The beginning of this week brought some days of welcome warmth and sunshine. On the Sunday I was in Manchester to celebrate my youngest son’s 39th birthday. Eight of us went out for an Indian buffet meal, greatly enjoyed by the family with ages ranging from 4 to 94yrs. The waiters made a great fuss of the oldest and youngest, whilst the rest of us stuffed ourselves on the delicious curries.
The 4yr old!
I had only been back home 5mins when the phone went and one of my climbing partners was enthusing about the weather [we have had little to enthuse over this ‘summer’]. It was soon agreed to have a climbing day on the Monday. As we are both long in the tooth finding somewhere new to climb in the area is difficult. He mentioned that on a winter’s walk in the dry valley above Malham Cove he had noticed a crag with bolted lines, not in any guide book. This was news to us and a bit of detective work was needed to glean the necessary information. Monday dawned bright and sunny and after coffee we were soon walking through impressive Yorkshire scenery to Comb Hill.
Approach to Comb Hill.
On the approach we thought the cliff looked a bit short and scruffy but once below we realised it was about 16m [50ft] high. The sun was just reaching the crag as we arrived. Without all the full information, choosing a first route was a bit of guess work. Setting off up the promising line proved rather difficult and the rock was ‘awkward’ but led to a satisfying steep finale. Encouraged we spent a pleasant afternoon on the face relishing in the warm conditions and the superb Dale’s limestone scenery. It so happens that the popular Pennine Way path goes beneath the crag so we had a steady banter with passing walkers wondering how we had got the rope to the top in the first place!!!
Give us a clue. 6a+
It’s always difficult getting decent crag photos when there are only two climbing. Anyhow we’ll be back in the spring to explore further.
The next day, Tuesday, dawned sparkling again. This was the occasion for another family event — 7yrs since my characterful father passed away. To remember the date I took my mother, the 94yr old, out for a scenic drive into the Bowland countryside. We enjoyed a grand lunch at the beautifully situated Inn at Whitewell. Cheers Dad.
The 94yr old!
Three great days with something different to remember and take from each of them.
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