The Idwal Slabs Climbing Link-Up

Another day, another blue sky stunner in the mountains of Snowdonia! Today, Callum and I headed up to make a link-up ascent of some classic climbs on nearby Idwal Slabs. Given the weather and the popularity of the climbs, we went with an open mind, but amazingly had the routes we wanted all to ourselves! On arrival at the base of the routes at about 11:30 (just as the sun reached them too!), the only route free was Tennis Shoe - HS (4b), which was perfect for us, as this was set to be Callum's first multi-pitch mountain climb.

I led the first couple of pitches, then Callum took over for the top slab pitch..

The final 'tower' pitch was as atmospheric as ever and just as polished as I remembered!

Having completed the route in good time, we decided to traverse across to the base of the upper cliff and climb another three star route called Lazarus (Severe, 4b). 

To save time, we climbed the route in one long pitch (it was also in the shade, so didn't fancy staying in the cold longer than we needed to!). It's a great route, but beware of a few loose flakes along the way that look like excellent handholds - one gave me quite a scare as I pulled back on it!

The Continuation Wall, above, gave us a choice of grades. We chose the mid-grade option - 'Groove Above' (Severe, 4b) which has a (deserved) reputation of having a desperately hard start. I've certainly had to employ 'combined tactics' on previous ascents, but Callum needed no such help and flew up it before thankfully giving me a nice tight rope having made it to the top.

From the top of Contiunation Wall, we enjoyed the views, then traversed across to the descent path. Before too long we were back down at the bags, then finished off the day with coffee in the sun soaked Cottage gardens. Later that evening, Clare and I took a walk down to the river and if it hadn't been for the fresh northerly winds, would have enjoyed an evening dip! Instead we enjoyed a drink from the banks...

Idwal Slabs:

- Tennis Shoe, HS (4b,4a,4a,4b)

- Lazarus, S (4a)

- Groove Above, S (4a)