In Search Of Emmerdale

     With a few days backpacking in the wonderful Dales on the cards a cursory glance at the OS showed a glaring omission in my Yorkshire CV.  Wharfedale cuts a huge glacial gash through the South of the national park and its upper reaches and offshoot valleys were virgin territory.  My obsession with a certain TV soap made the decision to go here even simpler, a few days relaxed wandering in an area where the hills aren't too big, there's plenty of pubs and none of the crowds of the Lakes.
     Setting off in the evening from Kettlewell we camped high on a level plateau overlooking the village, bustling with campers there for the scarecrow festival.

Above Kettlewell

     The hot sun woke us early and we wandered over the hill and down into the scenic Littondale, another characteristically flat-bottomed valley with a meandering river passing through sheep fields and meadows.  There's a lot of rock around here although lots of it above steep slopes.

360degree view of Littondale and Blue Scar (may take a few moments to load)

     Littondale used to be called Amerdale, a name that can still be seen at the confluence with the main valley and purportedly where the name Emmerdale came from.  Arncliffe lies in the heart of the valley and was the village, Beckindale, in the shows original incarnation.

The Woolpack

Arncliffe

     It was strange to come across cattle on the high ground between Littondale and Malhamdale.  The upland limestone grasslands were historically maintained by mixed livestock grazing but the move toward sheep and commercial cattle breeds that don’t live well in upland areas have had a detrimental effect on the areas diversity.  For more info on this reintroduction check out The Limestone Country Project.

Malham

     There were no climbers at Malham but plenty of tourists.  The limestone pavement at the top of this huge crag is extensive, one of the best examples of such a feature in the UK. At the Lister Arms in the village I had one of the nicest beers I’ve ever tasted, Nutty Black brewed by Thwaites.  If you're into your ales by the way check out Dave Lozmans Taste Sensations Blog.  

Limestone pavement above Gordale

     We found shelter for the tents just above the drop down into the impressive Gordale Scar and the following morning hopped our way over the limestone pavements back in the direction of Malham Tarn to join a Roman road rising and falling all the way down to the village of Kilnsey.

Kilnsey The Crag

     Kilnsey crag was as impressive as I expected.  The overhang is massive and after a pint of the sheep we sat in its shade for a cuppa before making our way back up-valley.
     I love the freedom of carrying everything on your back and just bedding down when it gets dark.   I’ll have to make an effort to do this more often.  

DVD Review - Life On Hold

  'This isn’t so much man vs rock as a gritstone spooning session'

Read my full review of Life On Hold here

Stoney Wicks

     A quick trip to Stoney Wicks to take some pictures today.  Facing South East, Stoney lies higher and just East of Barkers (The Quiet Side of Scugdale, May 2012), clearly visible from the track that runs along the top of the edge, jutting out of the hillside.   The rock is fantastic, solid and harder than the rest of Scugdale.  I'd say it's a shame it isn't bigger but the height and general friendly feel of the place make it a great place to go on your own.  You're almost guaranteed solitude and the views down Raisdale into Bilsdale give a different perspective from the other crags in the dale.

Stoney Wicks - LHS

    I've visited here lots over the years, a few years ago I made a paper miniguide I titled Stoney Wicks and Beyond as many problems were unrecorded, indeed the right-hand-side of Stoney didn't even get a mention anywhere.  I wanted some new pictures to make a printable guide I can put on here but the panaramics didn't work out quite as well as I'd hoped so another visit will be needed before I can finish it.

360degree view from the RHS of Stoney

the view across to Barkers'

Lazy Days - Park Nab

     Park Nab sits prominent on a hill above Kildale, a sandstone outcrop with a great outlook over a quiet, scenic part of the moors.  The climbs aren't very big but there's some good-looking lines here, Longbow being the obvious challenge, plainly visible from the road.  
     I had one of those days on Monday when climbing is just good fun, I spent a lot of time just lazing about in the sun enjoying the views with the crag to myself.  And on a Bank Holiday!  I did most of the easy climbs, many more than once, using the bouldering mat to cover up any pointy rocks.  Going above my comfortable bouldering height and being alone I felt it prudent to break out the helmet.
     I've been enjoying playing with Movie Maker so I took some footage trying out some different angles and playing with the fade effect which I may have over-egged a little.  It's still just a collection of climbs, missing a narrative.  Hopefully an improvement on my last vid though.

Park Nab - The Three Aretes

     Another little practice topo.

Scugdale 360

     Had a bit of time on my hands today and so I made an interactive panorama of Scugdale.
     I'm pretty chuffed with it but have put it on a separate page as it is a couple of megabytes and loads automatically.

You can view it here

Day's End Buttress Topo

     My first attempt at a pdf topo.  Thought it would be interesting to try and make my own little guides to some of the places I visit.  Obviously they'll never be of the same calibre as betaguides or climbonline but I enjoy stuff like this.  

     Constructive criticism is appreciated.

You Can View It Full Size Here

The Quiet Side Of Scugdale

     A little video of some problems at Barkers' Crag at Scugdale, Days End Buttress and Ampitheatre Buttress.  Although close to the 'popular' end of Scuggy it's always quiet at Barkers' and it's a rarity to see anyone else there.
     Had a good day on my own today, you wouldn't normally see me with my top off but it was so hot I was absolutely dripping.  Not the best of days for climbing to be honest, all the handholds felt really slippery and insecure because of the heat.  The last problem, Tall Tales, a route I did in 2010, is my only new route at Scugdale.  I've failed to repeat it on my last few visits so was surprised today with conditions being like they were.  If your wondering why I'm in my underpants it's because my jeans just wouldn't give me the flexibility to reach the first foothold.  I failed five times with trousers on, took them off and got it first time!
     I don't take myself too seriously, all the routes are pretty easy by today's standards and I put music over the top to break the silence.

Free guides to all of Scugdales crags available from climbonline here