Main routes on Llwedd
I had a potential cast list of around 25 enthusiasts, but the short notice, and the weekdays chosen, meant that only around half a dozen could make it. But we were blessed with sunshine and dry conditions – even the sphagnum moss on the walk up was spongy as opposed to sodden.
The first day we had teams on Horned Crag (Chris and Gill) and Paradise/Black Arete and Terminal Arete (Hazel and Ali/Graham and Val). We had pared down kit to light racks and one rope per team; this would have made for an easy walk in except for the fizz, strawberries and cream which were stashed just off the descent path. We forewent most period dress as the tweeds and hemp rope would have been too hot on the approach, if not on the crag, but we did have period hats.
The climbing was thought provoking on mainly good rock (and dry turf). Route finding was efficient and we topped out at about five o’clock in glorious sunshine and were scoffing strawberries at six.
On the second day Glynne joined us and armed with a brave leader (who was not impressed with the rack presented at the foot of the climb) we had a rope of 3 on Sword/Route 2 (a very tenuous VS pitch to start and some very traditional v.diff pitches above which defeated the meet leader). Ali and Hazel enjoyed Avalanche and we all went up Red Wall. Graham had been there 30 years earlier and opined where Longlands started, but Ali and Hazel went left for a new variation while Graham, Glynne and Val enjoyed the proper route. All convened on the top for six o’clock and without the delay of strawberries and cream, and with a car in the carpark this time we were back in the hut for seven thirty.
The format of the meet worked well; and if there is another dry spell I may spring another one on my mailing list before the autumn. Having got a little familiar with this big and impressive cliff it would be nice to go back while I can remember my way around a bit . . . .
Val Hennelly
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