POSTPONED TO 21-23 JAN 2022
Based in the National Trust's Exmoor Basecamp at Countisbury near Lynmouth.

We will be just yards from the SW Coast Path, and excellent moorland circuits inland. Next door is the cosy Blue Ball Inn, dating from the 14th Century.

Time to blow away those New Year cobwebs!

POSTPONED TO 18-20 FEB 2022
We'll be staying at Low Garth Hall, a National Trust Farmhouse that is leased to the Yorkshire Ramblers Club. Cosy and full of character this is a classic club hut full of memorabilia from the Ramblers' adventures (they are a lot more hardcore than the name suggests!). Nestled just above Little Langdale Tarn it is ideally suited for both the Coniston Fells, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags.

POSTPONED TO 4-6 FEB 2022
The Wain House at Llanthony Court is in the midst of the Black Mountains, the eastern section of the Brecon Beacons, making these the closest mountains to London! Are you ready to take on Lord Hereford's Knob? Once the hut is full there is the option for basic camping.

POSTPONED TO 1-3 APR 2022
Bamford: just how close to the Edges do you want to be? If the sun is shining how about some early climbing? There's always the usual fun to be had on Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, but being this end of the Peak also opens up the lesser visited Bleak Low. Situated on a working farm in the centre of Bamford Village the Homestead Bunkhouse is just over the road from the fantastic community owned pub and cafe, The Angler's Rest.

We found snow in 2020!!
Our annual extended trip to find the best winter conditions available in Scotland. The details will be confirmed closer to the event once we have an idea how winter is panning out.

POSTPONED TO 4-6 MAR 2022
Caseg Fraith is a well endowed club hut at the foot of Tryfan. Could be we have snow? What is for sure are big mountain days in this classic venue. The hut has a wonderfully cosy Alpine style snug with open fire for drying out. But who knows, it could be sunny and dry in which case there's the possibility of some climbing.

The possibility of snow and ice lingering on the plateau is high. Details tbc.

For those that don't fancy going all the way to Scotland, here's some climbing or walking in the Cheviots and along the Northumberland coast. Details tbc.

Staying at Hardhurst Farm the novice meet is an opportunity for those new(ish) to the club to try things out: for climbers a chance to move outdoors, and for walkers a chance to polish up on those nav skills. Come along and pick up some skills from our more established members.

For the May Day Bank Holiday we are off to Borrowdale. Here's your chance to bag Scafell Pike. Also oodles of crags for the climbers.

Climbing and walking by the sea, plus the obligatory visit to the famous Square & Compass, a pub complete with its own fossil museum! Or you could just visit the beach and eat ice-cream.

Our annual pilgrimage to the sea cliffs of Land's End. There is fantastic coastal walking and the chance to get "Paranormal in the West Country" with a visit to a fougou!

A forest without trees (OK it has some) with gritstone fells, deep valleys and peat moorland straddling Lancashire and N Yorkshire containing the geographical centre of the United Kingdom (for now anyway).

We will be staying at Fell View Park in Scorton:
www.fellviewparkandfishing.co.uk
Price: £20 / pitch / night. A pitch is up to 2 adults plus children. Payable on arrival, card payment preferred.

Public transport:
London Euston to Lancaster (2'45 - 3'25)
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Walk to Common Garden Street (Stop A), Common Garden Street, Lancaster City Centre (9 minutes.)
Take 42 bus (https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetable) to Lancaster New Road By Claylands Park, Cabus (35 minutes)
Walk to Scorton (Lancs), Lancashire (20 minutes)

There's tons of stuff to do:

Climbing:

- Loads of Lancashire rock nearby for trad and bouldering - I will bring a guidebook

- Some REALLY GOOD sport climbing a bit further afield - if you can face an hour's drive to Settle I can highly recommend Attermire Scar, which has recently been bolted (in a very friendly way) and has some great routes starting at F4 - I can share the route list; or there's also Giggleswick which has a few hundred sport routes at all grades

Walking:
Errr I'm not a walker but the FoB website says it offers "some of the most beautiful and remote walking in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements, woodland cloughs and river valleys. These landscape contrasts, along with the serenity and tranquility of the area make this a walker’s paradise."

Swimming:
I will be finding some wild swim spots!

