July 2021

Mostly Church Beck…

Well July has just sped past. We’ve had many requests for the classic Church Beck, of which I have been down at least 7 times this month, and have had our team of instructors cover the rest. I’m amazed but then again I guess it’s kind of the way things go. That so many people know about Church Beck who have never even been to the Lake District. I think word has spread and now people Google Ghyll scrambling, or gorge walking etc. We predominantly Canyon – top to bottom – this Ghyll, a combination of access rights and I believe it’s far more exciting to do it in this way.

Apologies for the blurry picture. I have drowned my Iphone 6 in this very Canyon before today…Gutted! Taking action shots and multi tasking is tricky! And the old Panasonic camera is pretty naff which is really in need of an upgrade.

Variety is the key

As well as Church Beck, I try and break things up and where I can steer people into different Ghyll’s and canyons, ones that don’t often get used or have been neglected over recent years. This doesn’t mean that there any less exciting it means that it hopefully gives the others a chance to ‘breath’

A fine example of this Ghyll/canyon abuse is the Esk over on the Western Lakes. I have stopped using this now and I know the outdoor centre in Eskdale has stopped as well.

Our Wild Camping expeditions are proving a hit, as well as useful for people. Kicked off early in the season with one, and on the way day in the afternoon I must have counted 50+ people on the way up to hang out at the pools.

I remember only 5/6 years ago you would be lucky to catch a handful of people finding their way up here. Social media, word of mouth and companies promoting this has all led to over crowding and over use. Now you could say, well I am to blame, and this may be the case, but the famous Ghyll’s and canyons are now known, where ever possible the less frequented ones are not advertised on our website, nor are they directly mentioned on social media platforms and we try and not give the game away. So far so good and one particular canyon we use (not telling 😉 is awesome and I rarely see folk there which is a lovely refreshing change as it gives clients a sense of pioneering and freedom.

Info:

For more information on Ghyll’s, Gorges, and Canyons call us to discuss either Church Beck or one of our locations, we will be happy to give advice even if we do not take the booking.

Ghyll, Gorge & Canyon walking: Here 

As well as Canyoning July actually has been one of the best months we’ve had in terms of clients. A combination of Covid and people wanting to get back out there, as well as more people taking holidays in the UK. Keep it up!

Friend and regular client Deepan has been on the scene and we’ve had a blast! Thanks mate for your valued support, friendship and adventures over the years.

Deeps (AKA Deepan) took a family holiday down to Pembrokshire and it would have been rude not too but he incorpriated some climbing whilst down there. We headed for the beautiful St. Davids and climbed on the sea cliffs. Picture below of the man himself busting the moves out and looking confident on the fantastic Aries a VS 4c. The traverse into it is probably the crux of it (picture of me at the end of this)  The only thing was, and Deeps also admitted it was too hot! The rock was baking and almost too hot to hold! I had to bail for half an hour and throw myself into the sea, I’m sure I fizzed as I hit the water!!

We had a blast, climbed lot’s ate some great seafood and got hot! church beck

North Wales

After the few days in Pembroke, Deeps had arranged for a few folk from his work to meet up and do some Scrambling. We did the uber classic Bristly Ridge a grade II/III which is very exciting all the way and great for a beginner, or seasoned scrambler for that matter. Picture of gang descending the bad step to the col.

It was a big day mainly because as new comers to the mountains they were understandably slower, and I had made the call to go the long way round for the descent as Deeps will tell you, the scree gully is not really fun, especially for beginners. We have done it a few times together now and although I generally would rope the unsteady down this, it’s still easy to twist an ankle or take a slide down.

I’m glad we did go the long way round, as we passed the Mountain Rescue Team on the way up as someone had sadly slipped and needed rescuing. Unluckily/but luckily the outcome was a twisted ankle. church beck

Climbing

The next day was spent lower level and we got the group Rock Climbing. Several climbs were rigged and the group got amongst it. I felt very proud when Deeps climbed a tricky 5b route and stuck with it until the end. 5b is a tough grade, many experienced climbers reach this grade with many years of practice, and to be honest as a leading point of view this would be there top grade to lead climb. I could tell he was buzzing after this and it’s times like this that if I could bottle and open on a ‘down day’ then this is what I would do. Well done fella. Hand clap, hand clap!

So these have definitely been the highlights of July, great clients, good weather, good food, and most of all great mountains. We are blessed with some of the best in the world, for such a small isle we pack a mighty punch. I have climbed around the globe but always relish in mountaineering here.

Again, ass ever a big thanks to Pacerpoles for their use and support over the years. Check there fantastic poles out here. In a word, they are the best – I’ll be reviewing and adding an article on these over the coming blogs.

church beck