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Please email The Editor at this address with your news and pictures.

Raven's Scar has enjoyed the driest spell in recent years and has seen a flurry of activity. Steve Ramsden has climbed two new E7's either side of the crag's classic E5 Stratagem. A Different Kind of Blue (E7 6c) starts as for Satchmo before sweeping across impressive territory above Ch-Ching to finish as for Statagem. Collateral (E7 6c) climbs the often eyed hanging arête a few metres right of Stratagem. Read more on Steve's Blog. Richard Waterton recently linked the finish of A Different Kind of Blue with the start of Ch-Ching (E7) with  to give a stunning direct E7 all the way up the arête. Also Andy Reeve, ground upped A Different Kind of Blue and repeated Ch-Ching over two exciting days last weekend!  Meanwhile Tony Marr, who has been recording new routes on the North York Moors since the early 1960's has managed to unearth a few more gaps. Full details can be found here. There is also a free MiniGuide to Raven's Scar here. Updated 19th July 2010

Steve Ramsden on the first ascent of Collateral E7 6c.

 

Power Endurance training at Climb Newcastle "We've had a few link-ups in the pool area over the spring so this time with the new purple problems we've done something a little different and linked the problems in the left side into the cave finishing up the 45 degree board. 11 problems in total" The second round problems in the Summer Boulder Ladder 2010 are Yellow. You can follow your progress via the Live Scoreboard.  Reported 16th July 2010

The second round problems are Yellow.

 

New Crag Developed in Northumberland. "A handful of the routes on offer are, in our opinion, of top quality. Broken Promises, for example, is reminiscent of the superb Guardian Angel at Howlerhirst, Cossack Dancer similar to the three star South Yardhope test piece Quiet County, and Somewhere over the Rainbow provides one of the best outings of its grade in the County." Lower Tosson has recently been developed by Simon Lichfield and Graeme Read "Situated in a grand position above Coquetdale the buttresses may appear esoteric compared to its neighbours, but this is more than made up for by the generally excellent quality rock with interesting features and tremendous natural lines – including the largest roof in the county. It offers a great deal of variety to the climber, whether they be a VD or E5 leader, or a dedicated boulderer. In fact the bouldering potential has barely been tapped into..."  Read more on UKC. Reported 13th July 2010

 

Fun Day at Durham Climbing Centre.  Sunday 18th July 12 - 4pm including: Half Price Climbing, BBQ, 3SIXTY Bicycle Display Team. Full details at www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk  Reported 12th July 2010

 

Climb Magazine reviews Durham Climbing Centre. Climb Magazine has written an excellent review of your local bouldering wall the current issue. Read all about it in the August issue which is available from 8th July. "It is without doubt a bright and friendly centre with excellent bouldering and regular new circuits and some of the best coffee and Paninis around." Also featured in this edition - Leo Houlding in South Africa, Percy Bishton Bouldering in Portugal, Steve McClure (from Redcar) on Adam Ondra, and Dan "The Beastmaker" Varian (from Carlisle) on Training Tenacity  Reported 7th July 2010

Climb Magazine reviews Durham Climbing Centre

Rockworks Climbing and Newcastle Climbing Centre Joint Offers have now come into effect. Join a course or buy a pass at the Newcastle Climbing Centre and receive discount vouchers to be used in the Rockworks Climbing Shop, alternatively spend money and get free climbing vouchers for use at the wall. Please check the Rockworks Climbing Shop website for more details. New Opening Times Are in effect at the shop, weekdays we are now open 12am to 8pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm. This does not effect the Newcastle Climbing Centre opening times. Reported 6th July 2010

Camper Van For Sale. Renault Traffic, P reg, 45000 miles, 2.1L petrol, Mot until Feb 2011. 6 months road tax. Underbody is sound. Body work around sills needs a little work. Engine is good. If someone spent a little money on the bodywork it could give several years of solid use.  The internal look of the van, is of very high standard. Blue/grey beech finish. hob/sink/ 3 way fridge/ leisure battery/ 2 single beds with my adaptation to a double bed/ porta potti- unused by me/indoor table/wardrobeand lots of storage. There is no shower/toilet. Price £5,000 ono. Please email The Editor at this address with your offers.  Reported 4th July 2010

Click the images to enlarge

Wall to Rock with Newcastle Climbing Centre. Outcrop climbing involves visiting moorland crags and attempting single pitch routes of up to about 50’ in height. This one day course is designed for those who have perhaps started their climbing career in an indoor wall such as The Newcastle Climbing Centre and want to progress to the outdoors. The course will visit two of Northumberland’s classic sandstone outcrops and break the day up by having lunch in a pub. Participants will have the opportunity to climb, on a top rope, a number of routes of a grade suitable to their ability. After this course, most students feel happy to undertake visits, by themselves, to local outcrops, in the knowledge that they will be employing safe techniques. The next course is on Saturday 10th July. More details here. Reported 1st July 2010

