NUNEATON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

NEWSLETTER 12                        May 2005

Edited by Colin Green

 

CONTENTS

Anyone for bananas, doggies on the hill, close encounters of a container kind, more pubs and ticks, drinks on the house! David rambling on and much, much more.

 

PROGRAMME MAY–AUGUST 2005   Matt

May 7^th                                                   North Wales with Matt.

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

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

June 23^rd                                                Planning Meeting for August 2005 – Jan/Feb 2006

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 22^nd June 8pm
• 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, or ring

Andrew or Matt if you can’t get down. And don’t forget our website at www.nunmc.org

 

PLANNING MEETING Thursday 23^rd June

The next Planning Meeting for the period September 2005 to January/February 2006 (or whenever we decide) will be on Thursday 23^rd June at the Old Edwardians Rugby Club.

This meeting will decide on our programme for the next period, everyone is welcome, so come along with ideas for day, weekend and other trips.

Our core programme needs be open to all members and has for some time been set on the second weekend of each month.  Over the last five years we’ve made some inroads into the main mountain areas within day tripping and weekending distance, so new locations or alternative routes up old favourites are always welcome.

Whether you like what we do, or think that we need something more, come along and speak up.

 

DERBY MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM   Andrew

On Thursday, March 17th, Mr Peter Bailey visited the club to give a presentation on the work of Derby Mountain Rescue Team.  Peter explained about the history of the team and the nature of their call-outs.  He gave some hints as to the levels of commitment and training required from volunteers.

The meeting was well attended, and to date we have been able to send £80.00 to the team.  Thanks to everyone who came for their generosity, and especially to Eileen for organising the raffle.  If you weren't able to be there, but would like to support the Derby Mountain Rescue Team, there is still time.  Just contact Andrew or Nick or any other member of your committee.

 

 

EDITORIAL   Colin

First of all many thanks to everyone who has made a contribution (twisted arms or otherwise) to this, and previous club newsletters.  Without your contributions it wouldn’t be much of a newsletter at all. 

I know it’s a bit of a bind at times but it would help a lot, and boost my morale, if from time to time everyone would put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, so that the contents were as representative and complete as possible.  If you don’t regard yourself as an embryonic Charles Dickens or Barbara Cartland then just an outline of either your latest expedition or what you’ve been up to on the bike or canoe would do just fine.  I know of activities and deeds or derring-do that haven’t reached the Round-Up.  So write now and don’t let inertia rule OK.

 

DORSET  WEEKEND, PORTLAND 11^th and 12^th June    Matt
One of the most dramatic coastlines of England can be found on Portland.  There is an extensive network of footpaths on the island making it easy to explore this unique geological and biological site of special interest.  These give superb access to places of amazing contrast.  The coastline in this region, part of the Dorset Heritage Coast changes dramatically, from the fossil encrusted cliffs of Lyme Regis and Charmouth to the 570 ft Golden Cap and finally the spectacular Chesil Beach, the 18 mile pebble bank which joins the isle of Portland to the mainland.  I hope Portland will be a great location for both walkers and climbers alike.  The walking will involve the South West Coastal Path either around Portland or out from the campsite along the coast.  Take a look at the South West Coast Path website for more info: <http://www.swcp.org.uk/home.html>.  There are plenty of fantastic bolted climbing on Portland to suit all abilities. Take a look at the Rock Fax website for more detailed information about the routes, access, gear etc: <http://www.rockfax.com/areas/dorset/area-info.html>.
Here is a quote from the Rock Fax guide: "The 6 km of cliff encircling the Isle have been developed with hundreds of well-bolted routes across the grade range, in a beautiful sea-cliff setting, with short walk-ins and few tide and access problems.  It is also the closest thing Britain has to a year round climbing venue with an exceptionally mild climate and very high sunshine factor." Sounds good!
General information on Portland can be found at: <http://www.uk-blue.com/>.  Accommodation -
Unfortunately there are no campsites on Portland itself. The closest campsite is just off the island near the village of Chickerell.  It is called the Bagwell Farm Touring Park.  It overlooks Chesil beach and has direct access to the coastal footpath. The facilities look very good - with toilet and shower blocks, a mini supermarket and even a bar!  The nearest pub is also only a few hundred metres away. Have a look at their website which will give you more information: <http://www.bagwellfarm.co.uk/default.htm>.  Cost will be approx £8 per tent per night.  No deposit required.  Please let me know if you are interested.

