Present: Colin Maddison, Duncan Lee, Vicky Alderton, Carolyn Mills, Gareth Williams

The forecast inspired little confidence but we travelled north with a faint hope and complete faith in the local cafes and hostelries.

On arrival at Austwick the grey clouds hang low with rain in the air; to the south west something more threatening is brewing over Bowland. Confident no one else will turn up we admire the black streaked and ominous looking crag across the fields. Carolyn and Gareth arrive so we go climbing.

The crag lives up to all our expectations, being indeed wet and greasy. The showers come at frequent intervals. ‘White Wall’ (S 4a) is today black and grey but looks feasible so I lead it before anyone else gets what looks the best option; Gareth and Carolyn follow. Meanwhile, Duncan leads ‘Nice’ (also Severe) to be followed by Vicky and Gareth.

The heaviest shower so far hits the crag and Duncan and Vicky run away carefully taking in a loop around via Feizor and Pot Scar to disguise their retreat. Naturally Gareth launches himself at Bullroar (VS 5a) ultimately succeeding in a noble effort by methods legit and some less so. Carolyn takes the A0 approach and by the time I top out it is definitely VS A1.

Thanks to the brave few. All agreed the crag is worth a return on a better day.

This year’s late season visit to Yorkshire Limestone will be to Oxenber Scar (OS Ref: SD 779683).

The crag is located about 4 miles west of Settle in Oxenber Wood overlooking the attractive village of Austwick. It’s quite sheltered so can be climbable in less favourable conditions but its aspect should also ensure it gets any sun as long as it lasts.

The crag offers good climbing on sound rock and whilst not extensive should offer plenty of routes for an October day with a good range of grades. Starred routes include Twin Cracks (S), Crossroads buttress (HS),  Bullroar (VS), Stepfather (VS), Pipsqueak (HVS), Digital Mutation (E3), Zeppelin (E1), Green Wall (MVS) and more.

Coming from Settle turn right off the A65 towards Austwick. From just before Austwick Bridge follow a track eastwards past an old barn to a crossroads. Carry straight ahead and after 300 metres take a right fork and continue past a couple of gates and up the fellside to the crag.

It should be a good venue, but if nothing else this is a beautiful area and fine pub and cafe territory if the weather lets us down, so why not give it a go.

As usual I should be at the crag by 11.00am but you don’t need to wait for me.