On the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

GRITSTONECLUB NEWS

November 2013

2

FORTHCOMING MEETS

Christmas Party Meet 5 ndash 7 DecemberCo-ordinator John Hutchinson catering by Lynn Moss

The party meet this year is at the YRC hut at Lowstern ClaphamPlease contact John as soon as possible so numbers are known

Spanish Theme New Years Meet 27 December ndash 02 JanuaryCo-ordinator Susan MeliaThe New Year Meet at the Smithy will be a mixture of walking on the tops

and sitting by the fire hellip hopefully with blue sky cloud inversions and snow totry Kahtoola microspikes that many members have invested in this last year

As quite a few of us have been to Spain amp Mallorca in 2013 the communalNew Years Eve Supper will have a Spanish Theme of Tapas Chuleta deCaballorlm Paella amp Spanish deserts (Gateaux Basque and Flan) and of courseSangria

Anyone intending to come for the New Year Supper please let Susanknow

Smithy Meet 16 ndash 17 JanuaryCo-ordinator John Ward

Annual General Meeting Thursday 23 January 1945The Dyneley Arms Pool LS21 1ET

Ribblehead Meet 15 ndash 16 FebruaryCo-ordinator TBA

Scottish Winter Meet 22 February ndash 1 MarchCo-ordinator Ian Hargreaves Location TBCPlease contact Ian if you are intending to come so that he has an idea of

numbers

Smithy Meet 15 ndash 16 MarchCo-ordinator TBA

Spring Hot Rock - France 5 ndash 14 AprilCo-ordinator Andy CauserClimbing and Walking trip Accommodation at Calames in the Ariege

Southern France (see wwwbasecalamescom) There are flights fromManchester to Toulouse

Smithy Meet 26 ndash 27 AprilCo-ordinator TBA

2

FORTHCOMING MEETS

Christmas Party Meet 5 ndash 7 DecemberCo-ordinator John Hutchinson catering by Lynn Moss

The party meet this year is at the YRC hut at Lowstern ClaphamPlease contact John as soon as possible so numbers are known

Spanish Theme New Years Meet 27 December ndash 02 JanuaryCo-ordinator Susan MeliaThe New Year Meet at the Smithy will be a mixture of walking on the tops

and sitting by the fire hellip hopefully with blue sky cloud inversions and snow totry Kahtoola microspikes that many members have invested in this last year

As quite a few of us have been to Spain amp Mallorca in 2013 the communalNew Years Eve Supper will have a Spanish Theme of Tapas Chuleta deCaballorlm Paella amp Spanish deserts (Gateaux Basque and Flan) and of courseSangria

Anyone intending to come for the New Year Supper please let Susanknow

Smithy Meet 16 ndash 17 JanuaryCo-ordinator John Ward

Annual General Meeting Thursday 23 January 1945The Dyneley Arms Pool LS21 1ET

Ribblehead Meet 15 ndash 16 FebruaryCo-ordinator TBA

Scottish Winter Meet 22 February ndash 1 MarchCo-ordinator Ian Hargreaves Location TBCPlease contact Ian if you are intending to come so that he has an idea of

numbers

Smithy Meet 15 ndash 16 MarchCo-ordinator TBA

Spring Hot Rock - France 5 ndash 14 AprilCo-ordinator Andy CauserClimbing and Walking trip Accommodation at Calames in the Ariege

Southern France (see wwwbasecalamescom) There are flights fromManchester to Toulouse

Smithy Meet 26 ndash 27 AprilCo-ordinator TBA

3

FORTHCOMING MEETS

Scottish Spring Bank Meet 23 ndash 31 MayLocation Arran or SkyeCo-ordinatorTom Greenwood

ldquoLe Tour de Yorkshirerdquo - Ribblehead 4 ndash 5 JulyCo-ordinator John Anderson

Snowdonia Cwm Dyli hut 8 ndash 10 AugustCo-ordinator Andrew DysonThe Hut has been booked - httppinnacleclubcoukclub-hutPlease note the weekend in your diary

MEET IDEAS FOR 2014Susan Melia has taken on the role of Meet List Co-ordinator and is in theprocess of seeking ideas for and volunteers to co-ordinate next yearrsquos meetsFor the ones listed below please contact the relevant co-ordinator if you areinterested to firm up on the numbers date and detail More ideas welcome

New Member Meet 21 ndash 22 JuneBring a Prospective New Member to the Smithy for the weekend with

Saturday night mealCo-ordinator Susan Melia

Devon amp Cornwall Rock amp Walking Late Spring or Early AutumnCo-ordinatior Nigel Calaghan

Western Lakes (Wasdale Head Hotel NT Campsite or YHA)Co-ordinator John Belbin

Ribblehead CavingAn easy caving trip for those members who have never explored the

underground world form RibbleheadCo-ordinator Chris Ambler

Gaping Ghyll Spring BankCo-ordinator Chris Ambler

High Level Camp for Walking amp Climbing - Pillar PeakCo-ordinator Chris Ambler

Elphin SMC hut - North of Ullapool with views of SuilvenCo-ordinator Chris Ambler