Click the poster to enlarge

Climb Newcastle Summer Boulder Ladder 2010 If you took part in the Climb Newcastle Easter challenge you will be familiar with the general idea - This time you get four weeks to try the problems and hand a scorecard in to take part. It's called a ladder because we'll be doing this three times (ie three rounds) so you can move up and down the "rungs" (positions) each month. Full details will be here soon. The dates to come and try the problems are as follows: Round 1: 11th June -  9th July 2010 Round 2: 9th July -  6th August 2010 Round 3: 6th August  -  3rd September 2010

Nigel Callender competing at Climb Newcastle

NORTH WALES CLASSICS by Jack Geldard. This new guide, published by Rockfax, is pretty impressive, containing a vast choice of routes across North Wales all packed down into a pocket-sized book.  It's concentrated on the mountain areas  primarily (Gogarth, Llandudno, the Lleyn Peninsular and the slate aren't included) but also includes an excellent choice of routes at the popular roadside venue of Tremadog.  No guide to North Wales would be complete without the Llanberis Pass and Cloggy and both are included in some detail here, giving an excellent selection of classics in the VS-E3 range.  Where this guide excels however, is the selection of routes in lesser known areas such as Cwn Silyn, Lliwedd and Carneddau.  Along with Ogwen and Betws y Coed these 5 areas are packed with quality routes below HVS, including numerous multi-pitch VDiffs.  As one expects from a rockfax, each crag is accompanied with a clear photo-topo and the usual sketch map.  The routes all have clear written descriptions and details of the crag descent are highlighted on the photos.  Also included is a short but detailed winter section, just in case we get another winter like the last one. All in all a quality production which the author, Jack Geldard, deserves to be proud of.  There's plenty of routes to keep the low extreme climber busy but if you climb at HVS or below and enjoy a good day out in the mountains then this guide is a must. North Wales Classics by Jack Geldard is available now, at £16.95 from Rockfax. Read more reviews here. Also coming soon from Rockfax is a stunning new guidebook to the superb climbing found in south west England. West Country Climb by Mark Glaister covers a huge area from Avon through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.  The book will be A5 in size and produced in the same style and layout of the recent Lofoten and Western Grit books. More information can be found on the Rockfax website. Reviewed 1st June 2010

North Wales Classics by Jack Geldard is available now at £16.95, from Rockfax

 

Trad Revival on Yorkshire Limestone. Many of the classic trad routes, on the very dry Yorkshire Limestone Crags, have seen a lot of ascents recently. One day this week there were more trad climbers at Kilnsey than Sport Climbers! Maybe its time to trade in that clip stick for a new set of wires? At Kilnsey; Wise Blood E6, Deja Vu E5, The Overlap E5, Central Wall E4, Friends in High Places E4, Dodger Direct E3 and The Diedre E2 have all been busy. Many more at Malham on the popular Right Wing and the Terrace have seen multiple ascents recently. Meanwhile The Cave Routes (Left Hand E6 and Right Hand E6 ) in Gordale have both seen numerous ascents over the last month. Please email The Editor at this address if you have anything to add.  Reported 29th May 2010

Chris Hope onsighting Right Hand E6 in Gordale     Photo: Steve Crowe

 

Lakeland Raider spotted in Northumberland. Rob Fielding has been see prowling around a lot Northumberland recently. His many ascents included a quick repeat of the guidebook cover shot, Endless Flight Direct E8 7a. Then he added a stunning new problem PreperationH Font 8a  to Hepburn Wood.  "I would put it on a par with Queen Kong at Queens Crag and Eyes of Silence at Callerhues in terms of quality and difficulty." Rob Fielding.  Reported 27th May 2010

PreperationH Font 8a  Hepburn         Photo: Adrian Fielding

 

Durham Climbing Centre Summer Bouldering Competition. Will be held on Friday 11th June 2.30pm - 10pm, with 35 problems & 4 final problems all set by Micky Page & Mickey Stainthorpe. This event is sponsored by Scarpa and Accapi.  For more information regarding up and coming events at Durham Climbing Centre check out their web site: www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk  Reported 22nd May 2010

 

