NUNEATON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

NEWSLETTER 11                     March 2005

Edited by Colin Green

 

CONTENTS

Learn Welsh in 15 easy steps. The best grub and beer in town.  Hello Sailor!  Ticks to avoid.  And much, much more.

 

PROGRAMME MARCH–AUGUST 2005   Matt Liggins

March 11^th - 13^th                                    Lakes – Patterdale Youth Hostel with Eileen.

April 8^th - 10^th                                         Yorkshire - Malham area with Richard.

Plus a chance to do the Three Peaks with David.

May 7                                                     North Wales with Matt.

May 28^th – 4^th June                               Camping in Glen Shiel, Scotland with Colin.

June 11^th and 12^th                  Walking and climbing on the Dorset coast with Matt.

July 9^th and 10^th                                     Canoe, camp and walk in the Wye valley with Andrew.

August 13^th and 14^th                             Climb, camp and walk in the Roaches.

 

Other Events - all welcome!

What                                                                                                     When                                    

• Committee Meeting                                                             Wednesday, March 2nd 2005, 8.00 pm

to be held at 102 Copsewood Avenue.

• Derby Mountain Rescue Team                                          Thursday March 17th 8pm for 8.30 start.

Talk by Peter Bailey

• Climbing at Markfield on Tuesday’s                                Starting May 2005

(Weather dependant)                                                          Details for the following week at the

                                                                                                previous Thursday night meet.

And there’s much more than this going on. Visit us on a Thursday for impromptu activities at The Old Edwardians Rugby Club, Weddington Road, Nuneaton.  And don’t forget our website at www.nunmc.org

 

NEW LOCATION FOR MARCH WEEKEND   Eileen

Bell Cottage, Patterdale is to be replaced with Patterdale Youth Hostel as we would need 16 to make Bell Cottage economical.  See Eileen to book your place for the 11^th-13^th March.

 

YORKSHIRE DALES WEEKEND   April 8^th-10^th   Richard

This is a camping trip Friday to Sunday but any one who wishes to do just one day is also welcome to come.  The base will be Malham, a small village set in magnificent scenery. Close by is Malham Cove a 260ft high limestone cliff which used to be a waterfall.  Also Gordale Scar which is a deep gorge carved out at the end of the ice age is nearby.  One walk will include both of these features.  David is also going to organise a Three Peaks walk which is Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.

 

YORKSHIRE THREE PEAK CHALLENGE   April 8^th-10^th  David

This hopefully will be a joint venture with Richard who is to arrange a meet in the Malham area. Depending where he intends to camp, we shall endeavour to join with his group.  The basic plan is to drive to Yorkshire on the Friday and camp over night, or if anyone would prefer, to go B & B.  Starting on the Saturday morning, we shall drive to an area of open land near Great Whernside* close to a large railway viaduct.

The walk will proceed around The Three Peaks in a generally anti clockwise direction, taking in Great Whernside*, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent. The walk is 23.5 miles, height ascent 5202 feet and should normally be completed within 12 hours.  In practice I would expect, subject to the size of the party to complete in between 9 - 10 hours.  Refreshments are available at Ingleton.  The walk is fairly straightforward.  It is a walk, there are no exposed areas.  The whole route is covered on paths with the exception of what used to be a boggy area after Pen-y-ghent.

Upon finishing the walk, hopefully we shall then find a suitable venue to eat, and then return to the camp site ready for the next day’s activities with Richard.

 

* David surely means Whernside here rather than Great Whernside which is somewhere else. Unless of course he has a really mega walk up his sleeve?

(This is an example of the Editor being a show-off and a really smug git as he could have corrected the error and saved our Chairman’s  blushes).

 

PICOS DE EUROPA SEPTEMBER 2005   Richard

I am willing to organise another trip to the Picos in northern Spain this September.  I suggest we move a little further to the west from the last trip.  At present the flight would cost £41.  (Eileen also suggested Europe in Issue 10)

 

SCOTLAND  SPRING BANK 2005  Colin

A number of people have expressed an interest in this trip either for the week – 28^th May to 4^th June or for a long weekend. Camping at Morvich, Glen Shiel is Plan A.  See Colin if you’re interested.

 

YHA GROUP MEMBERSHIP   David

Just to let you know that I have made arrangements to re-new the YHA membership which expires at the end of April.  The membership card appears to have to have been a great success this last year, and should be for the future.

 

WEBSITES WITH A WEATHER OUTLOOK
www.greatweather.co.uk

Links to mountain region forecasts for walkers and climbers, snow forecasts, surf forecasts, aurora watch and much more.  Links to web cams on Cairngorm and the Cuillin, and others. Suggested by Andrew Holder.

 

Also check out     Met Office Outdoor Activities                                           www.metoffice.gov.uk

Metcheck – UK Mountain Hill Range Forecasts            www.metcheck.com

Mountain Weather Information Service                          www.mwis.org.uk

The Very Useful UK Weather Page                  www.maalla.co.uk

 

JONATHAN CONVILLE MEMORIAL TRUST   Andrew

Commended by Andrew and produced here for your attention.

