Team Geared Up

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NEWBRIDGE, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) - Dal Riada climbing club, the group that most Irish climbers join after finishing their apprenticeship in university, had it’s annual gathering last weekend in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
Following on from previous years, it was basically an excuse to go climbing in mid October on the fantastic cliffs of Fair Head. Picture a crag, ranging in height from 30 to 100+ metres high, lots of cracks, north facing, almost straight out of the water, and you’re beginning to get the picture. As Fairheadclimbers describes it: “On first acquaintance, the grades may seem harsh. The climbing at Fair Head is very physical and can be quite tiring for the uninitiated. Once you get used to the style of climbing, the grades seem just about spot on. Learn how to jam though!”
If any of the foreign readers are keen to try climbing Ireland, make sure you don’t miss this!

As it happened about 25-ish climbers turned up for the climbing on the Saturday. As it happened, there was additional benefit as one of the local farmers has built a fantastic new car park making access problems almost a thing of the past. As ever, it seems people had a good day, what with our ‘Indian Summer’ continuing into late October :)

The primary part of the weekend however, centers around the evening activities of Saturday. Following tradition, it’s a night of pints and a slideshow (depending on your attitude decided that order!). As a fine compliment (and possibly a damning of Irish weather this year….), we were treated to slideshows covering, USA, France, Africa (Hot Rock challenge), Asia and Australia. Luckily enough, Kev Power was on hand to show some photos of Ireland and in doing so prove that not only was there climbing to be done, but lots of new climbing on the amazing Aran Islands on the west coast. Cheers to Calvin, Jane, Damien and Kev for all the amazing photos, I know I’ve a few ideas for destinations and trips in the future.

As it happens, access issues are now sorted but the climbers have no where to stay for the forthcoming future after the climbing hut was closed and the local hostel was on it’s final evening of trading. Sleeping in a tent isn’t really an option at the top end of Ireland in winter :) Still though, we were royally treated to a comfortable evening in the hostel, only scuppered by some French tourists (not part of our group!) thinking it would be funny during the night to use up all the fire extinguishers in one of the kitchens….it was funny the next day though as they attempted to clean up…..
Still though, Sunday dawned overcast but with minimal signs of rain. As ever, the gang were back on the crag, and several routes saw ascents. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a climbing partner, but fortunately for you it did mean that I got some great photos. Photos are of Mick on ‘Track of the Cat’ (E4 6a - about mid 5.11) - 50+ metres of pristine climbing on great rock. The lowest photo is of an unknown climber and just gives a good idea of scale.

Still though, all in all a great weekend. After feeling the winter chill slowly cut into me over the Sunday, it seems winter might be finally thinking about arriving. Great way to end October if you ask me…..

Mick on ‘Track of the Cat’ (E4 6a).

I can’t even fit the full height of the crag in the photo…..

- Neal :) -