DORSET    Matt’s latest e-mail

Regarding the forthcoming trip to Portland.  Quite a few of you have expressed an interest in this trip. If you intend to stay at Bagwell farm camp site I need to know numbers of tents ASAP.  I am presuming that most people will want to stay the Friday and Saturday night, June 10th and 11th.  There is no need to book as there are plenty or pitches available but Bagwell farm only accepts non-family groups by prior arrangement.  I have assured them on the phone that we are a very well behaved group who don't drink and go to bed early!  So now it's up to you to uphold the good name of the club.

 

BLAZING PADDLES   Andrew

CANOEING ON THE RIVER WYE - 9^th & 10^th JULY 

Last summer we spent two days travelling down the middle reaches of the Wye from Glasbury through Hay on Wye to Bredwardine. 

This July - water conditions permitting - the plan is to continue downstream at a similar gentle pace.  We would start on Saturday at Mordiford (just below Hereford), camp at Hoarwithy, then travel on next morning to finish at Ross on Wye.

The Wye is an SSSI for all of its length and is a delightful, peaceful and surprisingly remote place to be.  The river has calmed down a lot by the time it reaches Mordiford. There are no rapids and you don't need to be an experienced canoeist, though you must be able to swim at least 30 metres.

If you don't fancy canoeing, come along for the walking.  Hoarwithy is a good base, with the Golden Valley, the Forest of Dean, Offa's Dyke, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons all within striking distance.  Have some great walks and then join us for the craic at the campsite and down the pub.

Everyone is welcome, but numbers for canoeing are limited by the number of open canoes, kayaks and buoyancy aids we can get together.  So if you are interested in joining us, please let me know as soon as possible.

 

THE NMC GOOD PUB FOOD GUIDE   Keith and Michele

On many day trips, we stop at the end or on the way home for a meal and have discovered some great places for meals. Here are some of those. If you find a good place, do let the membership know via the newsletter.

The Grouse Inn – Carrog  (just off the A5 between Corwen and Llangollen), particularly good on a summer’s evening when you can sit on the terrace overlooking the River Dee.

The Old Three Pigeons, Nesscliffe (between Shrewsbury and Oswestry) – unfortunately it has become so popular that it is sometimes fully booked – definitely need to phone in advance (01743 741279)

The Royal Oak, Broadwas  (between Hereford and Worcester).

The Church Inn, Chelmorton (Peak District)

The Wortley Arms, Wortley – north of Sheffield, edge of Dark Peak

The Station Inn, Marshbrook (Shropshire)

The Bricklayers Arms, Thornton – near Markfield, Leics.

The Ship Inn, Raglan – a good break on the way back from the Brecon Beacons

 

SCOTLAND AT SPRING BANK   Colin

Itinerary for the long weekend camping at Morvich, Glen Shiel.

Day 1.  Walk, eat/drink, sleep.

Day 2.  Walk, eat/drink, sleep. 

Day 3.  Walk, eat/drink, sleep.

Having phoned the site (which can be located on OS Landranger 25 and 33 at 961211) they inform me that they no longer take bookings for tents but that everyone manages to fit on.  I explained that we were travelling some distance and would not wish to be disappointed, but they said it should be alright.  I’ll phone them again nearer the time.

Fees are £3.50 per night for a car and a pitch plus £4.80 per person per night.  Outside bank holidays it seems only to be £3.50 per person per night.  Not cheap, but this is a good site and it has location.  Caravan Club membership (it’s their site) seems not to matter, but you get a 50p discount for National Trust membership.

However, there is always Ratagan Youth Hostel less than 4 miles away.

