A waiting list has been set up for this meet. If places become available then those from the waiting list can be added and they can reimbourse those that have dropped out directly.

Cogne – One of the World’s Best Ice Climbing Venues

Located in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park in northern Italy, Cogne offers easy access to dozens of single- and multi-pitch routes across all grades, with generally reliable ice conditions and stable weather.

This meet is suitable for both experienced climbers and those with at least some prior ice or technical winter climbing experience. Ideally, participants will have completed an introductory course with a qualified guide.

That said, climbers will get much more out of the trip if they’re comfortable leading multi-pitch trad routes and have general winter mountaineering experience.

Beyond the ice climbing, the area also offers excellent opportunities for skiing—piste, cross-country, and ski mountaineering.

Some of us may also attempt a summit between 3,000–4,000 metres, which would involve an overnight stay in a winter room of a mountain refuge. These are unmanned but provide shelter, beds, and blankets—offering refuge from snow and wind. This will suit those with winter mountaineering experience and familiarity with snowshoeing or skiing. Possible objectives include:
- Gran Paradiso (4,061m)
- Gran Serra (3,552m)
- Punta Rossa della Grivola (3,630m)

Accommodation
The club has booked 18 spaces at Residence Château Royal, https://www.residencechateauroyal.com/en, located in the centre of Cogne. We’ll be staying in four apartments: three for four people each and one larger flat for six.
Cost: £275 per person for 8 nights.
Accommodation will be allocated in order of booking. Members are welcome to swap among themselves afterwards. Full payment is required on sign-up and accommodation fees are non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your place, you're welcome to try and find someone to replace you (or if the meet fills up, there may be a waiting list to draw from).

Travel
Fly to Turin or Milan, then hire a car to reach Cogne.

Guidebook
Cogne Selected Climbs – Oxford Alpine Club.

More Info
For a detailed overview of ice climbing in the area, check out:
UKC article – Cogne: Icefall Climbing in the Italian Alps

Coordination
To help you find a climbing partner, share a rental car, and give an overview of everyone’s plans, I will circulate to the attendees a spreadsheet to fill in your itinerary, realistic ice climbing level, and any other relevant info.

Zoom Call – December
I’d also like to propose a Zoom call in December to go over plans, answer any questions, and give everyone a chance to connect before the trip.

A meet at our club hut in Eryri. The weather in February may be unpredictable but there’s always a chance of cloudless winter conditions - or the chance to battle the elements. All welcome.

On the Saturday evening, there is a lecture at nearby Plas Y Brenin: ‘One Day as a Tiger’ by John Porter, celebrating his friend Alex MacIntyre who the PYB national hut near Glencoe commemorates.

https://thebmc.co.uk/en/online-talk-alex-macintyre-and-the-birth-of-light-and-fast-alpinism-with-john-porter

A week of winter climbing and winter walking in the Cairngorms.

We’ll be staying at the Aviemore Youth Hostel which is warm, clean and spacious and arguably has the best drying room in the UK!

Winter Climbing
The Cairngorms, and in particular the Northern Corries, are a Scottish winter climbing Mecca with some of the most reliable winter conditions in the Highlands. The venue is ideal for novices and seasoned climbers alike with many classic routes across all grades.

Winter Walking
The Cairngorms boast many excellent winter walks and are home to 55 Munroes and numerous bothies.

Accommodation and booking
We’ll be staying at the Aviemore Youth Hostel https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/aviemore/
As well as booking onto the meet we ask participants to book themselves a bed in a dorm room at the hostel. They can do this either online at the website above, or by calling 01479 810345.
We’ve agreed with the hostel that they’ll try and put LMC members in the same rooms so please mention that you’re with the LMC if you book by phone. If you book online, follow this up with an email to aviemore@hostellingscotland.org.uk mentioning that you’re with the LMC.
Please book early to avoid disappointment as the hostel does book up in the winter, especially on weekends. Booking via a 3rd party website is not recommended as this will make it more difficult for the hostel to keep the group together.
At the time of writing a bed in a dorm room at the hostel was £26.00 per night for weeknights and £28.00 for weekend nights.

