Gogarth - South Stack

Niv on the first pitch of Lighthouse Arete (VS 4c)

The forecast was predicting heavy rain by lunchtime so we made an early abseil in to Castell Helen and made quick ascents of Lighthouse Arete (VS 4c) and Rap (VS 4c), two classic lines that I've wanted to do for a while. Plenty of other teams had the same idea and had driven up to Holyhead to escape the rain in Snowdonia. We popped in to Llanberis in the evening hoping to get a quick session on the RAC Boulders between the showers but with the rain setting in we ended up enjoying the delights of Petes Eats.

Reaching the first stance on Lighthose Arete.

Niv on the 2nd pitch of Lighthouse Arete

An early morning abseil in to Castell Helen

Gogarth - Main Wall

Niv arriving at the 2nd stance on Gogarth (E1 5b)

After a long drive north from Pembroke Niv and I headed into Gogarth, arguably the UK's premier sea cliff. Although the Snowdonia mountains were wreathed in cloud we had light winds and sunshine. We had the Main Wall area to ourselves so quickly jumped on the 2 star Gauntlet (HVS 5a) to warm up before heading down to the crag classic Gogarth (E1 5b). This, the origional route on the cliff, weaves it's way in 5 pitches through some very impressive scenery with the crux reserved for a short steep section on the final pitch.

Gogarth Main Wall

Looking down the stunning 4th pitch of Gogarth (E1 5b)

Niv belayed on Gaunlet (HVS 5a)