Present: Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Jim Symon, Jim & Sandy Gregson, Trish Cranston, Al Metelko, Robert Clark, Dave Wylie, Dave Shotton, Oi Ding Koy, Kate Harvey, Neil Britton (Guest), plus 2 present but not seen, Colin Maddison (30 minutes ahead of us) and Joe Flynn (1 day late).

We arrived at 7.50am pleased and impressed to find a surprisingly large keen KMC team ready for our expedition and prepared to get up before 8.00am on a Saturday morning. There was a good mix of Judith’s friends and some newer members all keen to enjoy a full day out on the entertaining hills and crags of Saddleworth.

It was already hot when we climbed up to Dovestones Edge (picture). Jim picked a classic HVD, Answer Crack, which is now upgraded to Severe. All teams were on top of the crag within the hour and we set off along the edge to Laddow. This stretch was full of natural history; Jim and Sandy spotted the elusive Cloudberry (edible raspberry like fruits; a delicacy of Northern Europe), Sandy attempted to skewer a baby rabbit with her walking poles, while Mark carried a slug in his boot between the 2 crags. We managed to pass 2 hours at Laddow with mass ascents of Long Climb and Little Crowberry. Lunch was on the top of Black Hill. Still with 2 crags and 17 miles to go, we set off down the very hot Wessenden Valley, walking past a number of illegal but tempting cooling dips in the reservoirs. We were all in need of some shade and drinks and sought refuge in the Carriage House Pub to fortify ourselves for Pule Hill. Jim, Sandy and Neil headed back to the start missing out Pule Hill. Unbeknown to us Colin had got the train to Marsden and set off to find us at Alderman Rocks, unfortunately 30 minutes ahead of us.

Pule Hill was entertaining as ever, although I don’t think Jim or his rope were too impressed by my Spider Man technique (climbing up the rope for a small section). There was actually another couple climbing there (co-incidentally a friend of Trish’s) who gave Dave S a rope on Flying Buttress. It was a beautiful evening as we went over Broadstone Hill to Alderman Rocks. We all managed a final climb before descending back to Binn Green and a few well earned pints and cups of tea in the Clarence in Greenfield.

The meet leader was reminded: 1. How long ago she had last climbed. 2. How much she loves grit stone and 3. Most importantly what a solid climber Judith was to not only lead these routes but also manage to smile on them.

We had most of the crags to ourselves, partly because of their location, and partly the time of our arrival (8.50 pm at Alderman). It was a grand day out, thanks to all for coming. Glad to see the KMC still has a sense of adventure, I am sure Ju would be impressed.

Ju Valley Skyline

This long summer day out is a tribute to Judith Symon and will cover some of her favourite local walks and crags. A chance for old friends to remember fun days out with Judith on these entertaining hills and crags, and a chance for the uninitiated to experience their delights!

The plan is a circular 36 km walk starting and finishing at Dovestones Reservoir, taking in climbs at 4 different crags; Dovestones Edge, Laddow, Pule Hill and Alderman Rocks.

The planned route is Dovestones Edge (route), Laddow (route), Black Hill, Wessenden valley, Marsden and a stop for liquid and other refreshments, Pule Hill (route) and finishing at Alderman Rocks (route), then drive back to Mossley for more well earned liquid and other refreshments.

An early start from Binn Green Car Park above Dovestone Reservoir on the A635 (GR 017 045) meet at 7.45 for a sharp departure at 8.00am. Climbing is optional, walkers are welcome, shorter options are possible. Depending on weather the route may be shortened or there may even be cooling dips on the way. Hope to see you there.