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Despite a slightly doubtful forecast 9 members were all ahead of schedule for the early start from Deepdale Bridge. In fact the meet leader’s car was the last to arrive and was only able to park due the sterling efforts of Mark H defending the final parking slot.
Assured by the Met office that the drizzle and mist would disperse by 10 o’clock we set off along the Deepdale track. I think it had actually stopped drizzling by the time we reached the base of Link Cove beck but we were all soaked anyway from the sodden vegetation. We surveyed the slippery-looking rocks with some dismay. The A team set off the investigate, with Michael resorting to the old trick of wooly socks over boots. Not exactly encouraged by their reports of grease and damp, some of of us opted for the greasy, damp grass instead. However, the grade 2 alternative proved doable in parts, and provided excellent views into the depths of the gorge. The grade 3 direct route certainly looks entertaining enough to warrant another trip in better conditions.
Arriving in Link Cove we were engulfed in thick mist and could barely see the cliffs of Greenhow End. We sort of drifted towards the general direction of the Light Slabs, peering through the clag for the grassy rake and lone tree that marks the start of the scramble. Eventually I located something that looked vaguely familiar and we set off up excellent rock. At the end of the scramble it was a short walk up the ridge to join the main Fairfield track at Link Hause and thence to Hart Crag and a descent by the Hartsop above How ridge. As was inevitable, the much delayed ‘clearing’ was now well under way, so we had some excellent views back to our scrambles.
Some of us completed the expedition with a swift pint at the Patterdale Hotel. Despite the less than perfect conditions, a considerable amount of pleasant scrambling had been done and it was great to be out with an enthusiastic team. All in all a great day was had, and we will plan a rematch with direct ascent of Link Cove gill.
The team was a nice mix of new members and ‘old hands’, consisting of Fiona, Jon T, Geraint, Rob P (first meet), Mark H, Michael K, Roland, and Paul A (aspirant member), and Judith.
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