Reports on club meets from members who took part. If you would like to send in a report please mail it to the Hon. Editor. Reports of members activites.


2024 MEET REPORTS


North day walk, Castleton and Mam Tor - 12 March

“One lump or two” said Andy to Marcus, as we sat in Tilly’s café, watching the rain come down. I wasn’t sure whether he was talking about the rain, or sugar cubes. But I needn’t have worried – by the time we had left the café, the rain had stopped, and the weather was slowly brightening up.

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leaving Castleton after the rain

Our route started inauspiciously down a small ginnel in one of the back streets in Castleton, but soon became a proper limestone gill, with water running down what should have been a dry path. As we went higher up Cave Dale, it was clear why this limestone valley was so named. Both hillsides were dotted with cave entrances, and from one (with a grille on), there was a low whistling noise. “That one connects to Peak Cavern” remarked Marcus, sharing some of his caving knowledge of the area.

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Cave Dale
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Peveril Castle
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Remains of Slitherstone mine

Higher up the dale, we took a path right, which offered up great views of Cave Dale and Peveril castle, and as we went further, Winnats Pass and Mam Tor. Before long, our route swung to join the line of an old mining rake, which could be traced from the far side of Cave Dale, to where we were heading for. At the top of the rake, near Rowter farm, we came across several old shafts and spoil heaps – the remains of Slitherstone lead mine. “Titan is only just above us” remarked Marcus, referring to the cave shaft that was rediscovered in 1999, and is the deepest in Britain at 464ft.

It's a straightforward track out to the road beside Mam Tor, and we take the opportunity to detour to Windy Knoll cave, (a fissure cave) where a large number of late Pleistocene bones were found in the late 1800s, including bison, reindeer, bear and wolves. From the road, it’s a short pull up onto the top of Mam Tor and the ditch remains of the middle and late bronze age hill fort. A cracking view, including the next part of our route, which has been dubbed ‘The great ridge walk’. It's certainly a favourite of mine. We move easily along the path, which now has flagstones to protect it along part of the way. A short pause for lunch at Hollins Cross before ascending Back Tor (looks like a mini Eiger from this aspect when it’s got snow on) and along to the top of Lose Hill.

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Winnats pass and Mam Tor
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‘The great ridge’

From there, we descend to Crimea farm, and then follow several good tracks back into Castleton. And we still had time for a finishing cuppa at the same café we started at.

Participants:Marcus, Michelle, Andy and Ed

Report by Ed Bramley


South day walk, Churches around Oakley - 12 March

It was yet another wet winter’s walk, this time starting and finishing in Oakley Hampshire.

The route started in the village centre avoiding main roads we were quickly on footpaths, heading towards Bulls Bushes Copse the first of many deciduous woodlands that we walked through on this 11 mile circuit. On leaving there Copse, we picked up the Wayfarers Way long distance path, for only a short distance before we diverted to Steventon and St Nicholas Church where Rector Austen, (1731-1805) the father of Jane Austen was in residence in the mid 1700s.

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St Nicholas church
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Inside the church (Library photo)

On leaving St Nicholas Church we walked through the grounds of Ashe Park (42 acres) and caught a glimpse only of Ashe House, before crossing the B3400 to the official source of the River Test, famous for its trout fishing and allegedly the birth place of fly fishing.

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Source of the Test (library photo)

Stopping in the porch of the Holy Trinity Church for lunch, continuing on through Ashe Park with a significant diversion as the underground tributaries to the River Test were above ground and ankle plus deep. We by passed All Saints Church at Deane as it was cut off by flood water.

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Deane church cut off
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Passing the flood at Deane

Picking up again the Wayfarer’s Way back into Oakley via Keith Able’s newly plant vineyard - he of Able & Cole Organic food supplier fame. Finally we welcomed hot drinks and homemade cakes at Jolly Ollie’s Cafe

All the churches are Commonwealth War Grave Commission sites.