The Climb Newcastle Annual Spring Boulder Open (ASBO '10). Nearly 200 competitors fought with 35 testing black problems, including some technical nightmares - particularly a chimney that took most of the skin off one competitor's back and had a few people's pants (quite literally) down! With 5 male and 5 female competitors going through to the evening's final, the scores were tight for qualification, made tougher by junior Nathan Phillips and Joe Wilson who invaded north from Leeds taking the top spots in the men's. Adam Young, Micky Stainthorpe and Ged Mac made up the rest of the male field. In the females, Joanne Quinan, Holland's Fred Blok, Kate Watson and Rosie Helmore were joined by youngster Beth Walton. It was great once again to see juniors in both the male and female finals, taking advantage of the level playing field of the same problems for all categories. At 9pm the 10 finalists were given a viewing period, shown around their 3 problems and sent into the corner. In came the 100+ strong crowd and the final was away. The girls started with a crowd facing bridged start, a little flick and off they went up the 30 degree board, all completing problem 1. The boys were looking strong too, all flashing number 1 as Chief-setter Andy Earl urgently tweaked the latter problems to make them harder. Girls 2 was tough, starting under the roof, a huge volume effectively made it a double roof. Most struggled to hit the lip of the volume, Fred got through but with the roar of the crowd agonisingly forgot where the last hold was. Joanne then pulled it out of the bag to take the lead. The boys were quickly through 2 and jumping for glory on number 3 to a big ball suspended from the ceiling. It came down to Joe who had 2 goes to win. After failing on the first the tension was unbearable, but Joe stuck the jump, a deserved ASBO winner. On girls 3 the undercut move spat them all, until Joanne finished it all off in style to complete all 3 problems and take the ladies title. You can check out all the photos from a dramatic night in Climb Newcastle's gallery watch a video of the spectacular final moments on youtube and see the full results here. It was an event that'll take some beating at ASBO '11 in a year's time! Reported 21st May 2010

 

Summer Bouldering on the North York Moors. Lee Robinson and Steve Ramsden have again been scouring the North York Moors for more bouldering potential. This time they struck a pot of gold at Oak Crag.  "With summer here sandstone is a lot better to climb on and more forgiving than grit in the heat, plus the landscape is amazing." Lee. Check http://betaguides.blogspot.com/ and http://www.betaguides.com/index.php?country=england then browse the North York moors section. They have also made a recent visit to Earthwork Rocks, check out there video. Jason Wood has been active exploring the potential at The Bridestones and Ingleby Incline and adding a problem to The Wainstones. Meanwhile Simon Caldwell has been checking out some of the least popular routes at Peak Scar! Reported 19th May 2010

Steve Ramsden bouldering up at Oak Crag

 

Durham Climbing Centre has made some big changes to the way the bouldering circuits are reset, with the top local routes setters being used to do the setting now and on a regular basis. Last Full Reset - 14th May by Micky Page & Tom Newman Next Circuit added - Friday 28th May by Mickey Stainthorpe - 25 - 30 extra probelms will be added to all main circuits - no problems will be removed. Route Setting Plans - new circuit of 25 - 30 problems added every Friday by Top Local Setters - all circuits rotated over 10 week period. More information online at www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk.  Reported 18th May 2010

 

Iron Crag Classics are Clean. Graeme Reed and Al Wilson have independently been cleaning up many of the classic routes at Iron Crag in Thirlmere. Graeme concentrated on the left-hand buttress with superb routes like Hiddenite E2, Kryptonite E4 and Marble Staircase E4. Also worth checking out is the two E5's on the same buttress Black Gold and The Quest. Meanwhile Awesome Al has been cleaning up trio of superb hard extreme's The Committal Chamber E5, Western Union E6 and Phoenix in Obsidian E6 on the stunning right hand buttress. This could well be the year of Iron Crag! Join the discussion on UKC. Reported 11th May 2010

Ron Kenyon, belayed by Tim Whiteley on Steel Band Photo Nick Warton	Nick Warton on 1st ascent of Amabilite Photo by Tim Whiteley	Nick Warton on top of Granolithic/Solidarity Photo by Tim Whiteley

 

Climb Newcastle ASBO 10 was a fantastic success with another huge turn out.  Joanne Quinan put on a fantastic performance to win the senior female category, Junior Beth Walton also climbed really well to make the senior final. Helen Wells was first female Vet. Joe Wilson popped up from Leeds to take first place as Senior Male, another junior Nathan Phillips also made the finals. Martin Waugh has recovered enough from his recent injuries to easily make first Male Vet. Full results and pictures at www.climbnewcastle.com  Reported 11th May 2010

 

Bleed In Hell! Despite seeping holds and blustery conditions, Mary Jenner has climbed the Borrowdale test piece Bleed in Hell E8 6c. The stunning arête of Hell's Wall was first climbed in 1992 by Mary's husband Dave Birkett and remained unrepeated for 7 years. Mary's ascent is the first female ascent of any E8 in the Lakes, it is an outstanding achievement. Dave Birkett on congratulating his wife said "Well done Mary, awesome effort. That's it, I don't need to come back to Hells Wall ever again!" The same afternoon Karin Magog and Steve Crowe climbed Inferno E7 6c but left the crag feeling that there effort was a little insignificant after Mary's ascent! "Mary very nearly climbed Bleed in Hell last week in the rain, it was awesome to watch, E8 in the rain! That's when I took the photo. She completely crushed it on Sunday." Steve Crowe. You can also read the discussion on UKC here.  Reported 5th April 2010

Mary Jenner climbing Bleed in Hell E8... in the rain!

