A fantastic weekend at The Roaches. No comment on the football!
After an extremely sunny saturday, we finished on Sunday just before this rain set in. It just goes to show how unpredictable our weather here in the UK is – and how unpredictable our footballers are! I think this picture might sum them both up?
However, before the rains came we enjoyed a brilliant number of excellent routes. By using some local knowledge to great effect we were even able to avoid the crowds on a busy Saturday. To find out where we went at the Roaches and managed to enjoy a fine selection of completely empty routes, get yourself a copy of the definitive guide and head out to the skyline area.
As well as the brilliant routes and the great company, one bit of terrible practice from some other instructors with large groups was sad to see. We politely approached them and asked how long they would have their top ropes set up for on these climbs. Normally the reply is ‘we’re almost done’ or ‘just another half an hour’ because instructors (normally)
understand that the crag is there for everyone. If there are people waiting the best practice is obviously to try and accommodate them. But that was not the answer this time! Their reply was ‘we’re here all day.’
So, if you are involved in taking people out onto our wonderful crags, please bear in mind that others may also want to share in the fun. Don’t take up areas for long periods of time, be considerate and move around. It does say all this – and more – in the guide book but I guess these people don’t climb very often!
If you are thinking about booking a climbing instructor you are well advised to find one that knows the area well and also won’t be putting you into a big group.
A little local knowledge and some personalised tuition goes a long way towards a great experience!
On that note, here’s to friday (again): COME ON ENGLAND!!