Participants: Margaret, Judy, Mike G, Paul, Mitch and Mike O'D

Photos: Mike G, Mike O'D, Judy

Report by Mike O'Dywer



North day walk, February

Today’s walk began at the Outside shop at Hathersage. After breakfast and and drinks the group left Hathersage via the A6187 for a few yards before ascending through High Lees. The walk continued topping out on Owler Over Tor. At this point there were great views over the Burbage valley and across to the Longshaw Estate.

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Group on the march

The walk continued across to the Hathersage Moor sheepfold and with bad weather expected we stopped and took stock. Keeping an eye on the weather the walk continued past the huge leaning block of Higgar Tor. At this point Marcus explained how ambition and ability weren’t evenly matched when he attempted the infamous climb called the Rasp in 1987. However he looked stunning in his purple and blue tie dyed outfit so it mattered not whether he climbed it or not, looking good was more important at the time.

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Cave dwellers!

The group continued to Stanage Edge with a fine drizzle beginning to obscure the views as the route passed the Cowper Stone. This is an area where Ring Ouzels regularly nest each year. It is virtually guaranteed to see them here and along the North end of the nearby Burbage Edge at the right time of year.

With the weather still worsening the group descended on to the Balcony by Robin Hoods cave. Unfortunately the main cave was full of water but shelter was found in order to have some lunch, Andy and Ed looking like a pair of troglodytes.

A decent was made to Dennis Knoll where a decision to descend at this point was made. The route descended through the North Lees estate under North Lees Hall. This was a building regularly visited by the Brontes and the building itself was the inspiration for Thornfield Hall in the novel Jane Eyre.

The walk ended at Hathersage and coffee and cake was most welcome as the drizzle was heavy with little visibility left on the tops so the timing was good.

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Keep smiling

Andy, Steve, Marcus and Michele later stopped for a drink on the way home in Mansfield to celebrate a significant birthday for Steve. Congratulations Steve.
A very good day thanks to all who came.

Participants: Andy, Steve, Ed, Heather, Ian, Marcus and Michele.
Photos by Andy, Ian and Marcus.

Report by Marcus Tierney




South day walk, February

The South walk started in Selborne, with the rain coming in early. Waterproof trousers were donned at the start, which is never a good sign!

An enjoyable 10 mile walk, despite the persistent rain. A lunch time respite in the Rose and Crown in U Farringdon was welcome. I'm assured by Paul that there are fine views to be had on this walk - we must do it again in good weather and see!

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Wet group at the top of the Zig Zags

The Selborne Common track was very muddy but the Zig Zag path at the end led us quickly to afternoon tea at the cafe at Gilbert White's House and Garden.

Participants: Margaret M, Margaret O'D, Judy, paul, Mitch, Steve and Mike

Report by Mike Goodyer





The 2024 Annual Dinner Meet started for me in the time-honoured manner with a drive up to Calverley to collect young Edmund. The main difference is now we are retired that the driving takes place in daylight, and on Thursday, avoiding all the delights of driving the motorways of Britain on a Friday evening! After a lovely lunch with the Bramleys, including meeting the newly walking Isla and catching up with all the building works at Jen and Stews, Ed and I set off for the hills.

With all the various reports of landslides and road works causing delays over Kirkstone we elected to drive straight to the Hut and go for a short walk from there.

Finding Suzanne already in residence, your Editor out on the fells somewhere and Don and Judy arriving as Ed and I were donning our boots for a stroll up to Boredale Hause and back, the meet was well underway. Beautiful evening light greeted Ed and I as we walked back through Side Farm to the ever-welcoming Hut now with its lights on and a curl of smoke emanating from the chimney.

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Evening sun

Ed set to with preparing dinner for four, whilst I drove to Penrith and collected Celine from the railway station. Julie Jones and Pip arrived in their hire car and together with Celine began their communal catering. Suzanne returned later having been invited by Mike Parsons to an Alpine Club evening lecture and together with Marian we all spent the rest of the evening catching up and making plans for the morning.

Celine, Ed, Mike and I elected to take the first ferry from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge and walk back along one side of the Ullswater Way and the four M’s were going to join us.
With strong winds the main feature of the weather forecasting we should not have been surprised that when we arrived at the ferry office all sailings had been cancelled.

