Getting established on Alan’s Crack is tough at the best of times, but after the morning’s deluge, the ominous green bloom repelled our advances and we retreated around the corner to Fag Slab Variant (VS**), which turned out to be no less a challenge and a test of gear placement and belayer attention.

Pig Traverse (HS**) has its moments, but with bomber gear on the crux and warm sun working its magic, we managed to stay attached to the rock and provided a great finale to an exciting if challenging afternoon.

Six stalwarts of Tuesday Night Rock turned out for a night of Quidditch. With quaffles in hand, our chasers and beaters engaged to battle with Halloween Outing (S 4a); Witches Brew (HS 4B*) and The Shrew (VS 4b*), while the keeper and blocker maintained the outer field on Mouldheel (VD) and Serenity (S 4a**). With the snitch in our sights, the seeker chased up Peel Off (VS 4c ***) with the team in hot pursuit.

We departed to the Leaky Cauldron in good time for the witching hour!

The CMC hard core (AKA old core) had a great evening on short but steep trad’ limestone overlooking the spectacular arena Malham Cove. 

While a couple of youngsters (probably no older that 60) hung around on Central Wall, crowds gathered to watch the CMC’s dynamic team tackle Pedestal Wall (S*), Straight Crack (HS*) and Crazy Paving (VS**), the improbable line of which was, on its own, worth the outing.

An excursion to the far reaches of Giggleswick South brought the party to a sector that none of us had tackled before. Previously known as Bramble Buttress, few stars (*) adorn these walls with good reason although Tomertil (6b*) is possibly worth the trek. In addition, six of us tackled a number of under-graded routes No Wavering (5c*); Rawhide (5c*); Bonanza (5b*) and Two for One (5c*). Head-torches would have been a good idea for the return to the Talbot.

Following a day of drizzle, four of us spent a couple of hours gingerly working our way up damp rock in the evening sunshine. Dabbing foot and handholds in chalk, we managed Three Slab Route (MS**), Flake Climb (S***) and Long Chimney (D***) Andy pictured at the finger-jam. I have to admit that despite their grades, the conditions help to focus the mind and enhance the enjoyment of precision footwork!

The Cow & Calf offered a quality guest ale but can only muster (4pt*).