Club History
Before the 1950s few members had the time or the funds needed for travel abroad. Despite this some members were active in the Alps and farther afield. First ascents were recorded in the Caucasus, on Lhonak Peak in the Sikkim Himalaya and in the Lofoten Islands.
Activities were greatly curtailed during the Second World War. Walks and climbing meets became local to the Peak District. Pent-up enthusiasm broke out as restrictions were lifted after 1945. P.R.J.Harding , and others, led first ascents on gritstone and Trilon on Carreg Wastad to mark the opening of the Club's new hut, Beudy Mawr in the Llanberis Pass. Ken Davidson arrived in Langdale for a week's hard climbing - straight from demob wearing his demob suit.
The Club's Golden Jubilee in 1952 was marked by a new long-distance walk linking the two highest pubs in England, the Tan Hill and Cat and Fiddle Inns. The 120 miles over the highest ground between them was covered in 54 hours. It is still repeated from time to time - but so far no "double" has been recorded.
Longish walks have remained popular and well-attended. The first "Scottish Fours" - linking all the highest Munros from Ben Nevis to Cairngorm entirely on foot - was first accomplished in 1954. The Colne - Rowsley walk - a favourite - was given a winter crossing in difficult conditions. The Barmouth - Aber was instituted in 1959 and felt to be exacting but became overshadowed by the Welsh Horseshoe: a four-day three-night affair covering the Welsh Threes, Rhinogs, Cader Idris, Arans and Berwyns. The Marsden - Edale is the traditional start to each New Year, usually with a large attendance. A smaller group start from Edale and do a double, and two members once showed their brawn by completing a "double double".