Evening Meets (2019)
Hobson Moor Quarry
Wed 3rd Apr, 2019
Members: Emily Pitts, Michelle Mudhar, Dave Dillon, Dan O’Brien, Jim Symon, Clay Conlon, Gareth Williams (cameo), Meirion Tanner (cameo)
Guests: Fergus McCullough, Girish Ramesh,
The Glossop Massive in the form of Williams (Gareth) and Tanner (Meirion) made cameo appearances, a couple of hours apart, the former arriving just as the sleet and snow hit, the latter, as climbing wrapped up and the sun went down. Four seasons in one hour didn’t stop the rest of the motley crew from climbing, albeit with a hiatus as the heavens opened shortly after arrival. Jim and Clay managed to whip up The Harp, then onto Crew’s Route after the Squall.
Dan, Girish, Fergus and I variously pootled around the right hand side of the traverse, trying out some fun moves and generally enjoying the company alongside the climbing.
Meanwhile, Michelle and Dave created a handsome setup for Michelle to test out in her bid to get fit for the Old Man of Hoy, which she is aiming to climb in 2020. Check out https://www.routetothesky.co.uk if you want to find out more about the curious setup and Michelle’s ambitious adventure.
A great start to the 2019 outdoor meets calendar.
Emily Pitts
Brownstones
Wed 10th Apr, 2019
Members: Jared Kitchen, Dan O'Brien, Mark Ashley, Emily Thompson, Helen Boothman, Tim Howarth, Jack Bukzo, Oi Ding koy
Guests: Josh Birchall, Camilla Mapstone, Carla Wrigley, Inan Middlehurst, Mark Rothwell, Fergus McCullough, John Smallwood
What an awesome evening! Great weather, great company and great climbing. 15 climbers came out to visit Brownstones, and before long a mountain of bouldering mats protected a lengthy section of crag! I dont think anyone looked through the guidebooks. We just climbed freely til around 8pm, then headed to the Wilton Arms for a pint and some dinner, and chatted while the sun set. Great evening, and great that so many people turn out! I'll see you all next time...
Jared KitchenNew Mills Torrs
Wed 17th Apr, 2019
Members: Clay Conlon, Jack Buzcko, Jim Symon, Emily Pitts, Paul Evans, Jared kitchen, Adam McCudden, Jed Farmer
Guests: Josh Birchall, John Smallwood, Carla Wrigley, Liam Brady, Mark Rothwell, Luke Weaver
Sunshine!!!! Finally some warm climbing after a FREEZING weekend out on rock and members welcomed newcomers to a super duper popular meet with 15 of us enjoying a great evening under the yellow lamp, the sun.
Jed and Adam basically found the most disgusting routes they could, including Unnatural Act, stated as VS, but evidently HVX with little gear and loose stones to at least half way up. The route’s popularity is clear from the UKC entries - it’s in a grand total of 1 person’s log book. 85,000 Members of the the BMC, tens of thousands of registered members on UK. One ascent recorded. Says it all. After this, they decided on something more civilised - Original Route VDiff and then Cracked Corner HS 4b.
Paul, Liam and Jim climbed The Price of Admission and This is not Cheedale.
Adam and Jed put up a rope on Revenge of the Grit Bolting Antichrist. Various of us made our way to varying degrees of success.
Jared started off on Alcove Crack (HVS) followed up by John and Me. He then led Foundling (VS 4c) with Carla and John. Luke led the Mather Crack (E2 5b), but he reckons it should be downgraded to a Mod!? Jared then went on the lead on Electric Circus. Again, Luke downgraded it from E3 5C to VDiff! Next time, I think Luke needs to carry a member on his back to slow him down.
Mark led Piggy’s Crack (VS 4C) followed by Carla then some other routes, but I didn’t manage to get which ones before he left.
Meirion led a mixup of Original Route and Cracked Corner (I think!) followed by Carla and Josh.
Emily led up the same chossy corner that Mark led, which the guidebook said was a VS and was clearly a decent route! Dirty and grim.
The light faded and people drifted away with only the hardcore (John, Luke, Emily, Adam and Jared) staying to the sweet end - a pint in the pub courtesy of Jared.
It was great to welcome newcomers and to hang out at this fab crag. Can’t wait for next week. If you’re a newcomer and fancy joining us, next week is Windgather - friendly and fun.
Emily Pitts
Windgather Rocks
Wed 24th Apr, 2019
I set out for Windgather about 4pm, hoping for an erronous forcast. However, on arrival at New Mills about 5 I met a trmendous thunder storm! Shortly after Adam McCudden messaged to say he had been rained off the crag. The evening was a wash out. KMC 3. British weather 1. Next week we're at the amazing Pule hill! See you all there.
