UKBouldering.com
places to visit => conditions reports (isitgreasy on twitter) => Topic started by: tomtom on October 09, 2010, 04:24:30 pm
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Went this morning, a gamble - and it was good. I was expecting it to be a gopping green slime fest but c.70% was climbable - the only real area out was the face with the great 7a+ just on your right, next to the first arete. The bottom holds were seepy so I left it alone to save the rock.
Most other stuff I tried was a little damp and dirty in places but all things considering pretty good (considering most of the peak/yorks was wet)
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Anyone any thoughts about whether or not this will be OK at the weekend? (Andy?)
It'll have had about a week of dry by then - or will it be a green green-ness of green?
:)
TT
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I was wondering the same thing. Hard to call. I'll try and take a look - might even try and get there myself Sat afternoon.
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Me and the tall bloke earlier up t'thread would be up for a visit should it prove viable.
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I reckon it's worth a punt. Ideally bribe Andy to check it out and report back first though.
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No need to bribe. Will pop out in a bit, could do with a break.
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Nice one Andy - a report would be much appreciated... :thumbsup:
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The man from Cheshire, he say ... Yes! Almost all dry, just needs some traffic.
Ben, Tom, anyone fancy it tomorrow afternoon?
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Nice one Andy. I will probably be away in Yorkshire all weekend, but a recent spanner in the works means that I may not be. If I am not, I will meet you at Harmer's. I'll ring/text you in the morning if I'm not fallling off stuff in Yorkshire.
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The man from Cheshire, he say ... Yes! Almost all dry, just needs some traffic.
Ben, Tom, anyone fancy it tomorrow afternoon?
:thumbsup:
Hi Andy - great - glad to hear its there or thereabouts... thanks loads for having a look..
Unfortunately (well hopefully fortuntately!) I have a prior engagement with a football match tomorrow afternoon... I'm hoping to steal away from gardening duties at somepoint on Sunday for a play though.??
Failing that FallingDown may well be free on Sat and I know he was interested in checking the place out...?
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I've recently started a job in Runcorn, sneaked off today for a couple hours to have a look for the Harmers Wood bouldering but couldn't find it. I mean, I drove up 'Hill Road North' and parked by the sign for harmers wood, walked into the woods expecting it to be fairly self evident... nothing but a very grotty-looking damp hole in the ground, 'Ben's Quarry' or something similar - is that it?! Not meaning to sound too derisory! :shrug:
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Think there are two or three quarries on the hill, sounds like you got the wrong one. Bear left from the parking.
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You really can't miss it (oops!) :) it's about 30m further up the hill from the small one you've found. I was there on sun and they're reall easy to spot as the veg is all dead. Like JB said walk into woods bearing leftish on the path. After the first ickle quarry take next left at fork. There's a low fence around the top as well..
It's ok atm but take a brush/washing up brush as some of the holds need a bit of de-greening...
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Had a bit longer to look around today, it was green and damp but I'm now looking forward to it when it dries and my next extended lunch break.
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Andys the expert - but it does take a few days to dry.. However, its great in summer. Those trees keep it shady and cool, and its a really nice place to be when the grits too slimey and the limes just too crimpy or far away. Happy days.. :thumbsup:
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If anyone's interested, I popped in to take a look after finishing bouldering elsewhere on Helsby Hill this afternoon - its looking pretty good, only some seepage on the back walls. Not too filthy either.
Really lovely afternoon over here in Cheshire.
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Ace. I've been thinking of delaying for a bit longer, but now I can look forward to crossing "the Bridge" after work, leaving pex will be great
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:thumbsup:
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Move one Andy, as I was failing at the cliff this afternoon I was wondering if it'd been dry enough for Harmers this week :)
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Let me know if you're thinking of coming over Tom, or Peter or Juan.
Great bit of random key hitting going on there.
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:) sorry Andy (was supposed to be nice one!) iFern predictive text shizzle! Most likely Sunday, but I'll drop you a pm when I know.
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Hi Andy,
Just spoke to ben and galpinos, heading there now. Soz for short notice etc..
T
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Tom, its just started drizzling here. Ben rang from the M56 so he knows.
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Bugger, thanks Andy.. Galpinos just rang too. Grr.. Hopefully just a light drizzling..
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Its not much but its still doing it. I'll text Ben if anything changes. People are welcome to my board if they're over this way and it really craps out.
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Cheers Andy, got as far as Frodsham and then it really clagged over and started raining properly - I then had a call from Ben and Nick saying it was raining and starting to wet the holds :( so I turned back.
Might have a look tomorrow afternoon...
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Anyone know what was the plan behind the first quarry by the car park? (http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx92/SpanishJuan/Harmers%20Wood%20-%20Helsby/IMG_3679.jpg)
:sorry: about size of image. Its the one with dragons teeth by the entrance, and blackish walls
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Was it dry today?
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Anyone know what was the plan behind the first quarry by the car park? (http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx92/SpanishJuan/Harmers%20Wood%20-%20Helsby/IMG_3679.jpg)
:sorry: about size of image. Its the one with dragons teeth by the entrance, and blackish walls
Wow!! I'd heard it might be cleared but that's incredible. That'll definitely create more potential as long as access doesn't change but they seem pro-climbing so it shouldn't
Zod, it was pretty dry Friday, drizzled slightly Sat and was a beautiful bright day yesterday so it should be fine.
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Looking at that again its obvious the floor is now quite a lot higher - this definitely change all the routes on the right wall. Not so good.
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Crikey, that's quite a bit of landscaping! I presume that puts climbing in that quarry out of the question for a while until the soil settles down. And you're right Andy, the ground level is a bit higher on the right hand side so the starts will be affected but not so much that the finial sections won't still be very bold.
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Crikey, that's quite a bit of landscaping! I presume that puts climbing in that quarry out of the question for a while until the soil settles down. And you're right Andy, the ground level is a bit higher on the right hand side so the starts will be affected but not so much that the finial sections won't still be very bold.
WTF! I'm assuming that's the deeper greener quarry round to the right (from the road) not part of the existing developed/cleared quarry? (looks like it could be a little)
Tt
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Galpinos (Nick) and I went on Saturday. It was my first time there so we went straight to the main larger Quarry. There's been no additional landscaping in there as far as we could see.
It was relatively 'dry' when we arrived but there were really only a handful of climbable problems. The topouts were very damp and greasy. It started drizzling and then raining so we bailed after 20 mins. I'd give it a good few days of dry weather yet and take a yard brush to clean muck off the tops.
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WTF! I'm assuming that's the deeper greener quarry round to the right (from the road) not part of the existing developed/cleared quarry? (looks like it could be a little)
Tt
Slightly higher quarry, right next to the road a touch further up. No change to the existing quarry. Looks really new - I rode through on Sat night and scoped it out best I could with rubbish bike lights. Very fresh landscaping will settle down a fair bit. Like a giant crash mat at the mo. Needs to dry out a bit and a bit of a clean, but looks promising.
Steve, brand new here.
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That's exactly where the photo is from Steveri. I'd never even seen that section of quarry and I must have parked near it 3 or 4 times!! Looks like it will be to 'ard for I though
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Its incredibly hidden given how close it is to the road. The right wall (only partially visible in that picture) has/had some very good problems/routes - these will definitely be diminished in size and quality but the other walls were effectively completely obscured before. Swings and roundabouts I guess.
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Its incredibly hidden given how close it is to the road. The right wall (only partially visible in that picture) has/had some very good problems/routes - these will definitely be diminished in size and quality but the other walls were effectively completely obscured before. Swings and roundabouts I guess.
Ideal for those visiting with their bairns. :P
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Had another look in daylight today. There may well be some stuff lurking under that soily wall back left that will take some uncovering (previously hidden under a chute of rubbish?). Spoke to a regular today - low traverse on the R wall now reserved for moles.
In the main quarry pretty much all the traverse was dry, some of the uppy-downy still very green.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5506439601_b229930dde_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverile/5506439601/)
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Anyone fancy some Cheshire action Thurs or Fri?
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Could be free Thursday after work, but not sure yet mate. I'll text you later.
Had another look in daylight today. There may well be some stuff lurking under that soily wall back left that will take some uncovering (previously hidden under a chute of rubbish?). Spoke to a regular today - low traverse on the R wall now reserved for moles.
Damn, that means some of the hard starts are going to be gone I guess. Andy, if we meet there this week we'll have to re-climb everything... including the topouts!!!!
