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Richard Payne Meet 2023

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

As the 3-day Laggan meet grew near, were were treated to the traditional mega-thaw that put paid to any thoughts of winter climbing, and to make matters worse Storm Otto was on its way.

But luckily worst of it came through overnight Thursday, so with a late start and staying away from the highest tops we managed a fine loop over Creag Ruadh, a Graham above the head of Loch Laggan. Breezy on the tops but with plenty of sun, and the showers mostly passed us by.

Return was via the Pictish fort of Dum-da-lamh, making a nice relaxing circuit of just over 7 miles. Well worth doing for a shortish day out.

Some snow was forecast overnight at higher levels, but we weren't expecting to wake up to find snow lying on the ground outside the hut! After a swift adjustment of plans, we headed off en masse to traverse Creag Meagaidh. We started from the SW end of the hill at Moy, having left a car at Aberarder.

Passing a small lochan we tackled Creag na Caillaich direct, possibly unwisely at it was very steep with some loose scrambling – probably better approached via a dogleg to the left. But at least it gave us plenty of excuses to stop and look at the views, clouds swirling around and below us, with blue sky above, and even a fogbow. A long ridge then took us gradually up to the summit, sadly the clouds rolled in just below the top and that was it for views.

But old hard snow and ice on the summit plateau at least gave us an opportunity to use crampons, rather than just carrying them round all day as usual. A steep descent through the Window (where crampons were indispensable) was then followed by a long walk out to the car park. Less than 11 miles but felt a lot more!

The next day was supposed to be mild and wet, and so it proved. So some of us went for a run round the woods where the Wolftrax MTB centre is situated (accidentally running up then down a red bike run – luckily not meeting any cyclists). Jamie took the more sensible option of cycling round the same runs, while everyone else stayed indoors!

All in all another great meet!

Some more photos here

Posted in Extended trips, Mountaineering, MTB, Running, Walking, Weekend Meets, Winter | No Comments »

New Year 2022/3

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

For this New Year's meet the 26th to the 1st YAC members headed to Mill Cottage, the mountaineering Scotland hut located near Feshiebridge on the edge of the Cairngorms.

The forecast looked a bit mixed but in the end was much better than expected with some fresh snowfall and two amazing blue sky days with beautiful views of the hills.

13 Members attended with a whole range of activities taking place including skiing, mountain biking, road biking, hill walking, mountaineering, trail running and cold water swimming!

They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so here are some photos!

Posted in Extended trips, Fell running, Mountaineering, MTB, Ski-ing, Walking, Winter | No Comments »

Yorkshire Dales – Autumn 2022

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022

The club headed to the Yorkshire Rambler’s club Lowstern Hut, just outside Clapham village in the Yorkshire dales for the November meet, and thanks to Louise for coordinating this one. A decent turnout with people bringing kit for whatever the weather allowed, including climbers, mountain bikers, fell runners and hillwalkers. Friday evening was the usual chatter of catching up with people, and planning the next day’s activities.

Mike and Louise head towards Pen-y-ghent.

Saturday started as a beautiful autumn morning as we set off. Simon and Carmen headed out for a big walk over Ingleborough, then east over the limestone pavements before heading south and back to the hut through the Dales farmland. Peter, Louise and Mike ran the 3 peaks from the hut, picking up the route north of Clapham beck and clocking almost 33 miles by the time they returned 8 hours later. On the way up towards Whernside from RIbblehead they bumped into Donal, Ann and Peter who were pushing their mountain bikes up the bridleway before enjoying a cracking descent down into Dent dale and returning via Kingsdale. The rest of the group (Jayne, Marianna, Becky, Simeon and Dave) hiked Whernside and Ingleborough, finishing with pub stop at Ribblehead. Karl pottered in the valley, and stocked up with firewood for the evening.

Dinner was as usual tasty and filling. Karl cooked a delicious spicy lentil soup, this was followed by Louise’s veggie chilli and Marianna’s italian cake finished the meal off. The rest of the evening was spent resting weary legs by the fire and enjoying a wee dram.

Sunday started brightly, the majority of the group setting out for a walk over to Horton in Ribblesdale, then after lunch following the ribble way south by the river Ribble. Arriving at Helwith bridge the heavens opened, and the rest of the 15 mile hike became a bit of a March back in cold, wet conditions.

A decent morning for walking before the deluge.

Simon, Carmen and Ann had headed west for a walk in the forest of Bowland, which by all accounts was a similar weather pattern to that closer to Clapham. Peri also got caught on her walk, keeping it local to Clapham and carrying out a bit of a ‘fungi foray’ on the way with plenty of Autumn mushrooms to discover. All arrived back mid afternoon to warm up, finish the left-overs, clear up the hut and head home to dry our kit out. Another great weekend despite the Sunday afternoon showers.