 

The Trust exists to provide subsidised quality mountaineering training for young people who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

Courses include: Alpine mountaineering, Scottish winter mountaineering and Mountain skills.

Subsidies from the trust and the BMC reduce the costs to approximately one third of the normal rate.  More details on the notice board, or visit the BMC website www.thebmc.co.uk  for full details and closing dates for applications.

 

SOCIAL EVENTS   Michele

We intend to have some Thursday evening events at the Old Edwardians Rugby Club and other outside events.  Please let me know of any ideas or suggestions. 

Tuesday 26^th April 7.30pm : Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Granada Symphony Orchestra, Guitar – Marco Socias.

Programme includes: Stravinsky, Rodrigo, Ravel and De Falla.

Cost depends on what seats we choose but probably £16.50

 

Thursday’s at the Old Edwardians Rugby Club (Our venue if you haven’t been yet!)

17^th March             Mountain Rescue presentation by Derby Mountain Rescue Team who serve the White Peak and Dark Peak areas.  All donations and raffle proceeds on the evening will go to the Mountain Rescue Team.

Watch this space for more events.

 

FEEDBACK

Reader’s Comments

‘I’ve been waiting for this all week.’- Rachel.  Was she really referring to the Newsletter?

‘I was reading it in bed and chuckling to myself.’- Ian.  No comment.

‘It’s really good.’ – Debra.  Clearly didn’t realise she would be quoted.

‘**** *** *******’  Ozzy Osbourne.

 

QUICK COMPETITION   Andrew

•  Which mountain?

•  Which country? 

•  Which product?

 

First correct answer to Andrew gets the prize.

 

 

GEAR SHOP GUIDE Tony

Canyon Mountain Sports 

Tel. 0116 262 8531.  The only half decent shop in Leicester.  Gives 10% discount.  Staff not very knowledgeable.

Escape 2

Tel.  0800 0286 836.  On outskirts of Warwick. Worth a visit when visiting Lockwoods at Leamington Spa.  Gives discount but not on specially ordered-in goods.

Go Outdoors

Coventry Business Park, Canley Road, Coventry, CV5 6RN. Tel 02476 671 280.  Wide range of products.  To get discount prices it is necessary to purchase discount card annually for £3.  www.gooutdoors.net

Hitch and Hike

Bamford.  Tel. 01433 651 013.  Good for Paramo, Buffalo and Rab products. Gives 10% discount.

Joe Brown

Capel Curig.  Tel. 01690 720 205.   Helpful, cheap mail-order service-low postal costs.

Lockwoods 

125-129 Rugby Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 6DJ. Tel: 01926 339 388.    Good range of products. 10% discount.  www.lockwoods.com

Magic Mountain

Glossop  Tel. 01457 854 424. Retail outlet for Mountain Equipment products.  Sells seconds and discontinued lines usually at 50% discount.  Worth contacting regularly.

Outside

Hathersage S32 1BB. Tel.  01433 651 936. Best OD shop in Derbyshire.  www.outside.co.uk

Also Baslow Road, Calver, S32 3XH. Tel. 01433 631 111

The Map Shop

Upton-on-Severn.  Tel. 01684 593 146.  Excellent mail-order service. Usually 24hrs.

The Outdoor Shop

Stony Stratford. (Milton Keynes)  Tel. 01908 568 913.  Excellent range of products.  Knowledgeable staff. Free postage on orders over £50.00.

White and Bishop

Rugby.  Tel. 01788 579 476.  Worth a visit when in the area.  15% discount to members of The Ramblers.

 

RE-CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER CELT   Andrew

When we enter Wales the sheer difficulty of the place-names can be a stark reminder of how different our two cultures are and how troubled relations have been over the centuries. 

The mutations don't help either - just when you think you've clocked a word it crops up in another form!

Don't be put off:  a small number of words recur in many place names.  Master these and you're on your way to engaging with the country.  You probably know more than you think.  Try matching up these names of natural features. Answers on the back page.

Pob lwc!   Good luck!

 

(I've given the rough English pronunciation in brackets.  Pronounce th voiced, as in within. Pronounce ch soft, as in loch, or the h in huge.)

 

WELSH			ENGLISH
	Mainly found as	Also occurs as
1	afon (avvon)		a	rock
2	blaen (bline)		b	cairn, heap
3	bryn (brin)		c	wood
4	bwlch (bulch)		d	river
5	cae (kigh)		e	mountain
6	carn (karn)	garn (garn)	f	hill
7	carreg (karreg)	garreg (garreg)	g	hill, ascent, slope
8	coed (koyd)	goed (goyd)	h	bare hilltop
9	craig (krigh+g)	graig (grigh+g)	i	head(land), end, top
10	crib (krib)	grib (grib)	j	stone, rock
11	moel (moyle)	foel (voyle)	k	point, summit
12	mynydd (munnith)	fynydd (vunnith)	l	crest, ridge
13	nant (nant)		m	field
14	pen (pen)	ben (ben)	n	col, gap, pass
15	rhiw (rheeoo)		o	stream

 

 

ROUND–UP FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Church Stretton Hills 3^rd January

Keith, Michele, Les, Tony, Rachel, Lynette and Colin headed up Ashes Hollow from Little Stretton and on to a breezy Long Mynd before locating The Yew Tree pub in All Stretton for a timely drink.  Just as we were thinking that the Brecons might have been a better bet on such a fine day the wind picked up on Caer Caradoc sufficiently to make us realise that Shropshire had been the right choice.  On Ragleth Hill Lynette realised she had dropped her purse but fortunately it was soon recovered.

