After a remarkably smooth transition to meeting at the Railway, some of our "ex pats" and former members have joined the more regular Thursday crowd for beers and a catch up. Good to see some new members getting along too, most recently Kris - welcome. Hut meets have been well attended, including the very recent and very well attended "extra" meet at Capel. Also, the change of venue for the President's seemed to go down a storm, as did the band! At least Lee L's shown us how he's come to have such well developed forearms - drumming!

The gear sale in Stoney Stanton gave members the chance to make some big savings, and reluctantly Dave P now has climbing gear for sale too.

Hut news - there have been a few real possibilities lately but still not quite the right opportunity has come along. Big thanks to all those working behind the scenes. Still, we may shortly have a man on the inside now - more accurately, we may have a short man on the inside. Ed's got a new job - more later!

Local news - Hinckley Council and the BMC appear to be making serious steps to securing access and purchase for Markfield quarry.

President's Meet - Snowdonia

The Snowdon Ranger Hostel proved to be an excellent base, and fine-ish weather contributed to the mass activity on the surrounding Snowdonia fells. Once again, with such quality nominations as usual it was difficult to select the most "worthy" of TAT awards. Amongst the contenders there was excellence in categories such as high altitude ice axe dropping, circumnavigation of Llyn Idwal, long distance BMW recovery, plus dangling and winching at the Roaches. There was even a veritable quartet of nominees for the Golden Bucket! Congratulations to Mark H who received the President's Award for services to the Club.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by Lee L and his fellow band members despite the table dancing, stage dividing and cactus gyrating antics of the crowd! (How did you explain that rash on your inner thighs James?!!) Well done boys - great sound. Great weekend. Rumour has it, one of the best yet…

Finally, a big thanks to Dave G who just keeps on getting on with the organising. Cheers Dave.

Places are filling rapidly, no surprise when there's the chance of a week in Glen Brittle for around £30!! (OK that's exclusive of transport). Not got your name down, contact Lee.

New Meets List

Check out the newly updated meets list for 2001/2002 as there are even more additions for January and August too. We've even experimented with a "credit card" sized list for you to keep in your wallet. You seem to like it so it'll be on the reverse of your membership card for 2002.

Despite a slow start folks have been taking advantage of improved access and pretty good weather for the time of year. The Roaches proved to be a really successful meet with almost everyone donning their "stickys" for a day or two on the rock. Some even managed to clock up air-time and tested the concept of mechanical advantage v. brawn. Still enough said, Dan's got a shiny new TAT award to polish and remind him of the Roaches! The routes book's rather empty so come on climbers ring/write/email me for the next edition - I know you're out there …..

Eddies Final Fling

6 months off, and – one month to go! Still time to get a bit more walking in.

Tempting Nigel C out with the promise of beer J half way round, Nob managed to join Trowie and myself for a day in the hills where we cruised along the Sett Valley Trail and the slopes of Cown Edge in the High Peak. It was nice country walking and a good warm up session for the Presidents Meet …

At the Presidents we had a blast up Moel Eilio on the Saturday and after a cracking night J me’ self, Sue and Andrea dried out in the foothills around Bets y Coed, teaming up with ex. pats Gary & Yvonne  for a brisk stroll around Llyn Eidi and the Gwydir Forest.

A week later, this time with Jim and Clive (Huncote Harriers) and with nerves trembling at the thought of going back to work after 7 months, I headed off to Derbyshire, completing the Birchen, Curber and Froggat Edge walk over to the Grouse Inn J and back via the Derwent valley. It was Wednesday and the pub was packed. Why wasn’t everybody at work? I’m gonna miss this! L

A few days later and the daughter’s nagging me to go out again. So, off we go to do a five-mile circuit around Saddington. Fortunately, the Queens Head J is open half way round.

It’s Thursday lunch and the place is packed. What’s going on? Will I be the only one at work? Sh*t!

To round the day off, we end up at Beaumont Leys climbing wall where Mark H kindly gave up a few hours to teach ‘er indoors and the daughter all about climbing and…they liked it! God help me - more expense! Thanks a bunch Mark!!!

