From River to Rock

Tuesday was a strange and mixed day in the travels of Calum.

The morning started with me getting kitted up in my wetsuit and getting back in a Kayak on flat water for the first time in what feels like a long while. It was the first time in a while as well, on flat water at least. 

After an hour on the water being coached on flat water techniques it was all over far too soon. As I got of the water LJMU Outdoor Ed Freshers were getting on the water for their intro to paddling. So I had a quick chat with the lecturers before heading off to join Jess and Sam at the Roaches. 

Jess setting up a belay on the upper tier of The Roaches

Grit stone and the Roaches is where I learned to climb so being back climbing in the peak was very comforting. It was like being home again. The rock has a certain feel about it. Rough like sandpaper but in a comforting way. I always feel that on grit, the rock is gripping you, it doesn't want you to come off. Well at least at the lower grades!

After meeting up with Jess, Sam, Clare and Kelsey we started climbing. Clare led up Maud's Garden a multi pitch VDiff, and then I led up Heather Slab (S 3c). By this time the Midges were out in force so we escaped to the campsite to have dinner. 

After dinner we headed back out to The Roaches for some night time bouldering. 

Sam Bradshaw starting up a bouldering problem

Me stretching for a hold

The final tally of climbs at 11:30 pm came to...

Climbs
Maud's Garden Vdiff multi pitch
Heather Slab S 3c

First boulder:
Pine Martin V0 5b
Pine Arete Right V0 5a

Second Boulder:
Blister Slab V1 5c
Blister Sister V0+ 5a
Slab 2 V0- 4a
Left Slab V0- 4c

An arête that wasn't in the guide book...

The the last route was: 
Classic Route V0 5a