At the top of Independence Slab, having finished our first climbs
This weekend just gone, we had an incredibly successful meet at our hut in North Wales. The turnout was great, even if the weather wasn’t!
On the Saturday myself, along with 8 others, went to Independence Slab, the Range on Holyhead. This is a lovely little crag for those looking for low grade sea cliff climbs and it works great with a group. Carol and Guy climbed “The Ramp of Pink Emulsion”, a fantastic 3 pitch VS (4c, 4c, 4b). Carol has wanted to climb this route for the best part of 10 years and was not disappointed in the slightest!
We came back to the hut just as the BBQ was up to temperature (perfect timing!). For once, we were blessed with beautiful weather and an incredible sunset, it was great to see everyone able to sit outside the hut!
Pete reaching the end of Bristly Ridge, with Tryfan in the background
Sunday was meant to be the best day of the 3 weather wise, so myself and two friends (Emily and Will) planned to climb Sub Cneifion Rib. Pete Dutfield joined us, but we set off far too late (a result of too much alcohol being consumed the night before!). By the time we got to the foot of the crag, there were already 3 parties waiting to climb. We would have waited out, but the heavens opened. We started to walk towards Llyn Bochlwyd, then decided to climb Bristly Ridge. Pete had declared while still at the hut he had no intention to lead anything, but ended up showing us all the way up (after all, it is his favourite grade 1 scramble!).
I had way too much weight in my sack (with all the climbing gear not being used) to start with, so we shared the weight between the 4 of us. By the halfway point, the weather had improved and we were basked in sunlight. A great recovery from a wet day!
Carol, Hamish, Stan, Guy and Grant headed to a crag near Plas-Y-Brenin. They got soaked, and spent the day gear shopping instead!
Monday turned out to live up to the weather forecast. We packed up, and headed to Carreg y Foel Gron, which had the benefit of a cafe at the base of the crag. We had lunch, went to the crag and got soaked so headed back home. Most others had already decided to try to beat the traffic back as the weather was looking so poor.
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