In recent weeks I've been playing on various bits of esoteric limestone with Polish Dave. Here are a couple of the best problems we've done. And they are both very good indeed.
Vinsensoz - 7a+ / Zosnesniv - 7bPark under Sean's Roof. Directly opposite is an attractive wall, which would have some excellent highballs if it weren't for the dodgy landing. However, the traverse is really enjoyable - slightly overhanging, pumpy, on smooth comfy holds, and with a nice crossover crux. This piece of rock seems to stay as dry as the Tor, and though there are sometimes wet patches, the traverse holds generally remain dry.
Vinsensoz is the left to right version. Sitstart left of the corner on obvious holds and work rightwards. Finish at the slanting jug on the far right, slightly higher than the traverse line.
Zosnesniv is the harder (and even better) right to left version - start on the right arete and traverse left to finish dropping down on the start holds of Vinsensoz.
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Hall of the Mountain King - 7a+This marvelous problem resides in the roadside cave down and left of Beginner's wall. Park as for Beginner's Wall and walk down the road. Though at first glance it may appear too small, the opening of the cave yields a fantastic roof problem.
Start on the left wall at a mono and jug. Easy moves lead to jugs in the roof, then big undercuts. Next follows a perfect handjam and double toe-hooks, a reach to crimps, then a slap to a jug up and left, with another tricky move holding the swing (toe-hook) to match, and then slap the final jug. Brilliant.
Unfortunately this cave will be soaking after all the rain, but it's well worth seeking out after a dry spell. Also fun exploring the cave, which turns into a low-ceilinged tunnel that you can wander along. Never got to the end of this. Problem name was inspired by the tale of a tramp who used to live in this cave. Any limestone vets remember him?