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Went to check this out today. OMG! is just about all I can say. The transformation is amazing. The problems on the right are very effected. Ben's horrible one-mover is reduced to literally one move now. Home From Alabama is pretty redundant. English Heritage, Clarity and Fourth Night have all lost several opening moves and won't be as good but will still be worthwhile. Much more incentive to try the direct finish to FN now it isn't as high. The prominent arete back right is probably better, the opening moves weren't very good and its much less highball now.
However. The wall L of said arete is now open and looks to have good potential. The back wall might clean up to. On the L wall (looking in) there is a nice looking arete (obvious in the photo above) and the wall L of this looks to have quite a bit of potential for problems that will generally be less highball than those in the main quarry and thus quite attractive to some.
Grudgingly (seeing as several of my FAs have been buggered) I have to admit this is probably going to lead to a much better venue once it all settles down. The earth floor is nice and soft and doesn't seem to contain any bricks or other nasty rubbish.
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Hey guys, i remember seeing a few topo's on here a while back, do they still exist? Wouldnt mind getting hold of one, if you could point us in the right direction. Probes.
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I don't think there's ever been a topo but I'll try and get you some details.
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Think it was more of a photo with lines photoshoped on. ANyway cheers.
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If you do a search of the site (https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=harmer+site%3Aukbouldering.com) you get a few threads (eg (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php?topic=15467.0)) that has some pics of people on lines to get you started.
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Think it was more of a photo with lines photoshoped on. ANyway cheers.
I can meet up with you some time if you want a tour. However, the lines are fairly obvious and most things are worth doing. Its like Pex with smaller holds.
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Did three problems on the newly exposed left wall today. The obvious arete; this is a good problem, clean, good climbing and an easy top out. The obvious line of pockets about 5ft left; worthwhile, one thin starting move to some easier climbing. Didn't top this out as I lacked the tools needed to sort it out but it should be fine and then the far left line - very minor but not as shit as I expected it to be. There will be several more problems on this wall. There was evidence of bits of cleaning and the odd smudge of chalk all along this wall so don't know if these are new.
The wall left of the back right arete will give a couple of very big and good lines.
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Dropped in on my way home from work this afternoon and looked a the newly cleaned quarry.
Repeated the arete you did Andy, and topped out the pockets just to the left. A bit greasy for one move, then grabbed the tree.
What are the lines on the right wall? I did the other arete, a nasty rockover just right (then swung into the arete as the top was mingin), a dank wall on pockets between that and the corner, and finally a great shallow runnel thing that met the top of the diagonal cracks. This was a cracking problem.
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The arete's a nice problem isn't it. I'll pm you the other details rather than clogging up the thread.
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Was looking nice and dry on Friday. Anyone fancy afternoon/evenings this week, tues possibly?
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Thinking of heading down tomorrow, is it looking good? :smartass:
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Yeah, was pretty good Friday and has been dry since. I'll be there from mid-afternoon, think others will be showing up too.
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Nice one, we'll be there from Midday.
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Great afternoon, good to be out seeing folk in action. Shame Andy's first ascent didn't come out great. Just popped over the hill and grabbed some hasty (blurry) shots.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5550329041_6f8be5784a_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverile/5550329041/)
A few more http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverile/sets/72157626218089018/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverile/sets/72157626218089018/)
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Cheers Steve. I think that gives a pretty good impression if you click through to the flickr stream (some more nice shots in there, esp of Becky on the crack). Some quality spotting going on in the shot of me ;). Like you say though a good session, nice to meets lots of people. Really coming into condition now but another crag suffering from some mindless excessive chalk use.
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Popped in today on the way back home and was very impressed. Next time I'll have to have some rock shoes on me!
Anybody keen for a visit sometime in April. I'm on holiday now until after the May bank holiday.
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I'd be keen Will. I'm away from next Sun to the Thurs and then again for the Easter weekend but would love to get some trips in - evenings sometimes. I've got other esoterica I can show you too.
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If it's a Cheshire esoterica tour count me in! May be about later on next week and next weekend Will. T
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I may be down there tomorrow (thursday) after work. Depends on the dampness though. I imagine its very damp after the past few days of rain. I'll have a ponder about it today.
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Thought you were going away Ben? Anyway, like Ben suggests, it could well be damp - pissed down here last night.
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Not yet mate. I'm still in school for another ten days, then I'm off to Lleida.
Went to Harmer's last Thursday. Fell of the top of your new thing by the big arete in the little quarry. Top pockets utterly gopping - water runnning out of them. Tried to work out different sequence using ripples around them but couldn't quite get the top and anyway I was simply making a stupidly hard sequence out of it, thought it best to wait til I could use the actual holds. Would be ok if the pockets were dry though, and a wicked addition. Can't wait to go and finish it. Loved the cruxy start.
I repeated a lot of the newly shrunken lines in the little quarry. Sadly they are no longer such scary propositions, neither are they as hard as they once were. Shame, but they're likely to get more traffic now that they are more like V4 than E4. As you said previously, that nasty one move problem of mine is now literally just one move to the ledge. And not exactly nasty any more. Shame, it was a boss move and quite hard.
How was the States?
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BTW, this problem (pictured above) is called 'At the Drive In'. I'm guessing its around V6/7A.
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"Lleida" Ben
What you going there for? thought you had enough of not been able to speak the lingo / order food the last time you were there.
Anyway have a good one
T
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BTW, this problem (pictured above) is called 'At the Drive In'. I'm guessing its around V6/7A.
Good name, good grade.
"Lleida" Ben
What you going there for? thought you had enough of not been able to speak the lingo / order food the last time you were there.
Hi Tony, how's it going? Off to clip bolts on the limestone north of the city; Terradets, Villanova etc.
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Just to say I got the tour last week from the pioneers of this place - Martin and Tom. Apart from the odd gopping pocket and one hairy top-out (thought I was going to pull a dead tree down on top of me when I grabbed it!) it was really pleasant and much better than first appearance suggested.
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Called in to the main quarry this evening - surprisingly dry considering the soaking we had last night.
One request: afterwards I got chatting to the volunteers that have been cleaning up the top quarry. The newly landscaped quarry floor has been seeded this evening with a wildflower mix. These are the trust that own the woods and have cleaned it up for us and they're generally welcoming of climbers (I was running at the time but came clean about my motives).
It'd be nice if we stayed out of the top quarry for a few weeks whilst the seeds start to germinate? The rock'll still be there and there's loads to do in the main.
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Called in to the main quarry this evening - surprisingly dry considering the soaking we had last night.
One request: afterwards I got chatting to the volunteers that have been cleaning up the top quarry. The newly landscaped quarry floor has been seeded this evening with a wildflower mix. These are the trust that own the woods and have cleaned it up for us and they're generally welcoming of climbers (I was running at the time but came clean about my motives).
It'd be nice if we stayed out of the top quarry for a few weeks whilst the seeds start to germinate? The rock'll still be there and there's loads to do in the main.
Good info Steve, thanks for that. In light of the seeding issue, I won't be going to Harmers tonight now.
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Good work, thanks for the heads up.
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No probs, ta for the understanding.
In other news they're planning on cleaning up Ben's Quarry next, the little deep hole with junk in the bottom. It's pretty gloomy, but might give something for boulderers with ab ropes and prusik loops :)
There's an amusing list stuff cleared from the top quarry they'll put on the website sometime - usual car tyres, exhausts, prams ...and 9 surfboards.
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Heading over now if anyones about... (assuming its in great nic after lots of dry weather...)
T
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I keep meaning to badger you for a lift, Tom. I'll have to stay more glued to this thread!
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I keep meaning to badger you for a lift, Tom. I'll have to stay more glued to this thread!
Are you in Leeds ATM Will? (I was heading to the peak, but just got off a flight and can't be arsed with snake pass etc...)
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I am. Was going to head out with a couple of friends to the cliff or Caley but Harmer's sounds much more appealing if you're going and could meet me somewhere.
Alternatively if you're not keen for a big drive after the flight then you'd be more than welcome to join us at a local venue. I'll PM you my phone number.
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I wish I had time to go to other parts of the country to climb, or even time to have a full day out, or even time to go out at all...
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I wish I had time to go to other parts of the country to climb, or even time to have a full day out, or even time to go out at all...
Wait till you start work full-time.
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Yeah, I know, I'll have free time most evenings and weekends!
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Exactly!
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Conditions were superb by the way.
Nearly got two problems I'm working there - was stopped on both (to be honest) by being on my own - no spotter and only one mat... #wuss :)
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let me know if your ever in need of a spotter tom as i'm only 20ish minutes away and often pop down on my tod in an evening
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let me know if your ever in need of a spotter tom as i'm only 20ish minutes away and often pop down on my tod in an evening
Cool, might be down this evening (depending on whether my head feels too mashed from work etc..) or maybe tomorrow... will send you a PM..
