[Oldmanmatt]

I've been posting in here for some time, but I have no idea how many people are based here in the South West or more specifically, Devon.
So, who's out there?

[crimp]

South west - bristol

[chris j]

On & off (working offshore). We've probably seen each other at the Quay...

[chris j]

I'm sure there's more than 3 of us (or 2 if it's just Devon). Don't be shy...

[Steamboat Stello]

I've been living between Exeter and Manchester for the past 3 years but I'll finally be moving down to Exeter for good in 4 weeks!

[andy_e]

I've been living between Exeter and Manchester for the past 3 years

Worcester? Birmingham? Gloucester?

[Steamboat Stello]

I've been living between Exeter and Manchester for the past 3 years

Worcester? Birmingham? Gloucester?

Confusing non!? I work in Manchester during the week and go to Exeter at the weekend. Not for much longer though.

[Duncan campbell]

I don't actually live in Devon anymore but parents live in the Newton Abbot area, I rarely go home, but may be there longer term after my states trip later this year if I struggle to gain employment in North Wales once I'm back.

Keen to get out when I do go home but often restricted by time/no car.

Before I left there was quite a good scene in the Newton Abbot area with the ironically deceased Black Death club. However since then a lot of people I used to know have moved away.

Who do guys climb with? I imagine one of you know Jerome Taylor? Does Dave H still climb or is he fully into cycling now? Pete Saunders? Think that basically sums up my knowledge of Shire climbers...

Dunc

[SA Chris]

Who drinks cider from a lemon?

[Oldmanmatt]

I got back here in '08, full of intent to get back into it after a long lay off (living in the Middle East).
I discovered all my old crew had "Grown up" (Ballroom dancing? For the most lunatic climber I ever knew????) or moved away.

Then I got absorbed in other matters...

So I didn't much feel like socialising.

I carried on climbing, solo bouldering trips or with my Daughter/Daughter and Son. So I'd bet I've seen most locals at Bonehill/Dart rock/The Quay/Portland etc. but you'd probably think I was an anti-social bastard.

It wasn't deliberate.

It would be good to start at least nodding hello to a few familiar faces, so if you see me (Balding, large black Mad Rock Trifold pad, probably trailed by up-to four lunatic kids), say hi.

I think UKB is a great forum and I can't quite see why the South West climbers are not so well represented/silent on here. Recent research online has shown a huge community here (which I'd begun to suspect from the crowds at The Quay). Anyone a member of the South Devon MC? Worth a punt?

[chris j]

I haven't seen Jerome for a couple of years, but then I didn't exactly do much outside recently, especially last year what with the weather and falling on my head scrambling down to Pixies hole... Dave H I hear is fully into his cycling, Pete I see around on occasion, usually it seems when I make it down to Ansteys (so actually not recently).

The South Devon, I know one or two people, who are sound, I resisted joining as I've never been a 'club' person. But as old partners move on and away it may become inevitable.

I think there's more devon climbers than you'd think from forum activity, but without a centre to base the community around lots of people just got on and did their own thing in 2s and 3s. I know when I spent a lot of time bouldering at chudleigh between say 5 and 2 years ago I met quite a few people who were normally out on their own or in small separate groups. The Quay has had a great effect in bringing people out of the woodwork.

Anyway, I've been down there most friday nights over the last 8 months or so (tuesdays/wednesdays as well), less regularly now as I'm 4 on/4 off offshore (less 2 days travel each way) for the rest of the year. Since Xmas most recognisable as I'm sporting a pair of belay glasses while laughing at my mate Nick falling off the green 7c...

[Steamboat Stello]

I always assumed there wasn't that much bouldering to be done in the South West, most people did sea-cliff trad and bit of granite, and that was why South West climbers were realtively thin on the ground at UKB. Seems to have been a fair bit of new stuff going on the last few years with the emergence of Bovey Woods and now all this stuff on Bodmin and on the North Coast. Relatively psyched to get involved!

I know a few people already down in Exeter but not many people who are as motivated for bouldering as I am so I'd be really keen to meet some new folks as I'm sadly leaving my old crozzly crew behind in Sheffield .