Carneddau 4^th January

Matt and Ian started from Aber and climbed to Llwytmor and Foel-fras. There was snow in patches but it was very windy and after continuing to Drum a descent was made back to Aber.

Climbing Wall 9^th January

Tony and Rob’s New Year resolution involves climbing only beyond 5a. As the wall is short of this grade they had to move up to 6a which proved to be a success.  This however was only temporary as there followed a series of spectacular falls as the climbs got harder.  Tony tells me that this was enjoyable – well everyone to their own.

Langdale, Lakes 14^th-16^th January

Nick and Colin got a head start on the rest of the team by arriving in the Lakes mid morning.  Bowfell was climbed via Angle Tarn and Ore Gap.  It was misty and cool with drizzle and only a thin layer of snow above 700 metres.  The descent down The Band was in the gathering gloom requiring torches for the last half hour.  Sadly this was the best day!

On Saturday, after Colin’s friends Trevor and Sue had paid a flying visit, David, Eddie (he who stays in hotels while the rest of us camp), Rachel, Rob, Ian, Tony and Colin climbed to a misty Pike O Blisco.  At Red Tarn we temporarily came out of the gloom before continuing onto a misty and breezy Crinkle Crags.  At a wet Three Tarns we all decided to exit and there was even time to make it into Ambleside for the shops and a Mrs Miggins.

On Sunday the same squad minus Rachel walked to Stickle Tarn hoping for something better.  Unfortunately the weather had other ideas but we continued to a damp Jack’s Rake where care was required on the slippy rock.  Safely negotiated, Pavey Ark was easy to find though Harrison Stickle proved to be a bit more illusive.  In the mist and rain there seemed to be no objection to missing out the next summit so we headed down to Stickle Barn to dry out.

Meanwhile Nick, who had been off colour on Saturday, and Rachel completed a low level walk taking in Elterwater, Skelwith Bridge and Loughrigg Tarn.

Cotswolds 15^th January   Michele Kondakor writes.

Whilst many NMC members were getting soaked in the Lake District, some of those who (wisely, as it turned out!) had decided not to go to the Lakes for a variety of reasons headed for the dizzy heights of Gloucestershire!  Parking at Winchcombe, Eileen, Derek, Andrew, Keith and Michele set off through the grounds of Sudeley Castle to pick up the Windrush Way and the across various paths to Belas Knapp, a restored long barrow burial mound for elevenses.  Then onto Cleeve Common, past the highest point in the Cotswolds (330m - small fry for mountaineers!) and a
lunch stop by Huddlestone's Table which on a clear day would have had wonderful views across Cheltenham.  Alas, at this point in the day the cloud base was still very low and only brief glimpses of view were had.  However.... by the time we had moved onto Nottingham Hill, we could see across Cheltenham and on to Gloucester.  The weather continued to improve until the light was fading as we returned to Winchcombe.  In all, 14 miles were walked and the company, countryside and exercise made for a good day out.

Kinder 22^nd January

Colin and Brian arrived in Edale on a clear and frosty morning and set off for the plateau up Ollerbrook Clough.  Blackden Edge trig point just happened to be in the vicinity but repelled close inspection as it was surrounded by semi-frozen slime.  The north rim was followed to Fair Brook and then a direct line taken to Kinder Downfall.  It was too cold to linger so after Kinder Low a line was taken to the highest point and then to Crowden Clough and a descent by Grindsbrook. There was then a well deserved mug of tea at Outside and a quick spin around the shop – as you do.

Ystradfellte 25^th January

Andrew and friend made a reconnaissance expedition along course of the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Nedd in preparation for the Brecon walk of 12^th February.  And a good job too, as it turned out, as one particularly precarious footpath was avoided for the club walk.  You see how your safety and welfare is always in the forefront of Andrew’s mind.

Cardeddau 29^th January

Keith, Michele and Colin started at the entrance to Cwm Eigiau climbing to Craig Eigiau and then into the mist towards Foel Groch.  There was plenty of snow on this slope and as the mist was rising occasional views of a very wintry Llewelyn and the valley below. Garnedd Uchaf and Foel-fras (K&M’s final Welsh 3000er) also had snow and there were some great views between the clouds.  Drum and Pen y Castell completed the round and there was even enough petrol in the car to get back to Betws-y-Coed.