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Should be there about 1 ish today if anyones around? juan, I've ok'd you.
T
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Anyone fancy Harmers tomorrow (Tues) evening?
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Anyone fancy Harmers tomorrow (Tues) evening?
Not about I'm afraid.. Thurs > Sun a possibility.,..
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I might be, but depends on my climbing partners as the wife is taking the car away from me
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I think I'll be there anyway. If anyone does turn up, it will be great if they bring a harness.
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How will Harmers have coped with the showers this weekend? I thinking of popping in tomorrow on the way home from work.
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Hard to tell, the showers were pretty heavy but it was starting from a point of considerable dryness and is at least nice and windy today - but also more rain is due. If you don't go I'll probably pop my head in on Thurs and will update.
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Cheers Andy. Having only been once when it was damp, I couldn't really tell how the rain/sum would affect it.
I'll probably pop in anyway and have a look. Will post up here what it was like.
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PS I've been in touch with the Friends of the woods, asking them to reconsider the 'keep out till April 2012' notice on the Drive In quarry. At least this rain will help their seedlings along a bit. Not heard back yet...
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Thanks again Steve, let us know ... in any case we have to respect their wishes. At least my knee might have recovered for next year's season.
Prospective Harmerers; its pissed down here this afternoon,
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Prospective Harmerers; its pissed down here this afternoon,
Bugger.
Any other prospective quick drying venues on the drive from Ellesmere Port to Manchester?
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Any other prospective quick drying venues on the drive from Ellesmere Port to Manchester?
you could try helsby upper tier but as sand stone is porous it might not be so strong and might snap on you. and it did pelt it down something rotten and the wind seemed to come from the south west which wouldn't really help dry that venue.
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Any other prospective quick drying venues on the drive from Ellesmere Port to Manchester?
you could try helsby upper tier but as sand stone is porous it might not be so strong and might snap on you. and it did pelt it down something rotten and the wind seemed to come from the south west which wouldn't really help dry that venue.
As its only 5 mins off the main road and 30 secs from the parking it might be worth the quick detour to check. Was nice evening and dry overnight. Heslby top tier is pretty uninspiring.
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That's because you're climbing too well Andy. Helsby upper upper got me back into climbing after a massive lay-off, post dad-dom so I may be a bit biased :)
Anyone got any pointers to the good stuff around Alderley Edge?
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the good stuff around Alderley Edge
I think that could go in the dictionary as a definition of an oxymoron.
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Will Harmers be in condition tomorrow? The shaded setting looks good.
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when did it last rain over this side...? a good few days ago.. I would have thought its worth a punt certainly..
Might be an idea to take a soft broom (very soft - i.e. for inside) to brush the crap off the holds. Theres often alot of leaves, seeds, bits and bobs from the trees on the holds there when its not been used for a while..
Tom
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was in excellent condition this evening. Breeze had dried everything up nicely. All problems clean and dry with no scrittle. Heavy shower on the 56 goin home though.
I nipped round to the quarry where theyve done all the diggin to have a look (i didnt even know it was there!) and there are clearly chalked problems. It cant be old as its been a well wet end of may. Surely if we want to negotiate access we should respect the wishes of the 'friends' until summats sorted. Maybe worth adding a sign saying that climbers are respecting the request to not access the quarry at the mo.
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Annoyingly too damp (just) at 3pm this afternoon. One of the roaming showers seemed to have got it a little earlier and it hadnt dried at all. Lots of flying biting things there too.
On the plus side, I disturbed two people trying to (I assume, I couldnt really see) f*ck in the car park...
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Hello, anyone been over there in the last couple of days, or any thoughts on conditions there? It's been dryish in Manc for the last couple of days and I know Harmers needs a couple of days to sort itself out after rain...?
TIA TT
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We had some rain early yesterday morning if that helps.
Re: top quarry. Mailed The Friends again last week about access ...they don't seem that responsive to email. Bah!
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Hmm... That makes it a bit marginal then.. I might go and have a look and head to the wall it it's pants.. I can't be doing with the Sunday into the peak traffic today #lazybastard
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Arse biscuits, raining here now... Radar showing speckles of showers.. Pah. :(
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Harmer's tonight anyone?
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Does anybody know how Harmer's gets in the winter? I'm keen to head up sometime over the next 10 days or so. Anyone keen?
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It needs a few days to dry iirc, sadly it's been pissing it down for the last few days :(
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It'll be shite Will, we have no even vaguely prlonged dry spells.
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I feared as much. Andy, do you fancy getting out between family time?
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Morning of the 2nd Jan is about the only time I'll have Will - if the weathers playing ball...
Andy, if you're about before term starts happy to get out weather etc...
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Popped in for a an hour this afternoon; pretty much bone dry but a bit green - hardly surprising after such a wet winter but only a few of the harder things would need a scrub. Felt like a fridge when I first dropped down in to the quarry but it actually proved very amenable, almost balmy.
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Good to know Andy, damp last time I ran through. So if that guide comes out are we placing bets on how long that dodgy tree stump lasts? :)
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if that guide comes out
When that guide comes out. ::)
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When that guide comes out. ::)
Tell porkie to stop hustling beginners on Pisa Wall and get a move on! :whip:
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Andy, did you hang a rope for your big proj up the back wall right of the big arete? Looks like good climbing but the metre of steep mud looks death.
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PS I've been in touch with the Friends of the woods, asking them to reconsider the 'keep out till April 2012' notice on the Drive In quarry. At least this rain will help their seedlings along a bit. Not heard back yet...
The sign's gone, together with the ugly barrier tape. The big quarry looks like a blank canvas after the winter and no chalk! Faffed about a bit in the regular quarry yesterday afternoon, greasy and green but a worthwhile hour before dark. Oddly it looks like someone has been at the ground with a spade making the 20 foot crack a 20-and-a-third foot crack?
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5230/5550953978_f3dfeb27b3_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverile/5550953978/)
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Any of my Boys In Da Wood know what its like at the mo?
I'm also wondering what time light stops play up there. I'll hopefully arrive for about quarter to 7 and fancy getting at least an hour in.
Thanks
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Jim was there a couple of days back I think?
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Would imagine its good to go - think Tomtom went over the weekend. One of them will be along shortly I'm sure. Obviously its in a hole and thus loses light a bit early, but much of it faces roughly the right direction.
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Yup, was perfectomundo on the dryness front on Sunday... should stil be tip top. Driest I've ever seen it to be honest...
Was a little greasy and I'd take a brush as a couple of the upper holds have had no traffic and/are dirty/covered in dust/leaves/dried green ooze ;)
Recon you'll be fine until 8:30...
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Thanks, you kids are awesome.
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Whereas frodsham was gopping Saturday morning, but i left a velcro at the wall so it didn't matter.
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I'll echo Tom's comments. It was really, really dry. Just a tad warm to pull on the tiny holds. A good opportunity to brush stuff though and get rid of the winter crud that has accumulated.
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Good last night. The blank canvas has gone - lots of chalk again and stuff getting done. Warm and really pleasant, not great friction obviously. There with the Zod till about 8, before the footholds started disappearing. More than usual.
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Anyone keen to get out there over the weekend? Might be abe to come over from Leeds on Sunday morning and make a day of it.
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'Fraid I won't be around Will - off to Philly!
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I'll echo the above comments, it was good last night. TomTom must own night vision goggles to climb till half 8. Bloody ex Special Forces. Could do with some wads chalking the top holds on the harder problems as I cannae see them in broad daylight.
I might be there on Sunday afternoon, the temps look a little more skin friendly too.
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I'm off to sheffield this weekend will or I'd have said I'd join you
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TomTom must own night vision goggles to climb till half 8. Bloody ex Special Forces.
Which 'special' forces was Jim in then? He'll happily climb in the dark...
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Couldnt go tonight - but planning to be out tomorrow lunchtime - Will?
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Was pretty good today - most of the holds are now cleaned up nicely, and only a couple of the deep mono's have the slightest traced of damp in them (I've never felt em dryer..). Good to meet up with Nick and the lads - the place is starting to get a bit more traffic.
I meant to spend some time in the other quarry cleaning stuff - but got sidetracked giving people duff beta ;)
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Balls, can't do tomorrow. Have a good one.
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Good and dry today. Cleaned off a couple of the tops.
