By few but Shepherds trod

The two week spell of fine weather was coming to an end.  Only one day left - Monday 28th March.  Fortunately NB back in the loop just in time to make the most of this end of month bonanza.  Hasty plans made on Sunday and away out west first thing next day.

Our one day mission, to explore new valleys, seek out new trails and crags, to find New Lands! To boldly climb beyond the beyond, beyond where no one has climbed beyond before.... well for maybe a couple of years......

NB on 3rd pitch

The route.  Double Slab, Vdiff in the guide but today's conditions more like Severe,





The last pitch was fairly straightforward although rather run out.

On belay at the top of the route

Kirk and Spock, walking out, route indicated

All the attributes of a Big Day in the North









Long walk, over 300m height gained, remote crag, airy lairy route, pub, late back.

How delicate the leafy vale


Walk in map and profile

That Yo Yo stuff

An up and down couple of weeks.  Sessions at Shepherds, trials by Twistleton, hard going at Harrogate, and finally sorted and solid at Upper Scout.  After the comeback at Brown Slabs on the Monday, had a good session with CB at Harrogate on Thursday.  NB out of the loop in deepest Devon.

Today's Go-To climber leading on Supreme White (S)

More to come.  On Friday pushed the MR2 out and tripped over to Twistleton with the Gman and BP, found myself well and truly spanked by some new routes in the bay right of the main wall.  Some seriously outdated gradings, couldn't start a Vdiff.  Then got three moves up a so called severe before the gibbers set in. Yo Yo stuff. Each time sent for the day's go-to climber (BP) who promptly popped up both routes, so we left most of the rest of the day's leads to him, although recovered a bit of warriorself on the last two routes.
Then Wed 23rd May saw us (AT,PMcG) out west at Upper and Lower Scout Crag - much more amenable!  Proper Vdiffs and a very enjoyable day.

High on Route 1, Upper Scout Crag

Peter composed at the crux of route 1.5

Routes on Upper Scout Crag.

Finished off with a route on Lower Scout Crag.  Marvellous.

If not now, when?

March 14th 2011
One year ago today it was a sunny day in St Foy, which started well but finished badly. (details here)  So a spectactular spring day in the Lakes was a fantastic way to mark that particular anniversary.  Perfect conditions for the first lead climb outside.  If not then, when?  Thanks to Mr Perry for the motivation.

If not now, when?

March 14th 2011
One year ago today it was a sunny day in St Foy, which started well but finished badly. (details here)  So a spectactular spring day in the Lakes was a fantastic way to mark that particular anniversary.  Perfect conditions for the first lead climb outside.  If not then, when?  Thanks to Mr Perry for the motivation.

My Big Sister

4th December 2010

Ron came up on 6th, went to see Phil and Helen 7th
Dad's birthday Friday 10th, P and H come to Winston for lunch
Vikki came to stay 12th - 14th
Final farewell Tuesday 13th,

90 is no age for a Thornaby woman

Nancy 90th Birthday, 9th March 2011

More pictures from the party on Saturday 5th here

Walthwaite rope lobbers

March 2nd

First day back at the crag since the St Foy incident.

Three new routes done -  all good 

Boing!

First walk of Spring

Elterwater and Little Langdale

Slater's Bridge


9.5km
1st March 2011