Horseshoe Quarry 4th July

Attendees: James and Kasia Hoyle, Christine Stark, Rachael Ketley, Roger Dyke, Chris Williams, Jo and Mark Furniss.

Against all the odds for this summer, the weekend arrived with a promising forecast, and indeed both days turned into perfect climbing weather with sunshine and a cooling breeze. Horseshoe Quarry was a first for most of those who came along, an adventure into vertical walls of limestone, delicate holds and bolted routes. Indeed for some it was a first on bolted routes outside, but Roger gladly volunteered and made himself into an excellent "lower off" a bit closer to the ground allowing some important practice! [See Cover, Ed.]

A wide selection of routes was tackled mainly on the Sunday Sport Area, ranging from Removal Man which was more like a gritstone chimney to Due Care and Attention, Collard, and Schools Out. Mark and Jo were ticking off the routes with great skill and speed, while James and Kasia showed us all the merits of training indoors all winter. Christine and Chris ventured off to the Chocolate Blancmange Area where Christine once again proved she can lead, but they found the steep grassy bank below the crag more challenging than the climbs and came back to join the others!!

After a very pleasant day filled with lots of new experiences we reconvened at the Stags Head (I think!!) just along the road where we enjoyed the local beer and excellent food.

Lawrencefield 5th July

Attendees: Jo and Mark Furniss, Chris Williams, Dave Wylie, Roger Dyke, Colin Maddison and daughter, Dan O'Brien and Nick

Arriving at Lawrencefield after a busy campsite was a real delight, as once again we were treated to mild sunshine and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, transforming the crag into an idyllic haven of peace and beauty. The quiet was however short lived as Roger, battling his way up Snail Crack, exclaimed to all "thank god I can still jamb for England!". He successfully lead the route which was, for a VDiff, was not without its challenges! Pretty much the whole of Gingerbread Slab was climbed by most of the team and proved to be the most popular end of the crag. Dan was tempted by Pool Wall, the E5 6b over the water, if only he could figure out the first move without getting his feet wet...?? [Not the only thing he'd get from that biological soup. Ed]. Chris and Nick struggled for ages to get off the ground on Pulpit Groove (VDiff 4a), before Dave wandered over surprised that they were tackling Great Peter (E1 5b)! Oops wrong crack! Pulpit Groove (when finally identified), Great Harry and Three Tree Climb all proved popular routes in the Great Harry Area, completing an excellent days climbing.

Saturday 4th July

For those those of you who think nothing of running up a 6b at the indoor wall, now is the chance to put those skills to the test on some real rock! Horseshoe quarry has bolted sport routes for all tastes and ability. From some classic 2* routes such as Megalithic Man (6b+) on Main Wall to a good collection of easier routes on Sunday Sport Area and the north facing walls. I plan to be there from around 10:30 am and will be looking forward to some good sport! Bring plenty of sun screen and water if the weather is hot.

http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=148

Sunday 5th July

For a contrast on Sunday a visit to Lawrencefield is planned. Here an excellent selection of mid grade routes can be found such as Three Tree Climb 3* HS 4b, and for those who fancy a dip in the pool there are some seriously hard free climbs around the Pool Wall. I will aim to be there at 10:30 am, but if it gets too hot in the afternoon a move across the road to Millstone would be an option.

http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=91

For the serious ones, camping will be at Hardhurst Farm, in between Hope and Hathersage. Great little campsite with good facilities, including a pub just down the road! Cost £4 per night and booking is recommended. Tel: 01433 620001

http://www.ukclimbing.com/listings/info.php?id=96&t=stay