 

Climb Newcastle Easter Egg Challenge. This Easter weekend, with the weather looking iffy, get yourself down to Climb Newcastle where you can take part in their Easter Challenge. On Friday morning the team are setting a new yellow (very seasonal) circuit in the range fb 5 to 7c+. One lucky person who does the most yellow problems in each of the 6 categories of male/female junior/senior/vet will win one of the delicious (Thornton's) Easter Eggs belonging to Chris Graham, Climb Newcastle owner and self-confessed chocoholic. Plus it's a great opportunity to get your revenge on a mate who beat you in the Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series! The challenge begins at 12:00 on Good Friday when you can pick up a scorecard, and ends at 10pm on Easter Monday. You can have as many goes as you like at the problems, you just need to get them done by close of play Monday. The centre is open normal hours for the whole weekend. Also going on at Climb Newcastle is their Easter Egg Hunt supervised kids sessions running throughout the school holidays from Good Friday to 16th April. More information on the Climb Newcastle website here: Easter Egg Challenge. Alternatively you could check out the desperate new Grey Circuit. More details here! Reported 31st March 2010

Chris guarding the Easter Eggs!

 

Durham Climbing Centre Easter Egg Hunt. Sunday 4th April 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Come along to the Durham Climbing Centre for a fun Easter Egg Hunt with climbing fun and games! Enter the decorated egg competition! Just bring along a hard boiled egg decorated however you like to enter the competition! The wackier the better! £10 per child Phone 0191 3789555 to book! Easter Opening Times. Good Friday 10am - 9pm; Saturday 10am - 9pm; Easter Sunday 10am - 8pm; Monday 5th 10am - 6pm. Saturday & Sunday Rock Stars Kid's Clubs take place as usual. Phone 0191 3789555 to book! www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk   Reported 30th March 2010

 

Durham Climbing Centre offers a brand new Treatment Clinic from Monday 29th March with Shiatsu Massage Therapist James Linton Hunter MRSS joining the DCC Team. Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese physical therapy and system of healing. The positive effects of regular Shiatsu treatments for a climber include using Shiatsu to; reduce muscle fatique, increase energy levels, improve flexibility and enhance performance. James himself is an experienced climber and understands the needs of the client. Shiatsu treatments may be delivered before or after a climbing session. Until May 1st, James is offering an a reduced rate on your first 60 minute session of £20 (usual price £35.00). Shiatsu Works @ Durham Climbing Centre takes place every Monday 12pm - 8pm. All treatments take place in our treatment room in complete privacy. Book your appointment now by phoning the centre on 0191 3789555. Reported 26th March 2010

 

SHAFTOE CRAG – PARKING PROBLEMS. Unfortunately there has been a spate of inconsiderate parking at Shaftoe Crag. As a consequence the Farmer has requested that climbers do not park near the lake (marked as ‘Limited Parking’ in the Bouldering Guide) but on the right immediately after the cattle grid before going down the hill. This is a private road and vehicular access is a privilege not a right. Please respect the Owners wishes and drive and park responsibly. Reported 25th March 2010

Shaftoe Crag
 

Sunderland Wall New Routes Coming Soon. The 23m lead walls will be closed from 10am Saturday 27th March till 5pm Thursday 1st April to allow for a full strip and reset! Setters will be Jason Pickles and Jamie Cassisdy. The rest of Sunderland Wall will be open for business as usual. Reported 25th March 2010

 

Mingulay 2010. The Northumbrian Mountaineering Club are planning a week long trip to Mingulay from 29th May 2010. Mingulay is one of the best sea cliff climbing locations in the UK. This uninhabited Island in the Western Isles has acres of solid rough and clean rock with lots of brilliant routes across the grades and remaining new route potential. "There is already 14 people signed up and others that have expressed an interest so we have chartered a second boat. We have 6 places left to fill. You do not need to be an NMC member to come along. Have a look on the net or at Gary Latter's recent selective Scottish Highlands (North) guide if you need any further inspiration. This is not a trip for beginners. You need to have at least 3 years rock climbing experience and be climbing at least VS comfortably. And be happy being out of contact with the rest of the world for a week." Richard Pow. More details on the NMC forums. Reported 20th March 2010

Perfectly Normal Paranoia E6 Dun Mingulay

 

