The following was submitted by Jago.

My friend Henrik visited the Peak for four days last weekend with his friends Ygge, Daniel and Peder. I’d warned them beforehand to bring their midge repellent and waterproofs and this proved good advice.

Peder, Henrik, Ygge & Daniel at Stanage

On Thursday they enjoyed a sunny evening climbing on Bamford until a hungry black cloud of midges descended and drove these particular Vikings back to their B&B in Hope. When I joined them the next morning the weather forecast predicted a blustery and wet day. However the weather proved to be better than expected and so we all enjoyed a day climbing at Millstone Edge. The Swedes bagged many of the usual classic VS routes.

Henrik & Ygge on Embankment Route 2

On Saturday morning the weather again looked doubtful. The Swedes opted for the British tradition of sitting in Outside’s cafe drinking tea until Della and I joined them just before midday. Naturally many in the party were keen to visit Stanage, but unfortunately as we walked up to the Popular End it began to rain. I then redirected them to Burbage South in the hope of better conditions.
At Burbage the weather remained showery but the rock was never really adversely affected and so the Swedes were able to enjoy ascents of Mutiny Crack, Pulcherrime, Knight’s Move, and at least more VS. My daughter Della (3yrs.) summed up Henrik’s heroic efforts on Mutiny Crack whilst observing from the comfort of a nearby boulder: “That’s silly - it’s just like going upstairs!”

On Sunday the boys enjoyed successful day on Froggatt Edge, including Henrik leading Chequers Buttress. On Monday I joined them at Stanage where they all ascended Christmas Crack, Via Media, Central Trinity, Hargreaves’ Original Route, and Inverted V before it finally started to rain.



Peder Leading Central Trinity 




Henrik & Daniel on Christmas Crack

At this point I left, however the conditions improved again later and further ascents were made at Lawrencefield.