Saturday, 31 January 2015

Snow men un warfare slab

Track side Boulder was the target for today's little jaunt into the Peak. Planning is one thing,getting there is another. The only road in from Whaley Bridge was the main road to Stoneymiddleton, then off up to Curbar Edge. Slight plan reverse, had to pop over to the Outside Shop in Hathersage http://www.outside.co.uk/  to get Dean a pair of new ice climbing gloves for our trip to Rjukan on Wednesday.


Weapon of choice, check them out at Outside.

So off to Curbar, parking was at a premium only from the point of getting into the parking slot due to the snow build up.


Trackside Boulder ahead, unfortunately it was totally wet with run off from the top which was covered in snow.


Flat tops don't work well for bouldering, especially if the temperature is rising.


Off up the hill towards Curbar edge rewards us with the awesome block called Warfare Slab. 



First we need to lay a bit of padding down, or a buffer to stop the mat flying off down the hill.



First route was the Groove V2 5c, great route. Tricky landing when you hit the mat and it shoots out from under your feet. Couldn't top out as the roof was covered in about 2ft of snow.


We also attacked the arĂȘte, train harder comes to mind. Superb problem, but not today.


Dean shoeing up for the attack on the arĂȘte, Doogle in support role.


Ok, it's cold, time for Costa Coffee.
Well not just yet, we're off up to the crag (Curbar edge) to look at possible routes, if dry.


A route for another day, when dry. 


Cool route, these chaps are top roping it.


The sun is starting to set over Chatsworth house.


So, day done its back to the van and coffee. Another great day in the Peakdistrict.















Sunday, 25 January 2015

Not to cold to Boulder

Super day in the Peak District, that is in between the rain dodging we had to do. Set off for Stanage causeway to tackle a couple of routes Dean had done last year, mega routes and near perfect in the recent cold snap we've just had.

Walking up the causeway to the circuit, so much better now it's been levelled. The problem before was that it was used by off roaders and dirt bikers, not much fun now it's level.







We looked at doing the circuit but it was pretty wet so we passed on that one for another day. Nightmare slab was the order of the day, mats out and shoes in jackets. Putting your shoes in your jacket gets them pretty warmed up pretty quick.

Dean reading out the potential prey from the Stanage Definitive Guide Book.




Route 3 was a super route (The Mantle 4c) and a great warm up. Didn't recommend topping out as it was very wet and greasy. Moved onto route 6 Fierce Wall 6a, worth every penny.


Fierce wall required a little brushing to improve the friction and remove some of the last few weeks debris. Sometimes you need a little bit of a lift to do the job, or piggy back.







Piggy back time.


Super view from our little piece of paradise. So with the rain fast approaching we only got about a couple of hours in. We set off down the crag to look at potential routes for another day.




Water pouring down next to the route (Surprise HVS 5b) fantastic route this, definitely has a surprise for you.



So off we went to Pindale quarry to look at possible Drytool potential. Drytooling routes, not much there other than some pretty sketchy bolted routes and lots of chossy Rock.



So off home for a coffee.










Friday, 23 January 2015

Crowden brook un soft snow

Parking in the car park at Upper Booth I met a fellow member of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team http://www.buxtonmountainrescue.org.uk/ Peter Parker.
 http://www.moorlandadventure.co.uk/ we had a chat about this un that then moved on.
A small jaunt up Crowden Brook today saw an interesting change in the weather. All looked good till the rain started as I walked up through Upper Booth past the farm and into the Clough. Rain,why rain it's meant to be winter. There's plenty of snow on the ground and the whole of Derbyshire is locked in a winters coat, but it seems that it not to last. The change in temperature has started a thaw, a thaw which is not really welcomed, certainly by me as an avid climber. It's also a slightly different walk, I am testing out my new purchase. I recently purchased a new rucksack so that I didn't need to keep emptying my MRT bag ever time I went out on none MR (Mountain Rescue) walk. I can say that the Montane Medusa 32 did everything it said on the ticket, super light and rugged to boot. Well chuffed, I will be looking to change my MRT rucksack over to Montane as soon as the spon du licks allow.





The super little barn on the way to the beck.



Crossing the little bridge before the Clough opens up.



Looking up Crowden Clough.


Looking back towards Mam Tor.


Heading deeper in to the jaws of the Clough and the steep acent towards the plataue. The mist is cloaking the summit, the cloud base has lowered to around 550 meters preventing a superb view of Crowden tower.


Doogle sporting his outdoor jacket.


Heading back home the light starts to fade.



Thursday, 22 January 2015

Nuth said

Sometimes words are not needed.






Super shots taken on Mam Tor near Edale Derbyshire.





Friday, 16 January 2015

Weekend Weather

High Peak 
In 
The Snow


Its looking good for a bit of snow in the High Peak this weekend.


So take care and check the weather forecast before going out.





Thursday, 15 January 2015

Windy heights



                                          Windgather Rocks Kettleshulme Derbyshire


Wow it's windy out there today. Went out up onto Windgather Rocks for a quick stroll before work, wow the wind chill was massive. Taking your hands out of your pockets and boy did you feel the cutting wind.



 Anyone heading out onto Kinder today needs to be prepared not like last nights chaps,






So back to the walk, always have the right gear you never know things can turn out different to that expected.



Nice little Diff route on the main wall, very popular.


Looking out over Goyt Woods towards Kinder and Mam Tor.


Super walk out but very windy on the ridges.






Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Sun Un Snow


Super sun on the hill today


Got up late today, but thought it would be nice to catch a bit of sun and snow before work. So of for a great walk out from Rushup Edge and over towards Edale. Started from Rushup then up Chapel Gate track to the top looking out over towards Grindslow Knoll and Crowden Brook.




Looking towards Crowden Brook




Energy bars

Ok, it's time to make my own. A great Scottish lady told me her grandfather used to mix up oats nd make them into bars, then as kids they would take them out with them as a snack.

So here we go.

Quaker oat sachets 
Mixed seeds or nuts
Dryed fruit

Mix with water and make into bar shaped objects. Put in the oven for 20 mins.

Yum yum.



They taste ace, and cost pence.

Happy baking.