Rainy day options:
Blackpool Pleasure Beach! NOT JOKING.

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite is utilising NHS Track & Trace. Please ensure you have downloaded the app before you attend and do not attend the trip if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.
The guidance on car sharing has been updated and is currently permitted for groups of no more than 6 people. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles

** PLEASE NOTE ** Due to the current COVID-19 guidance for Wales, car sharing is not recommended on this trip except for those in the same extended household or support bubble. Driving solo or taking public transport are still permitted :)

https://gov.wales/restrictions-7-june-2021-frequently-asked-questions#section-67271

Described by "Visit Conwy" as "the small mountain village with the big reputation".
Perhaps you'll tackle the nearby Carneddau or Glyders, or go big and attempt the Welsh 3,000s...

We will be staying at the Garth Farm Campsite in Betws-y-Coed.

Public Transport:
Euston to Llandudno Junction (with change at Crewe or Warrington Quay) https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Llandudno Junction to Betws- y-coed https://tfwrail.wales/ (6 trains a day) (all trains approx. 6 hours)
Bus S2 Betws-y-coed to Lugwy terrace https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Travel-passes/Snowdon-Sherpa.aspx

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite does not utilise the official Track & Trace app - the attendee list will be retained by RMC. Please ensure that your contact details are up-to-date and do not attend the meet if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

Another chance to climb and walk on the sea cliffs of the south-west whilst eating ice-cream. Surf will probably be up as well!

We will be staying at the Cherry Tree Farm Campsite. Price is £14 / person / night - a minimum of three nights must be booked, which means you can leave your tent up until you leave on the Sunday. Each trip attendee must book and pay for their place on the campsite website in advance.
https://www.cherrytreecampingcroyde.co.uk/

Public Transport:
Paddington to Exeter St David’s (2 hours, 8 mins) https://www.gwr.com/
Exeter St David’s to Barnstaple https://www.gwr.com
12 minute walk to bus stand G (also stops at train station) 21A/21 42 to 36 minutes http://www.stagecoachbus.co/regional-help-and-contact/southwest
Sunday – two hourly bus services from Croyde Ruda

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite requires members to register their attendance on the campsite website. You are required to register your attendance on this meets page, too. The guidance on car sharing has been updated and is currently permitted for groups of no more than 6 people. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles

The southern peak district is known as the White Peak, as opposed to the Dark Peak to the north. It is home to the Derbyshire Dales. People have been walking and climbing in the Dales for thousands of years.

We will be staying at the Parkhouse Campsite. The cost is £16 for the weekend, payable on arrival (or to the trip steward if arriving after 10pm).

Public Transport:
London St Pancras International to Derby https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk (1 h 24 mins)Derby to Matlock https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk (34 minutes)
Walk to interchange stand 1 Derwent way, Matlock,
Transpeak bus to Ashford in the water (29 mins) http://www.highpeakbuses.com
Walk via hillcross/ashford lane B6465 (21 minutes)

Covid-19 Requirement:
You are required to use the NHS Track & Trace app for this trip. The guidance on car sharing remains the same and is currently permitted for groups of no more than 6 people. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles. Please do not attend the meet if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

Another chance to bag Scafell Pike, this time from the south. Plenty of crags and supposedly the "best bouldering in the Lakes" at Fisherground.

We will be staying at the Fisherground Campsite.
www.fishergroundcampsite.co.uk.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will close for bookings on 22ND JULY. This is so that we can inform the campsite of numbers.

Public Transport:
London Euston to Lancaster (2 hours 45 mins) https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Lancaster to Barrow in Furness (1 hour, 1 minute) https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/
Barrow in Furness to Ravenglass (45 minutes)
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/
Ravenglass to eskdale rail way
https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite requires the names and telephone numbers of all attendees, which will be provided by RMC. Please make sure your contact details are up-to-date and do not attend the meet if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

Classic climbing on the Roaches gritstone escarpment on the Staffordshire (i.e. oatcake) side of the Peak District. Walkers can make a visit to the mysterious chasm of Ludd's Church.

We will be staying at the Hazel Barrow campsite.
Price: £10 / person / night.