4

Tuesday 3 December Luddenden Dean Calderdale Andrew Dyson

Tuesday 17 December From Digley Reservoir near Holmfirth Bill Hunter

If you would like to volunteer to arrange a walk then I would be glad to hearfrom you

Information on venues and meeting arrangements will be published on theClub website and sent by email to those on the ldquoDay Walkersrdquo distribution listIf you would like to be added to the ldquoDay Walkersrdquo email list then please sendyour email address to me

Ian Hargreaves

DAY WALKS

Pyrenean Haute Route (E from Gavarnie) 2nd half JulyCo-ordinator Susan Melia

Shropshire Cycling SeptemberCo-ordinator Gillian Travis

Crete Early OctoberWalking in the White MountainsCo-ordinator Andrew Dyson

Mourne Mountains Long weekend - SeptemberCo-ordinator Steve Skelton

Morocco trekking February or March 2015A trip to the Atlas mountainsCo-ordinator Andrew Dyson

Climbing Meets 2014 Initial IdeasCo-ordinator Mick Green

Early Hot Rock FebruaryTurkey Morocco or Southern Spain

SW Climbs Road Trip Mix trad and sprint

Verdun Gorge Summer Trip

USA Road Trip Autumn

Cheddar GorgeWye Valley Long Weekend

FORTHCOMING MEETS

5

CLIMBING17 November 2013

Leading Ladder Leeds wall24 November 2013

Leading ladder Leeds wall

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLIMBING13 November 2013 1800

Leeds Wall20 November 2013 1800

Depot

For more details see the website or contact Mick Green

Be at pub prompt for 730 departure

WEDNESDAY EVENING WALKS20-Nov-2013 Station Hotel Harecroft SE08435727-Nov-2013 The Old Cock Otley SE20345304-Dec-2013 The Greyhound Saxton SE47636911-Dec-2013 The Turkey Goose Eye SE02840518-Dec-2013 The Beehive Ripponden SE03319901-Jan-2014 Brown Cow Bingley (supper) SE10539308-Jan-2014 The Clarendon Inn Hebden SE02563215-Jan-2014 Barge amp Barrel Elland SE10721422-Jan-2014 Dog amp Partridge Sowood SE07618229-Jan-2014 Bulls Head Baildon SE15439605-Feb-2014 Harewood Arms Follifoot SE34352412-Feb-2014 Gardners Arms Bilton SE31557719-Feb-2014 Old White Beare Norwood Green SE14027026-Feb-2014 Woolpack Esholt SE18340305-Mar-2014 The Grouse Oldfield SE01038312-Mar-2014 Sun Inn Norwood SE20753919-Mar-2014 Shoulder of Mutton Mytholmroyd SE01125826-Mar-2014 New Inn Cononley SD98846902-Apr-2014 Fleece Haworth SE03037109-Apr-2014 Greyhounds Killinghall SE28658716-Apr-2014 Anglers Retreat Wintersett SE38115623-Apr-2014 Hunters Inn SE250464

CLUB WEBSITEYou are reminded of the club website which contains latest information onforthcoming meets events and also lots of other information Address iswwwgritstonecluborguk

6

MEET REPORTS

Haute Randonneacutee Pyreacuteneacuteenne - Hendaye to Lescun July 2013 or Bimbling through Basque Country past Hydrangeas and HuntersrsquoHides beneath the gaze of bearded Vultures

On a Tuesday walk Ian Macmillan said the HRP was one of the best longdistance routes he had walked compliment indeed from such a seasonedwalker

A September Gritstone Meet across the HRP was decided upon by JAAD IH and SM as a change from the Alps Further research revealed that thefirst section through the Basque Country could be very rainy very misty andvery humid Not to mention no actual sign posting on the ground and the needto carry camping kit due to a lack of refuges Anyone less mad would be putoff But not us

Weather checks in June had continuous rain as the constant theme soPonchos were purchased too Due to such inviting conditions JA and IHdecided to let the advanced lsquoreconnoitre partyrsquo of AD and SM complete the firstsection and report back So we flew from Manchester to Bilbao co-incidentallybumping into Ian M lsquoen routersquo to Geneva and an Argentiere walking tripthere is no stopping his new knees now

Standing on the beach at Hendaye at 530 pm the Mediterranean Coastseemed a long way off at 800 Km but from past long distance GRexperiences the pleasure is in the journey not the destination

Soon the busy streets of Hendaye were left behind and we were walkingthrough lush green fields huge pink hydrangeas of a size never encountered

in the UK and a general impression of gentle Lake District walking thedifference being the humid heat which was to be our constant companion over

Pelaton at Biriatou

7

MEET REPORTSthis 10 day walk Biriatou was the first authentic Basque village we walked toand the game of Pelaton rather like Real Tennis was being played in the coolerevening heat The court had high racked seating and the whole villageseemed to have turned out to watch the game the men dressed in crisp whiteshirts hitting the ball with their hands at great speed

