High Sports Boulder Re-set...

Yesterday (5th November) I spent the day at High Sports Plymouth helping the team set the barrel, 40 degree wall and 20 degree wall. Plenty of problems for all to try.

3 consecutive days of granite rash...

Joshua padding up a slab at Down Tor...

Over the course of the weekend the South West was blessed with glorious weather. A real rarity for Dartmoor at this time of year. 

On Saturday (31st October 2015) I headed to Down tor with Joshua to make the most of the weather for the day. Armed with chalk, shoes and my new bouldering pad we wandered through the jumble of boulders. This allowed me to tick off a few problems, such as 6b Arete (f6a) and potentially a new first ascent on the pyramid block, Right wall sit direct f5. Having done a handful of problems and watched Joshua scrambling around on the rocks we made for the summit of Down Tor before heading back to the car park to meet Aj. 

Myself on the classic 'Hanging Flakes' V4 6b...

The following day (Sunday 1st November) I headed out on a solo mission to Cuckoo Rock and Combeshead Tor. A venue I had not visited before so I was keen to try out some of the classics in the area... 

During my 4 hour stint among the boulder strewn slopes I managed to tick off no less than 13 problems. Of these, the two that stand out were Problem 87 V4 6b and the classic Hanging Flakes V4 6b. By this point I was topless as the sun was out in full glory. A perfect November day! Towards the end of my session I was keen to tick of Proof of Concept, V5 6b. A classic f6c (maybe even f7a..?) but it was not to be. The lack of skin left on my fingertips was a hint that it was time to go. Such is the nature of Dartmoor Granite. Would you have it any other way..?

Cuckoo Rock with the sun setting behind. Fabulous Dartmoor...

On Sunday (November 2nd) I awoke to a glorious blue sky and sunlight shining through my bedroom window like a cars headlights at full beam. How ironic is it that friends Jack and Henry are currently holed up indoors in Costa Blanca,  Spain, whilst the rain batters the limestone crags outside. Could this be another day for Dartmoor?

Joshua high-balling at Bonehill...

Myself, Aj and Joshua wolfed down several homemade pancakes before racing up the A38 towards Bonehill Rocks. Hold on, something isn't right! The sunshine is now behind us and we are heading towards grey skies and advection fog! By the time we reach the car park we can barely see the crag which is less than 30 metres in front of us. Is this Karma for having a joke about Jack and Henry's current predicament in little Britain. Aww well, here now so may as well make the most of it.

The ground is wet but the rock is cold allowing for better conditions than expected. Myself and Joshua spend a few hours wandering around with me doing (attempting) the odd problem whilst Joshua eats more babybels whilst scrambling and weaseling.

I manage to make a repeat ascent of Llama Farmer V4 6b first go and also make a quick flash of P25 f6a. We wander around some more before I make a quick ascent of P86 f6c above a very precarious landing. A sharp spiked rock and Joshua directly below!

We hear a group of 15+ kids turn up in two minibus' and decide to make ourselves scarce. We jump in the car as the raindrops start to hit the windows. Impeccable timing.

A truly fantastic week spent in one of my favourite places. Unfortunately this will be the last session on Dartmoor for the foreseeable future as we move to Bonnie Scotland on the weekend. Time to get strong over the winter for the sessions at the one and only Dumby! Time to chase that illustrious 7a...  

Sharpitor and Leather Tor...

Joshua scrambling to the top of Sharpitor...

Having finished my last ever instructing session at High Sports Plymouth I decided to take Joshua out for a wander on Dartmoor (28th October 2015). We parked up below Sharpitor and headed off...

Within 30 minutes Joshua was standing on the top of Sharpitor Summit with a real wind wafting his hair around like a dodgy toupee. A few babybels and gold coins and he was ready to set off again. We dropped down the South West side of the tor and we were soon heading South East towards Leather Tor. Not long before Joshua was standing on the ridged summit before we dropped down and headed back towards the car.

Before we got home Joshua was out for the count in the back of the car.

Joshua with Leather Tor in the background...

Joshua, top of Leather Tor...

A great day out. Just what kids need...