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On the Ullswater Way

A quick revision of our plans and we set off along the Ullswater Way to Aira Force. Here a coffee stop in the National Trust café allowed everyone to catch up before we walked around Gowbarrow to the Ullswater viewpoint. Here it became abundantly apparent why the ferry had been cancelled and continuing on round to Airy Crag where no one tarried for a photo reinforced the decision, not to go any higher. The work on the path down towards Dockray had gone on apace since the President’s meet, making the descent much easier.

The Royal was open, and the stove was on and well alight, so we dried off a bit externally and rehydrated in equal measure, before returning via the Aira Force grounds till we joined the way we had come in the morning.

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Aira Force

Another communal meal on the Friday night prepared by your Editor was enjoyed by Ed and I as more people steadily arrived to take the number up to fifteen staying at the Hut. Several of us made our way down to the Inn on the Lake to join the twenty or so staying in the hotel for the weekend. As always, the conversation flowed regardless of how long it’s been since we last met.

Saturday morning three separate walking groups formed at the Hut and what follows are accounts written by individuals from each group, starting with the first group ably cajoled out the door, by Elsbeth Robson.

With a reasonable forecast (apart from seriously strong winds) a party of six ABMSAC members (Mary Eddowes & Jonny, Celine, Vice-President Daniel Albert, Andy Hayes and Elsbeth Robson, the author of this piece) set off from the GSH aiming for Birkhouse Moor.


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Through the lovely churchyard of Patterdale church clumps of snowdrops lifted our spirits with thoughts that spring might not be too far off. There was lots of chatter as we ascended the road above the beautiful beech woods alongside the rushing and tumbling Grisedale Beck below flowing through the grounds of Patterdale Hall.

We took the route via Lanty’s Tarn (very full of cold, dark, clear water) and after looking at the old icehouse, diverted over the stile and up the hill to Keldas to enjoy the delightful view over Ullswater. After a snack or two we retraced our steps onto the open access land and following the wall gradually ascended towards the upper reaches of Mires Beck. Lunch was had in the chilly shelter of a tumbledown sheepfold with lovely views of the fells and the lake.

Fortified, we continued the climb up to the cairn on the summit of Birkhouse Moor. A Wainwright bagged at 718m. The wind was pretty ferocious forcing us to crouch and sit down low to the ground. Given the conditions we decided against the possibility of continuing along the ridge to the Hole in the Wall and descending via Red Tarn. Instead, we retraced steps to our lunch spot and descended on the path along Mires Beck. Just above Glenridding Beck the party split up – most making their way down into Glenridding but the author contoured back to Lanty’s Tarn for a little foray into the woods and enjoyed the shafts of evening light piercing through the clouds above Eagle Crag.

During the outing we spied quite a lot of hikers out walking above us up towards Helvellyn including on Striding Edge and questioned their judgement given the extremely strong winds.

Everyone was back at the GSH in time to transform themselves into very smart attire for the evening’s AGM and with a hearty appetite worked up for the several courses of dinner at the Inn on the Lake.



Mike, Ed and I left the Hut shortly after Elsbeth and the gang and headed back up Boredale Hause with three of the 4M’s catching me up as I crossed the Goldrill Beck bridge. The fourth M, (Margaret O’Dwyer) having elected to walk to Brotherswater at her own pace.

Very quickly after the Hause, Ed and the two Mike’s crossed Freeze Beck and made their way up to Beda Fell Knott and out of sight. Michele, Marcus and I stopped close to the Knott and looking round to Buck Crag at the top end of Bannerdale we saw several deer silhouetted against the skyline. As we watched they made their way out of sight towards that area marked Deer Forest on the map.

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Bracing winds
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Coming back to the Hut

We then enjoyed a windswept but quite sunny walk along Beda Fell, stopping for a sandwich at the cast iron bench on Howstead Brow, enjoying clear views of the obelisk on Hallin Fell, Sandwick Bay, and through the Coombs above Martindale towards Howtown, and out towards the Pennines.