The HRP is a walk of many changing landscapes and the next few dayscertainly had its fair share of Cols and Passes over 500m and one top or PuigLa Rhume 900m ( those of Mallorcan GR221 know the routine )

This was climbed only to find Blackpool at the summit as a funicularrailway runs to the top from the other side Hordes of fast food eating touristsrubbernecked in lightweight footwear We headed East and found the firstborder stone Number 25 a beautifully carved stone pillar We encounteredthese border stones every time the French Spanish border was met andwondered at the actual number across the whole Pyrenean route hellip Futuretrips will have to provide the answer

As we walked East it was a surprise to find very dense Beech forests withthick carpets of leaves This route is not walked often and over the 10 dayswe only met three other HPR walkers One was a young Canadian on his firsttrip to Europe He had a 60 litre rucksack no maps compass or GPS and wasrelying totally on the small maps in the Cicerone guide book We met him acouple of times lost

Our second encounter was an Essex man despite the sweltering heat hewore top to toe Gortex and gloves The final person was a Frenchmansuffering with blisters he had a different French HRP route as we discoveredit is a route only defined by the guide book you are using

DAY 4 Saturday 20th July Les Aldudes to Roncevalles

8

MEET REPORTSWhile walking across the tops we noticed the consistent low lying cloud

over France while the Spain always had drier sunnier skies There was also amarked difference between the villages the French ones being very run downwith many closed shops While in Spain we stayed in Arizkun an authenticbusy Spanish village Pelaton was again being played in the evening and theFonda Exterberria where we stayed served delicious Basque food along witha bath such a rare commodity on the HRP

While walking many huntersrsquo hides were encountered and it soon becameclear that shooting birds is a national Basque pastime apparently for Paloebeor Pigeon Pie This is also the region of the two major European Bird Migrationroutes Twitchers were in evidence waiting for the arrival of Bearded VulturesHoney Buzzards and many other birds It was here that we crossed theSantiago de Compestella Suddenly we were walking towards a tide ofPelerins as we headed to Roncesvalles Itrsquos a Monastic centre with a hugeMonastery to cater for the hundreds of pilgrims We were mistaken forpilgrims and received the 7E Pilgrim Meal that night never slow to refuse acheap three course meal

Every day along the route we saw beautiful ponies in all shapes andcolours rather like the Howgill Ponies in the way they roamed free but infamily groups

Later in the trip after a particularly delicious steak we realised to ourhorror it was the ponies we had been eating

After Roncesvalles the mountains started to arrive with harder limestoneunderfoot and we left the soft green rolling hills and beech forests behindThey have lovely names like Mendi Chipi 1506m Pic dOrhy 2017m and theCrete de Zazpigagn 1765m an Arecircte scramble

Basque country ponies

9

MEET REPORTS A sad feature was the many abandoned refuges now falling into disrepair

but providing good camping places with water being available The daily needfor carrying three litres water was constant due to the uncertainty of streams inthis new limestone country But the major surprise of the whole 10 day tripthe weather Every day was sunny Just one drop of rain was felt on thePlateau dOcabe We had departed on the same day as Ian M had in 2006the 16th July and with total amazement this gave us similar sunshine the wholewayWe were hoping that the advance reconnoitrersquo partys sunshine wouldcontinue in September for part two Lescun to Gavarnie(This will be in the next edition)

However the highlight of the trip was the final day through a bizarre limestonelabyrinth Luckily for us this has been recently marked with red and whitestripes Without these it would be very difficult navigation as there is hardlyany path on the ground The final scramble to Col drsquoAnaye 2040m whichnestles under Pic Anie would be almost impossible to find due to small snowfields and huge limestone boulders Pic Anie was left to another day as after1470 m of ascent and descent in stifling humid heat we did what it says in thebook lsquoHead to Lescun wash your clothes and take in the view of themagnificent Cirque de Lescun with a beer and ice cream

Final thoughts do take a GPS UTM maps a poncho to be carried andhopefully not worn

Susan Melia

Col drsquoAnaye 2011m - Wednesday 24th July Cabane drsquoArdane to Source de Marmitou

10

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood Brenda

Hargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer SteveSkelton Kay Staveley (G) Malcolm Staveley (G) Clio Weight (G)

See Meet Report page 16

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

7

MEET REPORTSthis 10 day walk Biriatou was the first authentic Basque village we walked toand the game of Pelaton rather like Real Tennis was being played in the coolerevening heat The court had high racked seating and the whole villageseemed to have turned out to watch the game the men dressed in crisp whiteshirts hitting the ball with their hands at great speed

The HRP is a walk of many changing landscapes and the next few dayscertainly had its fair share of Cols and Passes over 500m and one top or PuigLa Rhume 900m ( those of Mallorcan GR221 know the routine )

