Stoney Middleton

September 26th, 2010 by Simon C

Just a brief report, as the trip was 3 months ago so my memory is hazy!

This was a new hut for the club, in the village of Stoney Middleton, just up the road from the famous limestone crag.

On Saturday, Carmen and I decided to make the most of the location, and walked to the local crag. For some strange reason we decided to warm up on Froth, a fine 2-pitch VS. Carmen led the first (4b), which the guidebook led us to believe was a polished horror. It actually turned out to have some fine climbing, with some nice bridging, laybacking, jamming and thrutching, well worth a star or two in its own right. I did the second pitch, a long 4c traverse, which I decided to make harder by faffing as much as possible, and going backward and forward enough time to ensure I was completely pumped before I eventually committed to the crux.

After this, Carmen led Asparagus (VS 4b) – again not as polished as expected, we might have gone off route near the top when we traversed right to avoid an unprotected vegetated crack. And we finished up with Glory Road, another VS 4b. I led the first pitch, a Diff-ish chimney, then Carmen led the steep and slightly shiny second pitch, luckily steep enough that it didn't get too wet when it started to rain.

Meanwhile, the others headed for Froggatt where all sorts of things were climbed, including Sunset Slab, Sunset Crack, Turret Crack, Trapeze, and Allen's Slab.

The next day, it rained.

Carmen and I went for some orienteering near Harborough Rocks, after which we went to explore Rainster Rocks (Brassington). Given the weather we left the climbing kit in the car, though in the event it was dry enough for some easy soloing and we could have done some harder things if we'd brought rock shoes!

The others went for a very wet walk in the Hope Valley, while Debra sensibly went home!

Carmen's and my photos here
Debra's photos here.

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