Fun at Cummingston

First day out today since starting at the Lodge. Climbed at Cummingston on the Moray Firth coast with Dave Chapman ... nice spot. some nice routes. Came back covered in sand but managed to avoid being pooed or sicked on by the many sea gulls. Lots of birds, a little black bird was flying in and out of a hole on Lumside Crack while I was leading it. We also saw some rabbits and lots of sea lice (...shudder) which were infesting my nice hand holds. The routes were quite juggy but some of the top outs were sand banks... some times the scariest bit of the climb!

Gritty stuff

Went to Stanage today with Andy Waring. Led Manchester Buttress (Hs 4b) and Robin Hood's Right-Hand Buttress Direct (Hs 4a) both top quality routes. Robin Hood's was alright with just a few cams... there wasn't tons else... believe me I fiddled around - a lot! Andy led Heather Wall and Straight Crack (both VS4c). Quality climbing session, I'm gonna miss the grit.

Climbing at Froggatt

Climbed today at Froggatt with Lou and Sari. Lovely sunny day, led Green Gut (Hs 4a) which has been on my tick list, really nice with tons of places for gear - yes, I loaded her up good and proper. Also Led Terrace Crack, supposedly HS4b although it used to be a VS... but felt easier than Green Gut. Maybe I'll just use route gradings from Peak Gritstone East to make myself feel good!! ha ha ha

Biking

Today... biking with Pete 'the punisher' Ramshaw from Cromford in the Peaks. The route wasn't big but the hills were! I'm sure there was some decent downhill in there somewhere. We didn't encounter the expected quagmire, which is a shame as apparently it's 'good for traction' ?!? This is a picture (to follow) of me trying to avoid sliding in a mini cowpat quagmire and landing in a gauze bush

Harborough Rocks 21st March

Partying hard at Harborough with John and Kiri... climbing in the sun, hooray!

Kayaking the Arkaig and the Pattack 26/27th March

Thursday and Friday Dave talked me into kayaking on the Arkaig and the Pattack. Hands down the best fun I've ever had in kayak. I think I'm gonna enjoy Scottish rivers. Dave and James did the falls at the top (see picture of big waterfall) and the other James and I joined them for the rest. Grade 3/4

River Tay in Open Boats 23/24th March

Last week (Monday/Tuesday) I paddled the Tay with the boys from Edale. Nice scenery and some interesting paddling at Grand Tully and Stanley weir... and check out our metropolis-like bivvy. Good times, good company.

Winter Climbing March 28/29th

Whoever said the sun never shines in Scotland... well they were lying

It's been a great winter for climbing, I didn't want it to end! This week I was up on the Ben climbing with Graham and Andy. We did No. 3 Gully Buttress - what anawesome final pitch! (see pics above). Also scooted up Ledge Route with Andy before wet and windy conditions set in. Highlights from February include taking Michelle up Alladin's Couloir, climbing Green Gulley on the Ben with my pal Lou - fantastic route with lots of ice. Didn't need any ice screws, which was fortunate as neither of us had any! - and a cool little route on Aonachmore called The Web