A little light drizzle in the air saw us optimistically drive up the Duddon Valley, where the farmer gave us a friendly welcome, declaring us 'a good omen'. Two minutes later, we were back in the van as a shower blew through. Having got that far, we went for a walk up to Wallowbarrow Crag to 'have a look'.
The ground was wet, but the rock was dry as the drizzle seemed to be blowing past the crags and/or drying straight away in the warmth.
We climbed a couple of superb routes as the skies generally cleared. Apart from one guided party, we had the place to ourselves again.
Down at Ulpha, we went for another dip as the deep water looked so alluring. This time with a mask and snorkel. I found a pair of expensive looking glasses at the bottom (presumably from someone peering over the bridge to take a look!) and also saw loads of fish and a huge eel, slithering along the river bottom.
With the van right by the river, it was easy to warm back up afterwards.
On the way out of the valley, we met Matt at Stonestar Crag, so snuck in a few more climbs as the weather was still dry.
It turned into a beautiful evening and it was nice to sit on top together, catch up on each others news and soak up the sunset after climbing the three star route of the crag.
The cliff had been closed to climbers until last week as there were falcons nesting there. On one small ledge I found loads of pigeon tags - I guess they must have been someone's dinner recently and eaten whole!
We were tired, hungry and happy when we eventually left the valley...
Wallowbarrow Crag Climbs:
- Thomas, S (4a,4a)***
- Digitation, VS (4b)**
Stonestar Crag:
- Columbia, E1, (5b)***
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