Peak District - April 2022
The CMC’s first official ‘Summer Meet’ of 2022 kicked off the trad season to a great start, seeing a number of firsts for our newer members. The weekend was busy with climbers coming and going from Wednesday night to Monday afternoon, squeezing in any climbing they could between bank holiday commitments. Despite this, everyone enjoyed sitting down together at the end of each day to share stories of the day’s epics over a hearty pub meal.
Friday:
A few members went north early and convened at sun soaked Millstone for a day of finger busting, knuckle bruising crack climbs. Whilst others headed for the classic Stanage Edge, highlights included:
Kev and Kat leading the 1st pitch of Embankment1- E2 5c that turned out to be a VS 5a!
Kat leading Embankment3 E1 5b with ease
Kev falling off Time for tea E3 5c
Adrian seconding a bunch of VSs
Glenn fighting his way up Billingsgate E1 5b
And Imogen and Josh adding more to their sun-tan than their log book.
Saturday:
Everyone headed west to the Roaches. The club gave a warm welcome to new members Ed and Carl before a day filled with fun climbs and trad learning:
Kev climbed Elegy E2 5c a tricky step across a bulge followed by an immense run out slab.
Josh went for the second but unfortunately came off much to the detriment of his rope.
Kev took Jamie and Brad for some learn to lead tuition who both picked it up like naturals and both went on to lead Severes by the end of the day.
Ed got a taste of seconding and some lead belaying for the first time.
As an end to the day Kev climbed Chalkstorm E3 5c just to top off a weekend of bold runout slab routes
Josh and Lou battled their way up Valkyrie VS 4c in the wind and rain as the only two left at the crag.
Sunday:
A group headed to Bamford highlights were Louis climbing the classic Gargoyle flake and getting a more than Instagram worthy 1 handed cut loose picture.
Overall, a fantastic weekend with many a routes climbed, skills learnt and tales told.