Roaches June 2018 Trip Report

A most excellent weekend spent with Dan, Charlie, Emma, Claire, Ru, Phil, Megan, Bryn, Peri, Alan, Diana and the inimitable Johnny Dawes staying in the superlative Don Whillans Memorial Hut at the grit-tastic Roaches in the Peak District.

There was glorious “scorchio” weather on both days, so folks did not feel the urge to travel far with various parties climbing on the superb Roaches Lower and Upper Tiers, the less populated Skyline Area and the always impressive ramparts of Hen Cloud. The climbing and company was great whilst much beer and wine was imbibed to rehydrate after a long, hot days clambering. And to replenish all those lost calories the mother of all BBQ’s with a smorgasbord of delicacies to titivate the taste buds was duly lit on Saturday evening. This was followed by much fun and laughter with many rounds of the “Sumo-Hands” game and general frivolity.

Phil led his first ever E1, Dan finally ticked off Valkyrie which has been on his hit list for years, whilst everyone had an absolute orgy of climbing on both days resulting in the odd sore finger and a few swollen toes. A personal highlight for me was filming another wee video of more no-handed climbing sorcery with Johnny “walking” up the Roaches Lower Tier classic E3 5c Chalkstorm. Johnny is always excellent value to spend a day with and hopefully the vid will be going live later this summer so watch this space…

Anyway the hut is already booked for the weekend of June 7/8/9th in 2019 so make sure you sign up quick when advertised early next year! 😊

Cheers

Dave Linnett

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