Dovedale & Manifold Valley 5^th February

Colin joined friends Trevor and Sue and their Sphinx Mountaineering Club for a damp day in the Peak District.  This may not be mountaineering – but Hey! 16 miles and walking for an hour in the dark is not to be sniffed at.

Snowdon 5^th February   Keith Kondakor writes.

On the drive to Wales we travelled through the rain-band that had recently covered Snowdon with fresh snow.  The 5 of us (Keith K, Michele, Lynette, Les and Keith H) set of on the Watkin path in mild conditions, no wind and broken cloud.  There was some blue sky and good visibility at the start so we broke off the main route to the west to get some height more quickly.  The weather held very well until just after the gap at Bwlch-Cwm-Llan.  We then had some very light rain that turned to light show as we climbed over Allt Maenderyn and onto the Bwlch Main ridge.  Here we were in a little cloud but without any wind.  The snowline was at about 550m all from the night before, soft and very white.  As we got nearer to Snowdon summit the snow became several inches deep. As Lettie was off to Scotland it was felt that she should test out her crampons for the first time on the descent. 

The Watkin path was chosen for the descent.  There was no sign of anyone having used the mapped line of the path that split off from our ascent route about 100m before the top.  Most people had cut off directly to the summit and Les found an appropriate trail of footprints.  Les and Keith H followed the tracks and joined onto a larger number of footprints to form an easy to follow route down.  Soon however the GPS confirmed that we were descending the south ridge, the way we came up!  Only when a fence that was on the Rhyd-Ddu path came into view were some of the group convinced they were not on the Watkin!  We returned to the car park just after 5pm.

 

Michele, Les, Lettie and Keith on Snowdon

 

Waterfalls Walk  12^th February   Andrew Holder writes

On Saturday, February 12th, (Abraham Lincoln's birthday) eight of us travelled to the southern end of the Brecon Beacons to follow the rocky gorges of the Rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd.  Originally planned as an alternative for those not able to go to Scotland, this walk turned out to be a very good day in its own right.  Those who went were: Michele, Eileen, Debbie, Richard, Keith, Carl, Brian and Andrew.

We started from Porth yr Ogof (Gateway to the Cave), the point where the Mellte disappears underground for about 150 yards.  Richard explained how once he had waded and swum down the underground watercourse, avoiding the ledges where several people have been pinned and drowned.  We took the overland route.

At first the path ran by the river.  The valley was very beautiful in an understated way, with little hint of what was to come. Levels were higher than normal and the hazel catkins stood out cleanly against the brown, peat-stained water.  Most branches were still bare, giving good views.  In the distance the rich purple of the silver birch buds down the valley showed that Spring was advancing steadily.

Suddenly the river was far below us, dropping like a stone for 70 feet and more where it crossed a geological fault line.  We clambered down to various viewing ledges, where the impact of the waterfall was overwhelming (lost for original words already).  In falling, the water had been changed from dull brown to a soft cream, with chestnut highlights turning now and then to gold in the watery Spring sunlight.  Magic!  The sound was awesome.

Moving on, we turned left into the Hepste Valley.  Far below, another waterfall was roaring.  The plan was to drop down to the water level, walk upstream to the cliff and cross the valley tight against the overhanging cliff face, behind the cascade of Sgŵd yr Eira (Falls of Snow).

No-one bottled out.  How to describe it?  Imagine entering a deafening engine room, and being pressure-washed from three sides. It felt very clean and very good. We emerged with our muddy boots and trousers now soaking but spotless.  "Makes Alton Towers look like Legoland" (Andrew).  "You want to go back and do it again." (Brian).  The rest of the walk was great, but nothing will stick in the mind like that does.

The paths were steep, slanting and muddy, and several members made half-hearted attempts at slipping and sliding.  But no-one came close to the thudding, full-on sprawl executed by our roll model, Keith.  It all happened so quickly, and the details could easily have been lost forever. But with commendable presence of mind the guru lay on the ground and explained exactly how to perform the move. Apparently the following elements are pivotal:  a deceptively innocuous opening slither to the right, followed almost immediately by a catastrophic leftward over-correction and partial collapse of the right pole.  No-one else tried to slip after that.  They just lost heart in the face of the crushing superiority of the master.

After a welcome break at The Angel, Pont Nedd Fechan, we continued - upstream this time - to work our way back along the valley of the Nedd Fechan for about one kilometre.  At this point we spurred off westward into the steep, narrow, wooded valley of the River Pyrddin to look for Sgŵd Gwladus (The Lady's Fall).  It was a place where the wind hardly blew and the sun seldom shone.  Turning a corner after about 400 metres, we found the fall plunging into a deep pool - a silent place, apart from the sound of the water.  With its rich ferns and mosses, and a great swag of ivy falling several metres down to the pool, it was more like a location from an old Tarzan movie than a South Wales valley.

Back now toward the north-east, through more steep, narrow gorges past more waterfalls and finally up over the intervening ridges to our starting point. 

All very well, I hear you say, but is it really mountaineering? No, not really, but...

