This Wednesday marks the Summer Solstice, and the weather is expected to continue.
East
Photo by Curon
There was a slight drop in turnout last week at Navigation Quarry, but the newer members that turned up were in for a bit of a surprise. Haydn led “On Jupiter and Mars” (E1 5b) and “Let me see amongst the stars” (E2 5c) competently, whilst encouraging relatively new members Alec and Tim to second him. Meanwhile Curon led some 6a sport with Steve and Simon seconding, before the usual, there is some Trad here and there’s no evidence of any birds nesting this year, so let’s do Fly me to the Moon! (VS 5a) Unfortunately there wasn’t much sunlight to climb the remaining route named from the lyrics, and we descended to The Navigation House where Rhubarb Cider was a popular choice.
This week we are going to pop over the border and climb in line with Offa Dyke’s at Wintour’s Leap, where we’ll be meeting from about 6pm (nearest postcode: NP16 7HZ). Information on the crag and routes can be found on https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=51
If you’re attending and are offering, or require lift sharing, please feel free to use the email list or post on the Bulletin Board.
West
Photo by Vincent
Report by Vincent Brown:
Last week seven members met at Black Buttress, this was a pre-planned meet, to be the first of many. Vince sat on the rocks watching the Kestrel attending to their nest on Trial Wall. Once people began to arrive there was a lot of climbing. Penny and Mike spent some time hugging the rock while climbing ‘The beautiful people’, James and Vince climbed the routes to the right, Gethin and Carl climbed the routes to the left. Dr Mike climbed all the routes he could.
Everyone got at least four climbs done before heading to Worms Head Hotel while there was still a glimmer of light. No one walked through bushes, waded through water or had to get a head torch out, some of the group found this a little strange.
This week the plan is Upper Jacky’s Tor where a few members will be meeting around 5:30pm at the Mewslade farm car park, although getting there earlier is possible. Information on the crag and routes can be found on the wiki: https://swmc.org.uk/wiki/Upper_Crags_Fall_Bay_To_Mewslade#Upper_Jacky.27s_Tor
Photo by Phil Nicholas
Photo by Phil Nicholas, report from Melinda Hill
Some of the Westies had a long, summery and relaxed (mostly) evening, climbing routes on both Little and West Tor. Beginning at Little Tor with the tide furthest out, a few climbs were had. Martin lead “Left Crack”, with Wayne helping and being seconded by Ella, who was climbing for her first ever time outdoors. Phil lead a route seconded by Nigel, and then attempted “Central Route” before having to back off. Mel and Steve climbed “Right Wall II” with Mel “dogging” a bit, then Peggy and Steve climbed “Central Crack”, just in time to not get their feet wet walking back to get their rucksacks. Then heading across to West Tor higher up the beach, dodging the jellyfish that were strewn all over the beach, Steve and Peggy finished the evening with Main slab “Traverse”, and Mel, Martin and Nigel did “Central Crack”, negotiating the thick path of gorse bushes at the top of the route to find a good belay and a beautiful sunset. After a shortish stroll up the sand dunes, through the trees and back to the carpark, everyone made it to the pub for last orders (just!).
There will continue to be a meeting point at Mike Davies at 5:30pm, where those that meet there will ideally join those that have said where they are going in advance, unless an alternative location is more appropriate.
BMC Training Courses 2017
There are a few places left on the last three BMC club training courses. These subsidised weekend courses are especially for members of BMC-affiliated clubs (you’ll need your BMC Affiliation Number to complete the booking, contact your membership secretary if needed). For more information and to book, please visit: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/get-skilled-up-with-the-bmc-on-a-club-member-training-course
Upcoming Meets
The following meets are currently planned in the next month, details are on the Bulletin Board, along with a summary on the website.
– Trip to Portland – 23rd – 25th June
– Introduction to Scrambling/Rock Climbing – 24th – 25th June
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