KMC: Dave Wylie, Andy Stratford, Kasia Hoyle, Robert Clark, Ding, Iain McCallum, John Castick, Virginia Castick, Bob Kelly. James Williams, Peter Johnson, Laura Collier, Sandy Gregson, Julia Partington (G), Kate Harvey (G).

FRCC: Les Meer, Stephen Challoner, Isabel Syndikus, Richard Mann, Megan Griffiths, Danny Allen (PM).

KMC/FRCC: Bob Anderson, Chris Thickett, Jim Gregson, James Hoyle.

The early-arrivers on Friday were greeted by an anti-cyclonic gloom with very low cloud and only Dave venturing onto the fells - in this case those above Mungrisedale. Others managed a quiet stroll round the lake at Buttermere where they could at least see where they were going. In the meantime, Richard had a marathon cycle round all the major passes, presumably with his lights on.

Saturday was a much better day although little sun was to be seen. The assembled throng(s) organised themselves into smaller groups to tackle the various goodies on hand.

A band of (greedy?) mixed members decided to climb all they could see in one go - from Red Pike anticlockwise to Robinson including Fleetwith Pike and ‘the Bridge’. This was only surpassed in merit by Andy and James (W) who raced up to Grey Crag to complete 3 routes and finishing on Oxford and Cambridge Direct. Apparently, the rock was clean and dry. James and Kasia explored the Grasmoor fells. Other groups climbed Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks and explored the recesses of upper Ennerdale, Moses Trod and the Gables. These meanderings meant there was much bumping into one another. Friday and Saturday evenings were spent round the hut fire in good company with suitable banter and high spirits.

Sunday was sunny and bright. Most members joined one of two groups. One traversed from Dale Head to Robinson whilst the other climbed Mellbreak. Dave emailed me later in the week to say that he had wandered over the Grasmoor fells and to say he had enjoyed the weekend. I think that everyone else enjoyed themselves as well.

The joint meet with the FRCC will be based at their Birkness hut (G.R. NY186160) as last year. Birkness is situated in the Buttermere valley along the lake and about a mile east from the village where there are two good pubs. Access via Keswick then take your pick of the Newlands, Honister or Whinlatter Passes.

I will be booking 9 male and 6 female places for KMC members and guests. The hut fees are £5 for KMC (kindred club) members and £7 for guests.

Please contact me to book a place preferably by the Monday before, but note that you don’t pay me until you turn up during the weekend.

Last year we had snow so keep a weather eye open to decide what to expect this time. Buttermere is good walking country but if the weather is fine then climbing at Shepherds or Castle Rock could be an option. No doubt, there will be an ‘official’ event on the Saturday.

See you there, Chris Thickett