Meet report 9-11th October 2026. With the promise of some fine, albeit windy weather on the cards, 15 Members made their way over to the village of Carlton in Cleveland, sitting to the north of the Cleveland Escarpment. With easy access to the North York Moors and possibilities for walking, climbing and cycling, the well appointed Watson Scout Centre is a firm favourite with the Club.

Arriving early pm on Friday, Steve and Wendy opened up the Centre before heading out to walk west on the Escarpment in blustery conditions, heading back through Swainby and Faceby villages as a heavy shower set in. Peter and Jennifer were also early to arrive, taking a shorter walk east to Cringle Moor and returning through farmland in time for a meal at the village pub with others. With time to spare on arrival, Mark opted for a short 30 km bike round, taking in the villages of Hutton Rudby, East Rounton and Ingleby Arncliffe. By 8pm all had arrived bar Nick, who was grateful for a lift from Northallerton, complete with suitcase full of food for some much anticipated catering! Speaking of anticipation, Mark spent Friday evening wondering if he had made the right decision to join the meet, with his daughter due to produce a grandchild at any moment…….on cue, footsteps were heard in the early hours as Mark headed off to complete his babysitting duties and welcome a new life into the world. Congratulations and best wishes to all Mark!

For Richard and Fliss, Saturday started very early as young Vincent decided that 5am was a good time to wake up. Unperturbed, remaining attendees slept well until more normal hours and with the suitcase now open, enjoyed a good breakfast. Sunshine was all around, but strong, cold winds were tearing across the moors, so a day of walking and cycling ensued.Steve, Wendy, Conrad and Mick opted for a Scugdale circuit, walking from the Centre and heading south from Lordstones to skirt Barker’s Crag, pass Scugdale Head and turn back west over Whorlton Moor then north to join the Cleveland Way. With numb fingers all were glad of the relative warmth at Cod Beck Reservoir before returning to the Centre via delightful paths and lanes, to include exploring the ruins of the medieval Whorlton Castle and ancient church with large graveyard. 

Michael, Helen, Richard, Fliss and Vincent crossed Cringle Moor and Broughton Bank before descending into Broughton and then Kirby, where Vincent revived his strength at the pub (er….with pasta…) before all returned to the Centre. Having heard Nick’s story of his help with a rescue in the mountains of Norway, Vincent tested Yorkshire’s rescue services by leaving the floppy eared ‘Carrot’ (please use your imagination) somewhere along the way. As stout volunteers, Michael and Fliss began the search and averted disaster by eventually finding the much loved companion, none the worse for their ordeal (Carrot, that is…).

Meanwhile Tim effected various unexpected repairs to his mountain bike, before taking on a clockwise 63 km circuit from the Centre, up Scugdale, across the Moors to Hawnby followed by a return leg along the Cleveland Way via the summit of Black Hambleton. After passing Cod Beck Reservoir Tim returned to the Centre, having enjoyed what he described as ‘fairytale paths through ancient beech and oak forest, miles of rolling gravel tracks across the moors and a rattling high speed descent from Black Hambleton’. Helped, no doubt, by a ‘restorative’ pint in Hawnby. Also on his bike, Harvey took a coffee at Lordstones before enjoying sunshine and views down the lane to Chop Gate then turning north for a ‘posh lunch’ (undisclosed location) and finishing back down at Swainby and a visit to the ruins of Whorlton Castle.

With more fairy tales on the agenda, Alan took a solo walk to the mysterious ‘pond’, the location of which was a closely guarded secret. Whatever was to be found at the scene, Alan returned a contented man, having clearly embraced a reflective moment. Great to see you again Alan.

Peter and Jennifer enjoyed a round of Urra Moor, starting and finishing at Chop Gate, battling the strong winds whilst visiting Round Hill and the Badger Stone and wisely avoiding Midge Hole, though on reflection, the midges were likely to be keeping out of the wind too. A herd of inquisitive cows spurred them along early on the circuit, almost catching the pair before they scrambled over a stile to avoid a confrontation. Nerves were calmed by a visit to Whorlton Castle and church on their return to the Centre.Nick took a solo walk, looking for the various prehistoric sites which dot the area, to include burial mounds, tumuli and ‘cup and ring’ stones. After viewing several sites, Nick descended to the Centre to open the suitcase once more and prepare the evening dinner.

Nick crafted a superb evening meal – a tofu & veg fajita feast which, well received, made the suitcase travelling all worthwhile. Steve and Wendy finished things off with an apple and blackberry crumble, after which Conrad gave a short informative presentation on plans for next year’s Iceland meet, which promises to be a great adventure in a stunning landscape.

Sunday was a lovely sunny day with a much reduced wind. After cleaning up, first away was Alan, parking at Lordstones, spending time searching for a local landmark with a personal connection, as well as enjoying the views and the cafe. Hot on his heels were the climbing team of Steve, Wendy and Nick. Rather than driving round into Scugdale, the trio also parked at Lordstones and made the pleasant 35 minute walk over to Scott Crag. Here an enjoyable day of climbing unfolded in perfect conditions. Michael and Richard joined shortly after, both completing a couple of climbs then moving on – Michael joining Helen for a picnic in the sunshine, before they tried, unsuccessfully, to find a way through the bracken at Thackdale then eventually gained the Cleveland Way and returned to Lordstones; Richard joining Fliss and Vincent down in the valley then heading off to meet up with friends before travelling home. Mid afternoon after a mysterious parking journey and hike across the moors, Provisional Member Eve and friend Devon joined for a couple of final climbs. Sad to leave such a peaceful spot but with Nick needing to catch a train, Steve, Wendy and Nick returned to Lordstones late afternoon, leaving Eve and Devon to enjoy the rest of the day. See below for climbs completed.

With things to do, Conrad reluctantly headed home as did Harvey, whilst Tim had a second day on his bike; this time a shorter circuit took him via Great Broughton, past the Ingleby Incline (a mile long tramway built to bring ironstone down from the quarries high above) and thus back to the Centre via Clay Bank.Mick joined Peter and Jennifer for a delightful round of Danby Rigg, parking in Castleton and enjoying perfect conditions with far reaching views. 

A very enjoyable meet for all, with special thanks to Nick for bringing all the food across by train and serving a real treat on Saturday evening. With 27 beds, we only filled half the spaces at the Watson Scout Centre and enjoyed a great weekend. Definitely worth another visit with the variety of activities on offer in this less frequented area of North Yorkshire.

Scugdale is a lovely peaceful valley and climbing is possible on both Scott and Barker’s Crags. Climbs completed on Sunday at Scott Crag:

Bop Route (S)

Zoot Route (VD**)

Hand Jive (VS)

Nook and Cranny (S*)

Highland Fling (Variation – via Nook and Cranny Direct Finish) (HS)

Highland Fling (E1)

The Vallum (S)

Little by Little (VD – Variation via Eliminate Wall finish – HVS)