One week to go. Trowie tempts me up in to darkest Derbyshire to recce his Christmas Pud walk around The Cock @ Hanbury J . We did about ten miles, half of which we trespassed on the Duchy of Lancaster’s private estate. We didn’t get caught, and we were like a pair of cheeky eleven year olds, ducking and diving in case the gamekeeper spotted us. With a little modification John will again have superb walk lined up. Se ya there!

One day to go, and I’d intended to head for the hills again, but alas, having picked up a new racing bike, I took off the stabilisers, put the foot blocks on and burnt off some rubber around the local lanes, stopping off for Sunday roast at the local J .

So. That’s it. Seven months off and I’ve been to Wales; The Peak; The Alps and the pub. I’ve been walking, biking, running and swimming. I’ve lost a stone and half and got fitter than I have been for years. I finished the garden and have finally changed direction. If you get the chance to take time out – just do it – don’t wait ‘til retirement!

Alternative Walks in North Wales

Whilst the majority of those at the Presi's were sampling the delights of Snowdonia and its environs, John T, Colin G and Nick B explored the less well know delights of the erwyns and the Llynn Penisula. On the Thursday, with some rain but lots of deep heather making progress heavy going the threesome surmounted Foel Cwm Sian lwyd (about 648 m), about 2 miles from the top of the pass from Llanynog.

On Friday, in better weather initially, having parked at the village of Llanaelhaern they made a steady ascent of Yr Eifel. With winds rising to 50-60 mph as they approached the summit, it was time to beat a hasty, carefully balanced retreat! Unfortunately, an untimely fall injured Nick's ankle so he headed for the car. Undeterred Colin and John continued over Gyrn Ddu (522 m) in deteriorating weather of wind and hail!

On Saturday it was back to the Llynn Peninsula. With a freshly purchased map, Myndd Rhiw (304 m) was the day's objective. The walk was pleasant, crossing moorland with views out over the coastline and the sea. After a look around Caernarvon, it was back for the President's Dinner.

On the way home on Sunday's they rounded the long weekend off by taking in the Arenig outlier, Mynydd Nodal (539 m). Great stuff - Keep it up boys!

Welsh 3000's 2001

Over several weekends Pete and Pat  have been busily collected summits to achieve a full compliments of Welsh 3's for the year. Good effort both. Fancy a try yourself - why not get into training for July 2002 at Rhyd Ddu where you could get 'em under yours boots!

Mountain Biking

In the Cotswolds, Brain G and Dave P completed a 25.5 mile ride from Winchcombe which took in some excellent downhill sections particularly to Hailes Abbey down an old cart track. On the second they rode from Burford, including a ride down a "failed road" - don't ask. The day did end though with a letter to the Council due to an overzealous cultivation of barley across a RUPP.

In the Lakes, Ian B and Andy P had different fortune. A misinterpretation of the map meant they had a very different day to the one they thought they'd planned! Mysteriously, neither of them could make the President's meet… a TAT that got away perhaps?

Brian's Moroccon High Atlas Traverse Diary

Sunday - after a late arrival in Marrakech, the transfer to the hotel and a chat from the tour leader, we finally got to bed at about 1.00 am only to be awakened at 4.00 am by some p*****k shouting from the top of a tower (calling the faithful to prayer apparently)!

Monday - we left the hotel at 8.30 am for the 2.5 hour drive (with a break for mint tea) to the summit of the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Onto the bikes at last for a long loose descent, followed by a steep loose ascent (only 8km fortunately) to our first night at a gite. These provide rather basic accommodation (rather an understatement)! After several beers we enjoyed a good dinner of chicken tajine and couscous served with wine. Time for an early night after last night's lack of sleep.

Tuesday - Away at 8.30 am again, we were off cycling the descent which was the previous day's 8km ascent, loose and interesting! For the rest of the day it was 45km of undulating, mostly downhill riding. We visited the town of Ait Benhaddou, the location for the film Jesus of Nazareth and many others. Another night in a hotel, ahh luxury ….

