23-25 July 2023
Visit with Helen and Fuad in Devon en route to Plymouth for Spain trip.
Two great days re-connecting, catching up, and looking ahead.
Deer Park
(high lighted)
Deer Park near Newton Abbott
Bottom left
H & M
(not a shop!)
Lovely house and setting
Roaming the land
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15th June
It looked like it was a week off, but CB had a cancellation so got back in the game for a short session on the sun drenched walls at;
Scot Crags Scugdale
CB in a dazzling position early in the day on Razor Rib Direct.
Believe it or not this gets a mere VD, but truth is the camera does not lie in this shot.
Personally it rates a solid severe.
Finishing already holds filled with chalk
Someone is having their version of a laugh.
Later on AT led Tooth and Nail (HS4c)
(second on this pic from a while back)
The big block to the right of CB now resides at the bottom of the crag owing to recent moronism.
Here it is at the foot of the route
Plenty of other lesser blocks have been uprooted and lobbed off.
UKC reports are here
CB had to be back early, so the pub was open as we passed by.
On a hot day the heat has to be offset somehow....
Image sent to Vogue
Wednesday June 7th
Great conditions continue to prevail out west, whilst east of the Pennines the North Sea maintains its malign influence on the local meteorology. Wondered if Corby's might move back to the top of the list, but the promise of a full day's sunshine swung it so we were back at Borrowdale to select some starred routes at;
Shepherd's Crag
Depart 08.30 for a 10.05 arrival at Kettlewell car park. Just one party setting off up Adam and by 10.50 AT all geared up to head up P1-2 of the classic Little Chamonix. Need to hold it together for about 8 metres on polished holds then the route simply swallows gear.
The start to Adam is pretty poky so we pressed on.
Brown Slab Scoop
CB starting the final run out section, of which there are three on this route.
The start. The middle. And the end.
There is gear, just enough once past the tree and above the moss.
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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