Public Transport:
London to stoke on trent ( 1 hour 30 minutes) https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
1 minute walk to station road, stand C
bus 25 to Hanley ( 8minutes) http://www.firstbus.co.uk/potteries
16 bus towards leek http://www.dgbus.co.uk (post COVID time table should alter back to normal route)-please check if a Sunday service.

Covid-19 Requirement:
The Club will be collecting names and contact details for contact tracing, please ensure your details are up-to-date. Do not attend the trip if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

We’re off to a rarely visited Southern part of the Yorkshire Dales, there’s plenty of climbing and stunning walks all around… Staying at the Clarion Lodge Campsite - £21 for the weekend.

https://www.clarionlodgecampsite.co.uk/places-to-visit

For Walkers:

• Plenty of moorland to explore as well as stunning views from the tops in the area, beautiful lush valleys and rivers, you can make the most of the wonderful weather we’re laying on for the weekend.


• Ilkley Moor is right on the doorstep – Couldn’t wish for a better spot to ramble around, which I believe is what all the strange words on the meets page are singing about.. Well if it’s worth a song!


• Twelve Apostles - Ilkley Moor offers many routes including the fascinating prehistory trail, roughly four miles taking in ancient cup marks and the Twelve Apostles Neolithic stone circle.


• There are a number of locally published walks which start and finish in Otley which is right next door. These include Otley Four Walks (3-6 miles); Otley Four More Walks (6-9 miles); The Six Dales Trail – a 38 mile route from Otley to Middleham in Wensleydale – and the 28-mile Welcome Way which takes in Otley, Burley in Wharfedale, Baildon and Bingley. Maps can be bought in local shops.


• Howgill Kettlewell, Malham Cove and even the 3 peaks, all within reach if hopping in the car for a leisurely drive out to your favourite spot in Yorkshire…


• Driving up into the dales there’s reservoirs abound for a scenic wander (looping in a few) and maybe a spot of wild swimming too, the nearby Thrusscross reservoir has a beautiful bit of ancient woodland to explore if you’re up walking / swimming that way.

• With quality routes across the grade range, Almscliff - between Otley and Harrogate - has something for everyone. Many of the routes at ‘The Cliff’ have a reputation for being stiff for the grade, with jamming skills and arm strength often being put to the test, but there is a less-thuggish climbing on offer too. The crag is also a premier bouldering venue with many steep and powerful problems. Almscliff is also a surprisingly good venue for the less serious climber with some fantastic lower grade routes. There’s little tunnels around the crag for the kid inside that wants to explore them..


• Caley, just outside Otley, is one of the most accessible crags in the county but is not spoiled by this. The boulders cover a large area and most feel a lot further than their few minutes from the road. A lot of the problems are on technical slabs and walls but there are also steeper problems for those that prefer. Although known primarily as a bouldering venue, Caley has some very good routes on its main crag and larger boulders. The best ones start at about VS here.


• Further west, Ilkley is one of Yorkshire most famous crags. The Cow and Calf rocks are well known. The quarry behind them has quality routes in the Severe – E1 range while there is more bouldering up the hill behind these areas. Further on, away from the crowds, is the Rocky Valley; a range of buttresses spread out on the hillside, each worth a visit.

• Rent a boat or a pedalo and head out on to the River Wharfe


• Chevin Forest Park consists of over 445 acres of criss-cross paths through beautiful woodlands, brimming with heritage and geological treasure to marvel at


• Cycle the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes


• Get started on the Dales Way – or the Dales High way and you could make a whole week of it

Covid-19 Requirement:
Rockhoppers Mountaineering Club will collect and names & telephone numbers and transfer to the campsite. Details will be held by the campsite for 21 days.

More bank-holiday fun on the beaches and cliffs of the Gower Peninsular. Get to Swansea and keep going and you'll reach the Worm's Head. Soak up the Gower Power.

We will be staying at the Oxwich Camping Park.
Price: £10 / person / night.

Public Transport:
Paddington to Swansea (2 hours 43 mins)
https://www.gwr.com
or national express London to Swansea https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/destinations/swansea
Swansea bus station to Oxwich bay 117/118 https://www.natgroup.co.uk/bus-services/swansea/

Covid-19 Requirement:
You are required to use the NHS Track & Trace app for this trip. The guidance on car sharing in Wales has been updated and is now permitted: https://gov.wales/travelling-safely-during-coronavirus-pandemic-guidance-public-html

MAD: Make A Difference. A weekend of giving something back. An activity packed weekend of conservation activities across Snowdonia, based at the National Trust Estate of Craflwyn near Beddgelert. In the past we have bashed rhododendrons, collected litter in canoes, counted newts... and lets not forget the live music and bbq!