Jared KitchenPule Hill
Wed 1st May, 2019
Members: Jared Kitchen, Andy Stratford, Andy Vine, Jack Buczo, Mark Ashley
A dry albeit windy evening at Pule Hill was had by 5 hardy KMCers who climbed several of the classic routes. First to arrive was Jared (who only lives down the hill) who traversed the quarry wall while the others approached the crag. Andy V arrived first and suggested Delilah, a thrutchy E1 in the quarry; as long as he didn’t lead it! Steeping up, Jared immediately got stuck in the narrow chimney. Removing his helmet meant some gear could be placed overhead, but his largest cam was too small for the crack! It his jam, Jared reflected on his options, then wriggled back down and set off on Mega factor (HVS 5a), a pretty good route on Leprosy wall, just as Andy S arrived. Everyone followed up. Nice warmup!
Mark and Jack had arrived on the decent. Unfortunately, Mark had left his gear at home and promptly set off to solo all the easier mods and diffs on the cliff. Andy S and Jack teamed up and set off the opposite direction to the Sentinel buttress. Jared and Andy V liked the idea and followed.
At the sentinel Andy V coolly led up ‘No Treaverse’ (VS 4c) then Jared casually led ‘Traverse Not’ (VS 5a). Andy S vocally led ‘Bed End’ – ‘allegedly an HVD, however, it traversed some tricky terrain including a wild step over a void at the end.’ Andy then attempted ‘Traverse Not’ (VS 4c) on the same Buttress but backed off and went down to Flying Buttress and did the direct finish at HS 4b.
Jared and Andy V had headed back to the quarry where Andy V led ‘Annual Route’ (HS 4b). They then drove down the pub to meet Emily T and get some dinner (Or Tea for speakers of ‘Northern English’), and were eating before dark. A hour or so later the others arrived, and the evening was wound down over a pint, some left over chips and a packet of crisps and a chat. A nice end to lovely evening.
Next week it’s the brilliant Troy Quarry. See you all there!
Jared KitchenCastle Naze
Wed 15th May, 2019
Members: Clay Conlon, Jack Buczo, Gowry Sisupalan, Steve Graham, Chris Kastavaunis, Emily Pitts, Dave Wiley, Tim Howarth, Laura Bond, Emily Thompson, Andy Pierce, Helen Boothman, Adam McCudden, Jared Kitchen.
Guests: Paul Lonsdale, Carla Wrigley, Fergal McCullough, Tor Pitts, Greg Nunn.
A lovely dry and warm evening brought 19 attendess to Castle Naze. It was impossible to keep track of the everyones sends, but the Castle Naze classics were all climbed many times over. Everyone was in good spirits and had a great evening. Perfect. See you all next time.
Jared KitchenCadshaw Castle Rock
Wed 22nd May, 2019
Members: Dan O’Brien, Tim Howarth, Koy Oi Ding, Mark Ashley
Guests: Fergal McCullough, John Smallwood, Mark Rothwell
Lancashire was sunny but cool and the KMC made the most of these fairly optimal conditions. A stack of routes were climbed across the whole crag.
Dan, followed by Tim and Fergal, climbed Column Climb (S), Overhanging Crack (VD), Druid’s Corner (VD) and The Slab (VD) after Tim aborted due to the lack of gear and slopey holds. Dan also didn’t find any gear but was happier to run it out – VD felt harsh. Tim Led Column Climb (D) which was different in character from most of the other routes in that it had both gear and holds. Dan and Fergal followed.
Mark and John climbed Druid’s corner, Overhanging Crack, Split Block Crack (HS) and The Mantleshelf (S). The latter was described on UKC as "a little on the delicate side, so take care or better still pick another route” which seems a little mean as the main problem seemed to be John retrieving a well stuck wire whilst following!
Mark and Ding climbed Corner Chimney (D), Overhanging Crack, Oak Tree Chimney (VD) and “something else down the far end of the crag that I didn’t write down and forgot to ask about… Sorry.
As the midges descended we decamped to a local drinking establishment for a debrief before heading for home. A lovely evening.
Daniel O'BrienWimberry Rocks
Wed 29th May, 2019
More rain; sad times. Some members and propectives went to MCC and enjoyed a nice evening on the well set plastic routes. Wimberry however, must wait for next year...
