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The Peaks - A climbing experiential
At the beginning of our second year, we were taken to the Peak district (Mid to North England) where we were taught to lead climb. Lead climbing is where the first climber places protection for the climber ascending second. Think of traditional mountaineering, or any film where you see these epic adventures taking place. The environment in the Peaks is well suited to learning and improving these skills, since the crags, or groups of rocks, have a wide range of different grades to climb. In other words, there is a climbing level suitable to all irrespective of ability. Lead climbing is exciting as you know that you are responsible for placing protective gear in the rocks to safeguard any mishap. It is a lot harder to lead as you need to carry all the kit, plan your route meticulously, test all the placements and finally set up a safe area from where you are able to belay your partner up. All in all there is considerable trust that transpires between each climbing pair. It is easy to see how this activity has and will continue to be used to provide adventure and meaning to groups and individuals, provided it is aimed at the correct level. Apart from placing gear there are all the different rope tricks one needs to be aware of. Of course they are not hard, but standing on top of a cliff, cold, wind blowing and knowing you need to set up a secure system that needs to withstand the combined forces of gravity, in case your partner as well as you are pulled from the top! As usual we camped and some embraced the idea more than others! I have just bought a bivvy bag ( a bag that is waterproof, breathable and allows you to sleep in it) so was very keen to test it out. A truly fantastic piece of kit, even in the cold mornings. No hassles and very comfortable. Now at least if I want to go wild in the mountains, I won't have to lug a tent up the hill! It's all about efficiency...We also had to plan an individual route to walk. Of course some chose a small circular route, or to meet up with others. A route and estimated timings were approved by lecturers before we were dropped off at our chosen point. I decided to walk a long linear segment of the Peaks, encompassing 3 of the highest Peaks, including Kinder Scout. I did seem to bite off more than is reasonable, as became apparent when I only made it down at 21:00. I missed the deadline of 18:00, and so caused minor panic! Unluckily for me, there was no mobile signal where I was, and neither at the camp where the lecturers were! So it became hard for anyone to communicate. Anyhow no harm done, and the main point made was that we need to be able to make our own decisions, and to think through what we are doing. Responsibility in a nutshell. I loved the day and was proud to have been able to walk the 28km's. As for the rest of the the trip being great, if a bit short being (only 4 days), at least we are now able get out there safely and climb, in order to gain experience. Photos in the Gallery

The Peaks - A climbing experiential

At the beginning of our second year, we were taken to the Peak district (Mid to North England) where we were taught to lead climb. Lead climbing is where the first climber places protection for the climber ascending second. Think of traditional mountaineering, or any film where you see these epic adventures taking place. The environment in the Peaks is well suited to learning and improving these skills, since the crags, or groups of rocks, have a wide range of different grades to climb. In other words, there is a climbing level suitable to all irrespective of ability. Lead climbing is exciting as you know that you are responsible for placing protective gear in the rocks to safeguard any mishap. It is a lot harder to lead as you need to carry all the kit, plan your route meticulously, test all the placements and finally set up a safe area from where you are able to belay your partner up. All in all there is considerable trust that transpires between each climbing pair.

It is easy to see how this activity has and will continue to be used to provide adventure and meaning to groups and individuals, provided it is aimed at the correct level. Apart from placing gear there are all the different rope tricks one needs to be aware of. Of course they are not hard, but standing on top of a cliff, cold, wind blowing and knowing you need to set up a secure system that needs to withstand the combined forces of gravity, in case your partner as well as you are pulled from the top! As usual we camped and some embraced the idea more than others! I have just bought a bivvy bag ( a bag that is waterproof, breathable and allows you to sleep in it) so was very keen to test it out. A truly fantastic piece of kit, even in the cold mornings. No hassles and very comfortable.

Now at least if I want to go wild in the mountains, I won't have to lug a tent up the hill! It's all about efficiency...We also had to plan an individual route to walk. Of course some chose a small circular route, or to meet up with others. A route and estimated timings were approved by lecturers before we were dropped off at our chosen point. I decided to walk a long linear segment of the Peaks, encompassing 3 of the highest Peaks, including Kinder Scout. I did seem to bite off more than is reasonable, as became apparent when I only made it down at 21:00. I missed the deadline of 18:00, and so caused minor panic! Unluckily for me, there was no mobile signal where I was, and neither at the camp where the lecturers were! So it became hard for anyone to communicate. Anyhow no harm done, and the main point made was that we need to be able to make our own decisions, and to think through what we are doing.

Responsibility in a nutshell. I loved the day and was proud to have been able to walk the 28km's. As for the rest of the the trip being great, if a bit short being (only 4 days), at least we are now able get out there safely and climb, in order to gain experience.

Photos in the Gallery