Moonshadow

Just a couple of pics from a route in SCNL which I did with my friend Christian in January. The route was Moonshadow and takes a diagonal line from Twisting Gully area and has a great mixed pitch at the top. After a unexpected slide in the snow Christian soon found his winter feet again.

Christian approaching the belay on pitch 2.

Christian grateful to be topping out after having his fast blasted with spindrift in a strong updraft.

New Route In Dovestone Quarry

Headed up to Dovestone Quarry on on the morning of Sunday 5th February with good friend and climbing partner Ian Heg to find mint conditions, bomber turf and plenty of snow. Anyway as result the route below was climbed. Hopefully I will have some video footage soon on the blog. Unfortunately conditions have gone as quick as they arrived!

The Green Man VI 7 ***
A super line which climbs a technical groove and wall left of Initiation Groove.

P1 6 18m Follow the groove P1 of Mikes Meander, technical climbing with a section of insecure hooks. Belay in the groove.

P2 7 40m Climb up diagonally right from the belay on turf blobs and insecure hooks until a rest on a small ledge in the centre of the wall. Continue up the centre of the wall until moves left lead to a ledge on the left arete. Follow the wimberry terrace right and finish up the first cheeky corner!

FA Chris Guest, Ian Heginbotham - Climbed in memory of the late Neville Guest & Rodney Heginbotham 05/06/2012

The quarry lurking in the distance!

Ian getting stuck into pitch 1

Chris setting off onto new ground pitch 2

Touching the cake hole

Something to wet your appetite! This great little film is from a euro ice road trip. This film shows some fantastic ice climbing footage. Is this something you want to do? A Winter Skills Course with Skylark Mountain Adventures is the first step towards safe enjoyable winter mountaineering/climbing adventures!

Imminent conflict

A fantastic days climbing on Black Ladders.......Awesome!

Millstone - Climbing

Last week I had a great day climbing with Kim at Millstone. We arrived at the crag to find we were the only people at the crag and perfect conditions. Kim hadn't climbed at Millstone before so we decided to tick some classic! They were all 3*** routes in my book.

The Mall VS 4c
Down as in the top 50 in the guidebook this route didn't disappoint with lovely sustained climbing.

Next up Great North Road HVS 5a also in the guidebook as top 50.

Chris tightening up his boots ready for a wild HVS!

Chris on Great North Road.

Great climbing in a really wild position but well protected climbing! Check out the dude in the sky.

Chris leading Billingsgate E1 5b. A great route with a crux at the top with not so fantastic protection. One not to fall off!

Kim Seconding Billingsgate E1 5b in style.

 Kim just pulling through the crux on Billingsgate E1 5b. Good effort Kim!

 The last route of the day was Knightsbridge E2 5c. A great little finger crack with small but positive protection. A great  way to finish off a top days climbing!

SPA Preparation Course

 

Day 1 SPA Preparation

The first day was spent looking at setting up bottom/top ropes and group abseils. We also looked at problem solving which included stuck climber, hair caught in belay device, climber off route etc.

David on the crux of Slippery Wall HVS 5b






Here is David belaying Enda up Slippery Wall 

HVS 5b

Enda Seconding and on the crux of Slippery Wall.

Day 2 SPA Preparation

The main focus of this day was lead climbing. We started the day off at Stanage and the headed over to Birchen to avoid incoming bad weather.

Here is Enda placing a cam on the first lead of the day. Black Hawk Hell Crack S4a.

Enda topping out at the end of a good weekend on Sail Chimney S 4a - Birchen. Top effort chaps!

Lake District walking adventure

The Lake District has stunning scenery and presents many opportunities for anyone wanting to partake in outdoor activities. From enjoying some of the classic Wainwright’s Lake District walks to adding a hint of excitement such as learning to scramble, rock climb or even learning some navigation skills we offer a 3 day short adventure break in The Lake District.


Skylark Mountain Adventures in partnership with 1 Park Road, a boutique hotel in the Lake District, are offering short walking breaks with luxury accommodation and some adventure activities combined.


The walking holiday in the Lake District, is guided by one of Skylark Mountain Adventures experienced and friendly members of staff and you will explore the beauty of the Lake District Mountains staying at 1 Park Road that will be exclusively booked out for these short breaks


After a friendly chat with your instructor, maybe booking dinner at 1 Park Road  the next 3 days will be tailored to suit you. Ensuring you get the most out of your Lake District adventure.


Sample Programme


Day 1 
This is an introduction to the mountains taking in one of Wainwright’s classic peaks. Along the way you will learn about mountain flora and fauna and some simple navigation.


Day 2 
On your second day you will venture onto one of the slightly bigger peaks in The Lake District, taking a more adventurous route scrambling alongside an experienced Mountain Instructor.


Day 3 
This day is decided at the end of day two. 
Option 1: Another beautiful mountain walk 
Option 2: Learn more about navigation; this will prepare you for your own adventures. 
Option 3: A scrambling day taking in another peak 
Option 4: An introduction to rock climbing (weather permitting)


Combine this with staying in a small boutique hotel in The Lake District and rewarding yourself with that added bit of luxury after your exhilarating day with a qualified guide- you have the perfect combination for a wonderful short stay break in this stunning part of the world.


For £290 per person we offer a 3 day break that includes bed, breakfast and your own luxury room with a king sized bed if you book early into one of our three luxury rooms and a packed lunch on each of the days. As an optional extra 1 Park Road offers some wonderful 3 course dinners on the Sunday evening of your arrival- what better after the journey on the motorway? Plus enjoy a wonderful selection of fine wines and bottled beers from Europe and around the world.


The 3 day walking break are either from Sunday 2^nd October departing on Wednesday late afternoon 5^th October or Sunday 6^th November departing late afternoon on Wednesday 9^th November.

For further information contact Christopher Guest at Skylark Mountain Adventures on 07894 216421, email: chris@skylark-ma.co.uk or Philip and Mary Burton at 1 Park Road on 015394 42107 or enquiries@1parkroad.com

To book a place, telephone or e mail Philip and Mary at 1 Park Road via 1 Park Road