It was steep and uneven and exposed in places.  Most of us felt extended by the end of the day.  The broken ground concentrated the mind wonderfully and some places gave practice in route selection.  Above all, it was varied and very beautiful.

All those who went were patient, responsible, considerate and good fun.  Thanks again for your company.

 

Crianlarich 11^th-15^th February

Mo, Les and Colin started out early on Friday morning.  In fact had there been an earlier start it would still have been Thursday.  Just after 8am and 260 miles up the road the lads were climbing steeply out of Moffat Dale and towards Hart Fell.  Soon there was not a thing to be seen and as the top got closer it began to snow.  On the summit at 808m it was quite wintry and there was only time to record the trig point and take a bearing before evacuation.  Lower down and with a view for the first time the easier option of descending into the valley was taken. Sadly, the snow had turned to rain and by the time we got to the car we were quite wet.

On Saturday the three above were joined by Tony, Lynette, Matt, Ian, David, Mike and Ann for a walk to Ben Challum 1025m.  Normally a pretty straightforward grassy walk, the overcast and drizzly conditions turned wintry as we gained height.  A fence was a good marker for most of the way as visibility became poor and the wind picked up.  On the south summit 997m the wind moderated while we had a break, but finding the main top presented some problems as even the 1:25,000 map failed to depict the summit area at all well.  Crossing to the north top was achieved in near white-out conditions.  Once there Lettie was blown over, Mike’s hat headed for Loch Tay and while adjusting the back of Mike’s rucksack Ann let go of the map case which also disappeared with two maps for said loch.  Bad words were now uttered, but this was no place to linger and we beat a hasty retreat to the south top and the way down.  Wintry showers continued on and off but there were views of various snowy mountains and also time for a visit to the café in Tyndrum.

On Sunday Mike and Ann were off to meet friends but Rob and Rachel came out for the first time.  There was even more snow than Saturday as we followed two tracks in the road to Dalrigh for Ben Dubhchraig 987m.  With so much of the white stuff, finding the path was not so easy and we soon got misplaced in the woods.  Eventually a southerly direction brought us to the line of a stream which could be followed to the open ground.  However, even at 300m it became clear that we would do well to get to the top and by 500m at a fence we looked into a white-out with still 2km and 480m to climb. Turning around was not too difficult though as we descended there were views for the first time.  Back at the car park the tops were visible though distant spindrift indicated very strong winds higher up.  After drying out at the hostel most people spent the afternoon having a drive round with Glencoe being a favoured destination.

Monday was the day we had all been waiting for.  Mike, Ann, Tony, Rob, Rachel, Lynette and Colin set off for Cruach Ardrain 1045m directly from the hostel.  It was cold but the skies were clear with sunshine and once above the forest there were snowy mountains for as far as the eye could see.  As we walked on, sunglasses were the order of the day to protect against the glare as the snow cover higher up was extensive. Just below the 814m top David and Matt caught us up.  Any suggestion that Matt was late to start because he had a hangover is just a malicious rumour and should be scotched at every opportunity.  On the final ascent icy patches became more common and Tony was the first to don crampons.  The only problem being that as he was at the front the rest of us were left standing on a steep ledge while he blocked the way!  For the final 200m we all wore crampons and the top was reached at 12.45pm. While the rest of us moved down the steep icy slope David was not going to be denied Beinn Tulaichean 946m – it’s a Munro you know – and he set off purposefully for the outlier.  The descent was straightforward and David returned just over an hour later with the cautionary tale that even a short contour of a steep slope requiring crampons is an interesting experience.

Meanwhile Mo, Les and Ian had gone to Glencoe to climb Buachaille Etive Mor 1022m.  At the top of the steep gully there seems to have been plenty of the white stuff requiring crampons.  On the descent Ian reported that it was sufficiently steep and icy for him to prefer to descend facing into the slope. Another walker/madman however appearing from nowhere seemed to manage by jumping/sliding down the slope without crampons or four season boots.  Needless to say the views from the summit were magnificient.

 

Mike Thomas and Ann Hobson report on their extended stay at Crianlarich

The weather was mixed after you left, but the walking was still very enjoyable.  On the Tuesday we parked just south of Tyndrum, and walked the easy ridge east of the A84, ending on the summit of Bienn Odhar 901m, where we sure needed the ice axes.  We also spotted a huge red dear after following its new tracks for a while.  The views from here were stunning with Ben Lui clad in bright snow, the views were clear to the north for miles, and also back to Cruach Ardrain where we'd been the previous day.  Our route back included Ann trying to launch herself off the side of the mountain practicing her ice axe technique (I've photo to prove it) and a walk back to the car on the West Highland Way. 

The forecast for Wednesday was rain and low cloud which was disappointing as we planned to take the train to Fort William and enjoy the views from Roy Bridge etc.  Well we took the train anyway, and I guess the weather made the railway ride feel even more remote and inhospitable than ever.  There were three walkers who took the train as far as Corrour.  I couldn’t blame their dog for not wanting to get off the train, it looked grim.  But we met them again on the return train and they had enjoyed their day's walking more than we had festering round the gear shops in Fort Bill.

