Twistle Down the Wind

 April 20th

Solid forecast all week, strong sun offset by a gusty wind direct from Scandinavia.  So conditions a bit like last year's trip (almost to the day) to;

Twistleton Scar

Only this time the rays were powerful enough to compensate for the raw wind barrelling down the valley from Ribble head, and the foot of the crag was relatively sheltered and things warmed up as the day went on.  Found some expensive gear left behind at the foot of Priority.

Today's sports venue

CB 

Ready

As ever

NB makes guest appearance - cycling 32 miles to join in for a spot of lunch and a chat.

Not to mention witness some sensational climbing action!

CB tackles the bulging crux on Fretsaw (HVD)

Photo courtesy NB

CB finds a some gear before the hard bit on Supreme White (S4a).

Seems like all routes hereabouts feature some sort bulge on the way.

CB despatches the one on Priority Corner (S 4a)

AT follows in a fine position

Evening Star continues the S4a theme with a three star rating

Good gear all the way, care required to get it all well set, as is the case on most routes at this venue.

AT found the start on Twilight Wall (HS 4c) way too beefy on the lead.

CB had all the right moves though.  Shame AT couldn't copy them, never got off the ground.  At least it won't go down as a DNF...

Time for one more, a direct start on the very amenable Cold Feet (VD) making it more like Severe

The walk out features some great landscapes

Passing Ribble Head, just as a steam train crossing.

Fantastic.

Wensley

Stone walls

Moors 

Cliffs

Old Barns

Sheep

More sheep

Note.  CB only on Twilight Wall

L-R

Twilight Wall

Evening Star

Priority Corner

Supreme White

Fretsaw

Cold Feet Direct

Angel Delight

Released 20 April 1973 - 50 years ago today

LATEST

Gear claimed

2 Nearly new v large cams

1 belay plate

1 jacket

 

Rocking Out

 Monday April 3rd 2023

This said it all, and with a SSE breeze in the forecast, time to get the 2023 Rocky Horror Show out on the road.  Never much doubt about the optimum venue for a first time outing, with its peerless rock, inviting lines, and easy access, it's got to be;

Castle Rock of Triermain

AT all set to follow CB up the first route on the regular circuit.

The dazzling sun and azure sky disguise a perishing wind, but motivation remained high.

CB takes the direct finish on Lilith (HS)

Then AT opened this year's account with a steady lead up the corner in the shadow 

(Slab Climb HS4a)

On belay climb when ready!

Local team arrives.

Climber approaching the same point as CB above.

Then moves left to place gear 

 Before finishing up the left hand open scoop

Watched closely by partner on belay.

All very tidy.

RAF F-35 Lightnings gave us a wave

(not)

New bridge and gate

The old one was in a bad way

H&F rammed headed home via diversions past big stooshie on A66.

Beers at Briar!

Fountains Trip

 Sunday April 2nd

Spur of the moment ride out to make the most of surprising weather, only 45 minutes to the historic Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park.  

Plenty of people, families, kids, all breeds of dog!  10,000 step stroll and a pleasant lunch by the water.

Fountains Hall