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!
As is traditional, the weekend before our January meet saw the Welsh hills covered in snow, but a turbo thaw soon put paid to that. But at least we had light winds, dry days, and even a bit of sunshine.
We were staying in the Cae'r Frân hut, a new one to the club, set high above Llanberis on the slopes of Snowdon. a 5 minute walk from the road. Plenty of space due to prior engagements and last minute cancellations, but there'd have been lots of room even if full.
On Saturday we walked up Snowdon, but obviously just going the quick way would be no fun at all, so I planned an extended route via Moel Eilio, descending to Rhyd Ddu, then ascending the rather fine south ridge. Return was via the Llanberis path, a total of about 17 miles and 1700m ascent. Tough going, my estimated 8 hours was out be almost 2!
The next day we fancied something easier, so I worked out a circuit of Llyn Padarn. We detoured to the summit of Cefn Du to take advantage of the sunny views, which promptly disappeared into the clag as we arrived.
The rest of the route should have been easy, but that reckoned without the vagaries of Welsh public footpaths, with several not there at all, others blocked by walls and bogs. Once we got to the lake shore though we entered the Padarn Country Park and lots of well waymarked routes. Dodging some orienteers, we paused to investigate Dolbadarn Castle before returning to the hut.
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.
Dales MTB'ing
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.
Dave was organising this one and had booked us some pitches at the Fisherground campsite in Eskdale, Lake District. The weather forecast wasn’t looking brilliant but that didn’t put off a small select bunch from heading away for a weekend adventure in mid July.
Simon, Carmen and Dave were sorted and heading to the pub when the second car arrived, and tents were hurriedly put up trying to beat the rain which was on its way. Unfortunately the rain arrived quickly, so the waterproofs were on and dinner cooked and hurredly eaten. We then headed to the pub to join the others, warm up and plan the next day, which was ‘on paper’ the better weather although there was some talk of forecasts having changed.
Saturday started bright and promising, so keen to make the most of it, Peter, Aoife, Marianna, Andrew, Russ and Becky headed off to hike up Scafell Pike from the East side, parking just up Eskdale at Wha House. The path up to the ‘Great Moss’ was quiet and it felt good to be exploring a new part of the Lakes we hadn’t visited before.
Heading towards Scafell Pike, enjoying some quiet Lakeland paths
Beginning to gain height up the path by Cam Spout it was clear the weather was closing in, and by the time we reached the mountain rescue box definitely time for waterproofs, hats and gloves. We then joined the busy tourist path (overdressed compared to most!) to the summit, stopping for a quick photo before dropping down towards Broad crag to try and get out of the cold wind.
Not a day for hanging around on the top of England!
A unanimous decision to drop straight back down again was followed by a bit of searching for the correct path in the cloud to avoid some craggy ground. Then a straightforward march back the way we came, all cold, wet and thinking of the pub dinner that evening.
It's a rare day in the lakes when even the sheep look miserable!
Simon and Carmen meanwhile had headed west towards the coast, and managed to avoid the weather and enjoy some sunshine with a long circular walk over muncaster fell and back along the Esk valley.
The campsite drying room was definitely getting good use that evening and after a welcome warm shower we headed to the pub to compare notes from the day.
Sunday was brighter so after packing up camp, Peter, Aoife, Dave and Marianna headed to Ravenglass and took the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty) back up to the end of the line at Dalegarth Station.
One for the steamtrain fans
Picking up ice creams from the station before beginning a pleasant walk back to Ravenglass, over Muncaster fell and stopping for lunch at Muncaster tarn which had some great waterlillies in flower. The afternoon took us through the grounds of muncaster castle and bird of prey centre (and more ice cream!) before checking out the roman bath house ruins on the outskirts of Ravenglass. Simon and Carmen also had a great day, tackling a ’Maprun’ orienteering course near Staveley.
Two years after our last trip to Scotland, it was probably inevitable that this one would be a sell-out. Less predictable was whether the weather would cooperate, and it wasn't looking promising for a while with a series of storms crossing the country.
But for once, things worked out well, with Eunice's winds confined to England on Friday, we instead had a day of heavy snow.
