Tag Archives: Rich

Climbing

Poo Sticks

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13th July 2026

Helman Tor

When it’s this hot (26-27degrees or possibly more) it’s time to get outside. Helman Tor turned out to be a cracking choice and with a breeze and some early morning shade it was really pleasant conditions.

Helman Tor is a little gem, hidden away and quiet it offers some spectacular views out across central Cornwall. More akin to Dartmoor really than the usual Cornwall climbing spots. It sits sits prominently along the famous St. Michael Ley Line, a 350-mile ancient alignment stretching from Norfolk to the Cornish coast. Must be why it has a layed back feeling to it. That is until you start climbing the numerous sandbags it has to offer.

Of course it still exacts its usual price of skin and blood. Sharp granite tends to do that to people. It also provided its fair share of intimidation, although Rich seemed oblivious to this…

For Rich and Ian T this was a first adventure at the location, and it was the first time the four of us (Me and Chris D as well) had climbed outsid as a team. We just about managed to cover a full range climbing, from slopy slabs, to crimpy faces and of course the rounded top outs which are always inspiring. Ian T deployed the famous seal approach to overcome these. Never fails but it can be exacting on skin.

I think this is the way to do bouldering. Get a group of good mates and give each other some encouragement and a few targets to achieve. I find the whole bouldering experience quite intimidating, but get a good bunch of you together and it helps to get you over the line sometimes. You get to feed off each other.

I must remember to stop bleeding over everything. It’s not a good image. I blame my shoes… and my shorts… and the wind direction. Ernie (Ian’s woofer) had the best time, playing fetch the poo and sometimes a stick. What is it with dogs and s#!t.

So I’m hoping this will become a regular intermission from the wall. The odd session outside just provides some variety. Also it helps to harden your hands up (or destroy them) And as a final point, watch out for the Ticks. They are there.

Climbing

A tidy little outing

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10th July 2026

Little Fistral

This was the first outside mission for the Tidy crew. Rather than face melt down climbing inside, we opted for a fresher approach and headed for the beach. And what a glorious day it was too.

Interestingly enough, the steep face at Little Fistral stays in the shade for most of the moring making climbing here really pleasant. Ian T unfortunately spotted the wrong ‘Fistral’ and decided the crowds werent for him, but Rich, Chris D and CJ made it.

For the most part we stuck to the wall of sharp holds. There is a great traverse on the wall which can be climbed both ways. Probably a bit easier going right to left looking at the wall. But whichever way you go it takes its toll on the fingers.

There are also a number of straight up and over routes. There is a lot of potential so it’s a case of pick one and try it.

We finished in the arching cave which is steep but fun and was enough to finish my arms off completely. The resulting foray to the beach cafe was an eye opener in how much busier main Fistral is to Little. There will have been some sore heads later for those on the ale under the sun that early.