News
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Hi Folks
Another update from your friendly Belfast Climbing Club. It might be a bit cold for outdoor hand jams but there’s still plenty happening. Below is a summary of news and upcoming trips. Read on!
Wicklow Trip
We were fortunate enough to get excellent weather for the Wicklow trip. Good climbing and much craic was had. The full report by Eva is on the website.
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/wicklow-october-19-trip-report
Sat 9th Nov - Moorhill Quarry Trip
The recently developed Quarry just outside Newry has excellent reviews so far (though watch out for Giant Hog Weed). Quite a few people are heading down this Saturday so if you’re interested please let us know via email, Facebook or the WhatsApp group.
https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=26351
16th to 24th Nov - Costa Blanca Sport Climbing Trip
The first Belfast Climbing Club sport trip is happening! Want to climb outdoors with the comfort of bolts? Want to bask in the sunshine while Belfast starts to get chilly? Well this is the trip for you!
This trip is open to all club members whether you have climbed outdoors before or not. Sport is many peoples’ first adventure outdoors! However, you will need to provide your own kit -quickdraws, harness, shoes, helmet and slings. Ropes will be shared amongst the group.
The club is staying in the Orange House for 13ppn. This is a great wee hostel especially catering to climbers. There are flights from Belfast and Dublin. Dates are rough, so feel free to come and go within the time period - just let us know your dates so we can arrange the accommodation.
The club will be organising cars and accommodation. Flights are self-organised. If you are considering booking please email belfastclimbers@gmail.com
Social 29th Nov - Cutters Wharf Belfast
There will be an assembling of climbers in Cutters Wharf later this month. No requirement to be a paid-up member and there should be a mix of newbies and old hands. Chatting at the wall is good but remember some of the best training you can do is to meet up and talk about climbing! So get down off your hang boards and come say hello!
Membership
The membership year has started again. The cost of membership is unchanged at £10. Membership renewals and new memberships are now in full swing and we have prepared an article to answer the most commonly asked questions. The article can be viewed here
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/news/2019/11/1/p1ix4um3ebib038z7g54xzxu3hqaa7
Henry’s cottage
The work continues on the cottage. Quite a few were down last weekend to help with cleaning and tidying. It’s very close to complete and should be ready for the BCC Christmas dinner. For the latest updates see below.
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/henrys-cottage
Clothing
Now that it’s getting colder, we are putting together another clothing order. The closing deadline for this will be 17th Nov. There are cosy fleece, hoodies and t-shirts to name a few. Have a look on the website to see what’s available
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/clothing
Club times
Continue to be as follows
Boulder World Tuesday 7pm - 10pm
Ozone Thursday 7pm - 10pm.
Owen
BCC Club Secretary
Yup, it’s that time of year again (no, not Christmas - even if the shops want to make you believe it is), it’s time to renew your membership or if you haven’t been a Belfast Climbing Club member before now is as good of a time than ever!
For the initiated who just want to renew, here is the link to sign up, however for those who haven’t ever been a member or are unsure, read on.
There are three ways to become a member of Belfast Climbing Club, these are by signing up with one of the following membership types:
All in - BCC and Mountaineering Ireland that we sign you up for (affiliated membership)
Existing MI - BCC and Mountaineering Ireland membership you already have (personal membership/affiliated membership through another club)
Bring your own - BCC and a recognised external mountaineering body providing insurance you already have (AAC, BMC etc)
Each of the memberships above cost a minimum of £10. This £10 is the Belfast Climbing Club membership cost. As you have probably guessed there is no extra fee to pay for an Existing MI or Bring your own membership types.
We would always recommend singing up with an all in membership type as it supports the excellent work that Mountaineering Ireland does throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland. Not only that but it allows you to benefit from the discounted membership than singing up as a individual member with Mountaineering Ireland. The sooner you sign up the better as an affiliated membership with MI runs 1st November to 31st October each year (to note, Belfast Climbing Club follow this membership year also).
What’s more are the benefits Mountaineering Ireland offer and those alone are definitely worth supporting MI for, a few of which are:
The Irish Mountain Log, delivered by post to your home address
Discounts in all good outdoor shops and a variety of other related retailers
Civil Liability and Limited Personal Accident cover insurance policy
A personalised membership card
A committed staff team to provide advice and information (editors note - they are very friendly!)
