Gower Camping Meet. 17th – 25th August

The August camping week was held on the Gower Peninsular, South Wales. Nine members in total attended the meet for different lengths of times. 7 camped and 2 stayed in a caravan. We camped at Kennexstone Camp site. A nice campsite with good facilities

The Gower has loads of climbing venues, trad and sport (unusual for tidal climbs straight off the sand). It also has a beautiful coastline with wide sandy beaches and coastal paths plus plenty of inland paths.

Catherine was the only walker on the meet but managed to combine her walks to start and finish at the chosen climbing venues and acted as a Sherpa by helping carry gear (much appreciated).

On day one we visited Three Cliff Bay and managed various trad routes on interesting rock whilst Catherine walked back along the coast path towards The Mumbles and managed a paddle in Brandy Cove. She met us again along with torrential rain at the cafe in Southgate.

Following an evening of torrential rain and night of high winds (interrupted sleep and guy rope checks) day two took us to Little Tor, Little Star Wall and Odin’s Wall, west of Three Cliffs Bay. Another Trad area with climbs straight off the sand. Catherine again kindly acted as Sherpa and then retraced her steps to walk along the Cefn Bryn ridge visiting Arthur’s Stone on the way and followed paths back to the campsite.

On the third day Rob had to go home and wanted to do a few climbs beforehand. The tidal areas were not available until midday so Andy, Rob, Alan and Henry visited some sport routes on the upper tier above Mermaid Wall near Worm’s Head whilst Bill and I had a lazy start and met the others at Mermaid Wall once the tide had receded sufficiently. Mermaid Wall has fully bolted routes, plenty at lower grades for the less confident and plenty of 6s for those looking for excitement ! Catherine struck out from the campsite towards Broughton Bay and then walked back along the beech to meet us. Catherine, Andy and myself finished the day with a refreshing dip in the sea (fantastic waves).

Bill and I had a rest day on Monday. Catherine and Henry headed home and Andy and Alan went to stock up on provisions.

On Tuesday we visited Boiler Slab near Port Eynon which is a non tidal trad venue with a good mix of grades and a lovely spot although the left hand climbs are used by Outdoor Instructors. Andy and Alan explored White Pillar a bit further on but found it to be rather loose (as mentioned in the guide book). On Wednesday we visited Watch House Slab, a non tidal Sport crag with again a range of grades.

Alan travelled home on Thursday whilst Bill, Andy and myself went for a short circular route from Rossili via Fall Bay with views to Worms Head. We found a lovely swimming spot straight off the rocks on the way (no sand in pants).

An enjoyable week in a great location with good company. Well worth visiting if you haven’t been before.