Northumberland

Stevie, Andy, Nathan, Kevin and myself went for a weekend of bouldering action away down in Northumberland. The trip the lads first trip down here but they all made a good effort and everyone had a good weekend, with the weather being outstanding!

Unfortunately for me I got a cold during week and my stomach was on its own cycle so I did a lot of laying in the sun on the mat, before jumping on a climb or two. Everyone else decided to have a heavy night in The Salmon to get on an equal playing field. What an equality commitment!

Andy attempting Childs Play - Bowden Doors

The first day we went to Bowden and Back Bowden and were first at the crag. Lots was climbed, with Andy providing much entertainment falling off lots of stuff - in particular the light bulb - and Stevie adopting his alter French ego Phillippe via his head band!

Andy on Scooped Wall - Bowden Doors

Kev on Sandy Rib - Bowden Doors

Notable climbs they did were scooped wall and the light bulb. I repeated a lot of things showing them worthwhile routes, but did find out I may have been better about a year ago as I couldn't repeat a 7a mantel or child's play! Never mind!

 

Andy doing something on Sandy Rib

We then walked across the moor to Back Bowden, where I managed a flash of Merlin, a sharp crimpy 6c, a nice consolidation prize. The walk did make me queezy so I spent the rest of the time down jacket sun bathing!






On Sunday (after a romantic Stevie Nathan night at the pub - Andy and Kev felt as bad as me from their previous night's antics) we went to Kyole in the Woods. The intention was to try Monty Python Direct SS, attempt the Yorkshireman (as the Yorkshire born advantage should have helped) and various others on that wall. Unfortunately for me this was all wet so we all joined Kev and Nath on some easier stuff before heading up the road.

I don't think a return trip will have to wait too long. Nice!