Peak District Meet, April 2026

Meet Co-ordinator: John Tayler

Mid-April saw a return trip to the Peak District for 16 keen GMC folk.

Colin, Andy, Josh were first to arrive, quickly discovering that the staff very keen on the rules, and why have rules if you weren't to stick to them?

They found themselves in the lounge with a pint, wondering when John would arrive to confirm that, yes, they were indeed part of his booking, and not some scallywags trying to hijack a trip!

Next to arrive was Andrew and David. Who learned that camping in Tents is all and good, but camping in a campervan really wasn't allowed; and none of anything would happen until John who'd made the booking arrived.

Andy and Jo were next, followed by Simon.

And finally, John! So everyone was summoned to the reception to show their driving licences to prove who they were.

And those who’d arrived in campervans had to calm down, and speak nicely with those who had tents, and reach some sort of agreement.

Midge, Tom and Richard were next to arrive.

Anyway a few Pints were sunk, routes were discussed - past and future and a plan began to form.

There was a little rain overnight, and Matthew was very keen to learn more, "Any intel on dryness of outcrops?"

You could almost hear the tension in his Whatsapp Message, he's been delayed at the airport "abroad" and was not happy about it - I just hope he found somewhere comfortable to while away the wee hours waiting for a certain Irish Airline to get its act together.

Breakfast must have happened, really can't remember that detail, the mind was on the day ahead - they were off to Millstone!

It was a little damp when they got there, but that deterred no one and Andy, Richard, Simon and Midge got right into leading a variety of Routes.

Andy lead Boomerag, while Simon jumped on something to the right of that making it up as he went along.

Great Slab HS proved popular amongst the team with at least 8 of them leading or seconding the route, with the bottom section proving quite challenging for those first on it in when it was damp, but still no cake walk later in the dry! Both John and Jo asked for a tighter rope on that!

Eartha HS also proved to be popular amongst the team.

Andrew dispatched the Mall, a top class VS which by all accounts was worth the drive there and back all by itself!

John led Lambeth Chimney, and followed this up with The Mall.

Paul and Colin did a number of chalkless accents - not falling off any of them. That's what we were told at least.

Gareth arrived a bit late after a big night out with a friend in Sheffield, and proceeded to climb with great style and finesse despite a hangover, little sleep and orders from the physio to let his shoulder rest.

Matthew arrived 24hrs late at 6pm - just don't mention Ryanair to him he'll turn the air blue!

Matt and Gareth stayed and climbed until dusk knocking off many routes in the time it takes some folks to climb one.

The next day everyone agreed to go to Bamford Edge, with John and Paul getting an extra 4 miles of walking in after John managed to park his van at the wrong crag. If only they'd check the group Whatsapp messages for advice on parking instead of John's guidebook from last millennium.

A cracking day was had by all, with Colin clocking up several more chalkless ascents.

Adam led the excellent Neb Buttress HVS 5a, while almost everyone managed to get on Gargoyle flake, much to the horror of Gareth's physio! And thus also proving that Andrew can climb overhangs.

Everyone loved it, with many a photoshoot on that move at the top!

Paul despatched Brown’s Crack with great finesse, as did Simon's son.

Unfortunately as all weekends away go, they do draw to an end and folks started heading back south ( Paul and John had a bit of trekking to do first! )

Talk also immediately stared of a planned return to the fabled grit. Anyone free on the 4th of July?