Christmas Meet 2023
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
It’s the Christmas Meet!!!
Location: Hathersage, The Peaks
About:
The Christmas meet is more of a social and festive occasion than a climbing focussed meet. However if weather permits there is plenty on offer in the local area for those looking to make the most of it.
The meet culminates with a festive cooked dinner with secret Santa on the Saturday evening. Members are asked to assist with preparation and/or cleaning.
The bunkhouse is based just outside of Hathersage, very close to the beautiful Stanage rocks. Weather permitting, there is suitable climbing for all levels. There’s bouldering, trad and top roping to be had!
In the past there was a surprise flurry of snow so be prepared for sledging action!
Accommodation
We shall be staying 2
nights at the Old Shippon on Thorpe Farm near Hathersage. The Old Shippon has accommodation over 2 floors and has a lounge/dining room area for all our Christmas celebrations and shenanigans. Bringing warm and comfy bedding in the form of a pillow and sleeping bag is essential (mattresses are provided). There are wall heaters and electric storage heaters, so first person in, please turn them all on!
Last year the heating system turned off relatively early so pack plenty of warm clothing, slippers and your hot water bottles!
https://thorpe-bunk.co.uk/old-shippon/
Suitability
This meet is suitable for all abilities, we only ask that you bring your Christmas cheer!
Christmas Feast
As always we are planning a Christmas feast, for meat eaters and veggies alike! The booking includes the cost of the food for the Christmas dinner on Saturday night – these have been pretty epic in the past so don’t miss out!
Secret Santa
As is the SCC tradition, during the festivities on the Saturday we will have a secret Santa (this is optional) for which we suggest a £10 budget and will be organised nearer the time.
What to Bring
Warm things! There is bouldering, trad and sport, so bring what you have and what you need. In particular, do remember to bring waterproofs, your best Christmas jumper, and bedding!
Kit – where possible please bring your own equipment*
- Bouldering mat (there will be a few going so don’t worry if you don’t have your own)
- Climbing shoes
- Climbing harness
- Climbing rope
- Trad rack
- Helmet
- Your own chalk/tape (liquid chalk if possible)
- Pack lunch & water
- Layers – being quite exposed to the wind you might get chilly in-between problems.
- Waterproof – just in case
- Sturdy pair of walking/approach shoes
- Personal alcohol gel/hand sanitiser
- Personal first aid kit
*Club equipment is available on loan, please see https://southamptonclimbingclub.org/club-gear/scc-equipment/ for more information
Being Mindful and Environmental Considerations
For those new to outdoor climbing – We are given access to many crags by land owners, and are expected to treat the land with respect. Please be mindful of any litter (you will see many of us picking up and taking litter home, to help keep the area clear). There are no toilets once we are at the crag so please be prepared for this. It will be cold, very cold! Bring warm stuff and lots of positive enthusiasm. However, on a more serious note cold fingers are no excuse for leaving rubbish, so please as always, be considerate of the crag and surrounding area.