...We took the scenic route from Hathersage, getting what would have been a good view of the crag in daylight, and arrived at a wet and windy campsite...
We rolled up to Imperial at 6ish on Friday to an unusually warm welcome from the ICMC. After finding Andy and loading the minibus we set off to the Peak – via Tesco. We took the scenic route from Hathersage, getting what would have been a good view of the crag in daylight, and arrived at a wet and windy campsite. The tents went up in a well rehearsed fashion, and everyone (except Imperial) got some shut eye to prepare for the following day.
After torrential rain overnight, which drew anguished cries from Ed (along the lines of “What the f**k is going on!”), we awoke to a glorious morning. Ollie prepared a sumptuous feast consisting of deep fried bacon (see picture!), scrambled egg a la shell and a true luke-warm mountaineering brew (heavy on the sugar). We were soon on the way up to Stanage Popular, with some in the party opting for the carbon neutral minibus option instead of the 5 minute wander up the hill.
The crag was bathed in the early morning sunlight, birds chorused and the rock showed no signs of the night’s heavy rain. Everything was perfect – if you exclude the unrelenting Force 10 gale that was battering the outcrop.
The days climbing began with Ollie leading Hollybush Crack (VD), a 3 star route. Martin then cocked up an ascent of Leaning Buttress Direct (HVS), side stepping the crux, which Ollie seconded competently. Other ascents included Via Media (VS) and Oblique Crack (VS). The day drew to a close with an ascent of Flying Buttress Direct (HVS/E1) before everyone withdrew to the campsite.
That night we were treated to a culinary delight rustled up by Ollie. Taking into account that we had one vegetarian on the trip (Virgil), a pan of meat free bolognaise was left simmering in the corner. However, whilst Ollie attempted to impress certain members of the team with his stock cube crumbling technique, a nameless climber accidently added the beef stock to the vegetarian option. Chaos ensued, with desperate attempts being made to salvage a meat free option from the pan, however they were all in vain. Consequently, just as Andy arrived back from a beer run he was informed that another trip down to Hathersage was needed to acquire a vegetarian sauce for Virgil. He did not look pleased, but agreed and the issue was resolved (to Martin’s relief).
Everybody ate well, and the guidebooks were under intense scrutiny until the early hours of the morning, whilst the rain battered the tents. Froggatt took a clear lead as a favourite for Sunday’s crag of choice, and it was with dreams of Three Pebble Slab that we all closed our eyes.
After a second nights ‘sleep’ through freezing temperatures on bouldering mat-tresses, the morning sky looked even more promising than Saturday’s. Ed assumed breakfast cooking duties with Vereena as his sous chef. After loading the roof rack of the Imperial mini bus we left, leaving nothing except a quagmire reminiscent of the Somme. After a steep walk in to Froggatt the conditions were good and a solo ascent of Three Pebble Slab (HVS/E1) was on the cards. After a tentative attempt by Martin, Alistair took the lead by sending the route in fine style, swiftly followed by a graceful ascent by Ollie. Martin brought up the rear, ticking the route. An ascent of Tody’s Wall (HVS) by Ollie, followed by Joe and Virgil’s climb of the two pitch masterpiece Valkyrie (HVS), concluded a day of sunny but windy climbing. After a short spell of bouldering at Tody’s playground, the team headed down to the mini bus and began the long drive back to London, stopping off in Loughborough for cheap pizza.
Considering the pessimism of the weather forecasts, the weekend was a resounding success. Does this mean more joint ventures with our friends at Imperial in the future?
Written by Ollie Lister & Martin Davies
