Category: Featured Meets

Join us for a New Year get together – as the days are getting longer, and we look forward to the coming trad season, what better way to get psyched than a skim through Ken Wilson’s great book: HARD ROCK… The headline act will be a dash to the Outer Hebrides for an ascent of The Scoop – Ken’s “spoiler” intended to stop Puerile tickers from collecting the full set. Episode 14 of Bill and Dom’s Excellent Adventures was a whistle-stop affair to bag the penultimate route in Dom’s obsessive ticking of Hard Rock. Short, but action packed! The show will also feature others of the more far-flung entries in this definitive compendium of the finest climbs in Britain. If you have a Hard Rock story or pictures to share, it’s not too late to make a guest appearance! Drop me a message! The show will commence at 7.30pm, so how about coming along early to grab a few routes (did you know Rucksack Club members get concessionary rates?) or to enjoy a chat over a brew, pizza or ice-cream in the cheerful cafe? Summit Up Climbing https://summitupclimbing.com/ is at Egerton St, Oldham OL1 3SE. Here’s a Google Maps link:[…]

It was great to have a good turnout at Tuesday’s Slideshow to hear tales of Alaska Expedition Alpinism with Adam Bowman. Gripping stuff! A bunch of us took the opportunity for a few routes ahead of the show, as we were welcomed at our new venue at Summit Up climbing wall in Oldham. Also great to raise some much needed funding for the British Heart Foundation ♥️ If you missed out, you can still view on catch up at the following link: … Or click the “Get Out There!” Menu tab and select “Virtual Meet Gallery” to view this and dozens of other great shows. Next up, The Scoop – Episode 14 of Bill and Dom’s Excellent Adventures. 7.30pm on Tuesday 14th January. Hard Rock is the definitive UK ticklist, featuring 60 of the best routes from HVS to E4, plus an “outlier”. The Scoop on Strone Ulldale, Britain’s steepest crag, is a bit of a stopper, whether in original A3+ form, or free at E7. Join us for an entertaining “Bill and Dom’s Excellent Adventures” ascent plus other standout routes from this iconic collection. Taking place at Summit Up climbing wall in Oldham. EVERYONE is welcome (even if you[…]

Carole Smithies writes: I can now confirm that it was Tom’s wish that he should have a direct, that is, an unattended cremation. However, there will be a celebration of his life later.  I will let you know the details in due course. Carole wrote earlier: It is with great regret that I have to inform you that Tom Waghorn died last Saturday, the 30th November. Tom joined the Club in April 1955 and in 2021, he became the Father of the Club.  More details will follow. Carole Smithies

The Meetstaff Editor writes: Before getting carried away with mince pies and turkey, the Rucksack Club have some hill business to pursue: This year our Annual Hotpot Walk and Christmas Quiz will take us over the hills from Hope (The Old Hall Hotel in Hope, Hope Valley S33 6RH) to Edale and back, where the hotpot and quiz will await.  Meet 09.30 for 10.00am departure. We prepare to celebrate Hogmanay at our Scottish hut, Craigallan; if fortune favours the brave, we may have snow on the hills to welcome us.  28th December – 2 January. The photo is from John Beatty to illustrate the Hotpot Walk.  Andrew Beckett Meetstaff Editor

Carole Smithies writes: I regret to say that Rob Fowler who joined the Club earlier this year, died on the 24th August.

Brilliant Slideshow from Will Rupp this evening, celebrating adventure and trad climbing around the world.   From hard Peak District classics, winter climbs, European multipitches to African big walls. Combining stunning photographs with tales from some of the world’s best climbers and unknown heros. If you missed out, it’s now available on catch up here: If you enjoyed the great photos and stories and want to treat yourself to the book then here’s the link: https://www.willrupp.co.uk/product-page/friends-in-high-places Huge thanks to Will! Meanwhile, be sure to get next month’s show in your calendar: Tuesday 10 December: Alaska Expedition Alpinism – Adam Bowman (at Summit Up, Oldham and on Zoom). Adam is the latest recipient of the Club’s Expedition Grant, which helped to fund his participation in this Alaskan Odyssey as part of the Young Alpinists Group. Climbing and skiing in the heart of Denali National park, Adam will talk about his first trip into the big mountains with six other nemebers of the YAG. They climbed a variety of objectives and made the most of the excellent early trip skiing conditions with some steep descents. Show starts at 7.30pm on ZoomHere are the details to join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 871 1747 6215Passcode:[…]

Bev Burrage who joined the Club in 1959, died on 5th November.  His wife has supplied details of his funeral: I am deeply saddened to share that Bev Burrage died peacefully on Tuesday, November 5. Bev was a cherished part of our lives, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on: Date: Friday November 29 Time: 14:00 Place: Macclesfield Crematorium 3 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3BU. Following the service, we invite you to join us for an afternoon tea at Sutton Hall, Bullocks Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 0HE. Your support and condolences are greatly appreciated during this time. Warm regards, Jean Burrage Please, let Carole Smithies know if you will be at the funeral, so we can let the family know.  Contact details as in the handbook.  

Only a few days to go and we have an exciting programme of events planned over the weekend. Activities Friday night is a free night for guest to do as they please and catch up with old friends.   I’ll be in the hotel bar from about 9:30 for anyone who wants to moan about provide constructive criticism on the running of the club. On Saturday we have several meets taking place.   Final details will be in the appropriate WhatsApp groups, so if you are not yet a member, now’s the chance to join up!    Just scan the QR code in the handbook to join.   Summary details below Cycling organised by Rae Pritchard – Approx 70km departing from the hotel at 10 prompted Running organised by Helen Pritchard – Approx 21km departing from Conway at 10:30, but lifts available from the hotel – Please contract Helen. Walking organised by Eddie Birch – Depart from outside the hotel at 10:15 Climbing – Venue TBC.   Check the climbers WhatsApp nearer the time. On Sunday there will a traditional post dinner walk leaving the Hotel at 10:30. Dinner The plan is to be seated and ready to eat by 7:30.   We will start to[…]