Novice Outdoor Climbing Meet April 2026

Meet Co-ordinator: Paul Sheridan

The annual trip to Wintour’s Leap for the novice climbing meet relies on dry rock and hopefully sunshine. This year we were again favoured with a glorious sunny day and dry rock, not having had any rain for ages.

This was the busiest novice meet I can remember with around 30 people attending. I was assisted by 7 other experienced people who helped make the day a success, thank you.  

This was the first time for many on the main cliffs of Wintours and a perfect day for it. Several top ropes were set up at the bottom of the ‘easy way down’ as usual for people to play on. The process of setting up the anchors was explained as they set up. Also a few multipitch routes were done including Bottle Buttress, Joe's Route and many ascents of variations on Corner Buttress Route. Later top ropes were set up on harder routes near the bottom of easy way down which were also popular.

A good day was had learning about placing gear, setting up belays, moving on rock and leading and belaying practice with twin ropes and a few people abseiled back down, so something new to have a go at for some. For the lead practice I went up with them to discuss their gear placements.

A good time was had in the Rising Sun beer garden afterwards by most people.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and I hope we’ll see you all on evening climbs or on other climbing trips over the summer to build on your skills and experience and have fun.