Cheers for the info John Kettle. Great surname! Know Kettle is pretty common name (which we share), but never met one who is not a relation and definitely not a climber Kettle.
Got an evening at Northern Group on Thursday. Rough crystaline gabbro is now my fav rock! Fricken loved the stuff at Carrock Fell. Shame I only had 3 hours. All the problems I did were 2 or 3 stars about 10 in 6C to 7A+ range. Really suits my style of fingery powerful moves. Kind of like limestone edges on grit. Conditions were probably unusually good for this time of year. Quite cool with a slight breeze. My skin held up really well. My fingers got a decent workout, mainly because I was running between problems
Recommended highlights were Slopey Arete, Boardmans L and R arete, Nova Scotia Arete and Canada Dry.
Hiked up the hill and had a few goes on the classic 7C Leopold von Buch - really impressive problem. Steep wall positive small holds. Unfortunately a party just packed up as I arrived. They said the crucial foothold was now wet. I was left with just my small pod mat. Decided to have look anyway and managed to hold what I reckon was the crux move to a gaston with the LH. Was too chicken to try the top section sans spotters.
Anyway think I might be agreeing to another few trips to Center Parks Winfell over the next few years. Perhaps an October visit! Although my missus will see straight through that one. Only a bit over 2 hours from Macclesfield, do do-able as a day trip. If any locals (John?) fancied giving me a tour of its other areas then I would def make a trip up.
SA Chris what were you doing on Mum-net?
Made me (and my missus) laugh ALOT
