Buttermere meet vital statistics:

11 Wainwrights bagged (Dave & Caroline)

4 cold routes climbed (Andy, Paul, Mark, Stu, Mich)

??? pints drunk (Stu, Mich, Mark, Stevie & Jess… there was some debate/memory loss as to the precise number)

Mid-April is the time of year for frolicking lambs, warming sunshine and the green shoots of springtime. Except in Buttermere, where even the hardiest of KMC’ers swapped plans for epic ascents for drying in front of the fire.

Dave and Caroline got a head start on Friday with a loop round the Dodds from Dockray. The view of St Johns-in-the-Vale from Calfhow Pike was particularly memorable – being the only view other than low cloud we saw all afternoon.

Saturday’s forecast dented even Andy’s enthusiasm for heroic adventures: he and Paul scrapped ideas of tackling Pillar and headed for Harrow Buttress on Grey Crag which by all accounts was slipperier than a bar of soap in the wet. Robert and Jo sensibly headed out around the Lake while the rest of the group tackled the direct route up Robinson, aid climbing the steep muddy slope with the help of a well-placed wire fence. By the top, soaked through and struggling against the wind, the decision to head straight back to Buttermere was unanimous, where we proudly supported the local economy. By late afternoon, the rain had blown through for a sunlit, if breezy, swim with beautiful views of Buttermere.

Happily Sunday was drier, if still on the cold side: Stu and Mich ticked off a route on Castle Rock, Mark and Paul braved an exposed Goats Crag, Andy and Jo bagged another Birkett, Robert tackled Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks while Dave and Caroline headed for the Whinlatter Wainwrights.

Buttermere, we shall be back… but maybe when the weather’s better.

A weekend of walking, scrambling or climbing based in Buttermere at the Birkness – FRCC hut. Or join the Abraham's Tea Round run!

"Buttermere is a valley somewhat hidden from the mainstream buzz of the Lakes with a few gems of crags. There are some easily reached crags (Yew Crags, Buckstone Howe), higher crags in fine positions (High Crag) and the high mountain crags in Birkness Combe (Eagle Crag and Grey Crag). For those days when only the coast has fair weather, St Bees Head is within easy reach.

Both Borrowdale and Newlands are a very short drive away and the Gable and Pillar crags are accessible with a longish hike."

We have provisionally reserved beds - £14 per night (as a Kindred Club Member). Please confirm attendance at least 2 weeks in advance.