Despite the heavy rain on Friday evening, the Peak District kindly laid on perfect weather for the weekend – blue skies and just enough breeze to keep the midges in bed. Game on! Lists of cracks were distributed to all members, with points given to each route for quality of jamming. Eager teams set off to their respective crags with a list of Eastern Grit’s finest jamming, trying to accumulate as many points as possible whilst keeping skin intact. Higgar Tor, Burbage North & South for some teams, others chose Stanage.
There were commendable efforts and enthusiasm, and after a while I could even forgive the propensity of jamming gloves, though it was heartwarming to note that there are still some diehards who maintained the tradition of enjoying the art of enduring coarse grit and crystals on bare skin. By the end of Saturday, all teams returned mostly intact and handed in the score sheets. Drumroll… Mark Kemball, Lee Barton and Ky Aizawa accumulated the most points (and the most lines), winning a fine pot of Womens’ Institute jam. Who says it’s slower to climb in a three?! Special note was given to Lee, who had never led a jamming route on grit before this weekend, and started proceedings by leading the File!Birthdays over the weekend were very pleasantly catered for by Peri and Megan’s latest cake creations. Most welcome!
Sunday provided further challenges, with most teams heading to Froggatt and Curbar. Another amazing day out, until the sky opened at 4pm resulting in everyone returning to the Downes hut, perhaps slightly relieved at giving arms and hands a chance to recuperate. Thanks to everyone for making it a great meet.
The list of 93 (currently) jamming cracks is available to all (request by email) and is a challenge that may take some trips to complete. Perhaps another go at it again next year…?
Graham Titterton
Some good route’s done there, Well done all of you, sorry to have mist it.
Great fun, good to get back to some gritstone jamming and excellent company.
Hi Mark,
Good to see that you’re still active!
Was with the MUMC at their MAM Coniston Meet in May.
Crocked at the moment after breaking my clavicle cycling!
Just joined the CC, so hope to climb with you in the future.
Cheers, Mike Blenk.
A great theme. Any of the teams that climbed The Vice at Stanage End get extra kudos…