Ché, Andrew, Dave and Jim’s arrival in the Lake district coincided with that of ex hurricane Ophelia: as such the weather was a little on the inclement side. On Sunday we met at Kentmere church with the intention of walking the horseshoe ridge and claiming eight Wainwrights. Instead we opted to descend after completing Shipman Knott’s, Kentmere Pike and Harter Fell, due the bracing nature of the breeze, classic Lakeland views and conditions underfoot being somewhat damp. The highlight of the day was the sumptuous home cooked curry and accompaniments provided by Andrew at the YHA!!!!!
On the Monday, and with the attitude of not looking facts in the face (the weather report and what our own eyes were telling us) we set of for Langdale where Andrew and Jim were to climb and Ché and Dave to bag Wainwright’s. On driving up the valley the skies became reminiscent of those over Mordor before the fall of Sauron and a sense of impending doom fell over the party. A quick discussion about the end of days and a suggestion by Jim to change the name of the trip to the above – mainly so he can crack the joke ‘I love the smell of chalk in the morning’, led to a minor change in the plan involving gear shops, cafes, the M6/M1 and the Nottingham climbing wall.
On the Tuesday and accompanied by a strange yellow orb in the sky, we set off to the more traditional Bmscmc stomping grounds of Burbage North and Birchen in the Peak district. Andrew and Jim made a notable ascent of Mutiny Crack which also included the added joy of salvage!! A hungover Dave managed to a make a mod lead look desperate as he approached the top out. At Birchen the familiar names of routes ascended by Andrew and Jim; Camperdown crawl, Sail buttress, Top Sail and Barbettes buttress will no doubt evoke many sepia memories from most club members. A much-restored Dave, possibly owing to Hathersage retail therapy, made the ascent of the Promenade look like a casual walk at the beach. We then repaired to the Hemlock Pub for food, drinks and laughs.
Having ditched Ché, the serious climbing could now commence at Stanage on the Wednesday. Andrew, Dave and Jim were joined by James and the day saw notable ascents of April Crack, Christmas Crack, and the mighty Central Trinity.