Tags: Yorkshire Dales
Posted in Cycling, Eating, Fell running, Miscellaneous, MTB, Running, Walking, Weekend Meets | No Comments »

Mid Wales

Friday, October 1st, 2021

Originally scheduled for last year, we finally managed our planned return to the excellent Bryn Hafod hut in the beautiful Cym Cywarch valley. We'd hoped to climb on the Cywarch crags, perhaps even managing an ascent of Doom from which we retreated on our last visit due to wet rock. But heavy rain over the previous couple of days ruled that out, so on Saturday, 6 of us drove west to Cadair Idris for a climb or scramble (depending on conditions) on the Cyfrwy Arete.

The cloud was low as we approached, but there was a team high up on the crag and the rock was dry, so we decided to stick with Plan A, which was Table Direct (VDiff) followed by the arete itself (Diff). Reduced to 5 courtesy of Karl's dodgy knee we climbed as a 2 and a 3, Carmen and I going first.

The VDiff seemed easier than the Diff that followed but the climbing was good throughout. The cloud lifted and the sun came out, with some good views of the crowds on the tourist path, but we met just one other pair on the crag.

After sitting in the sun for a while, we decided to head for the summit. From there we walked out to the subsidiary top of Mynydd Moel and back, hoping to bump into the others on the return. Of course the clouds dropped as we approached the descent path so we headed down the killer screes and back via Fox's Path to the car park, where we met the others picking blackberries.

Meanwhile Pete and Aoife went for a walk in the Arans above the hut – misty on the tops but stayed dry and they almost had the hills to themselves. And Ann and Pete went mountain biking round Lake Vyrnwy – I don't have details but tea shops were probably involved!

The traditional over-eating duly followed with a chunky soup from Pete E, Mexican tortillas from Pete B, and a rhubarb and newly-foraged blackberry cake from Pete W.

The next day the same 6 headed for Barmouth Slabs for a spot more climbing, but without the long walk in. The rain started as we parked the cars. Light at first, it stayed light until we'd decided to climb anyway and were almost at the top of the first routes. It then became heavier, but most of us decided to keep climbing anyway and managed another route in the pouring rain (fine leads by Carmen and Rob) before running away. Not quite what we'd hoped for but fun in a type 2 sort of way! A nice crag, if polished, one to return to in better weather sometime.

Pete and Aoife went for a very wet run along the Mawddach trail from Barmouth towards Dolgellau. The sun came out so they went to the beach and Pete had a swim in the sea before the rain returned so determined to enjoy their 'day at the seaside' they bought chips and then went to the amusements!

All in all, another excellent meet. And we still need to return to the hut so we can manage an ascent of Doom!

Some more photos here

Posted in Crags, Eating, Mountaineering, MTB, Running, Walking, Weekend Meets | No Comments »

Every season except winter

Saturday, January 11th, 2020

This year we had the biggest New Year meet turn out for years, filling Blackrock Cottage and with people camping in vans and even staying at the ski centre up the road. So it shouldn't have been surprising that we also had some of the worst weather, with a massive thaw stripping pretty much all the remaining snow, and heavy rain and strong winds putting the high summits out of bounds.

Of course we didn't let this stop us getting out! Corbetts were climbed near Glen Orchy (Beinn Udlaidh was not in, unless you're into climbing unfrozen waterfalls in spate). Others did the Corbett above the Kings House before retiring to the bar. Trade at the newly rebuilt hotel certainly benefited from the bad weather, though private functions made it residents-only for the last few days. I don't think most of us will hurry back, it's lost all its old character and now feels (and looks) more like a motorway service station.

On the worst weather day an intrepid few of us did a walk over a couple of small hills on Rannoch Moor (hard to stand up in the wind even at under 500m) and back along the West Highland Way to the hut. Others went to Fort William for the local Park Run, followed by woodland walks and mountain bike trails.

Jayne led a big group in a circuit of Buachaille Etive Beag, staying low to avoid summit storms. Some fun and games were had trying and mostly failing to cross the normally narrow stream – the exception being Pete and Aiofe, who were rewarded by having to cross back again a mile or so upstream. We almost managed to stay dry until the last stretch back to the Kings House. Meanwhile others cycled down the road to Kinlochleven and back over the Devil's Staircase to the hotel.

More rain on the Monday morning led most people to the Ice Factor climbing wall, Warwick taking the opportunity for a run over the Devils Staircase. Carmen and I risked the forecast of an afternoon improvement and were rewarded by sunshine and views in the last hour before sunset.

