Winter scrambling series

Thirteen keen members attended the first ever Winter Scrambling Series meet: Gareth Williams (meet leader), Jess Bailey, Ed Courtnell, Will Fitzmaurice, Jared Kitchen (advance party), Paul Lonsdale, Phil Mitchell, Jess Pealing, Aaron Polley (prospective member), Harry Potts, Mark Rothwell, Andy Stratford, Mirek Steadman (advance party associate member).

Those who were able to get out a bit earlier formed an advance party, the rest of us met at the Dovestones Reservoir car park at 7pm. The walk in involved some frosty ground, icy river crossings and the odd hole that seemed to swallow feet, ankles and more. The only miscalculation was an icy river crossing, once all were safely across we found a bridge about thirty yards upstream.

Wilderness Gully wasn't in all its winter glory, but there was enough ice in it to require cramppns for a safe ascent. There was a variety of choices made for upper body contact, including zero, one or two axes. There were a few short steps with nice ice on them, and ovreall the route was just in condition to justify a winter ascent. Everyone made swift progress, ropes were carried but not needed and we were soon at the top. After walking back to the cars, the determined few made a stop at The Railway, Greenfield, for a quick drink.

Many thanks to everyone who came for an excellent turnout. Although titled "Winter Scrambling Series" I never imagined we'd be scrambling in true winter conditions, so I think we were incredibly lucky on this meet. Hope to see people on the next meet in the series, where I suspect it will be normal rock scrambling on a winter's night! 

Gareth Williams