Cancellation
The cancelation terms for people booking individually, directly with the hostel, are very generous and are the main reason we’re asking people to self-book their accommodation. Participants can cancel independently up until 12 noon on the day before they’re due to arrive and receive a 90% refund. This could be for any reason including if participants feel the weather or snow conditions are likely to make winter climbing/walking impossible.

Travel
Aviemore is roughly a 10 hour drive from London, but having a car on the meet is not strictly necessary as much of the winter climbing and walking can be accessed by public transport, short taxi rides, and even hitch hiking!
The Caledonian Sleeper operates a direct service from London Euston to Aviemore and seats are very reasonable (especially if bought in pairs with a two together railcard).
There are also direct day trains from London.

Prerequisites
The cairngorms are a great venue for winter climbers and walkers of all levels, including novices. But we recommend that anyone that’s completely new to either of these activities do a course beforehand to familiarise themselves with the winter specific skills they need. A weekend course in the Cairngorms or Western Highlands should be sufficient. For winter climbing, summer trad climbing is also a very helpful (arguably essential) grounding.

Guidebooks
Winter Climbing – Scottish Winter Climbs (SMC)
Winter Walking - The Cairngorms & North-East Scotland (SMC) or https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ is pretty comprehensive and free.

MEET CANCELLED DUE TO LOW DEMAND

5 Nights at the CIC hut situated at the foot of the North Face of Ben Nevis. The UK's premier winter climbing crag and home to a huge range of routes including many classics!

For anyone who did the Champagne Challenge and was thinking while at it, ‘Why the hell am I doing it? here comes the next chapter; The Hot Chocolate Challenge (HCC).

Based on the Champagne Challenge route, clockwise or counterclockwise from Fronwydyr hut the route is around 55k with a 5,000m elevation.

Subject to the ground, snow, wind, and general weather conditions in March, I estimate 25-30 hours to complete the route. Any finisher will receive a cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.
I tried to portray a realistic picture of what can be fun but also gruesome at times...

Gear - will see closer to the date, subject to weather, if full winter gear is required

7 spaces booked by the Somerset Levellers

All 16 spaces booked by LMC members and guests.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU SELECT THE CORRECT PAYMENT OPTION WHEN YOU BOOK ON DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU WANT TO STAY IN A CARAVAN OR CAMP.

Our annual meet at the Kelynack campsite with the affable Francis. Twinkling granite in the sunshine above a turquoise ocean, climbs steeped in history and stature, clifftop paths and white sand beaches, Cornish pasties, palm trees, and maybe the occasional pirate.

12 spaces booked accross 2 caravans (£74 per place) and unlimited camping as usual.

To stay in a caravan, please select this option when you book and payment will be taken by DD or Paypal. You'll need to already have a DD set up if you want to pay by this option.

To camp, please select the £0 payment option and pay at the site during the trip.

A meet at our club hut in Eryri

Sport Climbing trip to Manikia in Greece.

This is a return to Manikia following the first club meet there in October 2023. Manikia is a relatively new climbing area that has opened up in just the last few years. Only two hours drive from Athens, the area offers over 350 sport routes as well as trails for hiking and mountain biking. It was the location for the Petzl climbing team annual RocTrip back in 2022, and Steve McClure apparently raved about it when he spoke at one of our socials (but unfortunately, I wasn’t there — we were in Manikia).

On our fist visit we found the routes to be excellent — plenty of them in the grades common to most club members (5c, 6a, 6b) and all un-polished (the benefit of the area being new and less over-exposed than places like Kalymnos and Leonidio). There are also some 6a/6b multi-pitch routes which felt properly adventurous. The approaches were all well-maintained and clearly signed, so it was easy finding a selected crag.

