Ratho Quarry
Ivor and I were looking for somewhere quick drying to go climbing today after last night’s rain and opted for Ratho Quarry, as it had the option of heading inside if the rock wasn’t dry.
Ivor seconding the fine arête of Slow Strain.
However, the rock stayed dry and we were able to climb some of the sports routes in the quarry in sunshine with occasional cloud.
Ratho Quarry
Martin, Ivor and I have been out climbing today in Ratho Quarry. It is a good choice of venue at this time of year as the routes dry quickly after heavy rain. The grade range of the sport routes is now F4+ to F7B+ and the trad routes VS 4C to E8 6C offering something for most climbers.
Martin leading on Kamikaze (photo by Ivor McCourt).
Ratho Quarry and Tinto
On Monday Cameron and I tried to get a few climbs done in Ratho Quarry before the rain arrived. However, we only managed one route before having to move inside to the climbing wall to avoid a proper soaking.
Cameron after having climbed Peashooter in the rain
Today Nettle and I went for an early nip up Tinto Hill before having to head off to other things, but good to get out despite the drizzle and wind.
Nettle next to the new indicator on top of Tinto Hill
EICA Ratho and Ratho Quarry
Euan, Ivor and I trained on the boulders at EICA Ratho on Wednesday and afterwards Ivor and I headed out to warm down on some of the easier routes out in the quarry to make the most of the dry and sunny conditions.
Ivor enjoying warm rock in Ratho Quarry
Benny Beg and Ratho Quarry
Yesterday (Wednesday) I was out working with Neil & Neil during the day for Falkirk Community Trust on their kids summer programme. We were climbing at Benny Beg, which was sunny and popular.
Ivor warming up on Peashooter
In the evening Ivor and I were out climbing some of the bolted routes in Ratho Quarry. It’s worth noting that with all the rain at the weekend there was a sizable rockfall in the quarry between Shear Fear and the Corrieman. Both these routes seemed ok and some work has been done to remove loose blocks from the area in between, but care should be taken in this area.
EICA Ratho and Ratho Quarry
After a day working at EICA Ratho with a really inspiring group from the Over The Wall Charity (a charity for children with life-limiting illnesses) I met up with Ivor for a quick evening of climbing in Ratho Quarry.
Ivor working Impure Allure
We spent most of our time on a new sport route put up yesterday by Neill Busby called Impure Allure, it’s the line to the left of Shear Fear. It’s another very good addition to the quarry and thanks go again to Neill.
Ratho Quarry
I’ve been working at EICA Ratho for the last couple of days. Today was an earlier finish, so it meant Ivor and I could have a short climb outside in the quarry. We climbed a couple of routes including working the excellent and technical Kamikaze. Dry rock, but a few drops of rain later on.
Ivor working out the moves on Kamikaze
Ratho Quarry and Falkirk DofE
A busy day today. Ivor and I spent a few hours climbing in Ratho Quarry. We warmed up on a newly bolted, but as yet unnamed, line on the back wall of the quarry at about 4+. Thanks go again to Neil Busby for putting in the effort to clean and bolt the line. We also climbed a left hand start to the newly bolted line, which joins it at about the third bolt. We left the bottom three bolts clipped to protect the moves as it’s effectively a boulder problem start at about 6b with a poor landing. I’ll try and clean up the landing if I get a chance.
Ivor leading the new line
This evening I was working with Craig and Neil for Falkirk Community Trust delivering First Aid/Emergency scenarios for an engaged Bronze DofE group.
Ratho Quarry
With a forecast for showers Euan, Ivor and I decided to head to Ratho Quarry this morning as it’s quick drying and gave us the option of heading in to the climbing wall if the rock became wet.
Ivor leading John McCain
The rock was dry and warm when we arrived and after a warm up Ivor led John McCain after one quick top rope. Euan onsighted Kamikaze, which I then worked on a top rope. This route has excellent technical climbing on slightly off vertical ground. A light shower then forced us inside. Thanks again to Buzz for bolting these routes.
Euan near the start of Kamikaze. Photo Credit: Ivor McCourt
Euan around the crux of Kamikaze. Photo Credit: Ivor McCourt
Back in the Quarry
Martin, Ivor and I were back out in Ratho Quarry today climbing routes such as ‘The Corrieman’. Despite the sea haar the crag remained dry.
Ivor enjoying great moves on ‘The Corrieman’.
Ivor near the top of ‘The Corrieman’.
