Meet Report: 22-26 August 2025.

On Friday the Chois and the Raines arrived first at Low Hall Garth to claim spots in the barn and the best bunks. After a quick lunch, the Raines set off on a bike ride and the Chois went to the Ruskin Museum to see the Bluebird. Dora and Arthur did not find the exhibit very interesting, somewhat backing up the original controversy that the Bluebird would be better being kept active and alive rather than sitting in a museum. Robert arrived next to claim a spot for Grace who promptly arrived with her dad Michael. The children decamped to the Tree (a wonderful ancient pollard) and were joined by Nick who arrived on public transport from Cambridge. Three prospective members arrived to fill the carpark. Becca provided a hearty bowl of the customary carrot soup for Friday’s repast.

Saturday started with Becca’s full English (including black pudding).

Simon, Yasmin, Michael and Grace walked up Wet Side Edge to traverse the Carrs. Bribes, lies and coercion had to be deployed in various forms before the girls finally got into the swing of things. With cries of “less talking, more walking” they raced over the Carrs in high spirits. By the time they reached the central Carr, morale was at an all-time high. Lunch was unpacked, and the echo games began; their delighted shouts bouncing around the surrounding mountains as though the hills themselves were joining in.

After refuelling with lunch, they pushed on, rounding Swirl How before starting the approach to Wetherlam. At the low saddle between the two peaks, they decided to make their descent, picking a quieter, less-trodden path that dropped them into a grassy hollow and down past Greenburn Mines. With renewed energy powered by dreams of beds and the promise of a shared chocolate bar the younger members shot off ahead, leading the charge back to LHG.

Overall, lots of complaining and “are we there yet” but the two girls did amazingly well. About 13km, max height 853m.

Robert, Dora, Arthur, Nick and Solvig went up to Runestone Quarry for climbing with Dora and Arthur doing their first sport routes on top rope. Jes, Kevin and John climbed Wetherlam, and associated peaks, on the Saturday. 15km, just under 1000m in total.

Saturday night ended with a BBQ and boardgames. Arthur held out on sleep for 14 chapters of his book. A relatively early night was had by all ready for the following day.

On Sunday, Dora, Grace, Yasmin, Arthur, Becca, Solvig, Simon, Robert and Michael spent the morning exploring Cathedral Quarry. They all came back for a quick lunch before going to Slater’s Bridge. Grace did some swimming and the children caught and released fish. Simon and Yasmin cycled to Coniston via Tilberthwaite. It was a sunny day and the track parallel to the road was pleasantly shaded by trees. They  walked around the village and returned the same way.

Jes, Kevin and John walked to Pike o’ Blisco on the Sunday. 12km, 700m in total. They had a swim in Blea tarn which they reported as being lovely and warm.

Nick, Eve, Devon and James went to Raven Crag. They did Middlefell Buttress with Eve and Devon free climbing the middle two pitches. They followed this with Prometheus (hvs) sharing the lead between Nick and Eve.

Sunday night finished with bolognaise and a competitive round of Uno won by Robert Crowther. The climbers came back around 11pm to silently cook a still delicious-smelling bolognaise.

On Monday, Nick, Eve and Devon went to Cathedral Quarry where Nick led his first E1—Night of the Hot Pies, going around the right-hand edge of the cave mouth, and then up. A brilliant fun route and a very exciting first E1. It felt very much like floating above the void crossing the cave mouth. They then returned to Runestone Quarry for lunch and a few more routes, (Omicron, Bend it like Becks, Scartrain) where Eve and Devon received instruction in cleaning and lowering off sport routes.

Attendees: Kevin Bird (PM), Ged Campion (day visit), Arthur Choi (JPM), Dora Choi (JPM), Solvig Choi, Nick Crapnell, Grace Crowther (JPM), Michael Crowther, Robert Crowther, John Dobson (PM), Becca Humphreys, Jeremy Ince (PM), Simon Raines, Yasmin Raines (JPM), James Spreadbury (PM), Eve Allerston (PM) and Devon ?(Guest).