News 2024

The Cliff - Yorkshire 2024 Meet

June '24 - Martin

Good day at “the Cliff” on Sunday the 23rd of June for the Yorkshire 2024 meet. 

About 10 members enjoyed surprisingly good conditions. Outstanding achievements include Alex’s Sharapova-esque  ascent of Great Western, the  loudest grunts definitely clearing past 100 decibels! Meanwhile, Paul calmly faced his Wall of Horrors—Martin couldn’t do the start. 

A highlight was Roger coming suitably equipped with Lambrini wine and chicken drumsticks—no boil in the bag Vesta curry for this seasoned expeditioner. 

Less fortunate was James, who, seeking some kind of weird sexual, erotic or emotional fulfilment, managed to dislocate his knee in a green chimney.  

All in all a wonderful day, capped off with beer, frites and salad niçoise at what might be Yorkshire’s poshest pub! 

Thanks to all who were able to attend.

Bank Holiday Climbing Meet at Swanage, Wales

May '24 - Alex

What a great spring bank holiday in Swanage! Reacting to the unsettled forecast, a last-minute change of plans from North Wales to the south coast paid off. With amazing weather, exciting but serious approaches, great routes, good food and fantastic company Swanage really delivered a trip to remember. 

Make sure you check out the away days throughout the rest of the year.

Rock Climbing fundimentals 

April '24 - Alex

Rock climbing fundamental skills session at Stanage popular. For new members and those looking to return to climbing.

Skills delivered :

Belaying - all things belaying, from choice of device, positioning, spotting, lead belaying and taking falls 

Abseiling - different ways to abseil, rope management, backups & retrieving gear

Anchors - choice of anchors, the 6 S’s, IDEAS, gear rating.

Great day with like minded folk enjoying the more technical aspect of climbing.

Cutthroat Bridge - DMC walk

April '24 - Sally

We walked up the old Drovers Road and on either side were lapwings that sounded like squeaky toys, protecting their nests, chasing away a red kite, seagulls and crows. As we walked up towards Moscar Cross, the rams were being very boisterous and head-butting each other, with a solid crash of horns, certainly headache-making. Walking along under Stanage Edge, We started to see Ring Ouzel,  and whilst having lunch saw quite a few along with wheatear, meadow pipit, and skylark.

The huge walls built between the Stanage buttresses came under discussion and are believed to have been built to stop drovers taking their cattle across the Moor so they had to pay tolls on the roads. Tony Fidler is an expert on this.

Luckily as we dropped down onto Bamford Moor, a Golden Plover wandered down the path in front of us,   so all the birds we hoped to see happened upon us, whilst we were wandering along.

We finished the walk along Bamford Edge, crossing Jarvis Clough, back to the cars.

A great walk, thank you, Mike. 

A Bright & Sunny DMC Walk

March '24 - Karen

 A bright and sunny day ?!

A group of 11 met at Edlestow car park to walk to, through and around Ashover. The coffee stop was at Ashover trig point and the now decommissioned nuclear observation bunker. 

The river Amber was crossed several times before the group ascended out of the valley, returning to the car park via the forestry commission lands.  Great views from the Ashover trig to the north and east and also on the return leg towards the White Peak area.

Stanage Far Right

March '24 - Alex

Today’s outside climbing meet was in jeopardy due to a dubious weather forecast. 

A decision was made to change the venue from Millstone to Stanage far right, giving shorter routes and boulder problems to stay warm in the cold conditions. 

As we approached the crag everything looked a bit marginal driving through Hathersage and up the hill we were in thick fog with everything seeming rather damp. Just as we approached the parking we broke through the fog and were met with clear skies and sunshine.

With snow on the ground but dry rock and warming conditions, we had a great day with a mixture of micro routes and easy bouldering.

Glad to have changed the plan and get outside for the day

Winter Scotland Meet

Feb '24 - Tom

This year the DMC club's winter trip was based at Mill Cottage near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. The weather was very mild for a winter meet although extremely windy. 

On the first day, we split into three pairs, Tom and Phil climbed the east ridge Beinn a Chaorainn, Cath and Gred climbed a Corbett from Kingussie, and Mike and David climbed Clach a Bhlair via the track, descending on the southwest ridge. 

With wind speeds of over 100 kmph forecast for Friday, we all decided to stay in the valley with one group walking towards the source of the river Feshie, a very sophisticated bothy (with running toilets), and the other group walking in Abernethy Forest. 

Saturday was slightly calmer westerly winds allowing some to climb Fiacaill Couloir. Although it is relatively high, its summit is just below the Cairngorm plateau and is well protected from westerly winds.  

Sunday saw Greg, Tom, and Phil walk a lap of Loch Morlich with a compulsory stop at the cafe. An excellent meet and plans are already underway for next year.

Bonsall Night Nav 

Jan '24 - Alex

Bonsall Night Nav 24th January. 17 members met up at the Barley Mow  in Bonsall before setting off on a challenging night nav, although the clear, moonlit night did make finding some of the checkpoints a bit easier. A few penalties were applied for being late back. Pete and Dave did really well and were the clear winners.

DMC Walk - Meerbrook, Turners Pool and Tittersworth

Jan '24 - Thel