Hot Pot Bimble: Iain MacCallum, Frank Wiliams, Margaret Williams (early starters, or at least not late!); Neville MacMillan, Roger Dyke, John Castick (breakaway group on a 'short' walk); Trish Cranston, Andrew Croughton, Brian Street, Katie Horgan (meet leader), Kirsten Mundt, Kasia Hoyle, Phil Ramsbottom, Dave Wylie, Harvey.

Climbing Crew: David Bish, Lester Payne, Joe Flynn, James Hoyle, Al Metelko, Richard Yorke, Mark Ashley.

Apologies to any climbers that I've missed.

This was a traditional KMC meet start with the meet leader arriving half an hour late to find at least three of the party had headed off rather than brave the cool easterlies blasting over the moors and along the road! Two of the party (messrs Dyke and MacMilan) opted for a shorter walk rather than the epic they suspected (little did they know). So the main crew headed off to the track past White Lodge on the Eastern Moors between Froggatt and Higger Tor. We then turned down onto the Longshaw estate to enjoy not having paid for the National Trust car park or the tearoom (although the loos were pretty useful). Bravely on then through Padley Gorge and down to Grindleford Café. 'Lo! The breakaway group were found picnicking (well, tea drinking, they weren't so foolhardy as to eat their own food at Grindleford Fortress). In we all trooped for tea and cake - at which point the Cranston crumbly chocolate stuff appeared. What risks we take in the hills! It was safely stowed when the sharp eyed Mr Ramsbottom spied the chef on the lookout. The dog slavered and may have successfully partaken, he certainly showered us all nicely with a deft shake of the head! Refuelled after our arduous descent into the valley, we traipsed through Grindleford village to join the path through Froggatt woods where a pleasant picnic spot by a stream was enjoyed - even by the breakaways who had picnicked once already. Then along to Curbar village - Frank and Margaret opting for a short cut back up to the pub. Having gained three, I had now lost two.

The remainder continued to the car park at the top of Curbar Gap, in the hope of a non-existant ice-cream van. No rations but on we soldiered following the line of Froggatt, in more hope of finding some other KMCers. This time the hope was not in vain, we found them waiting to ascend Tody's Wall. Cap'n Bish was urged upwards by the promise of Hersheys Peanut cups... Apparently the climbing crew did 9 routes with Trish and Kasia joining in at the end of the day. Rob Clarke made an appearance, too and was bouldering about. As for the short walkers, I think they went further than we did and got back first! On heading back to the pub, I was suddenly down to three, the remainder of the group having been lost along the way. So a successful Hot Pot walk!

The Venue for the Presidents Hot Pot has been booked for the 13th April 2008. This meet will replace the listed meet of Durham Bikes & Boulders.

Pre-Hot Pot Climbing

Climbing will take place at Froggatt.

Pre-Hot Pot Walk

For those who'd prefer a walk to a climb on Sunday, Katie Horgan is leading a "round the Edges" bimble of about 10 miles. It can be cut short if you're desperate to get back for a pint.

We'll start from the Grouse (OL24 GR257779) at 11am. The walk will head onto the moor from the pub following the track past White Moor Lodge. We'll cross the road and head down onto the Longshaw estate and down through Padley Gorge. This will bring us to Grindleford Station Café (DON'T DO THAT signs abound) where we can have a brew, as long as we behave ourselves! The walk heads through Froggatt Wood and the village and continues along the base of Curbar Edge before turning up Curbar Gap. If we're feeeling fit and keen then we can take in Baslow as well. From here we'll follow the top of Curbar and then Froggatt, where we can heckle anyone on the rock and race them back to the pub!

Hot Pot

The meal and slide show will be £10 per person. Please state Meat Hot Pot or Vegetarian Red Bean casserole when booking. (The meal will also include Apple pie & Custard.) This year's venue will be: The Innfamous Grouse, Longshaw, Sheffield.

Entries to the competition should be sent to Andrew Croughton.

Categories are:

• Mountain Landscape
• Mountain Action
• Climbing Action
• Human Interest
• Digital Fun

All entries must have been taken over the 2007/2008 period leading upto the Hot Pot itself.

Please note any entries from two/ten/twenty years ago will be disqualified and the culprit barred from future competitions (You know who you are.) The best entries will also be considered for the 2009 KMC Calendar.