The forecast was for sun, all day sun, so there was nothing for it but to go up high. We decided upon Kern Knotts. This of course meat a long walk, and being climbers we don’t do much of that, but it was worth it.
Parking down Seathwaite was busy, so we were expecting crowds, but there was plenty of space on the hills and soon we had the path up towards Kern Knotts to ourselves.

Keith and Richard on the way up to Sty Head Tarn

Paul and Laetitia at Sty Head

Pete chose Buttonhook and Richard chose Innominate Crack. Both great routes.

Pete on Buttonhook

Following that Richard led West Buttress. It looked a lovely line, so I decided to lead it as well. It was lovely, with lots of friction.

Richard on West Buttress

Keith finished on Kraken, which has some very brave moves a long way from the gear.

Keith on a very bold ascent of Kraken

There was more climbing to be done, but we had to leave to get back in time for Fiona’s birthday bbq at Grange. Also, Pete came over all peculiar – complaining of a dizzy head… I think he was preparing his excuses so he didn’t have to drive after the bbq.

Fiona had been busy while we’d been climbing – she’d bought a stack of meat at Penrith market and made some salads and cakes.

BBQ at the Grange Hut

It was great to catch up with Syd and Eileen, Andy and Alison, Adele and Paul, Roger, Baxter (Keith and Fiona’s friendly neighbour cocker spaniel) with his family, and others. Thanks Fiona for a lovely bbq.

Birthday-girl Fiona at her BBQ party!

The beer-monster; Richard