Another busy week

Another busy week, with back toback courses in the Wye Valley, a feeling that the summer holidays are coming to an end and everyone is trying to fit in some rock climbing - the weather is certainly showing signs of autumn, I'm ordering some ski boots and taking winter course bookings !! Thanks to Katie, Adrian, Andrew, Dan and Tei for some easy days in the sunshine at Shakementle Quarry and Symonds Yat. Other news is that I've finally got a big mountain route to aim for - The Kuffner or Frontier Ridge in the Alps - so time to start the diet, get jogging and do some more pull-ups !!

relaxed summer climbing

Another very enjoyable week's climbing, although the unsettled weather hasn't shown the Wye Valley at its best - we have seen some glimpses of summer, and the tree cover has meant that we've been able to find dry climbable rock everyday. There has been some smiling faces on this week's courses with a few people being surprised at how good climbing can be outside - especially Neringa, who's initial intention was to come and watch ! Thanks to everyone for their good company and enthusiasm - Rachel , Simone, Paul, Darren, Nathan, Jonathan ( happy birthday ) Ronald and Neringa

Lead climbing courses

I've had a very busy , but very enjoyable weekend, with lead climbing courses starting on Friday evening, running through to Sunday evening - it hardly feels like I've been off the rock !
Both Lynne & Adam and Dierdre & Martin wanted to polish up their lead climbing skills this weekend climbing, hence the evening sessions - luckily the weather was reasonably good, except Friday, when greasy rock contributed to Adam coming off unexpectedly - however, with all the safety system in place, it was a learning experience rather than a drama and didn't stop him and Lynne enjoy climbing by themselves on Saturday. No such excitement for Dierdre and Martin, who gained confidence with their respective leading skills and enjoyed some good climbing along the way.

Summer days

A mixed week  for courses, with some showers making the rock at Wintours Leap very slippery on Friday, adding to the adventure. With conditions improving quickly for a charity abseil  off Mitcheldean Church Spire, which drew a good crowd of supporters - although I could of done without the photographers from the local papers - they do get in the way !! Sunday was a fantastic day for an introduction to climbing outside course, with the Wye Valley showing itself off at its best, with golden warm limestone under the tree dappled sunlight; suprisingly  there were not too many teams out, given the forecast had long anticipated a good day. Thanks to all the  abseilers for their determination and Ian, James, Jo, Lyndsay and Chris for the climbing.

Wet weather

With a flexible schedule and a lot of tree cover we managed to stay dry during the weekend's unsettled weather - topping up our caffeine levels in the cafe until the worst of the rain was over and even enjoying some sunshine with a late finish on Saturday - the rock was reasonably dry - with only the paths causing us any problems ( rock shoes and mud don't mix - with the bruises and muddy clothes to prove it ) Thanks to Dimitra, Alison and Neil for making the most of the conditions - a challenging introduction to climbing outside, I hope it hasn't put you off
completely !!

Refresher courses

A busy week this week - making the most of the good weather, with lead climbing and refresher courses running, thanks to Martin, Steve, Nick and Adam for their good company and enthusiasm - hopefully we've taken a step towards their aspirations. It's got me thinking about a project for this year, as at present I have no trips planned. The Matterhorn trip last year provided a good focus over the summer, however, so far this year I only have some very vague plans about getting away and time is sliding by ! Spain / Alps / Italy / Tintern Quarry??

Forest of Dean Climbing

Lovely weather for climbing courses in the Wye Valley this week , with the sunshine and warm rock creating a very relaxed atmosphere and encouraging a lot of teams out, even mid week - including some old clients ( Ossian, Matt, Rado, Dimitri ) good to see you out enjoying yourselves, guys ! We avoided the crowds yesterday morning with a trip to the technical slabs of Shakmantle Quarry to introduce Lauren and Simon to the difference in technique required for slabs, and to clipping bolts , finishing the day on top of the Longstone at Symonds Yat without having to que !!