Not many advanced booking were received and in the end just John and Midge Castick, Dave Wylie and  Robert Clark joined  Keith Williams and myself, all KMC, at Birkness.

When Keith and I arrived at the hut on Thursday, we found a surprised Graham Townsend of FRCC in residence and consequently signed him up for the meet ignoring his protests.

Keith had already completed a short day on in the Causey Pike  area in reasonable weather.

On Friday, Keith and I decided on Great Gable which we climbed via Warnscale, Dubs and Green Gable.  Some reasonable snow was experienced on the little GG but was too soft when scrambling up from Windy Gap.  Views from the summit were spectacular especially towards the Scafells which appeared to be well plastered.  The descent to Beck Head was a little tricky with snow either hard or deep and soft.  We followed Moses’ Trod across the flank of Kirk Fell then down to Black Sail Youth Hostel.  Up, then, to Scarth Gap which I managed with aching legs before the long walk back to the hut.

Graham, it appears did this route in the opposite direction but missing out the big GG.

In the meantime, Dave revisited Kinniside Stone Circle on Blakeley Moss then ‘Groped’ his way round adjacent hilltops before a wade in the River Calder.

Robert was first off on Saturday disappearing up to Honister to complete the Dale Head to Robinson ridge.  Keith disappeared to inspect a geological site in the east. Graham just disappeared!

The remainding foursome climbed the steep ridge up Fleetwith Pike in wintery showers.  A call at Dubs Hut was made before walking over Haystacks and so back to Birkness where tea and cakes was welcoming us.

Sunday was not such a good day. Robert climbed Whiteless Pike from the village but diverted over Low Bank when the rain started.  John and Midge went to view Spout Force near Whinlatter.  Dave headed off up the hill on his own and visited about 8 tops in the same area.  Horizontal drizzle for much of the day, but he just about got back to the car before the really heavy rain arrived.  I decided to walk round the lake, very pleasant despite the weather especially when calling for an ice cream at the farm in the village.

So we had two good days of weather then a return to 2014 normal fare.  Three excellent evenings round the fireside rewarded those few members who attended the meet.

However, ignore what Dave says – I’m Spartacus!

The joint meet with the FRCC will be held again at their Birkness Hut, Buttermere, GRNY186160.
The hut is situated about a mile from Buttermere towards Honister Pass, below the road on the lake side.
I have booked 9 male and 7 female places for our club members and guests. The overnight fees are £8 for Karabiner club members and £9 for guests.
Book your place with me in advance (preferably one week) but pay during the weekend.
It is an excellent walking centre although anything may be possible depending on the weather.
The main attraction for walkers are the western fells such as High Stile, Grasmore and Dale Head although others such as Great Gable and Pillar are within reach.
Rock climbing at low altitude crags is available on Shephards in Borrowdale and Castle Crag Thirlmere (on way home on Sunday?). A couple of years ago on this meet, some climbing was done on Grey Crag up on High Stile. If there are good snow conditions there are many possibilities within a short distance.
Two good pubs in Buttermere (own money required) and a warm open fire in the hut (logs provided) are included in the package.