This was climbed only to find Blackpool at the summit as a funicularrailway runs to the top from the other side Hordes of fast food eating touristsrubbernecked in lightweight footwear We headed East and found the firstborder stone Number 25 a beautifully carved stone pillar We encounteredthese border stones every time the French Spanish border was met andwondered at the actual number across the whole Pyrenean route hellip Futuretrips will have to provide the answer

As we walked East it was a surprise to find very dense Beech forests withthick carpets of leaves This route is not walked often and over the 10 dayswe only met three other HPR walkers One was a young Canadian on his firsttrip to Europe He had a 60 litre rucksack no maps compass or GPS and wasrelying totally on the small maps in the Cicerone guide book We met him acouple of times lost

Our second encounter was an Essex man despite the sweltering heat hewore top to toe Gortex and gloves The final person was a Frenchmansuffering with blisters he had a different French HRP route as we discoveredit is a route only defined by the guide book you are using

DAY 4 Saturday 20th July Les Aldudes to Roncevalles

8

MEET REPORTSWhile walking across the tops we noticed the consistent low lying cloud

over France while the Spain always had drier sunnier skies There was also amarked difference between the villages the French ones being very run downwith many closed shops While in Spain we stayed in Arizkun an authenticbusy Spanish village Pelaton was again being played in the evening and theFonda Exterberria where we stayed served delicious Basque food along witha bath such a rare commodity on the HRP

While walking many huntersrsquo hides were encountered and it soon becameclear that shooting birds is a national Basque pastime apparently for Paloebeor Pigeon Pie This is also the region of the two major European Bird Migrationroutes Twitchers were in evidence waiting for the arrival of Bearded VulturesHoney Buzzards and many other birds It was here that we crossed theSantiago de Compestella Suddenly we were walking towards a tide ofPelerins as we headed to Roncesvalles Itrsquos a Monastic centre with a hugeMonastery to cater for the hundreds of pilgrims We were mistaken forpilgrims and received the 7E Pilgrim Meal that night never slow to refuse acheap three course meal

Every day along the route we saw beautiful ponies in all shapes andcolours rather like the Howgill Ponies in the way they roamed free but infamily groups

Later in the trip after a particularly delicious steak we realised to ourhorror it was the ponies we had been eating

After Roncesvalles the mountains started to arrive with harder limestoneunderfoot and we left the soft green rolling hills and beech forests behindThey have lovely names like Mendi Chipi 1506m Pic dOrhy 2017m and theCrete de Zazpigagn 1765m an Arecircte scramble

Basque country ponies

9

MEET REPORTS A sad feature was the many abandoned refuges now falling into disrepair

but providing good camping places with water being available The daily needfor carrying three litres water was constant due to the uncertainty of streams inthis new limestone country But the major surprise of the whole 10 day tripthe weather Every day was sunny Just one drop of rain was felt on thePlateau dOcabe We had departed on the same day as Ian M had in 2006the 16th July and with total amazement this gave us similar sunshine the wholewayWe were hoping that the advance reconnoitrersquo partys sunshine wouldcontinue in September for part two Lescun to Gavarnie(This will be in the next edition)

However the highlight of the trip was the final day through a bizarre limestonelabyrinth Luckily for us this has been recently marked with red and whitestripes Without these it would be very difficult navigation as there is hardlyany path on the ground The final scramble to Col drsquoAnaye 2040m whichnestles under Pic Anie would be almost impossible to find due to small snowfields and huge limestone boulders Pic Anie was left to another day as after1470 m of ascent and descent in stifling humid heat we did what it says in thebook lsquoHead to Lescun wash your clothes and take in the view of themagnificent Cirque de Lescun with a beer and ice cream

Final thoughts do take a GPS UTM maps a poncho to be carried andhopefully not worn

Susan Melia

Col drsquoAnaye 2011m - Wednesday 24th July Cabane drsquoArdane to Source de Marmitou

10

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood Brenda

Hargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer SteveSkelton Kay Staveley (G) Malcolm Staveley (G) Clio Weight (G)

See Meet Report page 16

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

8

MEET REPORTSWhile walking across the tops we noticed the consistent low lying cloud

over France while the Spain always had drier sunnier skies There was also amarked difference between the villages the French ones being very run downwith many closed shops While in Spain we stayed in Arizkun an authenticbusy Spanish village Pelaton was again being played in the evening and theFonda Exterberria where we stayed served delicious Basque food along witha bath such a rare commodity on the HRP

While walking many huntersrsquo hides were encountered and it soon becameclear that shooting birds is a national Basque pastime apparently for Paloebeor Pigeon Pie This is also the region of the two major European Bird Migrationroutes Twitchers were in evidence waiting for the arrival of Bearded VulturesHoney Buzzards and many other birds It was here that we crossed theSantiago de Compestella Suddenly we were walking towards a tide ofPelerins as we headed to Roncesvalles Itrsquos a Monastic centre with a hugeMonastery to cater for the hundreds of pilgrims We were mistaken forpilgrims and received the 7E Pilgrim Meal that night never slow to refuse acheap three course meal

