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First international trip

Original Post
Tim King · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 845

Hey all,
Yep I'm gunna die!

Taking my first trip abroad, flying out of San Fransisco for a week in the UK, two weeks in France, and a week in Switzerland (flying back from Geneva). I'm oriented towards bouldering (v6-9ish if that helps at all), although being my first trip abroad will certainly be equal parts exploring. Just recently started getting into some basic sport climbing as well.

Any suggestions on good climbing along that general path? I've definitely got Font on the list, and Magic Wood in Switzerland, though I'm not too familiar with the UK and South France. I've heard some stuff about Stanage (or Burbage? haha) and some other options in England that look awesome..

Also, just any good general climbing trip tips are appreciated. Looks like leaving the pad and either renting or finding buddies is the best way? Anything especially different weather wise that I should be considering this time of year?

Thank ya much!
TK

ZoeyG · · Brattleboro, VT · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 625

Stanage (peak district) bouldering season is almost over, you can still find many climbers there, but might be hard to find v6 to v9 boulderers around. I saw some dedicated boulderers in North Wales, in the mountains, where it's still cool enough. Search for Llanberis Pass, there are countless climbs and a lot of good climbers this time of the year.

BritishDan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 0

Gritstone is amazing and Stanage is the finest of the grit stone crags. You could easily spend a week there alone if you're trad climbing. I don't boulder much myself, mainly trad but people climb in the peak district all year round and hard ascents get done all year round so I'm sure you could find someone to climb with. It's been a pretty cold year so far anyway so it wouldn't be too hot for hard problems. However while you're on an island with some great sea cliffs it would be a shame not to climb on any of these. I've only climbed in Pembroke, which is absolutely amazing but is all trad climbing, no bouldering there.

Snowdonia National Park (where the Llanberris pass is) in North Wales would be a great option if you're only there for a week. If it's too wet to climb, which is often the case in the UK, at least you can go for a walk in the mountains, which are beautiful.

Try here for loads of info on crags, routes etc. You could also find a partner on their forums.

ukclimbing.com/logbook/map/

I wouldn't bother with the sport climbing in the UK if you are going to France.

Euan Cameron · · Mammoth Lakes, CA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 65,346

If you reach the UK, anywhere in Derbyshire or Yorkshire will keep you happy. No matter the day you'll always find a good scene there. Most of the popular crags are covered here, so check them out.

If you are in France and want great bouldering there is no better place than Font. If you are seeking sport head south and hit the limestone.

Tim King · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 845

Thanks for the input everyone!

Anticipation is building, doing final packing and research before leaving in a couple days.
Looks like UK will probably be wet while I'm there, but should be a fun experience (it's sunny 300+ days a year in Santa Barbara).

As far as climbing goes, I'm pretty much up for anything. While some hard boulders are cool, overall I'm looking to sample as much rock as I can. Different movement, holds, textures and places are what I'm after. Fun movement on good rock is all I'm really after...

And since I'm going with a non-climbing partner, areas with awesome mountain views and hikes to waterfalls, lakes, etc get double bonus points.

Looks like we'll be spending a decent amount of time in South France; any good bouldering in the Dordogne or Provence region?
edit: Just found some information on Annot; looks pretty solid. rockclimber.de/index.php?It…

Thanks again ya'll
Best,
TK

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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