Saturday – Trowbarrow Quarry
The weather forecast for Saturday was a bit uncertain so we decided to stay away from the Cumbrian fells and head to the close by Trowbarrow Quarry just inside Lancashire. We went straight over to the classic Cracked Actor (E2), it’s a long sustained pitch and my arms and fingers felt the strain!

Nearing the top with pumped arms on Cracked Actor

Richard turned up a little later and got stuck in to the other quarry classic, Jean Jeanie (VS).

Richard on Jean Jeanie before the rain - in the sun!

Luckily for Richard I was still on top of the crag taking photos when a massive rain storm arrived. A quick top-rope was organised and shortly afterwards four drowned rats left the quarry to dry-off and warm-up at Leighton Moss cafe.
(Sorry no cake pictures. )

Drowned Rats

Eagle and Child – Gurning
Saturday evening was the annual Gurning competition at the Eagle and Child. The event is accompanied by a beer festival.

Are these gurning competitors or beer monsters?

The winners:

Male

Female

Sunday – Shepherds Crag
Sunday’s forecast was a little drier but colder. So we chose Shepherds Crag as a valley option with short routes, allowing us to retreat to the cafe to warm up…

Laetitia on the classic Ardus

Paul on Eve

…and at the cafe, warming up!

Vegetable Quiche followed by Apple and Blackcurrant Pie

Tent Selection
That evening Richard and Rachel joined us – they’d been fell-running Saturday and had got soaked and frozen on top of Helvellyn.

Laetitia wanted to borrow a lightweight backpacking tent, we sampled several options in the backyard.

Paul, Richard, Rachel, Laetitia, and Richard checking out lightweight tent features!

Monday – Raven Crag, Langdale
On bank holiday Monday we met up with Anna & Ian in Chapel Stile, our destination was Raven Crag for some classic moderate rock climbing.

On the classic traverse of Pluto (HVS)

Laetitia following the amazing third pitch of Pluto

Anna and Ian on the final pitch of Evening Wall

Unfortunately as Laetitia was climbing the crux moves of Odin the rain came back! After some hurried retreating, followed by abseiling and gear retrieval activities, we decided it was time for the third cafe of the bank holiday weekend; Chesters at Skelwith Bridge.

Possibly the best cakes in the world?