One of the major advantages of joining the club is that we arrange trips away! We visit a wide range of crags, featuring different climbing styles and rock types. We go away for both weekends and day trips, providing you with transport, accommodation and of course banter that you might not otherwise have gotten a hold of. Below is a brief synopsis of trips we run, exact dates can be found on the calendar of events.
The day trips we offer run to a number of different crags, sometimes we’ll put on transport but sometimes we’ll take bus and train, not cos we’re cheap, but because if you don’t have a car it makes a return trip easier. Venues that feature on our day trip list include:
- Brimham
- Stanage
- Crookrise
- Ilkley
- Almscliff
- Foredale Quarry
- Twistleton Scar
Which ones we go to depend mainly on the weather, no point going to a slimey limestone cliff if we can go to a quick drying grit outcrop. But even if we change the venue all of these are worthy of a great day out. Also the committee, although having many special powers, have not heard of every crag, so if you’d like us to go somewhere don’t be afraid to mention it down the pub, or on the website.
Northumberland
Our first weekend trip of the year. We stay in a village hall in the bustling metropolis (ok village…) of Lucker, it’s a great opportunity for some superb climbing in the Northumbrian hills, at crags such as Bowden, Back Bowden and Chevy. We also have the option of a trip to the North York moors on the Sunday. Climbing aside Northumberland is a big social weekend, with a chance to get to know each other, to help this along Saturday night is dedicated to all manner of crazy games, including the fabled extreme sock wrestling!
Tremadog
After its recent reintroduction the annual late year Tremadog trip is a firm staple of the LUUMC trip roster. The BMC has recently held multiple crag clear up days with volunteers cleaning up this once over grown master-piece of rock, improving access and restoring the condition of popular and not so popular classics. The Welsh Riviera has never been better. We usually stay in the historic Eric’s Barn. The hut is situated brilliantly either at the base of the crag for the keen climbers or opposite Eric’s cafe for those that are motivated by an awesome breakfast. The climbing is all multi-pitch on top notch classic routes some topping out at over 90m, and if it’s raining: a trip to the beach, a foray down the slate mines or a trek across the Snowdonia peaks can all be arranged (or we can just all go down the pub!).
Lake District
Our first trip of the spring term. We’ll be having a change from the Duddon hut this year and heading to Coniston – variety is the spice of life! It’s a great facility, and within striking distance of all kinds of rock. With Dow, Lakes slate and host of other great crags nearby. We can even venture down into Wasdale and pay a visit to the iconic Napes Needle on Great Gable.
The Roaches
The year would not be complete without a trip to the Roaches. The Roaches,for those that don’t know – is in Staffordshire, mid-way between Leek and Buxton. To many members, this is the most eagerly anticipated trip of the year. With a huge number of absolute classic routes including the Sloth, Valkyrie and Wombat. There are both single and multi-pitch routes situated on two tiers of rock literally outside the front door, this trip is surely one of the highlights of the year! If all that is not enough the hut itself is worth the trip. It’s literally built into the crag (the kitchen is actually a cave!) All this means there’s really no excuse not to climb all day!
Pembroke
A new addition to the trip list is the final one of the year on the early May Bank Holiday. We’ll be camping so you’ll need to grab a tent from home of chat up a sleeping buddy in the Packhorse. This trip is in a sea cliff climbing area so the skills needed to get the most out of this trip are a little more advanced than the usual multipitch. Fortunately there’s a whole academic year to get your ropework up to scratch before the fun begins!
Indoor Climbing
LUUMC members get discounted entry to The Leeds Wall on a Wednesday afternoon, so most weeks, especially during the winter, you’ll find plenty of club members spending the afternoon there. Ask any existing member for more information about the Leeds Wall, how to get there etc… Until you can tie in, belay and put a harness on (though not necessarily in that order…) you need to go down to the wall with someone experienced. Hopefully the Committee will arrange some training sessions at the new University Wall in the Sports Centre, to get you up to standard. Obviously you can climb there too – it’s cheaper than the Leeds Wall and easier to get to… though in comparison it’s pretty tiny! AND it’s closing in November to make way for the new swimming pool…
