Despite thundery downpours throughout most of the day dogged optimism paid off and by 4pm it was sunny, though very blowy. Suprise surprise it was very windy indeed at almscliff – good points – the rock was dry – bad points – well, doesnt really need saying. Clare Kirk and Skenders made a beeline for High Man regardless, me and Ian didnt fancy the gale so hid at Low Man.
After a gentle warm up on the classic Fluted Columns (severe 4a, ians lead) we headed for Pram Pushers Paradise (VS 5a) – the line of this route has always been a mystery to me as its mentioned but not shown on the topos, but we managed to find someone to point it out. I'm glad we did – its a great little route with a belter of a finishing move, exposed and airy. It also has an excellent faff ledge, which I made full use of trying to work out where the finish actually went. We also had several "send a loop down" moments due to my over zealous attempts to rationalise my rack. Rope drag was an issue with just one rope – take doubles!
PPP done , and the wind having died down, we headed up to High Man where ian led bird's Nest Crack and enjoyed the jamming so much he almost headed past the swing right onto the chicken head and had to be sternly ordered back on route. Then back down to join the others who had now completed Central Climb (VS 4c, Kirks lead) , Zig Zag (HS 4c) and Zig Zag Direct (VS 4c, Kirks lead) and moved back to Low Man where Clare finished off with a twilight lead of Pinnacle Flake (severe 4a). The arrival of a solitary bat (presumably out in the belief that where it could see climbers there must be midges too ) announced we could now leave with honour, having made the most of the weather window in an otherwise dismal week.