Every day along the route we saw beautiful ponies in all shapes andcolours rather like the Howgill Ponies in the way they roamed free but infamily groups

Later in the trip after a particularly delicious steak we realised to ourhorror it was the ponies we had been eating

After Roncesvalles the mountains started to arrive with harder limestoneunderfoot and we left the soft green rolling hills and beech forests behindThey have lovely names like Mendi Chipi 1506m Pic dOrhy 2017m and theCrete de Zazpigagn 1765m an Arecircte scramble

Basque country ponies

9

MEET REPORTS A sad feature was the many abandoned refuges now falling into disrepair

but providing good camping places with water being available The daily needfor carrying three litres water was constant due to the uncertainty of streams inthis new limestone country But the major surprise of the whole 10 day tripthe weather Every day was sunny Just one drop of rain was felt on thePlateau dOcabe We had departed on the same day as Ian M had in 2006the 16th July and with total amazement this gave us similar sunshine the wholewayWe were hoping that the advance reconnoitrersquo partys sunshine wouldcontinue in September for part two Lescun to Gavarnie(This will be in the next edition)

However the highlight of the trip was the final day through a bizarre limestonelabyrinth Luckily for us this has been recently marked with red and whitestripes Without these it would be very difficult navigation as there is hardlyany path on the ground The final scramble to Col drsquoAnaye 2040m whichnestles under Pic Anie would be almost impossible to find due to small snowfields and huge limestone boulders Pic Anie was left to another day as after1470 m of ascent and descent in stifling humid heat we did what it says in thebook lsquoHead to Lescun wash your clothes and take in the view of themagnificent Cirque de Lescun with a beer and ice cream

Final thoughts do take a GPS UTM maps a poncho to be carried andhopefully not worn

Susan Melia

Col drsquoAnaye 2011m - Wednesday 24th July Cabane drsquoArdane to Source de Marmitou

10

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood Brenda

Hargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer SteveSkelton Kay Staveley (G) Malcolm Staveley (G) Clio Weight (G)

See Meet Report page 16

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

9

MEET REPORTS A sad feature was the many abandoned refuges now falling into disrepair

but providing good camping places with water being available The daily needfor carrying three litres water was constant due to the uncertainty of streams inthis new limestone country But the major surprise of the whole 10 day tripthe weather Every day was sunny Just one drop of rain was felt on thePlateau dOcabe We had departed on the same day as Ian M had in 2006the 16th July and with total amazement this gave us similar sunshine the wholewayWe were hoping that the advance reconnoitrersquo partys sunshine wouldcontinue in September for part two Lescun to Gavarnie(This will be in the next edition)

However the highlight of the trip was the final day through a bizarre limestonelabyrinth Luckily for us this has been recently marked with red and whitestripes Without these it would be very difficult navigation as there is hardlyany path on the ground The final scramble to Col drsquoAnaye 2040m whichnestles under Pic Anie would be almost impossible to find due to small snowfields and huge limestone boulders Pic Anie was left to another day as after1470 m of ascent and descent in stifling humid heat we did what it says in thebook lsquoHead to Lescun wash your clothes and take in the view of themagnificent Cirque de Lescun with a beer and ice cream

Final thoughts do take a GPS UTM maps a poncho to be carried andhopefully not worn

Susan Melia

Col drsquoAnaye 2011m - Wednesday 24th July Cabane drsquoArdane to Source de Marmitou

10

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood Brenda

Hargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer SteveSkelton Kay Staveley (G) Malcolm Staveley (G) Clio Weight (G)

See Meet Report page 16

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

10

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood Brenda

Hargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer SteveSkelton Kay Staveley (G) Malcolm Staveley (G) Clio Weight (G)

See Meet Report page 16

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

11

Present Tim Abbott (G) Carmen Abbott (G) Chris Ambler John Anderson Robin Beard Tony Bell (G) Andrew Dyson Jenny Greenwood Tom Greenwood BrendaHargreaves (G) Ian Hargreaves Bill Hunter (G) Neil Hutton Helen Kerr (G) Ian McMillan Susan Melia Dave Owen Ken Peart Carol Pettifar Malcolm Sizer Steve

A Toast on the summit of Carn ArsquoChlamain - Ianrsquos Final Munro

Photo SM

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

12

All accounted for after the crossing of the sands Photo AM

Lakeland Challenge meet 2021 JulyParticipants Andy Causer Berenice Causer Mick Green Roy RuddleDerek Tole Nigel Calaghan Steve Skelton Peter Greenwood George(Peters friend)

We were blessed with fantastic weather for this meet Participants wereissued with score sheets and rules on Friday night Different scores fordifferent crags peaks the more distant the peakscrags the higher thescores I arrived late Friday night to a barrage of questions about the rules towhich the only feasible answer was ldquoMeet organiser is final arbiterrdquo Derekrsquosrefrain was ldquoItrsquos not a competitionrdquo - yes it was The setting was Langdaleon Saturday Teams set out in different directions MGRR and DTNC upthe band to the north facing crags in anticipation of a hot day and PGG upStickle Gill opting for the shorter distances Climbs were done on NeckbandCrag (Razor crack) North Buttress (sword of Damocles)Cambridge crag(Cambridge climb) Gimmer crag (Intern F route Asterisk and ()Gimmerstring) and Pavey Ark (Golden Slipper) The walkers completed a round ofthe valley with the addition of Great end ACBC and Scafell SK