Target Mountains

1. The Five Sisters of Kintail.  A linear walk including the Munros Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe 1027m, Sgurr na Carnach 1002m and Sgurr Fhuaran 1067m.  There is no walk-in here you just go straight up from the road. I came down this way with Nick and John Trow in 1999 after doing the mountains to the east and Nick assures me he is looking forward to becoming reacquainted with this unrelenting 550m slope.
2. The Saddle 1010m via the Forcan Ridge and Sgurr na Sgine 946m.  The Forcan Ridge is a long grade 1 ridge scramble, or grade 2 if you always stick to the crest.  It’s also one of the best on the mainland and for those who are interested in such things, The Saddle is number 6 on my list of Scotland’s top mountains.
3. On Skye - Sgurr nan Gillean 964m involves some scrambling to a very small summit (we may not all fit on at the same time!).  The Munros 1991edition says ‘Sgurr nan Gillean is a superb mountain from all aspects, offering from its summit on a clear day one of the world’s great mountain views’. With a rope and a 40ft lower/abseil there is an extension to Am Basteir 934m (10ft lower required) and Bruach na Frithe 958m involving more scrambling up to grade 2. Gillean is my number 2 Scottish mountain.  One not to miss.

That’s eight Munros which will take David past 100 and therefore drinks all round.  Good weather is highly desirable for some of these but there are other things to do in the area if the weather turns ugly.
Try the following web site found by Matt whether or not you intend to be on the trip.
http://cgi.mountaineer.plus.com/scotland-mountains/glenshiel/shiel2.shtml

 

PROTECT YOUR BANANA WITH BANANAGUARD

An extraordinary innovation brought to us from our Canadian cousins is the BananaGuard.  No, this is no spoof but a banana shaped case to keep you bananas safe and secure for those days out on the hill.  Its special features include:

• Specially designed to fit the majority of bananas
• Multiple small perforations to facilitate ventilation preventing premature ripening (always an issue)
• Sturdy locking mechanism to keep the BananaGuard closed  (and safe from Nick)
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

But that’s not all as it comes in 9 great colours including:- ravishing red, pretty in pink, passionate purple and outrageous orange.

And they’re yours for only £3.95 each + 55p P&P + an extra 25p P&P if ordering more than one.

Check out www.bananaguard-uk.com or for bulk orders Tel: 01423 881605

 

TICK-BORNE DISEASES    Andrew

BADA-UK recently wrote to the club, alerting us to this hazard.  I have summarized what they say below. For full information and contact details, visit www.bada-uk.org.

Seriousness

Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease (Borreliosis), can cause severe symptoms and significant and permanent disability.  Diagnosis is notoriously difficult until the disease is well advanced.  This is because symptoms resemble those of MS, ME and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Increased Risk

As average temperatures have risen, tick populations have increased greatly and extended their range and the season when they are active.  They can now be expected in most parts of the UK at almost any time of year.

Avoiding Tick Bites

•  Walk in the centre of paths and avoid overhanging vegetation.

•  Smooth fabrics make it harder for ticks to get a grip.

•  Light-coloured fabrics make it easier to find and remove them.

•  Tuck trousers into socks and consider wearing clothes with elastic at the waist, wrists and ankles.

•  Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed.  They can survive on clothing for some time.  To be sure your clothes are not harbouring ticks, put them in a drier for 30 minutes at a high setting.

•  Insect repellents containing DEET are effective on the arms, legs and neck, but DEET contains toxins which can be absorbed, so use it sparingly at a concentration not exceeding 25%.

•  Ticks can lodge anywhere. You won't feel them.  They like the groin, the armpits, the backs of knees and the scalp.

Treatment

•  If you have been bitten, remove the tick with tweezers.  Grasp it as near the skin as possible and pull it out steadily.  Don't crush it, puncture it, burn it or put cream on it, as this can release infected fluids.

•  Disinfect your hands and the area.

•  Consult a doctor if you experience 'flu-like symptoms or other unexplained symptoms in the following weeks.

Keeping the tick for analysis may make it easier to make an early diagnosis.

(Also refer back to Newsletter 11, March 2005 for a prequel.  Ed)

 

DAVID’S RAMBLINGS – MARCH & APRIL    David

Just to show that life is not always made of going high, there are other alternatives of which I have had a few experiences.

During March my trip included going to Great Langdale in the Lake District. Apart from various walks, a trip to Wainwrights at Chapel Stile is worth the visit. There are a selection of good beers. The lamb shoulder is recommended.  It may be expensive - in the region of £8 - which is about par for the Lake District, but it is very large with the chips and veg coming on a separate plate.

Also recommended is the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel.  They opened early just for me for a meal and drink.  The Sticke Barn is always open, serving meals but in cool weather everyone sits by the fire to steam.

