On Sunday 10 May, join us for a 21 km / 13 mi circular route around Woldingham, including the Oxted Downs (a section of the North Downs Way) and Marden Park.

===== The Walk =====
Starting at Woldingham station at 10 am, the walk is expected to take 5 hrs 45 min and can be found on OSmaps called "Oxted Downs Social Walk", OS maps route

It includes woodlands, grassy hills, great views over Oxted, Botley Hill (the highest point of the North Downs Way), a plaque indicating where the NDW crosses the Greenwich meridian line, Marden Park estate, lots of wild garlic (apparently) and some deer (potentially).

Unfortunately the area is lacking in pubs/cafes (surprising for the UK!), and so a post-walk pint will need to be back near Victoria station. I'd suggest the Cask as it appears to have some craft beer options. Cask

===== Logistics =====
I will be taking the train from Victoria station to Woldingham, for those who wish to travel together, from 9:23 to 9:57. It's £14 for a return ticket.

There is parking just north of Woldingham station, that may be free on Sundays (51.291028, -0.051583). I've used it before but cant remember the time restriction on fees (it is 24 hrs though). Google Maps pin

Finishing by 16:45, we can then take the return train from 17:05 to 17:39 back to Victoria station.

I'd advise preparing a packed lunch (or buy one at Victoria station) to bring on the walk, as the area is somewhat lacking in cafes and pubs. Although there is one cafe 10 mins from the station if you wish to grab a takeout at the start of the walk (it's closed by the time we finish). Cafe

Non members are welcome and can register on Eventbrite, here: Eventbrite page

For the May social we will be participating in South London Orienteers' street orienteering race in Finsbury Park on May 12th. Although it's a race, our main goal will be to have fun, spend time with fellow club members and practice our orienteering skills. All members and abilities welcome!

More information can be found here. https://slow.org.uk/streeto/finsbury-park-street-o-25/. I'll send more information when I know who is participating.

IMPORTANT: When you sign up, please add a comment indicating which of the following options best applies:

Option 1. You are happy to run/jog between checkpoints.
Option 2. You plan to mostly jog between checkpoints but would like the option to walk a few.
Option 3. You plan to mostly walk between checkpoints but you're happy to jog a bit.
Option 4. You plan to walk between checkpoints.

This meet is specifically for those of you who want to learn skills that will enable you to take on the wonderful world of trad climbing. This Skills Weekender is for you if you are already an indoor climber with the confidence to lead and belay a partner safely or you're a sport climber looking to make the leap into trad. You'll learn skills vital for trad climbing that you can then use to further your own progression.

We'll cover 4 core areas;
1) Gear, what is it and how to place it safely,
2) Belaying with half ropes,
3) Setting up anchors to keep you and your climbing partner safe,
4) Abseiling on a single line and half ropes.

We will climb on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of May. Details of groups and leaders will be posted closer to the dates but it wont deviate much from previous years.

We will be camping at the North Lees campsite for the Friday and Saturday nights.

Cost will be £39 per person for the weekend.

The Lairig Ghru passes through the heart of the Cairngorms reaching 835m, higher than most hills in either England or Wales. Above it the mountains tower for almost another 500m to their summits. The plan is to undertake a backpack circuit to and from the convenient transport hub of Aviemore. Once through the Lairig Ghru an option will be to establish a base camp and visit the remote Munros of the Dee watershed before returning to our transport home, perhaps over the Cairngorm/Ben Macdui plateau or the equally spectacular Lairig an Laoigh.
May is a great time to visit the Cairngorms. The days are really starting to stretch out but it’s still too early for the midges. Snow patches will hopefullly be lingering in high sheltered spots and could be encountered in the Lairig Ghru.
Note this trip is a backpacking trip, carrying all food and equipment required for four nights camping in remote mountainous country. The route will remain flexible as per the strengths and aspirations of the group, together with the weather and the conditions on the ground. It is a challenging mini-expedition, suitable for those who are comfortable camping, carrying a loaded pack and wish to take these skills a little further.
Group size is strictly limited to 5 (plus trip steward) to align with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and for safety. It is not a guided trip and we will operate with input from all the team.
Note the trip will begin in Aviemore on Friday morning so all attendees must be ready to join then. We will return to Aviemore around mid-afternoon on Tuesday for return travel. As this trip is not running over the bank holiday it should make transport slightly easier and hopefully cheaper to plan.