In the evening we had a good curry and the prize giving for the winnersSteve Skelton for the walkers and Mick green and Roy Ruddle for theclimbers Everyone thought it a good alternative to the 4 crags and worthdoing again Maybe Buttermere next time Nigel Calaghan

MEET REPORTS

Morecambe Bay Walk (Smithy) 30 August ndash 1 SeptemberCo-ordinator Alan Moss

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

13

MEET REPORTS

Smithy ndash Lakes Circular Walk - Stage 4 2829 SeptemberCo-ordinator Chris AmblerPresent - John Anderson Robin Beard Dennis Chapman Andy SimmonsJane Simmons (G) Bill Hinde Ian Hargreaves Dave Owen Andrew DysonPeter Haigh Helen Kerr (G) Paul Winterbottom amp Chris AmblerPeter and Mary Jackson came for the Saturday evening meal

The plan this year was to use High Moss as a base but unfortunately it wasfully booked by the beginning of January so this year we were again based atthe Smithy and because of the transport logistics we only completed one stagendash day 7 - of the walk starting where we finished last year near Torver andfinishing at Broughton

One car went to the start and four cars went to Broughton where Bill andAndy amp Jane Simmons had parked Jane was not walking but went for a bikeride Two cars then went back to the start which was only about 15 min driveaway

From the car park at Hummer Lane we headed back towards Torver for frac12mile then followed a bw to Troughton Hall then back towards Torver againbefore picking up a pleasant bw to Cockenskell The undulating nature of theterrain combined with bracken made route finding tricky On a couple ofoccasions Robin had to get a fix with his GPS At Cockenskell the CumbriaWay was joined and followed to Kiln Bank passing Tottlebank At TottlebankDave decided to take a direct line to Broughton and see us there at ourestimated arrival time of 300 Mobile phones were checked in case weneeded to make contact From Cockenskell to Tottlebank the path gavesplendid views to the East A series of little used paths got us to Kirkby Moorand the entrance to the Burlington Quarry site The path along the bottom ofthe enormous spoil heaps was not easy to find When it was we reachedBuckhorn Lane from where by following tracks and roads the Cumbria CoastalWay was joined The CCW goes through the market square in Broughtonwhere at 430 () we expected to find Dave kicking his heels Alas there wasno sign of him and there was no mobile signal Thirsts had been slaked andwe were just wondering what to do next when Dave appeared He had made anavigational error and at 430 found himself at a farm a couple of miles fromBroughton On asking to use the phone to get a taxi the lady said ldquoyou wonrsquotget a taxi so I will run you into Broughton but you will have to put plastic bagsover your muddy bootsrdquo

We were back at the Smithy by 630 and an excellent meal was on thetable by 730 Homemade cream of vegetable soup JA produced Lasagne orspaghetti with a creamy salmon and dill sauce both served with salad Andy Dknocked up apple pie and an apple sponge served with cream An excellentselection of cheese completed the meal Cost pound600 per head

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

14

MEET REPORTSWe only passed one mountain bike a man with a dog and farmer in a

walking distance of about 13 miles ndash gone are the days when the Saturday onthese walking meets would be 25 miles with an easy 12 miles on the Sunday

On Sunday a party walked over the Rigg where the trail hounds were outand AD amp HK made a rapid ascent of Sharp Edge The weather on both dayswas perfect though visibility not brilliant

High Moss is already booked for next year and after four years of low costcommunal meals we will be pushing the boat out at The Highfield Inn

CRA

Annual Dinner ndash Millstone Inn 12th OctoberPresent Dennis Chapman amp Jackie (G) Ian Hargreaves David Owen JohnAnderson Peter Haigh Rod Shaw Chris Ambler Tom Greenwood JennyGreenwood Andrew Dyson Michael Hammill (G) Dave Pettifer Carol PettiferAlan Moss Lynn Moss Robin Beard Malcolm Sizer John Gresty amp Maxine(G) Stephen Skelton Nigel Calaghan Andy Causer Bernice Causer NeilHutton Richard Topliss Helen Topliss James Topliss (G) Tim Elliott RodBrown (G) Dale Brown (G) Tim Josephy (YRC Guest)

Of the above the first 17 sat down to splendid meal at the Plattrsquos FarmBunkhouse in the middle of Bamford Whole poached salmon with salad orpate and toast for starters by Lynn followed by venison stew with tagliatelliby Andy pudding course by John was blackberry and apple crumble Toreally fill the remaining corners there was a carrot cake with cream brought byDennis and Jackie Peter Jackson who sensibly decided not to travel up fromLondon generously provided the beer and wine for the evening The mealcost pound400 pp

