Our meets restarted in April, and in addition to our official meets, there has already been several additional days arranged between members of the group.
Our facebook feed shows where we’ve been climbing recently:
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Six of us managed to make it out to a beautifully tree covered and sun dappled Symonds Yat today in the Wye Valley. We found some fantastic trad routes, a great bit of exposure on the Pinnacle, and..some toilet roll?!
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Steve Sutton.
"Are the grades harder on short routes?" was Tom's perceptive question after a few routes at Dungecroft Quarry, we soldiered on climbing 13 of the little blighters..."Can you see scratchy bottom?" and "Heros of Swanage/Portland" were favourites, nice cracks that get no stars in the guidebook?!?
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Gemma Louise Flear and Steve Sutton.
A successful return to rock climbing🪨🌞! Nice to meet new members and those we haven't seen for a while. The Lost Valley, Portland provided a quiet venue ideal for getting back in the swing of things. Also great to see some impressive first lead climbs outside!
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Martin Lennon and Steve Sutton.
First meet of the year! A stroll in Hampshire from Buriton, good views of the rolling downs and warm in the sunshine. Accompanied by skylarks we spotted a hare, and a few swallows. Hopefully the next meet will be back on rock.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
We can't get out climbing, but we do have some events online.
Last Month saw Gear Up for Ice Climbing, and the Virtual Pub Quiz.
Tomorrow evening we have Equipment Care and Maintenance - Part 1.
Please check your email for invites.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
In case you haven't seen the latest from BMC, news about access at Southern Sandstone which we need to pay attention to: thebmc.co.uk/modules/article.aspx?id=9067&utm_source=BMC+Email+Subscribers&utm_campaign=73b5509d97-lockdownlowdon_nov&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_06481fa93e-73b5509d97-1812325&goal=0_06481fa93e-73b5509d97-1812325
Protect the sandstone - stay away, for now
We’re asking all climbers not to climb on the Southern Sandstone crags during Lockdown to help us prevent irreversible damage to the rock. The BMC Access team report.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
It was a little busy, but we found enough space at the far end of Subliminal, Swanage. We climbed lots of mainly lower grade routes, all on good rock.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
It was a fine day for climbing at the Cattle Troughs, Swanage. Everyone enjoyed the pleasant climbs in the main area, with a couple of us also checking out Flake Ledge. A long day in the sun, perfect.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Anyone else interested in climbing on Sunday?
The weather forecast is looking good.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Lovely sunny finish to a day's climbing on Portland, shame about the heavy rain to start! We slid around in the mud before getting up a few good routes.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Any more people interested in climbing next weekend?
Email by 2pm on Thursday.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Ruth O'Brien and Steve Sutton.
We're back! First outside meet of 2020 at Ban-y-gor. Down from 6, 2 of us made it to the delightfully quiet crag. Lots of variety and good routes, including slabs, cracks and overhangs, requiring footwork and thuggery in equal measure. (The sock is evidence of litter picking, starting as part the HMA's 50th Anniversary)
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
3 places are still available and the weather is looking good.
Get in touch before 2pm tomorrow if you would like to go (if there are still slots, then after this will be OK).
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Just in case you haven't seen this, Chichester climbing wall is open again.
We believe they intend to offer two sessions from next week onwards 6-7.30pm as well as the 7.30-9pm.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Just in case you haven't seen it there is a temporary closure of Erridge Rocks. Read full details here: www.thebmc.co.uk/temporary-restriction-of-climbing-at-eridge-rocks
Luckily lots of other crags are open for social distanced business as usual but it is worth checking the latest access permissions www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/RAD before heading out.
Temporary restriction of climbing at Eridge Rocks
The huge increase in climbers at Eridge Rocks since lockdown lifted has resulted in rapid wear to the fragile sandstone the makes up the crag. Unfortunately, this has now reached a tipping point where a temporary restriction is needed to give the crag a chance to recover before irreparable damage is...
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Inspirational watching on BBC 4 tonight.