The café at Skelwith Bridge is a must.  Sitting out in the sun over the river is very nice.  The cakes are large - but so is the price but they are of good quality.

The church at Hawkeshead has a most unusual interior and should be visited. A bistro/café called the Angels Rest provides a good alternative to the local pubs.  Good food.  The Beatrice Potter museum was a bit disappointing for its display, but the building was worth a look, being an old solicitors office (thank goodness times have moved on!).

Three trips to the Peak District also revealed the following:-

Alstonefield - the pub serves good beer - but would not serve a plate of chips even though they served full meals.  They were losing a lot of potential trade as a result.

Hartington - The Corner House café provided a welcome tea but the food was not as it should be. The Charles Coton Hotel café serves drinks but the cakes were expensive for the Peak District at £3.99 each. The same place has a bar/restaurant.  At Easter they had a selection of beers brewed locally with a special for Easter, which was dark and strong.  After two pints it was a case of floating back to the car parked some miles away. The food was expensive upon which we had a mixed response as to its quality and therefore is not recommended.

 

ROUND-UP FOR MARCH & APRIL   (and a bit more from February)

Snowdonia 25^th-27^th February   Brian Rogers writes

Brian and friends meet up at Nant Peris abandoning vehicles and making their way to the top of

Y Garn where there were clear blue skies and crisp snow.  Moving on to The Devil’s Kitchen through some very deep snow there was much fun had laughing at each others misfortune as we all sank up to our waists one by one. Camp the first night was made somewhere between Glyder Fawr and Pen-y-Pass. We then walked on to Pen-y-Pass the following morning, crossed the road and headed up the Pyg Track reaching Snowdon's Summit just in time for lunch.  Visibility was poor and the snow was coming down fast but we still managed to conjure up soup starter, more beans and bananas and custard for pudding. We received reports of the Watkin Path being iced over and treacherous so we made our way along the South Ridge for a short while until we found a suitable spot to pitch tents for the night.  The following

morning saw the last of the beans after which we picked up the Miners’ track and made our way back to Pen-y-Pass then home.

Climbing Wall 6th March  Tony Charles writes

Rob and Tony continued their training in preparation for the coming climbing season by a further session on the Warwick university climbing wall. Continuing their practise of only attempting routes of Hvs 5a and above, following a rush of blood to the head, Rob selected a grade 5b on which to warm up.  This set the tone for all that followed.  English 5b equates to a French 6a+ and that seemed to be the grade that dominated what proved to be a fairly demanding session.   It was not the will that faltered but the recovery rate of arm and finger muscles. It would appear that our ability to produce lactic acid exceeds our ability to disperse it.  Consequently after about 2 hours by which time fingers were uncurling at the most inopportune moments it was decided that our bodies had been abused enough.  Due to the lack of groups of screaming children the atmosphere was pleasantly quiet and subdued; in fact the only screaming that we perceived was the screaming of our forearm muscles protesting at the use to which they were being put. So tired, but reasonably content, we departed.  Subdued but by no means downhearted.

Italy 8th-15th March   Michele writes

Keith and Michele headed of to Italy for a bit of walking and sightseeing (and eating and drinking). The main destination was the Parco Nazionale di Monti Sibillini in Umbria, but not much walking was to be had due to the depth of snow!  Just when you think you have the equipment for winter walking, i.e. winter boots, crampons and ice-axes, you discover you need something else – in this case, snow shoes!  It was very pretty snow but not the hard icy stuff that crampons are best on.  It’s incredibly tiring when every footstep leaves you knee deep (or sometimes thigh deep) in snow – but we had fun trying.  We did manage to reach the top of one peak, Monte Cappelleta at 1645m.  In the right weather, it is certainly an area that provides good walking, so if anyone wants to borrow the maps and book, let us know!

Patterdale Weekend 11^th-13^th March

Colin and Richard made an early start on Friday and headed off for Calf Top (609m) a few miles north of Kirkby Longsdale.  Arriving in Barbon as it started to rain a damp and misty ascent was made of what would otherwise have been a pleasant walk – if only we had been able to see it.  Back in Barbon Colin managed to persuade Richard to visit the pub and by the time we came out there was bright sunshine.  At Patterdale YH we were joined by Eileen, Les, Rachel and Lynette with Nick preferring to camp in a cold wet field down the road.