The weather on Saturday morning was very unpromising with drizzle mistyon the tops and quite windy Various parties walked from the bunkhouse andreturned to overload a drying room which had rather limited hanging provisionAC and DP set off for a walk but turned back and went to the opening of thenew Awesome Walls in Sheffield

Minibus to the Millstone worked well again and the carvery meal was betterthan last year Alan Moss proposed the toast to The Kindred Clubs and theAir-Sea Rescue Service ndash Tim Josephy being a retired RAF helicopter pilot ndashto which Tim responded The President gave a brief summary of the club yearand proposed the toast to the Gritstone Club The meal was followed by slidesof various club activities

Sunday dawned grey damp and windy so most found good reasons tohead for home However given the weather and the reduced numbers theweekend worked out OK Next year it is intended that a return will be made tothe Yorkshire Dales

CRA

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

15

MEET REPORTS

Last Munro meet Pitlochry Scotland October 18-20Objective attained - hardly a unique occasion as over 5300 names are

listed on the SMC website as ldquocompleatersrdquo of the Munros and there are atleast six other members of the Gritstone Club with the same achievementHowever there is something deeply satisfying about reaching a personalobjective such as this

I started 40 years ago when I did not know what a Munro was on theAonach Eagach ndash testing but exhilarating Slowly the list of ascents grew - 135with the ICI Harrogate Mountaineering Club and the late Eddie Edwards (YRC)in particular 27 with Brenda and friends and the remainder with members ofthe Gritstone Club

The objective slowly crystalised as the years went by but I never thoughtcompletion was a possibility until the Fisherfield six (now five) were climbed ina day with Peter Roberts and Malcolm Sizer in May 2009 That left 88 to gowith no obvious problems except remoteness and encroaching old age

Andrew Dyson took up the challenge with much enthusiasm and he hasbeen with me on nearly all of the last 88 ascents some of them involvingextremely long walk-ins (no bikes) bothy stops and the inevitable atrociousweather Many thanks Andrew ndash I am here to support you in your quest if youonly had a list

The last Munro Carn arsquoChlamain in Glen Tilt picked itself ndash it was whatwas left after a couple of trips in May and June when the original plans weremuch disrupted by the weather It happened to be a good choice with an easytrack virtually to the summit Despite a gloomy day with rain higher up therewere 19 on top to celebrate with the obligatory tot

The Moulin Hotel proved a very welcoming venue for the celebratorydinner A sincere thank you to all those who made the effort to come andsupport

Ian Hargreaves

Ribblehead Bonfire Meet November 2-3Present Andrew Dyson Peter Haigh Malcolm Sizer Susan Melia (part)Gales and torrential showers

meant that the Saturday was spentviewing the weather from thecomfort of the hut after a visit toinspect the new bridge over GayleBeck at the bottom of the RomanRoad

Sunday saw the wind abateand Whernside and Ingleboroughwere climbed on a round fromRibblehead station with awelcome half-way stop at the HillInn for warmth and refreshment On Whernside - photo SM

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

16

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

Sheffield Sewer Gas Lamp Walk The strangest hill walk in town -22 lamps23 miles

This month I officially joined the ranks of the ancient (nerdy) and infirmAfter an injury I had to refine my activities and find options to suit my limited

status

Those inclined to the esoteric or obtuse maybe aware that Sheffield once had 84 sewer gasdestructor lamps designed by Joseph Webb (afellow Brummy) to burn off pockets of gas whichbuilt up in the sewers These were often on hillsand Sheffield being very hilly probably had morelamps than any other city All very interesting butmore than this to some they are a thing ofbeauty

Today 22 of these lamps survive in varyingstates of repair and some are in splendid formlovingly cared for preserved and still burningMaybe it doesnrsquot sound like a very bright idea to

walk round all the existing lamps but somehow it caught my imaginationI noticed that when plotted on a map they describe a graceful arc around

the city passing by or through many of Sheffieldrsquos beautiful parks and greenspaces

So on Thursday 7th Nov 2013 we tookthe tram to Meadowhall (not to shop) toinaugurate the walk and headed for ourfirst gas lamp The surprising thing aboutthis urban walk was the fabulous viewsover the city and across the surroundingmoorland as well as the addictive allure ofticking each lamp We had no fear beingbenighted and relished the prospect offinishing the last few at nightfall By thetime we reached Meersbrook thecityscape was twinkling like a jewel below The last lamp on Brincliffe Edgewas one of the best situated intact and burning well

The merits of this walk were not in the tradition of the epic hill walk ortechnical challenge but for urban interest and history you could say it shinesbright I was surprised how much I enjoyed it-but then again you could say Irsquoveseen the light

Karen Stock

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

17

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc August 31st - September 1st