Access to training schemes and awards for hillwalkers and climbers
Access to Mountaineering Ireland Training Grant schemes
Annual indoor climbing competitions
Okay, okay, as I’ve already mentioned above BCC membership is £10 and if you sign up with an all in membership type you will be charged an extra amount to cover the affiliation membership costs. There are a few different prices dependant on your age, these are:
If you are under 23 years of age - £28.66*
Your total membership cost will be £38.66* (£28.66* MI + £10 BCC)
If you are over 23 years of age - £31.85*
Your total membership cost will be £41.85* (£31.85* MI + £10 BCC)
*Please do note that due to Brexit uncertainty Mountaineering Ireland are periodically reviewing their fees and thus the above figures may change however this only applies to the emboldened amounts, shown above. Total amount payable is shown in italics and is comprised of the Mountaineering Ireland affiliation fee plus Belfast Climbing Club membership.
Additionally, we are an adults only club (stop thinking like that) and thus we cannot accept prospective members under the age of 18.
In terms of Belfast Climbing Club membership, nothing. Although with Mountaineering Ireland there has been a few developments. Most notably these are with reference to an increase in fees and no longer being able to opt out of certain services to receive a reduced fee.
You are able to read more about these changes here.
Your social reputation increases and access to the secret route on panel 27 in the Ozone, duh! Joking aside, see below.
Access to a large, varied and friendly community of climbers of all abilities
Belfast Climbing Club branded clothing
Access to our many various exciting fun-filled (you get the idea!) trips
Henry’s Cottage in the Mournes - club members will have access to the BCC cottage in the Mournes for £5 a night
Member only WhatsApp group
A club backed by an enthusiastic member first committee (look at those smiles!)
Thinking of becoming a member? Great! We’d love to have you on board.
First things first. We need you to sign up here and fill in your details and select your options. Don’t worry your options will guide you through choosing the correct membership type. Once complete it will fire the following series of events:
We will be notified that you have signed up to become a member (yay!) and to standby for your payment
You will receive an email confirming how much you owe and the details by which to transfer your payment
Once your payment has been received, for your membership type, we will:
All in
Add your details to the Mountaineering Ireland member portal
Transfer the portion relating to the affiliation cost of your membership to Mountaineering Ireland
Once your membership card is received post it out to you
Existing MI
Add you as an associate member to BCC in the Mountaineering Ireland member portal
Bring your own
Verify the membership evidence you provided as part of your registration
We happy dance
bit.ly/joinbelfastclimbingclub
info@belfastclimbingclub.co.uk
That’s on you. We can’t help with that one.
The autumn trip to Glendalough is surely becoming a classic for Belfast Climbing Club, with this weekend marking its third anniversary. While choosing to go in the middle of October sounds like a recipe for a cold and wet fiasco, the club kept up a positive spirit and were rewarded with some stunning weather.
Hi Folks
30 Newsletters and we’re still going! Club members have been busy recently, with lots of climbing going on both inside and outdoors. It’s been a while so there’s a lot to catch up on. Read on for updates and upcoming events.
Donegal IMC Trip
Earlier this month BCC members met up with the IMC for their trip to Donegal in Kilgar. Much climbing and swimming was had and the full report is on the website (see below link). If you haven’t been to sail rock then it is highly recommended!
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/news/2019/8/6/donegal-imc-meet-trip-report
AGM
We’re planning on having our AGM on Thursday the 26th Sept at the Ozone. If you’re interested in helping out with any of the club admin, fancy running for a position or would like to vote then come along.
There is nominations/proposals sheet for the AGM – here. Any member can propose/second anyone for a position or any other motion by emailing the club up to 7 days before AGM. The current constitution is here, section 7/8 are the relevant bits.
Apart from voting there is also a planned update to our constitution. For more detail see below from Rónán.
“As you have probably heard, the club has been given stewardship of a cottage in the Mournes by Dr Henry McKee. As part of the arrangement with Henry, he will maintain ownership of the cottage but will give us essentially full control. He has invested quite a lot of money to bring it up to a good standard to hand it over to us and we’ve been working hard too, helping with painting etc.
As part of the legal arrangements with Henry, the club will take responsibility for rates on the cottage. This could be quite expensive, but we have the option of constituting the club as a charity dedicated to furthering amateur sport. This would allow us to claim exemption from rates on the cottage, and help enshrine a good ethos in the club.
