Page 33 - 2018 AMA Summer

home to wild bore and the evidence of their presence can often be seen in the overturned earth on the walk in.
With around 400 sport climbs in the lower Wye Valley of which 222 are from F2+ to F6b, the area is also a good location for the sports climber. On the Sunday, the majority of the meet took advantage this. One group of more experienced climbers headed to Shakemantle to climb some more challenging sport routes whilst another explored the Wyndcliff Quarry for an introduction to sport climbing. This culminated in the majority completing some climbs as leads. I personally led my highest graded sport route and was able to consolidate my technique of rethreading at lower offs.
As I have come to expect from an AMA meet, the enjoyment from the climbing is reinforced by a good social. Again, the Wye Valley meet does not disappoint. The bunk house that we use is handily located on the side of a pub which serves a fine selection of ales and food. The group made good use of the facilities after a hard day climbing! It also served as an excellent location to conduct the briefs in the morning, after the full English breakfast, which is included in the bargain price for the weekend of £20.
The 2017 Wye Valley meet really did prove why the Lower Wye Valley is such a good venue. Whether your persuasion is Trad or Sport Climbing, you want to challenge yourself and tackle the harder routes or you’re a complete novice, this meet has something to offer. From multi-pitch or single pitch or if you prefer to climb in a location with a low chance of rain, there is something for everyone. And if that’s not enough there are the spectacular vistas.
The question, which is now firmly fixed in my mind, is when is the next Wye Valley meet. The date for the 2018 meet is already pencilled in for October 2018 and all that is required is someone to contact Ryan Lang the meets coordinator, to volunteer to run the meet.
Photos: Danial Bradford - https://www.ikigaidesigns.co.uk
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