Chippings
[Moved from page 27 of the paper journal]
Bothy & Campsite at Dundonnell
Mike Hartland recommends these to members wishing to walk, climb, ‘Munro bag’ or simply ‘get away’ to this mountain wilderness. The converted stone byre sleeps 9-12 with a peat stove, gas lighting, hot showers and toilet: all for about £2.50 per night. A metalled road from Dundonnell House runs six miles to Badrallach Farm. The view across Little Loch Broom to An Teallach alone is worth the fee. Let’s hope that accommodation such as this and Inchnadamph Lodge can revitalise club meets in the far North West.
Contact Badrallach Bothy, Croft 9, Badrallach, Dundonnell, by Garve, Ross-shire IV23 2QP Telephone: 01854 633281
At the 104th AGM last November Derek Bush’s report was heard by several fewer members than anticipated as the change of date caught out five potential attendees, including the President Elect, who were planning to be there the following weekend. As it turned out the new date secured the better weather. Reports on the huts included a request from Alan Kay for members to make concise, complete and accurate entries in the hut books. David Smith reported that there was no charge for electricity at Low Hall Garth as there is now no meter. Mike Godden informed Lowstern users that the newly installed electrical heaters cured the condensation problem provided that the extractor fans are on when showering.
Our representatives on the BMC Area Committees, Ken Aldred, Bill Todd and Gordon Humphreys reported on opposition to a funicular on Cairngorm to replace the chanlift (no rucksacks allowed!), a BMC Internet web site and Ken Wilson’s bid to the Millennium Fund for support for a Mountaineering Museum In connection with the last was an appeal for donations of ancient equipment. Access and anchor points appeared to take up almost all the Lakes committee’s time. The York’s & Humberside committee asked Cayley Crags users not to do U-turns on the narrow main road. And finally, the Council of Europe has now dropped their plans to ban climbing.
The Rev Jim Rusher had, to use his own description, cobbled together for the Dinner a special Grace which drew favourable comments.
God bless our club,
God guide its ways.
May we enjoy
The meal this day.
So always may there ever be,
A strong and talented Y.R.C.
Dr Stephen A. Craven adds a post script to references to the Leeds Savage Club (see Bulletins 3 and 4) confirming Jeff Hooper’s suspicion that this was a dining club founded by the romantic topographer, Edmund Bogg and loosely modelled on the North American Indian tribal system. Bogg was the ‘Chief, the secretary the ‘Scribe’, committee members ‘Braves’ and ordinary members were ‘Savages’. In reply to an enquiry as to how he came to research the early history of caving and the YRC, Dr Craven has been brave enough to reveal the truth. He had just qualified 25 years ago and enjoyed the quietest house job in the Leeds General Infirmary. Despite having little to do he had to be around in case something went wrong so he spent long hours, on call, in the YRC room in the Leeds Reference Library and reading the newspaper collections. Thankfully the Infirmary telephonists were very good and if the unsuspecting boss telephoned they would divert the call to the Library for Stephen to give a prompt reply.
Bernard Nelstrop has noticed significant omissions from the hst of caving and potholing activity in the last issue (BuUetin number 6, pages 35-42) due to the list only including activities in the Craven district. He points out that there were two important meets to Marble Arch caves, Enniskillen, Ireland, where, through a narrow passage a group discovered Pollnagollurn, a huge new cave with an underground lake. Also Geoff Gowing and Bernard joined up two entrances to Marble Arch cave by swimming, out of their depth, across a stretch of water. His recollection is that the team also included Fred Booth, Harold Booth, Stanley Marsden, John Godley and possibly others.
Perhaps someone will offer to compile a list of overseas caving achievements.
The walk from LHG round Lingmoor Fell is usually done in wet weather – it is worth an afternoon in better times. Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker and either Mink or Polecat are among the residents.
Alan Linford passes on a few tips for anyone planning a trip to Ireland. Kerry Mountaineering Club can be contacted on 066 61127.
The ferry to Skeelaig is no more but phone Seanie Murphy on 066 76214, the day before a crossing is required, for use of the local boat.
The Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, produce a 1:50,000 Discovery Series of maps printed on highly absorbent paper.
When you read the meet reports and find the one dated 1995 do not think it is a typographical error. The text of the report has been lost in the complexities of the Club’s systems over the inteivening years. My apologies to Arthur Craven for the delay.
The Killamey Tourist Guide to the tourist route up Carrantuohill (1039m) in McGilly cuddy Reeks says ‘it is extremely easy to loose dftection on the top. If you lose your way do not move until the weather has cleared’. This could be days! There is a 20ft cross on the summit presumably for commemoration to the missing.
Derek Collins writes… T always try to solo one particular route every year just to check my powers are not failing too much. Like many climbs the first part is steep and unforgiving, but taken slowly watching the rock and concentrating, it always succumbs. There is a slight easing for a few yards and then the long gradually steepening middle section. This bit always worries me as there is no escape. The last few moves over steep ground bring one to the ridge proper, but there is no relief At this point the route swings right and steepens again. About here I start thinking about other sports, but it is not far. Concentrate, dig deep and choose your route with care! I know I have energy for only one attempt. Up to now it has always worked and it is with a real sense of satisfaction that I can sit back in the saddle and move up through the gears. Birdy Brow conquered yet again!’