It’s the big event of the year. Traditionally getting a large turn out of members of all abilities. Organised this year by Martin Hore (martin.hore@virginmedia.com).
This is an ideal opportunity for those who have so far only climbed on indoor climbing walls to get your first taste of climbing on real rock. “Improvers” – those with a little experience of outdoor climbing – are also very welcome, as are those who have climbed before but are feeling a little rusty. As usual on beginners’ meets we will arrange beginners and improvers in groups with experienced leaders and assistants. This is usually one of the best attended IMC meets and a good social occasion.
We will be heading to the Peak District and staying at Hardhurst Farm Campsite (http://www.ukclimbing.com/listings/info.php?id=96&t=stay). The site has both camping and campervan pitches and is reasonably priced. I have reserved 15 places for the IMC for the nights of Friday and Saturday 13 and 14 May. This number can be increased if required. There are also various B&Bs etc in the area if you would like to book your own accommodation.
If you would like to come, please let me know:
1. If you are an outdoor climbing beginner, improver or more experienced.
2. If you need to borrow any equipment – the club has a few harnesses and helmets available (on a first come first served basis)
3. If you will be camping (tent or campervan) or if you will be booking your own accommodation.
4. Your likely travel arrangements – whether you expect to need a lift or can offer lifts etc.
The number of beginners we can accommodate does depend on the number of leaders we have, so we cannot guarantee to accommodate everyone. So please do let me know soon if you are hoping to come. (I’ll be writing a separate email to those who have volunteered to join the meet as leaders and assistants).
Climbing will be organised for beginners on Saturday and Sunday. Most people usually travel up sometime on Friday, although you could travel up (very) early Saturday morning. We usually meet up at around 8.30am Saturday on the campsite.
You will need to bring (or borrow – see above) a harness and helmet and your climbing shoes. A belay device is also useful to have, along with suitable footwear for walking to the crag. You will also need all the usual camping equipment. We hope the weather will be fine, but warm and waterproof clothing will also be important.
You’ll also need to provide your own food for the weekend. The campsite has a cafe which serves breakfast and there are two pubs within walking distance for evening meals. We usually head to the Old Hall Hotel in Hope on the Saturday evening for a group meal.
Between now and 14 May we have beginners nights at Copleston climbing wall on Mondays 14 March, 11 April and 9 May. If you are interested in coming on the beginners’ weekend but have not yet climbed indoors it will be important for you to join us on one, or preferably more than one, of these evenings.
Young members under 18 are welcome on this meet but the club does not offer to look after unaccompanied children. So parents will need to come as well and be happy to accompany your children to the climbing venues. Those aged 16 and 17 are welcome to come unaccompanied provided we have parents’ permission to include them “as if adults”. The meet is not really suitable for those under, say, 12, but please get in touch if you would like to discuss this.
Please let me know if you have any other queries. I’m hoping to see a good turnout for this meet!
Martin