Crag of the Week

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, South Wales

This stunning South Facing, easy-angled limestone slab is another great location to introduce your friends and clients to outdoor and lead climbing.

As a Mum, it's also proved an ideal location for trying to get a few climbs in with friends, whilst also being a safe beach for my daughter to play on... before the tide comes in!

As with my previous Crag of the Week, Tryfan Fach, the majority of routes here are Diff, with a lone E4 6c (The Steal) chucked in between a few popular VS routes - Arch Slab, Under Milk Wood and Scavenger, which due to its popularity is becoming a bit polished but is well protected. There seems to be a love/hate relationship with Under Milk Wood which involves a tight squeeze through a 'cave' at the top to break through to daylight and top out. Enjoyment of this route seems dependant on your size! The E4 seems to be very under climbed, probably due to the lack of any other highly graded routes to tackle whilst your there!

When working here with children or clients, there is a great Mod/scramble up to above the arch which offers a great abseil experience for the kids. Another fun opportunity for those who you feel capable of completing it, while getting to practise your MIC skills, is to lead your group on a confidence rope over the 'pinnacles' seen above that give Three Cliffs it's name.

There is various places to park at the top on the cliffs (some charge) and it's a pleasant 15 min walk in. Be sure to check the tide times before heading down!

This is about a child friendly as crags come, with a gorgeous stretch of sand to play on, and extensive rock pools and little coves to explore. There is also the remains of Pennard Castle within walking distance.

So whether you are looking for a family holiday location where you can also indulge your hobby, or whether you are looking for new crags to take your clients to - Three Cliffs Bay is well worth your time.

Crag of the Week

Tryfan Fach (Little Tryfan), Gwynedd, North Wales

'Base Camp' - can think of worse views to wake up to. 

Instructors take note! This crag is an absolute gem for introducing groups and individuals to outdoor and lead trad climbing. Just as I was myself.

My very first time here started in the campsite situated at the base of Tryfan, just a short walk from the crag. We arrived in the middle of the night with the temperatures dipping to -10 C. (You can also park at this campsite for a small charge, even if not camping).

Being a wintery January morning we climbed in gloves and B2/B3's. This was a first for me, so I was glad the crag was full to bursting with low grade routes for me to attempt my first lead in such 'cumbersome' climbing gear.

On arriving at the crag, you are greeted with a wonderful sweep of Rhyolite (a common volcanic rock), and usually other climbers. It's amenable angled face is littered with lovely cracks, great holds and an abundance of gear placement. Along with its easy 10min walk in from the car park, it's no wonder this location is so popular. The crag boasts over 20 climbs, graded from Moderate to VS 4c, but the majority here are graded at Diff.

My first lead - Crack 2 (Diff). Freezing Fun

Featured in the Rockfax Top 50 North Wales climb is Little Tryfan Arete - a grade 3 scramble/Moderate climb which can be completed in 1 or 2 pitches.

Please be aware, if you are climbing at VD/Severe or above this really won't float your boat. Don't waste your time and make your way to the abundance of other crags North Wales has to offer - more of which I will feature soon - including Milestone Buttress, just around the corner from this crag.

But if you are new to this climbing malarky, have never climbed outside before, or never had a taste of lead trad climbing - grab yourself someone who knows what they are doing and make it happen.

Goals and Gold

Everything was against us at work yesterday. It was windy, raining, the river levels were low and the tides were wrong. Sometimes, days just throw you two fingers.

What did we do? Not a lot. What did I get from it? Quite a lot.

Some days give you gold.

I am in a privileged position. New to this outdoor industry, I am blessed to be surrounded by seasoned professionals who are constant sources of encouragement and inspiration. I am lucky to be learning from the best. I am working with people who I not only look up to and respect, but also feel 'alongside', individuals who are quickly becoming friends as well as colleagues. I want to always surround myself with people that will help me better myself. And likewise I want to continually learn how to become one of those people myself.

It's incredible to think of all the mammoth changes that have taken place in such a short period.

This time last year I was busy being a stay at home Mama to Ffion. Playing outdoors and getting her and I out on the mountains when we could. But that was about the extent of my 'adventurous activities' at that time. I had never climbed before, aside from mucking about as a young child at Harrisons Rocks in the South East of England, while my older brother climbed.

Now I practically live, breathe, even eat climbing... literally. This past year I have become more aware of my eating habits, and having already lost a stone, I am aiming to lose another, as well as continually improving my fitness levels and strength. I try and keep up to date with stories and developments in the climbing world, as well as reading and learning and being inspired by climbers from the past, with their first ascents of now seminal routes.

But most importantly, as mentioned above, I try and surround myself with inspirational individuals.

So what leaps do I hope to have made by this time next year?

Primarily, I want to just get out and climb as much as is possible when you're a single mum, studying full time as well! With experience will come improvements.

I have also applied for a job at the outdoor centres I have been working at, which I will have an interview for in September. This is a massive opportunity for me to be able to continue my professional, and personal, development.
I want to work with the type of people that, despite the wind and the rain, the low water levels, and awkward tide times, I can still come away from the day feeling like I have gained from the conversations that were had, the experiences that were shared and the inspiration that was passed on.

So when days throw you the two fingers, throw them right back at it...

Review: Black Diamond - Half Dome climbing helmet

A classic, multi-use helmet for men or women

I've tried a lot of helmets both in personal and professional climbing environments and it took me a long time to settle on which to buy. I was very tempted by the 'weightlessness' of new style EPS helmets, however being "one-hit wonders", I felt the durability and longevity of this helmet won over weight, for me personally. Perhaps on longer expeditions where weight is key I will decide otherwise! But for its current use, in both personal climbing, and while instructing groups, this classic helmet fits the bill.

The helmet is easily adjustable and comfortable. I have found it keeps my head near completely dry on wet days, but also offers discreet venting for hot days. 

I nearly bought the pony-tail friendly Petzl, and while that is both a pretty and practical helmet for women, I can fit my pony-tail neatly between the back of the helmet and the adjustment strap.

The Black Diamond Half Dome is available from many good outdoor retailers - both online and on the high street. CE and UIAA-certified.