Joint FRCC/KMC Attendees: Andy Stratford, Yvonne Holland, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson,

KMC members: Dave Wylie, Christine Beeston, Lorna Marsland, Lester Payne, Bron Edwards, Oi Ding Koy,  Jim Symon, Philippa Maye

FRCC member : Graham Thompson

Friday 3^rd. Dave made an earlier start to walk a few fells around Ullswater on the way – Arthurs Pike, Bonscale Pike, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill, Red Crag, Steel Knotts and Hallin fell.  Despite the lack of someone to climb with, Graham was undeterred and opted for a walk up to Raven Crag – soloing Corvus in under fifteen minutes and passing a couple of roped teams on route. Andy and Yvonne arrived around 4.30 and had a quick jaunt round the lake to go for refreshment in the Bridge.

The weather for Saturday looked poor on the forecasts with strong winds all day and rain in the morning.

Saturday 4^th: Sure enough, there was a distinct lack of promise in the climbing conditions, but with willing (ish) partners (Lester and Ding) Graham managed to get a rope of three together and headed off up Great Round How where, in marginal conditions, they climbed Stargazer in one pitch and Route 2 in two pitches. Jim and Sandy decided to visit the Wainwright exhibition in Keswick, catching the bus outward and walking back over Grizedale Pike, Coledale Hause, Whiteless Pike and Wandope. Lorna and Christine decided that shopping opportunities in Keswick ought to be strictly time limited so walked more or less the reverse of the Jim and Sandy route direct from the hut and caught the last Honister bus back. Meanwhile Andy, Yvonne, Dave and Bron made their way up to Robinson via Hassnesshow beck meeting mist, winds and rain on the tops. We bumped into a New Zealand couple on the tops on a supported traverse of the Lake district – turned out the chap was the Governor of the Central Bank of New Zealand! On to Hindscarth and Dale head with the weather slowly improving, then a drop to Honister. Yvonne was feeling uncharacteristically off form so headed down Warnscale leaving the three of us to the (slightly crowded) delights of Haystacks. Dave and Bron had enough by this point and made their way down via Scarth Gap but with the sun just out Andy didn’t feel like stopping so carried on up the Buttermere fells - High crag, High Stile and Red Pike - returning to Buttermere village via Bleaberry tarn.  We had a sociable evening chatting, drinking and looking at photos using Dave’s new search system.

Sunday 5^th:  The weather was forecast to deteriorate in the early afternoon so most opted for an early (ish) start. Jim, Philippa, Lorna, Christine and Lester walked the Buttermere fells one group in each direction. Graham and Ding went to climb Gillercoombe Buttress, Jim and Sandy managed a dry couple of routes on Great Round How before getting a soaking, Andy and Dave made a quick stop at Quayfoot Buttress climbing the eponymous route then decanting to Keswick.

Thanks to all for a great weekend.

***STOP PRESS 26th May***

***Fourteen places now booked. just two left****

Alpine Training opportunities with multi-pitch Climbing on Grey Crag - a short walk direct from the front door of the hut - one of the very best of Lakes venues with grades for all and lots of routes do-able in the wet if needed - but, of course, it will be lovely and dry! Lots of brilliant walking options. Good pubs in Buttermere.16 places available  Please contact Andy if you wish to reserve a space.