Eskdale Meet.

Two weeks working in South Africa meant that I missed this meet based at Fisherground campsite so this post is based on reports from some of the attendees.
Christine, Nick, Paul and Jago attended and in the generally damp conditions they decided on Hare Crag on Saturday. This proved to be dry and provided a few climbs on the various tiers including Fireball XL5 (MVS), Jugged Hare (MVS), Slab Route (S) and Spiked Hare (E2 5c)

Sunday was wet so no climbing was done but apparently some cafes were visited.

Whernside

On bank holiday Sunday I joined Colin and Bev and the bank holiday crowds on Whernside for another recce for the three peaks.
The route up Whernside has changed since I last did the three peaks and now takes a long diversion north before gradually climbing up the north ridge to the summit. The new route is substantially longer but much easier going and passes a picturesque waterfall in Force Gyll.

Starting out.

The summit gave far reaching views from Morecambe Bay to the Lake District and Howgill Fells and in the other direction almost the full extent of the three peaks walk.
We continued down southwards from the summit before dropping down to Bruntscar farm where we left the three peaks route and headed back to Ribblehead via Gunnerfleet farm.  

Monsal Trail and Chee Dale

Jen and me decided to take a look at the new Monsal Trail which follows the old Bakewell to Buxton railway line. The line has been resurfaced and the tunnels opened and lit to provide a fine cycle track/walkway down the Wye valley.
We parked at Wye Dale and joined the trail at Blackwell, as could be expected the trail provides easy walking and give good views of the crags such as Plum Buttress. The trail was very busy particularly with cyclists but the walk was enjoyable nontheless.
We left the trail at a signpost for Cressbrook and took a narrow path along the valley side which gave excellent views over the valley before descending to Cressbrook.

Looking back to Litton Mill

From the renovated mill at Cressbrook we walked back via Water-cum-Jolly, Litton Mill and Ravenstor to Millersdale. After a refreshment stop we continued via Chee Dale to Blackwell where we had a welcome tea and pop stop at the new cycle hire shop.
The walk took longer and was more tiring than we expected but was enjoyable and interesting throughout.

Summer Afternoon at Bellus

Carolina and I together with our friend Nick and his family spent a lazy summer´s afternoon at a beautiful limestone valley near Bellus. Bellus is close to the historical town of Xativa, some 40 minutes drive from home (not far from Aventador for those who know the area).
The crag at Bellus largely comprises steep hard routes of 6a+ and above. There are however some good mid grade routes to be enjoyed by mere mortals such as I.

We began on a couple of 4+ routes named El Molino and Pera Pares.

Dave on El Molino 4+

Sufficiently lured into a sense of false security Nick then lead me up El Buitre Pescador, a sustained and thin 6a+.

Nick leading Buitre Pescador 6a+

Dave seconding Buitre Pescador 6a+

Having reached the point where finger strength was running out we decided to end the afternoon by having a swim in the river at the foot of the crag, followed by a coffee in the village.

Yarncliffe Quarry.

Only me and Christine turned up for the Burbage South evening meet and we decided to divert to Yarncliffe away from the strong winds.
I began by leading the aptly named Latecomer (VS 4b) with the bold but good left hand finish and Christine then led Ants Crack (S 4a).

Christine leading Ants Crack.

I then led Cardinals Arete (VS 4c) which starts with a big pull on good holds over the severely undercut start then gives some pleasant climbing.  Christine then led Ants Wall (HS 4a) which again has some good climbing. By now the midges were out but we were satisfied with four routes in the bag.

A Short Day in the Dales

Approaching Pen-y-ghent

Colin and Bev are keen on completing the three Yorkshire peaks so I accompanied them on a recce on Pen-y-ghent since rain stopped play on the crags.
We set out from Horton in Ribblesdale in cloudy but dry weather and climbed steadily up the fields noting that the classic rock route Red Pencil Direct was looking decidedly out of condition. We met Pennine Way, and a strong wind, on the south ridge where a short steep bit with some easy scrambling led to the summit cairn.
The strong wind discouraged dallying on the summit so we set of straight back down to Horton and finished in a sharp rain shower. Next time the three peaks?  

Windwhistle

In early August, Rob and Joan headed up to Windwhistle skifield- actually now known as Mt. Olympus skifield. It's one of the more remote club fields, set in the Craigiburn range of the South Island. A sign as we approached said "You are entering a narrow mountain road. Always carry your chains and your courage". Anyway, the road wasn't too bad, as skifield roads go.

When we eventually arrived, we found a very friendly bunch of people and some very nice snow. We had half a day on the tows, and next morning started skinning from the top of the tows, towards Mt. Olympus itself. On reaching the ridge, which had been stripped of snow by recent NW winds, skis had to be strapped to rucksacks, and plodding resorted to. The peak produced very pleasant views of the Southern Alps and Arrowsmiths, but the sight of bare ridges removed any desire to go further afield.

The start of the ski descent off the ridge produced some discomfiture, with powder over an icy crust, but the snow was friendlier as we lost height. We toured round the back of a peak known as the Sphinx, over a saddle, and back down through basins to rejoin the skifield.