Peak District - April 2025
The recent bank holiday weekend ushered in the club’s first official trip on rock and as per CMC tradition, we headed for the Peak District. As we travelled north, with fingers crossed and eyes on Rockfax (and the Met Office), climbing teams were formed and routes were bookmarked. Some members, evidently keen, arrived on Thursday- with Paul cracking on with some rope soloing at Burbage and the rest pitching up their tents at North Lees Campsite.
Good Friday saw the remaining bulk of the group arrive and as the campsite was just a stone’s throw away from Stanage, Plantation area seemed like the obvious choice of venue. With Josh CB back in action, he, Imogen and Dane kicked off their weekend due south on some limestone at Harborough Rocks, along with a surprise visit from Kat and Raf who were en route to the Lakes. The weather held for the rest of us and everyone bagged good routes at Pegasus Wall, when the drizzle began, we all happily made a sharp exit for the pub.
As day broke on Saturday conditions were good, so the whole group made for Plantation once again. Paradise Wall was the meeting point, with our experienced members kindly offering up their knowledge to help the new members get to grips with the grit at Stangler. With encouragement abound and some new pairs of ‘Wide Boyz’ crack gloves, we were in full swing. Post lunch we headed over to Popular and Mississippi Buttress to bag some VS’s and Dane gave Left Unconquerable a crack. Knowing we had two days of climbing still to come, we once again headed for the bar at the Scotsman’s Pack, bagging a table for a well-earned team dinner.
Sunday dawned on clear skies and a warm breeze, today would be all t-shirts and sunglasses. In an attempt to beat the crowds, we headed for Stanage North and High Neb. While there is a wealth of climbing throughout the Peak, there will always be a lifetime at Stanage alone and it never fails to disappoint. With our Chairman now in tow and a few members heading back south to enjoy Easter with family, the rest of us casually worked our way along the northern edge until we found Cosmic Crack area. Despite a considerable pump, lack of skin and sore toes, Sunday was a busy day and everyone made use of the good conditions to nail down plenty more routes.
Having managed to land ourselves three good days of climbing, the weather finally broke. As always, this was a good chance to make essential gear purchases and by Monday morning we were all sat having coffee in Outside. Tucking into our breakfasts, along with a bunch of other soggy climbers, all perusing old climbing books and admiring the history on the walls.
Shout-out to our new members Rob, Rakesh and Emily who gave it their all on the grit - especially on those rockovers, and to our seasoned members who took on some of the classics.