Peaks Meet – Don Whillans hut and Gritstone Rock

Join us for 2 days of fabulous gritstone climbing in the Peak District and find out why many regard it as the home of British rock climbing. To make this an even more special meet we’ll be staying in the highly sought-after Don Whillans Hut in the Roaches – nestled into the cliffs at the base of the crag, this atmospheric hut makes for an excellent lunch time pit stop!

Accommodation:

Spaces are limited to 12 in the Don Whillans hut, so all remaining bookings will stay at another local climbing hut (Roaches Bunkhouse) just 15min walk down the road – less atmospheric, but some have suggested it is the more comfortable choice!

In both accommodation options there will be mattresses; however, no pillows are provided in the Don Whillans hut. Both huts have hot showers and cooking facilities.

Equipment:
Essential:
Sleeping bag (and pillow for the Don Whillans hut)
Harness, rock shoes, belay device
Warm clothes
Waterproofs

Desirable (bring if you have these):
Trad rack, half ropes, single rope
Walking shoes
Boulder mat
Guide books

Skill Level:
This meet is available to all skill and ability levels. There will be plenty of experienced climbers to share their knowledge with newer novice members.

Food:
We will be cooking a group meal on 2 of the 3 nights (included in the price, each hut will cook their own meal). There will be porridge provided on Sat and Sun morning (also included). Individuals will be responsible for arranging their own food for Friday evening and lunches.

Lastly the club has several good cooks! so its a pretty safe bet the food will be good!!

The Local Environment

Whilst the crags we visit are often quiet, we share the rocks with many other earthlings. Our behaviour is important to minimise our impact on the enjoyment. This includes both the paths to and from the crags as well as on the climbs themselves. Many people are under the impression that rocks don’t wear, but this sadly is not true. Please try to minimize damage to the rocks, e.g keeping your shoes clean, trying not to climb on wet rock, and not using wire brushes.

Many of the Peak district crags are climbed with permission from the landowners. The way climbers are seen to treat the natural environment can hopefully have a positive effect on the perceptions of other people and the landowners. We can help by keeping to footpaths, avoiding damage to vegetation, removing litter, and not leaving chalk tick marks on boulders.

Travel

We shall set up a facebook group nearer the time to help people arrange travel amongst themselves. If you are not on facebook just get in touch with Issy or Andrew a few days before the meet and we can post a request for you (sotonclimb@gmail.com).