Members: J and K Hoyle, D Wylie, Katherine Bagshaw, Andy Stratford, Ding Koy, Laura Collier, Heather Brooke.

Guests: Max.

The weather forecast for the weekend was not the best I had ever seen so it was with some trepidation that we headed up to the lakes. I knew Andy was due but by ten just Katherine and Dave had shown up, so off we went to the pub wondering where he could be. Still no sign of him the next morning so the four of us set off up to Raven Crag and enjoyed climbing the classic route of Corvus and the vegetated Raven Crag Buttress. It was pretty late by the time we all got back down to the campsite to find Andy, Ding and Laura had finally joined us. A classic case of making sure you are thinking of the same campsite as the meet leader is when joining a meet!

Ding and Andy had had a great day in Borrowdale, climbing the classic Troutdale Pinnacle amongst some other good routes in the valley. Heather and Max had a day out climbing Scafell and we all met up in the evening and enjoyed a few drinks in the pub. The only rain of the day fell a little earlier, a short shower, which hit as Kasia and I were cooking dinner in the tent, adding a little atmosphere.

Sunday was also quite a good day but rain was forecast for the afternoon so we decided to get up early and head for Shepherds Crag which we got to for about 8.30. Numerous routes were done including Little Chamonix and many other routes, especially on the Brown Slabs area. Andy led several routes at VS, which looked very good, eyeing up Adam and Eve in particular. The rain didn't set in until about 3, by which time everyone had had a good fill of climbing and was happy with what had been done despite the unpromising forecast. Thanks to everyone who came, I hope you enjoyed it.

Sometimes, just sometimes, it’s nice to get out of climbing huts and spend a couple of nights under canvas, so this is exactly what this meet intends. The plan is to camp at Seatoller Farm Campsite at grid reference 245135. They charge £6pppn and have a website if you want further directions on how to get there. I have chosen this site for several reasons. Firstly if you want to come on the meet but can’t be bothered with camping you could always book into the FRCC hut in Rosthwaite. Details are in the handbook. Secondly, and most importantly, the campsite is brilliantly positioned for an almost endless selection of climbing at all grades. If the weather is good the Napes or climbing near Honister Pass or in Buttermere might be a good option. Lower down there are always the valley crags of Borrowdale itself. Personally I’m hoping to have a go at several routes on Raven Crag near Glaramara on one of the two days.

Should the weather not play ball there is some great walking and scrambling in the area right at the heart of the Lakes. Finally should your thirst need quenching at the end of the day there are several pubs in the area. It would be a good idea to let me know if you are coming so I can give some advance notice to the campsite. I have phoned them to ask if it is ok for a group to use the site but as of today I am awaiting a reply so please keep an eye on the website should any changes be necessary!