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Going South

Going South

So for the past 2-3 months I have been focused on training for a new and really exciting role for me. In May I was offered a job with the British Antarctic Survey as a Field Guide. I was very excited and accepted almost immediately,…

Slate Historical Section

Slate Historical Section

So during the making of the slate guide we didn’t make the usual historical section. However prior to covid I started interviewing old flatheads for a film project that I have since stop due to covid and never gotten back to. However I did re-write…

Snowdonia: Mountain Walks and Scrambles – by Mark Reeves  & Rockfax

Snowdonia: Mountain Walks and Scrambles – by Mark Reeves  & Rockfax

I actually can’t remember when I started working on this latest project, I know the idea was muted after I wrote North Wales Climbs, and kind of put on a back burner. However, over the last two years, the work has picked up with me heading out to check a few of the routes I had yet climbed. Then at the start of this year, we started the finishing process in earnest. 

This last phase was of course not helped by various lockdowns, however having done most of the work before the lockdown, it allowed me to focus on checking what we had. So I sent the draft to a few of my mountain instructor colleagues who helped out, there are so many names that I hope all appear in the acknowledgements of the book. However, the time in lockdown also allowed me to upskill with QGIS and open source mapping data, which meant we could use Ordnance Survey data to make maps, well as accurate as 1:50000 landranger maps. but upscaled to around 1:25000. Again I did get some help from the parent of a young lad who a few years ago I used to coach, Liz runs Snowdonia Classic Campervans.

That time away from the hills also allowed me to get a few more photographers on board with the project. I really love getting other photographers images in the books I have published, as whilst I do like my own images, to a certain extent I am aware that I have a preferred style of image, and actually what makes a book great is a variety of image styles. As such getting Eilir, Jethro, Rob and Karl amongst a long list of other instructors and hill goers who have managed to capture some really incredible moments in the mountains of Snowdonia.

Then when the mountains reopened I then headed back out to get the few extra topos shots that have really bought this book together. This all has resulted in is a book that I feel captures a real spirit of Snowdonia. I really hope that you enjoy the book, in fact, I am sure you will. Because from a personal perspective, looking through the book as we put the finishing touches to it, I really felt that the book was a total game-changer to the genre of walking and scrambling guidebooks. With so many dedicated images to get the best angle for topos, overview shots that arguably have their origins in the old constable guides, but combined with modern layout and of course mapping that is based on OS. 

There is a taster of the book over on UKClimbing.com.

Spain, Spain and more Spain

Spain, Spain and more Spain

So after a two months in Spain in through September and October working on a book project, I got back the UK in time for one of the worst spells of bad weather I have encountered since the long wet winter of 2005 (this maybe…

Cold Days on the Slate

Cold Days on the Slate

Spent a couple of Cold days in the Slate Quarries climbing with James McHaffie, who as ever is on fire, even if the weather is not. He did a couple of tough E5s whilst we were out, both of which I failed to get even…

Scrambling the Knife Edge: Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe

Scrambling the Knife Edge: Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe

Join scrambler, Mark Reeves, as he takes a break from guiding tourists to reconnect with the mountains and savour the circular route of the Snowdon Horseshoe. Images by Eilir Davies-Highes.

The Snowdon Horseshoe is one of the most sought after Grade 1 scrambles in the UK, both long and sustained, the route offers some of the most exposed scrambling in the British Isles along the mind-blowing knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch. It is one of my favourite mountain routes, which I get to share with many people in the course of my work. 

The path rises gently at first allowing you to ease into the day, however it soon rears up into a long flight of steps. It is here we meet the typical log jam on the PYG track, as a team of 30 plus guided walkers are brought to a near stop by the effort of this first steep section; the reality of climbing the highest mountain in England and Wales starts to dawn on them, and they are barely 500m from the car park.

Making our way through the congestion and up to Bwlch Y Moch we pass another large group of walkers who are also catching their breath. Here our route diverts away from the hustle and bustle of the PYG track and heads up and right towards the base of the East Ridge of Crib Goch. 

As we head up from the col the alpine grandeur of the mountains start to hit you, with views out across Llyn Llydaw to Lliwedd and Snowdon. Above us rises the triangular buttress of the East Ridge of Crib Goch; for most people the trepidation of heading up here will build with each approaching step. Having done the route many times before I am just filled with excitement, because for me, this is where the fun begins as we start…

Continue the ascension and read the full article on the Mammut website: https://www.mammut.com/uk/en/stories/crib-goch-and-the-snowdon-horseshoe-scrambling-the-knife-edge/

 

Back in the Costa Blanca Hot Rock Climbing

Back in the Costa Blanca Hot Rock Climbing

So I have headed down from Northern Spain and I am back in the Costa Blanca soaking up the sun and climbing some of the great sport climbs in the area. It is alway nice to avoid a bit of the welsh/english winter and escape…

Riglos Climbing

Riglos Climbing

So I had an amazing few days Climbing in Riglos, I am looking to run some courses here next year. So if you like multi pitch adventure sport climbing, then the climbing in Riglos will not disappoint. Check out sunnier climbs.com to see when we…

Hot Rock Climbing Holidays

Hot Rock Climbing Holidays

So I am heading out to Spain in order to do both some guidebook work and some Hot Rock Climbing Coaching. If you’d like to come out and join us for a friendly, fun week in the sun then check out what Hot Rock Courses we are offering at Sunnier Climbs, especially our Costa Blanca coaching and climbing holidays. We also go to Chodes, Chulilla and the Madrid Area to suit your needs.

Mini Trad Tour of the South West

Mini Trad Tour of the South West

So I was approach by Emma who wants to get onto her RCI course and as such needed to get 15 trad leads in. She wanted a full UK Trad Tour but sadly I didn’t have the time so instead suggested a mini South West…