The Rucksack Club

A Dip into the Club Journals – 1973 – Eddie Birch; Fitzroy

The 1973 Journal is full of great articles making the choice of just one difficult. There were several based on Munroing, an article on the Alpine 4000ers and the one chosen, authored by Eddie Birch, on the fourth ascent of Fitzroy in Patagonia via a new route up the SE Ridge by the British Argentinian Expedition in 1972 of which Eddie was a member. It paints a picture of a different era of expedition travel and life with two of the members taking vast quantities of gear and food in a VW out by boat to be joined by the others in the team in Argentina. It was a highly successful trip and, as Eddie noted, they were very fortunate as all members maintain a harmonious and cordial working friendship throughout. The photo shows Fitzroy on the right with the Mount Poincenot on the right which, together, form a central part in the Patagonia clothing logo! The map below shows the route taken; the SE Ridge can be clearly seen in the photograph above. Enjoy the article, which can be accessed by clicking here  

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Gogarth Meet Report

Phew, what a scorcher! This one might go down as the hottest Gogarth Meet since records began (not that we actually keep records!) A glorious Saturday morning saw legions of Rucksackers and friends gathered at the cafe, whilst various keen teams were already on the way to the crag and others were making an excursion via “Gogarth Far Far South” a.k.a. Cloggy. Action was spread around North and South Stack and onto the Mountain. Here are a few pics (let me know if you have more to share): Another noteworthy ascent was John introducing Rob to the delights of Yellow Wall with The Sind. Quite a Gogarth induction! Conditions weren’t exactly ideal for pulling hard, but then climbers are very fussy creatures – by any standards it was a stupendous day. Certainly great conditions for Helen’s post-climb “Stretch and Unwind” yoga session… … and others were clearly intent on a liquid post-climb pick-me-up, as the hordes gathered from all corners for beer-o’clock. Big thank you to all the burger-flipping heroes, including Karl, Neil and Mike, who kept all 65 BBQ diners well fed. … and to Stan for the excellent bonfire… The forecasted showers barely materialised, apart from a brief[…]

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A Dip into the Club Journals – 1983 – Mike Cudahy, The Pennine Way in Three Days and Five Years

Just in time for this month’s Dip Into The Club Journals – it’s 1983 and Mike Cudahy’s account of his five year campaign to complete the Pennine Way in under three days. Here’s a link to the article The Pennine Way in Three Days and Five Years Mike’s record was bettered by Mike Hartley in 1989 and this record stood for 31 years. Mike Hartley touches on this in his On The Hill With, here’s a link OTHW – Mike Hartley

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Wanted – High Moss Warden

After a very productive six years as Hut Warden at High Moss, Boece has decided it is time to step back and let somebody else take up the mantle.   During this time Boece and team have driven through a series of major improvements, including changes to the upstairs layout, four new bathrooms and most recently a full set of new windows.  HM was 55 years old last week, and these changes have given it a fantastic refresh and put it in a great position for providing another 55 years of service to the club. HM works on a dual warden model with Steve Beswick handling the booking side of role and Boece handling the more practical side of looking after the hut.    Steve is happy to continue to handle bookings. So if you have ever fancied getting involved in one of our key club roles, this is your opportunity.   Please get in touch with either myself, Steve or Boece and we can arrange a call to talk through exactly what the role involves and answer any questions you may have.

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January to April 2023: photos of various Club activities

Thanks to all who sent me Photos of individual and Meet activities during the first 4 months of this year. They are now collated and up on the website for all to peruse…click here for the link! Alternatively go to “Get out there” and scroll down to “Gallery”. A special thanks, once again, to Ian Helliwell who has ensured that the Gallery functions seamlessly. I am now collecting photos for the next 4 months, May through to the end of August, so please send me any you have! Andy  

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The Rucksack Club

Corran Ferry News

John Patrick, warden of Craigallan, writes: Corran Ferry Following a recent stay at Craigallan Chris Dodd has sent helpful information about the long term problem affecting the Corran Ferry.  Anyone visiting Western Scotland might like to be aware that there is currently no vehicle ferry to Ardgour. Changes and updates can be found on The Highland Council website. It now sounds as though the relief vessel is no longer operating, there is a shuttle bus service – https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20024/corran_ferry/812/corran_ferry_timetable_and_fares

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Have you ever organised a meet?

