With a heatwave in progress and longest day upon us, a band of merry KMC’ers headed up to the Lake District for a weekend at Birkness Barn on the shores of Buttermere. Dave W and Caroline headed up Blencathra via Sharp Edge – plus a swim in Scales Tarn – in beautiful sunshine with paragliders swooping overhead enjoying the breeze. Jess, Mich, Lynne and Stu headed for Woden’s Wall in Borrowdale, for a late evening climb. Mich led Wimpy Way (S), Jess led Family Outing (S) and Stu led Left Hand Route (VD).

Sadly the weather began to break on Saturday. Harry and Becca made a 6.30am start to catch the best of the sunshine on Grey Crag, ticking off Harrow Buttress (D), Slabs West Route (HS) and Harrow Wall (VD). Jess, Stu, Christine, Neil, Caroline and Dave made the slog up the hill at a more sociable hour. Jess & Stu made short work of Harrow Wall (VD) then moved together up Chockstone Ridge (M) to beat the rain. Dave and Caroline ticked off Harrow Buttress (D) and made a start up Chockstone Ridge, but heavier rain and wet ropes stopped play. Christine and Neil flew up Harrow Buttress but then wisely decided to head down before the rain set in. Mich and Lynne headed up to the slightly closer (and lower!) High Crag, tackling Delilah (VS) before being rained off. The sun reappeared later in the afternoon in time for an invigorating swim from the beach by the hut followed by an expedition to the pub.

Sunday’s wet and windy weather put paid to any ideas of further climbing epics. Dave & Caroline ticked off three of the lower eastern Wainwrights: Little Mell Fell, Gowbarrow and Great Mell Fell while the climbing posse tackled Needle Sports direct.

A weekend of walking, scrambling or climbing based in Buttermere at the Birkness – FRCC hut. 

"Buttermere is a valley somewhat hidden from the mainstream buzz of the Lakes with a few gems of crags. There are some easily reached crags (Yew Crags, Buckstone Howe), higher crags in fine positions (High Crag) and the high mountain crags in Birkness Combe (Eagle Crag and Grey Crag). For those days when only the coast has fair weather, St Bees Head is within easy reach.

Both Borrowdale and Newlands are a very short drive away and the Gable and Pillar crags are accessible with a longish hike."

Also swimming in Buttermere just down from the hut, or more Wainwrights than you can shake a stick at for those more inclined to walk/run.

We have provisionally reserved beds - £14 per night (as a Kindred Club Member). Please confirm attendance at least 2 weeks in advance.