We’re heading to the Gower peninsula for one of the last meets of the year. aving never been to the area, I’ve done a bit of Rockfax research and it looks like there are a lot of single pitch trad routes, ranging from 15m to 45m, a couple of sport crags, and some multi-pitch routes.
As sea cliff venues go, it’s pretty approchable for less experienced climbers. Lots of routes have a walk-in approach and quite a few are non-tidal. It looks like some routes start right on the sand, so a rope tarp or big ikea bag would probably be useful.
Meet type: Seacliffs/Trad
When: 27-28th September
Location: Gower peninsula
Experience level: Full range of grades from Mod/Diff to the high Es.
Skills needed: There are a range of tidal/non-tidal and abseil/walk-in so there are plenty of routes which are accessible with just basic lead belaying. Abseiling and ideally awareness of how to ascend a rope (if needed) opens up a lot more options and will make it easier to pair up with others.
Equipment (minimum): Basic climbing kit (helmet, harness, belay device, rock shoes, personal anchor), and ideally prusik loops (x2) and some additional personal kit (slings, carabiners). Abseil ropes always good!
Accommodation: There are quite a few campsites in the area. I’ve never been so if anyone has any recommendations, please post them.
Transport: As usual please look at the sign-up sheet and arrange transportation usually via sending a DM to your preferred driver. Please update spreadsheet once you’ve agreed a lift.
Important info:
Climbing partners are self-organised between members, this is often arranged informally in advance/on the drive down/ at the campsite over breakfast. Happy to answer any concerns/questions
Reminder that those joining the meets typically need to be members of the club. If you’d like to come along to try out a meet before joining, please get in touch with a member of the committee so that we can arrange to meet you and check your belaying (typically at the Castle in London).
A reminder, as for all meets, please make sure you are aware and comfortable with the BMC statement of participation, found on the bottom of our meets page. Signing up to meets confirms acceptance of this: Meets - North London Mountaineering Club
They don’t need a deposit and have space. It’s £10/night/person paid in cash. I’ll make the booking for 16 and I’m sure it won’t be a problem if others join later.
@Adam_Craig the web site mentions that they are happy with small camper vans, so I will check that your VW counts as small.
I also plan to come in my van - it’s L1H1 Peugeot Boxer, approx VW size, so hopefully that also counts as small Grateful if you can ask about that as well
Thanks Jon! Just noticed my earlier message about Hillend Campsite didn’t seem to post in this thread (was an email response around same time as Olly’s Oxwich message).
If there’s any issues it’s just a big campsite at Rhosilli bay I know of.
Other Gower commentary too:
I’ve stayed at Hillend at Rhosilli Bay. Great site, can walk to beach/dunes for BBQ and late night drinks/noise if inclined. 30mins walk along the sandy beach to sport routes and some trad near worms head (not climbed as was a sport trip).
Was a bit weird during COVID, they said no groups so we booked separately, congregated then they said we should have booked as a group
By the way, there’s a little community village/ museum thing near Three Cliffs Bay which has the most epic bakery offerings…like 3" thick cinnamon rolls, etc. we’re going…just so you know
You can park for the day and there’s public loos too. Lovely walk down past Pennard Castle ruins. Again, no climbed at 3 cliffs due to type of visit but it all looks good and worth a go.
I don’t know whether the above links will work, but Met Office APP shows a 30-50% chance of rain through Saturday & 20-30% on Sunday. YR shows lots of rain Saturday morning, dryish Saturday afternoon and very sunny on Sunday.
Grateful if you can ask about that as well
have a brill time…would love to have joined this one. 