Members: John Castick, Virginia Castick, Joanne Castick, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Al Metelko, Lester Payne, Graham Harkness, Sue Harkness, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Jenny Varley.

Guests: Fay Castick, Catherine de Lisle, Martin Simpson, Carl Dwyer.

We arrived at the campsite early on Friday evening to discover all the midges from Scotland were holidaying in the Lake District. After untangling the tent we beat a hasty retreat to the pub. On Saturday the walking party set off for Mungrisdale for a walk along Sharp Edge to Blencathra and Bowscale Tarn. The start of this walk gave me the opportunity to complete my final "Wainwright". There are 214 hills listed in Wainwright's unique guides and Souther Fell was my last one. After cracking open a bottle of excellent champagne I celebrated by standing on my head. Fay carried my rucksack for the rest of the day in preparation for the West Highland Way a few days later. The rest of the walk was most enjoyable ending with a swim in the tarn and a pint of shandy at the pub.

Meanwhile back near the campsite Al's climbing team had a good day out on Castle Rock doing several classic routes including Overhanging Bastion. Jenny went for a big walk on Great Gable, the things people do to avoid the midges. Everyone resorted to the pub to eat as Scotland's secret weapon were in full swing.

Sunday's weather looked more threatening than Saturday but stayed fine if a little hot and muggy. The champagne guzzlers set off for Watendlath where John and Fay were waiting with another bottle, this time to celebrate Lester's birthday. Fay was nursing bruised shoulders from carrying my bottle laden pack the day before.

Jim and Sandy went up Blencathra, maybe to retrieve the champagne cork lost the day before. Al and Jenny went climbing on Castle Rock and later reported another good day. Thanks to all who came. I had a brilliant time but next time I camp it won't be in the midge season.

This is a camping meet at Bridge End Farm G.R.314193 at the head of Thirlmere. It's so long since I've stayed on it I have no idea what the facilities are like. This doesn't matter anyway as the climbing is so good. A mere15 mins stroll from the campsite is Castle Rock. The north crag has classics like Overhanging Bastion, Thirlmere Eliminate and Harlot Face. The sunnier south crag has routes of all grades and mostly good quality. On the hillside opposite also close to the campsite, is Raven Crag. This is more intimidating but has some classic routes such as Communist Convert at VS

If you don't fancy climbing, there is a brilliant if committing scramble which starts at the roadside. You'll need a rope and dry weather.

There is plenty of good walking close by but avoid the ridge between Thirlmere and Borrowdale, it is very boggy. If you're into botany there are sundews amongst the quagmire.

Last but not least, the pub at Thirlspot is less than a mile away. It serves meals and no doubt beer as well.