British roadtrip suggestions for next week...

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 Cyrees 13 Mar 2020

My climbing partner and I were due to set off for 9 days in Chorro next Saturday, but with the escalating situation are worried that we may have to cancel the trip.

I'm working between jobs and he has to use holiday before the end of March, so we're still hoping to do something. We're both young, fit, and also now working from home so unlikely (touch wood) to become ill during the next week.

Our alternative plan is to take my car and, starting from London, try and hit up a load of different climbing destinations in the UK, primarily for mid-grade trad (up to E2/E3ish). Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on good year-round destinations, routes, and/or a particular area or route we should consider?

Obviously hoping the weather plays ball. Thanks!

 Martin Bagshaw 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Cornwall will keep you busy.

OP Cyrees 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Martin Bagshaw:

That's the way we're leaning at the minute... any crags you know of that are particularly reliable at this time of year?

 janegallwey 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Cribba Head is good as it has no earth above it so doesn't seep, also high enough above the sea to avoid spray. 

Bosigran in the afternoons once the sun gets round, same with Sennen. 

 spenser 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

I'd probably mosy on down to The West Country and do a mix of things in Cornwall and on The Culm coast.

Otherwise Pembroke and possibly a bit of time on The Gower on the way home, although this will likely be a bit colder at the moment and doesn't have so many options away from the sea if it's blowing a hooley.

In reply to Cyrees:

Weather looks to be improving in Pembrokeshire after this weekend. Most crags dry really quickly after showers and you are spoilt for choice around E2. Check firing times first.

 Martin Bagshaw 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

I don't think I've climbed enough there to give solid or numerous recommendations, though starting from Baggy Point and working your way down the coast to West Penwith, and then back through Devon could make quite a good trip. Pembroke is great, though has less variety, and fewer options for inland or sheltered cragging. Go explore!

 Jon Stewart 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Stay south. F*cking minging up here in the north.

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 deacondeacon 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

I'd love to go to El Chorro, only to be told that I'm not allowed to return to the UK for a few weeks! Sounds brill  

 Tom Last 13 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Cornwall is pure wet ming. As Jane says above, pick your venues. 

 danhaydnfitz 14 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Myself and a group of 3 friends are literally in the same situation for the same dates. We're holding out for El Chorro at the moment but may do a South West tour from London or pop on a ferry instead somewhere closer.

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OP Cyrees 14 Mar 2020
In reply to danhaydnfitz:

Well... let us know. The more the merrier if our plans are the same! Been planning a tentative SW itinerary based on all of this! 

 Franco Cookson 14 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Welsh slate (will be rainy but quick drying.. so pretty much guaranteed to get something done)

North York Moors/ Northumberland.  Far less chance of rain and some bits are quick drying. 

 colinakmc 14 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Don’t think you guys are quite getting the picture - unless you have plans to self isolate at your chosen destination nobody’s going to want you criss crossing the country with an unquantifiable risk of spreading infection..

As the Spanish pm said, the way to be a hero is to stay at home and wash your hands.

Post edited at 18:51
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 Ciro 14 Mar 2020
In reply to danhaydnfitz:

I wouldn't hold out for Spain. According to my sister, currently near Valencia, although road closures are still minimal, the place is otherwise in lockdown. All schools, offices, etc closed as of today. No getting in and out of Madrid. Some parts of Catalonia shut.

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Ciro:

This is our working assumption as well. A shame, but for the best.

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to colinakmc:

Rest assured we're (a) looking at all news and recommended steps (b) both working from home and showing no symptoms/checking for c. 5 days before we travel and (c) not planning to socialise widely at destinations. Plus washing hands after every external interaction etc. But thanks and noted.

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Franco Cookson:

Thanks for the advice. Will check with my partner if he's up for a trip up there... and we'll grab your guide if so  

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to janegallwey:

Thanks to you and all others for your advice - greatly apppreciated!

 peppermill 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Don't come to Scotland, Scotland is sh*te. Especially the NW coast in March/April. Not worth the bother. 

Stay away 

;p

 Trangia 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

If you are near London don't bother with Southern Sandstone. It's saturated and you would risk damaging it.

 Jon Read 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Where are you thinking of staying? I think it is possible that campsites may be closed at some point during your trip. I guess you can just drive home if need be. 

 Dave 88 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Got to be north wales? The weather everywhere is fairly rubbish, so the quick drying slate gives you the best chance of climbing. If it’s really wet at least you can get out scrambling or walking.

 Sean Kelly 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Cyrees:

Long term weather for the next week or more is dry and sunny in the south west. Granite dries quite fast apart from where there is natural drainage, and being quite exposed to the wind, dries very quickly. Dartmoor and South Devon seacliffs are other potential venues. Even sport towards Portland, but is mostly trad down here.

 There is a Rockfax guide that covers the whole SW.

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Trangia:

Of course - only ever touch that stuff when it's bone dry! Don't worry about that  

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Jon Read:

Depends on where we go... but yeah, was thinking campsites or if necessary the odd bit of responsible wild camping. But with the ability to quickly pack up and head home if anything more severe is required/advised by the govt. or if either of us is in the slightest bit unwell (followed by responsible quarantine of course).

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Dave 88:

I've been wanting to get up there for ages, so this might be the wet weather plan. Thanks! 

OP Cyrees 15 Mar 2020
In reply to Sean Kelly:

I think this is what we'll go for. My project is in Portland so start there and do a circuit of Cornwall via. Antsey's, with a long drive up to Wales if the weather changes...


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