There is a well-written guide book to the area produced by the Manikia Project — a collective of climbers that have established the area and put up the routes — see the link below.

The introduction of outdoor sports and recreation has been a big boost to the local economy and the area now offers a number of restaurants and lovely properties to stay in, plus a couple of very picturesque campsites. There are also at least five beaches near the area, so when we went last time, we finished off each day with a dip in the sea (though the Spring water temperatures may be a bit chillier than when we were there).

Accommodation: I have three potential properties shortlisted and will choose depending on the number of people that sign up. I plan on booking by the first week of January. Depending on numbers, and which property I book, expect the cost per night to be between £25–£35 per person (the top end price includes place with a swimming pool). There is a £100 deposit to secure your place and the accommodation reservation. Once the accommodation is confirmed you will be required to pay the remainder due before the trip.

Flights: London to Athens for the dates of the meet are currently less than £90 return with easyJet.

To learn more about Manikia, visit the Mankia Project at https://manikia.com/climbing or https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/destinations/manikia_-_the_next_international_climbing_destination_in_greece-15409

Bank holiday climbing on the sea cliffs of the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast — finest limestone in the country.

Pembroke is an excellent destination for climbers of all skill levels, and offers a good opportunity to those looking to develop their skills or just get back to form.

For those new to Pembroke, there is a good introduction to the area on UKC — https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/destinations/beginners_pembroke-10261.

Campsite TBC

A weekend trip to this popular (and easy to get to from London) climbing area that offers some fine limestone trad & sports climbing venues.

Camping at Beeches Farm campsite which is near to most of the crags and one of very few campsites that allows bonfires. A BBQ is customary on the Saturday night.

Details of the campsite can be found at www.beechesfarmcampsite.co.uk

The area also offers some great walks and opportunities to explore Offa's Dyke, which borders the campsite, and the ancient Forest of Dean.

The camping fee of £XXXX for the weekend is required on sign up. Unfortunately, since the campsite doesn't offer refunds for cancellation, nor can we. If you need to pull out for any reason, you're welcome to try and find someone to take your place and reimburse you the money.

Staying at our club hut in Eryri which has 16 spaces and we've also booked 12 spaces at the Vagabonds' Mountaineering Club hut 2 mins walk up the road.

The first 16 people to sign up will be in Fronwydyr, the rest in the Vagabonds' hut.

The Vagabonds hut has alpine style sleeping platforms, a living room, and well equipped kitchen and bathroom

There'll be plenty of BBQs and charcoal at Fronwydyr for everyone to use ( including the honorary Vagabonds! ). Just bring some food to cook and whatever you want to drink.

Hut fees can be paid after the meet in the following ways:
Fronwydyr - via the payments page on the LMC website.
Vagabonds hut (£10 pppn) - via bank transfer to the Vagabonds club account. Details are in the sign-in book in their hut.

The Misty Isle beckons for another LMC adventure, our 3rd in a row.

The first 9 beds reserved are now gone, so participants will now have to reserve their own bed at the hostel or find alternative accommodation. There’s also the Glenbrittle Memorial Hut a minute’s drive away, and the Glenbrittle campsite at the end of the valley. Just remember your midge nets!

The youth hostel is well situated with a beach and the famous Fairy Pools nearby, and has parking and a drying room on site.

There will be opportunities for walking into famous sites such as Corrie Lagan, as well as fantastic climbs on the Cioch as well as the Cuillin Ridge itself.

Cost of accommodation is £28 pppn. The full cost (£168) is payable on sign up.

Book early to avoid disappointment - and don’t forget your midge nets!

CANCELLATION TERMS

Although the hostel does offer refunds for individual bookings as long as cancelled 24h or more before arrival, due to the charge this incurs, we strongly recommend finding someone to take your place on the meet instead.

A meet at our club hut in Eryri

Our annual endurance challenge at Fronwydyr. Returning for its 31st year!