Thursday we went for Benn Dubhchraig 978m and Bienn Oss 1029m in reasonable weather.  It seemed to take ages negotiating a steep section of the north ridge: we would have been quicker if we had put our crampons on.  On the summit we were in cloud with the sun tantalisingly about to break through.  We made our way along the ridge in thick cloud and very cold conditions, and eventually the world came back giving us a magnificent view of Ben Oss, but we realised that as it was 1.00 o'clock, and a couple of hours to the top and back, time was not in our favour.  So we descended to the east on a long easy ridge and down through some delightful old forest where we came across several deer.  We had a super day, and Benn Oss will still be there for Ann another day.  Many thanks for whoever arranged the collection to replace the maps which blew away; it was very considerate.

 

Carnedds 26^th February

David, Matt, Ian, Colin, Nick and Eddie (mainstay of the Flint section of the NMC) set off for the Ffynnon Llugwy Reservior from the A5 on a cold, snowy and overcast morning.  Above the reservoir the snow was already turning walkers back as conditions deteriorated in the mist, but we made the col after a steep ascent.  Further on a steep section of ridge required care but there were no other problems on the ascent to Carnedd Llewelyn.  On our way to Carnedd Dafydd Nick headed off down to the reservoir while at the same time we met Rob from London who had lost his map in the wind (it’s catching) and joined us for the rest of the walk.  By Carnedd Dafydd it was beginning to clear and as we walked to Pen-yr Ole Wen the light tinged nearby mountains brown and white. The rocky section of the descent required care, but the rest went without incident.  Also Nick met us near to Glan Dena to give us a lift back to the car as plans for a backpack had been replaced by the idea of a pub meal and his own warm bed.

 

CRIANLARICH CHEF’S RULE OK   And all without Sudan 1 – I hope.

By popular demand some of the best mountain food in town is reproduced here for your edification.

Beats the Inverery Hotel, Tyndrum hands down.

 

Mulled Wine – Mike Thomas

Folks were asking how we made the mulled wine.  Well it’s dead easy the way I do it.  

Slowly heat a bottle of the cheapest naff red wine you can buy in a saucepan, with about 25% water.  Add a few glugs of lemon squash/juice, about 10 cloves, 2 crushed sticks of cinnamon, 2 small apples sliced, and 2 oranges sliced.  Add loads of sugar to taste.  Heat for about half an hour to allow for the spices to infuse.  Try not to let the alcohol boil off!!  I've tried mulled wine sachets, but not too keen on the bitter flavour. 

Crianlarich Korma – Mike Thomas 

I was going to bull s..t about the Korma we did on Saturday night, but I have to confess I couldn’t get Ann to grind up the raw ingredients, so we cheated.  It was just a load of pork and onions fried up with a hint of curry sauce, then a jar of Tesco's korma sauce thrown in and heated for about half an hour!  After our day on Bienn Challum anything would have tasted good!

Bean Bacon and Tomato Stew – Matt Liggins

Serves 4

1 pack of smoked bacon                                     1 large tin of tomatoes

1 large onion finely chopped                             3 sticks of celery finely chopped

1 large carrot finely chopped                             250g wholemeal pasta twists

2 garlic cloves crushed                                       1 tin canellini beans

Chicken stock                                                       1 bay leaf

Salt & black pepper                                             2 tablespoons good olive oil (preferably Ann’s)

Pecorino or parmesan cheese

Fry the finely chopped bacon, onion, celery and carrot in olive oil for a few minutes. Add crushed garlic and continue frying for a further 2 minutes. Add the bay leaf, beans and tomatoes and enough chicken stock to cover.  Simmer for 15 minutes.  Season to taste.  Add pasta and continue to simmer until pasta is tender (approx 10 minutes).  You may have to top up with stock or water once you have added the pasta. Serve in bowls with torn fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of cheese. Belissimo!

Spaghetti Bolognaise Ian Arnold style

In the interest of completeness I would be only too happy to bring you this recipe, but unfortunately it remains a state secret (on account of the bottle and packet being discarded).  It appears that WMD would be easier discover, but I can confirm that it is possible to prepare it in less than 45 minutes.  Nevertheless it went down very well on the night, as did all the others, and we look forward to it making a reappearance when the papers are declassified under the 50 year rule.

 

NEWSLETTER TITLE AND NUMBER AND APOLOGIES TO HMC

Apologies to Hinckley MC for suggesting in the November edition that we should call our newsletter ‘Outside Now’.  

I realised soon afterwards that this of course is the name of their longstanding newsletter, and I had no intention to pinch their title. Congratulations to the eagle eyed HMC member who spotted this on our website (it’s good isn’t it) and passed a message on to Nick.  I expect surveillance of our site will enable you to find this apology without any difficulty.  For the time being I propose to call our newsletter - Newsletter.

A countback of previous newsletters indicates that this is the 11^th edition.  The September 1999 issue was number 2, others were unnumbered – until now.

