True Grit Durham Style

 Sunday 28th May

It's the Bank Holiday, travelling may be tricky, the regular venues will be well visited, and parking could be a problem. So the Lakes are let go, the Peak will be under pressure, and Northumberland a no-no.   

So time to think outside the box - CB comes up with a rarely visited Durham Esoterica out by the Pennine Way.  Has to be....

Goldsborough Carr!

A spirit of adventure was packed in the sack and was taken all the way up Teesdale to a quality Durham venue, there aren't many of those and this is one of them.  Providing you are a lightweight muscular immortal with a stack of mats below you.

The last time was a long time ago (31/03/1999) and it was well 'ard then only 2 routes done.

Pennine

Pan

O 

Rama

Toyed with the North side

Then let it be

The South Side features some enticing walls.

If only you can get up onto them

A solid step ladder would be a big help

6 Routes done across three walls

This is Thin Wall Buttress featuring the Classic Fiddlers Arete at HVS 5b

Maggie's Wall (S4a) and a variant by the arete at about the same grade

The undercut direct is HVS 5b

CB on Maggie's wall, steep at the grade and a nervy top out.  

As per all the routes at this venue

Here's two views of the classic Fiddler's Arete at HVS 5b

© Ian1001 UKC

©Tom Peckitt UKC

CB exits via the descent chute

And return via Pennine Way

Battle of the Bulges

 Thursday 18th May

Chance to conjure a day out before the trip down south, BP shuffles his deck and creates space to join in so it's three Busketeers versus the bulges and breaks of;

Brimham Rocks

Cubic block was first port of call, inevitably.  But three top ropes were already draped down and a fourth in progress.  

Managed to squeeze one route in before the Army boys arrived in force.

Maloja is conveniently located en-route to everywhere else.  So it always gets done.

Rude not to.

AT tries to put on a suitable show for the passing tourists.

Tested previous record of what gear goes where, with mixed results.

The yellow and orange friends make a good pairing to take care of the pleasant finish past the Cannon Hole.

Memo to self;

Don't leave gear on the top.

CB getting Appie.

This might be the alternative start at HS 5a

Would account for AT and BP starting from somewhere else.

Get's more amenable higher up.

BP in similar shape

One of several transitions to the next sector.

A feature of this venue. 

The Cracked Buttress is frequently passed by.

Not today.

CB on Parallel cracks at VS 4c

The finish is a gumption boiler

BP battling with yet another bulge

Attempting a route last done in 2000.

It's got a lot harder since then, and AT abandoned the attempt in favour of a wander back to Cubic Block

CB retrieved AT's new sling from its holiday at the top of Cannon Rock

AT solved Shorty's dilemma with some Binks Beta

BP breaking out on Old Corner 

HVD allegedly

More bulges and big breaks to finish a testing day out

Scugdale Sunday Social

 Sunday May 7th

Rain overnight but forecast for a sunny afternoon remained in place, so we kept the faith and pledged an oath of allegiance for an afternoon's homage to our local venue;

Scot Crags, Scugdale

AT, CB popped into the Rusty Bike for an early lunch and headed up to the crag for a 12.45 start.  Sun out, no wind, warm, what's happening!!??

BP arrives to join in on Nook and Cranny Direct

And follows up with a regal lead on Corner LH

AT makes the balance moves to join Corner RH

Good hand holds and pre-placed gear make for a stress free finish.

Woodpecker Wall and Romulus are added to the guest list,.

BP roams up Romulus

Here's AT wondering where the footholds are on Wolf Whistle

Another right royal cam goes in the break

Then CB follows

CB turns on the anti gravity

Two more great placements ready for a problematic finish with dusty footholds adding to the interest.

DYNA

MIC

BP gets on up

"Is that Colin Binks?"

BP enjoying some heavy petting

Showing fine form fit for a king to be sure.

Still have to put on a good show for the other parties arriving to make the most of todays conditions.

AT crowns the day off with another jewel of a route.

Seeing as it's Sunday the Black Horse Beer Garden is open for business.

Be rude not to stop by.