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Giles CooperSpectator
Over the past few weeks, I’ve managed to get in some quite fun climbing and bouldering.
The tips I’ve worked out are as follows:1. Check your ambition for the trip so that you don’t increase the risk unnecessarily. This is especially important if you’re visiting more remote sites where phone reception is poor/non-existent. I’ve taken a PLB and a meaty first-aid kit to some of the venues just in case.
2. Go a bit slower than before to reduce the risk of falling (and thus needing help) and also allow time for some hand sanitising when needed.
3. Take loads of hand sanitiser (!).
4. Make use of the resources available. UKC, 27 Crags and Unknown Stones have all listed sites I’ve not climbed at so I’ve taken the opportunity and discovered some gems (some well-known, some less so).
Places I’ve been to have included the following:
5. Red Goat. Further to my other post this is now up and running.
6. Buckstones Edge. Fantastic bouldering site with great views and pretty exposed to the wind! It’s just west of Huddersfield and the problems start 30m from the car park (where there is an ice cream van).
7. Slipstones. Simply superb bouldering and climbing crag. No phone connection and a short walk-in. Wear trousers as you’ll be moving through bracken and heather.
8. Gate House Crag. A great little bouldering venue. Again, no mobile reception, a 25-min walk in and trousers definitely needed. It’s on the Unknown Stones website.
9. Woodhouse Scar. A great venue in Halifax which is 20mins from my home with roadside parking on top of the crag. Loads of bouldering and climbing – it is in a local park and you will be watched occasionally by passers-by. Some of whom have had the courtesy to comment on my (lack of) skill.
10. Alsmcliff. No change. It’s still there and still great but it has been very busy the last two times I’ve been.
11. Brimham Rocks. Once again, it’s still there and still great. Only been once and it was incredibly busy with visitors as opposed to climbers. This was the first Sunday after lockdown was lifted and very warm so only to be expected.
Giles
Giles CooperSpectatorPS if it’s muggy when you’re there, taking some insect repellent…the midges descended on me in a cloud at the foot of the problems…
Giles CooperSpectatorI was at Red Goat in York last night and it’s all pretty good.
1. You must book in advance through their website and either pay online or when you arrive. Each booking is for a two-hour slot.
2. hand gel on rnetry, only one person in the toilets at a time and only liquid chalk is allowed (£7 at Reception).
3. They have reduced the number of problems by removing the central pillar but this does open up the room pretty well. There is enough range of problems (from entry-level to very cheeky) for all tastes. This has also given more storage space for personal effects.
4. There is no one-way system and most people are maintaining a degree of distance.
5. No requirement for face masks.
6. Cafe is still open – brews and cakes in the main.
7. Accessories still being sold – mugs, water bottles etc. The only t-shirts in are a size large.Giles
Giles CooperSpectatorAre these still for sale? Which v2 pants are they? There seems to be a range of them. I’m assuming a medium is a 32″ waist…
Cheers,
Giles
Giles CooperSpectatorI’d love to come but it’s unlikely – hope you all have a great time.
That said, for those needing retail therapy, I was on the phone with the staff at Needle Sports in Keswick and they do have a sale on (or 15% discount for those with a BMC card). The proud boast was that they “have the best selection of cams in Europe”!
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