Attendees

Becca, Alex (prospective), Mich, Harry, Luke, Andy L, Andy S, Dave, Kasia, Marcus, Stevie, Colin, Natalie W (prospective).

It was a great start to the Birkness meet with Alex and I heading up Friday and getting a few routes done at Long Scar in the sunshine. After heading to the hut we met with Andy S who had also driven up early and bagged Burnbanks, Gavel Fell, Blake Fell, Hen Comb, Melbreak as part of his second official Wainwrights round. Dave took a detour on his way up for a walk taking in most of the hills on the south side of Borrowdale. No, not *that* Borrowdale he informed us, - a different one over near Tebay bagging eight little summits from Grayrigg Pike along to Ashstead Fell West Top, returning to the car along the valley bottom. There wasn't another soul up in the hills he told us - unless sheep have souls, of course!

 It was a fairly tame night but agreed by all it would be a late start due to the impending downpour.

Saturday morning was a time for tea and coffee drinking with most of us not leaving the hut until around 10.30 due to the torrential rain. Myself, Alex, Harry, Mich, Luke and Andy L all took Luke's lead and bagged a couple of smaller Wainwrights next to Loweswater. Suprisingly the rain dried up early and the waterproofs came off, leaving us with just the occasional gust to deal with. After finishing at a ridiculously early 3pm we went for tea and cake at the Kirkstile Inn (the freshly made scones were amazing!) swiftly followed by a pint at 4pm (Loweswater Gold was the favourite) which was considered an acceptable time to start drinking. We were soon joined by Stevie and Colin who had done the same walk (Low Fell and Fellbarrow) the other way around to us. After the pub Mich and I headed to Buttermere for our second dip of the weekend which was still warm enough to be classed as nearly enjoyable. 
 

Andy S who was still on his bagging mission stayed low to avoid the wind but had an impressive walk bagging Binsey, followed by Powter Howe near Thornthwaite and Barf, Lords Seat and Broom fell, then a further drive to Wythop Mill and did Sale Fell and Ling Fell - a total of 14km / 1200m ascent. 
 

Kasia and Marcus who did brave the wind did an impressive 17.5km walk on the higher Wainwright circuit of Whiteless Pike et al and Dave took a leisurely lakeside stroll around Buttermere.

An evening commenced of game playing and I was surprised to hear that Harry's game "gullible" wasn't actually a joke and he had indeed brought a game called "gullible" with him! I can't remember which team won (Mich and Harry or Alex and I) but it doesn't matter anyway as it was just silly game... we then got on to Azul, with Andy L directing us on the rules and regulations and Mich crowned the champion. We were later joined by Natalie who was joining for her first KMC meet. Dave, as ever, impressed us all with his mature cheddar consumption!

Sunday was a stark contrast to Saturday, it was a beautiful day and most got up and out early to make the most of it. Luke, Natalie and the two Andy's set off bagging Latrigg and Lonscale Fell whilst Alex, Harry, Mich and I tried out a new crag - .Buckstone Howe on Honister Pass with Mich and Alex taking alt leads on Sinister Grooves VS and Harry leading me up Honister Wall HS. Sinister Grooves appeared to be a very apt name and rated by most on ukc as well above the grade. I was just happy to make it down in one piece as I wasn't convinced any of the holds were actually attached to the wall!

Kasia and Marcus opted for a stroll around the gorgeous Buttermere whilst Stevie and Colin opted for a morning at Shepherds Crag, completing Ardus and Crescendo MVS 4b. Dave completed a traverse of the High Stile ridge, but also taking in some other tops including Dodd, then all the way down after Red Pike to visit Little Dodd and Gale Fell East Top - which he noted was so obscure that it isn't even named on the OS 1:25,000 map. He descended in perfect weather via Scarth Gap.

It was great to have another fun packed KMC weekend away in one of my favourite FRCC huts and always nice to have prospectives coming along to see what the club it all about. Hopefully they will be back! Oh and if anyone wants to know why Harry was so late on Friday night you should definitely ask him :)

A meet suitable for all full and associate club members – climbers, scramblers, mountain bikers, walkers and swimmers!

In the hope of enjoying some late summer sunshine, and after the crowds have gone from the summer holidays, I have booked Birkness Barn in Buttermere for two nights.

Hidden from the mainstream buzz of the Lakes, Birkness has great access to High Crag, Eagle Crag and Grey Crag for some short single or multi pitch climbs. It is also placed right on the edge of Buttermere for some pre or post climb/walk swimming. If you are more of a hiker, there are a host of Wainwrights nearby for you to choose from.

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

The huts contains female and male dorms, kitchen, drying room, common room and lots of outside space. Nearby pubs the Buttermere Court Hotel and The Bridge are available for food and drinks. There is also an excellent ice cream shop!

I have secured 4 female and 6 male beds for two nights but other beds may open up nearer the time. Places will be offered to full and associate members initially.

Hut fees are £14 per person per night, payable in full in advance.

i hope to see you there,