Finally, on New Years Eve, those of us who remained were granted an exceptional day's weather – cool and clear with blue skies and light winds, fantastic conditions despite the near complete absence of snow. Peter and Ann took the train from the coast to Bridge of Orchy and cycled back through down the glen.

Carmen and I did a long walk from Ballachulish up the remote Corbett of Fraodhaidh. Pete led the others up Creise and Meall a' Bhuiridh, the two Munros behind the hut, taking in a fine scramble on the way.

The usual New Year's eve festivities followed, combined with a birthday cake for Noemi, and with far too much food courtesy of Karl who we unwisely left to do the shopping! We even all managed to stay up beyond midnight, partly because the forecast was back to wet and windy so there was no incentive for an early start. In the event it wasn't too bad, but the previous day could hardly have been bettered, and we all headed home.

A load more photos here

Tags: rain downpour monsoon torrential bucketing, sunshine, thaw, trains, views to die for, wind
Posted in Eating, Extended trips, MTB, Running, Scrambling, Walking | No Comments »

Coniston Coppermines

Wednesday, December 18th, 2019

This Autumn has been exceptionally wet and there was no let up all weekend for the December Coniston Coppermines meet. It was fully booked with 16 sleeping in the hut and Peri in her van.

There was poor visibility, very wet underfoot, strong winds and clothing was tested to its limits with constant driving rain. But it didn’t stop a large group walking up Coniston Old Man then onto Wetherlam.

Simon and Carmen squeezed in a scramble on Goat Crag before heading onto Coniston Old Man too and managed to get a quick picture before the clouds immersed them again.

Russ, Pete B and Donal went off mountain biking and Mike and Louise went road biking up Wrynose Pass. With such a wet weekend every possible hook, door, nail, and rack was used to hang wet gear as the drying room was minuscule but thankfully we had 2 log stoves for drying gear and keeping us all cosy.

As usual there was plenty of food with 4 courses and extra delicious cakes made by Alan. Jayne’s fancy swirls on the casserole ended up as rocks but plates were soon emptied and everyone make space for Peri’s mince pies giving us a festive theme for the last weekend meet of 2019.

Posted in Eating, Fell running, MTB, Road cycling, Scrambling, Walking, Weekend Meets | No Comments »

Duddon Valley Camping

Monday, September 30th, 2019

After a hut booking cock up (not our fault) we decided to head for the same location but camp at the excellent Turner Hall campsite for the September meet.

Mike W got busy on the phone and we were booked into the site and for a Saturday evening meal at the local pub.

It was a popular meet to this quiet valley with many of the usual suspects arriving Friday either during the day or a tad later. We all set up our tent (and Vans)

Sat was a good weather day, and we were greeted by Mike, Russ and Lucas arriving very early from York. Most of the climbers headed for Wallabarrow Crag, where Anna and Rob got ticking with Anna leading her first multi-pitch and practising removing awkward wires (oops). Peri, Richard H and Jayne got stuck into some classics as did Neomi and Dave D. Simon and Carmen and Annie turned up a bit late (after a brief visit a wet crag), Russ climbed with his son Lucas and Mike soloed about. So lots of routes done by lots of teams.

The cyclists did a little differently, Mike W going for a typically huge road ride and Karl typically falling off his mountain bike a few times

After all arriving back safely and showering (excellent facilities) we headed for the pub and after some discussions over numbers had a pretty good meal and beer or two. We retreated to the campsite and the YAC shelter and firepits, miraculously we didn't burn anything down.

Sunday morning was grey and more of a walking day, a few teams headed for the tarn, a few for minor bumps close to Harter Fell. We all eventually packed up our tents and headed home, some of us after a little wait in the pub for Karl !

Though the majority of our meets are to huts there are some excellent campsites around and offer more family-friendly meets, and as long as the weather plays ball – are great fun.

Thanks to Peri for pix, let m know if you have any more.

Posted in Crags, MTB, Road cycling, Weekend Meets | No Comments »

Crafnant Valley – June Meet

Saturday, July 27th, 2019

Not sure what happened to everyone else, but only 5 of us made it to the meet in Wales. The hut is situated in a lovely location and weather was good on the Friday evening. Simon & I were surprised to arrive first but Donal, Peter E and Anne had travelled together taking a slight detour en route to the hut. We were able to spread out and have a couch or armchair each in the large lounge. Saturday saw Peter E and Donal heading off on mountain bikes to cycle the Marin trial. With nobody to climb with (and somewhat stormy looking skies at times) Simon was first out the hut for a run over Carnedd Llewellyn, out to Drum and back via Lyn Eigiau.

Meanwhile Anne (feeling under the weather) and me (with stitches freshly removed from knee) went for a bimble from the hut around the 2 reservoirs – Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd, a late lunch stop by Llyn Crafnant and a coffee from the café. We checked out one of the sport/dry-tooling crags on the way back to the hut.

