10 Edges

The Ten* Edge Challenge

Members: Dan O’Brien, Gowry Sisupalan, Mich Harrison, Cathy Gordon, Izy Somers, Greg Nunn

Guests: Greag’s friends who I neglected to get the name of. Sorry!

So on reflection, holding the Ten Edges Challenge meet on one of the hottest weekends in history might have been a mistake.  Nevertheless, a small band of adventurers headed to the peak in search of some shade and what adventure we could manage.  We chose Gardoms as one of the more sheltered locations we could think of though unfortunately we did end up climbing at the sunniest part of the crag.

Gowry, Nils and Cathy climbed Apple Crack (VD) and NMC Crack (HVD) which was also climbed by Dan and Mich - a popular choice probably due to it being the only route that was entirely in the shade.  Greg and friends climbed Apple Jack Cracks (VD) and Gowry led Apple Arete (VS) in fine style followed by Nils and Cathy.  Mich also led Apple Arete as the temperatures started climbing with a sweaty Dan following.

After lunch in the shade of a nearby tree Dan and Mich climbed Tree Groove (VS) with Dan leading the “cop out finish” according to the guidebook, blaming an unholy combination of absurd heat and lichen. They went in search of the Gardoms Unconquerable (VS) which, due to being covered in guano with a large empty nest on the mid-height ledge, remains unconquered.  A comment on the route from UKC was found along the lines of “this was never VS and certainly isn’t in current condition”.

At this point the pub beckoned and we regrouped in the shade of the Robin Hood Inn beer garden for much needed rehydration.  Perhaps the Ten Edges will return next year.  Maybe we’ll try it outside the height of summer…. Thanks to all who attended.

*one

Daniel O'Brien