Newcastle Climbing Centre. To mark Newcastle Climbing Centre's first birthday on the 26th of March, we are inviting our customers to join us for a free lecture with Alan Hinkes OBE. Start time 8pm & free to all registered users of the centre to book your place please ask at reception in person. Alan Hinkes is the first Briton to climb the world's highest mountains. These are the 14 8000m peaks, all of which are in the 'death zone', where human survival rate is measured in hours. They are the most dangerous mountains on the planet. Alan is part of an exclusive club of only 12 people alive who have achieved this feat, which is the same number of people who have stood on the moon.  More details on the NMC Announcments forum. Reported 18th March 2010

Listen to Alan Hinkes on 26th of March 2010 at 8pm at The Newcastle Climbing Centre

 

Victory for Newcastle University... at last! On Saturday the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) climbing championships took place at the Climbing Works in Sheffield. Newcastle University's team came out top to win gold for the first time in the University's history and ended years of Sheffield domination. The Newcastle A team, consisting of Climb Newcastle owner and postgraduate student Chris Graham, and medics Nigel Callender and Rosie Shaw (also a Climb Newcastle coach) saw off tough competition to win the event, with Nigel also taking individual gold in a sensational climb-off. With a strong performance from Newcastle B also the future of climbing at Newcastle looks bright. The results aren't just good news for the teams, but also for the university with valuable points gained towards the overall BUCS league table, and justifies the superb support given by the University in the past for Chris and Rosie as former members of their Elite Athlete Squad. More about British Universities & Colleges Sport here: BUCS. Reported 17th March 2010

Congratulations to the Newcastle University teams and support squad!

 

Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series provided an exciting climax with Tom Newman putting in an excellent performance to climb all the problems, posting an impressive 337 points. However he was beaten to the £50 cash problem by Micky Stainthorpe who obviously was then exhausted since he only managed a total of 31 points! Nigel Callender did enough to take the series (then went on to win the British University Championships at The Works the following day!). Karin Magog took first place with 274 points on the night and the series, with Libby Barrow pressing her all the way with 271 point for second place. Tom Rookes posted an impressive 300 points win and take the series too. Sid Graham had already done enough to win the series so didn't need to turn up for the final round!  Ali Mc Donald just pipped it with 202 points a mere two points ahead of Helen Wells, but that was more than enough to retain her Veterans crown. Tim Carruthers, who travelled across from the west especially, was first Vet with 299 points and a terrific 5th overall on the night. Steve Crowe was once again second on the night but this was consistent enough to take the Vet series. So after 5 rounds with 283 competitors, over 100,000 points won, £3000 of prizes raffled out and records smashed left, right and centre the 2009/10 Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series comes to an end with 1 title defended and 5 new winner's names on the WBS trophies. There is only seven months left to train for the next winter series!  Reported 16th March 2010

Full results here: http://news.climbnewcastle.com/index.php?id=285

More pictures here: http://news.climbnewcastle.com/index.php?id=286

 

Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series comes to its climax this Friday 12th March sees the with the 5th and final round. If you haven't been to one of the centre's Winter Bouldering Series event yet there is still time to get involved and it's great fun whether you are a casual climber or serious competitor. You have until 9pm to try 35 super new black problems from easy to hard, get a score, enter an unbelievably generous raffle with hundreds of pounds of prizes, watch the drama unfold as the region's top climbers battle it out for the WBS 09/10 crown, and generally have an amazing time! And what will all this cost you? Simply your normal entry fee. See the results so far and pictures here: Winter Bouldering Series. Reported 10th March 2010

 Winter Bouldering Series

 

The BMC Youth Climbing Series is a series of fun climbing competitions specifically for young people with the emphasis on enjoyment. It is perhaps the most popular competition for young people attracting hundreds of entrants across the country. The competition is open to all within the age categories. So, whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner, this could be just the competition for you. There are three regional rounds in each of the BMC Areas then a British Final when the top 3 in each category from each of the BMC Areas, BMC Wales and the two Areas from Scotland take part. More details on the BMC website. The third round in the North East will be held at the Newcastle Climbing Centre on Saturday 13th March 2010  Reported 8th March 2010

 

Durham Climbing Centre, Junior Climbing Event (7 - 12 years), Saturday 13th March 2.30pm - 4.30pm, Brand new routes, fun competition & games! Entry only £10 per child. Phone 0191 3789555 to book or visit www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk for more information. Reported 7th March 2010

 

Newcastle Climbing Centre. Cassin & Camp Boulder Comp Results. The third and final round proved to be a tough test with most competitors scoring less that the previous round! Chris Cleveland found that he had already done enough to take the series ahead of Dave Smith. Bethany Walton unfortunately had not recovered from her knee injury so Karin Magog ended up a comfortable winner and 5th overall. First Junior Sam Branigan is one to look out for coming 7th overall. First Junior Female Carmel Moran climbed well and actually improved on her previous score. Steve Crowe managed first Vet! Check out the Newcastle Climbing Centre website for more details and a selection of action photos.  Reported 6th March 2010

