Page 36 - Army Mountaineer Winter 2022

CLIMBINGMEETS
NORTH
WALES
MEET
James Brudenell
Cymru, Bread of Heaven and Land of My Fathers! Yes, the AMA was back for its first North
Wales Meet since 2019. The meet was well attended by 18 members of the AMA who fought traffic across the country to make it to JSMTC Indefat- igable for the weekend. Those who arrived on Friday evening were able to carb up for the weekend’s activities with a curry at the Taste of India near the Menai Bridge; others tried the Penrhos Arms for some refreshments.
The following morning enabled people to get to know one another over breakfast and allowed me to indulge in a ‘fat boys’ fry up! The weather was a talking point as the forecast was for showers, so choosing the right area to climb was going to make a big difference. After the safety brief, we soon split into our teams based on qual- ifications and instructors and headed out to our chosen venues. The small team of walkers set off for Snowdon via the Watkin Path, whilst the two climbing teams ventured off in different directions: one to the Moelwyns and the other team to Holyhead Mountain.
The Holyhead team consisted of Kate, Yorkie, Mark, and I under the instruction of Owen, and none other than Ryan Lang, no stranger to the AMA. As three of the team were RCS, we set about practicing rigging top ropes, abseils and single pitch
Leading the way - Katie on Holyhead Mountain
lead climbing all building towards RMT. We were fortunate with the weather, a little windy on top of the mountain but never- theless still dry. This is more than could be said for the Moelwyns team who caught the light rain and cold, although this did not dampen their spirits. The team of Mike, Seb, Rich, Emma, Andy and Arthur enjoyed the day climbing Chic (VDiff), Slick (VDiff) and Slack (S4a).
After the day’s activities, everyone met up that evening for a meal at the Penrhos Arms. The food was fantastic as was the conversation. I have found the social aspect a key part of AMA meets as it brings everyone together, allowing friendships to be forged, ideas and aspirations exchanged, experience passed on; there are no cliques!
The plan for Sunday was to have breakfast, grab the packed lunches and make an earlier start. The forecast was looking ominous. The walkers, however, headed out to the Ogwen Valley and, as the inclement weather closed in, the team made the best of the situation and completed a circuit of the Ffynnon Lloer – well done them! For the climbers, a return to Holyhead Mountain was looking like the
Holyhead Mountain
only option. The teams were hoping the weather would clear; how wrong we were – it continued to rain. This called for Plan B which resulted in regrouping at the Indy climbing wall allowing people to practice leading but also learn new techniques such as assisted and non-assisted hoists.
To sum up, the meet was a resounding success and enjoyable to boot. This was made even more possible by ‘Arthur’ Daley who took the time to organise not just this meet, but all the meets for 2022. My gratitude is also given to the instructors who are invaluable to the success of the meets. Not wishing to jink the next North Wales meet, but hopefully the weather is better in July!
Getting Started on Holyhead Mountain
Undignified top out on Flying Buttress
Hat (V Diff)
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