Carreg Bengam Bach

Went to have a look at a crag called Carreg Bengam Bach today, which is very close to my house. It’s in Arddu area between Nantmor and Croesor. The crag is reached in about 10min on foot following the track from Bwlchgwernod. I had visited the crag once before but not really appreciated it. It’s great. Unfortunately the weather was not great today so I only managed to top rope a few routes in between the showers. The routes I wanted to try on lead were wet. I am well psyched to go back there.

I have updated the UKC page for Garreg Bengam Bach; several new routes have been put up since the previous guide was printed. http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=2035

I toproped the route Crocodile Goose E4 6a today, managed it second go. Wouldnt like to lead it though, its a bit too bold for me! Also did Zeitgeist which is a great well protected route and a soft touch at E1 5b.

The crag is South Facing, some routes stay dry in light rain, the views are excellent and if rain does hit there is an excellent cave (complete with a mattress!) in which to shelter amongst the boulders at the bottom of the crag.

Watching a shower pass from the comfort of the cave

Fedw Bach

Those of you who have bought the new Ground Up Gogarth guide book may have noticed on page 281 a small newly developed limestone spot climbing venue on the south east side of Anglesey.

A few weeks ago I went to check it out; it turned out the be the perfect venue for a couple of days of chilled out climbing mixed in with some fishing and a BBQ. Although the climbing was a little loose (belayer helmet essential) the routes were good. There is even a fantastic DWS (deep water soloing) traverse of the extension of White Beach Crag which is possible at high tide.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the fishing, we didnt catch anything. I remembered why I gave up fishing years ago, I havnt got the patience. To make matters worse all the other fishermen seemed to be reeling them in! Luckily we had brought backup in the shape of bacon and sausages for the BBQ!

Fedw Bach Location

Me on Mike's Glory 6b on White Beach Crag

Optional high level top out of DWS traverse

Local people and outdoor activites

I think I can safely say that I am in the minority, being local and being into outdoor activities. During school (in Harlech) and college (in Pwllheli) it was only myself and a couple of friends who would be going out mountain biking, climbing, mountain boarding, walking, camping, etc at the weekends. Although I didn't think about it at the time this is a shame since we live in one of the best (arguably THE best) location(s) for outdoor activities in the UK.

During my time in school we were hardly ever taken out to the mountains and never while at six form college. Talking to people who went to school in flatter places such as London, it seemed that they were taken on regular trips to the mountains and that there was an active Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

I cannot comment on the current situation in schools but I doubt that anything has changed. I don't blame the schools, small rural schools simply don't have the staff or resources necessary to run exciting outdoor activities.

The good news is that the situation is improving thanks to inititives such as http://www.partneriaeth-awyr-agored.co.uk (outdoor partnership). Tracy Evans from the Outdoor Partnership is doing a great job setting up outdoor sports clubs for young people and helping out local people who are trying to become outdoor instructors; such as myself! I may be slightly biased since the Outdoor Partnership has helped towards funding my summer ML (Mountain Leader) training and my SPA (single pitch award) training! If you live in Gwynedd or Anglesey go checkout the Outdoor Partnership Website, the news section has information on current clubs and outdoor work opportunities.

You might have guessed it.....its currently raining outside! Time for a jog!

What is there to do in North Wales?

Inspiration for creating this blog came from answering the question "what is there to do in North Wales?" This question will be answered through short accounts and photographs of my adventures which take place in Snowdonia. Words will be kept to the minimum (as I am too lazy to write much) and photographs will be kept to the max!

Expect adventures to be mostly climbing related!