Low Autumn Sun
Sometimes the day works out better than you expect. The forecast last weekend was for low clouds and showers. That’s certainly how the day started out, but by the time I’d walked up to the edges and tors above the Derwent Valley a low autumn sun had broken through to create one of the best days I’ve had in the Peak District. Continue reading Low Autumn Sun
Working on my Weaknesses
A piece of advice that I’ve read in lots of different places is that you should work at getting better at the things you are weak at if you want to become a better rock climber. The thinking behind this is that people tend to avoid the things they’re not very good at. A lack of practice means that you don’t get better at the thing they’re shunning and so continue to avoid it. Continue reading Working on my Weaknesses
I’m Finally Back
The accident was stupid. One of those seemingly minor things that have surprisingly big consequences. All I did was slip on some mud when walking in the Brecon Beacons. My right foot flew out from under me and I started travelling down the slope, but my left foot stayed behind. Continue reading I’m Finally Back
The End of Winter
Winter was ending by the time I turned up. The weather system nicknamed The Beast from the East by the media had combined with Storm Emma to bring freezing conditions, blizzards and strong winds to the UK. This late season storm had been the last blast of winter. Continue reading The End of Winter
Rainbows and Waterfalls in Snowdonia
Forecasts of 45mph winds, with gusts up to 65mph, meant that it didn’t seem like a good idea to climb a mountain in Snowdonia last weekend. So I decided to do some fairly low level walks. On the Saturday I walked from Capel Curig to the pass near Crimpiau, and down to Llyn Crafnant. Continue reading Rainbows and Waterfalls in Snowdonia
My Climbing 2017 in Pictures
The best photos of my climbing and hiking adventures in 2017. Continue reading My Climbing 2017 in Pictures
Ice and Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
I had a fun weekend of contrasts in the Brecon Beacons, with snow and ice on the tops and waterfalls and rain in the valleys. Continue reading Ice and Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
Why is the best weather the weekend before?
This is what happened last weekend. A weekend of good weather in the Peak District was followed by an intermittently rainy weekend. After a couple of abortive attempts, Leo and I managed to get about two and a half hours of bouldering done on the Saturday before being rained off. Continue reading Why is the best weather the weekend before?
Trying out the new North Wales Bouldering guidebook
It was a fantastic coincidence. I was due to go on a weekend climbing trip to North Wales and on the Monday before my trip the new North Wales Bouldering guidebook was published. I’d been waiting a long time for this book. Continue reading Trying out the new North Wales Bouldering guidebook
Roaches and Newstones Bouldering
I’ve been climbing at the Roaches many times and never bothered to look at the other climbing venues just next door. The Roaches is just so big and has so much great climbing that I never felt the need. I did some brilliant bouldering there on Saturday, climbing problems I had wanted to do for a while and pushing my grade a little. Unfortunately, the … Continue reading Roaches and Newstones Bouldering
Stronghold Climbing Centre review
The Stonghold Climbing Centre has a cool name and describes itself as London’s largest indoor bouldering space. But is it any good? Continue reading Stronghold Climbing Centre review
Giddy Joint, Tendon and Muscle Balm review
Giddy Joint, Tendon and Muscle Balm aims to help sooth the pain and tenderness you can get from climbing hard. It’s made with natural ingredients and has a kick of menthol. I’ve been trying it out to see if it keeps my hands in good shape. Continue reading Giddy Joint, Tendon and Muscle Balm review
Bouldering in Fontainebleau with a Toddler
The woods around Fontainebleau have a reputation as one of the best places in the world to boulder. Thousands of sandstone boulders, with tens of thousands of boulder problems, scattered about a pretty forest that covers some 300 square kilometres. Fontainebleau also has a reputation as being a great place to take kids. That’s a reputation that my wife and I have found to be deserved on our trips over the last few years. Continue reading Bouldering in Fontainebleau with a Toddler
Back in the Woods – Bouldering in Fontainebleau
I love bouldering at Fontainebleau. There are so many wonderful things about it. All those boulders scattered through a pretty wood. A stunning amount of climbing, in a wide variety of forms and often on boulders that weird, beautiful or both. The different characters of the climbing areas. The feeling of community among the climbers. The inland beaches that make for good landings and nice … Continue reading Back in the Woods – Bouldering in Fontainebleau
the Severe climber 