Scrambling in the Peak District

Scrambling in the Peak District!

Yes it's official!  With the Publication by Cicerone of a new guide to scrambles in the Peak there is sure to be a surge of interest in scrambling.  We at Mountain House have been leading people up various scrambles over the years as part of our navigation courses and guided walks.

Scrambling?

Scrambling is great fun and occupies that area between hill walking and rock climbing. At its easiest (grade 1 scrambles) it requires the occasional use of hands to move between boulders or up rock slabs, whilst at its hardest (grade 3 scrambles) are easy rock climbs. The scrambles that we are offering to lead and supervise are all either grade 1 or grade 2 scrambles that do not routinely require the use of a safety rope. That said, our qualified leaders will carry safety equipment in case anyone has trouble or finds themselves lacking in confidence.

These are all day itineraries starting at 10am and aiming to finish around 4.30pm.  Please come equipped wearing walking boots and with waterproofs, warm clothes, packed lunch and enough to drink.

Should the weather not be suitable for safe scrambling then we will offer an alternative itinerary on the day.

All of these days will involve some hill walking getting to and between scrambles, all of which will involve some steep slopes and possibly boggy ground.

Contact us to reserve your place on any of the following Scrambling Adventures:

Saturday 9th June
Scrambles on the north side of Kinder (Ashop Clough)

Sunday 1st July
Scrambles on the south side of Bleaklow

Saturday 14th July
Big scrambles – Big day out on Kinder Scout

Saturday 4th August
Scrambles on the north side of Bleaklow Pt.1

Sunday 12th August
Scrambles on the north side of Bleaklow Pt.2

Sunday 18th August
Scrambles from Crowden

Peak District Walking Festival

Peak District Walking Festival
We are now six days into this years Peak District Walking Festival.  Mountain House Holidays are providing 15 walks in 18 days. So far there has been wind, rain, sleet, hail and snow on 5 of the six days! This is in great contrast to last years walking festival when we had warm sunshine every day.  Despite the weather we have managed to follow our programme each day though hopefully we will see an improvement in the next few days.

In addition to supporting the walking festival, Mountain House run a programme of guided walks; navigation courses and hill skills courses; and walking holidays in Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Mike and Jane who run Mountain House are qualified International Mountain Leaders and rock climbing instructors.

Challenging Winter Walking on Kinder Scout

Mike & Jane joined a group of fellow members of the Austrian Alpine Club for a walk on Kinder Scout.  Although the weather forecast was reasonable, the conditions proved to be somewhat 'wild', with high winds and frequent snow flurry's making walking quite a challenge!

Despite it all we managed to successfully cross the centre of the plateau and descend an icy Grindsbook without incident.  Well done to everyone who took part.

Autumn Navigation Courses – Peak Navigation Courses

Bookings are going well for the autumn round of Navigation Courses.  This coming Saturday (8th Oct) is over subscribed with only 3 places being left on the next introductory course (22nd October).  Full details of the current courses can be found on the Peak Navigation Courses website.

Jim’s final Munro, 1st October

Went up to Scotland last weekend to be part of Jim’s final Munro celebrations.  As the rest of the UK was basking in sunshine we enjoyed the mist and rain of a Scottish monsoon!  Already wet, we didn’t bother looking for stepping stones crossing the final stream.  We are not usually given to drinking alcohol whilst on the hill but it seemed obligatory to have the Scotch that was being passed round on the summit of Beinn Teallach (which we reached after ascending Beinn a Chaorainn).  Congratulations Jim!


The evening Ceilidh was such good fun and it was great to meet up with everyone who came on the Integral trip last summer.

Sierra Nevada, September 2011

Mike led some great excursions in Spain's Sierra Nevada recently:

• 2 accents of Mulhacen (mainland Spain’s highest at 3479m), 
• Trevenque  2079m “The Matterhorn of the Sierra Nevada,” 
• Alcazaba  3369m 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada,
• Veleta 3396m, 2nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada,  
as well as the usual fun in the Rio Monachil and a stroll up to the Poqueira Refuge (2500m) for lunch.

The only downside was having my wallet with passport and bank cards stolen at Malaga Airport. Wasn’t watching my hand baggage whilst loading the hire car.  Apparently this type of crime is common in the underground car park at Malaga airport as there is no cctv there. BEWARE!

Daily Walking Excursions from Lanjaron and Capileira with a qualified International Mountain Leader

Mike is leading a programme of guided walks in Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains during the coming week.  If you know anyone who is on holiday in Spain, do pass on the details:

Sunday 11th September
An ascent of Trevenque  2079m “The Matterhorn of The Sierra Nevada”
Departing Lanjaron 9am returning around 6pm.

Monday 12th September
An ascent of  Alcazaba  3369m 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. A long hard day, departing Lanjaron 7am returning late.  Pick up in Capileira at 7.45 am.

Tuesday 13th September  and  Sunday 18th September
An Ascent of Veleta 3396m, 2nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada
Departing Lanjaron 9am returning around 6pm.

Wednesday 14th September  and  Monday 19th September
An Ascent of Mulhacen 3479m, the highest mountain in mainland Spain.
A long hard day, departing Lanjaron 7am returning late.  Pick up in Capileira at 7.45 am.

Thursday 15th September  and  Tuesday 20th September
“Excitement in the Rio Monachil”. A good days walk involving several rope bridges and narrow canyons. Departing Lanjaron 9.30am returning around 5pm.

Friday 16th September
An ascent of Pico del Caballo 3011m.  Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.
Departing Lanjaron 8am returning around 6pm.

Cost for all excursions is €40. Price includes the qualified guide and transport.  You will need to wear good walking boots and clothing suitable for the high mountains.  Bring a picnic lunch, plenty to drink and warm clothing to withstand high winds and possible rain or snow.

All excursions depart from outside Lanjaron’s Tourist Information Office. Excursions to Mulhacen and Alcazaba can include a pick up in Capileira by appointment.

Please note, safety is paramount. If weather conditions deteriorate whilst on the mountain then we will have to shorten or even abandon the itinerary. No money will be refunded once the excursion has started.

Booking essential.
To book your place, please telephone Michael on: 688  312  497