Escape to Dartmoor!

Last weekend Brad and I had the opportunity to escape to Dartmoor. The forecast was looking good for Saturday, but slightly damper on Sunday.

We headed down after work on Friday and set up camp at The Plume of Feathers pub in Princetown. We then sunk a few beers before getting up early and heading to Hound Tor. 

Brad struggling with
my nuts on Paddy (Mod)

After a warm up we started easy and I lead Paddy, a moderate climb. Brad then had a go on The Vice (VDiff). After successfully leading up to the crux Brad was finding the jamming crack a little tricky. After a few attempts he handed me the lead and I climbed on through to the first belay. An easy second pitch saw us on the top. 

To make himself feel better Brad then lead Devonleigh (HVD) without issue. 

The intimidating Suspension Flake Butrres

Before we headed over to Haytor I had a look at Suspension Flake, a VS 4c, and a climb on my wish list! After taking a close up look and realising how overhanging it was, my head decided today wasn't the day. Next time.

Brad at the crux of The Vice (VDiff)

At Haytor we climbed Zig Zag (Diff), then Brad had a go at Bulging Wall (VDiff). He climbed half way up to a ledge, then had trouble moving up from there and committing to the crux moves. I decided not to have a go this time!

To end the day we headed over to Bonehill Rocks for some easy bouldering.

Bonehill Rocks

Our plan for Sunday was to go to the Dewerstone. Sitting in the pub and looking at the forecast though, we decided to sink a few more beers as we were unlikely to get any climbing done the next day.

Staring up at the mass
of the Dewerstone

We awoke to strong gusts, heavy showers and sore heads! We eventually packed up and headed over to the Dewerstone to take a look anyway.

It was all wet, but it was certainly an impressive lump of rock. Made you feel like you were standing at the foot of El Capitan about to climb The Nose.

Obligatory summit shot
on Hound Tor

We checked out Sheeps Tor as well, but that was even wetter and shrouded in mist. So we had lunch at the pub, and headed home.

Some good climbing had though, will have to get back down there soon.