South Wales
11th to 13th March 1994
Ten members and guests congregated at Pen Wyllt, the SWCC hut, on Friday night. The problem of damp kindling was attacked with such determination that the resulting blaze was wondrous to behold. No one felt inclined to leave the warm fireside so the hostelries remained unvisited.
As Saturday dawned with the promise of rain, a trip into Ogof Ffynnon Ddu was organised. This magnificent cave is many miles long, has a vertical range nearing 1000 feet and can be entered from several places. The poor weather ruled out much of the cave, so we entered at roughly the mid point and went upstream into OFD III. The black limestone and scarcity of formations make for a rather gloomy atmosphere, but the sheer size of the place and the vast rock surfaces are almost overwhelming.
Once the intricacies of the entrance series are over, the route is basically in one huge rift, in places over two hundred feet high. The interest lies in the countless climbs and traverses required to negotiate the passage never really difficult, but everything covered in a film of mud and the consequences of a slip all too obvious. A couple of ropes sufficed to safeguard the worst places and the only real problem came towards the end of the traverses where an upward squeeze through boulders caused at least one member to remove clothing.
More traverses followed until at last the stream was met in a fine river passage. Progress in the swollen stream was clearly going to be strenuous, so the party split, half to return the way they came and the others to continue to the end of the cave via cascades, deep water and much evidence of flooding on the roof.
Both parties surfaced after about six hours of very fine and sporting caving to find a typical Welsh downpour in progress. Thankfully the hut was nearby and the most efficient hot water system was thoroughly tested, several people being able to shower at the same time.
Saturday dinner lived up to the usual YRC tradition of quantity, quality and noise although unfamiliarity with the cookers made the cherry pies a little crisper perhaps than intended.
Sunday dawned brighter, but a proposed trip into Tunnel Cave was abandoned due to the water levels. Half the meet decided on another trip into Ogof Ffynnon Ddu to do battle with more of the sporting traverses and passages, whilst the rest enjoyed the rare March sunshine with a walk round the local area.
This was an excellent caving meet in an area not well enough used by the YRC. Our thanks to Ged for the meet and to Harvey for his guidance underground.
Attendance
Ged Campion
Ian Crowther
Eddy Edkins (G)
Claire Hewick (G)
Tim Josephy
Harvey Lomas
Jon Riley
Graham Salmon
Richard Sealey
Steve Walker (G)
Ardgour Spring Bank Holiday
28 May – 4 June 1994
Friday.
Members lucky enough to travel on Friday (i.e. the “nonworkers”) arrived to find a beautiful camp site on the very edge of Loch Linnhe, out of sight of the road and with views ranging from the Ben to Glencoe, all bathed in warm sunlight.
The dry spell was the longest in this part of Scotland for many years. Would it last? Read on.
Saturday.
Members who had arrived on Friday and early Saturday set off along Coire an Iubhair, at lunch some returning having business in Fort William, while the remainder traversed Gharbh Bheinn, (2903 ft) returning over the ridge of Scron a’Gharbh and Choire Bhig with minor deviations. A fine sunny day.
Sunday.
Most members were now established and divided into three parties.
a. One party motored to Ardnamurchan to stand on the most westerly part of the mainland of Great Britain. The lighthouse, no longer being manned, was already beginning to lose the immaculate appearance such buildings once had.
b. The second party returned to Gharbh Bheinn where there was some confusion between the Great Ridge and Pinnacle Ridge with the result that most members (wisely) returned, while two continued to complete a climbing route of considerably greater difficulty than anticipated and which it is hoped to register as a new route.
c. The third party motored to the nature reserve north of Strontian and climber Sgurr Dhomhnuill via the beautiful walk-in along the Strontian river. This peak is the highest in the Ardgour region at 2914 ft and is one of a group of almost equally high peaks set in a remote and wild area.
Monday.
Four members motored to Morar in search of associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie (the 18th century one) and from the hamlet of Bracorina on Loch Morar walked across the peninsular to Stoul on Loch Morar. The excellent views across the loch to Knoydart unfortunately were mist enshrouded.
A second party using two cars, walked from Ardnastang to Ballneselich, near Pollock, along the old miners’ track. Ruins of the mine workings are very obvious with excellent examples of the large scale of the machinery used.
The remainder visited the fleshpots of Fort Williams for essential supplies.
Tuesday.
Today was a day of mist and motoring – I believe the Scottish term is a “dreich day”. The sunshine of the weekend gave way to rain on the preceding night and continued most of the day.
Two climbers cycled (yes !) into Fort William disporting themselves on the overhangs of the indoor climbing wall at Nevisports.
