First Trip to Stanage
14 Oct 2019 - Richard Horridge
Stanage Edge in the Peak District
Climbing at Stanage Edge
As a British climber, Stanage Edge is something of a pilgrimage site. Arguably the most famous and popular climbing site in the UK, it is home to many fabulous gritstone routes.
It was the first UBMC trip of the year and there were lots of new club members to meet. With over 80 people attending, including new and old club members, we needed a venue which can sleep that many people and Thorpe Farm Bunkhouses is such a place!
As I'm yet to do more than one Trad lead I was seconding all the routes we did on Saturday. The weather was ideal - dry and cold, which gives a better grip on the rocks - and we did seven total climbs! This many is unusual when climbing with novices but we had a strong group, attempting grades up to HVS.
After a good day out, food was cooked (cooking for 50 people is no mean feat!) and eaten and then it was time for the evening shenanigans. Suffice to say that UBMC knows how to have a good time - while the entertainment might not be everyone's cup of tea, everyone is encouraged to join in but there is no pressure on anyone who doesn't.
Needless to say, many of us were much worse for wear on Sunday morning! After a lot of cleaning we set off for a rainy walk into Hathersage and a pub lunch, followed by a spot of gear shopping, then the return journey home.
It was a fun weekend and it was nice to get a break after a busy two weeks. Getting out into the countryside is always good for me, and I look forward to lots more trips with UBMC this year!
