We caught up with Mike and Dave in Borrowdale, in more unpromising weather, so an afternoon on Castle Rock was an unexpected bonus. Another handy and fast drying venue, with some great routes on the South Crag.

Next day we were on another trip down memory lane, with a visit to Shepherd’s Crag, a firm favourite when we were first starting out climbing over 30 years ago  (and scene of my first fall and probably closest call on my first VS).

I think I’d written the place off as a polished, crowded beginner’s crag, completely without any basis as it turns out. We had a great day, with a fist full of E1s and E2s I hadn’t done before – Aaros, Conclusion and True North all being excellent!