When I first started winter climbing, I bought technical ice axes because I aspired to climbing hard routes, and my budget was limited. Decide where your aspirations lie, and buy your tools accordingly. There are three main areas of use for ice axes:
Read MoreThe high mountain crags on Bowfell are a beautiful place to spend some time, with excellent climbing in a great setting. They are usually fairly quiet, although you may have to join the queue for the classic Bowfell Buttress on a sunny summer's day. It has many memories for me, some good, some not so good. Two that stand out are both from blistering hot late June days, 23 years apart.
Read MoreSome years ago, I was sea-cliff climbing at Gogarth in north Wales. My second was on a tricky overhanging pitch, and he was really struggling. We couldn’t communicate because of the background noise from the sea, and I couldn’t lower him back down as the tide was coming in. My only option was to escape the system using a prusik loop, climb down the rope using a prusik loop, build another belay and haul my second up to it using – you’ve guessed it – a prusik loop.
Read MoreI remember going to buy my first pieces of climbing kit. I saved up my money and went to the shop. I felt excitement about the prospect of owning my own gear, but also bewilderment, because I wasn't sure how to get the best kit on my limited budget.
Read MoreWe’ve all had days out in the mountains that haven’t gone as we expected. Sometimes that’s unavoidable, but usually, with a bit of forward planning and a willingness to be flexible, a rewarding day can be almost guaranteed. Here are seven things to think about:
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