1967 to 1969
This category begins in early January 1967 and runs though until February 1969, when the written reports come to an end half way through an exercise book.
Marple Rambing Club was founded in 1967 and Frank was one of the founder members.
Malham
The bus left school at about 8.20am and picked up extra members at Marple Bridge, making a total of 37 (fare paid was 7/6 per pupil). After a good journey, Malham village was reached at about 11.00am and, after a short preparatory period, a start was made along the lane toward Gordale Scar.
The weather was excellent - the sky had been cloudless earlier but, as was to be expected, there was plenty of cumulus by midday. However there was practically continuous sunshine throughout the day.
- Hits: 1645
Blackden Head
We boarded the 10am train in Marple and arrived at Edale at about 10.40. After a call at the information centre and, of course, at the shop, we moved off across the log bridge and up Grindsbrook.
We made good progress despite several stops for the tail end to catch up - none were very slow, but we did have a few speedsters anxious to show their superiority. Stayed for a short while at the bend before the gorge, and then on again into the narrow steep part.
- Hits: 1684
Shelf Benches
Leaving school at about 9.40am, we arrived at Torside a little after 10 o'clock and set off up Torside Clough. The high path was followed for a while in order to view the massive crags on the right-hand side of the clough - but we dropped down to the lower path in order to clamber up the narrow rocky gorge.
Progress was rather slow, partly because of the size of the party and partly because there were a fair number of beginners with us who needed a helping hand over some of the difficult parts. A stop was made for lunch, near to (John Track) Well, for about half an hour. The weather had improved by this time and we seemed well set for a pleasant day.
- Hits: 1658
Red Brook
The route planned was from Hayfield to Nab Brow, down Horrible Hill, over the few fields and up Kinder River to the junction of Red Brook, which was to be followed to the ‘edge'. From here it was proposed to steer to the 2,088 ft spot height, then alter course to join Kinder Brook and follow this to the Downfall. The intention was to descend the Downfall and then follow the river to the Reservoir, and so back to Hayfield.
There had been a good intention to check on footwear and clothing at Marple, and Tosh did, in fact, report several cases of unsuitable footwear, in particular one lass wearing completely treadless light-weight ‘Russian' boots. In the rush of getting tickets for the large party, the inspection was not carried out at Marple.
- Hits: 1590
Edale to Hayfield
After a stop in the shop at Edale we moved off up the gulley to cross the fields toward the landslide and into the Crowden valley. Mr and Mrs Graves were ahead of us for the first part to the landslide - they were going to Hayfield via Jacobs Ladder with their two girls. We did not overtake them, but from the landslide path could see them heading across the meadows towards Upper Booth.
Followed the path up the Crowden Brook until we reached the rocky part from where we scrambled up the rocks as far as the waterfall where we halted for lunch, sheltered from the cold wind. Again we were suffering from those few over confident people always keen to show the leader the way. Must note a few names and threaten them with the ‘bar'.
- Hits: 1521
Millers Dale to Buxton
After many months a return was made to the limestone country. The route chosen this day was from Miller's Dale, through Chee Dale, crossing the A6 road into Dee Dale for a couple of miles, then up the side and by field paths to Buxton.
We arrived at Miller's Dale in good time and soon set off through Chee Dale; we noticed other school groups about, and it seemed that the majority did not know where to go.
- Hits: 1430