In the recent survey we asked a series of leading questions Have you ever organised a Rucksack Club meet? If not, would you like to? And if you answered yes to the last question what is stopping you? The responses to this last question where wide ranging, but a number of people responded along the lines of ‘I don’t know what’s involved’ , ‘Nobody knows me’ or ‘I feel out of my depth’. So the purpose of this post is to highlight that there are no right or wrong ways to run a meet.  The outdoor programme includes all ends of the spectrum, from legendary Rucksack Club expeditions like Aber – Barmouth or Colne – Rowsley to local day walks.  From hugely popular staple meets like Gogarth and Marsden – Edale with over 50 attendees to my recent Laddow Bivvy meet with just 3 of us braving the famous cave.    It is this variety that makes our outdoor programme so good and one of the stand out benefits of the Rucksack Club. Helen, the outdoor organising will soon be pulling together the 2024 programme, so don’t be shy.   If you have never organised a meet before or you haven’t done[…]

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A dip into the Club Journals: from 1993 Just a Bit Difficult by Peter Harding

Between 1945 and 1950 Peter Harding was one of the leading climbers in the UK, who was also credited with inventing the modern ‘hand-jam’, although it is more likely that he rediscovered it! First ascents include such iconic routes as Promontory Traverse [Black Rocks, 1945], Valkyrie [Roaches, 1946], Suicide Wall [Cratcliffe, 1946], Goliath’s Groove [Stanage, 1947] and Ivy Sepulchre [Dinas Cromlech, 1947]. He joined the Rucksack Club in 1947 remaining a member until his death in 2007. He continued to climb throughout his life although less cutting edge and sometimes further afield. He climbed the Matterhorn on four occasions with his last [a solo of the Hornli Ridge in 1993 aged 69] recounted in the excellent article “Just a Bit Difficult” in the 1993 Journal. Here’s the link to the article. Peter Harding, first ascent of Promontory Traverse [E1/5b], Black Rocks 1945. Photo: © Rucksack Club Peter Harding, first ascent Goliath’s Groove [HVS/5a], Stanage 1947. Photo: © Rucksack Club Peter Harding circa 1945. Photo © Rucksack Club Peter Harding, 1995. Photo: © Gordon Stainforth Peter Harding leading Valkyrie [VS, Roaches] in 1995. Photo: © Gordon Stainforth The Hornli Ridge.  Photo: ET Roberts © Rucksack Club

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Gogarth Meet – 10th and 11th June 2023

It was brilliant to get back to ‘Business as Usual’ for the 2022 Gogarth Meet, with more than 70 Rucksackers and Guests enjoying a sunny, if a tad breezy, BBQ on Porth Dafarch beach (and the odd bit of climbing of course!) We will be crossing fingers for even better weather this year, but otherwise it’s the same old formula that has served us well for the last 20 years. Come equipped with a rack & rope; a bike; kayak or pair of binoculars; or just a tube of factor 50 and a bucket and spade – whatever you need to ‘Get Out There!’ and work up a thirst / appetite. Bring your friends and family – the more the merrier! In terms of logistics, plans will be familiar to anyone who’s been along for any of the last 20 years: Camping is pre-booked at Valley of The Rocks https://goo.gl/maps/WHtttGVJG5DkdWxf7 – you don’t need to book separately, but on arrival please let them know you are there. They’re offering a special rate for The Rucksack Club and are always very welcoming, so be sure to say Hi and thank you! ???? The Saturday morning rendezvous is the South Stack Café[…]

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The Rucksack Club

Peter Greenaway, Funeral Arrangements

Carole Smithies writes: Peter Greenaway, who joined the Club in 1963, passed away on Sunday 19th February. His funeral will now take place on Thursday 8th June with a Service at: All Saints Church Fulham, London SW6 3LA at 4pm, followed by: afternoon tea/drinks at the Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6 3PR. Please, let me know if you intend to go, so I can let the family know. Contact details in Handbook.

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