Monday 27 June 2011

Skye Cuillin Traverse




Rob and Rich had been looking forward to their attempt on the traverse for some time, and although with quite a lot of experience in some of the high place of the world, the reputation of the route did give rise to some trepidation. So it was with a real sense of adventure that we started out early on Thursday morning from Glenbrittle, luckily the weather held until after the Tearlaich Dubh Gap and we reached our pre-stocked camp without suffering too much from the sleety showers. The dawn mist evaporated quickly on Friday to give us a splendid day to complete the ridge, with stunning views in all directions. With tired legs it was with a sense of relief and accomplishment that the summit and Sgurr Nan Gillean was finally reached and our whole route was visible behind us and the beckoning pub laid out before us - It was a memorable experience for us all - so thanks and well done guys !

Monday 20 June 2011

Shower dodging

More showers this week in the Wye Valley - thankfully the extensive tree cover has mostly left the rock dry with only the exposed paths suffering the consequences of the rain, allowing introductory and lead climbing courses to progress without too much disruption, we even had the chance to look at some mountaineering style ropework with big boots and rucksacks, great for me, as I'm off to The Isle of Skye on Wednesday for a Cuillin Ridge Traverse with two new clients Rob & Rich ( fingers crossed for good weather and no midges ! )

Thanks to Rado, Milo, Jonathan, Jake and Alex for their enthusiasm,  relaxed company plus tea and cake !!  

Monday 6 June 2011

Summer showers


A busy weekend, with an early morning visit to Tintern Quarry ( parking is limited and I was hoping to beat the expected crowds ) in the end it wasn't too bad, with around 6 teams out, these quarried cliffs do suffer from loose rock and we definitely felt happier with helmets on ! Torrential rain woke me at around 04.00hrs on Sunday and I was half expecting to end up at the climbing wall for the introduction to climbing course, it was quite a surprise to find the rocks at Symonds Yat dry under the tree cover, and we enjoyed some of the classics, including the Longstone Pinnacle. Thanks to Sean & Tracey for dodging the falling rocks and Adam, Simon, Rachael & Lynn for an enjoyable couple of days out - Happy Birthday Lynn