On Saturday Nick did his own thing taking the 9.50am steamer along Ullswater to Howtown and walking back over Hallin Fell and Place Fell to Glenridding (after visiting the climbing shop).

Meanwhile the rest made their way towards Helvellyn.  By the start of Striding Edge the snow was hard and although there was blue sky and sunshine the wind was bitter.  As none of the lads had their crampons (the girls did, and they put them on) a decision was taken to go for Swirral Edge.  Plenty of walkers were turning around in the icy conditions but with Richard in the lead we eventually all got to the top even if the judges wouldn’t have given Colin 5.9 for artistic merit.  At the summit there were views from Morcambe Bay to Scotland and from the Yorkshire Dales to Cheviot.  The ‘going’ across the top was slippy without crampons.  At one point Rachel offered to hold my hand to aid progress.  Sadly I declined, and as I haven’t had a better offer since it was clearly a mistake.  Further on we watched two climbers get up a steep gully and emerge onto the plateau before we descended to Grisedale Tarn.  At this point it was clear that Richard’s knee was causing him no difficulty as he had disappeared ahead.  Speculation as to whether he was in some gully with a broken leg was replaced with the more realistic view that he had cleared off to Patterdale.  The only thing we got wrong was the name of the pub.  Meanwhile, from the spring like Grisedale Tarn the real mountaineers made the thousand foot ascent to St. Sunday Crag and back into winter, although later the general view was that Richard had the right idea.  Back at the hostel Lynette looked as if she had just crossed the Gobi – the rest just felt like they had.  Thanks to all who contributed to the group meal that evening.  Needless to say there was enough to feed the 5000.

Sunday was also a very fine day.  From Hartsop an ascent was made by all seven of us to Threshthwaite Mouth and on to Thornthwaite Crag.  Here the wind was also keen as we made our way around to High Street and eventually The Knott.  Back at Hartsop the sun was pleasantly warm and there was just enough time to pop into the Kirkstone Pass Inn before the pleasures of the M6.  PS Richard made 6 visits to 4 different pubs.  Is this a record for a weekend – or do you know better?

A life on the ocean wave 18^th – 20^th March

Keith Hilton went down to see Steve and Julie Ward (and their 29ft boat Tigger 2) at Woolverstone on the River Orwell.  As it was cold and windy sailing was confined to the estuary.  A very sociable time was had, the word pub was mentioned and something about a close encounter with a container ship.

Kinder 19^th March

Matt had a good day out from Edale.

Black Mountains 20^th March

Colin and Nick went for a new piece of hill country to the west of the Black Mountains.  From Llangorse Lake (free parking) Allt yrEsgair was climbed in misty conditions before things brightened up on Mynydd Llangorse.  This surprisingly large piece of hill country was a very nice find (and quite popular with mountain bikers) as was the steep and more tranquil Mynydd Troed to the north.  Easy paths returned the walkers to Llangors.

Kinder 21^st March

Andrew and friend walked from Edale to Crowden and over the plateau and down via Jacob’s ladder.  As an observer of all things natural, arctic hares still in their winter white and golden plover did not escape attention.

Derbyshire 25^th – 27^th March   Michele Kondakor writes

Here is what Keith and I got up to over Easter.  We stayed at Bretton Youth hostel with friends from Andover Outdoor Group.  Good Friday: walked from Holymoorside, near Chesterfield to Hob Hurst's House across some of the 'new' access land.  Saturday: walked from Bretton Youth Hostel to Eyam, Riley' Graves, Froggatt Edge, Grindleford Station and the River Derwent.  Sunday: walked from Bretton Youth Hostel to Silly Dale and Cressbrook Dale and then to Monsal Head.  Then we went to Little and Great Longstone, Longstone Edge, Eyam and back to Bretton.

