Idwal Stream ice climbing

The cold weather encouraged a visit to N. Wales yesterday for a little ice climbing practice !
It was a stunning day of sub-zero temps. blue skies and glorious winter sun. The available ice was limited but very much appreciated - there were at least six teams climbing Idwal Stream - some even managed to place some ice-screws ! The majority of the climbs in Idwal were forming but with limited water running down them there is small chance that they are going to get fatter very quickly.
The path was very icy and caught out at least two people taking heavy falls on the way down.

Gear placements

Back At Symonds Yat for some gear placement practice - dry weather and some sunshine has kept the season going - with underfoot conditions not too bad - although some rocks are greasy with condensation and seepage. The routes Pistol and Zymurgy between Bowlers Hole area and Far South Buttress get the best of the late afternoon sun on the shortest days of the year and parties have also been out today enjoying the Longstone Pinnacle.

Northern Corries

The photo's pretty much tell the story - perfect days in one of the world's beautiful places - well worth the long hours travelling . A view into Loch Avon and climbing 'Invernookie' on Fiacaill Buttress with hoared up rocks, blue skies and excellent protection.

Ben Udlaith ice climbing

I'm heading North this week, hoping for some good early winter conditions in Scotland - the above is on Ben Udlaith , Glen Orchy a few Christmas's ago - plenty of water runs over the plateau and given a week or so of hard frosts gives excellent ice pitches at low altitude and easy access.
Any time in the winter mountains at Christmas though will be welcome - it always has a special atmosphere especially when you can get off the beaten track and wander the wild mountains.

Picos De Europa

Well, so much for warm rock !
Freak weather brought 50cm of snow to the Picos this week after 18 days of good weather.
Unfortunately rock boots and chalk bags were packed instead of snowshoes and big boots - still the fresh snow made the mountains look good ! and has got me in the mood for some Scottish winter climbing.
The weather did relent enough for a trip to the fantastic Cares Gorge and a snowball fight at El Cable, Fuente De with even some sunshine at Sotres and Pena Del Fresnidello.

Naranjo de Bulnes

Back to Los Picos De Europa, Northern Spain this week for hopefully more autumn sunshine on more warm limestone, although at this time of year it could be snowing ! Above shows climbing on Naranjo De Bulnes or Pico Urriello or just El Pico ! a monolith of steep limestone at the heart of The Picos National Park. This area has some fantastic mountain scenary enhanced by interesting fauna and flora, a unique mountain culture, good accomodation and easy access from the UK ( Santander is only 1hr by road away ) and I'm looking forward to going !

Autumn sunshine

This week has been a return to climbing courses at Symonds Yat - where the late summer sun has been very welcome; in fact the rocks look busier than they have been all year !

The sun gets around to these west facing cliffs around lunchtime at this time of year and lights up the limestone with shades of gold, yellow and silver - combined with ease of access, climbs at all grades, and more protection than normal on limestone, it is a good environment for an introduction to limestone climbing ( limestone generally gives steep climbing ! )

The climbing has been warm and relaxed with favoured routes ticked off bysome new converts to the delights of climbing outdoors - apparently the air smells fresher too!