Trip participants: Adam W, Caroline S, Josh T, Kyle S, Lisa D-K, Manfei Y, Peter A, Sarah B, Stephanie B, Vicky P, and Vicky W
Trip Report: Manfei Y
Day 1: Racing the Rain on Striding Edge
Our Easter trip this year was based at George Starkey Hut, in the eastern Lake District near Ullswater. Josh and I pulled into the hut bright-ish and early, energized by the crisp morning air and ominous clouds gathering on the horizon. On the way, Josh patiently explained why Good Friday is indeed a good Friday, and I felt thoroughly enlightened (or at least convinced!). With rain forecast to hit hard by the afternoon, we teamed up with Vicky W (who’d arrived the night before and already gone for a run!) and wasted no time — boots were laced, and we launched straight into one of the Lake District’s most iconic scrambles, Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn.
Striding Edge. Photo Credit: Manfei
The scramble was thrilling, with gusts of wind whipping across the ridge and every foothold demanding attention (though not for the undefeatable Vicky). Spirits were high despite the looming weather. We reached the summit just as the sky brightened with a touch of sunshine. Were we going to dodge the rain after all? I thought. We snapped some windswept photos and began our descent, just before the first drops began to fall. Turns out, putting on waterproofs had magical powers — the moment we zipped them up, the rain decided to take a break.
Credit: Adam; Photo: Place Fell
Meanwhile, the majority of the group’s journey was less straightforward. A delayed ferry crossing meant they (Adam, Kyle, Lisa, Peter, Sarah, Stephanie and Vicky P) arrived mid-afternoon — right into the pouring rain. Undeterred, they geared up in full waterproofs and managed a damp but determined hike to Place Fell. Back at the hut, Vicky W, Josh, and I began peeling vegetables for Vicky’s iconic sausage, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies — a club trip essential.
Day 2: Clouds, Crags, and Courage
The morning brought thick clouds and cool breezes, but spirits weren’t dampened. After conquering the daily crux — parking, the group set off toward Shepherd’s Crag, one of the Lake District’s best-loved climbing spots.
Caroline, Sarah, and Stephaine headed up to Upper Shepherd’s Crag, while Adam, Josh, Peter, and I stayed l in the busy Chamonix Area, hopeful for a shot at the legendary multipitch route Little Chamonix (no luck, as it turned out). Lisa and Vicky P continued to the Brown Slabs Area. Josh and I opted for Donkey's Ears (S) — a two-star, three-pitch route. We bailed on the last pitch, which was damp, but the view was stunning. From our stance, I could see climbers’ bums on Little Chamonix right in my face. I wish I wish!
Credit: Stephanie ; Photos: Shepherd’s Crag
By the afternoon, we all converged at Brown Slabs. It was there that Josh encouraged me to lead my first trad route of the season — Brown Slabs Direct (VDiff), without fully realising what he, as belayer had signed up for. An hour or two? (and several deep breaths and swear words) later, I topped out, with Lisa’s help on anchor building. The clouds finally lifted just before sunset, revealing breathtaking views — sprawling hills and glittering lakes all around. Adam, Peter, and I dashed back to the hut to prep dinner — only for me to discover that Peter is better at cooking rice than I am (disclaimer: only when using a pot). It was a humbling moment.
Day 3: Sunny Sends and Easter Feasts
Finally, a full day of sunshine! Spirits soared as most of the crew made their way to the majestic Castle Rock of Triermain. Caroline and Stephaine ventured off to a different crag — I’ve forgotten the name, but the photos looked nice!
Josh and Kyle set off to tackle the North Crag, taking on a hardcore session on top-rated E2 routes with some bold sky hook-assisted climbing. Meanwhile, the rest of us headed for the more forgiving South Crag, where we all got a taste of Yew Tree Climb (VDiff), Gangway Climb (HVD), and Via Media (S). Despite the good weather, communication at this crag was a real challenge. Shouting was useless, phone calls between the lead climbers and belayers became the norm.
Credit: Peter and Josh ; Photos: Castle Rock of Triermain
Via Media was a standout: exposed, with some bold moves. I seconded Sarah on it and all the way up, I could only think — how on earth did she lead this?! Also, her shiny new cam sets gleamed in the sun like jewellery — beautiful stuff, especially with how solidly they were placed.
We wrapped up the day with a cozy Easter Sunday pub dinner near the hut. Between hearty meals and well-earned pints, we discovered Kyle and Vicky W’s superpower, the Last Crumb Crusaders. No plate was safe under their watch — not a chip or crumb left behind.
Photo: Castle Rock of Triermain; Credit: Adam
While the author of this trip report (Manfei) was not able to attend days three or four of the trip due to other commitments the rest of the trip conquered two other famous lake district scrambles due to ‘dodgy’ conditions. The first of these were sharp edge (grade 1) up Blencathra (which had the most disappointing summit I have personally ever seen (a broken stone circle, no cairn or trig!) which was then followed by a delightful duck race.
The second was Tower Ridge (grade 3) which Kyle successfully managed to find some nice VS crack climbs within.
