Pot Scar

Members: Colin Maddison, Dave Dillon, Andy Croughton, Carolyn Mills, Andy Stratford, Ding Koi, Nick Adamson.

Guest: Steve Graham.

This year I have been mostly leading wet meets... or so the accusations go! But with the sun shining on the Cloggy meet and only one wet day out of fourteen in the Alps, I think we know where the balance of evidence lies on this argument.

Nevertheless, it must be admitted that Tryfan was a tad moist and that on this occasion there was some evidence to support the allegations, with a strong wind drifting persistent rain across the mist enshrouded crag. But every grey, miserable cloud has a silver lining and on this occasion it was the sanctuary of the finest cafe in the district.

Thus fortified by teas, coffees, lemon cake, scones and hot chocolates that were more marshmallow than milk, the merry band sallied forth to inspect the crag, buoyed by assurances from Ding that it would clear up at one o’clock. Unfortunately, it was only 11.15am and the rain continued to soak the crag.

But a meet leader’s duties must go on, so I put a rope up Rebate (VD) to show willing. At least I was able to keep my harness dry by the expediency of having left it in Manchester! Andy, Ding and Nick followed eagerly. Meanwhile, Steve showed route finding skills worthy of KMC membership by setting off up Ash Tree Corner (VD) and finishing up Bronco (S), having taken in parts off Sidestepper (VS), to give something estimated in the region of Hard Severe – good effort. Dave, Andy, Ding and Nick all enjoyed a rope on it.

One o’clock came and went with no perceptible improvement, so for reasons I can’t explain I decided to lead Equity (S).

About this time the troops started to drift towards the cafe once again and Private 2nd Class Stratford was found guilty of both deserting his post and leaving the meet leader with two ropes to carry. At the subsequent hearing, excuses that he had lent his harness to the meet leader were dismissed as immaterial to the fact.

Steve and Ding followed Equine and we joined the others once again savouring the delights of the cafe.

Later some of us assembled again at the Stratford residence, where we discussed next year’s Mingulay expedition over an excellent curry supper. There are still a few places available on the trip, so if you’re interested get in touch with Andy soon. There’s information on the website.

Thanks to those who braved a soaking wet Pot Scar and risked their figures in the cafe.

Note this is a Saturday meet. Last year’s late season visit to Yorkshire limestone seemed to go down well so here’s another offering. This year’s venue is Pot Scar.

The crag is south facing, quick drying, sheltered and should catch any sun that’s going. There are about fifty routes from Diff to E3, with plenty good ones to go at in the VS to E1 range. It’s trad climbing, so you’ll need your rack.

Pot Scar is situated above Feizor village where a major added attraction is one of the best cafes in the Dales. It’s an ideal starting point for climbers or walkers, who could visit the crag on their travels.

Follow the A65 past Settle towards Clapham. About three quarters of a mile beyond a junction with the B6480 and just beyond the Falconry Centre, take a sharp right turn to Feizor village. Park in the village then follow the Stainforth footpath eastward through a farmstead, along a wall and over a stile. Continue along the wall until access is possible left up the hillside without crossing further walls. Grid Reference: SD 795678.

You can check the crag out at UKC

Guidebook: Yorkshire Limestone (2005)

I’ll be at the crag by 11.00am at the latest, so see you there if not in the cafe earlier.