Others visited Fort William and Glencoe Visitors Centre, including a video re-enactment of the infamous massacre.
The remaining two after ‘pottering’ and ‘tidying the tents’ lunched at the Strontian Hotel and took tea with Alan and Angie Linford in their caravan. A splendid way of passing a wet day when advancing years makes the exploration of mist less attractive.
(Maybe this report should not be sent to the ‘under 40’s’).
Wednesday.
In improving weather the whole meet assembled near Conaglen House to walk up Glen Scaddle to the derelict cottage of Tighnocomaire where one party turned north to explore a lovely waterfall high on the hillside, returning leisurely to the cars, while the hard men continued along Gleann Mhic Phail and finally down to Strontian, a fine cross-country walk. Study of the map will show that this area has many such excursions which, while not attaining peaks, give excellent mountain working, involving good map work.
Thursday.
The two climber/cyclists went to Gharbh Bheinn and climbed the Direct Route on the Great Ridge, ensuring that they got the correct one.
The remainder of the meet attacked Beinn Resipol (2775 ft) a remote peak, using the miners’ track from Ariundle to the Col and then west across trackless terrain to the foot of the peak. On the summit the party again split into two, the majority returning the same route, two members continuing the traverse to Resipol village, there to be picked up by a person making a very swift descent to his car.
Two senior members relying more on intuition than the compass completed an interesting detour on the return, arriving in camp just in time to allay any anxieties concerning them.
Resipol is an excellent peak remote, rocky and rugged with interesting approaches.
Friday.
A number of people left for home and those remaining regarded Beinn Resipol as having been a fitting finale to the high mountains, once again took to their motors, taking the coast road to Lock Moidart and the ruined castle of Tioram (un-named on the map, ref. 663 724). The rootless castle, reached by a short causeway at low time, is a grey and grim place in stark contrast to such beautiful surroundings that there is sufficient of the interior remaining to allow one to realise the harsh conditions of living in by-gone ages. A short excursion into the interior completed the exploration of the area.
Saturday was the usual breaking of camp and goodbyes.
If there appears to be too much motoring during the week this can be excused by the rather scattered location of the mountains and also the couple of wet days and perhaps just a little by the above-average age of the meet. Where are all you young members? (with one notable and welcome exception).
To sum up, Munro-less it may be but Ardgour is an area of rugged peaks only marginally below the ‘M’ figure, with superb coastal scenery and wild moorlands. While a car is useful, backpacking would be wonderful. I shall certainly return.
Finally, our thanks are due to John Barton for finding such a beautiful camp site.
C.C.
Attendance:
Denis Barker
John Barton
Alan Brown
George Arnold (G)
Cliff Cobb
Arthur Craven
John Medley
Alister Renton
Harry Robinson
David Smith
Mike Godden
John Schofield
Bill Todd
Frank Wilkinson
Maurice Wilson
Alan Linford Visitor
Angie Linford Visitor
Roy Salmon Visitor
Long Walk 1994 – Northern Pennines
It was a dark, murky, but mild morning when we set out, around 3.45 a.m. It stayed dark and murky due to thick cloud above about 1000 ft, but became quite a bit colder. There was one brighter spell of about 30 minutes duration around midday, but nobody saw much.
Our walk instructions were tantalising but basically we were invited to walk from the base, Murton Centre, to Cross Fell, Cow Green Reservoir and back to the centre. Most ascended Murton Fell, didn’t see High Cup Nick, floundered past Little and Great Rundale Tarns, located the Pennine Way around Knock Old Man, and felt pleased to stumble across a large brown tent containing, among other things, bacon butties and tea.
From here it was over Great Dun Fell – I didn’t see the golf ball – Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell which were straightforward, though in my case I accepted advice from a club member on the whereabouts of the trig point on Cross Fell. I should know much better, and tramped around doing a sweep for some time.
From here, some went east, then south, to the Upper Tees, some retreated to Tees Head and down, some plodded back over Little and Great Dun Fells – I still didn’t see the golf ball – and down Trout Beck. [I did hear that one group did not do any of this and were a bit miffed and they had wet feet!]
Anyway, we all started meeting up at Cow Green Reservoir for further food and drink while some put their feet in plastic bags!
The cloud was down almost to water level while people plodded round the east side of the reservoir and up Maize Beck, one either side and fairly uncomfortably. Some thought Mickle Fell part of the route, though there was confusion about the precise position of the top, while others carried on up Swarth Beck and over the top into Hilton Gorge (my name).
Suddenly we were off the grit and bog and in superb limestone cliff scenery. It was then a simple plod back to the centre for showers, food and talk.
