1st and 2nd March 2023

Bosigran

Kate – V Diff – Lead
In Between – V Diff – Second
Alison Rib – Diff – Second
Oread – HV Diff – Lead
Oread Bypass – HV Diff – Lead

It is strange how the difficulty of grades becomes distorted as you progress through them. A couple of years ago Chris and me were comfortable at the VS grade and looking at them as a warm up to harder climbs.

So targeting V Diffs as a sort of training day, we were thinking they would be a push over. Of course we were quickly reminded that all climbing has its moments and although not hard, the V Diffs were mentally challenging when you are stiff, out of condition and your head is not in the game.

The climbs around the Alison Rib area all turned out to be worthwhile. I’d go as far as to say a novice V Diff leader would probably have found Oread in particular, a harrowing experience. Unprotected mantelshelves are not usual at this grade. In between also had a tricky move. I think in general none of these should be underestimated, but they do provide a testing transition into this and the Severe grade.

Day one was Chris and myself and day two Tom and me. It was good to get some mileage in and my op scar didn’t trouble me, so that bodes well for the future. Climbing out with packs up Alison Rib proved a good call. It all downhill back to the car. Bonus!

Days like this often come down to being in good company and both days progressed my feeling of wellbeing in the right direction.