Malhamites go on the B in Bang...
With April fading fast in the rear-view mirror it’s clear that it’s been an exceptional month - both weather wise and climbing wise…
Malhamites were clearly out of the traps and up and running on the B in Bang this year. There had been those dedicated folks that had climbed there all winter – yeph, even through the deep snows of November and December – step forward Gareth and James and take a bow! The season usually starts at Malham March onwards (for most folks) so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that the Cove has seen the bulk of the early season action in the Dales with a clutch of ascents of hard test pieces falling – some of which were nailed by their suitors in double-quick time.
Attention in Unjustified has continued from last year with both Alan Cassidy and Sam Whittaker adding themselves to the growing list of successful applicants. Will Atkinson travelled down from his northern base and bagged both Zoolook and GBH over a particularly hot weekend. Adam Jeewooth and James Riley, both of whom clearly preferred shade to sun, chalked-up success on Predator, one of the best, and in-vogue, F8bs in the country. Adam Lincoln and Andy Hutchinson were busy a few metres right along the catwalk felling the proverbial Austrian Oak. And the ladies too have been very conspicuous by their presence with Lucinda Whittaker (nee Hughes) nailing Overnite Sensation whilst Emma Twyford notched up a series of very (very) creditable quickies on Raindogs, Zoolook and then Predator.
Malham is a well-known ‘difficult to on-sight’ crag but regular visitors at the Cove might just have caught sight of James (Caff) McHaffie on a typical low-key, on-sight of Scavenger; no mean result given the uber-crimpy climbing on Scavenger. James went on to capitalise on his obvious fitness and strength during the rest of his
Paradoxically, April proved too hot at times at Malham – yeah, that’s right, too hot. With day after day of cloudless blue skies and light easterly breeze many teams switched to cooler venues such as Kilnsey. But with the weather breaking a little and returning back to more seasonal norms, those with projects ready to fall will, no doubt, be looking to get closure.
So as May kicks in and with the bulk of the Pennines limestone crags now bone, it looks (famous last words...!) like we climbers are gonna have the pick of the venues for the summer. However, a few questions hang in the air; will we see another super route at Malham from Steve McClure and will Adam Ondra be back for round two on Overshadow? Apologies for any omissions, but here’s a selection of the recent action…
Early season birds out catching Catwalk worms…
The right-hand end of the Catwalk remains ever popular for mileage and getting back into the swing…
Tim Bertenshaw looking for Overnite Sensations…
James Riley cruising through one of the cruxes of Predator…
Steve McClure at work at his Malham desk…
James (Caff) McHaffie closing-out his on-sight of Scavenger…
Sam Whittaker crushing Unjustified…
A bone dry Cove: ain’t she a beauty?...
