Category: Member Posts

After the “virtual” zoom version in 2020, and the reduced capacity affair last year, the Gogarth Meet will (fingers crossed!) be back to it’s full octane, face-to-face fun this June! No more “you’re on mute”; no wait-lists and waivers; just a huge bunch of Rucksackers and friends assembled at the best crag in the world topped off with a gigantic beach BBQ. We’ve got a bit of catching up to do to make up for lost time, so do invite friends and family along and let’s see if we can fill the beach! It goes without saying that the climbing will be world-class, but there’s something for everyone on Holy Island: paddling (in boats or with your trousers rolled up!), pedalling, walking, twitching or simply building sandcastles. Anything is fair game, so long as it helps work up an appetite (and thirst!) ahead of the beach BBQ. In terms of logistics, plans will be familiar to anyone who’s been along for any of the last 20 years: Camping is pre-booked at Valley of The Rocks https://goo.gl/maps/WHtttGVJG5DkdWxf7 – you don’t need to book separately, but on arrival please let them know you are there. They’re offering a special rate for The[…]

A hearing aid has been found at High Moss. Is anyone missing it ?

Here’s what Meet Co-ordinator Jack Helliwell has to say about this Bank Holiday weekend trip to one of Britain’s most iconic climbing areas: I will be arriving at the campsite in Bosherston on the Thursday night (28th April) and staying until the Monday (2nd May), please join for as much or as little as you like. The campsite is just down the road from the St Govan’s Inn and very close to the Range East crags. Although – given the location – I expect this mainly to attract climbers, all are very welcome. I’m hoping to organise a group meal in the pub for Saturday evening. Get in touch if you have any questions, and remember, it’s always sunny in Pembroke. …and a few photos from recent trips to whet the appetite – Hopefully see you there!

Information for the Day Meet on 18th June. Meet-up time 10.00 am. Walking and climbing options are planned and as the walk passes the climbing venue it will be possible for participants to ‘swap codes’. The walk is 11.0 Km (6.9 miles), 356 metres of up, 4 hours with stops, so very much a ‘B’ walk. There is one steep section which we can easily work around if that is preferred. Among the walk’s delights are a glacial erratic all the way from the Lake District and 3 well-sited seats including one for a much-loved friend and one-time BMC President, Derek Walker. No-one so far has volunteered to re-create the 1903 Meet walk – from Helsby to Hatchmere and back in period costume – which would be around 15 miles. I plan to ‘accompany’ the walk (‘lead’ overstates it really), which we will follow in an anti-clockwise direction starting at Helsby Quarry Car Park, WA6 9PU, GR 490749. The climbing venue will probably be Frodsham, conditions are more reliable than at Helsby and it is a lovely place with its own special charm. Many times I’ve been there just to climb my heart out for an hour and would come[…]

Below, details for joining a social gathering for ex-Anabsis members, but ‘pure bred’ Rucksackers are all very welcome too. It would be great to meet up. Thank you David Nightingale for setting this up for us. Start 7.30 pm, on Tuesday 19th April. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83932746938?pwd=NWZKbEpJV0s1UDNvU3ZKZjNaRDNqdz09 Meeting ID: 839 3274 6938 Passcode: 370594

Members of The Rucksack Club have been invited along to join up with The Alpine Club on their North Wales meet in the week of 5 to 12 June – For those not fortunate enough to be attending the Craigallan celebrations, this might be a great way to spend a few days or the week before joining Bill and Steve on the working meet at Beudy on the weekend of 12 & 13 June. The meet will be coordinated by Rafal Malczyk and Ian Bryant. Here’s what they have in mind: The meet will be based in Fronwydyr hut in Nant Peris. From the hut, we have easy access to all crags along Llanberis Pass. Within a few miles drive we also have slate quarries and other climbs, walks and scrambles across Snowdonia. The cost of accommodation is 8GBP per person / per night and there are 16 beds in this hut. The hut location is: Fron Wydyr Nant Peris Gwynedd LL55 4UN https://goo.gl/maps/onLod8r5r2CaAv5B7. If you would like to attend, please contact Rafal (rafalmalczyk@yahoo.pl) by the 29th May. Members of the Alpine Club have also been invited to join us for the Gogarth Meet later in the month on 25[…]

We have had an ongoing problem with emails getting blocked by BT Internet – this is hopefully now resolved and this is a test to see if a “New Post Notification” will get through OK.  If you have an @btinternet email address and you have received a “New Post Notification” about this post then all is now well! For all other email addresses – apologies for you having to receive the notification, but this is the only true test and BT requested that we carry this out. Thanks and have a great Easter Ian

The recent closure of my local Barclays Bank branch and the lack of a Post Office in Charlesworth has meant it is very inconvenient to pay cheques in. Steve and I have decided that from now on, we will accept payments by bank transfer only (Barclays, sort code 20 55 41, account 40599913). Full details are shown at the hut, where there are payment slips to remind you. Hope you understand this decision.

La Sportiva Katana Yellow / Black Size 42 for sale. Worn once for 50 foot of sport climbing. As new. Reason for sale is too wide across the  mid front of my very narrow feet. Cost me £110.50 (That’s with the 15% discount !). I made an expensive mistake! Will accept £69.50. Geoff Gosling Mob. 07977-493141 or email geoff.gosling@live.co.uk

After a couple of washouts it’s hopefully third time lucky to get the 2022 Wednesday Evening Meets season underway. Without wanting to jinx it, the forecast is looking okay! There’s the Peak’s best trad and some of the most amenable sport routes to entertain you, so whether you want dust off your nuts or clip some bolts there’s something for everyone – and then you can celebrate in The Moon afterwards. I’ll be at the crag from 6 or earlier if people are free / keen – just work your way along until you find me or an appealing bit of rock to climb. See you there! Cheers, Dom