Jared KitchenHelsby Hill
Wed 5th Jun, 2019
Members: Jared Kitchen, Emily Pitts, Dave Whiley
Prospectives: Tor Pitts, Paul Lonsdale, Fergal McCullough, Matt Mitchell, Mark Bland
Jared arrived early and was practicing some crevasse rescue systems when Dave arrived. Jared abandoned the ropework for climbing and thought that a go on the bold Three Notch Slab would be a good warm up. Jared is, however, a big old wimp and opted to down climb half the route rather than run it out. Instead he headed over to the steeper section of Rake Wall, where he swiftly put ropes on bollted belays of Sunset crack (VS) and The Popple (HVS).
While Jared was working, a fine list of attendees arrived. Firstly everyone went up Sunset Crack, then everyone had a good go at The Popple. It was the mighty Emily P who succeeded! Good effort: It's definitly worth it at HVS!!
In the interim, Matt Mitchell was keen to get leading and took Paul out for a few sends. Firstly dealing with Avalanche Crack (VD), he then heading over to the Long wall for a go at Elderberry Slab (VD). Jared thought the Long wall looked good too, and headed over for a send of Palais Glide (VS), leaving the rope on the bolted belay for the others to have a go.
Everyone had a pleasent evening in the quarry and it was a good consolation for a wet Helsby Hill. Helsby will have to wait until next year now, but I'm not complaining, I think we had a great evening anyway. See you next week guys.
Jared Kitchen
Witches Quarry
Wed 26th Jun, 2019
Memebers: Dan O'brian, Mark Ashley, Jared Kitchen, Helen Boothman, Andrew Vine
Prospectives: Joseph Markus, Fergal McCullough, Mark Bland, Helen friend
Weather: Sunny and warm, gentle breeze. Lovely.
Jared arrived around 6pm to find Dan, Mark and Joe getting stuck straight in to the limestone cliff. A wonderful evening of top routes was to follow with not a winge about quality, but instead about the bomber belays that were conviently placed further back than the routes were long! 'You need two ropes for that!' Thought Jared, having run out of rope (he wasn't the only one!).
Anyway, Jared wasted no time in recruiting 3 top prospectives and set about sand-bagging them with a selction of starred HVS's. Dan and mark were loving the stars at VS and thouroghly sent a good selection of classics. Andy V thought they looked good too, and partnered with Mark A for a lead of the very best, while Helen and her friend worked there way up the grades, sampling good climbing from HS up...
Around 9pm the sun dipped and the midges came out, beckoning retreat. The drive made the gathering prefer to skip the pub finale, and headed for home instead. It was great to see everyone and visit Witches. It's a great crag. Lovely evening with great company. Thanks guys.
Next Week: The Roaches!! See you all there.
Jared KitchenShining Clough
Wed 10th Jul, 2019
Members: Jared Kitchen, Gareth Williams, Fergal McCullough
Prospectives: Paul Lonsdale, Paul Barber, Matt (sorry matt I forgot your surname)
Jared arrived at Woodhead around 5.30 and waited patiently for triple convoy of French campers to park up. Jared then kitted up and it was not long before Gareth arrived, then the Pauls and Matt. Fergal, however, thought the 6pm walk in time was a bit flexible, and had to run to catch us up. Luckily he was wearing shorts which helped in the humid evening, but not so much with midges. He's immune by the way! Figures.
The steep slog up the hill was enjoyed by everyone and we soon arrived at the base of the crag. Everyone was suitably impressed and setting up a camp underneath classic three star VS, Pheonix Climb, we slapped on a bit of midge poison and got to buisness. Gareth wasted no time in a swift accent of the crag classic while Jared ran around to the top to drop a rope down the 3 star severe Via Principia. The party had a go on each route but despite numerous accents, one of Gareths cams was left in the crag! We only noticed after pulling the ropes of course...
After the neccessary faff to retrieve it, we were all at the bottom by 9 pm, and a swift run down the hill got us to the car park for twilight, just as the swarms decended!! Straight in the car. See you next week guys...
Jared KitchenStanage Edge
Wed 17th Jul, 2019
Members: Jared Kitchen, Andrew Stratford, James Meakin, Dan O'Brien
Prospectives: Joseph Markus, Inan Middlehurst
Possibly present but can't be sure: Adam McCudden and Ged
Well, all seemed good on the eastern front until standing at the bottom of the crag. It was then that a few drops of rain fell. Undetered Jared finished racking up and set of up Paradise Arete. 'Met office only gave it 50% chance of rain' he thought. It was indeed rain he felt, not heavy, but continuous and soon the crag was dripping. Luckily Paradise Arete is also dripping with bomber gear and Jared summited despite dripping a bit too. Below, Joe tied in for a go. Andy, however; felt a bit flat about the dampness and pottered off with Dan, James and Inan to talk about their misadventures and wet wives. Joe Bravely climbed upwards, only slipping once, and topped out with style. When they returned to the bottom it was obvious the rain was well set in. Jared's suggestion to down grade to VDiffs and tot up a mighty send list was swiftly swept aside; the decision was made. It was a wash out. Time to go home....See you next week guys.