Start and finish from the hut, climbing all 14 peaks over 3,000ft in North Wales. It is a monster day out, but there should be plenty of daylight. The moon phase in Wales will be a Waxing Crescent. Complete the challenge in under 15 hours, and you'll get a bottle of champers.

A successful Champagne Challenge also requires team support to rescue the exhausted. Anyone interested in assisting, please let the meet steward know.

Fingers crossed for good weather and maximum daylight during the longest day of the year.

Some insights on the challenge can be viewed here.

The spiritual home of European mountaineering needs no introduction. More high quality alpine routes than arguably any other climbing venue in the world.

We're going early in the summer season in the hope of beating the crowds and catching the snow before it melts. But if it's already too warm for the mixed/snow/ice routes then there's still a lifetime's worth of alpine rock, sport climbing and hiking to fall back on.

Accomodation:
Camping at Les Marmottes
https://camping-lesmarmottes.com/
It also has chalets to rent for those that want a more permaent roof over their heads.
Booking well in advance is not recommended, to allow flexibility in the event of bad weather - see below.
If the campsite is full at the time of the meet we'll go to another of the ones in Chamonix.
Particiapants will be expected to book their own pitches shortly before the meet.

Weather
If the forecast is too wet, the plan is to head elsewhere - e.g. Saas or Ecrins. We could also change the location during the meet if the weather deteriorates.

Travel
It's possible to drive to Chamonix in a day from London.
Those wanting to fly are advised to book a flight to Geneva which is well situated for getting to Chamonix, but also many other destinations in the Alps (hiring a car from there may be required)
If we do end up in Chamonix then there's good public transport links between there and Geneva airport, and in the valley itself, so hiring a car is not necessary. But it is useful and can be as cost effective as paying for transfers.

Meet duration
The full meet is 2 weeks but participants are welcome to come for as long as they want.

Guidebooks
Rockfax - Chamonix (paper and app version)

Info
https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/destinations/chamonix_classic_alpinism_the_best_alpine_routes_at_add-15473
https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/destinations/best_of_chamonix_granite_up_to_6b-15375

Now in its 19th year!

Started by Ralph Hale back in 2008, the Gritstone Gallop follows in the great tradition of the Rock and Ice Club who apparently used this event for their pre-Alpine training, in days of yore.

The 'Gallop' is about 12-14 miles in length, and is done entirely on foot (and hands!). It starts in the High Neb area of Stanage in the Peak District and ends at Birchens Edge, a route is climbed on every edge/crag on the way - 12 in total!

The full Gallop is a long day, finishing up in the Robin Hood Inn near Birchen and the Heathy Lea hut. But you're welcome to cut it short as you wish.

If you plan on doing the whole thing and getting to the Robin Hood in time for dinner then an early start is recommended as the chef definintely doesn't like working late!

Your grade for the 'Gallop' is the lowest grade you climb in the day, and the more crags you climb, the more beers you are allowed in the Robin Hood Inn.... if you make it before closing time!

Accomodation

8 spaces booked in the R O Downes Hut (Climbers' Club), Froggatt.

Payment

Hut fees - £30 payable on sign up.

Cancellation policy

The Climbers' Club don't offer refunds on cancellation, so unfortunately nor can we for this meet. But if you need to cancel, you're welcome to try and find someone to take your place and reimbourse you directly.

Full Gallop crag list

Stanage - High Neb
Stanage - Plantation
Stanage - Popular
Burbage North
Burbage South
Millstone
Lawrencefield
Frogatt
Curbar
Baslow
Gardoms
Birchen

Staying at the Alpine Club's George Starkey Hut in Patterdale, at the foot of Helvellyn.

22 bunks booked for Friday 28th to Monday 31st August

£21 per person per night.

Bookings are non-refundable, but if you need to drop out you're welcome to find someone else to take your place and reimburse you the hut fees directly.

Participants are welcome to stay an extra day or so either side of the meet if they want. Please let the meet steward know if you do this and we can arrange an additional payment to the Alpine Club for any extra nights.