Scotland 26^th March – 2^nd April

Colin set off early on Saturday and had a splendid walk on Queensberry in the Lowther Hills of the Southern Uplands, later driving to Aberfoyle to meet up with friends Trevor and Sue.  Sunday – set off in the rain for Ben Venue.  Misty and damp on top where we met a group of four Oxford graduates using a cutting from Trail magazine as a map.  Prediction – potentially short careers as hillwalkers, in fact potentially short careers.  Monday – got wet through from above and below on Beinn Uamha and Beinn Dubh. Tuesday – tried the Campsie Hills. Promising start but turned out cool and misty.  Parking a problem at the recommended starting point as landowner Sir Archie doesn’t like walkers. Wednesday – visited Stirling. Thursday – Beinn a’Choin.  Mostly dry but misty all the way.  Local landowner said we were welcome to park on his farm drive.  Friday -Beinn Dearg.  A short walk but just got wet for less time.  Saturday – Hods Hill in the Lowther Hills on the way home.  Warm sunshine and easily the best weather day.

Craig Cerrig-gleisiad 27^th March

Andrew enjoyed a gentle walk from the Storey Arms in the Brecon Beacons on this very attractive hill. It’s part of a National Nature Reserve and is the southern most habitat in Britain of several arctic-alpine plants.  Andrew however was more interested in the birds reporting 4 male and 2 female ring ouzels.

Hadrian’s Wall 29^th & 30^th March

Keith H tried some wet weather camping near the wall and even had some compass work in the mist (you just have to follow the stones).  Driven to seek shelter at Twice Brewed Youth Hostel for the second night he fell in with a group of cyclists from Yorkshire with whom he was sharing a room, and spent from 6 till 11pm in the pub.  The following morning there was an interesting debate as to where the snoring was coming from, but as there were more cyclists suspicion fell upon Keith. With suggestions that Keith would be thrown out of the window if he stayed another night he made the wise decision to leave and headed off to Newcastle.  (Talk about out of the fire and into the frying pan).

Three Peaks Weekend 8^th-10^th April   David Foster writes

Richard camped at Malham.  Keith & Michele camped at Little Stainforth.

On Friday night a meal was taken at the Indian restaurant in Settle - we would not recommend attending here again.

David, Matt, Tony and Les stayed two nights at Stainforth YHA. Ann and friend Sheila stayed at the YHA on Friday and the local pub on Saturday.

The aim was to attempt the Three Peaks challenge.  We started later than anticipated, setting off from Ribble Head viaduct.  The weather was bitterly cold and the ground frozen.  The wind was strong and very cold.  Sheila had left her boots at home and had to borrow a pair and in consequence suffered with her feet.  On reaching the top of Ingleborough the weather had deteriorated with almost blizzard conditions.  We were all cold and it was obvious that the walk should terminate at Horton (where we had a car).  We had a welcome stop in the café - the fruit cake was particularly nice with pint pots of tea.  6 ½ hours 1005m of ascent.

Meanwhile Keith and Michele walked to the Victoria and Jubilee caves and on to Malham Tarn before returning to Stainforth in cold and windy conditions (16 miles) while Richard walked in the Arncliffe area.

The evening meal was at the Craven Heifer in Stainforth where Ann was staying. Three was a mixed response as to the quality of the food.

On Sunday, Matt went home and the rest of us went up Pen-y-ghent initially in good conditions with the cloud coming down as we neared the top. The walk was extended to Plover Hill and back down the valley to rejoin the Pennine Way. An interesting visit was also made to Hull Pot. We returned to the café at Horton before the journey home.  570m of ascent.

Herefordshire Marilyns 22^nd April  Colin Green

No, Marilyn didn’t climb any hills, but for the uninitiated the Marilyns are the grandmother of hill lists and Colin is closing in on an important landmark (well to him at least), and these hills just add to the total.  All went smoothly including on the notorious Seager Hill near Mordiford where the Get Off My Land brigade (GOML’s) failed to detect your hero in the trees (despite a 4x4 being parked at the base of the hill) and is one reason why Colin doesn’t subscribe to the view that you should always wear red waterproof clothing on the hill.

 

FEEDBACK

Thanks for sending me the newsletter, I enjoyed reading it. Hope to see you again soon. Eddie.

Oh God!  Do I even want to read it?  Rob on being handed his March newsletter.

So where are the bits that he’s written about me?  David to Michele, on being handed his copy.

‘Are you reading what we’re reading?’ Michael Howard.

 

NICK’S NOTES   Nick

Really enjoyed slides on underwater photography.  Thanks Derek.

Started flu same evening followed by 3 weeks chesty cough.  Really knocked off my feet, but only had one day off work – for dental emergency and tooth extraction.  Then felt really wretched.