The local yoot have had a party there and there is evidence of a big fire and there's tons of broken glass. A friendly scouser had cleaned up a lot but it'd be worth who ever goes in the next couple of days taking some tough gloves and doing a clean up (we had nowt appropriate). Worm even found smashed glass in the pockets on one of the aretes where they have chucked bottles at the crag. :wank:
Weirdly, even though it was super, super dry, 3 footholds broke. Guess it just highlights how careful we have to be with the place.
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I'm heading over today so will take some gloves and bags.
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There was a tent pitched there in the quarry this morning and more glass everywhere. The tent stank of weed so I can only assume that the occupants were possibly arrested during the night or got up early and abandonded ship.
Anyway, we cleared as much glass from the below the walls and tidied up a bit but left the tent.
Lovely day today.... :)
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Good effort word.
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Nice one FD. Hope the luurcals don't think it's climbers making all the mess :/
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Might pop in tonight if anyone's about...
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Might pop in tonight if anyone's about...
I suspect its wet.. (on and off heavy rain showers here today..) but it could have missed them all..
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Did you go, Adam? What's the weather been like over there?
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+1. Was it ok JB?
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Will, might be about for a couple of hours late Sat morning if you're around - and it's not gopping :-/
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Ran along under Frodsham Wed evening and that was dry. Small shower later. Don't *think* we had anything yesterday.
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Sorry chaps, I didn't go after getting the weather reports. Gogarth was in good nick though...
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/5284ea5c-3d3d-8705.jpg)
Conditions ok right now. Little damp to touch but no seepage. If anyone's visiting this weekend, can you bring a bin bag for this lot.. Prob the remains of the 'camping' that fd reported. T
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/5284e8de-3d9c-7b14.jpg)
Oh, and the lost boot is still here!
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Horrible wet and greasy Sunday. Drying now, still seeping in places. Forgot to check if there was still a snail in one of the Layaway wall monos.
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Was in good condition this eve. And in the shade from 5 onwards.. Temps dropped nicely after 6. Sadly some tools had had a 'party' the night before leaving loads f broken glass at the base of many of the faces (bottle throwing I suspect) other shit and weirdly cello tape wrapped around trees.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/5284d75b-7a1c-0407.jpg)
I spent about 30-40 min clearing up what I could and another chap came along and helped later. So it's not too bad now. But keep an eye out for broken glass there was quite alot and we only got what we could see.
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Full karma points for the clean-up (it was me that stopped for a chat on the bike). Nice one.
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I really despair, this place was pristine for the last two years, never saw one piece of rubbish :wank:
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I really despair, this place was pristine for the last two years, never saw one piece of rubbish :wank:
I guess the Luurcal yoof have got wind of the place :-/ to be fair it cleaned up quicker than I thought it would..
& hello Steve
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There was still a reasonable amount of broken glass on saturday, So it might be worth taking a glass magnet or two with you for a few areas (although I tried to sweep some into bags as I was recovering from a recent injury and didn't climb much). So thats Pex, Frogsmouth and Harmer's that are proper duff for glass.
Thanks to all of you guy's that keep the place clean and nice.
Shame I'm now covered in bites from there
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Shame I'm now covered in bites from there
;) me too! Harmers seems to have some extra 'special' biters! Maybe they were pissed off with me for taking away the dregs left in the broken desparado bottles!
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that would explain a great deal :smirk:
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Was OK condition this afternoon. Some of the problems still had wet streaks, but about 70% of things were fine. Take your insect repellant though - sheltered spot and warm temps = biters again~!
http://vimeo.com/user4676815 (http://vimeo.com/user4676815)
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Hello,
Good news and bad news.
Its mostly been fine - a little damp a week ago, and quite a bit better on Sunday - though major wet streaks accross some problems. One or two need a good brush but most things are fine.
Bad news is that theres been some more yoofs making fires, boozin, sniffin glue (going by the split open deodorant cans) and chucking bottles. Its not as 'messy' as previous times, but theres lots of broken glass under Harmadillo area etc.. (watch out for most things left of the main easy vertical crack problem). I didnt have the heart to clear up on Friday/Saturday (having done so a couple of times before this year) but if anyone else is planning to visit in the next week or so it might be an idea to bring a stout pair of gloves and a box for the glass etc..
I guess its kind of inevitable this happens, but I wish they'd use one of the shittier (from a climbing point of view) quarries instead! I dont know if anyone on here has been in touch with the folk from harmerswood.org, but if so it might be worth talking to them to see if anything can be done? Maybe moving the logs for seats (not used as firewood) and disposing of must substantial/easily burnable material from the quarry so they head elsehwere? I couldnt think of much else that could be done....
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I can't tell you how much this depresses me. No chance I can help clear up at the moment either.
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I can't tell you how much this depresses me. No chance I can help clear up at the moment either.
Its nothing like as bad as its been the last couple of times (litter wise), but the broken glass is an issue....
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I'll head up there on Friday and get what I glass I can.
If anyone is in contact with the guys at Harmers.org and they'd like a qualified chainsaw-ist to do some deadwood clearing/selective thinning (later on in the year, depending on felling licences) I'll also offer my services to them for for coppicing/hedgelaying/fencing etc....
Cheers
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I expect they'd find that really really useful... there is a post address on their website (under contacts) so I might write to them - but I'll hold fire for now if anyone else has any ideas/things to say etc..
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Popped in this morning hopeful it wasnt too wet. Sadly it was wet. I doubt it'll be dry by this afternoon - no real added seepage, just runoff - but still too damp. Needs a day or two of dry IMHO.
Also had a look at Helsby - low RH crag was 'nearly' OK, but the rock looked a bit seepy and I didnt want to risk any damage... Home and beastmakerisation.
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Hi all,
I'm hoping to get out for some bouldering this afternoon from Liverpool, and this place sounds great. Do you reckon should be dry today what with the great weather for the last 2 days?
I'll also bring a bag for a bit of a cleanup if I end up here.
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I think there should be enough to do. Maybe there myself at some point.
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Writing to the Friends Of about chainsawing, etc. sounds like an excellent idea. I've emailed a couple of times but never get a reply (maybe it's me). Nice folk when you meet them in person, but just not that responsive to email.
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Steve, do you know if its OK to climb in the roadside quarry now?
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Almost certainly Andy - I've bumbled around already on a grotty day. The original signs said not till April 1 2012 IIRC. The sign and tape were long gone by then though, maybe around Jan/Feb?
That said, I'm not sure how successful their whole wildflower seeding project has been - the nettles and usual weedy stuff have had a pretty good head start.
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Main quarry is largely dry, though not really in good nick as most things clearly haven't been getting any traffic and need a good brushing. Did some litter picking; those no obvious large bits large debris (though when the ferns die back we'll undoubtedly find more) but there was still plenty of broken glass. Picked up as much as I could and don't think there's much left that endanger a falling climber.
That said, I'm not sure how successful their whole wildflower seeding project has been - the nettles and usual weedy stuff have had a pretty good head start.
Indeed, they seem to have succeeded only in producing a world class nettle breeding programme. Some monster head height specimens. I managed to forge a path to the lovely Stig-arete, which was actually super clean.
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Went here the other day for the first time as a diversion from the motor way drive...something I've been meaning to do for ages, what a cool little venue. However, despite a few days of sunny weather all the harder stuff on the walls were still pretty damp and unclimbable, although most of the easier classic aretes were all good.
With this in mind and the fact that it's such a perfect stop off point during a non climbing journey (or otherwise) I thought it would be pretty useful if folk posted what condition they last found it in, and before someone says 'only go there in spring/ autumn', Babyblock was virtually dry and looked like it might only take another day to become climbable. So here's mine:
Babyblock was almost dry last week with all the classic easier lines dry and climbable, ;) although the crack was a little damp. As an aside there's loads of broken glass below a lot of the problems so next time I'd bring a bag and do my bit and all that shizzle. The police also came around to check my van out as apparently there's been some dodgy vehicles patrolling the area so I guess not leaving valuables is a no brainer but also not parking there if your vehicle is dodgy, like mine was with a balding tire...would be advisable, just managed to catch the copper before a closer inspection was made, phew!
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I should also add that despite the hot, shorts and vest (oh yer baby) day it still felt cool enough in the quarry to climb the harder problems.
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Erm.. Did you see the existing Harmers wood conditions thread about 8 threads below?
mods, can you merge this with the existing one please?
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What a fucking dick.....did a search too, I'll get me coat...
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Anyone been recently? Was thinking of having a look today as we've had a few days of dry weather...
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Sorry Tom not been in ages. Don't think I can make it but text me if you do go and I'll see ...
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Sorry Tom not been in ages. Don't think I can make it but text me if you do go and I'll see ...
