Return to the rock

The rock felt warm as I yelled 'CLIMBING' to my unseen partner and carefully stepped up onto a small ledge. I had intentionally asked to not be told the grade of the route, but the holds looked positive and the crack appeared friendly.  I was happy in the sunshine and despite the outcome of my last trad outing, I felt surprisingly relaxed and confident as I began. Although the first bit of gear seemed intent on spoiling my day, the rest of climbing was enjoyable and I felt like I was moving well. Arriving at the top of the solid rock, my partner finally came into view and we discussed the best way to negotiate the chossy, grassy, nettle ridden top out. Standing safely next to the fence, he told me it was a V diff. I nearly remarked that V diffs seem to have got a lot harder lately!

Spot the V diff

After an abseil and a fair bit of hammering by my partner, the pesky hex was retrieved and as the guide was consulted to find the next route, it transpired that the 'stiff' V diff on which we had begun was, in fact, a Hard Severe. My confidence was boosted - the last time I tried an HS, I had to be hauled up a sea cliff in tears!

We moved on to the next route. As I looked up at the corner, the bedding of the rock, the nature of the crack and the small positive footholds reminded me so much of Roseness that I half expected to turn round and see the sea behind me. I wished Donna could have been out with us too: in my mind I could see her bridging her way up the route, just as she had done on several climbs back in Orkney. 

The climbing was enjoyable, with a few moves that required a little thought and a little nerve, even as a second, and I particularly relished the layback manoeuvre near the crux.  Reaching the top, I felt I had again climbed well, but that the route had been harder than the first. The guide said it was a Severe, while my newer guide at home only rates it as HVD! Lies I tell you!

Looking towards Manningham Mills and the hill between here and home

Finishing a few hours later, as the clouds began to gather and a cool breeze began to blow, I felt that overall it had been a good day. In particular, I had really enjoyed the familiar nature of the rock and the type of climbing required.

Today was all about getting time on rock, at the right grade, in a positive environment. I really hope that there are many more sessions like it.