With a slightly dodgy forecast and lots of our members away at the seaside, the numbers for the
Stanage trip weren’t up to their usual highs. However, with a ton of optimism, myself, Jake and
Scott headed up to the North Lees campsite for a taste of gritstone action. The forecast said rain
from Saturday midday, so a plan was hatched to get up early, beat the crowds and the rain.
Surprisingly even Stanage Popular is deserted at 7am!, and we quickly dispatched several classics,
including Heaven Crack and Flying Buttress without seeing a soul! Jake quickly pushed the grade
with an accidental ascent of ‘Stay in the Light’ while staying on the outer edge of ‘Devils
Chimney’. We squeezed in Black Hawk Hell Crack just as both the rain, and those who’d had a lie
in arrived! For the very wet afternoon I had a well earned nap, and we headed to the pub for a
burger.
Jake ‘Stays in the Light’
Jake on ‘Flying Buttress’
The dodgy forecast for Sunday turned into a fantastic blue- sky day, and a far more leisurely start
We returned to the popular area, climbing Christmas Crack, April Crack, Bishops Route, Robin
Hoods Right Hand and Paradise Wall, amongst several others.
Scott on April Crack
Dan on Paradise Wall
A great trip was had by all, with a total 13 routes climbed, and a great introduction to grit.