Will do. More flexible today, so if am or pm is easier let me know.. T
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How long is a piece of string? How much work do I have to do today etc ...
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Tomtom, he say is all good!! However, the twit has gone and forgotten his boots. :-[
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Tomtom, he say is all good!! However, the twit has gone and forgotten his boots. :-[
Luckily I had a spare pair of mad shit rock wall boots lurking in the detritus in the boot. Oddly they were pretty good at smearing.. Normally they're log..
Anyway now back in data coverage as Andy said its good. Best it's been since April in my view. Picked a couple of slugs out of the drill holes but all dry and pretty clean... Little or no glass or litter. Well done those who've been tidying.
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got there for the last hour of daylight, was pretty greasy as the darkness decended
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Sorry about that Jim. Just been and whilst the rocks ok, it's warm and no wind, so hot and sticky.. Perfect beer garden weather :-/
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I've not checked, but Helsby was pretty good this afternoon - and given a week without any real rain, I recon Harmers might be OK this weekend... *usual seepage exclusion clauses apply..
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Not surprisingly its pretty wet (though not really running with water) but more excitingly the newly revealed walls towards the back and side of the roadside quarry, previously totally caked in mud, have been washed almost completely clean and there's definitely some potential. I feel another phase of development coming on.
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Any locals know of current conditions? Guessing it will be good at the moment?
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Should be OK in the main quarry. I may try and take a look tomorrow.
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Thanks Andy sounds ideal time to pop my Harmer's cherry
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If its a bit damp the upper tier of Helsby should be primo..
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Could have in situ scallies with it being half term?
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Probably too cold ;) be sniffing glue somewhere warmer ;)
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they'll be at Frogsmouth tooting gas and doing sports routes shurely....
fo' real
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I nearly forgot. Surprisingly rubbish. Not totally soaked but nothing properly dry. Definitely not worth going at the moment.
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Thanks Andy did go there but came to the same conclusion as you. What i did there has wet my apetite, will be back and with a rack for Helsby!
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Its not rained for ages. Will it be in? Might check it out 1ish
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Tomtom was there yesterday and said it was mostly fine in the main quarry, with just a few of the normal streaks. Not had any traffic all the winter though so a bit grubby at the mo.
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Yes it was pretty good. Only Harmadillo was gopping. I'd take a large soft brush to give some of the top outs a clean but most of the holds were in good shape. Relatively dry underfoot in the second roadside quarry too.
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I suspect Harmers will be damp - but how's the Cheshire sandstone faring in general? Been away for a week so no idea how much wet stuff has landed.. Helsby upper ok at the moment?
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I went to Harmers just before the snow and it was all gopping again so will surely still be out. Drove past Helsby on the M-way today and there's definitely still some snow up there so there might be run off on the top tier but perhaps not? Hard to tell. The main buttress is mos likely to be clear.
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Starting to dry out again as of Tuesday. Tons of chalk on the first arete. Still plenty of seepage here and there. Back wall of the other quarry had lost a lot of the top layer of soily filth...
Helsby upper could do with a bit more drying out (just had a shower this morning).
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It rained as soon as I posted that... anyways ran up past the main quarry last night and there were 6 or 8 folk in there getting stuff done. I shouted down asking if it was dry and they seemed happy enough with conditions. Cue torrential rain...
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I was there very briefly Tues. Has it really rained that much over there Steve? Not been much more than a bit of claggy drizzle here in Widnes and Liverpool the last two days and I was thinking of going back tomorrow.
Helsby top tier will dry in a trice in this wind but will be super blowy. My mat got blown away Tues afternoon.
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Despite the rain - many places seem really dry - it was bone dry underfoot at Holmfirth yesterday, and there were mini dust storms across the 62 in a couple of places.. Strong wind etc.. If it was OK yesterday I suspect it'll be fine today despite some rain..
Send me a text Andy.. your projects still a-waiting...
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Not been up to Harmers, but Hoop-La buttress was minty last night. A couple of effin' strong gusts of wind though, and some broken branches on trees within the vicinity. I suspect Harmers could be in good nick too?
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No, it looked great last night. Point being it was just coming good last week when I posted then we had several decent showers. Such a lot of wind since though, some of it reached into the quarry. Started out damp and a few spots this morning in Frod, nothing major though. Almost sacked the run for Harmers yesterday evening, wish I had really...
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stopped on way past to have a look, was dry
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Mint this afternoon. Prof Popp was up to his new problem tricks again :) to be posted later...
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good news
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might head down this afternoon if I get an early finish at work. Do we think it'll be dry?
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Yes, its bone dry (apart from the bits that are always wet) and starting to get cleaned up and chalked. I might turn up this afternoon.
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Jim - it'll be about as good as it ever gets..
I've no skin left :) Hope to get there on Sunday..
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It was in ok condition yesterday. haydn's is a bit on the green and wet side with a bit of moisture in the break line of Martin's traverse and proper wetness on the big foothold of Harmer's arête. Baby bloc wall is in good condition. Self Harmer was climbable (if a bit mossy on the ledge you pop to near the top) as was scoop wall and everything left bar the top of gout and about. I can confirm that Babybloc is now hard but possibly doable as I was managing to crimp-pinch the sandy remains of the hold that Tom removed and almost rock on to the high foothold. High Heaven was wet but Yates' was ok.
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It was in ok condition yesterday. haydn's is a bit on the green and wet side with a bit of moisture in the break line of Martin's traverse and proper wetness on the big foothold of Harmer's arête. Baby bloc wall is in good condition. Self Harmer was climbable (if a bit mossy on the ledge you pop to near the top) as was scoop wall and everything left bar the top of gout and about. I can confirm that Babybloc is now hard but possibly doable as I was managing to crimp-pinch the sandy remains of the hold that Tom removed and almost rock on to the high foothold. High Heaven was wet but Yates' was ok.
Cheers Richie - glad it looks possible.. I'm planning to head over there tomorrow lunchtime to see if its possible to get the foot up with the RH still low in the slot...
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That's what I tried for a while (trying to press down) and then using it as an undercut also. I'm a bit shit at vertical crimping though so it may not be too bad?! Cool dry temps would give a better idea! I thought self harmer was superb too.
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Harmers is wet. Walls have had a good dousing and the pockets, breaks etc all wet. Needs a good dry day or two.
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Harmers is nearly dry. Mostly ok but with some wet streaks. Give it another day and it should be ok.
Helsby in the woods was surprisingly in really good nic. Even the usual wet streak was only partial.. #goodconnies
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My brother and I are heading to harmer's tomorrow afternoon. I guess it is in top condition at the moment. If a little hot.
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My brother and I are heading to harmer's tomorrow afternoon. I guess it is in top condition at the moment. If a little hot.
Dry as it gets.
Its better in the morning (to escape the heat) and a few bits are in shade in the afternoon, but it really is better before 2pm... Andy's new problems in the other quarry are in the shade in the afternoon..
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Any word on what's happening on other side of t' Pennines? Got a day off on Friday and Hoghton is looking unlikely.
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Was good this AM but rained a bit this afternoon. If it gets a good dousing tomorrow (I don't know the forecast) then it probably won't be ok for Friday. Bit of its just a couple of showers the prob ok.
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Cheers TT. Will check back forecast-wise tomorrow.
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Cheers TT. Will check back forecast-wise tomorrow.
I wouldnt make any Harmers plans for tomorrow Will - its just started pissing it down in Manchester and the radar doesnt look too flash for Harmers way...
http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ (http://www.raintoday.co.uk/)
It 'might' be OK tomorrow if theres not much more rain - but I would not make a trip up there just to check.. if you were passing it might be worth a look in etc.. but my money would be on gopping.
:(
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Dry as a dry thing Monday, plenty of stuff getting chalked up. We had showers on and off yesterday afternoon, same today, ground's damp now...
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Very good as of this afternoon.
But it looks like the partying kids are back... there were some burnt GCSE chemistry notes and some empty beer cans scattered around (last exam?). I filled a carrier and got most of it - but for regulars it might be worth taking a spare placcy bag in case more turns up (probably at A level finishing time....)
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http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,22584.0.html (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,22584.0.html)
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All dry but too hot to do anything difficult. The crimps seem to be sweating today despite it being shady. Easier stuff on big holds fine but otherwise hard work. Sacked it off for an ice cream ;)
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[COVERING THE BASES ALERT]
Completely mercenary post: anyone want to lend a pad and a spot at Harmers early Tuesday morning?
