There was another heavy dew on the ground, but the skies began to clear while we had breakfast. It had almost touched freezing in the night, so once again, warm oats were a welcome start.

After sorting all the damp camp kit and climbing gear, we set off for Beeston Tour. We’d gone less than a kilometre from the campsite, when the little trailer overturned, spilling climbing kit onto the road. Rather than risk another breakdown, John took it back to camp and we divided up the ropes and karabiners. With our tents still up at camp it wasn’t too much to take.

We followed the Mainfold Valley, through the tunnel and past Thor’s Cave.

I didn’t think I’d cycled around here before, but Mum sent me a photo proving otherwise – that’s me on a fine looking bike in Hartington back in the early 80’s!

The river goes completely dry, below Wetton Mill, with the water disappearing underground.

Having paid the farmer a few quid to park our bikes, we walked up to the crag. The western wall was very overgrown. We’d hoped to try this VS, which apparently has some good rock. Not really a teaching route though and more like one to come back for (with some secateurs).

It was a bit tricky to work out rope logistics as there some big routes in the main wall. John went up first, stopping half way up the guidebook first pitch of ‘The Thorn’. He brought me up and then between us, we belayed the lads up to the exciting hanging stance.

After some careful ropework, we repeated the process up to the big ledge half way up the crag.

It was an airy place to hang out.

A student on the ground got this photo of us all lined up on the tiny ledge, with the main belay above us under the overhang.

John dispatched the remainder of the route with ease, and got to the big chain belay, that is wrapped around a huge natural thread.

Soon the whole team was up there feeling suitably chuffed with their efforts and the wild position.

I abseiled first, the then others came one by one, with only one student dropping their abseil device!

Then it was back on the bikes to Wetton Mill, where we just made last orders at the tea shop! What a treat!

We had another brew back at camp, where a lot of fungi had appeared!

The lads had planned and budgeted for a meal at the Manifold Inn in Hulme End. We arrived at seven, to a wall of heat from the open fire. It felt like days since we’d been indoors! We all enjoyed a hearty meal and the took pleasure in the warmth of the open fire.