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We then made our way past the lovely little church among the trees and along the grassy path around Hallin Fell to Waternook and back along the lakeside path among the trees to Sandwick.
As we made or way along the track towards Scalehow Force and the little footbridge two PMRT vehicles passed us and disgorged several of their team members, almost as the track becomes undriveable. They quickly made their way up the path towards Low Moss and by the radio traffic and their overall pace and demeanour they were attending a callout.



Blowing up to Sheffield Pike by Heather Eddowes:
We knew the Saturday was going to give the best weather for the weekend and so after a filling hotel breakfast Dave and I donned boots and rucksacks and headed out into the gusts and sunshine. We made our way through Glenridding, past the Traveller's Rest, up the Greenside Road, past the cottages and so to the path up through The Rake.
Shall we? Shan’t we? Yes let’s go up the Dodd first. So we followed the easy, steep path up to Glenridding Dodd (442m) and were rewarded with fabulous views along Ullswater, over to Place Fell and the summits behind us. A few gusts of wind but nothing to worry about.

A couple happily arrived shortly after us and obliged by photographing us with Sheffield Pike behind. This was in exchange for an explanation of the club’s logo on Dave’s beanie hat . . . . Association of what? Where? When? Who? And of course why? They seemed impressed with my explanation!

The view westwards had a couple of walkers silhouetted on the path up to Sheffield Pike. So that was it. Off we went.
As more height was gained so did the strength of the wind. The sudden gusts were particularly well timed to coincide with one or other of us crossing over an exposed step or two with only a branch of heather to steady ourselves. (I’m good for something!) We caught up with the walkers ahead as they left their sheltered lunch spot. So that was the place for our snack stop too. Perfect. Another 5 minutes of ascent had us in the full blast of the wind. The Pike wasn’t too far ahead but the wind slowed progress significantly. Overbalancing was to be avoided so all four limbs (in my case) hoicked me to the summit (675m) where Dave was waiting - naturally . . . It was very windy - yes very windy.

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Nice hat Sir!

The easy inclined path to descend the NW side of Sheffield Pike was hard work due to the ‘uphill’ wind and the wet boggy nature of the terrain. But the col was finally reached, and we turned right and followed the well-walked stony path descending Bleabank Side, beneath Black Crag into the Glencoyne valley and over the very uneven, stony path through the fallen trees from the storms a few years ago, to the Seldom Seen cottages.

An easy steady track brought us to the right fork up and so over a very small col over to the main road at Mossdale Bay. The lake side footpath brought us back to Glenridding and the hotel in plenty of time to prepare for the evening’s AGM and Annual Dinner.

A veritable posse of ABMSAC female members headed for the Annual Dinner at the Inn on the Lake in Glenridding, spurred on by the news that the President had, for the first time, invited a lady as Guest Speaker – the indomitable Kate Ross. What a treat!


Pip and Julie Jones thoughts: Not to be deterred by yet another rail strike, we came by trains and boats and ... no, seriously, we came by Avanti West Coast, by car, even hired a car to be there, deftly circumventing the cancellations of Friday by travelling up on the Thursday. The extra day gained dawned wet and very windy so my weekend guest, Pip, was persuaded to try the delights of Keswick rather than Kirkstone (closed) and a circuitous route back to George Starkey via Borrowdale.
Afternoon tea was thwarted by scaffolding at the Lodore Hotel but that left plenty of room for supper at the Brotherswater Inn.
Pip was not only a former Joint Alpine Meet participant at Randa, including a memorable overnight with unnamed ABM members at the Trift Berggasthaus, but she also came along as a prospective new member. Having lived in Bhutan for two years and worked extensively in Africa, her wry observations provided welcome feedback and fresh eyes.

And so it was to bed and the crushing disappointment of finding that the refurb of the ladies shower room had been postponed yet again by the need, this time, for roof repairs. We may enjoy the sobriquet ‘geezer gals’ but surely it is the turn of the female members in the year when we celebrated, nay embraced, the role of women in the hills. Even the BMC have a new initiative, OutdoorHer, to address such things although ‘Toileting in the Wild’ is, perhaps, a little too much information – sheep have been doing it for centuries.