Over the last couple of weeks I've spend a lot of time scrubbing decades worth of mud and slime from a line up the centre of the back wall of the roadside quarry. Its going to be a 3* highball but hasn't been climbable until now (I got high on it the week when it still wasn't really clean/dry). Trouble is I go on holiday for two weeks on Wed, early Tuesday morning is my only window but could do with an extra pad. Might all be moot as rain is possible on Tues anyway ...
Mindful of everything said in the Grand Canyon thread, if I don't get a chance this week, can people not get on it. Its been a mini epic to prep and I'm only away two weeks.
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I would offer Andy, but my wife is stealing the car from monday for her new job and I wouldn't be able to get over there from penketh. I hope you get it done before the rain comes
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Thanks anyway 'Juan.'
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Just popped in to check the conditions as I was passing. It's damp, needs a day or three of dry.
But there's some weird landscaping going on in the main quarry. Building a new platform and flattening the base from what I can see. Tried to capture it below. Doesn't seem to interfere with any of the problems but not sure what's up...
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/02/bytajuty.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/02/vubanute.jpg)
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Are they building a "stage" for the upcoming folk gig in the quarry?
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Are they building a "stage" for the upcoming folk gig in the quarry?
If so its not very large! It did look a bit stage like... is this for real btw?
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Despite recent spells of rain its holding up pretty well.
Its worth noting that 'Tweedledum', the L arete at the back of the main quarry is dry, clean and chalked. I've never seen the problem even vaguely climbable before, though Boysen and Leppert always maintained it did dry once in a blue moon. Get it while you can, it gives some really nice teetering and a perfect dose of commitment.
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ps. its about V3 and is worth a good two stars of anyone's money.
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First conditions - bit sweaty and greasy but passable..
Second, I had a good chat with one of the custodians of Harmers by the car park (a group of locals used their own money and some lottery funding (I think) to buy the woodland a few years ago). A nice chap who was doing some weeding around by one of the picnic tables!
So it seems there was a folk festival there earlier in the summer (small affair for charidy..) but it was a bit of a disaster as it pissed down and they had to cancel at 6pm... He doubted it would happen again next year. I talked to him about fires/bottles/rubbish in the quarry every now and then and he was really pleased when I mentioned that myself and others have cleared up other peoples rubbish on a few occasions. In fact he said "we like the climbers and the walkers, because they look after the place" - so all good on that front :)
I mentioned that some of us had (on here) offered to help with any clearance/chainsawing etc.. and he said thanks for the offer but it probably wasn't necessary. Very little maintenance is required, according to him, and most of the clearing and moving has now been done. Mainly taking down any dangerous looking wood or clearing paths after storms etc.. Again he seemed grateful for the offer.
All good to hear and hopefully keep the relationship good by carrying on as we were I guess..
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Nice one tom tom.
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Good stuff. I've found the Friends Of pretty good and happy to have people sharing their love of the place.
The key question is did Andy get his project done? Impressive amount of cleaning on that back wall - crux at the top?
:)
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No, I haven't done it yet. Hoping I get a chance tomorrow evening (anyone fancy lending mats?) - might be last chance for a while. Yep, crux is at the top.
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Busy week with work, new school, race tonight, etc. But if I get chance I can pop down with a mat ...or can lend on way past from Frodsham?
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No, I haven't done it yet. Hoping I get a chance tomorrow evening (anyone fancy lending mats?) - might be last chance for a while. Yep, crux is at the top.
As in thursday Eve? could be there..
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Yes, Thurs. With the Dawes, possibly.
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Text me when you've got some plans... though I've only got my black snap mat, as I had to cache my other one in Hull...
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Might pop down tonight with Grimer, forecast looks good
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Might pop down tonight with Grimer, forecast looks good
It was getting a bit greasy and humid yesterday Dan (and that was in the morning) - what with it being a scorcher today it might not be that good...
I mean its dry - but those little crimps won't be much fun....
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Text me when you've got some plans... though I've only got my black snap mat, as I had to cache my other one in Hull...
Will do Tom.
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Steve, have pm'd you. Cheers.
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Congrats on getting your project done Andy - looked tricksy. Just in time before for the rain came too :)
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Was thinking of popping in here for an hour tomorrow morning on the way over to Wales.
Anyone know if its dry and is it worth going just for an hour ? -ie are the problems obvious, I haven't got a guide
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I looked in the roadside quarry yesterday which was OKish and the main quarry is always in beter nick. Tomtom might be there this morning. I think it would be good enough for an hour. Most of the problems, esp the aretes, are dead obvious. Make sure you have a pad with you.
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At Helsby ATM.. Not Harmers. I imagine its in great nic.. But depends on rain Dolly.. It's sheltered so wind doesn't dry it much. It's spitting on off here at the moment which is fine but if it gets a good soak today or this eve I'd leave it. Maybe ask again this evening (I'm not sure what the forecast is). Great place though- and what higher endorsemt can there be than Mr Dawes using it as his 'en route to Wales' stop off...
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Cheers for the replies. Will post again this evening in case there is any more local knowledge.
Is there any bouldering at Helsby then ?
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Yup.. On't top and in't woods.
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There have been some heavy isolated showers in the area over the afternoon, I doubt the Helsby area has totally escaped. I would imagine Harmers might be a little dingy on some of the walls. Helsby Woods and Hilltop will be much more reliable and either will give a decent hour of fun on nice natural rock. Grades up to 7Aish in the Woods and about V3 at Hilltop. But its blowy and Hilltop is very exposed, I've known it be windy enough up there to be a bit unenjoyable.
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any locals going to helsby woods/other surrounding bits Thursday afternoon/Friday day? would like a proper tour round there
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I'm out tomorrow afternoon but am afraid I have a target at some shite Runcorn esoteria.
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which one?
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The Heath, but I can't really recommend it.
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I'm hoping to get out on Friday (fly back from Munchen on friday AM) but my timings a little contingent on when my flight gets in (think its 10 ish) and taking MrsTT to the garage to pick up her car in the afternoon...
Could possibly meet you for an hour or so but then might have to dash off etc...
Forecast dependent blah blah etc...
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I'll have a pad in the car so might stop by for an hour if I can tomorrow morning or maybe on the way back depending on what time I can leave Aber. Will post here if possible
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I'll have a pad in the car so might stop by for an hour if I can tomorrow morning or maybe on the way back depending on what time I can leave Aber. Will post here if possible
Thats an odd way to get to Aber Dolly! Thought of checking out the lime bouldering at Ruthin which is more en-route? (10-15 min walk in though..)
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M56 to Chester, then Wrexham and down. Which way is faster ?
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M56 to Chester, then Wrexham and down. Which way is faster ?
I'm going mad! Of course you go past Frodsham etc..
This was my old favourite route...
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/preview#!data=!1m4!1m3!1d515923!2d-3.3964297!3d52.8925174!4m35!3m34!1m5!1sThe+University+of+Manchester%2C+Oxford+Rd%2C+Manchester%2C+Greater+Manchester+M13+9PL%2C+United+Kingdom!2s0x487bb18e8861a121%3A0x7cb93350c67efb3c!3m2!3d53.466808!4d-2.233936!1m5!1sAberystwyth+University%2C+Llanbadarn+Campus%2C+Llanbadarn+Fawr%2C+Aberystwyth%2C+Dyfed+SY23+3AL%2C+United+Kingdom!2s0x486f764d0ef055ff%3A0x1efcaaf9545d5b54!3m2!3d52.415524!4d-4.063066!2e0!3m8!1m3!1d4040394!2d-4.064941!3d53.800651!3m2!1i1366!2i643!4f13.1!9m5!2m2!3d53.1568759!4d-2.9303961!3s0x487ac3190cd86081%3A0x7c94556ad8b6c588!4f0.7672284!9m5!2m2!3d53.1156888!4d-3.1023504!3s0x487acf14f78572b7%3A0x868d1f4dd24f7672!4f1&fid=0 (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/preview#!data=!1m4!1m3!1d515923!2d-3.3964297!3d52.8925174!4m35!3m34!1m5!1sThe+University+of+Manchester%2C+Oxford+Rd%2C+Manchester%2C+Greater+Manchester+M13+9PL%2C+United+Kingdom!2s0x487bb18e8861a121%3A0x7cb93350c67efb3c!3m2!3d53.466808!4d-2.233936!1m5!1sAberystwyth+University%2C+Llanbadarn+Campus%2C+Llanbadarn+Fawr%2C+Aberystwyth%2C+Dyfed+SY23+3AL%2C+United+Kingdom!2s0x486f764d0ef055ff%3A0x1efcaaf9545d5b54!3m2!3d52.415524!4d-4.063066!2e0!3m8!1m3!1d4040394!2d-4.064941!3d53.800651!3m2!1i1366!2i643!4f13.1!9m5!2m2!3d53.1568759!4d-2.9303961!3s0x487ac3190cd86081%3A0x7c94556ad8b6c588!4f0.7672284!9m5!2m2!3d53.1156888!4d-3.1023504!3s0x487acf14f78572b7%3A0x868d1f4dd24f7672!4f1&fid=0)
(sorry for the bonkers link!)
