If we have enough volunteers there should be no reason for anyone to work on both days so that it should be possible to both work and play.
The campsite (GR 266134) is one of the recommended destinations in the Lakes. In recent times now with metaled road access and toilet block, aside Stonethwaite Beck, and a short walk alongside the river from the pub, it is well placed for all interests, physiques, dispositions, and ages (including rebuilt and refurbished septuagenarians). Straight up the beck to Ullscarf, High Raise, the Langdale Pikes and Scafell; more closely a round of Combe Gill Beck and Bessyboot, High Spy from Grange, or a potter by the upper river Derwent. Local climbing destinations for those interested are Spin up VS**, Hedera Grooves MVS**, Dedication E1** on Falcon Crag, Fools Paradise VS** on Gowder, and a myriad of options on Black Crag, and Shepherd's Crag. Praying Mantis, Goat Crag should also be considered. Also there are the options of the more mountain crags of Bleak How, Eagle Crag, a mere spitting distance from the campsite, and the classic Corvus, and Gillercombe Buttress for mountain days.
Contact me for co-ordination of lifts or direct rejection of any doctor's notes or other excuses.
The editor writes: I have been singularly unsuccessful in contacting the meet leader (newsletter, email, landline, mobile) or securing a notice. I imagine the format of the meet will be similar to that of several years ago when we last went at half term. Then the meet was officially just the bank holiday weekend, but many, especially those with families stayed on. We even enjoyed some cultshur at the Minack theatre which is not open at the earlier Mayday holiday. If you are thinking of going and cannot contact Daryl, please let me know so that I can make sure we are all on the same campsite! Rob Tresidder
The two fixed points of this meet will both be in the Prince of Wales in Baslow. Friday night we shall discuss activities for Saturday with a prejudice in favour of climbing. Saturday night, we will plan Sunday with a preference for walking.
Taken from the cottage info: "The cottage is situated at the head of Cwm Eigiau on the eastern side of the Carneddau, GR OS115 714638. The magnificent Cwm Eigiau is surrounded by some great hills; on the south side Moel Elio, Pen Llithrig y Wrach and Pen yr Helgi Du show their finest slopes, whilst Craig yr Ysfa and Carnedd Llewellyn frown from the head of the cwm. the northern slopes are vast and set at a more friendly angle, the cottage nestles into these slopes at an altitude of 1360 feet, thus making it the highest climbing hut in Snowdonia. The cottage was originally used by shepherds and slate miners. On 12th June 1912 it was opened by the Rucksack Club as the first club hut in Britain. Early visitors included W P Haskett-Smith and S W Jeffcoat."
The above says much about this great place. Getting there is fun! Leave the Conwy at Tal-y- Bont (on the west bank). Follow the narrow road keeping right, passing gates and cattle grids until you arrive at the road end and a good car park. Leave the car here and walk along the track to the old dam, cross the stream and follow the path on the left then right to the cottage. About a mile and a half. I would like to suggest that we do a communal meal on Saturday (it's a long way to the pub!) Sylvia and I did this last time and it proved a great success.
Climbing is Craig yr Ysfa. Amphitheatre Buttress, Mur y Niwl, Pinnacle Wall and Great Gully should keep us going for a while. The walking is magnificent. A circuit of the cwm will be enough for most.
I shall carry in a box of wine to cheer everyone with a drink, bring more of your own if possible. I look forward to another great meet in the best of summer.
The Gower. Easter. 9 - 12 April What's the worst that can happen to a group of Oreads in the Gower? Standing at the bar with free drinks vouchers to be told the pub's run out of beer must come quite high on the list.
Five Oreads (but no meet leader) turned up for the Easter meet and visited six crags (and two pubs) in three days. The weather was generally good and the crags quiet. For anyone who doesn't know the Gower, it's sea cliff climbing in a very relaxed atmosphere - even the tidal climbs normally start on the beach. There are many good routes, particularly around VS, and most of these were climbed over the weekend. A good weekend was rounded off by finishing second in the pub quiz (only to discover they'd run out of beer).
Thanks to Mike, Sue, Tony and Maggie for coming on the meet and Daryl for organising it. SP
The weather for this meet was not at its best. We woke to gale force winds and some rain, which cleared later. A stalwart team of Rock Hudson, Brian Caulton, Denitsa Gregoria, and myself tried to get up Yr Wyddfa by the north ridge. We failed after being blown over many times and limped back to the hut. In the afternoon we walked out to the start of Angel Pavement and back.
Sunday saw Brian Caulton, Pete and Ali Kennington, Rock Hudson, Denitsa Gregoria and I set out to walk to Llyn Bychan from Capel Curig. The weather worsened and we were hit by sleet at the top of the pass. After much bog trotting and a forest lunch we finally survived to return to Capel. Fun was had trying to find our "other halves" in Betws y Coed, but all was well and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Stuart and Andrea, John Welbourne, Julie West, Denitsa Gregoria, Pete and Ali Kennington, Brian Caulton, Colin Barnard and Rock Hudson. JG & SG
This list is only correct at the time of going to press. Members are advised to check availability with the hut booking secretary Colin Hobday before going to either hut. Note that hut booking dates refer to nights (e.g. Fri/Sat for a weekend), whereas meet dates refer to the days e.g. Sat/ Sun).
Any individual or couple planning a trip to Kathmandu or Pokhara to Trek (Langtang / Annapurna / Everest) and requires the services of an utterly reliable, experienced, friendly and caring porter-guide might like to e mail the following young man (Shiba) who lives in Pokhara and comes highly recommended by Peter and Judy Scott. e mail direct shiba54@hotmail.com mentioning our names or chat to us first if you wish.
The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Tuesday 8 June. Please submit copy ASAP and in any event not later than Saturday 5 June. I should prefer to receive it by email