Activities: Climbing, Scrambling, Bouldering, Hiking, Swimming,

Guidebooks:

Trad: Rockfax - Lake District Climbs
Sport: Rockfax - Northern Limestone

Travel Notes: Possible to take a direct train from London Euston to Penrith. It takes 3 to 4 hours one way depending on the service.

A Whatsapp group for the meet will be added to the LMC Whatsapp Community in due course so that participants can add themselves. We can't add a link here for data security reasons.

Leeds MC have booked 10 spaces in the hut.

Leeds MC have booked 10 spaces in the hut.

Chance to sharpen your map reading and navigation skills - both by day and night. Suitable for novice navigators and wizard-like wanderers. This year with new helpers - and new ideas!

We will to focus on using maps, and then go out on the hill to practice navigation. We will all make use of traditional navigation (using a compass, the map and looking around!), and also discuss use of GPS-based devices.

Bookings open on 1 September, and will be limited to ten participants. We will organise a communal meal on the Saturday night (I'll be looking for a volunteer co-ordinator). The meet fees include an extra amount to pay for the communal meal.

Returning to Calpe again for the fourth year and staying at the ever-popular Villa Perles that we stayed at in 2023 and 2024.

There is plenty of climbing at all grades.

Celebrate Guy Fawkes night at the club hut in Eryri.

A Whatsapp group for the meet will be added to the LMC Whatsapp Community so that participants can add themselves. A link to it cannot be added here for data security reasons.

Details TBC

The Anti Atlas region of Morocco is a heaven for adventure climbing and hill walking. With over 2000 routes there is something for everyone.
Climbing is almost all trad with plenty of routes at all grades.

For trekkers, the summit of Jebel el Kest 2,375m offers views to the snowy peaks of the Atlas mountains to the North, Altantic Ocean to the West and Sahara Desert to the South.

Staying at the lovingly restored fourteenth century castle - Kasbah Tizourgane on a half board basis (bed/breakfast/dinner) located in the hills about 1.5hr drive from Agadir.

This meet it best suited to experienced winter climbers.

5 Nights at the CIC hut situated at the foot of the North Face of Ben Nevis. The UK's premier winter climbing crag and home to a huge range of routes including many classics!

The hut is booked from the Sunday to the Friday morning so it's recommended to travel up on the Saturday (15th Feb) and then use Sunday to walk up to the hut with food and gear for the week and ideally do a climb that day as well

The CIC hut is basic. It has a kitchen, toilets, running water and drying room, but no shower. For details on facilities, and the hut more generally, see https://www.smc.org.uk/huts/cic.

All gear and food needs to be taken up on foot from the Ben Nevis North Face Car Park which takes around 2hrs 30 mins and is a real slog. But once you're there, there are relatively short walk-ins to all the climbs on the North Face.

Late Feb is slightly earlier that previous years, however the hut is in high demand and already booked out. This time of year is typically a good time for ice routes on Ben Nevis so you're likely to get more out of this meet if you're happy on this surface and can climb at least Scottish grade III. This meet is not recommended for those that favour winter walking as options for that activity are very limited.

The cost of a bed in the hut is £28 p.p.p.n. The full cost of £140 is payable on sign up. Unfortunately due to high demand for the CIC hut in the winter season the Scottish Mountaineering Club cannot offer refunds in the event of cancellation. If you need to cancel your place then please let the meet steward know asap. They can help find someone else to take your place (who will transfer you the money), though replacements aren't guaranteed and you will be liable for the costs if replacements can't be found.

Guidebook: Scottish Winter Climbs - SMC (available in paperback or to download on the Rockfax app)

Scottish Winter Climbs West - Scottish Mountaineering Club

Travel to Ben Nevis: The drive is about 10 hours from London and can easily be done in a day.

Please reach out to the meet steward (Will Osborn) if you have any questions prior to signing up.