Staying at Dolgam campsite nestled between Betws-y-coed and Capel Curig, on the bank of the river Llugwy. It is very near to Moel Siabod and the Gwydyr Forest on its doorstep. Moel Siabod offers a Grade 1 scrambling route up via the Daear Ddu Ridge.
There is a bus service from Betws-y-Coed to Pen y Pass every hour and to Ogwen every two hours and it has a stop outside of the campsite.
Starting from Pen y Pass you can walk up to Snowdon via the Pyg Track or The Miner's Track, or as a more challenging option, undertake the Crib Goch scramble.
From Ogwen, Tryfan offers classic Grade 1-3 scrambling and extensive trad climbing. You could also do the Cwm Bochlwyd Horseshoe scrambling up the North Ridge of Tryfan, traverse to Glyder Fach via Bristly Ridge, descend via Y Gribin. Or various circular combinations of the peaks of the Glyderau.
Other than many walking, scrambling and climbing opportunities in the area there are mountain biking trails nearby (The Gwydyr Trails are less then 5 minutes away on bike from the campsite as well as other nearby trails).

The cost is £12 per night. When we book we get a code for access and it is fine to come and leave at any time.
They prefer cash so please arrive with the correct money for the meet steward to pay in one go.

The Ugly House Tearoom (a Rockhopper favourite) is very close, and numerous pubs with Capel Curig and Betws-y-Coed being a short drive away.

Come join everyone for a Bank Holiday bash.

The Lairig Ghru passes through the heart of the Cairngorms reaching 835m, higher than most hills in either England or Wales. Above it the mountains tower for almost another 500m to their summits. The plan is to undertake a backpack circuit to and from the convenient transport hub of Aviemore. Once through the Lairig Ghru an option will be to establish a base camp and visit the remote Munros of the Dee watershed before returning to our transport home, perhaps over the Cairngorm/Ben Macdui plateau or the equally spectacular Lairig an Laoigh.
May is a great time to visit the Cairngorms. The days are really starting to stretch out but it’s still too early for the midges. Snow patches will hopefully be lingering in high sheltered spots and could be encountered in the Lairig Ghru.
Note this trip is a backpacking trip, carrying all food and equipment required for four nights camping in remote mountainous country. The route will remain flexible as per the strengths and aspirations of the group, together with the weather and the conditions on the ground. It is a challenging mini-expedition, suitable for those who are comfortable camping, carrying a loaded pack and wish to take these skills a little further.
Group size is strictly limited to 5 (plus trip steward) to align with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and for safety. It is not a guided trip and we will operate with input from all the team.
Note the trip will begin in Aviemore on Friday morning so all attendees must be ready to join then. We will return to Aviemore around mid-afternoon on Tuesday for return travel. This trip is running over the bank holiday for those who wish to preserve their days of leave.

THERE ARE STILL SPACES REMAINING ON THIS MEET
However, these are currently reserved for people who are willing to drive from London with at least 2 passengers.
If this is you then please contact Simon, the meet steward, to sign up for the meet.
--
We'll be staying at Hollows Farm campsite in Borrowdale, from Friday evening through to Sunday. The Lake District needs no introduction and Borrowdale is one of its most famous and scenic valleys, extending south from the tip of Derwentwater.

Accommodation: Camping. You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping and cooking/eating equipment. Information on the campsite facilities is available on the campsite website.

Food: In common with most Rockhopper meets, you are responsible for bringing all your food including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. If you wish to eat out on Saturday night, there are pubs nearby (e.g. The Borrowdale Hotel) or other eating options a short drive away in Keswick.

Transport: It is possible to get there by public transport which would be the train from London Euston to Penrith, the X5 bus to Keswick followed by a local bus down to Borrowdale (check bus times and trains in case of disruption).

Price: The price is £12.50 per person per night (so £25 total), payable directly to the campsite. Sometimes, small campsites such as this do not accept card, so I would recommend you bring cash.

