THREADING THE NEEDLE.
Fooling April Day 2006

 
Cast.   Amanda, Andy, Cath, Howard, Jim, Rich and Sid.

Among the pictures that hang on my lounge room wall is one that endures iconic status among fellwalkers and  mountaineers alike. Napes Needle is instantly recognised the world over among climbing circles.



The picture is of my partners Grandfather, stood on the summit in his hob nail boots in 1938. I had often looked at the picture and thought about paying the Needle a visit. Now finally stood below its water dripping flanks, I could appreciate its awe inspiring position.

Six York MC members and myself had come to “Thread the Needle”. This is the name given to the rocky scramble that passes between the pinnacle and the main cliff.
 

We had left York earlier that day in torrential rain. Tenk’s partner Kelly, had shouted  as he left “YOUR MAD”. Well it was April Fool’s Day. Luckily for us the weather improved well beyond the  forecast “thunderstorms and heavy showers” as we headed West. In fact it did not rain while we were on the hills. Very lucky.

 Our route had brought us to the Needle, via Styhead Ghyll and its tarn. From there we had used the Climbers Traverse on the South side of Great Gable to reach a small path that accesses the foot of the Needle

At the top of the path there were a few level spots where we could sit and have our lunch. Sheltered from the wind and treated to intermittent views of Wastwater and The Screes. The latter in side profile. Fantastic, there was also the mountain rescue helicopter hovering very close to Lingmell in the distance

Then came the task we had come for. Packs were hoisted onto our backs and we inched our way up the polished and slimy  ‘v’ groove between pinnacle and main cliff. A lot harder than it would of been, had it been dry!

At the top Andy had to set up an abseil, as it was steeper and just as slippery on the other side. Tenk went first with his prototype OMM pack he was testing. Loaded with two tents and God knows what else! April 1st remember.

Once we had all safely descended to the other side, we took a vote and decided to return via Windy Gap to Styhead Tarn, from there we took the steeper descent on the North bank of  Styhead Ghyll. All that remained after regaining our transport was to find a suitable refreshment  outlet. This turned out to be the Borrowdale Hotel, where we tucked into tea and scones in front of the coal fire. 

All in all a grand day out.  Jim Croft. 2/4/06.