, Abu, Shane, Stuart, Ivona, Jason & David H