Jared KitchenMillstone Edge
Wed 24th Jul, 2019
Members: Cathy Gordon, Gowry Sisupalan, Jared Kitchen, Adam McCudden, Clay Conlon, Andy Pierce, Caro Churchill, Fergal McCullough
Prospectives: John Smallwood, Joe Markus, Ged, Lewis Pierce, Stephan Lopacki, Roxy Wright
Wow! Who would have thought that the stiffest crag on the 2019 midweek meets list would bring out so many! 14 attendees came out to sample the sculpted walls of the Gritstone quarry. The evening was warm and the atmosphere was fun. Even the bugs stayed at bay until the twilight. It was a brilliant meet…
Jared pulled into the Surprise View carpark to find Gowry already waiting. He hurriedly chucked his work clobber in the boot and by the time he had his stretchy climbing pants on, there was a sturdy group of KMC climbers waiting to walk in. Jared, Cathy, Gowry, John and Joe then walked into the Hells Bells area where Cathy and Gowry partnered, and Joe and John partnered, and swapped leads on Midrift (VDiff) and Giants Steps (VDiff) respectfully. Jared ran up to the Embankment to search for others and came across Adam and Ged top roping the Jealous Pensioner (E4 5c). They suggested that the others might like to a go at the sand bag, hurghh, I mean route…Jared returned to Hells Bells in time to meet Clay, and the pair partnered for an accent of Chiming Crack (HS 4a). It was then that some others arrived. Jared remained on top of Chiming Crack to belay Roxy and Fergal up the route. Clay descended and partnered with Caro for a go at Hells Bells (HS 4a). Jared descended shortly after and teamed with Steve and Fergal. They set off to tackle The Great North Road (HVS 5a) and arrived in time to meet Andy and Lewis who had descended from their ascent. Andy and Lewis then headed off for Covent Garden (VS 4b). Roxy had joined Cathy and Gowry for a battle on Adam’s E4 sand bag. Joe and John had sped up Lambeth Chimney (HS 4b), while Clay and Caro climbed The Scoop (Diff). Everyone topped out and descended together, congregating around London wall. With the remaining light Jared, Steve and Caro then tackled the excellent Bond Street (HVS 5a), while Andy and Lewis tackled the classic The Mall (VS 4c).
At the top the light was now fading and the midges were beginning to bite. The ground team had packed up everyone’s kit and walked around to the top of the crag, and the path out. Jared and Caro ran across the top of the crag to meet them, and everyone made swift tracks back to the carpark to dodge the growing swarms. Chucking their packs in their cars, they sped off to the Little John for a pint, and a gear sort on the pub floor. The bar man didn’t even bat an eyelid; he must be used to it…
Awesome evening everyone, it was great to see you all. Robs Rocks next week. See you all there!
Jared KitchenAnniversary Garden Party
Thu 25th Jul, 2019
Report by: Michelle Harvie and Mark Garrod
Attendees: Rob Allen, Dave Wylie, Jim Symon, Philippa Symon, Michelle Harvie, Kate Harvey, Mark Garrod, Joe Dugdale, Christine Beeston, Maggie Baldock, Dave Shotton, Alan Barber, Janis Barber, Alan (L) Jones, Jeremy Engineer, Cathy Devine, Roisin Maddison, Colin Maddison, Mary Stuart, Oi Ding Koy, Iain McCallum, Linda Crossley, Mark Ashley, Lorna Marsland, David, Jo Stratford, Andy Stratford (27)
Thanks to Michelle’s boss Tony who lent us a large gazebo at short notice once we had seen the forecast – it kept 4 sharp showers from dampening the evening’s socialising. Thanks also to everyone who came along and made the summer garden party a success, and for bringing enough food along to feed everyone easily, and amazingly, with a nicely varied spread.
Our collection raised £101.05 for St Ann’s Hospice.
We now have to decide when the next one is – maybe in 2 years?
Mark & Michelle
Mark GarrodRobs Rocks
Wed 31st Jul, 2019
Rain is awesome...unless you want to go climbing, or live in Whalley Bridge!! So much rain fell on Wednesday evening that Todbrook reservoir overflowed and cracked, creating a fairly serious issue for the Whalley community! The KMC midweekers were scattered this evening. Some went to Rockover, some to MCC, some did some other things. I made a nice cheese and onion pie and had it with chips. It was good...
Dovestones next week! Lets hope for nicer weather. See you all there guys.
