Arriving safely at Dalesbridge campsite on the Friday evening, myself Nici and the kids (Alex, Emily, Ethan) headed into Settle to meet up with Alan, Sue, Craig and Theresa, all of whom had taken the posh option and booked into a B&B. Camping seems to be too primitive for some folk :-)

A pleasant evening was had in a local hostelry making introductions and the regular mob getting their heads round our first ever child friendly weekend away, although it has to be added that during our time in the pub, Emily and Ethan proved to be very entertaining dancers when the disco started!!!

SATURDAY 22ND JULY

Chosen venue was Pot Scar, a limestone crag recommended by our local finger on the pulse bloke Andy Bulleyment. Incidentally Andy, wonder why you organised this trip then decided to bugger off to Fontainebleau till the Sunday? You've gone over to the dark side, bouldering indeed!!

A blisteringly hot day at Pot Scar prevented any serious climbing being done, the incessant heat emphasising how unfit we really are. However, we were here to climb and climb we would. After prospecting several easier lines on which a toprope could be set up for the little ones, Alan and myself decided there was too much loose rock around, so I opted to lead The Pusher (VS 4c) which included a nippy few starting moves.

Chris on The Pusher (Told you it was hot!!!)

After Alan had seconded we set up a top rope and geared the kids up.

Ethan (4) getting ready

While all this was going on, Craig and Theresa set off up Equity (S) which looked a bit of a sandbag at that grade.

Craig on Equity (S)

Now it was the kids turn. Emily (6) volunteered first and did extremely well, until it was time to get lowered. Us clever (?) adults had overlooked providing the necessary instructions on what she was supposed to do when lowering off. After some gentle cajoling she made it down OK without too much drama.

Emily (6) toproping The Pusher

Next up was our resident cabaret turn, the very enthusiastic Ethan. He managed very well on the upward journey, providing some real entertainment on way down though. Sue, who did all the filming, and the rest of us were amazed at Ethans lack of fear and his infectious laugh as he spun on the rope during lower off. Kids eh?

Coming down, the fun way, demonstrated by Ethan!!

Next up was Alex (11), who being that little bit older (and heavier) required the combined hauling tactics of Theresa and myself to help him overcome the tricky bits. The million dollar question though? Could Mum do any better? Nici managed fine, after requesting (or was it ordering) Sue to desist from any filming during her ascent. "Does my bum look big in this harness?". Joking of course.

Would you trust this lot to belay?

Craig and Theresa then opted for Nirvana (VS 4c), a nice line which I later also led, very entertaining.

Craig and Theresa, Nirvana (VS 4c)

Alan and myself then headed along to Rebate (V Diff), deciding the heat was sufficient excuse to drop down a grade or four. No one disagreed!

Alan on Rebate

Alan then very kindly lobbed the rope down for Nici to have a go. Considering this was her first day on real rock, she fared very well. Until of course us more experienced types omitted to explain how she got back down. "Abseiling? I've never done that!" Not to worry, with gentle encouragement from Alan, she zipped down the ab rope. So ended our sweltering day at Pot Scar, with the exception of Craig and Theresa, who opted to stick around a bit longer.

Nici on Rebate

A superb day and a pleasant venue. Great company too