Sundays in late autumn

For 6 Sundays, I have been out in the lakes and for 5 of them, it has been atmospheric only, with full waterproofs, big boots and hoods all the way, admiring amazing waterfalls, trying unsuccessfully to cross streams in full spate and more recently, being deprived of the top by huge winds, just after getting excited with the first use of the ice axe this season at the Hangover meet.

But there was one exceptional Sunday, Nov 8th, when 5 of us discovered the possibilities of delightful Tarn Crag, just to the right as you go up to Pavey Ark. We got 8 stars for 4 Diff routes.....upgraded by us as there were mossy and slippery bits too... but mostly clean and good rock. Doesn`t sound much but an excellent day for West Buttress, Routes 1 and 2 and Rib and Wall. It looks nice for easy leads in the summer so worth recording.

Meets report November 2009

John Holden

I have not heard if anyone made it to the FRCC service on Great Gable, but if I remember it was a fairly typical driech day for it.

Sunday 29th November "The Hangover Meet".

Following another great night at The Queens in Tirril, thanks very much Jane, John was delicately preparing to collect Dorine from Jane's place when a text came in from Josef that there were two places in Phil's car coming down from Carlisle and would we like a lift. So it was that John, Josef, Dorine, Sue and Phil set off in changeable weather, to Langdale.

On arrival at the ODG the weather was set in wet mode, so full waterproofs were donned ready for an ascent of Bow Fell. As we ascended The Band the rain got colder, turning eventually to sleet well before we reached the Three Tarns. From here Phil lead us over to Bowfell Links to see what we could find.

With a reasonable cover of snow now, we had a very quick lunch in the lee of boulders at the bottom of No1 Gully before ascending the gully in increasingly strong winds to emerge into a full blown gale, with driving, wet snow on the plateau. A quick investigation of the route towards Ore Gap soon had us turning back towards the cairned track leading to The Band and the way we had come. Even with the wind behind us Sue had to be belayed to John to prevent her being blown away, so this course was a good call.

Arriving back at the ODG we divested ourselves of the wet gear and enjoyed a pleasant pint or hot chocolate in the pub, before leaving for home. It was far from being a wasted day, particularly with Phil's unfailing ability to find a bit of fun in the most unpromising of conditions, good man Phil!

(Thanks to Josef for the atmospheric photos. JH)