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Good link :)
I tried coming that way once but the locals laughed at me taking the "scenic" route saying it was quicker to come down to Welshpool. Not sure it is though, maybe will try "the other way"
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Hey up Jim - back in Manchestershire now.. are you heading out?
T
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PS - is it likely to be in (Andy? anyone?) been away for the last two days so missed the weather etc.. blah.. blah..
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It's been dry yesterday and today so should be fine. Presume the woods were ok the other day?
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Hope I can get away from Aber early. What time you lot all heading out ?
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THanks Andy.
Dolly - I'll be at Helsby in't woods from 12 ish >2 (I then have to ferry MrsTT to the garage to pick up her wheels post service etc..). It'll be too late if you're coming from Aber.. sorry. If I have your mobile number I'll message you some details from the guide..
Jim, if you're heading out and want a quick tour of Helsby I've DM'd you my mobile number.
T
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No worries. Cheers TT
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Sorry, just seen this. due to grim weather this morning started painting the house and went to the wall between coats
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is it dry out today down that neck of the woods. any cheshire heads out today?
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I'm Still in bed Jim :)
Forecast looks much better west side than the peak.. (Nudge to all those peak folk grumbling about rain!)
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Harmers is open for business again. Popped in for a quick half hour before it went dark. Drying out nicely, poked a few molluscs out of the pockets. Top quarry a bit damper.
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Well that was impeccable timing, it's raining now. Bah!
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Was all good today - about 90% dry (odd damp streak). Should be fairly primo tomorrow...
Felt good conditions tbh, good dry wind and nice and clean.
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Anyone have an idea what the conditions are like? Me and wormanegger on the way down from the lakes and are currently trying to choose between hamers and trowbarrow..........
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All good.
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Yes - all good. Though it could do with some rain as its a bit of a chalk fest at the moment.
Also - the Friends of Harmers wood have posted a couple of signs in the cloakroom quarry asking climbers not to use trees for rope anchors. They believe this may be harming the trees. I've only ever seen people using ropes twice at Harmers so don't think it is a common practice - and this is a bouldering not chuffing forum - but just letting you all know.
IMHO no point in having a UKC style 'they're mad - they're wrong' type debate about it - best just heed their request (as they are nice people) and most/all of the problems are paddable anyway....
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Thank you boys though your replies came twenty mins too late as we are now at longridge playing on dampish rock. Incidentally Andy, my avatar is a picture of a mate who was at uni with you and in the climbing club. Matt guy, he was probably wearing the same stuff back then!
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North Staffs Poly? I don't remember that name at all. But then again I can remember almost nothing from that long ago.
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Yes staffs poly. Business studies student. Small guy probably drunk a lot with piss stained leggings!
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All dry today. Nice and clean but a bit warm and a tad greasy without any wind.
Watch out for the odd 'dog egg' or three that someone has left in the main quarry :/
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Was that what was on my pad and shoes today!! :shit: yuk!!
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Was that what was on my pad and shoes today!! :shit: yuk!!
Ah - was that you there today? If so pleasure to meet you.
Hope Helsby was good. Suspect you were all fine as the dog eggs all looked whole still! ;)
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Question to the house... anyone else notice a few too many holds looking a bit worse for wear? Aside from foul-play, is it us lot climbing when it's still a touch damp?
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Its not looking too bad... maybe one or two holds are a little larger than at first, but overall I think its holding up pretty well. SS is never going to be as durable as many of the grit outcrops.
But its never a good idea to go on while its damp...
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Thanks Tom, you're probably right, I'm just feeling overly-protective of the place. Lovely as it is :)
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Yes staffs poly. Business studies student. Small guy probably drunk a lot with piss stained leggings!
If that's Matt who was there c.90-93, say hello to him from Dirty Adam! He'll know who I am. Have man happy memories of climbing with him at Staffs Poly.
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All good today. Nice and dry. Watch out for the midges...
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All fine. Little sweaty but ok. Seems to have missed the mizzle that hit Manc this AM.
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Thinking of heading over tomorrow morning. All good? Will anyone else be out?
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Should think it's perfectly dry..
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Any idea for tonight? Will it be soaked after yesterday? Cheers.
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Just in case anyone wonders. Went last night. It was in pretty good nick. Apart from some slugs in some pockets. :-)
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Ha :) The usual mono problem... I find a sharpened toothbrush handle is useful for removing the slimey buggers...
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Primo tonight. And Andy had good news... :)
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Primo tonight.
Amazingly so really. It had been a hot day in Cheshire and the quarries tend to be very protected from any breeze but still even small face holds felt tacky and rough. Negligible insect life too. I caught the last half hour of light up on the Helsby hilltop bouldering. It had been in the sun for hours and the rock was very warm to the touch but still it was good and grippy. Cheshire can be a godsend in the summer.
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Ah, I saw the cars but nobody in the main quarry later on. Would I be right in thinking the line L of Harmer's Arete was chalked?
:yes:
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Some heads up - there seems to be a bees nest of some sort in the classroom quarry - lots of buzzing noises and loads of bees. It's alright down the rh (main) side but there's loads on the LH side - and being bees they can of course move :)
Also - some bonkers chalking been going on. Wtf, etc..
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/17/79172e9155a4958a31a6c98d37c05fd7.jpg)
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It looks like the mystery chalker from Pex has been over for a play.
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It looks like the mystery chalker from Pex has been over for a play.
Indeed - its a bit nuts as that wall has about 5 holds on it - all about the size of a matchbox edge... why the spray of chalk!
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Other Harmers news: Mario Balotelli has bought the big white house on the road up. The one previously owned (and built) by one of the Stobarts...
This was according to local sources (the bin men having lunch at the lay by)..
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The chalking has been bonkers lately, tutting as loudly as brushing here. I was going to post but I do go on. Couple of broken footholds on the newly clean V1 on the left. Rained Monday, but Frodsham at least is dry as anything again.
Wasn't sure if the Balotelli thing was an amusing twitter wheeze - the same guy reposted it loads of times getting it started ...but if the binmen have confirmed that's good enough for me.
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If its the white house on the left hand bend, I was told that was Rio Ferdinand's gaffe
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Naa - was one of the Stobart brothers.. Who owns Widness RL club. Had a big chat with one of the friends of Harmers last summer about it. Used to be a small derelict cottage - which was demolished and he managed to swing those changes through planning somehow!
As you can see on GE it's quite a gaff...
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/17/084c14b865c99095bfa28e81746a252c.jpg)
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My son told me last week that Balotelli had bought it. To be fair, its almost invisible from any public road.
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watch out for the fireworks!
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Well I saw an ugly tall black chap wearing a Man U top and when told this was Rio's gaffe put 2 + 2 together, of course he could have been a visitor.
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The poky white gaff is shown to be still on the market..http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-46782119.html/svr/3103;jsessionid=81C76BABCD2BC45386B31AB98251E720 (http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-46782119.html/svr/3103;jsessionid=81C76BABCD2BC45386B31AB98251E720) Mrs Juan doesn't think there are enough helicopter pads for her, but quite liked the pool despite there being no 10m diving platform.
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He's painted it all in camo now ;)
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:lol:
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Damp.
Faces are dry ish - but pockets and breaks (and the odd ledge) damp. Its that kind of 'dangerous' conditions where it looks possible to climb but holds tend to break....
I left it and went to Helsby in't woods. Where the overhanging bits were fine.
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Not Harmers but close. At Helsby and bizarrely it's condensed out! Never seen connies like it on Sandstone... Suspect Harmers would be crap too given the tree cover.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/17/d33f7b0b1c927c2959d6cdcdeccdc19b.jpg)
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Harmers Ok (until it rains later) but Helsby int woods strangely damp/wet.
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And now the Gopping Forecast from our jogging correspondent, North Cheshire, 12 noon...
Harmers Wood. Haydens, fair to moderate, some gop, right wall dry, floor soaked, nettles.
Classroom, ok in parts, winter cloak oncoming, grease.
Helsby in the Woods, crisp traversing, no longer perspiring.
Helsby Summit, westerly breeze, sunny aspect, small children curious.