The story of Jesse Dufton, the first blind person to lead a climb of the Old Man of Hoy.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Despite the slight relaxation around exercising, club meets are clearly still a no go. If you are thinking about heading out on your own, the BMC have issued very clear advice which we would encourage you to follow. Also bear in mind that a number of crags remain closed.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Given the current situation all HMA meets are suspended. We'll review the situation as and when new government advice is issued.
We hope that we can all get out climbing together before too long. When the situation changes we will look into putting on extra meets to make up for the cancellations.
We hope you're all finding interesting ways to socially distance. If you do need to isolate yourself and need some help with supplies, we might be able to help! Do get in touch if you need to.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Is anyone else interested in attending this meet?
If you'd rather not risk the slightly dodgy forecast, how about going inside instead?
Email Ruth to get on the list.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Anymore takers?
Amazingly it's looking like a dry day on Saturday. If you fancy making the most of it and heading to Portland let Ruth know.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Matthew Ryan.
After braving the elements and parking against all odds four members enjoyed a few hard in the grade routes at the ever popular craggy island. The rain didn’t appear to have put many people off and the place was pretty busy as usual and the leading walls were the place to be; ensuring we all got a bit of practice in! Matt T looked completely the part in HMA vest and hoodie, reminding us all of what excellent sports wear this is.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Surely climbing has got to be the best way to make use of your extra leap year day? If you agree we have the meet for you!
Don't forget to email Ruth if you want to come along.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Ruth O'Brien and 2 others.
A good session at Calshot today, 9 of us made it despite the weather, including some new faces. There's going to be a lot of tired arms tonight...
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Anymore takers for Sunday?
The weather forecast is looking rubbish, so it will be a great way to while away a wet day.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Estera Ratajczak and 2 others.
9 of us made the most of the glorious sunshine and went on an 11 mile walk from Boxgrove. Mud featured heavily, but so did ancient gnarly trees, priory ruins, a windmill and beautiful views. Thank you Johanna for planning a lovely route.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Time is running out. There are only 3 days left to benefit from the reduced membership rate of £23. You must have both completed your form, and paid before the end of the month to qualify for this rate. From 1st February, membership will be £27.
If you are paying by bank transfer don't forget to put your name in the reference.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
As this meet is now unlikely to go ahead would anyone would be interested in a day of climbing and / or local walking instead?
If there is interest we can organise a local walk, or a day of climbing - probably inside, but outside if we catch a break in the weather.
If you'd be interested, please email Ruth
Please make it clear if you want to walk or climb, and what day you would want to go.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Our AGM took place night, and we have a new Committee in place to sort out all Club business in 2020.
The minutes will be emailed out as soon as possible, but until then, a big thank you needs to go out to all the outgoing Committee Members for their work and contributions over the last year.
Equally important is a massive thank you to all of this year's Committee Members for volunteering and for agreeing to give up your time during 2020!
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
12 of us had a lovely evening catching up with members old and new at the club dinner last night. The Poland trip was much discussed....looks like it might be a popular one!
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
4 members and 3 guests made it to Brighton on Saturday to beat the January blues and start working off their Christmas excesses. Amazingly for Brighton it was warm enough to shed the jumpers, and lead practicing started in earnest to be ready to head outside when it gets a bit drier.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Anymore takers for climbing on Saturday? With another damp grey day forecast, it seems like a great place to be!
There are lots of people here who have expressed interest, or said they are going, but don't forget to email Ruth if you do decide you can make it.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
It's time to renew your membership.
Only £23 if you do it in January.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Back from a week in El Chorro, we climbed everyday through wind, sun and even a little rain. A fantastic trip with great rock, routes and even better company. Here a few more photos to inspire you all for next year!
Hampshire Mountaineering Association
Climbing and having fun in El Chorro. Shoes were dropped, bottoms were jammed, and lots of multipitches completed.
Hampshire Mountaineering Association is with Ruth O'Brien and 3 others.
First day in El Chorro, everyone having fun and enjoying the long routes. Grades have been pushed, congratulations to those celebrating!
