This isn't a venue for people who are used to the comfort of climbing walls and the ease of Almscliff. It's a bit dirty and awkward to navigate around the slopes and bracken, especially in a 25deg heat. But, if you can be bothered to take the Nidderdale Congo head on, there are some brilliant problems to try. I won't be rushing back there, but it's well worth at least one visit. The boulders are within a minute or two from the road, so if you do decide that it's not to your taste then there are other crags within 5 minutes and even better tea rooms within 2 minutes. Bex didn't really like it, which I can appreciate. The better problems start in the 7th grade and it's not the easiest place to have a cruise about in the hot weather. There are a few 6's that are good, but as is unfortunately typical with many places around here, the best problems are harder problems.
This is what we did:
Trust (7b)
Probably worth the trip alone. Class techy barndoor moves.
It is a slow motion fall if you don't have the skills....
Mop Top Left and Right (6a)
The best of the 'easier' problems we found. A bit techy, a bit fun, a bit hot.
Bex had wilted and was struggling in the sun so didn't try anything else after these two. She did find an abundance of tadpoles though, which made her smile like this...
A Little Sparkle (7a)
An easier Deliverance, a pure gem! Worth the walk along from Trust if you're up there. It's CLASS! I got a little phone video because the top move is a good thing.
Pok a Tok (7a)
Tech. A bit reachy. The top move is really good, you throw for the flat top and have to try and keep hold while your body unravels like a corkscrew! A couple of dicey falls before I got that one!
I put off trying a couple of aretes that looked really good because of the landing slopes. I'm sure they'd be ok with a few pads and a decent spot, but today wasn't that kind of party. Today's party ended with a double scoop ice cream and a bottle of dandelion and burdock in Pateley Bridge. Alright!!!
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