Members: Andy Stratford, Jim Symon, Jared Kitchen, Ben Slater, Dave Wylie, Emily Thompson, George Williams, James Hall plus Chris Kastavunis (Sunday only)

Guests: Richard Applegate, Philip Hewetson

This meet was advertised as taking place on either day of the weekend to take advantage of the most promising weather forecast, which, in the end was Sunday. I managed to get last minute spots at Beetham Cottage FRCC hut at Hartsop near Patterdale and we all met there on Saturday evening.

Dave, Emily, James and George decided on striding edge and managed to get on it reasonably early enough to avoid the crowds. A swift descent of swiral edge followed. Philip decided on a longer walk to avoid the edge and crowds taking in Raise, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike before descending via Grizedale. Chris arrived a little later and he passed Andy and Jim on their way down Striding edge.

Jared, Richard and Ben drove to Thirlspot and had a swift walk up to Brown Cove Crags and an ascent of Right Buttress Crack (III).

Andy and Jim were away early to walk up Grisedale, away from the crowds into remote Ruthwaite Cove. It was a glorious walk in superstill alpine conditions. We even had an alpenglow on the coves just after 8am. We overtook just one other pair of walkers and arrived at the back of the cove under the classic Jogebar Gully (III) around 10am. This is located in what is described in the guidebook as the obvious line splitting the south east side of Nethermost Pike. It actually faces East but from temperatures on the way up and the snow pack we were on in the cove it was pretty clear the turf wouldn’t be frozen and as can be seen from the photos the climbing relies on turf. We solo’d up for a closer look to check, then returned to the sacs for lunch, tea and a quiet half hour in the most glorious deserted spot, with the odd walker appearing on the skyline. Eventually we solo’d an unamed Grade I gully to the right of Jogebar and topped out almost on the summit of Nethermost Pike, with superb views back down into the coves and the amazing location of tiny Hard Tarn. Through clear air visibility was sharp and extensive had brought out the crowds with at least fifty or sixty folk on the top of Helvellyn. We ambled over, and looked over the headwall above Gullys 1 and 2 to see literally two dozen teams of climbers in a spiders web of ropes all seemingly climbing on top of one another on the few routes....not a place we would have wanted to be, and although our route wasn’t in, crowding like that was definitely not on our agenda! We made a swift descent of striding edge then the Mires beck route. A quick change at the hut and we were back in Mossley for dinner by 6pm.

A Grand day out! 

UPDATE THURSDAY 4th January

Walking and (hopefully) climbing in Helvellyn area from early on Sunday morning.

We managed last minute accommodation at Beetham Cottage and all spaces are taken so this meet is FULLY BOOKED for the stopover.

If anyone fancies the winter walking then arrive very early sunday at Beetham to meet the walking contingent, Note there is no phone signal at all and no wi-fi, so please make contact at the latest during the day Saturday with the meet leader to check on estimated departure time.

Winter Equipment and suitable experience of how to use it required. It will be very icy on the tops and the the walking will most likely cover at least Grade I terrain.  

ORIGINAL PROMO

A meet set to take best advantage of prevailing conditions in the Peak, Lakes or Wales. Wherever there is the most fun to be had in the snow. The meet could be on either the Saturday or the Sunday or on both days. If it's the peak it will be a day trip, if Wales then we will potentially overnight at Ty Powdwr whichever night is required (or both). If it is the Lakes then we will see what last minute hut accomodation might be available otherwise it may be a bothy, camping or a day trip. Leave the weekend free and lets see what happens. If it is miserable and wet then we will still get out to do something somewhere on one of the days. Let me know if you are interested, and if you can offer a lift or if you need one.

Keep an eye on scribble, but most importantly email me if you are interested and I will keep you updated.