Walking and Climbing
We’ve had a super busy week both walking and climbing. First up I was working on a Gold Duke of Edinburgh training expedition, walking in the Brecon Beacons and then a weekend coaching lead Climbing in Snowdonia. Fun but looking forward to a day off! We have a pretty exciting couple of days coming up filming our Portaledge Cliff Camping with the guys from Treader Tube – if only the forecast was looking like the usual Pembrokeshire blue skies and magical sunsets!
My week walking with Ockbrook School running their Gold DofE training expedition saw us spend 4 days traversing the Brecon Beacons, from Dan yr Ogof to Pen y Fan. The two groups put lots of effort in and really pushed themselves physically, and with not one grumble! The weather was pretty perfect for them, not needing to put on the waterproofs all week! The students from Ockbrook are always really nice and great fun to be with. And being treated to bacon sandwiches in the morning by the teachers is always welcome! Unfortunately I won’t be able to make their qualifiying expedition (I’ll be on Kilimanjaro working) but I’ve no doubt they’ll all go on to pass with flying colours…!
Lunch stop, Gold DofE training, Brecon Beacons. The start of a long week walking and climbing is made easy with views like these!
Descending Pen Y Fan, Gold DofE training, Brecon Beacons
Taking in the view on Pen y Fan during the Gold DofE training expedition…
A quick sort of kit and off to Snowdonia it was, for my first of two weekends with Hazel. She is looking to become a more confidant outdoor lead climber, be happy on sea cliffs and to be able to look after her partners on serious terrain. We were joined on the first day by Alastair, a friend and climbing partner of Hazels who hadn’t climbed in quite a few years. With a dry forecast we opted for Idwal Slabs, hoping to get lots of pitches in to give the guys a chance to re-acquaint themselves with the slick skills needed for efficient movement and the opportunity to place loads of gear and make lots of belays! Luckily they were up for a long day and we did 2 laps on the slabs over 10 pitches! A late finish but a brilliant day!
Alastair leading on Idwal Slabs during a trad Climbing coaching weekend in Snowdonia
Day 2 was just Hazel and myself, and our crag of the day was Clogwyn Cyrau, a beautiful spot situated above Betws y Coed. Our aim for the day was to explore as many different set ups as possible, giving Hazel the arsenal to be able to deal with anything presented to her at a belay. Along the way we climbed some lovely routes in the sun and practiced some abseil skills ready for her weekend in Pembrokeshire with me. A great long week walking and climbing!
Hazel setting up on Clogwyn Cyrau