York Alpine Club Blog

Sunday 2nd August, me, simon C, Kirk, Skenders, Ewan and Dave P all headed off to the delights of Crookrise. After some initial skirmishes on End Slab we all went our seperate ways, meeting up every now and again on our favourites. Best entertainment was had by all on Buster, a mere Severe which requires the skills of a contortionist and then sneaks in a traditional gritstone sloper of a finish. Me and Simon also had a giggle on Slingsby Chimney, a three star HVD. I could see the light in simon's eyes as soon as he spotted this so didnt dare pass it by, sure enough the thing was a true off-width offwidth, too wide to be a squeeze chimney, too narrow to back and foot. So the traditional giggling, squirming, cursing experience it was, good value indeed. Simon to be fair had already paid his dues on Flake Wall, an alleged severe which turned out to be a thinly protected VS. Another sandbag was found with Simon's lead of Face Arete and Wall Climb – allegedly VD, but felt very thin indeed, unless we were off route. Meanwhile Skenders and Kirk tried the cats whiskers, somehow managing to miss out the crux, and Crookrise Crack, a two star VS, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed The Long Climb, a straightforward and enjoyable VS. Then yet more cursing ensued as I sandbagged myself onto The Forager. VS 4c, how hard could it be? I found out as I swore sweated and gasped my way through the crux traverse, to the amusement of all. Lots of other routes done, wont list them all, but a very enjoyable and fun day despite some occasionaly wacky grades.