Glorious West Vale

  Highballing the 5+ arete West Vale style

I went to Adam's 30th in Stoke on Saturday so didn't get out climbing - i mooched about a bit and then  travelled over with Jon and family. Sunday was beautiful and waking up at a very offensive 9 a.m as clocks had changed it wasn't boding well for the day as i nursed a hangover at the local Mac Donalds in Stoke. We drove back to Jon's and me and Jenny went to visit the mighty West Vale, Greetland Quarry - whatever you want to call it!

Jenny had raved about this place many times before so i was quite keen to see it - sadly my mind was still hazy from the beer, my eyes were shot from sleeping in my contact lenses on Friday night and  I wasn't really very focused enough to get much done. I did a couple of high problems though, a 5+ arete, a 6a face and had a go at the mighty west vale traverse but fell off - so i lay in the sun a bit and then headed back to Leeds. A disappointing amount of climbing but the place is worthy of a visit if passing - a great training venue. pumpy traverses, all old school climbing though, crimp, grab and pull.

 Jenny seemingly oblivious to hangovers demonstrating the local circuit

On a positive note it was light until 7:30 tonight so that means evening climbing is a go-go. It always has been for me but it means people who work normalish hours might start getting out too which helps motivate me. I have a busy and important week ahead at work but might try and get out for a night - maybe just the cliff or some other local Otley crags - watch this space.