Nearly back at the hut we bumped into Simon returning from the his run. Donal was already back inside having suffered from hayfever on the ride. So only Peter E left to return – which he did a short while later complete with bleeding and deeply cut knee. He had fallen off shortly after Donal had departed. Anyway he was happy having completed the trail, been nursed and given free tea and cake by the café!

On Sunday, Simon & I drove off and went to RSPB Burton Mere on the way home for a bit of wandering and birding. The others went for a walk over the hill from the hut to Llyn Cowlyd reservoir which they enjoyed apart from the final re-ascent through the bracken where presumably Peter E picked up his collection of ticks.

Everyone loved the hut & location for a change. Will have to return to sample the climbing there sometime or test the mammoth fire.

Posted in Fell running, MTB, Walking, Weekend Meets | No Comments »

YAC Autumn Ariege trip

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018

Last October 7 YAC members (me, Simon, Ann, Peter E, Peri, Dave D and Mike) plus James and Sara went to the Ariege (foothills of French Pyrenees). It is a lovely area that Simon & I were keen to return to. Peter and Ann hired bikes for a couple of days and were doing a mixture of cycling and walking and even the occasional rock climb. Sara was also doing a mixture of cycling, climbing and walking activities, including a sightseeing day with Dave D to Carcasonne. The rest of us just climbed – as there is so much climbing around. We were overall pretty lucky with the weather. Any heavy rain fell overnight and we were able to get out climbing everyday.

Several days were spent on the local limestone crag of Calames – climbing some of the quality long single pitch and multi-pitch climbs. Couple of trips to the brilliant granite crag Auzat – La Sabine is a must do route (just as good as we remembered). A trip to a new gneiss crag of Junac, not in the current Rockfax which turned out to be rather good and complete with cheeky goat. A trip to Baychon where the routes were of variable quality and grading – but a beautiful outlook over the valley. Some of the team climbed at Aux le Thermes and some of us went for a long multi-pitch on Dent d'Orlu (granite) which was a top day out with fantastic views and we had the East face to ourselves. Worth saving for the good forecast.

Still plenty more routes and crags not visited. It is a beautiful area with a good variety of rock types and route lengths. I think we might be back again some day (hopefully).

Simon at top of multi-pitch
la voie des peres tranquilles – Calames

Mike on classic
Fleur de Rhodo – La Dent d'Orlu

Dave D on
Fleur de Rhodo – La Dent d'Orlu

Posted in Climbing, Extended trips, Mountaineering, MTB, Sports, Walking | No Comments »

Tremadog September 2018

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

Only 7 of us stuck with the plan and went to Wales on Friday night. A few cried off due to poor forecast – but the forecast turned out to be ever changing.

Saturday morning was meant to be dry but it started spitting soon after we went to the upper tier of Craig Pant Ifan. Jayne came up with us – but then headed off for a walk/scramble up Moel Hebog and dropped down to Beddgelert before heading back to the hut. She enjoyed a long walk, arriving back at the hut via a lift from a friendly bus driver.

The rain held off for a while so we got a few routes done before the rock was saturated again. So we went back to the hut for some food and drink and warm up. Come 3pm the rain had stopped and sun gradually came back out – so Simon and I, Peri and Dave D headed out and climbed Christmas curry. We had the crag to ourselves. The first 1.5 pitches were on wet rock but after that it was all dry and lovely later afternoon.

Meanwhile Peter had been out on his bike from Tal y Bont, on A496 between Harlech and Barmouth, a circular route taking in Pont Scethin, 12 miles, hard and short, pushed up the two steepest hills, one customary crash on way down Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. Rich arrived Saturday evening and was soon telling stories of D of E chaos. Soup, sausages, veg and scones were swiftly consumed. This was accompanied by squeals and swearing as the size of the kitchen spider was realised (by Peri). Has any of us brought it home??

Sunday morning was dry and soon turned sunny. Rich was going to climb with Dave D but injured himself on the way to the crag – so Dave D, Peri and Pete B climbed together in the Yogi area – climbing Yogi and Smarter than the Average Bear. Meanwhile Simon & I climbed Valerie's Rib Direct, Tro and a newly cleaned Quercus.

Meanwhile Jayne and Peter went for a walk – Rhinog Fach starting up Cwm Nantcol then via Lyn Perfeddau and Lyn Hywel – and were rewarded with good views and mountain goats. Back at the crag the rain started just as we were finishing climbing and we managed to be back in the hut when the heaviest shower arrived. The walkers soon returned.

A good weekend's climbing/walking/cycling despite the weather forecast. Never fully trust the forecast!

Posted in Climbing, Cycling, Walking, Weekend Meets | No Comments »