In July a dozen or so of us ventured to the Don Whillans memorial hut, within a stone’s throw of The Roaches. More of a cave than a hut, the cosy dorm rooms of Rockhall offers very quick access to the crag. Saturday stayed mostly dry, with showers trying to threaten, but not enough to prevent a full day out on the rock.
Chloe wasted no time jumping on The Sloth; a HVS gritstone classic. Ed and Andy worked their way up Inverted Staircase, another gem of a climb, while the rest of us rotated through Rooster , Chicken Run and Heather Slab. Alice B and Alice M enjoyed some of their first ever Trad climbs.
No rest for Chloe as she fought her way up Saul’s Crack and finished up with some bouldering. I took on Valkyrie with James and Anton, which I’ve had on my todo list for some years now. I lucked out big time by getting James to lead the first pitch, saving me from seconding a super sketchy downclimb on pitch 2. I got my fair share of heart flutter gaining the final slab, after spending an eternity waiting on the safety of a ledge.
Molly and Alice M then got a tour of Sifta’s Quid. Certainly not for the claustrophobic, and more akin to caving than climbing… not what they thought they’d signed up for. Sadly Alice B and Jacob had to leave us, while John, Hayley, Leanne, Ed and Andy continued to climb, with Maud’s Garden being a highlight.
Then a delicious veggie chilli and nacho meal miraculously materialised, painstakingly prepped by Chloe and Deema. A huge thank you is in order for them, as we were certainly left stuffed full and defeated by the portions. Supper was followed by some fun games.
The weather was less inspiring on Sunday, and Hayley, Leanne, Andy, Chloe and Deema set off to escape the incoming downpours. Those who remained enjoyed a drenching hike to the muddy chasm of Lud’s Church, and the reward of pub grub afterwards to dry off.
Thank you to all who attended and for making it such an enjoyable weekend!
Cheers,
Ali