Page 39 - AMA Summer 2023

CLIMBINGMEETS
LAKE DISTRICT MEET
21–23 APRIL 2023 Luke Reader
The latest edition of the AMA Lake District meet was personally my first, with many others experi- encing it for the first time as well. In my excitement to get my first taste of the Lake District fells, I arrived earlier than the administration instruction requested; driving from my home to Seathwaite to ascend England’s highest summit, Scafell Pike. I was met with glorious sunshine and blue skies, walking solo with very little crowds through the valley east of Seathwaite Fell. Unknown to me I was sheltered from the gusting winds which would meet me as I climbed over the brow of Great End, also finding the crowds I had escaped previously. After linking Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike, I didn’t wait to enjoy a lunch on the summit rocks and instead chose to escape the crowds. Descending via Corridor Route, taking each step closer to my first AMA meet.
Saturday’s weather wasn’t looking so favourable for the majority of those who attended, so it was off to Kendal Wall for an indoor climbing session. The group was split in two with my group chosen to conduct a ‘learn-to-lead climb.’ The session started with the common basics of climbing; harness, knots, belaying, climbing moves, style, and advice before moving into the process of ‘clipping in’ to quickdraws. Conducted with a ‘ghost rope’ (a top rope belay system still in place) which would give the climber the impression they are lead climbing, while at
the same time an individual would be lead belaying. These two roles act as the crucial foundation for lead climbing, whether it is indoors, outdoors, sport or trad. With this covered and a few further practices without the ‘ghost rope.’ The remainder of the climbing session saw each candidate doing their own lead climbs within their own grade and grace.
Meanwhile, a small group had delayed their start in hopes of clearer skies and drier ground. Their patience paid off as they went out to practise their navigation through the near fells to the bunkhouse. They returned as the sky turned blood red and the hot piping food was being washed down with refreshments from the pub attached to the bunkhouse.
The forecasts throughout the weekend were all similar but none could agree when any of the wet weather was going to arrive. So, with this, the meet split into three groups for Sunday’s adventures. A ‘learn-to-trad’ climb session over at Brown Slabs, a QMD for another group and finally a scramble in the Helvellyn bowl. I opted for the scramble, which saw 5 of us begin our day at Glenridding. From the car park we joined the crowds of weekend adventurers which thankfully took the turning to Striding Edge, as we continued to Red Tarn. Ascending into the clouds along Swirral Edge, with visibility varying from 50 to 100m at any one time, we soon found ourselves at the top of Helvellyn still with visibility which only allowed 50 to 100m to be seen at a time. The forecast did emphasise that the cloud level would be as low as 700m with it burning off throughout the day. It wasn’t until we finished our sandwiches and had a small discussion over the use of rope on steep terrain, that the cloud lifted as we stepped off towards Striding Edge.
Throughout, the view was spectacular, with the bowl surrounding Red Tarn now clear but the cloud steaming off the peak of the ridge of Striding Edge to the south
On top of a cloudy Helvellyn
Swirral Edge
as if it was just on fire. A surreal experience scrambling across Striding Edge with perfect visibility to your one side and very little to the other. You’re suddenly reminded that you’re not in your own world with the chatter of high-street-like crowds passing us in the opposite direction. Without slowing down, we took advantage of a group enjoying the views, as we climbed the Chimney and passed. With confidence and experience of knife-edge ridge scrambles evident in varying degrees, some of us danced along the ridge itself whilst others confidently used it as a handrail with the paths following the shoulder. Striding Edge in the conditions we had can be something poetic and romantic, but the experience is short lived as the path is soon on a bus, then a motorway wide contour.
With the conversation flowing and the typical burning knees as you manage the descent, we were soon back in Glenridding where some participants hit the road to start their journey back to their respective camps or homes, and the remainder of us made use of the local outdoor shops and cafe to enjoy a well-deserved brew.
Onwards and upwards
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 39