Pre-registration required with the Snowdonia Society: full details to follow.

Joint trip with the Pinnacle Club.

An epic trip to the wild isle of Lundy, where there are no cars, phone signal or WiFi - but there is a great shop, a great pub, some amazing climbing and some beautiful wildlife and scenery.

Climbing on Lundy is very serious so please only sign up for this trip if you are experienced in sea cliff and multipitch climbing and abseiling (or find someone ahead of time who is experienced and is willing to climb with you for the whole week). VS climbers and above will find plenty of quality routes to do; there's also enough, though few classic routes, for those leading lower grades - with the exception of the Devils Slide, a 5-pitch HS slab.

If you don't know the meet organiser, please summarise your climbing experience when emailing.

Walkers won't find much of sustained interest since the island is only about 3 miles long and half a mile wide, but it's a brilliant place to just come and chill out. Photographers will love it. Scuba diving and sea kayaking are doable if you bring your own kit or sort out something with an external provider.

We'll be staying at the Barn, a fairly civilised bunkhouse, so communal meals or pub dinners are an option. https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/the-barn-4891#Overview

The cost is £210 per person for the week including accommodation and return boat trip from Ilfracombe/Barnstaple. Boat departs at ~10am Sat 18th and returns at ~6pm Sat 25th so you may need to travel to Devon the night of the 17th and prepare for a late return.

More on Lundy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lundy

Climbing and walking in the wooded Wye Valley. We will be camping at the beautiful Beeches Farm with its stunning views over the valley and by then they should have got the windows back in the Brockweir Inn at the bottom of the hill.

We will be staying at an old favourite, the Beeches Farm Campsite. Price is £10 / person / night.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will close for bookings on 21ST SEPTEMBER. This is so that we can inform the campsite of numbers.

Public Transport:
London Paddington to Newport ( 1 hour 38 minutes)
https://www.gwr.com/
Newport to Chepstow (21 mins)
https://tfwrail.wales/homepage
Walk to Tesco grounds (3 mins) bus stop
Take 707 to B4228 by St Michael & all angels Church Tidenham Chase
Forest community transport http://www.lydneydialaride.co.uk/mywebsite_003.htm
Please check Sunday services

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite utilises the NHS Track & Trace app, but also requires the names and contact details of all attendees prior to arrival. Please do not attend the meet if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

** CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER **

Coastal climbing and walking on the Isle of Portland (no boats required). Portland Bill was not a pirate, but he should've been.

We will be staying at the Weymouth Camping & Caravan Park. Price £12 / tent / night (£18 for a 2-person tent).
www.weymouthcampingandcaravanpark.co.uk

Public Transport:
Waterloo to Weymouth https://www.southwesternrailway.com/
Weymouth Kings statue to Wyke smugglers (No.1)
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/wessex-dorset-south-somerset/plan-journey/timetables/?operator=7&page=1&redirect=no

Covid-19 Requirement:
This campsite does not utilise the NHS Track & Trace app- the attendee list will be retained by RMC. Please do not attend the meet if you or a member of your household has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid.

Come and enjoy the splendour of the Brecon Beacons on 15th to 17th October. We're staying at the rather special Llangorse activity centre , just west of the The Black Mountains.

"The Black Mountains are the easternmost of the four mountain ranges of hills that comprise the Brecon Beacons National Park, and are frequently confused with the westernmost, which is known as the Black Mountain. To confuse matters further, there is a peak in the Black Mountains called Black Mountain."

I say "rather special" as the campsite has a brand new toilet block, a café for breakfast, wonderful views across to the Brecon Beacons and... an indoor climbing wall made out of actual rock! So if it rains you can still experience the joys of clipping bolts with real rock under your fingertips then climb a dozen stairs and get a cup of tea!

