Meets 2010
We are very enthusiastic about our 2010 trip list. A few years ago we had a perfect summer weekend in the Wye Valley, and this summer we are back. Also we have not been to Baggy Point for a while. A chance for all the surfers in the club to avoid doing any climbing what-so-ever. As for winter huts, the snow has arrived early, and lots of it. Our winter itinerary is stuffed full of hut trips to both the Lake District and to Snowdonia. Perfect.
Coniston
Lake District
January 16 to 17
The Lake District in the cold clutches of winter can be a magical place. The days may be short at this time of year, but that cold crispness in the air somehow makes everything seem perfect. Short days of course mean long evenings. Plenty of time to relax by the fireside with friends. How could this possibly be missed?
Nant Peris
Snowdonia
February 06 to 07
Another winter month sees us heading for the hills. Don your boots, Snowdon beckons. Snowdon, haven't we climbed that before? There is so much more to Snowdonia than its famous peak. Outlying crags such as Altram if weather permits, or a walk around the stunning forests and lakes Between Capel and Betwys. February is not a month for staying at home.
Little Langdale
Lake District
February 27 to 28
This is us up in the Lake District one year. We invented a new game called 'human curling'. Other years have seen us in friendly competition at the 'Hut Olympics', which included events such as 'the coal scuttle challenge' and 'ninja in the bin'. Whatever will we get up to this year? Join us and find out.
Nant Gwynant
Snowdonia
March 20 to 21
A return visit to Snowdonia as we begin our eager and purposeful march from the depths of winter. Will we be treated to perfect days and perfect sunsets? Who knows, but we certainly have done in the past. The weather is a lottery, but if you don't play you don't win.
Cornwall
Easter
April 2 to 5
This rugged tip of England is surrounded by some the countries finest granite climbing. A perfect location for an Easter bank holiday weekend.
Its variety of aspects means that sun or shelter can be sought at any time of day. From the classic gems of Bosigran glaring out over the Atlantic,
to the lofty heights of Chair Ladder catching the sun glinting off the English Channel.
This is an area of the country that we have come to know well, and each year we have been able to point new members at exhilarating classics.
Try Pegasus, a three star Hard Severe at Chair Ladder, or Demo Route, one of the classic lines at Sennen Cove.
Wye Valley
Herefordshire
April 17 to 18
Why the Wye? Why not? We had a very memorable weekend in this pretty corner of the country a few years ago. Clear blue summer skies meant evening barbecues were a must. A chance to discuss the exploits of the day, such as daring routes on Wintour's Leap and Shorn Cliff, adventure caving in the secluded crags of the valley, or just a pleasant walk to a welcoming riverside drinking establishment.
Capel Curig
Snowdonia
Early May Bank Holiday
May 01 to 03
This trip we stop short of the big mountains and enjoy the picturesque tranquility of Capel Curig. The summits and crags are still within striking distance of the camp site, whist the wonders of southern Snowdonia will be on our doorstep. Last year we discovered Altram Crag. One of those tucked away wonders easily missed by The Pass obsessed climber.
Swanage
Dorest
May 15 to 16
Swanage is an easy drive from South London. The camp site is pleasant, and within easy reach of the town for nights out. As for the climbing, the Subliminal area welcomes beginners with short routes and perfect limestone. For the more adventurous there is plenty. How about Finale Groove, Boulder Ruckles' classic HVS, or the legendary Ledgend Direct (VS) at Guillemot.
Wasdale
Lake District
Spring Bank Holiday
May 29 to 31
Climbing in the Lake District began over 120 years ago from The Wasdale Head Inn. Its easy to see why. Wasdale Head is surrounded by magnificent crags that give that real mountain feel. Try the classic route up Napes Needle, first done in hob nailed boots and Hessian rope, or any of the other numerous classic routes on Great Cable or Pillar Rock. A perfect venue for a bank holiday weekend.
Hathersage
The Peak District
June 12 to 13
This is our eagerly awaited first trip of the year to the Peak District. There is just so much to do here. So many quality gritstone routes, and so many crags proudly overlooking sweeping green valleys or tucked away in shaded woodland. Try Burbage South to escape from the heat, Chatsworth Edge to pump those biceps, or Stanage Edge for just about everything.
The Pass
Snowdonia
June 26 to 27
Pictured is Dinas Cromlech. It towers high above the Llanberis Pass, and holds classic routes such as Cenotaph Corner and Cemetery Gates. It is not alone. Many Crags line this famous pass at the foot of Snowdon. There's routes for everyone, and plenty of them. How will we be able to cope with the choice? It's just as well that we will be camping right in the middle of this climbers playground.
The Roaches
Peak District
July 17 to 18
The Roaches is probably the most exciting and picturesque gritstone climbing venue in the whole of the Peak District. There are hundreds of routes from easy excursions for all, to challenging test pieces for the E grade connoisseur. A popular trip that is difficult to miss.
Lancashire
July 31 to August 01
Lancashire is a hot pot of Limestone delights. Pictured is Cherry Picker, a delightful little route in Egerton Quarry. There are many
other quarries dotted around the county. Try the decidedly necky Terra Cotta (HVS 5a) at Anglezark quarry, or for a change, how about Metamorphosis VS 4c **.
Every visit we have made to this overlooked venue has been a sizzler. Bring your barbecue, and a cooler for your beer. Oh and a football / hacky sack / Frisbee to kick off the
camp site fun. It's going to be another good one.
Peak Limestone
The Peak District
August 14 to 15
The Peak District sports a varied and exciting geology offering both perfect gritstone and exciting limestone adventures. Pictured is Tissington Spires where many fantastic limestone routes can be enjoyed in an idyllic valley setting.
Peak Gritstone
The Peak District
August Bank Holiday
August 28 to 30
We make far more than one visit to the Peak District a year. Its worth it. It is rock climbing heaven. There is literally something for everyone, from perfect training climbs to some of the hardest routes in the country. The numerous gritstone crags have a friendly, social feel where groups can intermingle and swap experiences and recommendations. What could be better than basking in warm evening sunshine at the top of a perfect gritstone route while gazing out over pleasant valleys and hillsides, quietly pleased at your latest rock climbing conquest?
Baggy Point
South West
September 11 to 12
Baggy Point is a popular climbing venue on the north coast of Devon. Perfect to combine with a surf at Croyde or Woolacombe.
Baggy is best known for its south facing promontories with lovely slab routes.
One of its classic routes is Kinky Boots (VS 4c) with its amazing fallover start. A very popular route, especially for spectators.
Pembroke
October 09 to 10
At Pembroke there is something for everyone, and lots and lots of it! It can be both excitingly atmospheric such as climbing above the crashing waves of St Govans Head, or friendly and fun loving such as climbing above the golden sands of the intriguingly named Bullslaughter Bay.
Peaks Fireworks
The Peak District
November 06 to 07
In November we deliberately try to arrange hut accommodation for fireworks night. This event always puts a sparkle in the cold nocturnal November air, as we set off our ton of explosives then run for cover.