 

 

 

LET MOUNTAIN BIRDS ENRICH YOUR LIFE   Andrew

N^o 2 The Ring-Ouzel

Climbers are more likely than walkers to see a ring-ouzel at this time of year.  These shy birds return here to breed in February, March and April after wintering in the Mediterranean. They usually keep low when people come on the scene, but after a while they can get used to climbers' quiet presence and methodical movements and show themselves.

They like to take up a territory on an upland slope strewn with large boulders, perhaps with stunted rowans, oak and ash trees.  Look for them in areas like Stanage Edge, the northern slopes of Tryfan, the eastern slopes of Moel Siabod by the quarry lake, and Craig-Cerrig-Gleisiad in the Beacons.

If you are lucky enough to see these lovely birds you won't mistake them. They are a little bit smaller and lighter than a blackbird.  The clincher is the white gorget - the crescent shape on their breast.

But you are far more likely to hear a ring-ouzel.  It gives a loud chatter which can be heard at long range, and has a song and alarm call not unlike a blackbird.  Like a blackbird, it is noisy at dusk.

In late May and June the adults and young birds spread out on to the hill to feed on worms, insects and berries and get into condition for their long migration south in the Autumn.

 

MOUNTAINEERING IS A DANGEROUS SPORT

The rear of my membership card tells me, ‘That the NMC & the bearer of this card recognise that mountaineering activities are assumed risk sports.’  I expect that you can imagine some of the possible pitfalls - from a manic new member grinning form ear to ear whilst cutting the rope, to the possibility of a juggernaut veering across three lanes of the M6.

However, have you considered Ixodus scapularis otherwise known as the British Deer Tick?  This little beggar carries and transmits Lymes Disease which infects two hundred people a year in the UK.  The tick attaches itself to any host – and infection can be transmitted in 36 to 48 hours.  Needless to say hillwalkers are a high risk group.

If you find a tick, which varies in colour and can be from one to five millimetres in size, resist old wives tales, petroleum jelly or burning it with a cigarette which apparently aggravates it, causing it to send spirachettes of infection into your blood.  Instead tweezers are recommended (you need some for your backpacking kit Nick). Get a good hold and pull upwards and out.  Clean the wound and watch the area for a couple of weeks.

Symptoms include red skin lesions, chills, flu like fevers, joint and muscle pains and loss of appetite.  Antibiotics usually do the trick but chronic sufferers may have problems with their joints and nervous system.

Prevention means that whilst walking in long grass cover up the legs, spray on insect repellent and remember that they need to be attached for 36 hours to start transmitting.  So at the end of the day check yourself and check each other (this is actually recommended advice) which is the best excuse you’ll ever get for explaining why your trousers are down or why you’re crawling around the floor inspecting the legs of all the female members. 

Source: Mountain Bothies Association Newsletter 149 Autumn 2004.

 

A letter in issue 150 takes issue with the extraction method recommending instead surgical spirit (when inebriation softens their resolve) and tweezers to extract the blighter’s whole.  A magnifying glass is also useful.  If ticks are pulled straight out then the mouth parts and head tend to stay embedded in the skin causing severe itching for weeks, if not infection.

Other dangers which you may or may not have thought of, or agree with, and in no particular order include:

The Manchester bike boys, The ‘Get ‘orf my land’ Gloucestershire country set, Gamekeepers, Motorcyclists, Midges, Shooters, Car vandals, Adders, Escaped big cats, Sheep diseases and a potential walking partner who uses his nose rather than a compass to find the way.  Unless of course you know better?

 

THE HILLWALKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY AND EVERYTHING

The Crianlarich trip provided more than enough to fill several articles so I will confine myself to the highlights.

Rob laying out a pharmacy of medication on the dormitory floor; Les slipping into his tights; Tony getting grief for snoring all night – or was it really Colin? Mo getting hugs and flowers from Ann on account of his birthday – or is it really in August? Matt worse for wear – allegedly; Mike’s mapcase and hat plus Lettie (almost) being blown off Ben Challum; Colin thowing a snowball at Lettie and saying, ‘Sorry, it was meant for Rachel,’ which surprisingly seemed to make it alright; how we all resisted having a snowball fight until day 3; David setting off on his own to bag another Munro – don’t tell the missus; Tony photographing absolutely everything and of course the group meals with special thanks to Mike, Ann, Matt and Ian (and anyone I’ve missed off).