 

Roseberry Topping Rockfall. A large part of the major Middlesbrough landmark has fallen down (offwidth crack area) leaving a very striking arête! As you can see from attached pictures of Roseberry Topping, the rock fall is substantial and any further additions to the routes on there would be for the very brave (or very mad). Take care out there after all the recent rain and heavy frosts there could well be more crags about to fall over! Reported 3rd March 2010

 

Newcastle University Mountaineering Club presents: Extreme High with Tim Emmett (Thursday 11th March) only  £7 on the door. Tim is one of the world’s top extreme sports athletes specialising in rock & ice climbing, Deep water soloing and B.A.S.E. Jumping. In the last couple of years, Tim has become known for his ‘Para Alpinism’ – climbing a big mountain and then B.A.S.E jumping off in a wing-suit, flying to the ground reaching speeds of up to 250 MPH! Tim also appeared on BBC’s Top Gear, where he raced Jeremy Clarkson’s Audi to the top of France’s Verdon Gorge. In ‘Extreme High’ Tim will be talking about his incredible life, giving the audience an insight into the mindset of an extreme sports athlete. This event is a not to be missed and will be a highly entertaining evening! Tickets are now on sale; tomorrow night and next Tuesday at the Strawberry from 9.30pm, at the ball, and a few lunchtimes next week. It’s open to the public so anyone who is interested can buy a ticket. For more info contact Newcastle University Mountaineering Club. Reported 2nd March 2010

Extreme High with Tim Emmet

 

New Moon at Newcastle Climbing Centre.  The new Moon 2010 spring/summer range has just arrived in the Rockworks Climbing shop. Everything from Jeans to Laptop Bags so get down to the Rockworks Climbing shop in Newcastle Climbing Centre to check them out. Shop online at www.rockworksclimbing.co.uk or contact the shop direct on 0191 2763624. Get down this Friday evening 5pm till 9.30pm for the third and final round of the Cassin & Camp Boulder Comp your best two scores count so you haven’t missed out on the prizes. Its free all you pay is your entry fee – all score cards in by 9.30pm. Check out the Newcastle Climbing Centre website for more details. Reported 27th February 2010   Check out the new Moon Range at the final round of the bouldering series.

 

Harrogate Climbing Centre is now open. Yorkshires newest climbing wall is situated at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate. They offer roped climbing lines and bouldering, catering for both the complete beginner and experienced climber, in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. The wall has been established by the team behind the very successful Manchester Climbing Centre. Harrogate Climbing Centre provides an excellent venue, either for winter training sessions, or for those days when you get rained off in the Dales! More details can be found on their web site at harrogateclimbingcentre.com. Reported 22nd February 2010

 

BMC in the North East. Ian Walton will be taking over Youth representative post, at the next North East area BMC meeting on Monday 22nd Feb, 8pm Stonebridge Inn, Near Neville's Cross, Durham. "We have four meetings a year which are held on a Monday evening at 8pm at The Stonebridge Inn, near Durham. Everyone is welcome and you may even get a free drink or some chips. It's also a great opportunity to hear our chair Alan Hinkes talk for free!" BMC  Reported 20th February 2010

 

Auto Belays return to Newcastle Climbing Centre. Who needs mates, sick of waiting for your climbing partner to turn up? Don’t worry - Newcastle Climbing Centre now have three brand new Auto-Belays for you to train on so get down and get training. Customers using Auto-Belays must be registered members of the centre and competent in the use of the Auto-Belays, if you have any questions regarding them then ask an Instructor. Reported 17th February 2010

Newcastle Climbing Centre now have three brand new Auto-Belays

 

The 4th Round of the Climb Newcaslte Winter Bouldering Series produced the best ever turn out with 153 competitors tackling the 35 problems. Some time in the mid-afternoon, and after considerable effort, Nigel Callender took the £50 cash problem (check out the video on youtube www.youtube.com/climbnewcastle) and went on to win the men's event, making him firm favourite to win the series. Karin Magog came out top in the ladies and topped off a good day by walking away with a Snap bouldering mat in the raffle. In the juniors, Sam Brannigan looks favourite to win the series if he can put in a good score in the final round whilst Sidonie Graham's solid score (albeit behind Beth Walton on the night) looks set to put her top on 12th March. And in the vets categories Ali McDonald and Steve Crowe have emerged strong favourites for the series, although Steve had to settle for second place on the night, outplayed by 3 points by an impressive Mick Gardener. The full results of the Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series can be found on their website. The series climax is on Friday 12th March 2010. Reported 15th February 2010

