A rookie’s first trip, 4 days of joy on Cornwall coast.
Well I finally found time to attend a SWMC road trip. The journey from Lampter to Pendeen (leaving 3.30pm), wasn’t going to be fun. Actually everything was a breeze. UNTIL! J30, my turn off, lock down AAAARRRHHHH. After sitting for an hour, trying to be filtered through center of Exeter. I decided to test out my new campers, sleeping area. Bad move stopping in an industrial estate, very busy all night. My Renault scienic makes an awesome camper.
The sun came up on Saturday and I was back on the road. Hit the North inn Pendeen, to find guys and girls brewing up. After grabbing our breakfast at local shop, we loaded up for Commando Ridge. Parking up we took a meandering path to ridge. NOW!, this path opens on to open grassland. Stick to path, don’t hop the tussocks of reeds. One missed step and you’ll be waist deep in peat. Some of us can confirm this.
My first thought of ridge was oh that looks quite leisurely. After a short aby/scramble, base camp was found. Our team was Stuart lead, Wayne followed by Nigel (me). I got my first experience of climbing with a daypack (5lt water and food). Felt like I had an elephant on may back. The climb was a real thrill, some nice balancing moments. Steady foot shuffles with no handholds. The exposed ridge got the heart a beating. Wayne took over the last sections of climb. Other climbers hampered our climb time. We stopped on a couple of ledges, several times, to let front climbers move on.
Due to being held up, we got off climb at dusk (beware the boggy walk back). The rest of the group were back at camp. They’d kindly ordered our food for last orders. It was straight to pub for pint and steak.
Sunday, found us trying to find parking at Sennen. Stuart managed a space on seafront. We ended up in car park on top of hill, and my wallet was with Stuart. With a large queue for ticket machine, I became a beggar. People enjoyed my story/excuse for begging. I actually made more money than I needed.
Sennen a great place, we abseiled in onto large slabs. Wayne and I did junior route Diff and senior route Diff. Both started off with little holds and greasy grip. But opened up into 2 nice cheeky climbs.
Bank holiday Monday saw us at Lands end long climb V diff. Stuart lead with martin second and I seconded Wayne. The decent to base of climb is very grassy, so care is needed. Stuart and martin went first, whilst we took in the sunshine. The climb was quite quick, with a few short vertical patches. With not much foot holds or holds on ledges above. I had one knee knocking moment, thanks to Martins doom stare. I had my wobbly backpack to deal with again. This was giving me a little issue. So watching Martin shuffle out onto a narrow ledge! Was one thing but when he clung to rock and looked around next corner. Then peeped his head back at me, with a look of good-bye farewell. My bottom twitched, I started telling Wayne to haul pack up. Thankfully Wayne said you’ll do it and the rest is history. The day was finished with a cheeky pint at the last pub in Britain.
Tuesday my last day, saw Wayne and me back at Sennen.
We tackled the right side of Sinner route mod. The last climb was Main face diff, started quite smooth and greasy. The climb turned out to be challenging, due to going of course.
To sum up, my first SWMC trip AWSOME. Great company, chilled atmosphere and everything you need in one village (Pub, Spar and Fish shop). WHEN WE GOING NEXT?
Thanks
Wayne, Rachael, Stuart, Martin, Cherry and Jamie

Additional Report from Cherry:

Had an amazing time climbing with this lovely bunch in Southern Cornwall (see pic). Climbed Doorpost  (HS) and Venus berg (VS) and Commando Ridge (VDiff)at Bosigran, Seniors Route (Diff) at Sennon and South Face Direct (VS) at Chair Ladders. Saw this lovely Kestrel take off (see pic). Also did a couple of days snorkelling in the beautiful turquoise Cornish waters and saw bass, bream, grey mullet, haddock and whitebait