 

REAL ALE RAMBLES   Richard

Not many people know that I am quite partial to a nice drop of real ale. I don’t drink a lot of it in one session but like to try every new one I come across.  Over the last 2 months I have kept a record of the beers I have supped and marked them out of ten according to my taste and preferences. You can check out most of the breweries on the web site www.beermad.org.uk

 

Beer	Brewery	Quality		Beer	Brewery	Quality
JHB	Oakham	9		Sa	Brains	6
Well Stuffed Ruby Ale	not known	8		Ale	Hardings?	7
Old Hooky	Hook Norton	8		Rest In Peace 7%	Church End	8
Pitchfork	RCH	9		Hop Gun	Church End	9
Best Bitter	Batham	6		Ten Fifty	Grainstore	7
? Red Ruby	not known	6		Piddlebrook	Rainbow	6
Broadside	Adnams	8		Directors	Courage	7
Lordships Own	Shugborough	8		Deuchars Ipa	Caledonian	8
Red breast	Jennings	7		Swartzbier	not known	8
Landlord	Tim Taylor	7		Angels Delight	Church End	7
Ale	Highgate	5		Bitter	Abbey Dale	7
Gravity	Oakham	7		Leatherbriches	not known	7
Cameron	not known	6		Bitter	Butcombe	7
Pichfork	RCH	8		Bitter	Burton Bridge	7
Slieghbell	Everards	7		Triple Tee	Weatheroak	7
Robin Red Breast	Archers	6		Summer Lightning	Hopback	8
Beafort Ale	Beafort	6		80 Shilling	Caledonian	7
Just The Job	Derby	6		Happy New Beer	Church End	8
Snowstorm	Clearwater	6		Wayland Smithy	White Horse	8
Gold	Exmoor	7		Christmas Cheer	Tom Woods	6
Old Peculiar	Theakstones	7		Landlord	Tim Taylor	7
Old Shonks	Tring	8		Thin Ice	Elgood	7
Fox Hat	Church End	7		Ale	Yorkshire	8
Avon Ale	Church End	7		Top Hat	Burtonwood	7
Gold	Exmoor	7		Slurp & Burp	Fantasy	8
Bass	Bass	7		Tattoo	Oakham	8
Muntjak	Shardlow	7		Fireside	Black Country	7
Pulpit	Church End	7		Landlords Choice	Moles	6
Ruckin Mole	Mole	7		Willy Brewed	Church End	7
I K Brunell	Cottage	8		Golden Glory (bottle)	Badger	8

 

COLIN’S POSER

Only one suggestion for Colin’s poser in the January issue and that from Keith K.  A brave effort, but sadly wrong.  The prize is - that you alone will learn the correct answer upon demand, while for all others it will remain an eternal mystery.

 

POSTCARD FROM STEVE AND JULIE WARD

Arrived at the Old Edwardians Rugby Club on 24^th February, addressed to us all c/o Andrew and reproduced here for your inspection.

 

Hi all.  A quick note from the two wayward sailors and a pic of your local (Pin Mill, River Orwell Ed).  Not much climbing or mountaineering in Suffolk, but we do walk 1 mile to the pub.  Getting out sailing as much as possible. Force 4-7 but had 3days at force 9.  The daughter got seasick on the pontoon!! We have all the comforts of a house, but in a much smaller space.  TV, DVD, computer, heating, radar, GPS, windspeed etc.  Best thing we ever did, moving!  Our nearest town is Ipswich, about 4 miles away but we are moving to Woodbridge soon a small market town, still in Suffolk.  Julie’s asthma has gone with move (must be cleaner air!). Hoping to see some of you when you climb mountains our way.  All the best.  Steve and Julie

RE-CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER CELT (1) - ANSWERS

 

WELSH			ENGLISH
	Mainly found as	Also occurs as
1	afon (avvon)		d	river
2	blaen (bline)		k	point, summit
3	bryn (brin)		f	hill
4	bwlch (bulch)		n	col, gap, pass
5	cae (kigh)		m	field
6	carn (karn)	garn (garn)	b	cairn, heap
7	carreg (karreg)	garreg (garreg)	j	stone, rock
8	coed (koyd)	goed (goyd)	c	wood
9	craig (krigh+g)	graig (grigh+g)	a	rock
10	crib (krib)	grib (grib)	l	crest, ridge
11	moel (moyle)	foel (voyle)	h	bare hilltop
12	mynydd (munnith)	fynydd (vunnith)	e	mountain
13	nant (nant)		o	stream, brook
14	pen (pen)	ben (ben)	i	head(land), end, top
15	rhiw (rheeoo)		g	hill, ascent, slope

 

Rate your score

1-4           good                                                       11-13       makes M.C. Hammer look like Timmy Mallett

5-7           very good                                              14-15       lost for words

8-10         excellent

 

SIMON YATES LECTURE

Hinckley Mountaineering Club has booked Simon Yates of ‘Touching The Void’ fame on Wednesday 23^rd March 2005.  The lecture entitled, ‘Beyond The Void’ is at Lutterworth Grammar School starting at 7.30 pm with tickets costing £7.

 

NMC WEBSITE

The Nuneaton Mountaineering Club website can now be found at www.nunmc.org

Bookmark it as one of your favourites and help us keep it up to date and topical.  You know it makes sense.

Keith Kondakor has asked me to request that all members have a look at the website and pass on their thoughts and suggestions.  Please also send in any photographs, particularly for the member’s gallery. E-copy pictures are welcome but also photographs for scanning.  Unfortunately not slides at this stage.