Andy Turner and myself took advantage of the continued fine weather by climbing three classic 'hard rock' routes in Eskdale (Lake District). Carrying all our kit we started with 'Gormenghast' (E1) on Heron Crag, before making our way up 'Central Pillar' (E2) on Esk Buttress. We finished the day by traversing over to Scafell's East Buttress and climbing 'Ichabod' (E2), before making the long walk back to the Hardknott Pass.

The weather was superb throughout, although hot at times, even high up on Scafell. All the major mountain crags are particularly dry at the moment and are well worth a visit...

In the Peak District many crags have been reopened, full details being listed at http://www.climbingcrags.co.uk Latest news from the BMC suggests that the Peak Park Authority is preparing to close the open moorland areas (Access Land) again after the weekend - if the forecast rain does not reduce the Fire Severity Index.

This will include the moorland west of Longnor, the area south of The Cat and Fiddle road, Chew valley, Derwent Edges, Longdendale and Kinder. All remaining crags/areas directly accessible from a Public Right of Way remain unaffected. As a result of the Peak Ranger team currently fighting a number of fires, a number of the regions access points do not have restriction/warning signs in place. The Park Authority have expressed thanks to the climbing community for being vigilant during this period and reporting fires, but they have also expressed concern that climbers were seen at both Bamford and The Ravenstones during the ban.