A relaxed day at Stanage

A large CUMC crew gathered at Stanage Popular on Sunday, as I wanted a last gritstone fix before heading to the US for some proper mountains.

My friend Erin was visiting from the US, and Sarah and I started the day by taking her up Flying Buttress Gully, which she seemed to enjoy.  Vincent and Jen meanwhile tackled a crack climb just to our left (climber's left).

Erin's first rock climb

 Goldie and I then took turns leading folk and teaching belays on Leaning Buttress Indirect, always an enjoyable climb.  Meanwhile Adam led Hangover, an overhanging finger crack, on the other side of Leaning Buttress, which looked a bit damp as well.

Igor had a shoulder injury but was very keen to get out of Cambridge for the day, so spent much of the time testing out his new hand-made gear.  Some climbers were a bit perturbed and chased him away, despite his availability to make tea for anyone who ventured up nearby routes and wanted a half-way rest.

But what have you done on grit?

I spent the rest of the day leading Erin up Vdiff's and Severes and generally enjoying the quality of the routes at Stanage.  Sunshine prevailed for most of the day and we ended the day making a team effort on a HVS (Good Friday) a bit further along, that involved a classic series of toe-ledges and oddly-positioned cracks, then a huge roof which none of us quite managed to finish.

Go Jen!

Now why would anyone try to lead something like that (Good Friday).

A fun day out; three beginners who had a great day and were eager to climb again; and motivation to get stronger and more bold.