The sensible majority stayed low, taking the train to Bride of Orchy and walking back to the hut along the West Highland Way.
The foolhardy five (Marianna, Liz, Russ, Carmen and myself) set off to climb a pair of Corbetts between Killin and Lochearnside. An easy start along the disused railway path soon gave way to a trackless ascent up deep powder-strewn slopes towards the first hill, Creag Mac Rainach. Going was slow, very slow, and it soon became clear that the planned continuation to Meall an t-Seallaidh was a hill too far. But we persevered as far as the first summit, the winds steadily increasing, and we eventually reached the cairn where we lay for a minute or two, too windy to stand, before retreating back the way we came.
Saturday was a different day. Originally forecast to be a repeat of Friday's weather, the Met Office changed on Friday night to suggestions of some clear skies, sunshine even, and a 70% chance of cloud-free Munros. So plans were made…
The day dawned to weather that exceeded our best expectations, with clear blue skies, almost no wind, and wall-to-wall sunshine!
Carmen, Liz and I went for another Corbett, Beinn nan Oighreag (between the Munros of Meall Ghaoraidh and Meall nan Tarmachan) with a view to continuing west over Meall Ghaordaidh if time allowed. Of course, time did not allow, as it was another day of wading through powder, with more delays courtesy over finding a way across some icy streams.
Stopping for regular photos, we eventually reached the summit some 2 hours over guidebook time. The continuation looked like it could be even slower, and with some very loaded slopes near the top, but luckily the clock had already decided that we wouldn't attempt it. As it was, we didn't get back to the car until 5pm, and our decision was vindicated as it started to rain on the drive back to the hut.
Meanwhile, most of the others walked/waded up Meall Ghaoraidh and had a similarly magnificent day, with some sledging (bum sliding) on the way back down.
And as quickly as it had arrived, the fine weather was gone. Heavy rain overnight led to a massive thaw right up to summit level. Russ went for a short run up the West Highland Way, everyone else stayed inside until the drive home. But all in all, a superb weekend, the sort of conditions that make all the rainy days worthwhile!
Newlands Valley and the approach track in foreground
The Carlisle Climbing Club hut in the Newlands Valley is a bit of a throwback to a bygone age of (Victorian) endeavour! Hard to get to, a two kilometre track at the end of a narrow country lane, no electricity so heating by a pot bellied stove only, and lighting by gas lamps! These hardships only added to the experience of the few hardy members who attended the meet.
the hut
damp
snowy
Six members: Karl and Jayne, Richard, Alan, Simon and Carmen, met up on Friday night and were joined by Rebecca on Saturday morning.
The weather was grim at valley level in the morning. Richard headed off for the tops around Grizedale while Karl nobly volunteered to stay in the hut to mither the stove before eventually venturing out up the valley towards Dale head. The rest headed off down the valley to scale the Cat Bell/ Maiden Moor/High Spy ridge, heading south into increasingly wintry weather, eventually battling up Dale Head and Hindscarth, where the weather was horizontal wet snow.
richard
richard
Everyone returned to a very warm hut and whilst Simon and Carmen returned to York for a music gig followed by a running event in the Peak District on Sunday, and Rebecca went home to Ambleside; the four remaining got stuck into the food. Mexican Tortillas to start from Richard, Mexican Chili from Karl and Jayne and finally not Mexican but Yorkshire Fat Rascals from Alan. All slept well!!!
stove
scoff
The morning came with much clearer weather. Richard went off to do some Wainwrights near Skiddaw. Alan had a great day on Blencathra where although the sky was blue there was a strong cold wind and blowing snow which was laying and compacting well. Jayne and Karl planned to go biking in Grizedale but eventually made the right decision to also venture onto the slopes of Blencathra and some spectacular views.
Blencathra looking magnificent in the snow
A good meet in a remote and atmospheric hut. Everybody got out and did stuff despite the weather. Just as it should be.
Founded 40 years ago, in November YAC celebrated its anniversary with a meet at the excellent, large K-FellFarers hut at the head of Borrowdale. With some restrictions still in pace we couldn't use all of the places but that still meant nearly 30 people attending over the weekend.
