Swaledale Camping Meet 26-26 June 2017 Report

Thirteen people and Scout the dog attended the camping meet at Usha Gap, in Swaledale. We arrived to damp drizzle on Friday evening but enjoyed an impromptu get together in Leon’s caravan for late night drinks.

Saturday morning arrived with a gusty breeze. After breakfast various parties left for a day out. Three cycled to Reeth and up Tan Hill for a 30 mile round, enjoying two café stops. Another party ascended Great Shunner Fell and battled fairly persistent wind and drizzle across the tops before the descent down the road – stopping off at the buttertubs to take photos in the late afternoon sunshine. They also enjoyed a tea stop in Thwaite. Three Club memebers spent four hours searching for a climbing crag that had been researched online but could not find it anywhere. However they spied it on their return, so all was not lost. Charles and Bill spent a more leisurely day sightseeing. Bill went to a beer festival without drinking a drop (brave man) and also visited a fete in Reeth but left very quickly as he was overage.

Saturday evening passed with a successful barbecue around Mary’s spacious, new, blow-up tent. Leon took on the role of master chef, aided by Nigel. Elaborate offerings of stuffed peppers, colourful veggie kababs and the usual meat feast were devoured, all washed down with plenty of liquid refreshment although everyone retired by 11 pm!!

The sun finally made an appearance on Sunday morning and a beautiful clear day followed. The cycling group left for Richmond and a group of four walked from the village of Muker on a stunning circular 7 mile valley walk. The climbers left again on a crag hunt. I’ve yet to hear if they found it. One member from this sub-group had left early morning. (Any news Gary?). Charles headed north to Hartlepool for a cultural excursion.

All in all an eventful, a very varied and sociable weekend. Thank you to those who came.
Ali