Blackshaw Quarry, 3rd May

The last time I visited this place was about ten years ago in my soloing phase, unemployed with no mates. I did "The Best Bit of Rock in Glossop" and then went to play "Marbles". After 20 feet I knew I'd bitten off more than I could chew and my soloing took a back seat from then on. This time round, in the fading light of a May evening, completely pumped, with my hands on the slopey top of the same route, I looked down to see that my last runner had fallen out. I made a huge effort to reverse and from that, took to the air and was next seen two feet off the ground, grinning: brilliant! If New Mills Torrs is great for the arms, Blackshaw is fabulous for the fingers. The routes get feisty from the moment you step off the ground. They were all graded by Glossop's Strongest Fireman (Al Barker) so add an E point to everything. The rest of the team for the evening (Nick Colton, Mike Battye & Son & Son's pierced mate, Reuben Brown and the delightful Claire) all had a great time. None of them fell as far as me.