 

New Bouldering wall in Northumberland. A new dedicated bouldering facility has been opened in Willowburn Leisure Centre in Alnwick. Designed and built by Andy Long with input from Gavin Ellis and Ben Moon,the wall offers 2000 square feet of textured plywood bouldering in various angles from slabs, gently overhanging walls, a horizontal roof section, and a 40 degree overhanging "Moonboard" designed and set by Ben Moon. This feature will allow problems to continually evolve, with the ability of users to upload and down load new problems and link with other "moonboards" based around the world via a website. This idea has been around for a while now but this is the first one in a commercial wall in the UK allowing open access to the general public, three more are presently being built around the UK with others already existing as far away as the US and Japan. Full details of the "moonboard" concept can be found at www.moonclimbing.co.uk/schoolroom/moonboard. The rest of the wall has preset colour coded problems off all grades and styles and, as with all good facilities, these will be regularly changed to provide new challenges on a three monthly basis. The wall is conveniently located just off the A1 for those who get rained off in the county and is open seven days a week during the normal opening hours of the leisure centre. Full details of cost and opening times can be found at http://www.northcountryleisure.org.uk/alnwick/page/468 Reported 13th February 2010

	New Bouldering Wall in Alnwick Photos: Gavin Ellis

 

Durham Climbing Centre Half term Programme. Sessions are running for children every day during half term. These replace Tuesday and Thursday evening classes.  Just choose a date and time and contact Durham Climbing Centre to book a place! Reported 12th February 2010

 

Allcord Bouldering Series at Sunderland Wall Results. Tom Rookes and Carmel Moran were first placed Juniors on the night and for the series. Jamie Naden and Karin Magog were first placed Seniors on the night and for the series. Steve Crowe was first on the night but Karl Telfer, who couldn't compete due to a finger injury, had amassed enough points to win the series. Full series results are here. Reported 10th February 2010

 

Bouldering Competition Time Again. Allcord Bouldering Series at Sunderland Wall, Round Three will be at 5pm on Monday 8th February 2010, Activities will start at 5pm and finish promptly at 9pm! Then its full on recovery in time for the 4th and penultimate round of the Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series on Friday 12th February, starting at 1pm until 9pm to try 35 problems from very easy to ridiculously hard, with a guaranteed £500 of prizes to be raffled at the end of the night. Now some advance notice: Last year's Annual Spring Boulder Open at Climb Newcastle was a terrific success, with a fantastic qualification round leading to a spectacular final fought out by the top male and female climbers. This year's ASBO promises to be just as memorable, keep this date free in your diary... Friday 23rd April... more details to follow.  Reported 8th February 2010

The scores are tight, your best four results count!

 

New Routes at the Newcastle Climbing Centre. The route setters have been very busy creating 25 stunning new routes for you to lead & top rope on and 4 new bouldering circuits. The manager Mark Goodings on behalf of the Newcastle Climbing Centre would like to thank customers for there patience during this route setting period. The centre is also the current host to the BMC leading ladder so get down NOW and tick of the 10 routes from 6a to 8a. Rockworks Climbing is a specialist climbing equipment store within the Newcastle Climbing Centre. You can order your gear online and get the goods delivered to your door or alternatively collect from the climbing centre. Reported 4th February 2010

 

