Milltone and Cheddar Cheese

Been back in the UK for three weeks now. The first two were dry but cold despite it being May. However, this week has been stunning, sunny and warm everyday; but too warm for climbing which is exactly what Dom I did today. Millstone was the preferred venue; long, sustained gritstone routes.

After a late start, we weaved our way through Ashton, Stalybridge and Glossop before snaking along the A57 towards Bamford, Hathersage and Millstone. On route, Dom casually mentioned a 12th century pub he thought would be good to visit on the way home, the Cheddar Cheese in Hope.

Millstone, unfortunately, was a disappointment as we both struggled to climb in the heat of the day and 'sweat' of the rock. But there will be other days to climb.........

First up was pitch 1 of Embankment 3 (E1 5b) followed by pitch 2 of Embankment 1 (E1 5b). Then then laboured up Great North Road (HVS 5a) making an absolute meal of it.

The cheddar cheese by contrast was great, sat in a beer garden with a pint of bitter and cider talking the world away. Although it didn't look like a 12th century pub from the outside, but worth the detour ..........