Milton Keynes Mountaineering Club

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.

Friday 24^th to Sunday 26^th April 2015

This was the first camping meet of the year, and the weather was perfect. In fact Alan was so confident of good weather that he took his ‘festival’ pop up tent.

Two members, Alan and Michael, headed West at first light on Friday morning, arriving at Wintour’s Leap at around 09:30 am. They had an enjoyable day doing 3 multi-pitch HVS routes and a 3 star severe. Wintour’s Leap is trad climbing, but much of the protection is from in-situ pegs which give the routes a ‘sport’ climbing feel.

At around 6 o’clock they headed for the campsite, arriving there at the same time as Gillian and Adam. Just before dusk Jason and Raj arrived. The campsite is at Rushmere Farm, half a mile west of Coleford in The Forest of Dean. This was the same site that MKMC stayed at in June 2014. Facilities are luxurious with hot and cold running water and free hot showers in a centrally heated toilet block, and electric hook ups for those with camper vans.

Saturday morning, and the destination was Symonds Yat. Louie joined them for the day, and while Gillian and Adam explored the forest, the rest of the group set off for the ‘Far South Buttress’. This was the first time Raj had done trad climbing, and he took to it with no problems what-so-ever. Louie, by his own admission, a bit of a novice at this sort of thing, was also breezing up routes in good style.

Back at base everyone decided to eat out. Their first choice pub was not serving food as there was a function on, so they headed for the next hostelry on their list, the Dog and Muffler. They had a bit of a wait before the food arrived, but it was worth it. Jason said that his lasagne was the best he’d ever had, and insisted that the waitress pass on his compliments to the chef.

The next morning Gillian and Adam had to get back to MK. It had been a little damp in the night so the remaining 4 struck camp and set off to Wyndcliff Quarry, ‘guaranteed’ to dry quickly after rain. Wyndcliff Quarry is a mixture of sport and trad routes, and the group spent an entertaining day ticking off routes.

A good weekend was had by all. The Wye Valley is not much further to travel to than the Peak District and definitely deserves another trip soon.

MKMC members attending: Alan, Michael, Jason, Raj, Louie, Gillian and Adam.

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.