On Sunday Dave W, Mike Shaw and myself headed to Eastby. Rather a poor turn out given to gorgeous weather, but this may have had something to do with Dave's email getting caught by most people spam filters.
I arrived a little late to find Mike, having warmed up on Eastby Buttress (VD ***), heroically retreating off Whaup Edge (VS 4b **) with some pathetic excuse about bold, unprotected moves above a 10m ground fall. We opted instead for Index Variation (VS 5a **), possibly the only time I've bridged up the middle of a slab. Dave followed this up with Knuckle slab (VS 4c **) – more lovely slab wandering – and I couldn't resist the 3 star classic Nose Climb (S (4a).
Feeling the need to redeem himself, Mike took on the super thugish Block Buttress (HVS 5a **) which provided much entertainment for climbers and spectators alike.
Dave followed up with the very pleasant (soft) VS 4c *** Pillar Rib, which provided a convenient top rope for Mike and I to play on Pillar Front (E2 5b **). The moves all went OK (though consistently challenging) but would be an extremely serious lead. I finished of the day with Heather Face (MVS 4c *). Not a very appealing line, though some nice moves, particularly the top. By this point (4.30pm), the sun was setting and the temperature dropping so we called it a day and went our separate ways. All-in-all, a cracking days climbing, and I even made it home in time for the fireworks in Reeth.