Year of publication 1960 - Fell and Rock Climbing Club

84 THE YEAR WITH THE CLUBwinds and rain cramped the style of rock climbers but some routeswere done, and quite a lot of walking.Fresh ground was broken in June by a meet held at the KirkstileInn, Loweswater. A savage squall marred the brilliance of Saturdayand caused a hasty retreat from Grasmoor. The next day was spentexploring the lesser fells of Mellbreak, Hen Comb, Gavel Fell,Blake Fell and Carling Knott. Unfamiliar views of the central fellswere made dramatic by the masses of heavy grey cloud, whilstwesterly, fleeting cloud shadows and a brilliant sun shining acrossthe Solway enhanced a delightful scene.At Whitsun, between forty and fifty members and guests wereestablished in the Salving House and elsewhere. Many 'locals'turned up during the day. Saturday and Sunday were fine and hot,Monday still fine but cooler. On Saturday most people went toGable where, amongst other things, a large number climbed Eagle'sNest Direct. In the West Chimney ascending and descending partiesbecame entangled, causing a considerable traffic jam.On Sunday Scafell was visited and many went to Birkness Combe.On Monday 23 climbers were concentrated on GillcrcombcButtress, the earlier starters being encouraged and otherwise bycomment and criticism from the earthbound. The fell walkers werebusy every day. It was recorded that the son of a member tookthe first step in graduation by his introduction to the leader at theage of ten months.There must be many who feel that the Club's birthplace shouldsupport a meet worthy of the name, and it is most gratifying thatConiston has become once again popular. In July, more than70 people were accommodated at the Sun, in the village, at RawHead, and in tents by Boo Tarn. There was sunshine everywhere,except on Dow where climbers were enveloped in mist.For the first time the annual North Wales Meet was held at thePen y Gwryd Hotel, an overflow being housed at the Pinnacle ClubHut. The weather was excellent and everyone had three good dayson the hills, climbers visiting the Llanberis cliffs, Lliwedd andGlyder Fach in turn.The remarkable summer continued through September and a verycrowded meet at Wasdale enjoyed a delightful week-end. Underthese ideal conditions, Scafell was the supreme attraction, C.B.,Great Eastern, Pegasus, BotterilPs, Moss Ghyll Grooves, beingamong the great routes climbed. The last of the 'outdoor' meetsconfirmed the pattern set by its predecessors—sunny days, pleasantwalking, good climbing from Bassenthwaite in October.The indoor meets, those devoted to maintenance, were, with onepossible exception, enthusiastically supported by the Club'stechnicians—electricians, builders, decorators, not to mention 'chars.'In retrospect—a good year.