A full house of members and friends enjoyed a fine weekend of climbing. The Popular End of Stanage was one of the venues on Saturday. It was the first time on grit for the Bulman brothers and they acquitted themselves well. Steve shouldered most of the leading to spare Dan`s back, gratefully acknowledged by Dan and partner, Ellen. Others such as Martin Smith and friends and Phil and Sue, eventually got used to the rock and knocked off some V.S.s

Meanwhile, Alan was holding a master class at Froggatt, shinning up protectionless E2 slabs to the delight of Helen and Charlie who eagerly followed. Seeking out more adventures, Ian and Gary shifted from Froggatt to Curbar, but were careful to stay within their comfort zone for maximum enjoyment. It was a perfect day for climbing and not over crowded, even quiet at Froggatt.

Sunday arrived with another cloudless sky so there was no excuse for a lie in this time. Everyone was in buoyant mood, showing no after effects from the night before. Stanage again was the destination with the group strung out from High Neb to the Popular End.

Phil and Sue opted for revisiting the limestone and it turned into a tale of 2 Stoneys. One a delightful step by step ascent to heaven, the other a descent into hell! Erasor VS 4b4c finds its way cheekily up a stunning buttress with high Es close at hand. The holds were good, protection safe (contrary to the guide book description ) and the only polish was on the linking traverse that utilises the Pendulum girdle.
At the far end of Stoney Middleton, Triglyph hosts 3 crack routes. We chose "What the Hell" VS 4c as it was a "fine route". About 5 metres up, I had had enough, scared off by a mega steep, slippery crack requiring a shed full of big gear. Ashamed to say "Morning Crack" got the same response. It was such a lovely spot and not wanting to admit defeat and with no-one about, we sneaked up and set up a top rope. Lo and behold, I still could not get up.  Probably any strong veteran would say "Just jam it ,lad!" Give me "Conclusion" any day!
A good weekend all round and lots left to discover for next year in Derbyshire`s unique landscape