Lakes Scrambling

Lakeland scrambling

Part two of Duchy’s AITP 5 week consolidation expedition. The Lakes will always have a special place in my heart, much softer and greener than the angular harshness of North Wales. Last week the group completed their ML summer training, so the main intention of this week was to walk as little as possible and to go over the steep ground elements of the course. Obvious answer? Scrambling.

Day one. Sort out digs and orienteering down in Grisdale.

Day two. Things get interesting, Start at the New Dungeon Ghyll. Mill beck (grade 1/2) followed by Tarn Crags (Grade 1-3 dependent on line taken) then a short wonder round the tarn to Pavey Ark and an ascent of Jacks Rake. Perfect weather with the maximum of amount of rock under your feet provides a good day on perfect teaching ground.

Day Three. Another classic Lakeland scrambling day. Starting just outside of Coniston a short stroll leads to The Bell (Grade 1) a classic buttress of perfect rough rock. Lots of rope work skills, group management and other issues where covered. Then across to Lows Beck (Grade 1 ish) leading up to impressive Low Water Beck (Grade 3). The application of rope work and “Ninja spotting skills” calms the nerves whilst the groups ascend some steep serious ground. Leading to a well frozen Low Water Tarn.

Day four. After experiencing such a variety of Lakeland classics what do you do next? Well you get steep, very wet and go down. Down Stone croft Beck. Lots of slides, jumps and shoots all merge into an unforgettable trip. Wet suit some with dry suits helps to keep the cold out with a special motion to young Harry who just whore fleece lots of fleece. Good effort. Well this part of the exped is over off to the Peak tomorrow, it would be nice to spend more time in this special place but don’t panic we will be back.

Slate

What do you do on a day off in North Wales when the weather is a bit suspect. Go down the Slate quarries. With resent development there is a massive variety of option around, old classics's with newly up graded gear or just plan simple new routes. Potter around and do what ever, keep moving from different crags to keep warm. 13 routes, 4 different crags, treat. Back to Cornwall tomorrow.

Duchy College North Wales Expedition

Four star kayak cancelled due to lack of rain, rock climbing is hard to source coz off all the lovely white snow. The classic venues of Lion rock gave us a day of good sunshine, this is an ideal venue for SPA style stuff. We then had an interesting day Mountain biking down at the Marin course in Betws y Coed, still loads of snow, so much snow that you had to pedal down hill, then it snowed some more. Still Thursday was cool spent the day over at Castle Inn Quarry, such an assessable venue will always please students. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Old project New Bolts

There is a route I've been trying for about ten years. Still haven't done it (yet). How do you achieve something you can't do? One make it public e.g Stick some bolts in it (Make sure venue is appropriate first) Two let others know. So its in Cheesewring by Kyber Wall. Should be done soon.

Fun in the winter sun

Doyden point in glorious sun shine in February, does it get any better? Yes climbing Flying Circus and getting to hot in a hoodie, then quickly nipping up one of the best VS's on the north coast, Caprice. Hope this weather stays for North Wales next week, wishful thinking me thinks.

El-Chorro

Two weeks in Spain nice, well it was even after the two months of rain. We where here before Christmas during a spell of good weather on the last day it rained and didn't stop till we got back. We did a massive amount of climbing highlights being, red pointing Bocov Kokot (7c+) at Esperanza, Hannah fully crushing a 6a over on Sergio Antonia and declaring its about 4 maybe 4+, Joe and Nick fearless approach to falling/ jumping off routes. All was going well then it started to rain so an "active rest day" was called for, so we went for a team trip up both the gorges the second canyon is so impressively beautifully. The day after the weather looked more promising so we went for El Navigador Pillar (5 pitches up to 7a+), the rain started after the i had finished the third pitch but Hannah ended up followed this pitch in the pouring rain. After we abseiled off the rain didn't stop. So where do you go in the rain when in El-Chorro, follow the crowds up to Poema DE Roca. Is it dry in there? Fairly if you avoid the biggest drips and mad falling Spaniards. The tufa was running with water the in-situ chalk felt as slimy as bird poo.

El-Chorro

What a place, cheap flights, cheap digs, cheap beer and as many crazy Euros as you can talk to. There is a bit of climbing around these parts all within walking distance so you don't even need a car. Each sector has its own style ranging from the slabs of Los Cotos, to the jug hauling delights of Desplomilandia. Both the first and the relatively unknown second gorge are both Worthy of a day wondering it give sore skin and limbs a chance. the first gorge is exiting but safe with a via ferrata of sorts in place so the exposure can be enjoyed. Once through the gorge a wee wonder along some paths with good view's towards Polaravin, cotos and Makinodromo bring you to the second gorge. This is a bit frightening there is only cable when the walk way has fallen down if its still possible to walk along it then do so, whilst thinking light thoughts. Once in it the most beautiful place in the whole of El-Chorro. We i be back? fuck yeah.