The wandering meet returns to its roots this year with a weekend in the Dark Peak. I plan to meet up at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn on Friday night from about 9.00 p.m. for an hour of Oread rounding up before moving on to Fairholmes and the abandoning of cars.
A couple of hours brisk walk should find us at the luxury Lower Small Clough Cabins (for those who have been before you know what to expect and those who have not, well it's better not to ask!)
Entertainment is usually provided by at least one of the party but we will probably not be able to surpass John Green the human fireball or Daryl getting lost in the middle of the night with just his underpants for protection against the December frost.
Saturday will see us heading for Grinah Stones and Bleaklow Head where we pick up the Pennine Way continuing over Kinder and Jacob's Ladder to our haven for the night at Upper Booth Camping Barn. For those still with some energy the Pub at Edale might be in range but mere mortals like myself will make do with what we can carry.
Sunday will probably depend on how we have survived the previous 2 days as we make our way back to the cars.
Accommodation is unlimited at Lower Small Clough but we are restricted to 12 sleeping places at Upper Booth (a second night out is traditional anyway) so get your names on the list quickly if you want some shelter. As it's a campsite as well they have no restrictions on the number of Oreads bivvying but the person I spoke to did question our sanity!
If you are not up for the full weekend adventure then please feel free to join us for the Saturday evening and Sunday walk - The more tents, food and alcohol you can bring the more welcome you will be.
Unlike the Dash this meet is never cancelled! My journal last year notes that I arrived at the rocks after everyone had left and got to The Rising Sun only just before closing! So doubtless I didn't get a pie and pea supper. No need to pre-order. I have warned the publican of our plans.
This meet will be a chance for the rockjocks to reassert their supremacy over the bog trotters who held sway at the weekend and an opportunity to mull over sore feet and stare at nearly indecipherable digital images on camera backs.
There will be an informal meet at Tan-Yr-Wyddfa over the New Year period. Go when you want and stop as long as you like. There are still places available. Please book through me if you have not already informed Colin Hobday. I hope all those there will join in a communal buffet on the evening of Friday 31st. I've fixed up good weather, booked a professional fire lighter and a full time instructor on how to close the new fire doors. I would welcome any ideas for passing the evenings. Last year there was a great atmosphere, which I hope is repeated this year.
This meet falls into the older traditional category. No physical challenge is presented and only a limited number of starting venues are logistically possible. As such its appeal is not universal, but many will be unable to resist the absolute guarantee of fine weather, peerless views and underfoot conditions, scintillating dialogue and negligible exertion or discomfort.
All this can be enjoyed by those assembling at Alsop Station Car Park (Pay and Display), on Tissington Trail off A515 (map ref. SK 155 549) a few minutes before 11 am, with a view to actually moving off at 11.
The infirm will be cajoled to descend to Alsop village itself and cross the hill to Alsop Moor Cottages then via Iron Torrs and Gipsy Bank. The chronically infirm can go straight up the trail to the top of Iron Torrs and reduce the distance still further. (Note will be taken of choice of route).
Ever wondered what the American dream might mean to climbers? The show will start by looking at rock climbing on granite domes in one of the desert regions of Southern Arizona, an area called the Cochise Stronghold, once home to the legendary Indian brave Geronimo and the last known retreat of the indigenous population of the USA. This will contrast with part 2 of the show, a journey north to the Canadian Rockies in winter, to view just a few of the ice climbing opportunities available for the committed.
We are planning to return to the Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel at Glenmore. The hostel is ideally located just 5 minutes drive from the ski area car park.
Our intention is to do some winter routes in Coire an't Sneachda, which at 45 mins walk from the car park is one of the most easily accessible winter climbing venues. There is a wide range of routes from grade 1 to 6 making it ideal for climbers at all levels from beginner upwards. Other mountaineering options include climbing in some of the outlying (and quieter) areas or taking in some long winter routes with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th highest mountains in Britain all within a days walk.
Saturday evening will be spent at the Glenmore Lodge bar, with its carpet that will make every climber jealous and smoke free atmosphere. There are self- catering facilities at the Youth Hostel, Glenmore Lodge bar does meals for those who don't want to cook.
An early start from Derby on the Friday night is recommended as the youth hostel door is locked at 11:30. However we should be there by about 10:30 so will hopefully find a way to let any late Oreads in. There is a campsite over the road should all else fail.
There are currently plenty of beds left at the youth hostel. We intend to make a booking on Wednesday 15th December. Please let one of us know by then if you would like a bed booking for the weekend.
After the 15th December you can phone the hostel direct (details below) to book beds. Please let us know if you do that and we will help to co-ordinate lifts and climbing partners where necessary.
Cairngorm Lodge (Loch Morlich) Youth Hostel, Glenmore, Aviemore, PH221QY tel 0870 0041137
TAN-YR-WYDDFA
3/4th East Grinstead CC 16 beds
10/11th Vacant
17/18th Vacant
Christmas Vacant
New Year 5 beds
Colin Hobday
Oreads have been invited by the Derwent MC to a lecture by George Lowe (Nilkanta 1950, Everest 1953 etc.) at The Fishpond PH in Matlock Bath on Wednesday 23rd January. George Lowe will show the official film of Viv Fuchs' TransAntarctic Expedition (1955-1957). George was the official photographer for the expedition. Donation to the Himalayan Trust, so small admission charge.
Go on - treat yourself!! An ideal 'get away from it all' break. If aching limbs dictate a rest then good beer and food is at hand. Sadly the days of Puffin Ale are gone. Or why not explore the island's wildlife or search for the famous Lundy cabbage or swim with Nipper the seal?
Accommodation is available for 14 in the well equipped barn - £84 per person. No carting tents up the hill or battles with raging winds.
How do we get there? Flights £69 per person return or boat crossing £42 per person r with a few days in North Devon - or wind down on Dartmoor after the trip.
Are you interested?BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT