Author: Robin

Friday night following a few changes of drivers (covid / cold season in full force) some resorted to trains to assemble at the Ollerbrook farm bunk house with Dan quickly relieving the farm of some eggs. Eggsellent.

Saturday

Saturday morning walkers Sarah W and Alix started from the hut at Ollerbrook, going south via Baktor up to the ridge along Hollins Cross, Mam Tor and Lord’s Seat. Looping back along slabs across Brown Knoll to the Pennine way stopping for sustenance of chips and a beer.

Saturday saw the climbers parking up at the Stanage Plantation. It was busy, in the good weather, so it was tricky to find suitable routes. David started with Wall End Slab VS 5a with Anne and Dan following. David then did a combo of the Coign and Wall End Crack HS 4b.

Nick and Clem heading up various routes, with Nick’s usual efficient style. Robin taking Vannette and Gosia on their first grit trad experience, three routes including Ladder Corner & Crack, top roping Shaky gully.

After lunch, David led a walk over to High Neb to find a bit of quiet. David leading Norse Corner Climb HS 4c which is bit of a sandbag at HS – it is possible to get stuck on the ground! Inaccessible Crack Direct VS 4c was totally excellent. Vicky led that too after Nick K had led it so a good team effort all round. Dan and Anne both did some belaying on the top and anchor building practice.

Folks, had a lovely sociable evening in the rather busy pub with tables in short supply at the Old Nags Head.

Sunday

On Sunday, David and team headed for the popular end and did Manchester Buttress HS 4c and Heather Wall VS 4c. Dan and Anne were both excellent and set up anchors. Anne then did a gear placing on site lead of Capstone Chimney which was polished and no push over.

Sunday saw Nick taking Clem on his first leads. With Gosia and Vanetta gaining experience and confidence, Robin ticked off (wait for it) the three-star classic Black Hawk Hell crack along with Physiology. Nice! David and Satish headed home first with the weather being a little less favourable (less sun and more wind).

Sunday, saw the walkers Sarah and Alix enjoy a leisurely start in Hathersage Booth following the Derwent Valley along to Callow Farm and Offerton heading back to Hathersage and some distracting coffee, cake and gear shops.

Trains, thankfully no planes and cars taking everyone home safely from a lovely autumnal weekend in the Peaks.

Editor: Thank you for organising the meet Robin! Even with the travel issues, everyone who could make it had an amazing time.