A few days after beginning to feel a bit better went on Colin’s trip to North Wales for winter conditions on Carneddau range.  Found out just how much I had really been knocked off my feet by recent illness, actually dire fitness levels for this walk on snow & ice over the tops. My fitness was so bad in fact that I left the group at the col after Carnedd Llewelyn just before the approach to Carnedd Dafydd to take a short cut down to our cars.

Visibility had been about 40 to 50ft on top but as I descended on my own this reduced to about 8ft – approaching whiteout conditions.  No worry, had 2 maps (in case one lost), compass, altimeter watch, GPS, ice axe, (and crampons in rucksack).  At this point switched GPS on for a minute to confirm navigation progressing OK.  Good, no problems so

switched it off and continued downward using the map & compass with altimeter for reference, and ice axe in hand.  Three hands would have been useful but kept putting the map out of the way in a pocket. Visibility soon improved back to about 50ft – so it was just a small pocket of the thick stuff then.

Snow had blown across everything filling in all the hollows and was nearly knee deep, but the tussock grass was knee high so only walked where I could see a few inches of grass above the snow.  That is until I came to some rocks, s***!  Yes you’ve guessed it.  Found a hollow between the rocks the hard way (one rock being hidden by the snow anyway).  In it up to the groin with right ankle touching another rock in the depths and still couldn’t feel solid ground beneath.  Had folded left leg under as went in, and spread arms (like a skydiver) across snow plus leaned forwards to spread weight.  This worked, so top half stayed on the surface.  Managed to reach a submerged rock with one hand and touch a visible one with the end of my ice axe, and prised myself out.  Followed the grass tips from here on, boxing around a deeper snowfield on the way! (Unfortunately I’ve only got short legs!)

Snow depth lessened as I descended and visibility improved.  On reaching a wall (discussed with Colin when on the tops) used this as a ‘handrail’ to reach the track for the reservoir and complete the descent to our cars at the A5.  A useful experience really.  Confirming old skills, and learning some new ones – which I don’t want to reuse too soon if I can help it!

 

Thought: certainly the micro navigation weekends and night navigation exercises done through our Club have greatly improved my confidence for navigation in poor conditions.  Even so I still look forward to more of these weekend navigation events to help maintain levels and share experiences with other people, and also find through these events opportunities to enhance skills even more. Some thoughts for a long weekend event in the summer have already been mooted. Ideas are growing.  Watch this space!

Many thanks go to Andrew.  Plus more thanks for Eileen and Colin.  All have positively enhanced my navigation skills.

 

The March trip to Patterdale was a good weekend, but I was the only one from our club to take a tent. Six people stayed at the hostel. Mind you, there was still plenty of snow on the tops and freezing nights, but the new sleeping bag worked very well.  Stayed at campsite at foot of Kirkstone Pass (site at back of Brotherswater Hotel – good food & ale). Arrived late Friday night and tried a swift jar of ale before pitching tent in dark at 10pm in gale – as in trees moving a lot, and could here wind coming up the valley well before it reached me.  Juggled tent and staked it out by light of head torch, then juggled it again and put the thing up. Well done MSR that wasn’t too bad really – but perhaps it would have been a little quicker if I had tried the ale after putting the tent up.  Danger man at work etc.

Saturday morning saw one of the other five tents on site with its flysheet lying on the ground next to it only stopped from blowing completely away by the one peg that remained. Fortunately the MSR tent had no problems with conditions during the night and by morning the gale had blown itself out.

Decided not to join group on snow & ice tops of Swirral Edge (sometimes referred to as Squirrel Edge) and Helvellyn 950m as I needed to continue fitness improvement on lower slopes.  Therefore did a linear route on the other side of the valley by taking the Ullswater ferry from Glenridding to Howtown then walked back over the tops. Hallin Fell 388m, down to Ullswater again to cross Sandwick Beck 150m, Sleet Fell 378m, High Dodd 501m, Mortar Crag round to The Knight 525m, Place Fell summit 657m, down to Chapel in the Hause 393m, back to Patterdale then Glenridding 150m.  A reasonable low-level solo walk below the snowline.

