Giggleswick Scar, Yorkshire

Robert Clark, Andy Grantham, Kirsten Mundt, Rob Allen, Vicky Alderton.

Due to the awful weather forecast the intended climbing and camping in Northumberland was cancelled. Instead we made the most of the dry-ish spell on Sunday and went to Giggleswick Scar.

We climbed on the upper tier of Giggleswick South. (Ah, Sandbag Crag: Ed) This is an excellent limestone trad climbing crag, facing south and drying quickly. Among the routes climbed were; February Crack, Little Corner, Meerschaum and Custard Crack. The rain stayed away (mostly) all day and the sun came out late afternoon.

Walking up to the upper tier we passed the lower tier, which is now largely a sport climbing venue with many bolts in evidence. This looks like a good winter venue as it also faces south and appears to dry quickly.

After the climbing we went in search of beer and food. I would recommend the Maypole in Long Preston for friendly service and good food.

Thanks to everyone who came along.

Note the change of venue from Ty-Powdwr!

For this meet we will be camping at Highburn House Country Holiday Park, Wooler, at grid ref 983281 on sheet 75, (same place we camped at July 2005). The main attraction will be the very fine rock climbing to be had on the sandstone outcrops of Northumberland.

Bowden Doors, Back Bowden, and Kyloe are the crags nearest to the camping. Further away there are other crags around Bellingham and Otterburn. The Northumberland National Park is nearby if you are into walking and the Northumberland coast is less than 20 miles away (cycling distance I seem to recall from last years meet). You may also wish to join the meet leader in a birthday drink or two on Saturday evening.

I will be down the pub on the Thursdays immediately before the meet if you want to talk about it, or organize transport. Let me know of any interest so that I can give the campsite a rough idea of numbers.