Mike's Climbing Stag

Mike's getting married next week, therefore we decided to go on a stag to that notorious venue... Belford (Northumberland)! I caught the train to Perth on Friday and met the Dundee guys, and we set off for 3 days bouldering. First on the list was Bowden Doors, but on our first climb (warm up traverse - 6a) a very heavy localised shower rolled in for ten minutes and drenched us and the rock, with no place to hide. We therefore set off across the moor on the 20min walk to back Bowden. Thankfully everything here was dry. Having not climbed for a while, my lack of fitness showed. Nevertheless I managed to get a few 6a's and 6b's with Keith. Mike went off to crack on some 7's. A cracking day was had by all 8 of us, and after celebratory fish and chips we headed to the interesting campsite.

What makes this interesting is that the campsite in Belford pretty much doubles up as an aivery. Birds everywhere! though sadly not of the female variety. Everywhere you went there was always a swan, dove, pigeon, random bird there, with more exotic birds hidden in cages in the hedgerow. Pretty strange!

Saturday lead to a trip to Shaftoe, dubbed the UK's answer to Font in the guidebook. I can't say it was as good but nevertheless is not far off with some cracking problems. Dave, Simmie and Chris put in a sterling performance on a very highball 7a (especially Simmie given he almost slipped on some moss!) Keith, Jonny and I stuck to the more amenable grades, though I did get a 6c roof and a few others around that grade. Can't remember what the other guys got, though again we all left happy and exhausted. We then 'lived  it large' in the Black Swan... 2 pints and to the tents!

Keith on something at Shaftoe

Something else at Shaftoe.
My phone can do effects!

Sunday we headed up to Kyole in the Woods and pottered about on some hard stuff. I almost got hitchhikers 7a sit completed though fell from the top and couldn't get it again. Some other time though it would go! As the crag got super busy we shifted down the road to Kyole which was deserted right across the crag. This was my first visit to the crag and I was thoroughly impressed. Shed loads of amenable trad to go at! I'll definitely be back with the rack!


Cracking alternative stag do, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say good luck Mike!