The last group arrived by 8 p.m. I thought it an arduous, testing walk considering the conditions and compass work required, and feel that one group of two, total years over 125, can consider they upheld the best traditions of the club.
The Hilton bar was a jolly place with about the right amount of rubbish talked, i.e. a lot, but, as normal, not all went there. I suspect that after such an arduous day, some felt they needed 8 hours hard snoring. They got it.
Eventually morning arrived and after breakfast the party dispersed. Halton Gorge was revisited as well as other walks, a caving party to Knock Fell Cavern was repulsed by barbed wire and some crag-ratted in Borrowdale. I came home for a sleep!
As we have come to expect, the organisation was relaxed and efficient. Our Meet Leader directed his large team of helpers with almost Napoleonic calm, and we were well fed and watered when we needed it.
Thanks Harry.
D.C.
| Alan Linford | Steve Beresford | Frank Wilkinson | lan Crowther | Harry Robinson |
| Derek Bush | Richard Jones | Alister Renton | Derek Clayton | |
| Derek Smithson | lain Gilmour | Tim Josephy | John Sterland | |
| John Schofield | Derek Collins | Alan Brown | Mike Kinder | |
| Mike Godden | David Hick | David Smith | John Casperson | Michael & (G) |
| Richard Gowing | Arthur Salmon | Bill Lofthouse | Albert Chapman | Alan Wood (G) |
Hathersage, Peak District
8th to 10th July 1994
The Derwent valley is always busy in summer and this meet coincided with the Hathersage gala weekend. The campsite down by the river was packed. We though were up the hill at Tor Farm enjoying the space and views. It is a site worth noting, open all year and £1 per night for a tap and a toilet.
The weather was perfect for camping, warm, dry apart from a shower in the night and with a slight breeze to keep the insects down. The youngsters were kept busy maintaining a camp fire which provided a focal point for the others.
On Saturday, while others walked the gritstone edges we walked up to High Neb and climbed a few of the easier routes. Walking back along the top of Stanage Edge we failed to spot two of the others climbing below. This was not difficult as there appeared to be a rope every couple of metres all the way along the edge. They finished off with three ice-creams each and we stopped off at the open-air pool for a swim – it was that sort of a day.
The next morning saw the Davids off in search of breakfast, their cool box having failed to keep their meat fresh. They and others headed up the valley we were camping in and then North towards the Hope valley.
We went South to Stoney Middleton, climbing, walking along Coombs Dale visiting the quarries and looking for fossils. To end the day John took us on a tour of the crag scrambling up the left hand end, walking along the top then down to a cave at half height which wound sixty or so metres through the cliff to emerge on a ledge on the face.
A grand end to a meet, the type of which we can encourage others to attend. While not the best supported meets, camping meets must rank among the highest quality ones.
MS
Attendance
The President – Arthur Salmon
Frank Wilkinson
Arthur Tallon
Jeff Hooper
Mike Godden
David Hick
David Martindale
Michael & Richard Smith
Peter & Daniel Elliott
lain Gilmour
John Middleton day visitor
RLH Langdale (Joint Meet)
16-18th September 1994
Forward Regardless could have been the motto of this meet as well as the title of Will Lacy’s recently published biography. Several members had read or were reading this and Will received many favourable comments.
The two octogenarian members on the meet had busy times, the younger having two full days on the hills, the elder being given an extensive tour of his old Lake District haunts by car.
At the other end of the age scale our youngest member, despite lacking climbing companions on the Saturday pressed on regardless and climbed a range of routes on Scout Crag, Raven Crag and Gimmer. Fortunately on Sunday other climbers had arrived. Those between the two age extremes walked extensively despite a variety of knee, foot and weight problems.
We all managed to consume vast amounts of food and a fair amount of drink. The weather the whole weekend was perfect for the hills, cool and breezy but clear and dry. Had it been bad I am sure Will’s motto would still have been followed.
As usual these days many YRC members were out on the hills on Friday, one doing the Fairfield Horseshoe, others, not setting out until mid-afternoon, climbed steeply up onto Blea Rigg and returned by Stickle Tarn and the N.D.G. Ken Aldred’s ‘light’ meal on Friday evening proved to be a full three course dinner and at £1.50 must be the deal of the century.
Saturday saw the YRC members as usual up early. The more civilised Wayfarers, who were now catering, had planned breakfast for 8.30 and it was 9.30 before we had finished. It has been well worth waiting for; fresh grapefruit, porridge, cereals, full fry up, toast, lemon marmalade, tea or coffee! In true Joint Meet style most people headed out with their own club members or alone.
