Wind, climbing and wind

We made it out to the Peak District without a hitch. After a 45min walk through sheep filled pastures we arrived at the campsite and after setting up still had time for climbing. We stayed here for three nights and got two more solid days of climbing in, in areas called Stanage Edge and Burbage Edge. It was great especially once you trust the true stickiness of gritstone. It was however incredibly windy, but we were told we were just lucky it wasn't raining. I guess the weather here has been the pits the last few summers and we seem to have brought in a good spell of it. After our three nights in the Peaks we took the train out to Manchester where we stopped for fish and chips and tea for only £3.10. This was on our way to Windermere and the Lake district. We were told once in Windermere we could take a bus to Langdale where we would be in walking access to some brilliant climbing. Unfortunately the bus only goes to Langdale from Windermere on Saturday... and we arrived kinda late, so everything was closed... We caught a bus to Ambleside where we could have got to Langdale from, had it been earlier... After feeling kinda standed and debating our options for a couple hours we caught a taxi to Langdale. The guy was so friendly and told us where everything was and what campsite we should stay at if we were climbing etc. etc. It was definately worth the extra cost. The next day we got in some more climbing on some volcanic rock called tuff. Luckily we met a couple people and they pointed us up some good routes. The next day we were on a mission for an area called Gimmer crag. Unfortunately without a guide or map it was a little more illusive. After a couple hours we found our way there and another nice man pointed us up a very good route. We came down and decided to go for another and just as we reached the top the rain started. We thought the way down would be much easier, but this was not the case. We tried to go the more direct way and ended up getting lost amoungst the sheeps paths, talus and bracken. Luckily the storm was not more severe. We made it down a little wet, and the storm continued through the night. We packed up this morning and made our way back to Windermere. We're at the library now, waiting for our train back to Manchester, then its on to Penzance and Land's End in the region of Cornwall. Its the peninsula-ish bit sticking out the south-west end. Apparently there's great sea cliff climbing, surfing and generally nice beaches and hot weather... mmmmm. After that we're in London for a few days, and then its home on Aug 2nd. Man time flies.

Cheers