Milton Keynes Mountaineering Club

Xmas Meet – December 4^th-6^th

Falcliffe Cottage, Peak District

Myself, Kent, Simon and Andy travelled up to the hut on Friday morning and got settled in.

We decided to take a walk and check out the local area while we awaited the arrival of the other club members, so we took a stroll to the village of Grindleford and found a welcoming bar/restaurant where we had some drinks and dinner and then headed back to the hut. After most members had arrived we sat and chatted in the lounge area where, Dan had built us a fire, and discussed plans for the next day.

Saturday morning saw us all up early to start the day. All but 4 of us decided to plan walks. Sophie and Bob did some bouldering and Thom and Owen took a run out to the Snake Inn at Ladybower and back.

The group I joined, led by Andy, took a 17km walk which started at Grindleford Train Station and went through Burbage, along Stanage Edge (where we all got blown over by the windy conditions) and then we stopped for tea and cake in Hathersage before we finished our route by walking along the river back to Grindleford.

Once everyone was back at the hut, Kent and helpers cooked us all an amazing 3 course xmas dinner, which we sat down together and enjoyed, while catching up on what everyone had done that day.

Sunday morning, Kent cooked us all breakfast. It was a bit of a grey day and most people chose to a drive out to Ladybower to pick up routes to walk and then off home.

A good weekend was had by all. Special thanks to Kent for cooking the very tasty meals.

Ang Perrin

MKMC July Meet – Tremadog, North Wales

Friday 17^th to Sunday 19^th July 2015

A damp weekend was forecast, but as it turned out the weather was dry, if perhaps a little blustery at times. First to arrive around mid-day on Friday were Martina and Tim, who quickly pitched their tents and headed off to Craig Bwlch-y-Moch. Alex arrived mid-afternoon, and unable to find the others decided on an ascent of Tryfan. Alan and Jason arrived early evening and pitched next to Martina and Tim’s tents. Next to arrive were Ian and Anna who decided on the luxury of staying in the bunk barn.

Saturday morning and the sun was shining. Craig Bwlch y Moch was the first destination and routes such as The Plum, Meshach, Shadrach, Yogi and One Step in the Clouds were all climbed in excellent style. Sadly Ian dropped his camera in the area below The Plum, and although he did a thorough abseil search, it couldn’t be found.

In the evening Alan, Jason and Alex headed into Tremadog to the Golden Fleece Inn where they met up with Anna and Ian. Also there were Rick, Julia, Richard and Emma.

After a damp night Sunday turned out to be another dry, if perhaps a little chilly, day. Members of the group headed off to different areas to walk, climb and sail. Ian and Anna were the last to leave Tremadog. Alan and Jason stayed on the following week, but that’s another story!

Attendees – Alan, Jason S, Alex T, Martina, Tim, Ian R, Anna, Richard, Emma, Rick & Julia.

Thursday 11^th to Monday 15^th June 2015

For second year running we had great weather for the club trip to the NT campsite at Wasdale Head. During the weekend the clubs members managed a number of ascents of Scafell Pike via both Mickeldore & from Stickle Tarn, while others got out and about into hills doing ascents of Scafell, Kirk’s Fell, Illgill Head – Leo’s first mountain,  plus climbing multi-pitch routes on Great Gable & Scafell Pike, at Buckbarrow and scrambling up various routes incl Lord’s Rake

Several visits to pub to local at Wasdale Head to discuss they our various achievements plus celebrate Andy’s 50 something birthday.

A good weekend had by all despite the clouds of bitie bugs in the evenings.

Attendees – Kent, Ang, Andy, Diane, Steve, Alan W, Alan M, Gavin, Rea, Jason, Connor, Helen, Raj, Mark, Melissa, Dan, Chrissie, Shane & kids plus dogs Leo, Molly & Penny.

Friday 22^nd to Monday 25^th May 2015

The advanced party, Alan and Jason were first to arrive on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday morning, in glorious sunshine, they travelled the 3 miles from St. Petrox campsite to Bosherston to enjoy the climbing at St. Govan’s Head. Old favourites such as Army Dreamers, Front Line and Chieftain were soon ticked. Towards the end of the day, as Alan was topping out on Tactician, Mark and Melissa appeared, refreshments for the climbers in hand. Back at the camp site Frazer and Jason W arrived, having travelled down during the day from Cleveland.

On Friday the weather was again very pleasant. Range East was closed for army manoeuvres, so St. Govan’s Head was once again the destination. Two climbs which both teams did were ‘Rear Wind’ (HVS) and ‘Europa’ (HVS), both routes having bags of ‘character’. During the course of the evening and the following morning the rest of the group arrived.

Saturday, and the majority of the group spent the day in the area between Saddle Head and Stennis Head on Range East. Two potential new members, Hannah and Lisa, joined the group for the morning and climbed a number of routes. More classic lines were bagged by everyone.

There was a break in the good weather on Sunday morning and the group split. One party went to Tenby for breakfast while another went for a stroll around the Lily Ponds at Bosherston. By the afternoon the sun was out again. Crystal Slabs and Mother Carey’s Kitchen were the destinations. In the evening Hannah and Lisa hosted a gathering for everyone in their palatial tent.

Monday was a slightly breezier day, but the sun was strong and those without sun cream on got burnt. Some of the party made an early start back to MK, others stayed on until the afternoon or evening and four members stayed on to climb the following day. Sadly there was a fatal accident at the Crystal Slabs on the Monday afternoon in the area near where Bob, Sophie and Alex were climbing. A reminder to us all not to take our own safety for granted when climbing.

The group: Alan, Jason S, Raj, Mark, Melissa, Frazer, Jason W, Lisa, Hannah, Juan, Martina, Tim, Ian R, Anna, Sophie, Bob, Ingo, Alex P.

Sunday 10^th May 2015

Seven members and a dog turned up for the second of the Club’s Day Meets in the Peak District.

Started the walk from the public car park in the centre of Hope between Hathersage and Castleton.

Route taken was up Loose Hill, across to Mam Tor, Pin Dale and return to back Hope.

Great views into Edale and beyond to Kinder scout. Ladybower reservoir and Howden edge.  All the paths were clear and the slope was generally gentle (ie no climbing). Held up at one point because of a 100 strong tractor Parade. Finished the walk with a well-deserved pint in Hope village.

Total distance was about 14Km & the highest point Mam Tor 517m.

Thanks to those that attended and Steve for organising the trip.