Gouther Crag, Swindale

A hidden little corner of the Lake District today - the beautiful dead end valley of Swindale - my destination Gouther Crag for more rock climbing on what must have been the best day of the year so far.
My partner for the day was young Matt LeVoi - we've not climbed together this year - between his booming business and my dodgy knee we've been email & Facebook buddies - back together tied onto a rope was great. Starting with the 2 star Truss Buttress we ambled upwards, much banter and occassional whimpers from Lexi dog - disappointed to be left down on the ground. Next was 1 star Sam - difficult until the 'hidden' trick is worked out and then just good fun - back on the top the sun was coming round onto the crag - we took a moment to watch a magnificent buzzard soaring over our final target - the 3 star classic of the crag, The Fang. Taking an intricate line through some wonderful steep rock architecture it didn't disappoint - super sticky rock and big jug holds just when you needed them. Swinging the lead at the super impressive belay ledge Matt took over and all to soon we were at the top.
All that remained was to make our way back to the stepping stones and let Lexi have a good long soak in the eponymous beck. Then it was time for Matt to get off for a 3am start on Scafell - & me back to the website & then N Wales.