Trowbarrow Quarry: Tony Gask

Participants: Anne Woolley, Tony Gask, Al Metelko, Dave Wylie, Rob Allen, Robert Clark, Mary Stuart, Levi Todd, Rick Davies, and ANO (sorry)

Quotes of the day, with a little poetic licence (You can work out for yourselves who said what and/or who they apply to):

"You don't need to go to Spain to climb limestone in bright light"

"My rock boots are falling apart"

"... was content to doze and drink coffee"

"... ran out of real oil"

"... actively indulged in inner climbing"

"It's too hot"

"This is more strenuous than I expected"

Mass ascents were made of Jean Jeanie (100ft VS) and Coral Sea (65 ft VS). A spirited and successful attack was made on Hollow Earth (90 ft HVS). Easier routes included Ramp Ant (Severe, much more pleasant than first appears) and Twentieth Century Schizoid Man (I like the name; a nice clean diff. solo). No one did Hari Kari "4c (variable) E1. Not so much a rock climb, more a test of sanity"

The climbing at Trowbarrow is excellent, despite part of the main face looking as if it were about to fall down! Well worth a return visit. And a sun trap. By six o'clock the sun was just leaving the crag, and it just happened that the leader knew of a pub that was open, half a mile away from the motorway junction.

An excellent day, but where were the walkers?

Fine Weather plan:- Meet around 10:15am (Map 97 GR 481754) close to Trowbarrow, M6 Junction 35A, 2.6 miles north along A6, turn left (sign to Yealand Redmayne, Silverdale and Leighton Moss Nature reserve), after ½ mile turn right at T junction. 1.4 miles into woods with small parking laybyes (Leighton Moss visitors centre is about ½ mile further on) Start by looking at Trowbarrow Quarry, 5 minutes from parking (new fence, footpath sign for Red Bridge, immediately though 'gate' fork right on prominent path) Crag has been recently opened to the public, climbers encouraged! Climbing optional. I'm doing a round walk of approx. 8 miles, maybe to Fairy Steps, then back to cars. Afternoon: Go to Hutton Roof Crag (GR 566784) and boulder. From Trowbarrow, drive back via A6, A6070, through Burton in Kendal, turn right just before Clawthorpe Hall Hotel, park around top of hill, GR 552788. Crag is to the east, 20 mins walk on level path to GR 566784. You'll like it. Good walking too.

Iffy/Dampish Weather plan:- circular walk of about 16 miles passing Hutton Roof Crag. Same start.

More details - contact Tony Gask