Members: Andy Stratford, Robert Clarke, Stevie Graham, Harry Potts, Tom Arthur, Andy Lewtas, Will Fitzmaurice, Phil Mitchell, Mich Harrison, Caro C.

Prospective Member: Kate O’Connor

Whilst the sun wasn’t exactly cracking the flags, the inversion did mean that the crag was warm when we started – a weird warm then cold then warm again type of day, but little wind and very pleasant overall – enough dry days has passed for the routes to be in good condition. Dover’s Wall is at the far end of ‘’Popular’’ and whilst there were a few teams about – it certainly didn’t seem over busy.

Robert and Stevie teamed up and did a few good routes including Mississippi Buttress direct and Bynes Route – the highlight though had to be Roberts masterful ascent of one of the most notorious sandbags on Stanage – Verandah Buttress HVD 5b – he made short work of the ridiculous off the ground 5b move, making it look very easy where Will had failed to even start. Stevie followed Robert up which required the use of a stream of choice language in best scouse and a tight rope. Harry also tried and failed to get off the ground!!

Andy L, Harry and Tom were a team for most of the day with Andy getting leads in on Dovers Wall routes 1,3 and 4, Amazon Crack. Heaven Crack and Balcony Buttress.

New prospective member Kate had met a few of the team down at Big Depot and had previous trad experience but after a year off decided a day seconding was wise, following Andy S up Louisiana Rib, Martello Buttress, Bynes Route, Verandah Piller, Elastic and Dover’s Wall 3 and 4.

Will, Phil, Mich and Caro all came along a bit later in the day and got on various routes around Dovers and Verandah area.

Thanks to everyone who came for the good craic, good vibes and teamwork – a great lastminutedotcom start to the summer rock season!

Andy S

09.30 - 5pm. Gritstone warm-up day in the Dover's Wall to Mississippi Buttress area of sunny Stanage. The weather looks perfect, not too warm, very little wind.

Some fantastic routes with great protection to go at across all grades - perfect for a start of season outing. All welcome. Bring a half-rope if you have one or a single otherwise. Please click the ''add me'' if you are coming. I'll be parked up at Hooks at about 9.15 I reckon. No problem if you want to come later. It's about the same distance to walk from Plantation car park if Hooks is full. Please don't park on the verges by Hooks. Any questions, drop me a message on Whatsapp.

Andy