Since being back from India I’ve been straight back into it with barely a moment for my feet to touch the ground. The day after arriving back in the UK I was back with return client Tony, who wanted to be shown some of the lovely south Pembrokeshire limestone classics. We went to Saddle Head, a crag near St Govans, climbing loads of the routes there. As ever he did awesomely well, especially considering his long lay off from climbing.
Tony seconding at Saddle Head on a guided climbing day in south Pembrokeshire..
As well as a few days guiding I managed to get an afternoon out climbing back in south Pembrokeshire at Mother Careys with Alun. After the steep abseil in we headed into the Space cave and did a few classic multi-pitches in the vicinity. Its’ a crag with an underserved fearsome reputation. Sure it’s steep and committing, and you have to get the conditions just right, but the rewards you gain from climbing at a crag like this make it an experience that’s etched on your brain far more intensly than many other experiences…
Alun Climbing at Mother Careys, an excellent spot in south Pembrokeshire
I had a day out working for TYF, with a really talented group of youngsters. Despite being only 8 they absolutely crushed everything Porth Clais had to offer them! I really hope they continue their climbing as they were all seriously talented!
Climbing at Porth Clais for TYF
Another top day was had with clients on the south Pembsrokeshire limestone, climbing many multi-pitch classics again in the St Govans area, and I managed to sneak in a couple of deep water solo’s afterwards. The lines are so high for solos! If you keep your head it’s a really fun way to explore the crags! With an amazing bit of evening sunshine it seemed rude not to finish the day with a pint and a sunset at the Druidstone. one of my favourite local pubs…
Sunset at the Druidstone
A few days was spent working with Coastal Adventures with an awesome group of young people who all faced adversity in their lives for different reasons. As well as rock climbing we went kayaking, surfing and coasteering. It was super inspiring to see them putting their all into the activities and getting so much out of it. It really does make you think as a fully able bodied person that you should be capable of so much more! Hopefully I’ll be able to apply some of their attitude to my own climbing!
Climbing at Porth Clais with Coastal Adventures
We also ran an SPA refresher course for a few candidates at Newton Head, again in south Pembrokeshire. We spent the day looking at all aspects of the group work side of the syllabus, alongside some access and conservation input and general talk on the remit of the SPA, kit use and maintenance… They were a really fun group and very competent and receptive, and I’ve no doubt they’ll go on to do really well in their upcoming assessments!
Looking at the group abseil in the SPA syllabus in south Pembrokeshire..