Frodsham, dry, previous condensation evaporated.
Latest, brief squally showers all areas.
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Thanks Steve, v. useful.
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Nice one Steve... roving jogging report :)
Andy - you about tomorrow?
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Considering first visit here or frodsham this avvy/tomorrow a.m. Been soggy this week I know but with no leaf cover and it blowin a gale, worth a trip? or Pisa only?
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I'm not sure what the weather has been like as I've been away (though it did rain overnight here in Widnes), but I think you would be very lucky to find much climbable at either venue. Probably best giving them a miss for now.
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I doubt Harmers is dry.. :(
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Plastic it is then.
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Well it snowed on the hill at lunchtime... ::)
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I was thinking of heading down tomorrow afternoon. Does anyone know what condition it is in? Or should I head to the peak / roaches?
Cheers Jamie
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Was good a week ago... So probably fine..
Though I've been in Vienna since Monday so don't know if it's rained etc..
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Cheers tomtom. Not too midgy then yet either?
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Not then.. But that was a week ago..
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Like some kind of saddo Harmerholic I popped by last night on a bike ride and it was nicely dry - couple of lads getting stuff done.
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Wet (no surprises) Helsby climb able under the overhang but its minginngly humid. I'd stay at home folks - or find an air conditioned facility ;)
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80,000'C, totally still, overcast, and as a bonus, slightly midgey. Yeaaah!
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It was nice when I got there, just before 7 (am), but yeah, I can imagine it was a bit grim by the afternoon.
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Was damp in places but drying earlier today. Should be fine this evening/tomorrow...
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Suspect Harmers is fooked at the moment, but rather than start a new thread would anyone hazard a guestimate at how Helsby might be? Been still and a bit claggy here in Manchester, so was wondering how its been 30 miles west?
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I was thinking of heading down early in the morning this weekend. How are conditions there at the moment? I seem to remember it being quite damp is it a mistake heading there for an early session?
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I haven't been, but 90% sure it'll be nasty - looks it from 4 miles distance anyway :)
It was greasy a lot of last year and last time I looked. Ran up the main crag gully Sunday and there was a lot of damp rock - that catches the wind far more than Harmers. A buddy climbed on Helsby in the Woods at the w/e and that seemed ok and is generally more reliable.
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Helsby hilltop is the fastest drying... suspect Harmers is not especially good at the moment..
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Cheers guys :)
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Hesitate to post, because it's only slightly above the level of gossip. Noticed @harmerswood has a new twitter and website - looks some of the the Friends have had a fall-out and there've been some other shenanigans. They still look supportive of climbing but it would do us no harm to continue being extra nice, doing the occasional litter pick, etc.
Hopefully the place will dry out a bit more this year and I can get back to not completing the traverse.
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Agreed... https://www.harmerswood.org/2017
Thanks Steve!
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Ha, I wonder how said former trustees became 'disgraced'? Never fails to amaze me how the smallest groups almost always dissolve into petty politics!
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I'll admit that I spent a few minutes yesterday looking at the minutes that are posted on the website. Intrigue! Deception! Fraud! It's like a soap opera. Intimidating behaviour, motions of no confidence, police involvement, SWEARING! It's a tale which has it all. Highly recommended reading if you like a bit of village goss and have a keen interest in woodland management.
:popcorn:
One of the "disgraced" trustees even died (presumably in unrelated circumstances) during the events.
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All in great condition today. Didn't climb but stopped by on the way back from Helsby.
However there has been some storm damage with a felled tree now blocking the base of doormouse arête
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/120e5fc01785cd5ee5a74cb046af82ba.jpg)
And it looks like some arsehole has been playing throw the rocks at one of the other problems to the left. No damage but a few scars on the face and some debris in the big pocket
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/bf45699b79ee9290058cdf0a7b34c3a3.jpg)
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Storm damage now gone. Those trunks are bigger than they look :whistle:
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Storm damage now gone. Those trunks are bigger than they look :whistle:
excellent.
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Anyone been in the last few days and know if it's dry? Planning on stopping off on my way to N. Wales tomorrow.
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Suspect its perfect. Was fine on Sat AM and theres been little rain since...
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Awesome! Cheers :)
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Helsby Woods was drying nicely last night, but we had a light shower this morning. Errm, dunno!
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I've still never been to Harmer's Wood (shame on me) but I'll be down that way in a couple of weeks and intend to check the place out. The approach notes on the other channel say "Park by entrance to Harmer's Wood". Then what?
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2927/34044137191_04f6ef962b_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TSn6UB)
Red line for main bit (approximate) and yellow for Hayden's (https://flic.kr/p/TSn6UB)
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Great, thanks.
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Anyone know how dry it is likely to be on Sunday? Thinking of calling in during the afternoon as I'm in the area
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Only just seen this Mark, I reckon it would have been in good nick! Did you go?
I popped in yesterday and it was a bit damp in parts after rain in the morning but I reckon it will be in fine fettle today...
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2834/33560115244_b51208a159.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8An3C)
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Unfortunately not - car only made it about halfway :rtfm:
Looks like a dry week so may try again next weekend, really psyched for it. Anyone keen to get some pads under Dark Ark hit me up
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There was a team from Yorkshire there on Sunday. Not sure what they got done but think they had a good day. It's been so dry of late that most things will be drying quickly I think. Very little seepage from earthy tops going on.
Can't remember if I mentioned this, Mark, but if you go to try The Dark Ark or The Prodigal Sons (or any of the routes that don't get done that often) then take a bit of rope to ab down and give them a quick brush. As much as anything, on some of these Cheshire things you need to go down in advance and mark the holds as they can be quite difficult to tell apart from all the other little ripples and grooves in the rock from below.
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Can't remember if I mentioned this, Mark, but if you go to try The Dark Ark or The Prodigal Sons (or any of the routes that don't get done that often) then take a bit of rope to ab down and give them a quick brush. As much as anything, on some of these Cheshire things you need to go down in advance and mark the holds as they can be quite difficult to tell apart from all the other little ripples and grooves in the rock from below.
They are filthy at the moment - that quarry gets much less action/light/wind. Might even be worth brushing, going and having a cuppa for an hour or so to let any residual dampness under the crud disappate. Nice lines though..
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Stuff like Lepperts, Yates' and other harder stuff have got chalk on now. Hayden's looking better too as of last night (ran through) and bits of chalk.
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Can't remember if I mentioned this, Mark, but if you go to try The Dark Ark or The Prodigal Sons (or any of the routes that don't get done that often) then take a bit of rope to ab down and give them a quick brush. As much as anything, on some of these Cheshire things you need to go down in advance and mark the holds as they can be quite difficult to tell apart from all the other little ripples and grooves in the rock from below.
They are filthy at the moment - that quarry gets much less action/light/wind. Might even be worth brushing, going and having a cuppa for an hour or so to let any residual dampness under the crud disappate. Nice lines though..
That's a shame. It's surprising how quickly those things have started to turn, given that they were clean less than 2 years ago.
Is there no scene of people on Cheshire sandstone who are regularly climbing above 7A and who want to climb these things? Obviously I can appreciate that the newer stuff is less well known about as it missed the guidebook, but I would have expected word of mouth to ensure at least one or two ticks each year. The DA should be on everyone's ticklist. Of course I'm biased but I also though Prodigal Sons would be worth doing as well, and stuff like The Midnight Bell looks even better.
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All well out of my league but Midnight Bell is rapidly returning to nature sadly, Prodigal Sons doesn't look too smart currently :(
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Here's hoping that the post Brexit government will repeal the Clean Air Act. We'll all die a bit younger, but the crags will be clean again and presumably some businesses will profit.
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Went over this morning. 1h30 mins from Sheffield if you go early enough to miss the traffic. No excuses for not having been before, what a crag!
The main bit all dry and clean. Prodigal Sons was a bit damp in the break. The Dark Ark didn't need much of a clean, and it's now fully chalked, with a few red herrings for interest... Class problem :thumbsup:
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Went over this morning. 1h30 mins from Sheffield if you go early enough to miss the traffic. No excuses for not having been before, what a crag!
The main bit all dry and clean. Prodigal Sons was a bit damp in the break. The Dark Ark didn't need much of a clean, and it's now fully chalked, with a few red herrings for interest... Class problem :thumbsup:
Glad you enjoyed it Mark. I hope you won't mind if I post the video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qCwsfyRnlyY&app=desktop
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Just poking this one in case anyone's interested, Harmers has lost its winter coat of gloom. Usual rules apply about a couple of dry days after heavy rain. Nothing above about 6A has much chalk so needs a bit of traffic.