If it's looking like the meet is popular, I will contact the campsite and see if we can book additional spaces. Obviously, the sooner I ask, the best chance of success with this - so if you are planning on coming please do not delay signing up.

--
NAV WORKSHOP

For club members who have learnt the basics of navigation in the past but want to put it into practice, the "Nav Workshop" will be a chance to practice planning and navigating your own walks with experienced club members acting as "mentors" in your group to make sure it doesn't go pear shaped.
Refer to the e-mail sent by Simon to the club mailing list on 26/4 for more details.

It would also be great to have some additional experienced people sign up and willing to act as mentors.

Saturday 13th June. Details TBC. Non members will be welcome, an Eventbrite link will be provided for sign up in due course.

Where else would you want to be for the Summer Solstice than the isle of Portland? If you fancy climbing well into the evening, grabbing a chippy and a pint and watching the sunset on the UKs longest day then this is the meet for you.

We're staying at the Bunkhouse located near Portland Bill. This is the perfect location - a 5 minute walk to the crags of Coastguard and Wallsend North/South whose perfect conditions are late afternoon / early evening due to their west facing sea cliffs. Make sure you save some gas to utilise some late day climbing.

Beginners and grade chasers all welcome. Never discount a bit of DWS also.

Supermarkets and pubs aplenty on the island and one of the best chippy's around - Chesil Chippy. Follow it with a pint at the The Cove.

Why aren't we camping? Well the bunkhouse is too good to pass up. Comes with communal dorms, a living room space, an outdoor area for garden games and a big kitchen. You'll get a better sleep than a tent and be all rested for your climbs.

Spaces will fill up quickly for this annual trip!

We return to Nicholaston Farm; a campsite with everything you could want: Endless sandy beaches, beautiful forests, a well-filled shop, on-site oven-baked pizza (possibly), hot showers with underfloor heating, a dedicated warm water dog-wash and industrial fridges to keep all of that delicious food cool. And cafes and pubs galore nearby.

https://www.nicholastonfarm.co.uk/ - Price is £15 per night.

Climbing: there is something for everyone and you can walk to much of it from the campsite along the beach. Three Cliffs bay and Tor Bay offer a range of easy to hard (trad) climbs from the beach. Just watch the tides so it doesn't turn into shallow-water soloing. There's boiler plate slab for more trad along near Port Eynon and a whole bunch of naughty-nautical themed sport climbs a scenic bus ride away in Rhossili beach.

Walking: turn left and follow the beautiful coastal forest and dunes towards and beyond Tor Bay and Three Cliffs bay with its castle, woodlands and swimming beach. Turn right and walk along the miles of empty beach towards Port Eynon and Oxwich bay with their pubs and fancy (and not so fancy) fish restaurants. Walk to Rhossili to visit the Wurm/dragon and smile at the sunflowers before having a pint or tea and ice cream and getting the bus back. Walk backwards to get up onto the ridge and the lesser-trodden parts of Gower including some lovely frollicking fields and a strangely empty castle.

Canoeing / Kayaking: in previous years we've hired some water-craft from Oxwich bay and paddled around a bit, which was strenuous but good fun.

For hikers, the Wales Coast Path offers great coastal views (and seals!) and varied terrain. Head to sandy beaches like Three Cliffs Bay, traverse rugged cliffs, or venture inland to Cefn Bryn for panoramic vistas. Picturesque trails weave through villages and nature reserves, for some beautiful walks

"The first meet of the year takes us to Dinas Mawddwy and the Stafford Mountaineering Club hut, Bryn Hafod. The hut was built by members, and has a comfortable lounge, large kitchen, drying room and showers."

What should have been the first meet was postponed due to stormy weather, but we shall not be deterred.

The hut is situated directly below the main ridge of the Aran mountains, offering great walking at an altitude of between 600 and 900 metres. On a previous visit at this time of year we enjoyed cold crisp weather with stunning views south west to Cader Idris, west to the sea, and north to the main hills of Snowdonia.

Above the hut is Craig Cowarch crag, home to many 3* multipitches, including a 6 pitch 3* route called Will o' the Wisp.

