See notice in July newsletter.
Camping will, as usual, be at Rhosson Ganol Farm, St Justinian's (GR 727252)
To find us, follow signs for St Justinian's lifeboat station from St Davids. From the Cross, down the hill past the Farmer's Arms, then sharp right down past the Cathedral (one way system) and keep on towards the lifeboat station until you can see the sea, with Rhosson Farm on your right. The farm is overlooked by a prominent hill on the left of the road and the campsite is under the seaward side of this hill with views over Ramsey Island and the sound. Turn left up a track just past the farmhouse, take the right fork and then keep to the left. We usually camp in the first field on the left.
There is of course lots of climbing to be done, most of which is in the middle grades and still retains the feeling of remoteness and pioneering. For those intent on high grade climbing Carreg-y-Barcud should keep you off the streets, and of course if you seek the popular hot spots you can easily drive down South to join the crowds.
For those of a less than vertical disposition there are many splendid walks, not only along the cliff s, but also inland, giving lots of variety.
I always look upon this meet as the best holiday on the Oread calendar with plenty of socialising and family appeal. There is much to do; climbing, walking, swimming or simply lying on the beach etc.
I am informed that some Oreads will be there during the previous week and I'm confident that there will be an Oread presence until the following weekend so you will be sure of a welcome over the whole holiday period.If you need any further information please get in touch. Keith Gregson
Gail's meet is sub-titled Gritstone Crawl. Action will take place on Saturday 10th with an 8.45 start at Stanage End. Matters will end in The Robin Hood, 14.5 miles and nine climbs later after visiting Stanage, Burbage, The Grouse, Froggat, Curbar, Gardom's and Birchen's. She has an enticing list, too long to print here, of suggested routes ranging from Peapod to Trafalgar Wall, so something for everyone there. So contact Gail to book bedspace for Friday night at Heathy Lea. Contact her or me for "the list"! Ed.
Heathy Lea: 1st - 3rd July 2005 Leader: Brian West
Derbyshire used to be referred to as 'The English Switzerland'. Yet, 'un?familiarity breeds contempt' may be as true now as it was over a century ago when young Strephon, that unsuppressable Derby hack, bemoaned the Englishman's ignorance of The Peak. Strephon's 'broad-chested, bronzed, bearded, and boyish' traveller who 'had climbed the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and could chat glibly about the giant Jungfrau and the terrific Schreckhorn; but had never heard of Axe Edge, Masson, Crich Cliff, Thorp Cloud, and Kinderscout. He probably knew more of the Peak of Teneriffe than the Peak of Derbyshire.'
But Oreads know better. No hanging around in stressful airports for us. No frustrating fuel-burning in endless traffic queues. No fears of deep vein thrombosis from long-haul flights. With light hearts, a hand-full of the older and wiser brigade pedalled from their front doors to Heathy Lea, whilst Brian brought their gear by car. Rob Tresidder, however, piled everything onto his bike, and arrived by his own leg power.
Saturday took us to the High Peak to climb on the grit of Kinder Downfall. Rob arrived somehow by a combination of bike and train, whilst the others drove to Old Glossop and walked. Climbing took on Alpine proportions with a chill wind and early dampness reminiscent of higher altitudes. But this only added to the pleasures of scaling such classics as Mermaid Ridge, Great Chimney, and Zigzag.
Sunday's weather was perfection with a gentle breeze, balmy air, and fluffy white clouds gracing clear Derbyshire skies. A stout bunch of pedallers puffed past the Robin Hood to skirt round the east side of East Moor, then along bumpy tracks and bridleways via Two Dales to the welcoming hospitality at the Duke of York, Elton, where we met up with Colin and Uschi Hobday and Gordon Stainforth. The only surprise en route had been the unexpected sight of a herd of water buffalo. Was this why Gill Keeling suddenly fell off her bike? The ride back to Heathy Lea via the back lanes of Bakewell brought a very enjoyable weekend to a satisfying conclusion.
Epilogue: Strephon's traveller admitted that he had 'been scandalously neglectful of the charms of my own country. That Derbyshire of yours is a pocket-edition of Switzerland, a microcosm of all that is romantic in Nature. I can only pay penance for my past neglect by making another Pilgrimage to the Peak.' Brian West's Oread Pilgrims were Gill and Mike Keeling, Rob Tresidder, Chris Bryan, Freda Raphael, Andy Oakden, Chris Radcliffe and Gill Hayes.FR
CENOTAPH CORNER
Beth Sanders is a film producer with Crowfoot Films, making a film about climbing in the late 1930s. She is looking for climbers still around of that era, not to star, but to help add an authentic flavour. More details on the CC website http://www.climbers-club.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=257 or contact me. Ed
The 2005 Pertex® Clothing For Extremes Conference is to be held on September 28th 2005 at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, organised by Mike Parsons and Mary Rose. More details: cut and paste this URL to your browser http://www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/events/5325/ or contact me. Ed
Date: - Saturday 8th October 2005
Venue: - British Mountaineering Council, 177-179 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2BB.More details: cut and paste this URL to your browser http://www.thebmc.co.uk/event_det.asp?event_id=1003 or contact me. Ed
Challenge Cancer through Adventure
Hi everyone - a big thank you to everyone who sponsored the 'deepest to highest' event. We raised over £10000 and as bum result of the generosity of my climbing and running friends my contribution was £1500! All best wishes Dawnx
Gripping details of the event can be found on this web page: http://www.challengecancer.org.uk/news/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1121112420&archive= or contact me. Ed