Archive for June, 2021

Wainstones Evening

Friday, June 25th, 2021

We took advantage of a good forecast and late summer sunsets to make the longer drive up the A19 to the Wainstones on the north side of the moors. We were 8 by the time Jamie arrived.

For some of us it was the first time back on rock for quite some time, so took it steady and got back into the swing of things, with even the lower grades feeling tough on out-of-practice climbers. Some of this could have been down to some dubious grading in the variety of guidebooks old and new we had with us, or possibly the fact that at times we weren't exactly sure which routes we were on!

Anyway the sun stayed warm and there was just enough breeze to keep a full-on midge invasion at bay.  A few runners and walkers passed us on the Cleveland way as we enjoyed a pleasant evening ticking off some routes, capped off by a fantastic sunset. No idea who did what, although Jamie should get a special mention for persevering and figuring out the moves to get up Flake Wall and Crack (VD/HS/MVS/VS4b, depending which guide you consult) just as the light was beginning to fade and the evening cool down.

Great to be out enjoying an evening adventure again. 

some Wallpaper Simon found on the internet 🙂

pix © Simon Caldwell

Off our Trollers

Friday, June 18th, 2021

Mike, Marianne and I headed out on a grizzly morning with a promise of improving weather for a day of bolt clipping near Appletreewick in the Dales. We were not disappointed as the weather steadily improved

Trollers was already reasonably crowded when we arrived but importantly dry. Unfortunately midge nets were in evidence on many of the belayers on the harder routes. We climbed on the shorter easier right wall where there are a few 5 and 6as to keep us busy, swapping leads.

After Mike had onsighted a 6c we headed just around the corner to see if we could escape the midges at the 'Old Mans Wall' None of us had climbed there before but its more open and catches a bit more breeze meaning midge free.

We did a few 5s, 6as and 6b+ and cajoled Mikey onto a 7a, which of course he flashed. I foolishly suggested the route in the trees – which awoke the midges so after a quick ascent we ran away.

Trollers is by far the closest of the limestone crags being just beyond Bolton Abbey, about 40 miles away, free roadside parking in a beautiful valley, quite popular with walkers. Recommended outside midge season or if there is a good breeze.

Langdale Weekend

Thursday, June 17th, 2021
walkers on summit viewing hills
Bowfell summit

A group of us headed up to Greater Langdale for a camping weekend of cragging, biking, scrambling and walking. It felt great to be back in the hills after such a long, covid-enforced break, and we had accidentally picked a weekend of great weather. A whole bunch of people headed out on a big hill walk over Bowfell and various other peaks on Saturday, while others variously went scrambling up Dungeon Gill, attempted an enchainment of Langdale, and went cragging at Gimmer and Raven Crag.

Alan K Scrambling on Harrison Stickle
Alan K scrambling on Harrison Stickle
Jamie lead climbing route called Mendes VS at Ravens Crag
Jamie leading Mendes VS at Ravens Crag

Sunday started worryingly grey and damp, much to much to Jamies annoyance as he had arrived to catch us "for the better weather day" but all came good in the end, a small group started out early for a sociable valley walk while others went cragging again, to various parts of the Raven Crags, a wet scramble was had up Crinkle Gill and Gunson Knott, and the bikers went off for an ride.

All in all a really nice, sociable, covid safe weekend

Quick trip to the Cliff

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Richard on Low man

four of us made it to Almscliff last night in the first of hopefully weekly socially distanced evening meets outside. The sun was shining, as was the polish on the routes and it hasn't got any less steep in the last year!

Now we have very successful weekly walk events, the weekend camping the climbers are able to get together in small groups and enjoy the summer…