Category: Member Posts

In a testament to sheer bl@@dy-mindedness, about ten of us turned up at The Torrs despite the forecasted thunderstorm. Sure enough, the thunder rolled in, lightning filled the skies and the heavens opened just as Helen and I were halfway up the first route. Thankfully the maelstrom was short-lived and the overhanging (and “under-the-arches”) nature of the crag meant we were soon climbing again. Here’s Andy making light work of Heavy Duty and Barry on Viaduct Crack. Great to be joined by George and Rowan from MUMC – here’s Rowan belieing her limited outdoor climbing experience with a smooth ascent of Alcove Crack. It really is the perfect all-weather playground. Hopefully drier at Pule Hill next week!

There are still places available on the youth running meet at High Moss on 11th & 12 May. So far the mix is 50:50 under and over 30. It is my hope to have the majority under 30 – which does not seem impossible at this stage. The meet is aimed at runners under the age 30, with off road running experience. The grand objective is to provide an opportunity to build on that experience, or just do more of what you’ve done before. There will be runs both days, with a range of options for route choice, terrain and duration in the wonderful (and hopefully spectacular) mountain setting of the western lake district. A communal meal will be provided Saturday evening. Anyone over 30 might well expect buy the beer. None the less, there are sure to be some old duffers on hand to be burnt off, as they chunter about how it used to be; as well requiring lessons in social media and technology. Not least the truly ancient meet organiser. Lewis

Just a heads up for this coming Easter weekend – Beudy is fully booked. However, at present, the hut is empty the following weekend and over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Our old friends, OBEC have fully booked the hut for their annual Welsh weekend on 11/12 May. The place is again empty until the working meet on 1/2 June. Let me or Steve know if you intend using Beudy.

HIGH MOSS is closed until FRIDAY MAY 10th. We are having the complete roof renewed. This work will also include taking down the troublesome chimney stack which has been a source of damp ingress and having it rebuilt with new flashing installed. New Kingspan type insulation is being fitted along the section of roof that is normally inaccessible from the loft. This should reduce the damp that is visible in the bedrooms due to condensation. The building was scaffolded on Wednesday the 10th April. To get the job done quickly the roofers and builders are living at High Moss and will be working over Easter. I’ll keep everyone informed as the work progresses.

A fabulous evening at Witches Quarry (especially once the sun had come around onto the crag!) In true Rucksack Club tradition, climbing continued until after sunset! Next week: Summit Quarry

Yet another reason to visit Beudy sometime soon! We have a new oven! The old unit developed a fault and was replaced on Monday. Many thanks to Steve Beswick for sorting things out at short notice. On the bookings front, Rob McGinnes and family are in this weekend, its Jimmy Schofield’s Club Meet the following weekend and then we are into Easter. At present, there are only the 6 spaces in the Members Room left, so let me or Steve G know if you want to go.

A fault with one of the cookers/hobs has been reported. At present, we don’t know which one. Apparently the fuse marked ‘Cooker 3’ on the main control box ‘A’ keeps tripping out. Please be aware of this if you intend going to Beudy over the next few days. Hopefully, the matter will be dealt with next week.

Unfortunately I have had to postpone the Colne Rowsley walk. I will sort out a new date for the walk in the Autumn and will confirm asap. Helen Pritchard has kindly agreed to organise a replacement walk on Saturday 6th April. This will be a ‘local walk’ of 15 miles or so. Please contact Helen directly for more information; details as per the handbook.  

I must confess to never having visited the Isle of Harris so I thought this year I would put that right. I have booked 20 spaces at the Scaladale Centre – https://www.scaladale-centre.co.uk/ between 25–31 May (5 nights), cost £17pppn, sleeping bag required. It is a self-catering outdoor education centre and hopefully we will be able to organise at least one communal meal. It will be a “do your own thing” meet. I hope to be ascending some mountains, possibly a bit of rock climbing/cycling and generally exploring the island. There could be endless outdoor swimming opportunities and possibly a day trip to St Kilda. Some places are already taken so they may book up fast. Please just let me know asap – I will need a deposit – details as per Handbook. Hope to see you there.

We’ve had two cancellations which means Beudy is available this coming weekend and on the May Day bank holiday weekend. Let me or Steve know if you want to book.