Fort William 2010 Mountain Festival. Fort William has announced a Mountain Festival programme, presented by The Outdoor Capital of the UK, that will put Fort William and Lochaber at the forefront of Scotland's events programme in February. The 2010 Fort William Mountain Festival programme of new events and old favourites will take place throughout Fort William from Thursday 11th to Monday 15th February; during the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year. Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Festival, said: 'Above all the 2010 Fort William Mountain Festival programme promotes the mountains as an attractive, accessible and above all enjoyable place to be. It includes a superb line up of top climbers, mountain filmmakers, inspirational speakers and creative workshops. It caters for everyone of all ages from elite climbers to outdoor enthusiasts and hill walkers to budding wildlife photographers. 'This celebration of mountain culture, showcasing the huge range of outdoor activity opportunities available to visitors to Fort William and Locahaber, is the vision of The Outdoor Capital of the UK. The OCUK presents the Mountain Festival with essential financial backing and logistical support that has guaranteed the delivery of the Festival for the next three years. We look forward to working with the OCUK and its members in order to build a stronger and more sustainable events programme in the future.' Organisers have promised a five day feast of films, lectures and workshops for residents and visitors who want to learn about and celebrate mountain culture. The varied and entertaining programme includes: - 'Party at Nevis Range' - The official opening ceilidh, 2150ft up Aonach Mor, beside Ben Nevis, for an amazing party with altitude! Thursday 11 February - Victory Over Reason: Adventures On The Eiger, El Cap, Patagonia And The Caledonian Canal - A funny and insightful talk about the last 12 months in the life of legendary big-wall climber Andy Kirkpatrick - including a fraught attempted winter solo of the Eiger Direct, sea kayaking in Patagonia, taking a novice climber who couldn't walk up El Cap and a trip down the Caledonian Canal! Friday 12th February - Climbers I've Shot And Some I'd Like To Shoot - Scotland based multi-awarding winning adventure filmmaker Paul Diffley will entertain his audience with a mixture of chat, photos and video clips. Paul will also show 'Single-Handed', the award-winning film about Kevin Shields, the 'one handed climber'. Saturday 13th February - Jimmy Marshall: The Architect Of Modern Scottish Climbing. An evening to celebrate the incredible achievements of Jimmy Marshall and fellow climber Robin Smith when, in February 1960, they climbed six first winter ascents of Ben Nevis on consecutive days. The fact that they achieved this by cutting steps up the snow and ice appears, from the remove of the 21st century, to be almost impossible. Exactly 50 years on to the day two legends of modern Scottish climbing, Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner, will repeat what has been described as the most important week of Scottish climbing ever! (6 - 13 February). Dave and Andy will present their experiences with film clips of the ascents (filmed by Phil Diffley), comparing the 21st Century experience of climbing the same routes using state of the art equipment and techniques with Jimmy's recollections of the first ascents. This is a must for all climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sunday 14th February - The Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour - From jaw dropping action to fascinating mountain culture and wildlife the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has it all. The most inspiring mountain films from around the world will once again be the festival hot ticket. Monday 15 February The 2010 Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be awarded to this year's winner on Sunday 14 February. The prestigious award that celebrates outstanding contributions to Scotland's mountains, encompassing sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature was first introduced in 2008. World-renowned climber and pioneer, Dr Hamish MacInnes, and award winning filmmaker and documentary producer Richard Else were the recipients in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Children and adults will have the opportunity to try out new activities and learn new skills through inspirational daily mountain skills workshops during the Festival. Highly experienced and fully qualified guides from Abacus Mountaineering, in conjunction with Nevis Range, will lead full day courses in avalanche awareness, winter walking and winter climbing. Kinlochleven's Ice Factor Indoor Climbing Centre will be offering taster sessions in indoor climbing and ice climbing throughout the festival. For those keen to explore their creative ideas in a stimulating environment Nevis Pix will run a one day wildlife photography workshop and Wild West Safaris will offer a Red Deer Safari during the Festival. This will be a great opportunity to not only get up close and personal with the herds of red deer at Loch Quoich but also the possibility of photographing Golden Eagles and Goldeneye Ducks. If the kids are tempted by the opportunity of cooking their own soup and making their own sandwiches followed by a wet muddy walk then the Forestry Commission Scotland's Wet Winter Welly Walk will be their Festival highlight.  For full details of the Fort William Mountain Festival programme and to book tickets go to - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk Reported 27th January 2010

 

Red Chili Rock Shoe Demo at The Newcastle Climbing Centre on Tuesday 26th January 2010. Try the new Matador and Urban Climber rock shoes for the evening and enter a prize draw to win the pair of your choice! Check out the Newcastle Climbing Centre website for more details. Also the bouldering comp results are here. Reported 25th January 2010

 

The Junior British Climbing Team will be in the North East on 23rd and 24th January. "We will spend the day at Climb Newcastle on the Saturday and at Newcastle Climbing Centre on the Sunday. This is the first time the Team has trained in the North East perhaps something to do with team manager Ian Dunn being from Hartlepool and me coming from Barnard Castle. We have 40 on the team. Five of the team members are in a new Elite category and will be given the opportunity to compete in a full European Youth Series." Jane Newman, assistant manager. Reported 20th January 2010

 

Newcastle Climbing Centre. Get down this Friday evening 5pm till 9.30pm for the second round of the Cassin & Camp Boulder Comp your best two scores count so you haven’t missed out on the prizes. Its free all you pay is your entry fee – all score cards in by 9.30pm. Check out the Newcastle Climbing Centre website for more details. Reported 18th January 2010

Climb Newcastle Winter Bouldering Series Results. A huge entry battled it out on another great set of 35 problems. Nigel Callender amassed a terrific score of 328 to win ahead of Rich Gill. Charlotte Telfer surprised everyone with her excellent result ahead of Karin Magog meanwhile Steve Crowe surprised himself by narrowly beating Martin Waugh (who should have known better, climbing with that injured shoulder) and Charlottes dad Karl Telfer in the old mans category. Sid Graham scored a fantastic 237 as first Junior female, while first Junior male, Tom Rookes with 290 points was also joint 7th overall.   Reported 18th January 2010