The hut is wonderfully isolated, 1km from the end of the road, so its a great place to relax. We will probably organise a communal meal for Saturday evening.

Swanage is located at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, which is a great area for climbing & walking and also biking & swimming.

For climbers, the limestone cliffs offer both trad and sport routes at stunning coastal locations such as the bolted quarries at Dancing Ledge and the gentler trad sectors such as Subluminal and Cattle Troughs as well as more challenging routes nearby.

Walkers have the Isle of Purbeck, Studland Bay and Poole Harbour on their doorstep, including the South West Coast path.

There are also great tracks for biking and swimming areas at Swanage and around the coastline.

Campsite tbc

Our mid-summer camping meet is to Dinas Farm Campsite close to Bethesda. There’s a gorgeous river nearby and trees to camp under. Spotless showers and toilets, a recycling point, a park, a washing up area and clean drinking water. The cost is £12 per night CASH ONLY, pay on arrival.

15 minute drive to the slopes of Tryfan.
Super close to Anglesey.
20 minute drive to Llanberis.

The location provides access to all Snowdonia has to offer. World class climbing and picturesque hiking.

Looking for a meet steward if anyone would like to volunteer.

Buttermere needs no introduction really, but for those who haven't been, we are staying at Syke Farm campsite. A beautifully idyllic campsite in the heart of Buttermere.

https://www.sykefarmcampsite.com/

It is a truly stunning location with the banks of Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water on your doorstep - a lovely but long lowland walk. There are hikes galore, including the Buttermere marathon touring the ridgeline high above the campsite. You could head up Fleetwith Pike and view the two lakes from up high with the sea in the distance - possibly the most taken picture in the Lakes, but truly worth it.

It's a playground of wonderful hiking - get in touch for suggestions if required.

Rock Climbing
Plenty of crags walking distance from the campsite. Grey Crag is a premier venue up high, and Eagle Crag is famous its high quality multi-pitch routes.

We've had to pay in advance for the meet, so we'll be taking payment upon sign up.

It's a long way to go, but for a long weekend it will be worth it.

Had a busy summer but still want a short trip from London? Attended a trad novice weekend and want to put your skills to the test? Join our final camping meet of the season to the lovely, quaint Wye Valley, just a couple of hours away!

We're staying at Beeches Farm campsite. They have a fridge freezer for communal use, each pitch has a fire pit (only wood bought on site can be used) and they're perfectly located for hiking and climbing :) Oh and pubs.

£12 per night paid at point of sign up. Tents and vans welcome.

https://www.beechesfarmcampsite.co.uk/

Plenty of great single pitch and multi pitch trad. Some sport climbing in the region also.

One of the UKs National Trails goes right past the campsite (Wye Valley Path).

Deets to Follow

Pinnacle club hut

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our first official International trip for a while! We're heading to El Chorro, a wonderful sport climbing destination in Southern Spain. There are so many phenomenal crags with excellent limestone routes, along with some classic multi-pitch routes.

We're still looking for a meet steward so please reach out if you would happy to take on the role.

We have booked La Finca Campana - we have a small apartment with two rooms of four beds, a kitchen, a shared outdoor area and a shared swimming pool. La Finca is walking distance from the main crags but a car is recommended as they're so cheap. There are daily trains from Malaga to El Chorro.

Accommodation costs - £120 for 7 nights.

Only the accommodation is currently booked. There are return flights for less than £100 right now. It's nicer if people travel together but not essential.

Southern Spain is the perfect autumn destination, with almost guaranteed autumn sun. Currently space for 8 people with lots of potential to add more if it's popular.

To follow

If you've not been to this remote hut set high above the village of Dolgarrog in the Conwy valley, then make sure you book this trip and experience something unique!

The hut is a two mile walk in from the carpark and what goes in must come out. It's basic but quaint, small but snug, and the isolated feel is magical. It gives superb access to all the hills in the Carneddau.

Communal meals recommended. All rubbish must be carried out, and human waste must be buried at the end of the trip.

This is a must try for any Rockhoppers who haven't been before. Spaces usually go quickly.

Deets to follow