Saturday was a joy from start to finish. Heading up to the Hole in the Wall mid-morning, well behind the trail-blazing men, we met hardened lady walkers coming back down having been blown over on the upper traverse by gusts of 40mph. A brief detour to idyllic Lantys Tarn brought us down at nightfall, just in time to change for the evening’s proceedings. The well-chosen menu, with vegetarian options, courtesy of Julie Freemantle’s unstinting efforts, lively conversation and general reminiscing made for another excellent Annual Dinner.

A wonderful, illustrated talk by Kate Ross, more a relaxed chat amongst friends than formal lecture, rounded off the evening, ably hosted by retiring President, Andy Burton.

Pip said she would be back when the loos are upgraded – the bubble wrap around the cisterns is not bio-degradable. These things matter nowadays.


Arriving back at the Hut in time to get ready for the AGM and Annual Dinner I drove Ed, Celine and Mike up to the Inn on the Lake in readiness for the AGM, meeting our Guest Speaker Kate Ross and her partner Keith Lambley on completion of the AGM process which included introducing Daniel Albert, the next Club President to the assembled throng.

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Pres

What followed was an interesting evening with good food and drink and diverting conversation all in the company of ABMSAC memorabilia on display followed by a riveting talk from Kate with great accompanying photos of her life in the mountains that was enjoyed by us all, if the positive feedback I have had is anything to go by.

With thanks to all those who worked in the background to make the evening a success, especially Julie Freemantle, and all who made the trip to join us at the Inn on the Lake.

I hope to see you all next year when I am back sat at the naughty table and Daniel is in charge of proceedings.

Report by Andy Burton with contributions from Elsbeth, Heather, Pip and Julie.

Editors Note: At the Annual Dinner there was a pictorial review of the 2023. Thanks to Don Hodge for compiling this review from the website and for Ed Bramley posting it on youtube.

Annual Dinner Walks - Gowbarrow Round, Bedafell Round




Excellent Southern day walk on a clear winters day, organised by Margaret M, along the Ridgeway and countryside around West Ilsley. Stunning views, but a biting cold wind on the tops.

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Cold start at Bury Down
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View from Bury Down on the Ridgeway looking towards Harwell Labs

On the Ridgeway we came across an early Iron Age round barrow (Scutchamer Knob). Legend has it that it’s the burial site of Saxon King, Cwichelm.

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Group on Scutchamer Knob

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Lord Wantage Monument

We had short coffee break at the Lord Wantage Monument to Brigadier General Robert Loyd Lindsay. He was a Crimean War hero and he formed the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded, which later became known as the Red Cross.

His widow had it erected in 1903.

Six of us walked along an enclosed trackway to Farnborough, which is the highest village in Berkshire (!).

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Badger Face Welsh mountain sheep
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Woodland walk on the way to West Ilsley

We found a spot in the sun and out of the wind for a quick lunch before reaching West Ilsley and returning to the car park up the hill.

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Welcome sight!

At the end of the walk we had a warm up and a drink in the recently reopened pub, The Harrow, in West Ilsley. This rounded off a great day.

The walk was a little over 12 miles and 650' of ascent.

Attendees: Steve Butterfield, Mike Goodyer, Margaret Moore, Paul Stock, Judy Renshaw and Mitch Snedden.

Report and photos: Mike and Margaret




Cromford, January

Tuesday 9th Januarys walk was a revisit to Cromford. With the advance party enjoying a cooked breakfast at the Tor Café nestling under the limestone outcrop of Willersley Castle Rocks, a trad climbing crag great for hot weather and summer evening climbing as it is north facing and overlooks the river Derwent and the castle house of the same name. The contrast between the cool climbing area and its tree covered slopes to the river and the busy ‘T’ junction on the main road to Matlock that appears only as you top out, is quite marked.

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Group wrapped up against the elements

Free parking was secured on the road alongside the entrance to the Mill for us and Heather and shortly after that Ed too. Martin and Pat parked in the Wharf car park close to the toilet block.
A wise move as the café didn’t open till ten and then the glass doors were found to be jammed! This did allow me to spot the various fish shoaling in the canal right by the Wharf café outside seating area. With Marcus coming across to verify my sightings of perch and pike and adding roach to the list, it was an auspicious start to this beautifully clear but cold morning.