It would be good to start at least nodding hello to a few familiar faces, so if you see me (Balding, large black Mad Rock Trifold pad, probably trailed by up-to four lunatic kids), say hi.

Initially read that too quickly and saw "Balding, large, black and Mad".....

[crimp]

The south west in general is underrepresented on UKB, which is a shame.

When i get chatting to folks at the crag, i find most aren't aware of UKB, and some have the misconception that it's just bouldering and say it's not for me. They don't realise its chuffing as well.

One option could be flyers/posters at regional climbing walls, shops, etc. T shirts, hoodies, chalk bags, beanies, etc. Free cider would get them in.

It seems to be a general lack of awareness, or misconception about UKB.

just keep plugging away posting local news, wiki, conditions reports, etc. Chances are somebody on here will appreciate it. And the more local stuff we put on here, the more local climbers will be tempted in.

[Oldmanmatt]

Initially read that too quickly and saw "Balding, large, black and Mad".....

It has been said,
not in a good way...

Yes, perhaps I shouldn't have restricted this thread to Devon.

The misconceptions about the site are rife. I'm currently engaged in a debate with my other half and business partner about paying for advertising on the site. As she sees it, it's just not interesting or eye catching, and she's a registered user (who was put off by the whole DFB thing).
Partly, that's my fault. She thinks that, because I get involved in debates about politics etc, that's what the site is all about.

That and pictures of fluffy animals for Magpie (guilty!).

[shurt]

It would be good to start at least nodding hello to a few familiar faces, so if you see me (Balding, large black Mad Rock Trifold pad, probably trailed by up-to four lunatic kids), say hi.

Initially read that too quickly and saw "Balding, large, black and Mad".....

me too!

Im in Wells in Somerset but get down to Dartmoor often. i've met some people down there who live in Totnes who i meet up with sometimes. its very scattered as a scene though. Bouldering on the moor )away from Bonehill anyway) is a solitary occupation...

am interested in getting to Hartland (I am assuming thats what people are referring to 'the quay' as). Its a bit of a drive from here though and I've always opted for the more easily accessible options on Dartmoor. Am v interested in checking out Bovey Woods.

[Oldmanmatt]

Nah, The Quay is the new wall in Exeter (not yet two years old).

[shurt]

Well that shows how much I know! The Bristol walls are within striking distance for me (soon to be three) I think the new bouldering wall there has been a godsend..

[chris j]

I used to trek up to TCA maybe once a week from Exmouth before the Quay opened, it was great. But the £30 or so saving in petrol on the round trip makes too much of a difference so I go hang off a rope at the Quay instead. Having said that, after looking at the latest news here & on javu I am getting more psyched for some north coast bouldering, which I haven't sampled yet.

But, if anyone sees me (at the Quay or outside), come & say hi. Especially if you have time off mid-week and need a climbing partner to take advantage of it...  I'm generally recognisable by a shaved head (how distinctive!) and a red Mountain Equipment t-shirt & a lack of finger strength and stamina.

[crimp]

Exmouth to bristol for an indoor wall. That is keen.

I live on other side of bristol to TCA, and I've never been assed to even get the bus there.

I keep threatening to go for a look see. But not a big fan of walls. Too many people, and not enough soul.

[chris j]

We could go when it was quiet in the middle of the day which suits me. And the missus had decided she wanted to try, but didn't want to faff with ropes, so given TCA or Dart Rock (45 mins in the other direction) it was the obvious choice. Mind you a few years before a car load of us used to trek up to UCR when it was too wet and miserable to drive to Portland...

[Oldmanmatt]

Wish I'd known when I lived in Exmouth! Only moved in January!

[Nike Air]

Is anyone keen for a trip to Hartland on Wednesday...?
I ll be traveling from Plymouth(High Sports climbing wall).
Keen to check out the Carnage bouldering area.

[andyd]

You know that's a good hour and a half on a good run don't you?

[Nike Air]

aye true, its closer than when im in lancashire though.

