Members: Dan O’Brien, Tim Howarth, Koy Oi Ding, Mark Ashley

Guests: Fergal McCullough, John Smallwood, Mark Rothwell

Lancashire was sunny but cool and the KMC made the most of these fairly optimal conditions.  A stack of routes were climbed across the whole crag.

Dan, followed by Tim and Fergal, climbed Column Climb (S), Overhanging Crack (VD), Druid’s Corner (VD) and The Slab (VD) after Tim aborted due to the lack of gear and slopey holds.  Dan also didn’t find any gear but was happier to run it out – VD felt harsh.  Tim Led Column Climb (D) which was different in character from most of the other routes in that it had both gear and holds. Dan and Fergal followed.

Mark and John climbed Druid’s corner, Overhanging Crack, Split Block Crack (HS) and The Mantleshelf (S).  The latter was described on UKC as "a little on the delicate side, so take care or better still pick another route” which seems a little mean as the main problem seemed to be John retrieving a well stuck wire whilst following!

Mark and Ding climbed Corner Chimney (D), Overhanging Crack, Oak Tree Chimney (VD) and “something else down the far end of the crag that I didn’t write down and forgot to ask about… Sorry.

As the midges descended we decamped to a local drinking establishment for a debrief before heading for home. A lovely evening.

Cadshaw Castle Rock

A lovely natural gritstone crag in a lovely location. It's one of only a few natural gritstone crags in Lancashire and is home to a choice selection of easier (and some mid-grade) routes. I've been here many times, with friends, on my own and with my little boy (well he was little then). It a really nice and friendly place to climb and hang out. Details can be found here:  

https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=1106

The approach to this one is through the woods. Its not hard, but be sure to get some good approach details. People will be there from 6pm but its likely that many will be earlier. Keep an eye on scribble for updates and send me a messsage if you have any questions. See you all there.

Jared Kitchen, KMC Outdoor Meets Secretary, meets@karabiner.org