The majority of YRC members were up on Bowfell (several via the Slabs), the Crinkles and Pike of Blisco. Views were extensive with the Isle of Man prominent and one member claimed to have been able to see the hills of North Wales. A homeward bound drink in the O.D.G. was spoilt by a folk band but the N.D.G. proved more amenable. Two members, following the course of duty, walked via Blea Tarn to L.H.G. finding it cold and empty but in a good state of repair. The only wild life reported by our members were croaking ravens, a red squirrel and a dead fox. Most of the Wayfarers ascended Browney Gill returning via Little Langdale and Elterwater.
Saturday’s dinner did nothing for our waist lines! A menu had been posted up showing six courses, pate, soup, pork chops, baked potatoes etc., blackberry & apple crumble, cheese, coffee and After Eight Mints. Those of us with a conscience thought of the starving as we tucked in. Wine and beer flowed freely which perhaps contributed to a rather noisy discussion amongst the YRC about the new method of circulating meet reports and the Bulletin generally.
Sunday’s breakfast was as extensive as Saturdays but a more leisurely affair. Many people stayed on and had a full day in the hills. The small YRC climbing group headed for Scout Crag, whilst a largish party ascended the Pikes ridge via Jack’s Rake.
Many thanks once again to the Wayfarers for the use of their hut and particularly to John Jacob and Ken Aldred for their fantastic catering. Where else could you get two days dinner, bed and breakfast for £12.50?
It was disappointing that only two Rucksack Club members could attend (the meet clashed with an important committee meeting) but there was a good turnout of 11 Wayfarers and 16 YRC.
Unfortunately no-one was staying at LHG and the thought of our hut standing empty only a few miles away was the only dampening thought on the weekend.
D.L.
Attending:
| YRC | Wayfarers | |
| Ken Aldred | Alister Renton | Mike Adam |
| Alan Brown | Harry Robinson | Mike Alan |
| Derek Bush | Peter Swindells | George Chambers |
| Albert Chapman (Dinner) | Trevor Temple (G) | Bernie Cook |
| Cliff Cobb | Maurice Wilson | Peter Donovan |
| Arthur Craven | Mike Gee | |
| Eddie Edwards | Bob Hughes | |
| Mike Godden | Hal Jacob | |
| Will Lacy | Rucksack | John Jacob |
| David Laughton | Meville Coluille | Colin Smith |
| Alan Linford | Bill Ryecroft. | Dave Wood |
Bosigran, Cornwall
October 6th to 9th 1994
A month of cold unsettled weather cast a shadow over the viability of this long distance meet but in the event eleven hardy souls took the gamble. These were rewarded with perhaps the finest weekend of the year. The moors, which flow to the seas edge, were just past their best but still contained contrasting hints of heather’s deep purple, the brown of dead bracken, and patches of the vivid yellow Western Gorse. Buzzards and a reported Hen Harrier wheeled overhead, Rock Pipits rose and fell underfoot, and a variety of Gulls filled the air with their raucous reveries. The sky was an unbroken azure blue, the sea just a shade darker with contrasting white swells breaking against the cliffs. It was as good as paradise.
But it was to the cliffs that the meet was all about – the great granite, greenstone, slate, and sandstone sea cliffs of unparalleled quality. Sennan, Lands End, Chair Ladder, Bosigran, Carn Gloose, Gurnards Head, the Baggy Point were all visited. Routes fell in profusion to the clubs unceasing onslaught; classic severes, very severes, hard very severes, and even a couple well up in the E grade. The Guide Book stars mounted spectacularly and given a couple more days we should surely have equalled the real ones which appeared with such bright intensity in the crystal clear night skies.
One ex-President, who shall remain nameless, went in search of his favourite crag only to return thwarted and confused. Another took to the coastal path and found that the few straight miles on a map increased dramatically when each cove had to be navigated.
No daylight hours were wasted and each sad return to base was amply compensated for by a typical mouth watering Tim Josephy spread. Our energy was much due to his efforts. Many thanks.
Our thanks must also go the Climbers Club for allowing us the use of their Bosigran Count House Hut (misnomer!). Its convenient and idyllic situation was much appreciated even though major rebuilding was being undertaken of the washrooms. Visitors in previous years may have used the nearby Gurnards Head Hotel but this has now closed down, instead an extremely friendly hostelry was found at Zennor, the Tinners Arms.
The quality and variety of the south west’s crags must ensure that this region will again feature on the clubs meets agenda.
JHM
Attendance:
Andy Hall
David Hall
Chris Joint
Tim Josephy
Simon Goodwin
Steve Goulden
John Middleton
Clive Mitchell
David Smith
Derek Smithson
Phil Eastwood (G)