Duddon Valley meet report. June 24-26

Am happy to report that even though stormy wet weather forecast, 23 + Helen for day on Friday, rolled up to Duddon Valley meet.

Routes were climbed on WallowBarrow Crag, Wainwrights were bagged, walks in stunning valley of rivers + rocks were taken, dips were taken in scintillating river pools and the Newfield Inn featured quite a lot too!

Andrew was first to arrive and had established himself on a fine camping spot and was soon surrounded by CMC members, each choosing a delightful spot amidst the rocky knolls.

Friday was fine and the 9 climbers headed to Wallowbarrow, joined by Linda + Dave, who arrived later and as I understand had a good time doing a few routes. Meanwhile, the walkers also headed for the crag, where they lounged in the sun at the foot for a while, before doing a circular walk around Wallowbarrow and up to Grassguards. So chilled they all were on this sunny Summers day, that none of them noticed they were completely off route for a while! Back on route, they made a bee line for the finish..Newfield inn for a cream tea! Having indulged, we bumped into Steve, Marianne and her son Seth, returning from a much bigger day climbing up Dow Crag and The Old Man of Coniston. All gathered in a very sociable circle later on campsite

The outlook for Saturday was gloomy, compounded by heavy rain falling from skies during the night. Sadly, one tent did not stand up to the elements, with the inhabitants heading to the Newfield Inn for breakfast. Meanwhile, the rest of the party, with the exception of a few, were heading off all cagouled up in the rain to Green Crag + Harter fell. Contrary to expectations, the day turned out to be pretty good and a few extended the walk to Hardknott. Meanwhile, the meet leader, Bill + Scout mooched down the valley to The Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills in sunshine.

Spirits were good and a party of 15 went for dinner in the Newfield Inn.

However, Sunday did live up to the forecast, with a mass striking of camp by 9am, followed by breakfast in Pub for some. The six of us remaining went for a misty, damp walk up the Dow Crag side of the valley. Afterwards, Julian + Seha headed home and Linda, Dave + myself enjoyed a lovely evening at the end of a great weekend, supping a glass or few of wine with Chris in her luxury pad. Thank you Chris.

And thank you everybody for coming. Sue