A bracing Whernside walk
Five of us enjoyed the latest Thursday walk. With a fresh north easterly and spatterings of rain, it could have been unpleasant, but the views were good and the wind in our favour on the approach from above Dentdale. This path passes by Whernside’s tarns, a new route for two of the group, giving more added interest.
Some folk think Whernside is boring, but for me it scores highly as a viewpoint. You have a great panorama, from Ribblehead westwards, with Ingleborough laid out in all it’s glory. Although my heart is in Lancashire, I have to admit that some bits of Yorkshire aren’t bad!
Thanks to Flo, Shirley, Anne and prospective member Simon for coming and all providing good company.
Chris
ARRAN meet reports
Our Easter trip to NTS Shorelodge in Brodick on Arran exceeded expectations. The bunkhouse was spacious, warm and welcoming and the location was perfect for getting around the island. Added to this, the amazing warm dry sunny spell allowed lots of quality outings… as reflected in these reports and pictures …….
Well, how to choose a top day amongst a weekend of top days! It’s got to be Goat Fell, approached from Corrie via North Goat Fell. Although Anne and I have both been to Arran quite a few times, we had never done Goat Fell. The approach from Corrie was very quiet and the views from the ridge into Glen Rosa and of Arran’s other rocky peaks was tremendous. The descent was busy, but as you end up at the brewery there is no cause for complaint. A great day and a great hut meet. ChrisH
What a great weekend. Every day was my favourite day on Arran because each was so different. But as I was a guest of CMC, I’ll add a photo of Anne Heald on top of Mullach Mor on Holy Isle – overlooking the home of our ancestor Anne Black, who came from Kings Cross near Lamlash. A glorious day, starting with the ferry from Lamlash pier, across the sparkling bay, gentle walking and a wee bit of a scramble to the ridge summit….and then meeting with others from CMC who had come from the other direction. Thank you for inviting me and including me. Susie
Arran and A’Chir Ridge : It was a very enjoyable trip to Arran with the club, and then on to Islay and Jura on my own afterwards. My favourite day was the traverse of A’Chir Ridge, also taking in the summits of Beinn Nuiss, Beinn Tarsuinn and Cir Mhor. Unusually for me I had some company in the shape of Shirley for this scrambly venture and much merriment was found in the twists and turns of the ridge. Where we were mistaken for man and wife on the Cioch Nose last year, had anyone been around to monitor our progress, we could easily have been mistaken for star crossed lovers on this outing. This being due to substantial amounts of hand holding, foot pulling, ankle twisting and more; all in the name of safe progress, but so easily misinterpreted by the casual bystander. And then there was the granite rash, which became evident to the world when I visited the swimming baths today – I fear that Shirley may be sporting the same given the amount of body contact required to overcome some of the obstacles on the route. But with blue skies and a sense of humour, nothing could dampen our spirits, not even me falling off my bike on the ride back out – a truly memorable day! JohnB
Magic weather, cosy accommodation at Brodick Castle Lodge, and the beautiful landscapes of Arran made for a great trip. Horse riding on the beach at Blackwaterfoot was a highlight. Kara H
Who wouldn’t want to climb the amazing slabs and cracks of Sou’wester Slabs on Cir Mhor?..it’s been on my radar since booking this trip so after much ‘lightweight’ prep, John and I set off early for the delightful walk up Glen Rosa. We arrived in advance of two other parties…no one was in a hurry on such a glorious day! Five pitches of fabulous climbing up dry granite slabs (with a nasty awkward triple chimney pitch near the top), we finished with hours of daylight ahead. A continuation of Labyrinth didn’t appeal (in fact it was strongly suggested that it wouldn’t be to my liking)!.. so taking advantage of the weather and time, John headed up the final 3 pitches of South Ridge Direct. Some route finding problems for the party ahead delayed progress but was no cause for concern. Topping out at dusk, the peaceful walk back down the valley, with head torches, was a perfect ending to another classic rock route day.
Hoping for a return outing before too long !
Littondale walk meet report
A bright and breezy day greeted six of us on our latest club walk from Halton Gill up Pen-y-Ghent and Plover. Having dutifully filled in our emergency contact details and popped them in the top of our rucksacks ( well remembered team!) we set off on our quiet walk up Dawson Close with only the snowy white ponies watching our procession. Beautiful views of Littondale and the flanks of Pen-y-Ghent abounded. The usual crowds were encountered on the final scramble up Pen-y-Ghent but quickly left behind as we ambled over the slopes of Plover.
The Strava app put a slight pressure on yours truly, but the old piece of string worked a treat and despite rumours about the old Burnett mileage system it came in at 12.6 miles (phew!!!)
Never doubted it! Anyway thanks to all for the great banter ( I still don’t know the life span of a frog??!!) and for coming along a good day had by all.
The next walk is Chris’s Thursday walk Whernside and it’s Tarns on the 9th May followed by a Howgills special on Saturday 11th May. (I appreciate the walks have been close together date wise and in the future we will work on spreading them out a bit better if possible. ) The coming week will see a meet in Arran where walking, cycling, and climbing will be on the agenda. Smashing
So all that remains is again to ask anyone wishing to coordinate a walking meet please contact me as I would be grateful for your help.
Fiona Burnett
Click here to for a 3D flythrough of the walk
Crummackdale walk meet report
Six of us had a cracking day on the first of the trial midweek meets. With a frosty start, followed by warm sunshine we had a very clear day and great views around the three peaks and south to Pendle.
The route is interesting, taking in an SSSI, with carpets of primroses, unspoilt limestone pavement on Moughton and the Norber erratics.After the walk, it was great to sit in the sun with tea and buns at Feizor.
Currently the next planned Thursday walk is Whernside on May 9.In the future midweek meets could include cycling and climbing as well and as the programme beds in, we will aim to avoid having things like two walking meets close together.If anyone else is interested in leading a mid week meet have a chat with Shirley
Chris
Feizor bike ride report
Five of us met at Feizor in time for a bacon butty before setting off on the Feizor loop. The route heads up past Feizor wood, through Wharfe, heading along Crummock Lane up to our lunch stop at Sulber Gate. Weather was dry, calm and clear giving fab views over Moughton Scars. The return downhill route took us back down Long Lane, Thwaite Lane, skirting under Oxenber Wood and back to base … for more tea and cake. Thanks Andy, Martin, Hannah, Andy and pickles who kept us ( mostly) together on route! 😂
Click play below to see a 3D fly through of our route