There doesn't seem to be so much actual (easy) outdoor climbing on the doorstep but there does seem to be a lot of bouldering. And some wonderful walking in the mountains, which are not actually that black during the day, although at night they are one of the best places in the country to see the stars.

Cost for camping is about £15 for the two nights.

Please note change of venue!

Tuesday 26th October from 6:30pm

The George Inn is the old pub with the courtyard off Borough High Street, very close to the Underground station: 75-77 Borough High Street, Southwark SE1 1NH

We are in the Talbot Room at the top of the main stairs by the main bar.

A great opportunity to meet / catch up with other club members, find climbing partners and make plans for adventures.

We also elect the new committee, agree on donations and look at upcoming trips.

Free food (including vegetarian / vegan)

Doors open 6.30ish
Formal AGM starts 7.30

Postponed from last year's calendar, for our first hut trip of the season we will be staying in Princetown right at the centre of the Moor. The bunkhouse is in the Fox Tor Cafe, handy for a cream tea. Wild moorland walking and climbing on the Tors. Can you find the partially completed corbels once intended for London Bridge, left abandoned on King's Tor?

Meet now full!

All are welcome - come on a walk or climb, make new friends / walking / climbing partners and strengthen existing friendships. If you can only come on one meet this year then make it this one!

It's a great opportunity to meet other club members over a weekend in the outdoors with the comparative comforts of a hostel to return to in the evening. There will be food, drink and general celebrations.

We have exclusive use of YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale, a beautiful grade II listed building in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The weather will I'm sure be sunny but if not, the last annual dinner demonstrated that Rockhoppers aren't put off by a bit (or a lot) of water - we'll go out for a walk whatever the weather. If it does get wet and getting wet isn't your thing then there are 10 family-friendly museums and the area is "littered with industrial archaeology and brimming with tea rooms, pubs and eateries."

The nearest sizeable hill is The Wrekin - a respectable 407m high, and topped with an iron-age hill fort. The river Severn, with the Iron Bridge, is a short walk from the hostel. If you want to go climbing then there is even a crag of local interest.

The general plan for the weekend is:

Friday night - arrive by car (or, preferably train - Telford is very close). Make yourself at home and settle in the lounge with a beer or tea if it's not too late.

Saturday day - head out for a walk (or a climb for the hardy) or maybe even take a raft trip before returning to the hostel and getting your party clothes on for:

Saturday night - a sit-down dinner (with rather nice food - any dietary needs let me know). Bring your own drinks. with an awards ceremony and voting for "Rockhopper of the Year" followed by entertainment and a general opportunity to kick back, have a chat and perhaps try table bouldering.

Sunday - go for a walk, visit a museum or archaelogical site before heading home.

The cost is £70 per person for two night's accommodation, two breakfasts, dinner on the Saturday night and entertainment (traditionally a ceilidh but - and you'll like this - something different this year).

If you would like to travel by train then it is only 2hr11 minutes from Euston to Telford Central - probably quicker than driving. Please indicate in the trip notes if you would consider taking the train and I will see if we can get a discounted groupsave ticket.

Any questions please ask!

Small print
As is standard for many events now, everyone must have either had both vaccine doses or a negative NHS Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test taken no earlier than the Wednesday before. This is to help avoid the Annual Dinner being memorable for the wrong reasons. We will have use of up to 17 rooms and we will try and spread people out as far as possible.

Guests must either join the club before coming on the Annual Dinner or have separate individual (or family) BMC membership for insurance purposes.

There will be separate female-only dorms and families can, of course, have a family room. There is also space for up to four people-friendly, dog-friendly dogs. If you would like to bring a dog please let me know before booking so I can check there is space.

We should have been staying here a year ago! The Schoolhouse in Helwith Bridge is headquarters of the Yorkshire Subterranean Society: anyone up for some underground adventures. Also handy for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge as its just down the road from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Horton is on the scenic Settle to Carlisle Line so this could be done by train.

FYI: We have booked two rooms in this bunkhouse so it is possible to make each room single gender.

Cwm Eigiau is "Bowl of the Shoals". A welcome return to Cwm Eigiau Cottage, a homely but very basic mountain hut remotely situated on the slopes of Carnedd Llewelyn, the second highest of Snowdonia's summits after Snowdon itself. We usually meet wild ponies. Now has anyone told you about the loo...?