[granticus]

Devon I'm in Devon!  Barnstaple to precise. 

My nearest bouldering is on the Exmoor Coast was out across the border at Hurlstone Point bouldering in the dark last night.

There are active boulderers around the SW peninsular but in comparison to the Peak it's quite a small number spread across a large area.  Don't think it's too much to do with UKB being dull or whatever.  I know quite a few people lurk here but don't post. Maybe a SW bouldering thread would address this?

There are a range of indoor walls to pick from The Mill (Rock and Rapid) nr South Molton, The Quay in Exeter, The Barn - Milton Abbott (between Tavistock and Launceston).  The Barn is definitely the best of these for bouldering so maybe the best place to meet other boulderers.  Simon Young has a new wall nr Liskeard now too,  I haven't been so can't comment. 

[granticus]

Is anyone keen for a trip to Hartland on Wednesday...?
I ll be traveling from Plymouth(High Sports climbing wall).
Keen to check out the Carnage bouldering area.

Working Wednesday, then looking after the little bear, otherwise would be keen.  There must be someone at High Sports that is keen though?! There has been a pretty monster swell running for the last few days, so not sure what conditions will be like as everything will have had a proper soaking last few high tides.  Swell still big tommorow but tides are smaller so could be OK.  Looks like a small rain band will pass over at around about 4pm which is when low tide is.  Worth risking the drive? 

[kingholmesy]

I work in Plymouth and live just over the water in Cornwall.  I only moved here a couple of weeks ago and so am on the look out for partners, whether it be for bouldering, sport or trad.  If anyone's interested please feel free to get in touch by posting on here or sending me a PM.

I'm busy this weekend but am hoping to nip up to Hound Tor to get Limbo Dancer sent after work on Friday.  I'm also keen to get out after work on Monday and/or Tuesday - maybe to the Dewerstone or Torbryan if anyone is interested?

Finally, I'd be appreciative of a local tour of Bovey Woods sometime if anyone fancies showing me around - I hear it's a bit of a pain to find stuff on first acquaintance.

Cheers, Luke. 

[Nike Air]

Is anyone keen for a trip to Hartland on Wednesday...?
I ll be traveling from Plymouth(High Sports climbing wall).
Keen to check out the Carnage bouldering area.

Working Wednesday, then looking after the little bear, otherwise would be keen.  There must be someone at High Sports that is keen though?! There has been a pretty monster swell running for the last few days, so not sure what conditions will be like as everything will have had a proper soaking last few high tides.  Swell still big tomorrow but tides are smaller so could be OK.  Looks like a small rain band will pass over at around about 4pm which is when low tide is.  Worth risking the drive? 

I never noted the swell, good point. Its meant to be mega windy so hopefully that could help dry things and blow over any rain quickly...
I would check out the granite but my tips would not appreciate that.

If anyone fancies any trad round torquay Id be keen. Pretty battered from multi pitching in cheddar so might be nice to take it easy!!

[kingholmesy]

If anyone fancies any trad round torquay Id be keen. Pretty battered from multi pitching in cheddar so might be nice to take it easy!!
[/quote]

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be out of work in time to head out tradding tomorrow.  Does the fact that you're at High Sports tomorrow mean the bouldering is being reset?

[kingholmesy]

Simon Young has a new wall nr Liskeard now too,  I haven't been so can't comment.

Do you know what this is called/where exactly it is/whether it is open yet?  Someone mentioned it to me the other day, but I can't remember the name and can't find anything on the 'net.

I know you say you haven't been, but have you heard good reports?

[Nike Air]

If anyone fancies any trad round torquay Id be keen. Pretty battered from multi pitching in cheddar so might be nice to take it easy!!

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be out of work in time to head out tradding tomorrow.  Does the fact that you're at High Sports tomorrow mean the bouldering is being reset?
[/quote]

Im only there dropping off the better half who will be taking the Bmc movement masterclass.

[granticus]

Simon Young has a new wall nr Liskeard now too,  I haven't been so can't comment.

