Quayfoot Crackers

Wednesday May 31st

Northumberland was mooted as a potential option with Corby's on the list for another go at making some routes work at that venue.  However the Lakes weather looked much better, with nailed on sunshine all day and virtually no rain there for the last three weeks.  

So the window for one of this year's objectives was wide open. The plan slid effortlessly into place and a ten am departure from BW timed things just right for the Borrowdale sun to come round onto;

Quayfoot Buttress

After last year's Mandrake outing, the mission was to do a repeat of Aberration (climbed with BP June 2014), and a new route (for AT) Irony, a fairly natural follow on at HVS 5a.  A Big Day in the North!

Set out from Darlington in cold, grim and slightly damp conditions but once past Appleby it was wall to wall blue sky and perfect climbing weather.  First route of the day under way at 12.25.

Seemed sensible to fill the time before the sun came round with a sortie up the always shaded ramps and walls of the regular VDiff.  

Rock in great condition and a world of difference from the water dripping off the route back in April 2015 with NB and The Gman.

Seems like CB gets the 1000 mile stare

Meanwhile the spirit of JW remains on belay there ever since 15/9/2002

AT clipped in after the initial bold move at the start of Aberration P2

Fabulous position and setting

Great climbing across the slab with good holds and eventually good gear.

The finishing chimney is no pushover though.

BP back in 2014

CB weaving a way up P1-2 of Irony

For the record the route moves right at the first overhang (mid picture).  Some climbers are tempted left there.

Just saying.

CB helped AT struggle up to the belay with a load bearing rope

AT had got some sneaky beta on abseil and fancied the chances of leading the crux P3.

A peg protects(?) the tricky moves to the left and the pull up onto the headwall above.

Unfortunately  after several goes AT is unable to find a rabbit out of the hat and leaves it to CB to show the way.

Busy day from 2009 on the upper reaches of the crag.

CB on the Crypt (bottom left)

Climber on Aberration (centre left)

Climbers starting Irony P3 

(upper right)

L-R

Quayfoot Buttress

Aberration

Irony

In the pub by 17.50!

 

 Let it Bleed Post Script;

A little critter hitched a ride back and helped itself to a feed of blood from just below AT left knee.  Spotted on Friday early morning, went to DMH A&E.  Seen within 20 minutes by a young doctor who was expert in extricating the tick with specially shaped tweezers.  All completely removed and comprehensive oral and written information on what to watch for and any action to take if symptoms develop.  Fantastic service. Well done DMH!