Climbing in the Secret Garden

One again its time to travel to the world of Burbage... and this time on a bouldering adventure in the woods.

Through the brashing and bracken was a secret garden, aptly named 'Secret Garden', part of the Millstone bouldering set.

We started by looking at a couple of the problems, me and Jamie deciding that most of them were a bit beast like. We were very right and got right back down to doing a 5+. Neil and Jo, however, were intent on trying a 7b!

Me and Jamiestruggled but finally got to grips with a bit of hand jamming, even if both of our hands lost some blood and skin on the rock - OUCH! We watched Neil and Jo tackle 'Dick Williams' and then thought that we needed a bit of practice and strength before we bothered trying anything like that!!

We tried this 5+ problem a couple of times then gave up on it and moved up the hill towards Owler Tor to fins some easier problems.

Owler Tor was quite varied and a lovely shelter from the wind. I even did a 3+ in my trainers (which I was very proud)! Time passed and we had completed some 3's, 3+'s and a 4. Until we met our match with a 4+. this one was a lot trickier than the 5+ we had tried in the secret garden but was downgraded for some reason. I got to grips with it early on the Jamie managed to shuffle his hands further than I could. We both spotted each other and finally Jamie managed to make the hold, with a bit of guidance from Neil. I watched with amazment as Jamie managed to complete and top out of the problem.

An awesome afternoon at the crags, and amazing sunset. My hands hurt and I managed only a couple of problems. I found the problem was the mud and wetness from the floor and the lack of a bouldering mat really stops you as you have to put full confidence in the spotter and the ground not to hurt as much as it should! Great bouldering!