Rock climbing – Wild Places

Savage Slit

Savage Slit is one of Scotland’s classic rock routes, high up in the Cairngorms topping out on the summit of Cairn Lochan. For years it was graded V Diff, which in Scotland can mean anything from Diff to VS, usually first climbed by hard men in big boots who didn’t feel the cold…..Recently it hasContinue reading “Savage Slit”

The Pinnacle Club

I joined the Pinnacle Club in 1997 soon after leaving university. I lived in a very male dominated world and was fascinated by the idea of a group of women climbers with their own hut in the shadow of Snowdon. At that time only 10% of maths undergraduates at Cambridge were female and my socialContinue reading “The Pinnacle Club”

Gillercombe Buttress and other wanderings

Gillercombe Buttress and other wanderings: Another visit to an iron age hill fort this week, this time Carrock Fell in the northern Lakes with Steve. We had a pleasant wander up to the top and then along the ridge to High Pike. Carrock Fell is a bit of a geological gem. The hill itself isContinue reading “Gillercombe Buttress and other wanderings”

Welsh hill forts, Blencathra and falling

Welsh hill forts, Blencathra and falling. A busy week in the outdoors this week. Wednesday was a short walk in the Clwydian Hills along Offas Dyke path with my daughter, Hannah. I come from Chester and went up Moel Famau numerous times in my childhood but wanted to avoid the crowds this time. So weContinue reading “Welsh hill forts, Blencathra and falling”

Thoughts on climbing

Back to Scugdale tonight to try out some new climbing gear and a new way of climbing. Since last week I’d been mulling over the problem of how to reduce risk when climbing alone and I was keen to try out a possible solution. I’d spent the week watching You Tube videos and picking theContinue reading “Thoughts on climbing”

Evenings at Scugdale

Summer evenings at Scugdale always bring back memories of when I was a good climber and I could solo half the routes on the crag without trying. These days I’m lucky if I can muster the courage to climb one or two of the easiest routes, but it’s still a great place to spend aContinue reading “Evenings at Scugdale”

Slipstones

Evening trip to Slipstones, a small crag to the west of Masham, with my brother Jim. Made of solid Yorkshire gritstone with climbs as tough as the rock, this crag never fails to disappoint. It’s a pleasant spot to spend the evening, with a view over the moors and the sound of grouse in theContinue reading “Slipstones”