Wednesday - 8.30 am start again, this time for a drive through the Dades Gorge (Huge rock walls -climbers). It was onto bikes for cycling through several villages, then a swine of a 28km climb (3 hours for me) to a summit plateau at 3,200 where we camped.

Thursday - another early start for a stonking 50km descent on mixed going (some single track) past two lakes to a valley campsite by the river.

Friday - 8.30 am again for a 10km climb followed by 30km of undulations and another shrieking descent to our gite. Interesting dinner - a whole roast sheep complete with head, horns and testicles laid out in the middle of the table for you to help yourself! The original carvery I guess!! Oh yes, served with chips of course and tajine.

Saturday - We left the gite by bike for a 40km descent through a river valley and over a very "iffy" bridge. This was followed by a 20km descent to another gite with an "hamman", a steam bath. Just the job after a hard day…

Sunday - A lie in, at 9.00 am we set off by bike for a climb of 12km. After this we crossed a plateau followed by a long descent (very steep at the top), to pass through a river valley of crops and livestock. In the afternoon, we loaded the bikes onto landrovers for transfer to Marrakech where we arrived late evening.

Monday - we made a tour of the soukes and markets of Marrakech, followed by lunch at a posh hotel and a strenuous afternoon by the poolside. The evening was rounded off nicely with a big dinner and loads of wine!

Tuesday - I flew home and arrived completely knackered after good riding and a great time. Brian.

If you dare show it, we’ll watch it!

Mary & Elvyn  invite friends and members of the Hinckley Mountaineering Club to the Slide Show on Saturday 15 December at 7-30 for 8-00 p.m. Please bring your slides (or photos to pass round). Let them know if you wish to attend by Saturday 8th December – places are limited! You may wish to bring your own mat to sit on the floor in comfort! Please bring your own drink, food for the table (see below) and £1 each for the raffle!

Capel Curig - 9-11 November

The chance of an extra weekend away proved tempting for around 20 (!) members. Over the two days there were various outings to surrounding hills, with the remains of the first snow falls underfoot.

On Saturday everyone was out, Annette, Kev and Brian (not El Presidente variety) crossed the Carneddau, with Richard in hot pursuit after a crag bail out. Swampy, brother Boggy (in his best trainers!), Alison and Ian Ball scrambled up the North Face of Tryfan whilst Elvyn ascended the Glyders following the ridge all the way from Capel. With Dave G leading the lone away team, there was a mass ascent of Moel Siabod by the Stanton posse including the newly bog initiated Sue and "Half Pint" Andrea, "ex-Stanton Pat"  "Whitey"  and accompanied by John T. Fellow bog trotters, Cathy and friend Sarah waded many a mile in the hills to the east of Capel to walk round a lake (only once though)! Leapy Lee and Boff II actually climbed - Original Route on the Idwal Slabs.

After a particularly lively evening at the Tan Y Coed, there were many sore heads seeking comfort in a greasy fry up followed by some retail therapy. New girl Cathy and Trowie headed off into the woods above Betws (a JT initiation perhaps?). Alison, Ian, Richard and Annette headed back for more (not beer, walking) and also ascended Moel Siaod via the Daear Ddu ridge scramble. With tremendous visibility and autumnal colours it was an unexpected treat. England drew at Footie, and trounced the Aussie's at rugby both codes! What a weekend!

Outside Now via the Internet

We're still experimenting with emailing the newsletter to those of you that have sent your Email address. Let us know if you too want to try this as hopefully it's quicker for you, and cheaper for us!

If you haven't checked out the new venue at the Railway yet - why ever not? As the nights draw in there's still stuff to do. There's the Climbing Competition plus lectures, gear sales etc. at the National Indoor Arena (7-9.12.01). Alternatively, why not sort through some of your slides and bring them along to Elvyn's on the 14^th December. Then if you're not slide bound by then pencil in the spring slide evening by local runner/mountaineer whose coming to recount his exploits from a trip to climb Mt McKinley, or a Himalayan Kingdoms Lecture 14.2.02 at the Grand Hotel in Leicester.