So five of us hardy souls plus two guests headed to Almscliffe. The forecast was for dry weather but 45mph winds due to drop at 7pm. The dry forecast element was correct, the wind dropping element was not. It blew a whoolie all evening!
Steve Wilson and two guests opened up the evening with an ascent of Fluted columns before heading to more shelter and the dubious delights of Cup and Saucer. Dave Collier and Andy Barton decided decided to do battle with Parsons Chimney. Dave Hunter and I decided to go for the classic Birds Nest Crack followed by Crack and Wall.
As the evening progressed some groups felt that a bit of top roping was in order, basically just to keep warm! Dave and I headed down to Low Man where Dave lead the very enjoyable Square chimney and Whiskey Crack which we Followed up with our own ascent of Fluted Columns.
Steve and friends concluded the night with a route on Low Man before we all sought the sanctuary of the refined Square and Compass for a quick half and home.
image © Copyright Les McLean and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Yes cup and saucer – it is a bit like being sucked up into a vacuum cleaner. Ten feet up and every part of my body was compressed in to a space the size of a small shoe box. Had to remove helmet to escape.