The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins Iwas surrounded by some fabulous athletes I had entered in a drunkenmoment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round which gives you therequired entry qualification Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the worldEverything has been thrown at mehelliphellip In 2010 the event was cancelled after4 hours due to it little rain 2011 I finished but was very slow and frail at thefinish for all sorts of reasons 2012 due to the popularity of the event I couldnot get a bib which was just as well due to poor weather forcing theorganisers to make a France only race I decided in autumn 2012 to start totrain for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race Previously at the2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner ChiharuWatanabe This lead to me entering the Ultra trail mount Fuji I ran this in april2013 and felt strong finishing well I had an entry for the UTMB by then so Ibegan to try to put a training program to complete my dream

This weekend the dream happenedhelliphellipThe UTMB set off from the startin Chamonix France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb The route takesyou over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy through to the almost mid point ofCourmayeur Then over grand col ferret into switzerland then over Catogneback into France via Vallorcine a great final stop Then there is a last blast upover La tete aux vents This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on anyrace even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise The whole of the Mt Blancmassif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift I was very strongover the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs There were not many friendly faces at the finish butsome well know runners which made me content with what I had done I justsat at the finish with an Ilkley friend Beverley who used to babysit for us whichwas great A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achievedsomething of personal satisfaction and I was content The crowds wereunbelievable Chamonix at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit forthis aloneWhat makes the UTMB specialhellipI do not know It certainly challenges everycompetitor at all levels The scenery is stunning Support at the cols and aidstations is fabulous The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sportWhat do you need to take part hellip No idea besides race qualifying pointsfrom other Ultra Marathonshelliphellip and I think a love of the mountains and to bepushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities Would Irecommend it Probably nothellip it takes it out of you and your family

I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012Brian Melia

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

18

FROM THE TREASURER

MEMBERSHIP FEES 2014Club Membership fees are due for payment on 1 January 2014

Membership feesThe Committee has agreed the following fees for 2014Ordinary members pound2500Unwaged amp members aged 18-21 pound1750Members over 65 who have been members for over 30 years may elect topay pound1750Overseas members pound1250For each member the Club pays the BMC affiliation fee (see below ndash nooptions) and prints and posts four newsletters per year If you would like tosave the Club money get your newsletter by email ndash tell the NewsletterEditor if you would like to take up this optionOverseas members are not covered by the BMC insurance and no affiliationfee is paid on their behalfIt is more convenient for both the Club and yourself if you pay annualmembership fees by Standing Order If you do not already do this pleaseask the Treasurer for a Standing Order form to send to your bank

HUT FEESHut fees per night are

SmithyGritstone Club member pound400Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound400Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound600Rucksack Club member pound600Guest pound800Junior (U18) guest pound400Day visitor pound100

RibbleheadGritstone Club member pound300Yorkshire Ramblers Club member pound300Spousepartner of member of GC or YRC pound400Rucksack Club member pound400Guest pound500Junior (U18) guest pound300Day visitor pound100

Details of individual dues should be recorded in the hut invoice bookPlease pay hut fees to the Treasurer within 7 days of your stay

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

19

FROM THE TREASURER

METHODS OF PAYMENTStanding OrderIf you have a Standing Order for the correct amount in force then you need donothing If your standing order is not for the correct amount then pleasechange it NOW Forms are available from the Treasurer

Bank transferPlease transfer to the Gritstone Club account atYorkshire BankPlease ensure that your name (and hut invoice number if relevant) is includedas a reference

ChequePlease make payable to THE GRITSTONE CLUB and send (with the hutinvoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

CashPlease hand (with the hut invoice if relevant) to the Treasurer

BMC INSURANCE COVERThe Club pays an annual affiliation fee of pound1175 to the BMC on your behalfAmongst other benefits for the Club affiliation gives individual members CivilLiability Protection A copy of the cover is shown on the Club website

MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BMCAny Club members who are also members of other BMC-affiliated club(s) areentitled to reclaim from the BMC the cost of the additional BMC membershipfees paid To claim a refund download a Refund Form from the Club website and send itto the BMC or ask the Treasurer for one or e-mail the BMC(officethebmccouk) and tell them the clubs of which you are a memberYou can use your refund to Upgrade from club membership to full individual membership Help the Gritstone Club by asking the BMC to pay it back to us Keep the refund to yourselfIf you have claimed in previous years you do not need to claim again

MEMBERSrsquo NEWS

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall

20

President - Neil Hutton

Vice-presidents - W HindeE R Hodgson C Ambler

Hon Secretary - David Bateman

Hon Treasurer - Ian Hargreaves

Assistant Sec (Webmaster) -Mick Green

Membership Secretary - Alan Moss

Newsletter Editor - Andrew Dyson

Ribblehead - Mike Wood

The Smithy - Lynn Moss

Meet List Co-ordinator - Susan Melia

Morecambe Bay crossing - photo SM

Meet co-ordinators Please send your Advance Notice (for meets January -April 2014) and Meet Reports (for meets in November 2013 to January 2014))to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the February newsletter

The deadline for the next newsletter is 26th January 2014

CLUB OFFICERS

HK on the Ring of Steall