Do you know what this is called/where exactly it is/whether it is open yet?  Someone mentioned it to me the other day, but I can't remember the name and can't find anything on the 'net.

I know you say you haven't been, but have you heard good reports?

I have heard good reports from folk that have been, a typical Simon Young creation!  Not sure what it's called or where it is anyone?  Will have an ask around too.

[Andy W]

Simon Young has a new wall nr Liskeard now too,  I haven't been so can't comment.

Do you know what this is called/where exactly it is/whether it is open yet?  Someone mentioned it to me the other day, but I can't remember the name and can't find anything on the 'net.

I know you say you haven't been, but have you heard good reports?

I have heard good reports from folk that have been, a typical Simon Young creation!  Not sure what it's called or where it is anyone?  Will have an ask around too.

Its here....  https://www.facebook.com/MagicWoodCC

I haven't been yet, but I'm sure its good.

Looks like Devon is busier than Cornwall! Whoever suggested a dedicated South West thread, thats a good idea.

[tomtom]

Just reading this thread today - and I'm not in the SW...

I think if you want to promote/bring together climbers in the SW then I would just start posting more things here.. get a SW thread going and keep posting things on it. News, FA's etc.. mirror any blogs of FB pages.. the more things that are posted here - the more people will start to use it as a reference point - and this will drive more of a community through UKB etc..

Don't underestimate the lurker power of UKB. there are LOADS of people who read and never (or rarely) post.. From my own experience, my climbing vids will often get c.1-200 plays when posted here, and 10 or so if on FB & Twitter.. I take that to be an indication of there being alot of traffic that you dont necessarily appreciate..

[crimp]

Hi tomtom.

That's what i said further up thread. Keep plugging away posting local news, wiki, topos, and stuff. I do for bristol area.

Sometimes you feel like your talking to yourself. Then someone else pops up and says they appreciate it.

I work on the assumption that the more local info on here, the more people are likely to be led here by interweb searches for local climbing info.

[Andy W]

It does seem a good idea, that is a thread for the SW. It would encourage news, a scene etc.

Bodmin seems to be the happening spot right now with its FB page    https://www.facebook.com/Bodminbouldering?hc_location=stream

West Cornwall also has a FB page   https://www.facebook.com/groups/350310441862/   not much new problem activity though mostly reports of things falling down!

I also just about keep blocspenwith website going. But to be fair its pretty inactive and it won't be going much longer. The topos on it are a bit dated now and need updating redoing etc.

So basically a dedicated thread would give the area a bit of cohesion and dynamism.

[crimp]

Start building up the devon and cornwall wiki, it's pretty threadbare.

When you visit a venue, post a brief report in conditions thread.

Post news, significant ascents, access, environment issues, rockfalls, local indoor walls news, etc.

If we build it they will come, as someone said about something or other.

[granticus]

I have started a SW Bouldering thread in the bouldering section.  Post away.

[SA Chris]

Trouble is most of the population of Devon haven't evolved opposing thumbs yet and therefore can't use a computer mouse, so a lot of climbers never use the internet, let alone UKB.

[granticus]

Trouble is most of the population of Devon haven't evolved opposing thumbs yet and therefore can't use a computer mouse, so a lot of climbers never use the internet, let alone UKB.

 

Shit I didn't think of that!

[kingholmesy]

Simon Young has a new wall nr Liskeard now too,  I haven't been so can't comment.

Do you know what this is called/where exactly it is/whether it is open yet?  Someone mentioned it to me the other day, but I can't remember the name and can't find anything on the 'net.

I know you say you haven't been, but have you heard good reports?

I have heard good reports from folk that have been, a typical Simon Young creation!  Not sure what it's called or where it is anyone?  Will have an ask around too.

Its here....  https://www.facebook.com/MagicWoodCC

I haven't been yet, but I'm sure its good.

Looks like Devon is busier than Cornwall! Whoever suggested a dedicated South West thread, thats a good idea.

Nice one.  Have now found a web page for it:

http://www.magicwoodclimbing.co.uk/

Seems like it's a work in progress, but could be good.  Will post on the SW bouldering thread too.