Post date: Dec 13, 2015 2:48:38 PM
Last Wednesday the wrinkly Club President Colin and I ventured over the Severn Bridge to find the rock on this Wye-side crag mostly dry. Only the top was getting the weak sun and the descent of the 'Easy Way Down' was taken gingerly due to the somewhat slippery ledges. As we hadn't been out for over a month, and I was recovering from man-flu, we decided to choose a couple of classic multi-pitch routes.
First came a pleasant warm-up on Original Route VD where I remember Colin shouting something rude when I took the easy way past the crux on pitch three! Though we have both done this routes many times before, the winter conditions on polished holds added some extra spice to the ascents.
After a welcome drink at the top, with superb views, we trolled along the Offa's Dyke top path and down into Woodcroft old quarry back to base level and then started up Central Rib Route - I (S/VS). All was good until the last pitch. This short vertical wall proved too hard even for Colin as one of the flake holds near the wobbly little block had broken off (indoor walls are so predictable in comparison!). [Chris may remember doing this pitch with me in the dark several years ago!]
Anyway, after Colin forced a way up the dodgy left side, I came straight up though not without some colourful words due to the cramping in my hands.
A memorable winter day out.
Mike P