Back up in the valley again, for another fine few pitches of climbing…

After a bit of office work in the morning, the three pitch route was perfect for an afternoon jaunt.

After the first pitch, the next two felt a bit harder than advertised and required a few brave moves standing on tiny smears of rock, with anything of worth to hold onto!

It was absorbing climbing that required focus and proved a good way to reduce the thoughts going to our busy brains! Clare’s final pitch kept going right up to the final move, which was delicately done while holding our breath!

At the top of the climb, we sat a while soaking up the view and the buzz of completing the difficulties. We had a little picnic with us, so clipped to the anchors and hung out for a while in the warmth of the sunshine, with no need to go anywhere fast.

Eventually, we tossed the ropes down (after threading them through an anchor), and abseiled back to the base of the cliff in three long lengths.

It was so lovely in the meadow that we didn’t rush to leave…

Where we camped in the Escort Van in the summer of 2011 is now a car parking area. It was nice to remember though.

By the time we got home we were hungry and exhausted. Managed to watch a bit of movie before falling asleep.

Ailefroide Climb, Sector Ouvreurs

– Trois Petit Cochons, 4c, 5c+, 5b+ –

(Maybe nearer 6a?)