The Summer Solstice will soon be upon us, and as per NLMC tradition, that can only mean one thing – a BBQ on Porthcurno beach. Not to mention stunning granite sea cliffs, and the longest day of the year to make the most of them.
When & Where
Dates: Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd June 2025 (I imagine many will extend a day or two given the distance)
Location: Land’s End Peninsula / West Penwith
Meet Type: Sea Cliff / Trad
Signup: Cornwall Summer Solstice Meet 21-22 June - Google Sheets
Skills & Experience
Level: Medium
Requirements: Lead belaying, abseiling with prusik, ideally awareness of how to ascend a rope.
Equipment: Basic climbing and abseiling kit (helmet, harness, belay device, climbing shoes, personal anchor, and prusik loops x2). Additional gear like slings, carabiners and a nut key is ideal.
Climbing
For anyone who hasn’t climbed in Cornwall before, it’s home to some excellent climbing in spectacular situations. It’s worth noting that some areas have an abseil approach and/or are tidal, though there are also some easy access venues. If you’re unsure about experience requirements, please feel free to message me or @BenWhetton with any questions.
Transport
The usual procedure, lifts are self-organised. Please add to the sheet if you’re driving or need a lift.
Solstice BBQ
It goes without saying we’ll be barbequing on Portcurno beach on Saturday night, come rain or shine. BBQ logistics tbc nearer the time, and in the meantime, does anyone know who currently has the barbeque?
Accommodation
Last year we stayed at Treverven Campsite – the booking process was a bit convoluted, but otherwise I think it was a nice spot, good facilities and only ~10 mins drive to the beach. It’s around £11-£12 per night depending on number of people on a pitch. I am planning to book here again when we have a rough idea of numbers, but if anyone has a strong desire to stay elsewhere I can make some enquiries.
Important info:
Sea cliffs can be more serious in nature than other climbing venues so please make sure you are comfortable with the skills needed, if unsure please speak to one the committee members and who will be happy to discuss.
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)
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
And finally…
If you need any more persuasion to drive 6 hours to Cornwall, this is what you could be missing out on (Bosigran)
I’ve booked Treverven Farm Campsite. Our pitches are 43-47. For people staying on after the weekend, we have pitches 43 & 44 through til Tuesday, so please camp there if you’re extending. £12 pppn, and I’ve said I’ll confirm numbers nearer the time.
