I was out with Fiona and Mike down in Glentress on a bike skills day. We were looking at core skills as well as how to cope with the sort of obstacles you are likely to come across at these new fangled trail centre thingys. The guys now feel more confident to go off and enjoy the thrills by themselves.

Andrew and I both had a biking weekend just gone – Andrew was out with Fiona and Mike mountain biking in Glentress looking at revising skills, while I had a more gentle weekend exploring trails around Edinburgh. Went on my first “proper” mountain bike ride for over year around the Pentlands last night – was good to note I haven’t forgotten how to not fall off!

Cracking day yesterday on Ardverike Wall. We cycled in and I climbed with Gayle and Paul, while John climbed with Phil and Brian. Ardverikie Wall is probably the best severe in Scotland – six pitches of immaculate micro-granite with amazing holds made of pockets, cracks and “chicken heads”.
We avoided the showers all day – I think we were the only dry place in Scotland. We were the only teams on the route -did the weather forecast put everyone else off?
A classic day on a classic climb.

Jo, Rowan and I along with Alec, John and Euan had a great day’s climbing at Loudon Hill on a EICA Ratho outdoor climbing course.
Jo Rowan and I climbed a multi-pitch route looking at anchors, belaying and placing gear – we then climbed another route and Rowan looked at placing gear.

Took this picture of the damage walking poles cause on popular paths –

Personally, I try not to use poles unless it’s absolutely necessary – as a sufferer of dodgy knees they are fantastic if you have a heavy pack on, but I find that overuse just transfers the pain to other parts of the body – wrists, elbow and shoulders. Not to mention path damage. They don’t have get in the way when you are navigating, too!