About us
The volunteers who run the club.
President
I have been a member since 2021 which I found to be a great way to meet like minded people who just want to get out there whether that be climbing or walking in the peak. Or mountaineering somewhere further away.
The north face of Ben Nevis the choice from, relatively, easy to massive epics I find quite inspiring.
Walks Coordinator
Joined DMC in 2024
"Close to an edge or down by a river."
Hut secretary
Joined DMC in 2023 after moving to Matlock on retirement.
The Dolomites: steep warm rock, sunny climate, excellent food.
Prospective Member Concierge
I joined the DMC in July 2022 when I moved back to the UK and it’s been such a warm and grounding connection to this area ever since. I love the fact that everyone is so different and always up to something!
Bosigran, Cornwall, just because I have such happy memories of climbing there with the club and with my partner. After attempting and having to abort Commando Ridge three times on the first trip, I finally did it with my partner a year later. There’s nothing quite like being next to the sea.
Talks Coordinator
Greg didn’t start climbing until he was in his 40s but is making up for it now. He loves climbing (mainly trad), walking and generally being out in a mountain environment.
Favourite Crag: Wildcat at Matlock Bath. 'It has a unique setting and is the best limestone around ... but also what a great name for a natural crag.'
Favourite climb: The Old Man of Stoer (North of Lochinver,
Scotland). 'It was such an adventure to get there and has such an atmosphere about it.'
Favourite Gear: 'I guess my cams the engineering is beautiful and they’re invaluable on some climbs.'
Favourite book: Mountains of the Mind by Robert Macfarlane - 'a
fascinating analysis of our changing attitudes to mountains.'
Membership Secretary
I love spending time outdoors, whatever the weather, climbing, running, biking or swimming. I am a qualified Mountain Leader and work as a Ranger with Peak District National Park Authority with a specific role in creating opportunities and improving access to the National Park for diverse audiences.
Best day out: walking up Glen Rosa on Arran to climb Sou’ Wester Slabs
Favourite walk: Anoach Eagach ridge, Glencoe
Favourite gear: Alpkit Soloist tent
Favourite book: Learning to Breath – Andy Cave or Waterlog Roger Deakin
Climbing Meet Secretary
Alex is really passionate about climbing and having great days out. He currently work as a rock climbing instructor and route setter at an indoor wall. When Alex isn't climbing he enjoys walking his dog and spending time with his family.
Best day out: Hanging out on sea cliffs or big mountain days
Favourite gear: A worn in pair of rock shoes
Favourite climb: Cemetery Gates
Favourite mountain literature: Hard Rock
Web Admin
I have been climbing with DMC since 2022, becoming a parent made it tricky to commit to plans and joining a club was a great way to know I could rock up and climb with someone - but if my son kept us awake all night then I wasn't letting anyone down when I couldn't show up - luckily those nights are far behind us now but I still find climbing with a club a great experience.
Absolutely Pembroke, there are multiple lifetimes of climbing to be done and the soft grades are welcome for the ego which often takes some a harsh battering from Peak gritstone!
Member without portfolio
I was entirely an indoor climber before joining the DMC in 2024. Joining the club was a great way to progress into outdoor climbing and meet some seriously strong climbers. There are people who want to push their grade and others who are just happy to be out enjoying the day. I do enjoy the odd sufferfest, but a summer’s evening on an easy route in the Peak is hard to beat.
North Wales. There’s something for everyone. My first scramble was the North Ridge of Tryfan, and since then I’ve always gravitated back to the Ogwen Valley.
Member without portfolio
Bill is a Jack (literally as used to have Hydraulic Jacking Co) of all trades, i.e. Climbing, caving, road/mountain biking, ski touring/mountaineering, and outdoor swimming but master of none.
Best day out: Ski touring to Castleguard cave below the Saskatchewan glacier in the Columbian icefield Canadian Rockies
Best climb: Satan's Slip on devils Slide Lundy
Favourite gear: Descending rack
Favourite book: My life by Anderl Heckmair
