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It being a bank holiday weekend, climbing just had to be on the agenda! So Martin, Paul and Anna headed off to favourite climbing venue Wintours Leap in the Wye Valley. Just for a change, the first route of the day was Nibelheim VS (4C), oneof Martin's favourites and the route he has climbed more often that any other. Paul had climbed it before but for Anna this was a first. Martin led all pitches. A nice leisurely lunch was had at the Great Ledge before completing with pitch 4 (100 feet). Sadly, one of Martin's size 7 wild country rocks had to be abandoned in the crack in which it had been placed by Martin. It just didn't want to come out, despite Paul's most expert attempts at persuading it. We hope it will not be too lonely up there!
Believe it or not, Nibelheim took 5 hours. Yes, *5* hours to do a 300 foot climb. That's what it takes with thre climbers, climbing one at a time. So, by the time we had completed and got back to the car, we decided there wasn't enough time for one of the bigger multi-pitch routes and instead went back down to finish with Butterfly VS 4C which at only 100 feet can be climbed in a single pitch. None of us fancied leading it so Paul and Martin took turns belaying from the top which the path takes you past on the the way down to the foot of the route. Butterfly was really excellent and only a little polished here and there. Martin vowed to lead it next time.
I can't climb the overhang direct because my chest is too big! - Paul Page 3 Appleton
What is this SH1T?!?!?!?! - Anna, traumatised by hearing a song by Jake Thackray on the way back in the car
Klootsac! - Martin
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| Paul and Anna at the foot of Nibelheim | Martin and a petrified Anna | Martin starting pitch 1 of Nibelheim | Martin belaying from the top of pitch 1, Paul getting his chest stuck under the overhang! | ||||
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| Martin up at the stance at the top of pitch 2 | Pirate Paul / Roger the Cabin Boy on the Great Ledge at the top of pitch 3 | Martin heading on up pitch 4 | ....approaching the tricky section | ||||
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| ...and up through the v-shaped cleft! |