April 4th - Meet report - Wye Valley. - Craig Marsden

Member: Craig Marsden

Guest: Susan Marsden

I would like to call this an alternative meet report, but in reality it is the original and official report.

What is wrong with the KMC letting a spot of rain put them off.

Anyway there were at least two people at the meet, nay the whole crag!! It was a glorious day during which the clear sky could been seen for at least 10 minutes. It was enough to enable a brief taster on "One for all" an excellent climb!!, the crag has the feel of tremadog but with less people. There is plenty left to do there for a future meet!

There was not much support for this meet - so little that come the Thursday evening, on discovering I no longer had a climbing partner and with defections occurring, the best option was to follow them and head for the Hut instead! I'm sure the unpromising weather forecast didn't help. There could be an unofficial report from the Marsdens who had at least looked at the crag on the way past in the rain...

Since the meet leader was at the Hut anybody there counts as being on the meet! One morning of sunshine was seen and TreeMudRock was heavily patronised (to keep Eric's empire expanding). A mass 'Striptease' was performed - next time Dave, try facing right like everyone else! Highlights included watching the Dreads being washed on Merlin (yes some rain was experienced)!

Those present include; Duncan Lee, Chris Williamson, Christine Beeston, Dave Garland, Rodger & Bridget Mapleson, the Madisons, Ken Beetham. Apologies to those Missed and who need the tick!

At this time of year it has to be either "Winter" routes in Scotland or rock climbing in a winter sun venue. As a past frequent visitor to the area, I'd recommend it as the latter. Quick drying, west facing sheltered Limestone. Good array of routes from *** VD up, loads of VS's. Try the cliffs of Wintours Leap with multi pitch routes (Zelda ***HS, Central route X ***VD-VS, KingKong ***HVS), Wyndcliffe and the single pitch with abseil descent Shorncliffe with some *** slab routes (Laughing Cavaliers ***HVS), or Ban-y-gor with bolts. If that doesn't prove enough, trundle along to the Gower, or cross the water and evade the Travellers at Avon gorge to test your nerve, or read your Tolkein at Goblin Coombe (excellent sheltered venue). There's even the Bristol Climbing Wall if the good weather bribe doesn't appease the gods. We'll be camping at the Beeches (OS162 GR549006), a basic but large & quiet site high above the Wye. Directions will be supplied (you'll need them)! Unfortunately the nearest Pub is 3.5 mi away - the Rising Sun in Woodcroft (Wintours Leap) which does good food. So wye not come down for some or all of the weekend? It shouldn't take more than 3hr to get there, so see you there!