A good turnout at Castle Naze on Wednesday evening, with plenty of routes ticked across the crag in pleasant late-April conditions.

Kosta and Jake

Kosta and Jake worked their way through a solid nine routes together: Ledgeway (HVS 5a), The Nose (HS 4b), Atropine (VS 4b), Nozag (VS 4c), Pilgrim's Progress (HS 4b), Scoop Face (HVS 5a), Scoop Direct (HVS 5a), Studio (HS 4b), and The Nithin (S 4a). Jake led the lot — an impressive haul for one evening. He also climbed Scoop Face barefoot, and rounded the night off on another giant slab, but made of cake this time.

Andy and Stevie (and a guest appearance on Ledgeway)

Andy joined Jake and Kosta to second Ledgeway (HVS 5a) before pairing up with Stevie for the rest of the evening. Stevie led Pilgrim's Progress, The Crack, and Little Pillar. Andy led V Corner and then AP Chimney — the latter being a memorable one, with nearly every piece of gear either rubbish or falling out, salvaged only by the chockstone thread at the top. Andy reports it required a variety of techniques, all perfectly suited to ruining clothing.

Robert, Mich (briefly), and Gareth

Robert and Mich kicked off with Niche Arete (VS 4c) and The Niche (S). Gareth then joined them as a three for Scoop Direct (HVS 5a) and The Fly Walk (VS 4b). Robert and Gareth carried on as a pair for Nursery Arete (HVS 5b) and Combs Climb (S), before having a look at Piano Stool (E1 5b) — which they sensibly left for another day.

Harry and Mich

Mich and I teamed up after she'd finished with Robert. I led Pilgrim's Progress (HS 4b) and Combs Climb (S 4a) on-sight, and seconded Bloody Crack (S 4a) with Mich leading. I had a bit of a nightmare with Mich's rack — despite an embarrassment of cams (Andy's verdict: "you could place a cam every 30cm and still have plenty left for the anchor"), I somehow could never find the size I actually wanted. Operator error, clearly.

Andy Lewtas and Yvonne King

Andy and Yvonne had a productive evening too. Andy led Central Tower (VD) and The Flywalk (S 4a) on-sight, seconded Long Climb (VD) as a repeat with Yvonne, and finished off with Right-hand Crack (VD) on-sight.

A really enjoyable evening all round — good routes, good company, and cake.

UKC describes this as wingathers big brother with longer and steeper climbing. Range of grades available and the crag gets the afternoon sun, this does mean it is exposed to a westerly wind so bring layers as it can get chilly. 
 

My arrival time depends on work but feel free to get going if I'm not there. Please be mindful that parking can be rather difficult on cowlow lane so I strongly encourage people to park at the pub in Combs and share lifts up the road from there. Or better still, share lifts all the way from home! It gives those arriving later a chance to park.