As we’ve said on the home page our members are active walkers, climbers, skiers and mountain-bikers, unfortunately they’re so active that they’re too busy to write anything authoritative for this page – so just look on it as a work in progress OK? We’ll get there eventually – honest!
However I can say that we do the following, without fear of contradiction:
Climbing
During the winter we climb during the evening weekly (see our Facebook page.) at several of the indoor walls in the area: Usually alternating between Sunderland Wall , Climb Newcastle and Newcastle Climbing Centre, but occasionally at Durham Climbing Centre. In summer we visit local crags throughout the area. Venues will be confirmed on monthly pub nights and on our members Facebook page. During the winter we usually climb between 7.30pm and 9.30pm after which it’s off to the local pub to sink a pint or two.
Mountain Biking
Our Mountain Bikers are out regularly throughout the year come rain or shine! Rides are a mixture of local evening and weekend bike rides including Hamsterley and Chopwell with special full day rides thrown in for a good measure at the pick of the national trails (7stanes mountain-biking, Whinlatter Forest Park).
We have weekly Saturday Mountain Bike rides;
- meet 7:30am outside Sainsbury’s n Newcastle Road, Cross Gate Moor, Durham DH1 4HX (aka Pot and Glass).
Other rides are arranged on an ad hoc basis, details will be confirmed on monthly pub nights and on our members Facebook page
The ride(s) will be determined on the day by numbers and experience. The rides will be suitable for beginners who are keen to ride off road / on single track and the more experienced who are looking to explore the local trails with a bit of friendly banter on the way.
Non members are welcome to come along for a ride, but we do ask that you join the club there after. All we ask is you let us know you will be coming along – please use the contact us page or drop in at our monthly pub night.
What do I need to bring?
– Yourself
– A fully serviced Mountain Bike
– Bike helmet (sorry but no helmet = no ride)
– Gloves – full finger if its cold – Suitable shoes and clothing for cycling such as trainers
– Waterproofs – if rain is forecast that you don’t mind getting muddy but not jeans.
– Spare jacket or fleece – you may get cold when we make stops
– Drink – (we mean water not alcohol!)
– Snack (chocolate!)
– Spare inner tube
What to expect?
– 2-3 hour bike ride
– Majority of route will be off road (single track if possible)
– Hill climbs range from 50m to 180m vertically.
– We ride as a group, so no one gets left behind.
– Finish at the Stonebridge/Cross Keys pub or the café at Hamsterley for refreshments
Walks and Scrambling
During the spring and summer we intend to organise local walks in and around Durham so that members can socialise without the need for too much organisation and expense; whereafter we’ll no doubt be retiring to the Tap and Spile for about 10.00pm.
At weekends, there’s more time to get to the finest walking areas of the Lakes, Northumberland & Dales etc. When and where, its up to you…..
Day Activities
Each month a lucky volunteer will organise a day activity for the rest for the club members. This could be anything from the traditional walk of bike ride through to the more ambitious activities like scrambling, surfing, high rope assault course or a BBQ! Details of up and coming activities are announced at the pub night and posted on our members Facebook page.