Jared KitchenDovestones Edge
Wed 7th Aug, 2019
Rain. Mother nature should take up climbing. No empathy from her tonight...
Jared KitchenStanding Stones
Wed 4th Sep, 2019
There was rain. Lots. Nobody went to Standing Stones, but Emily P went and ran the KMC trial challenge route 4 instead. Needless to say she got very wet., but she succeeded in good form. Great effort!
Running Hill Pits next week. See you all there...
Jared KitchenRope Race - Marple
Wed 2nd Oct, 2019
Good attendance, with members: Adam McCudden, Ged Farmer introducing prospective: Paul Lonsdale to the esoteric world of Drytooling, in the Tool Room and on some of Rope-Race's Ice-Axe-Friendly routes. Meanwhile Gowry Sisupalan was joined for 'normal climbing' by propectives: Steve Lopaki, Domonic Redford, friend Andy Chatteron an a couple whose names I didn't catch.
Adam McCudden
Back to Current !!!!
If you are considering coming along to a club meet, please read the following:-
Participation Statement
"I accept that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a risk of personal injury or death. I am aware of and shall accept these risks and wish to participate in these activities voluntarily and shall be responsible for my own actions and involvement."
More Evening Meets:
During the spring and summer months evening meets are held outdoors at local crags, usually on Wednesdays, weather permitting. Keep an eye on the scribbles for the latest information. Indoor climbing wall meets start again in the autumn.
Some lucky people may be able to get out climbing nice and early, but this will vary depending on work hours and the traveling distance. Generally you should find KMC climbers at the crag by 6pm and some might still be there after its gone dark.
If you have any questions about coming along to a meet, or if you want to try and arrange car sharing, etc., then just send us an e-mail. For the latest information check the Scribble pages.
Outdoor Climbing Venues Used:
Alderman Rocks, Chew Valley (17)Aldery Cliff (3)
Anglezarke Quarry (16)
Ashworth Moor Quarry (1)
Bamford Edge (9)
Beeston Tor (1)
Blackstone Edge (5)
Bridestones (West Yorkshire) (1)
Broadbottom Quarry (2)
Brownstones (3)
Cadshaw Rocks (6)
Castle Naze (23)
Coire an t'Sneachda (1)
Cow's Mouth Quarry, Littleborough (15)
Deeply Vale (3)
Den Lane, Uppermill (13)
Denham Quarry (8)
Dovestones Edge, Chew Valley (17)
Dovestones Lower Left Quarry (1)
Egerton Quarry (4)
Froggatt Edge (2)
Harpur Hill Quarry (13)
Helsby (14)
Hen Cloud (2)
Heptonstall (7)
Hobson Moor Quarry (44)
Hollywood Park Boulder (2)
Horseshoe Quarry (5)
John Wayne Memorial Crag (1)
Kinder Downfall (2)
Lester Mill Quarry (2)
Longford Park Boulder (3)
Millstone Edge (7)
Misty Wall, Kinder Northern Edge (1)
Moving Buttress, Cheedale (1)
New Mills Torrs (12)
Pex Hill (5)
Pot Hole Quarry (2)
Pots and Pans Quarries (2)
Pule Hill, Marsden (16)
Ramshaw Rocks (8)
Ravensdale (1)
Ravenstones - Chew Valley (1)
Reddyshore Scout (2)
Roaches Lower Tier (1)
Roaches Upper Tier (7)
Robs Rocks - Chew Valley (9)
Rough Knarr (1)
Running Hill Pits, Saddleworth (18)
Shining Clough Rocks (6)
Staden Quarry (6)
Stanage North (2)
Stanage Plantation (1)
Stanage Popular End (3)
Standing Stones - Chew Valley (7)
Stoney Middleton (1)
Summit Quarry (2)
Swinton Boulders (1)
Tegg's Nose (2)
The Pump House (1)
Thors Cave (1)
Tintwistle Knarr (2)
Tissington Spires in Dovedale (1)
Tonacliffe Quarry (2)
Troy Quarry (33)
Victoria Park Boulder, Stretford (2)
Warton in Silverdale (3)
Wharncliffe Crags (1)
Wilton 1 (19)
Wilton 3 (9)
Wimberry Rocks (9)
Windgather (22)
Winnats Pass (1)
Witches Quarry (18)
Woodhouse Scar (2)
Wormstones (1)
Yellowslacks (3)
Climbing Walls Used:
Manchester Climbing Centre (118)Marple Rope Race (3)
Rock Over Climbing (6)
Stockport Awesome Walls (181)
The Depot: Manchester (70)
Warrington North Face (3)
Other Evening Meets (126)
Lancs online guidebook
