KMC: Joe Flynn, Jo Sayers, Al Metelko, James Williams, Mark Furniss, Roger Dyke, Trish Cranston,

Guests: Clare Baguley, Trevor Wilson.

I got into my car expecting to be to the only club member on the meet. The weather all week had been mixed to say the best, no one had rung to say they would be there and on Friday my climbing partner backed out. However a meet leader has responsibilities, so off I went.

The weather was dry and breezy. There were still parking spaces at Ravensdale cottages at 10.30am – an ominous sign. I could only see one team at the crag so I strolled up to check them out. It turned out they were from the Peak Climbing Club who also had a meet there. They were on a mission to update the BMC guide and check out all the routes on the crag. I wandered along to the arch near Gymnic and found Mark and Jo about to start a route.

I returned to my gear and Trevor Wilson from the PCC asked if I would do a route with him until other KMC members arrived. We decided to check out Conclusor, a nice three star HVS (in my Paul Nunn guide) The BMC graded it 4c and 5a but we agreed it should be upgraded to 4c, 5b so watch out for the new guide and see if it is upgraded.

By the time we returned to our rucksacks the rest of the KMC party had arrived and were climbing – apart from Roger and Trish who decided to have a walk and try out Roger’s new camera. Thanks Roger for the pictures which are on the KMC gallery and my facebook page.

Plenty of the classic routes were climbed Ploy, Ploy variation by Al and Clare, Conclusor, Mealy Bugs, Ash Crack and Cave Corner. Ravensdale might be getting a little polished but it lived up to expectations and gave us a good day’s climbing on Derbyshire limestone. Thanks to all the optimists who made the effort and turned out.

Grid ref SK173737.

The crag stands in an impressive position high above Ravensdale cottages on the eastern side of Ravensdale (Cressbrook Dale). Several fine buttresses lie high above a wooded hillside with heights ranging from 24m to 43m on Raven Buttress.

This is a limestone crag with climbs to suit most grades. Although it faces west and catches the afternoon sun this crag needs to be dry so it is weather dependant. The crag is also attractive to birds and there is sometimes a voluntary ban in the nesting season. So far there are no notices up, but watch the website.

There is limited parking at Ravensdale cottages - perhaps 6 cars.

Last time we had a meet here it was well attended and we had a great day. So those of you who have been pushing the 6b on the climbing walls come along and test yourself on the real thing.

PS the nearby village of Litton has a great pub - the Red Lion.