Sat saw most people split between walking and climbing groups, with a few people doing their own thing, running and walking. The Walkers headed towards Scafell Pike and picked up some poor weather along the way, and had a very misty time, but at least they got back early and started on one of the cakes with their tea.
Wet day on Scafell Pike, select for larger version
Climbers divided into Simon & Carmen heading towards Bowderstone area and team of 10 headed along to Shepherds Crag parking at the nearby Climbers Club hut (Gav and Rob are members). The weather, whilst not balmy was dry and fine and teams split up climbing along the length of the Crag.
Brown Slabs fun
Karl on Brown Slabs
Carmen on belay duty
Anna, Rob Mike and Karl climbed all over Brown slabs with Ana getting some leads in and Mike soloing everything! Gav, Justine Kasia and started by ticking off the classic rock route Little Chamonix, a route climbed by Pete B and Jamie, and Rob and Ana chasing them up at the end of the day with a spot of rain which soon moved on. Ana finished off a busy day leading the last pitch.
Ana leading on Brown Slabs
Gav, Kasia, Justine on Little Chamonix
Ana on lead at top of Little Chamonix
Mike and Dave W managed to tick a few harder routes using a rope this time. We maxed out the day, walked back to the cars in the dusk and arrived back to a very busy hut.
With so many people we all brought a dish to the meal, a huge Ruby Murray with a wide selection of starters, lots of mains and side dishes and wonderful salads, we ate like a proper banquet.
Obviously there was plenty of puddings and cake provided by members and a cheese course in case our calorie count dropped below 5 figures. Liz produced a magnificent birthday cake, and most of us hit diabetic coma levels of sugar.
Karl (as usual) tried to melt the stove in the hut so it was toasty evening despite he poor weather. Kasia had a long drive back but we welcomed Marianna and continued the festivities until quite late.
Sunday the weather was still raining and the waterfalls were overflowing – sour milk ghyll in flood. A few brave souls ventured out for a quick run around some hills and dales, Pete W and Dave D went for a misty stroll to Gable and a larger team headed for the bright lights (cafes and gear shops) of Keswick. After a thorough cleaning we all packed up and headed home.
Proper good hut meet with loads of people and a great celebration, Simeon agreed to coordinate a walk closer to York for all those members, old and new who couldn't make the meet.
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!
The March meet was at a new hut for the club, the Peter Llowarch Memorial Hut near Capel Curig. Due to a combination of injury, prior engagement, and looking at the weather forecast, attendance was the lowest we've had for some time, with only 5 making the journey.
The first difficulty was finding the hut, which involved parking by a farm and walking down a track. We arrived in 3 separate groups, and each one managed to walk down the same wrong track and try to gain entry to the wrong building! When we eventually found the right place, it turned out to be one of the more rustic places we've stayed, with no electricity, no lighting apart from candles, and just a small wood-fired stove for heat. But at least we had gas for the cooker!
As is normal for our Welsh meets, the weather was a bit rubbish. But that didn't stop Joe heading off for a trot round the first part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, starting with Lliwedd, over a surprisingly busy Snowdon, before descending from the dolmen at the col before Crib Goch.
Ann and Becky sensibly opted for a low-level walk around the Crafnant Valley. And Carmen and I went for an extended run, starting straight up the side of Moel Siabod into the mist and rain, before descending to Capel, up and over the hill to the Crafnant, and back over the pass to the hut.
That evening, the hut began to grow on us, as the stove warmed up the small central room and the cooker made a vague impression of heat in the big kitchen. As usual, we all ate far too much!
On Sunday the forecast was similarly poor so Joe went home. The rest of us risked heading for a coastal walk near Little Orme, and we rewarded by sunshine and a mostly dry day, though bitterly cold in the strong wind. We passed a monument which we thought must commemorate some Victorian battle, but which turned out to have been built a few years ago by a local hotel. On over the top of Little Orme. And to finish, we found the local seal colony at Angel Bay.
All in all, a successful meet. The hut was basic, and you wouldn't want many more than 5 staying there in cold weather, but as a summer venue it could be pretty good, with lots of space outside and views over the surrounding hills. And if we'd known then what we know now it would have been a sell-out!
