FIELD NOTES: Dartmoor climbing course

Words and photos contributed by Jeremy

I, Jose and Harry recently did a trad climbing workshop / course with Crag 2 Mountain on Dartmoor. I think it’s safe to say we had a great weekend and all either learnt some new skills or brushed up on ones that were perhaps a bit rusty!

The weather was awesome (a little too warm at times!). We spent the Saturday at Sheeps Tor near Yelverton covering gear and placement best practice etc. and then doing some single pitch and building belays. 

On the Sunday we went to Dewertstone Rock and climbed Colonel's Arete, a well-known multi-pitch (4) V-Diff ridge-style climb on prominent granite. Man that was a hot day exposed to the sun after the first pitch climbed out of the shade provided by the trees. 

The guide we had (Baz) was brilliant. As an ex-marine he had a lot of stories to tell during the belays, which can be quite long when climbing in a group of 3 with 2 ropes.

It’s safe to say that I can’t wait to return and do some more. Might even considering doing my Rock Climbing Instructor award - something challenging for retirement!