As we started walking along the Cromford Canal we were treated to regular sightings of a dabchick (Little Grebe) feeding in the dark canal waters. By the time we reached Aqueduct Cottage I had counted five of these lovely little diving birds.

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Aqueduct Cottage

Aqueduct Cottage, now almost fully renovated and landscaped, is occupied by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who had volunteers onsite to inform passersby on the progress of this site. Made no doubt a bit easier by the warmth provided by well-lit wood-burning stove.


Returning back along the other side of the canal over the aqueduct above the Derwent River back to High Peak Junction with its bright red railway carriage which serves as an information centre on this major piece of local industrial archaeology.

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Information Centre

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On the incline

It also marks the start of the ramp that forms the incline of the High Peak Trail that leads from here all the way up to just beyond the Royal Oak pub and campsite at Hurdlow, a place many attendees on my Peak Meet have enjoyed visiting over the years. A great walking and cycling route for all to enjoy.

Everyone enjoyed this stretch in their own way, reaching the old Engine House built to house the winding wheels for raising and lowering the goods wagons on the incline, whilst enjoying the views that open out towards High Tor and Matlock.


Ed and Marcus resisted the temptation to have a go at Railway Slab, and we all made our way up onto the main part of Black Rocks and reminisced about routes climbed on this substantial gritstone outcrop over all the years.

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Black Rocks

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Heather braves the wind

With Heather braving the nithering breeze to stand on top, Ed reenacting his first climb that he made with his Dad, Eric and Marcus showing us that he has still got it in his own inimitable way, we quickly hunkered down in the sun and out of the breeze to eat our butties and share various leftover from Christmas cakes and biscuits.

With a downhill return to Cromford Wharf and its café for an early coffee and cake finish, to allow for Ed to get home in good time for his Zoom lecture on our adventures in the Karwendel in 2012, and for us all to be back home and tuned in to watch said lecture, ensured this was also the shortest day walk to date.

Attendees: Martin Whitaker and Pat Cocks, Ed Bramley, Heather Eddowes, Michele and Marcus Tierney and Andy Burton

Report by Andy Burton





Twixmas Meet, New Year

The Twixmas meet this year was quieter than recent years but still good fun. Maybe people had been put off by the weather, which was significantly wet and windy, but had its dry and bright moments. Don and I arrived on the 29th, to find only Pamela and another AC member feeling cold as they had been unable to light the fire. Don sorted that out, then we had the first of 3 sociable evenings with Marian and Mike, first in the hut, next at their house, then in the hut with Pamela and Alan joining us for a very enjoyable shared meal, with contributions from all.

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Glenridding from across Ullswater, photo by Marain

The next day had steady rain which turned to snow higher up. I did an ‘interesting’ route up the Hare Shaw approach to Place fell. The new snow fell deeply enough to cover all the paths, so I took a slightly wrong route near the top, corrected it to find the main top and decided that, in poor visibility, snow covered paths and no one around, it was better to descend almost to Boredale House and take the path around to Swanwick and back along the lake path. The mountain rescue team were out, helping someone who had broken an arm falling on the lake path. Don did various essential jobs around the hut and Pamela went up above Hartsop, finding it very windy.

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New year fun in Ullswater, photo Judy

On the Saturday Daniel came over so we went up to Keldas, across the Glenridding YH and up to the col, descending down to Seldom Seen where we saw a red squirrel. On New Year’s Day several of us watched the crazy local swimmers at Glenridding pier while Marian was in charge of the cake stall at the village pop-up café. Don gave them some custom at lunch time while I had a quick jaunt up Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike before setting off on the journey home.

Present: Marian Parsons, Mike Parsons, Don Hodge, Judy Renshaw, Daniel Albert, Pamela Holt (AC), plus Alan Hinckes and four AC members.

Report by Judy Renshaw




Archived reports from 2001 to 2023.