Trips

The first trip of the new year saw a group of 7 Outdoor Club members take a minibus down to Croyde in North Devon for a weekend of climbing, hiking and running. Leaving in good time on Friday, we discovered the delights of Nation Radio and the fun of driving in circles, on the way. On Saturday, the group split up into 3 teams. One team spent the day climbing on the sea cliffs at Baggy Ponit, another went for a long walk around the coast, while the others went for a run in Exmoor. That night we set up some BBQs and ate saussages and kebabs, there was even a spot of stargazing when clouds permitted. The next morning, we rose early to beat the tides for a good day's climbing at Baggy Point. The group split up again in the morning, and reunited in the afternoon to climb 2 top 50 routes, Lost Horizon and Shangri-la. These were made all the more exciting with the incoming tide lapping at the feet of those at the bottom. The whole trip was a huge success, with some experiencing their fist tastes of trad climbing in the UK, and others leading their first climbs.

With the primary aim of training our OMM runners, the second trip of the year was another success. All the runners got some valuable practice ahead of the upcoming mountain marathon. Camping at the foot of Tryfan, the group could hardly have had a better location from which to run. Running was not the only activity on offer, and some members had a some memorable multipitch climbs up the east face of Tryfan, and around the smaller crags.

The first trip for the new members was definitely one to remember. With single and multipitch climbing, bouldering, hiking, scrambling, Ukrainian vodka and a "party bus", this trip was truly an enjoyable one. For some, it was their first time climbing outdoors, but under the careful guidance of the more experienced members, they quickly got the hang of it. A 6am start for some on Saturday saw a few good climbs completed before breakfast. The group then split up into teams of three for a successful day of multipitch trad climbing. The evening was spent eating chilli, "beam scuttling" and building an impressive house of cards in our very warm and comfortable hut. On Sunday the group split into two, with one heading off for some bouldering and more multipitch climbing, while the other proceeded to Snowdon for a scramble/hike.

The fourth trip of the year proved to be another very successful weekend, despite the best efforts of the weather on Saturday morning. The rain started just as we arrived at Stanage Edge, and persisted into the early afternoon. With some routes resembling rivers, the group decided that top roping, rather than leading, was the way forward (or up...?). But by late afternoon, the skies had cleared and a good number of climbs were completed against the backdrop of the setting sun. The evening was spent participating in the traditional activity of apple & mixed vegetable bobbing, eating chilli, and taking part in a quiz provided by our very own DJ Dan. The weather on Sunday could not have been more perfect. A full day of top roping and trad climbing at Bamford Edge ended with attempts at slacklining and a view of a beautiful sunset over Peak District. It was indeed a wonderful way to end another great weekend.

Low cloud and interesting weather lead to some unusual climbing and walking above the clouds.

The weekend started bright and early in our cosy hut with the tradtional breakfast of porridge and maple syrup lovingly (grudgingly) prepared by those who couldn't sleep through the alarm. The whole group then headed off for some sport climbing in the slate quarries. Conditions were not ideal, with frequent showers making the slate very slippery. Nevertheless, routes were lead and top ropes set up, with a large number of people getting their first taste of sport climbing. As the weather turned worse, some members decided to explore the quarry. All in all, a very successful day climbing, despite the weather's best efforts. Conditions were much worse on Sunday, leading to the group splitting up to hike, scramble, run and even have a (somewhat unsuccessful) attempt at rafting. Coming back to the nice warm fire of the St. Mary's hut after a long day being cold and wet was a highlight for many.