Saturday: Everyone made an early start to make the most of it before the impending rain arrived, leaving Margaret S. somewhat surprised to arrive and find nobody still loitering around at the campsite. Therefore also missing Andrew having his tent shaken in an attempt to obtain the campsite fees from him. Margaret went up Bow Fell. Per, Rich, Simon and Carmen walked to Esk Buttress. The latter climbed Bridge’s Route a classic multi-pitch HS with an airy traverse, finishing just as the promised rain arrived. In contrast, Rich and Per embarked on the hardest pitches of their E2 in the rain – which meant that they arrived somewhat late in the pub. Gordon & Peter went to Wallabarrow for a couple of routes (not sure which) and after abandoning in the wet headed off to examine Gate Crag. Andrew & Karen went to do a scramble on Esk Buttress nr Thor’s cave – but abandoned due to the slippery rock. Gordon P. and Margaret had gone to look at some stone circles on the fell above the campsite. Once the rain started it carried on pretty relentlessly until Sunday morning. We returned from the pub to find a tree blocking the road through the campsite, which had narrowly missed a car and tent.

Sunday: It was good to have a lie in, encouraged by the heavy patter on the tent. The forecast was for rain all day – which was sufficient info to put off any ambitious plans. That is except for Per & Rich who set off to do Napes Needle in the afternoon. Peter & Andrew were spotted pushing their bikes toward Ravenglass – apparently they did mount them at some point and even went for a cycle in the sea (as you do). Gordon T., Margaret S., Simon, Carmen & Karen went for a circuitous walk through Eskdale and then Karen went on a navigation exercise on her own (so she can train and help Andrew out in the future), whilst the rest of us headed through Mitterdale Forest and along Illgill Head (above Wasdale Screes) and back to the site. Gordon P. & Margaret went to Muncaster Fell.

Monday: Per, Rich, Simon & Carmen went to Wallabarrow in the hope that it would remain dry – it didn’t. However, undeterred, we climbed in the pouring rain – with water running down the rocks. Rich & Per did the first pitch of Digitation – MVS, whilst Simon & Carmen did all 4 pitches of Wall and Corner – VD. Gordon T., Peter, & Margaret went to Great Gable and Kirk Fell. Andrew & Karen headed off to the Newlands Valley to check out the campsite for later in the year.