Almost the last meet til….well, who knows? I'm writing this in the middle of the Covid 19 lock down and suddenly the opportunity to get rained on in Scottish woods feels like something I'd fight werewolves for. So anyway, there we were up in Scotland from February 13th to 15th on the inaugural Richard Payne Meet, renamed to commemorate club member Richard Payne who was tragically killed by an avalanche in the himalayas in the spring of 2019. I think we all felt a little odd on this meet, because at the same time as we were having fun in the hills, we were remembering Richard, who loved the winter meets. Anyway, this is how it went:
As is pretty standard with Scottish winter meets, it coincided with a juicy storm which limited our plans a bit.
However a couple of club members managed to sneak in an extra day at the start…..over to Rob….
"Mike and I headed up early, we had all sorts of options but in the end only got away a day early. We booked into the same hut (as any club member can do) and arrived about 10 but were not alone. The morning brought some discussion about where to go but it turns out we both parked in the snowbowl car park on the ski road and headed into Lurchers CRAG, the path should be easy but fresh power made it hard work, we avoid the Charlamain Gap and were treated to a close up view of rescue helicopter practising. It took forever to get to the bottom of the crag as we foolishly didn't drop low enough and had to traverse a huge boulder field.
We eventually found a few lines that looked ok but time was getting on, the lads from the hut were gearing up at the better-looking line. We debated waiting but took the parallel line following variable ice till rope stretch called a halt. Mike led through in blazing sunshine and blue skies, we were overheating! We topped out and past the other team soloing out of the gully and headed back, into the could and some compass work took us back (down a would-be skiable but potential avalanche slope) to the van, hut and company.
Turns out the best day of the trip by miles and a nice route about II/III (LEFT BRANCH) in places but a long walk in, and don't forget your helmet, going back to the car just delays things! "
Back to the main meet…..On Friday the main problem was high winds so Rob, Mike, Peter and Aoife decided to go walking from the ski centre, however the road was closed so they walked through the forest past Glenmore Lodge, had lunch in Ryvoan Bothy then over Meall a Buchaille. Dave Liz Carmen and Simon drove round to Lecht to find some shelter from the winds and walked up a corbett…Carn Ealasaid. Simon claims they even found a bit of sunshine in between light rain and steady wind. As for me, I decided to wander round the Rothiemurchus Forest to Loch Eillean getting lost/practising my nav and was completely oblivious of the wind down in the trees, whilst others went biking/walking
Friday night brought the usual completely excessive group meal, then on Saturday morning we got up to find the weather had really turned foul, with persistent driving rain and wind. Liz Simon and Carmen headed up another hill, apparently this one was a Graham (no, me neither) called Carn Glas-Choir, sheltering in an estate hut when the wind got too unfriendly. Mike, Sarah and Rob walked through the Rothiemurchus Forest to Loch an Eilean and back, then shopped in aviemore for shiny things. Meanwhile me, Pete E, Ann , Dave Jayne and Ana headed out the other direction into the soggy forest and even had a very wet picnic in the woods until we eventually decided enough was enough and retired to the Insh Watersports bar where we also lured Karl and things eventually ended in singing.
On Sunday those sufficiently dedicated went out for a morning run along the River Feshie and reported fresh snow and sunshine. (Callum, Sarah, Pete W and Aiofe). David Carmen and Simon headed back via Drumochter planning to climb a couple of Corbetts but changed plans a bit due to heavy snow, they eventually managed to thrash a path up to the Sow of Atholl and at 803m were only just able to stand upright on the summit plateau.
So although the weather was pretty challenging, we made the most of it, had some enjoyable if weatherbeaten days and the usual huge sociable meals and banter in the evening. Just as well if you consider what was waiting just a month or two away…..here's hoping it won't be too long before we can get out again. Here's a few photos from the meet….
A very wet forest picnic!
A few
Navigation practice in a snowy forestFound the loch!The River FeshieMeall a BuchailleSomewhere over the rainbowAbove 2 pics: Rob and Mike Shaws Early Doors Adventure