Saturday night we all got together for a self-catered meal at the hostel.  Seven of us to 1kg of pasta, enough meat sauce with vegetables etc. to float a battleship, four (or was it five) bottles of wine, one bottle of cider, and two bottles of wheat beer.  And some drank a fair amount of squash or water too.  Needless to say we were all well stuffed!  I slept seven hours solid Saturday night in the tent. Wow!

On Sunday we all went together on a circuit of High Street.  There were plenty of large areas of frozen snow along here but occasionally you went through the crust.  It was pretty bleak too on the long stretch to the summit.  Low Hartsop 180m, Threshthwaite Mouth 592m, Thornthwaite Crag 784m, High Street 828m, The Knott 739m, Nth end Hayeswater 422m, Low Hartsop. Then a trip by car to Kirkstone Inn at top of pass for drinks (454m).

A great weekend.

 Presentation by Derby Mountain Rescue was a good club night. Raffle & donations raised £75 and I added £5 donation from Club funds, thus making the total given to Mountain Rescue on the night £80. Well done!

Had to miss the Yorkshire weekend.  I originally planned to spend the two days mountain biking on the moors of the Yorkshire Dales, but eventually decided to use the money to replace some worn bike parts. Fortunately found the spares required in a half price sale so £50 allowed me to complete repairs and put a set of spares on the shelf for next time these cycle parts go wrong.

Next day did 15 miles mountain biking on Cannock Chase, and following Sunday week 20 miles locally. If you would like a bike ride let me know.  (Am working Saturdays to end of May to 2pm).

By the time you read this I should have been to Snowdon earlier than Matt’s trip as cannot make 7th May.

Looking forward to the Scottish Highlands trip: walking in the Glen Shiel area, backpacking to the north of Glen Affric, and stopping at Morvich campsite end of May to middle of June. I understand quite a few of you will be there for the bank holiday period too.  It will be good to read peoples Scottish Notes in the next Newsletter.

 

DOGGONE MOUNTAIN DOGS

Many years ago whilst out with walking partners Trevor and Sue we were followed across hill and dale by a very podgy corgi dog.  Concerned that it was lost or disorientated we tried to send it back but it would have nothing to do with our entreaties.  We shouldn’t have been concerned as the doggie knew the hills far better than any walker and followed us and led the way over Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike covering at least twice our distance.

Years later on a winter trip to Ben Lomond in January the three of us were met by three rather boisterous dogs, including an Alsatian, who followed us out of the back of a farm.  At first they were a confounded nuisance but as we went further we became rather fond of them.  Higher up we put crampons on but the dogs seemed to manage without.  That is, we assume so, as one disappeared never to be seen again.

The following also appeared in a previous newsletter but seems to fit in here.  In October 2003 on a linear walk on the far side of Loch Eck, Argyll, we were followed by the local farm dog from Glen Massan.  Over the top of Beinn Mhor she was still with us but after the 400 metre descent at the Bealach Bernice there was a fence she couldn’t climb.  As we were on a linear walk we weren’t sure what to do, so we decided to walk on.  The poor thing whined and barked – can’t life be a bitch!

By way of a postscript Trevor put a message on the RHB website (for serious hillwalkers and baggers) and got two replies.  Apparently the dog’s name is Woolfie and he often follows walkers all day.  He’s so well known in the area that the police return him to Glen Massan when he really does get lost. That’s provided he’s not still by the fence at the Beallach Bernice where we left him.

 

THE HILLWALKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY AND EVERYTHING

So, which British Prime Minister shares a name with a Scottish mountain?  Try NO167629 on OS sheet 43, and there’s even a trig point if you climb to its 744 metre summit - unless it’s been blown up for security reasons and concrete blocks have been placed around the base to protect this national icon from international terrorist threats.

And which Scottish mountain won the Grand National? NC302461 on OS sheet 9 to get you there, but avoid jumping over the summit as the drop on the other side is just a little bit further than even Becher’s Brook.  Don’t fall into the trap of being clever with me mind you and saying there are two possible answers.  Foinaven and Foinavon have different spellings.

With another trip to Scotland not too far away there may be Munros in the air.  I can now reveal that there is serious intent on the part of at least one of our esteemed members.  As a special request Tony asked me for a complete list of the Munros and I was able to provide a location on the internet for such a list.  ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’  Could there be a cunning plan developing here? Watch this space.