20090416

Hargreaves Original; Stanage 12.04.09

One week on and a short overnight trip to a personally important crag results in bagging a couple of VSs.















Day 1 involved a relaxed start; train to Hathersage, setting camp at North Lees, followed by two VS ascents on a mild Easter afternoon. Route 1 was a short slab, offering plenty of opportunity to pause for thought and to place protection. The second proved too much and once again, beaten by a VS, a third route was selected. An overhanging crack splitting into two further up which proved far more of a challenge. Indeed the Crab was unable to follow; a chance to practice setting up a top-rope and clean the route on absail.

Day 2 required a very slow start after a clear and chilly night. Two classic VDiffs gave a perfect warm up and allowed another two VSs to be swiftly dispatched: Hargreaves Original, a formidable offering from 1928 and then a short 2 star 4c crack climb, giving the second a chance to practice some jamming. 

The outing consolidated what had been learned last week in terms of gear placement and belay assembly. However, movement on rock felt more fluid and the climbing itself more challenging encouraging confidence at the thought of the next outing. 

Northern Rail stopping service Manchester - Sheffield. Hathersage to North Lees campsite.


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