Another day...another winter route or two.

Today I headed out with the infamous Mark 'Baggy' Richards, newly appointed pro partner with Mountain Equipment and established guru of Welsh Winter Climbing. Check out his blog for news all winter and probably some more about today!
Baggy decided that it would be a good bet to head up to the north face of a mountain somewhere in Wales. We climbed a couple of new routes, which were combinations of some existing (unstarred) rock routes. The first route had a first pitch up groove with 'hero hooks' all the way with bomber gear until the tricky exit about V, 6. The second pitch was a proper squirm chimney - Baggy's pitch - most entertaining watching his feet disappearing - not so entertaining getting the rucksack through it - ungradeable!!

The second route followed a groove to start at about IV to a big bay. The main pitch went up a crack in a steep slab - more hero hooks, but a bit steeper than the previous route probably around V, 7. The route finished up a enjoyable corner at about grade III.

Grades are a guess - and I'm under strict instructions from Baggy not to reveal exact locations as he's got his eyes on some more lines!!

Elsewhere, Matt and Adam Hughes headed over to Clogwyn Du, and made an ascent of Traversty - after a couple of falls from Adam on the first pitch, Matt took over and finished the pitch - good effort Stygall!
Calum was out with Ray Wood and after a false start one one route they did Pillar Chimney.
Pete Harrison was back on the project but still no send.

Adam finishing the second pitch