In June, without very much notice, we moved to Skipton. Well, Dave did, and Jo is attempting to be there as much as possible while working in Oakham (currently managing about half time). Although we’re both working hard, we’ve already found a couple of benefits of our new location…
Soon after moving, we joined a large group of friends to celebrate Ruth’s 30th birthday in Buttermere. (OK, not strictly Yorkshire but with the recent extension of the Dales national park into Cumbria, not far off.) This turned out to be more exercise than expected, especially for Dave who, after a whole-group round of Red Pike, High Stile etc, Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, was persuaded to join some speedy people in continuing around the skyline to Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson. Meanwhile, Jo was more interested in making it to the ice cream shop before closing time. On Sunday we re-bagged Mellbreak and discovered that yet more of our friends are in danger of becoming fell runners, before driving home in two hours – a strong contender for the best bit of the weekend.
We’ve also been out and about in the evenings. With evening-size hills in most directions from Skipton we’re a bit spoiled for choice and still trying to work out the best parking places, crags and routes avoiding various walls, bogs and insect hotspots. Being able to cycle to Bolton Abbey after work is also quite exciting.
Yellow Van Mountaineering 