NEW MEMBERS MEET 2018

Photos & Story: Oliver Grady

April 17^th, 2018

With the winter season coming to its end and the rock climbing season approaching, it was time for the annual Langdale new members meet.

Based in one of the best valleys in the Lake District, with a handful of incredible crags, a bunkhouse behind a pub, and in front of one of these crags, the new members meet is always a great way to start the season.

The week running up to the meet wasn't great with rain most days however the Saturday looked dry enough to allow people to climb. We left Newcastle at 17.30 and after getting stuck in road works on our way through the lakes we finally arrived at the bunkhouse just before 20.00.

Saturday

Saturday got off to a slow start as the clouds had stayed low through the night keeping the crags wet, however the forecast promised sunny weather by early afternoon so groups started making plans to go climbing.

The two main locations for the day were Ravens crag and Gimmer crag. Some groups went straight to Gimmer and some opted to approach via Ravens. Catherine and I decided we would head straight to Gimmer. We had hoped to climb two classics; North West Arete and 'D' Route but unfortunately upon arrival the whole north west face was dripping wet. We changed plans and scrambled up on to ash tree ledge before climbing 'D' Route followed by 'A' Route. The two routes made for a fantastic day with the sun making an appearance half way through the first route. Other teams had similarly successful days with; North West Arete and F Route been climbed once they had dried as well as multiple ascents of Bracket and Slab Climb.

The evening was spent in the Old Dungeon Ghyll exchanging stories of the day people had had over a few drinks and some good food before turning in for the night in preparation for another great day.

Sunday

Having rained through the night and more rain forecast later on, most groups didn't climb and opted for other activities. A large group went mountain biking while others opted for scrambling and exploring some local caves.

I along with Catherine and Alice decided we would go trail running and upon Alice's suggestion swimming in Stickle tarn!

We set of from the bunkhouse and set out on our planned route; Blea tarn followed by Side Pike before returning to the bunkhouse to pick up swimming gear. An hour or so later and after many photographs we made it back to the Bunkhouse, picked up some swimming gear and set sights on Stickle tarn. As we gained altitude and got closer the temperature slowly dropped and I started to regret agreeing to go swimming. We got to the tarn and Alice and Catherine went for a swim! I dipped my feet in and upon realising how cold it was tactically retreated to the warmth of my clothes. The other two got out and dry and we then returned back to the bunkhouse just in time to avoid the rain.