Over the weekend, there was a rare gap in the weather (being good that is) which was purely by chance, but luckily we had planned a short trip to go bouldering outdoors with some other fellow climbers (Ed, Louisa, Julien and us).

The original plan was to go to the Peak District (up north) but after concerns around the weather and the information about the rock being perpetually wet on winter, we decided to proceed south which is generally the safer option in terms of weather (kind of). So we decided on a place called Harrison’s rock.

After our late departure (of course), we arrived around noon to the nature reserve which promotes outdoor climbing, mainly as its owned by the BMC (British Mountaineering Club). Entry is free but you’ll need to pay about £4 a day for parking (good deal!).

So we arrived a bit cramped, well the passengers did (we were fine as we had the front seats),   And proceeded to explore and determine the route to go. The way was swampy and muddy which made it tricky but we made it through, although we discovered much later we went the longer route, oh well. In addition we had to carry the crash mats through the woods which got caught in the branches and shrubbery. Tough times.

After all that we were finally ready to pick a spot to Boulder, we found a spot we all agreed on (as we are very democratic in our approach here) which in hindsight wasn’t probably the best spot to start as we didn’t really think about how we were to come back down, so it ended up us all climbing to the top and walking down around the back. This would of been fine but as it was Ed, Julien and Lousia’s first time doing outdoor bouldering it was a bit scary for them. However as with most things in life.

The more you do the better and more comfortable you’ll feel which is what happened. After a few attempt we were thinking of better routes and other harder (not higher) places to try.

We managed to do a few more routes and invented some good and some silly routes but alas the fading light meant that we needed to call it a day, and besides we had Ed’s family pub to visit.

So we walked back and were tempted to do some last minute bouldering but we did eventually leave and drive to the pub.

The pub was through Ed and Louisa’s childhood where we discovered where they went to school, how they met and thee facts around their lives. Ironically Izaskun and I were in the town (Tumbridge Wells) a few weeks prior but having this insight really made the town more interesting, although it was interesting before.

So, after the drive we arrived and proceeded to meet the family of Ed who welcomed us to their pub and provided us with refreshment and food, much welcomed after a day outdoors. After this we we took the long and dark drive home. We already planning the next trip, safe to say it was considered an overall success!