Oxenber Scar - Yorkshire Limestone

Present: Colin Maddison, Duncan Lee, Vicky Alderton, Carolyn Mills, Gareth Williams

 

The forecast inspired little confidence but we travelled north with a faint hope and complete faith in the local cafes and hostelries.

On arrival at Austwick the grey clouds hang low with rain in the air; to the south west something more threatening is brewing over Bowland. Confident no one else will turn up we admire the black streaked and ominous looking crag across the fields. Carolyn and Gareth arrive so we go climbing.

The crag lives up to all our expectations, being indeed wet and greasy. The showers come at frequent intervals. ‘White Wall’ (S 4a) is today black and grey but looks feasible so I lead it before anyone else gets what looks the best option; Gareth and Carolyn follow. Meanwhile, Duncan leads ‘Nice’ (also Severe) to be followed by Vicky and Gareth.

The heaviest shower so far hits the crag and Duncan and Vicky run away carefully taking in a loop around via Feizor and Pot Scar to disguise their retreat. Naturally Gareth launches himself at Bullroar (VS 5a) ultimately succeeding in a noble effort by methods legit and some less so. Carolyn takes the A0 approach and by the time I top out it is definitely VS A1.

Thanks to the brave few. All agreed the crag is worth a return on a better day.

 

Colin Maddison