In order to do this, we need to make some amendments to the constitution, the gist of which is nominating trustees who have ultimate responsibility for the operation of the club, and spelling out the aims and purposes of the club as a charity. In practical terms, very little would change as the club already fulfils essentially all of the requirements of a charity. We would have to register with the NI Charity Commission but this is unlikely to be necessary straight away as they have a long backlog – but in the meantime we can still claim rates exemption etc.
The proposed constitution is here, with all changes highlighted. I’m (Rónán) happy to discuss this with anyone who has questions before/at the AGM.”
Agenda for AGM
· Welcome
· President’s report
· Treasurer’s report
· MI fees increase
· Trips
· Cottage
· Proposed changes to constitution/charity status
· Elections
· AOB
Let us know in advance if you’re coming just so we can have an idea of numbers (otherwise there might not make enough biscuits).
Henry’s Cottage (Mournes)
As Ronan said much has happened to the cottage recently but there is still more to do. A lot of paint has been added recently (to both inside and out). We will be organising another session down there on Sunday 8th Sept so if you’re interested in coming down to help and to see the place let us know.
Whatsapp group and impromptu trips
The Whatsapp group for organising impromptu trips has now been set up. This is for organising going climbing/club events. Be aware that responses to posts may vary between a flood of answers or nothing at all but don’t be shy if you’re looking partners. It will be open to all club members – if you want to be included please email the club with your phone number and the title “Whatsapp group”, or contact Rónán on facebook.
Feel free to keep posting up on the facebook group about short notice trips outside to Mournes and Fair Head. One of the best uses of this club is to help get people partners and get out climbing. This can be tricky as it can be a matter of chance if people are free or not but don’t be shy if you’re heading out.
11th to13th Oct Wicklow Trip
The club will be returning to Wicklow and the IMC hut in October. This is a great spot perfectly positioned within walking distance of Glendalough. Please give us a heads up if you’re planning on coming to allow for coordinating car sharing. https://www.irishmountaineeringclub.org/hut/
Sport Climbing Trip
There are moves afoot to organise a sport climbing trip to the Costa Blanca in late November. This is still a work in progress but if you’re interested, talk to Vicky if you see her at the wall.
Membership
We’ve updated our membership form on the website recently. Here is the link to sign up if you haven’t already.
https://www.belfastclimbingclub.co.uk/climb
http://bit.ly/joinbelfastclimbingclub
The link is also in our 'Climb' or our 'Contact us' page on the website.
Club times
Are unchanged and as follows (see you then)
Boulder World Tuesday 7pm - 10pm
Ozone Thursday 7pm - 10pm.
Owen
BCC Club Secretary
By Vicky
From 2 - 4 August a group of Belfast Climbers decided to roam west in a case of cross-club relations to join the IMC meet to Kilcar in Donegal. The day started off swimmingly by taking a necessary tributary off the motorway through various Antrim towns to pick up Kyle later than expected at 8am. However, soon we were back on course and Donegal was beck-oning. After a necessary pitstop for fuel and an unfortunate spinal injury in the water closet of Tescos we arrived at Slieve League to greet our IMC friends. Looking at each other to assess our sanity we precipitously headed to the belay to descend despite the stream of protestations from the Dublin crew. Kyle in a spate of delight started his ascent of Main Mast (E2), well known as one of the best multipitch E2s in the country. As Kyle went up his gear rained down as a karbiner and his phone tumbled into the Atlantic below; despite this his reign was not stopped and he safely reached a make shift belay (when he ran out of rope). Looking out towards Roaring Forties (VS) we spotted fellow BCC member Alistair. We greeted him with a flood of joy and enquiries over the climb – he greeted us by stating, “It’s been emotional”. However, soon the sun greeted from the sky, soon Main Mast was complete and soon the rock dried. Despite this, the IMC members had already departed Sail Rock for hot tea and more watery showers leaving the 3 BCC members with an ab rope and all the rock to play on.
Kyle abseiling into Sail Rock
Vicky and Jamie next decided to try Roaring Forties themselves with Vicky leading 1st and 3rd, Jamie the 2nd. Soon, they fully comprehended the previous “emotion” of Alistair. The rock was loose, crumbly and fickle- severe going on E6. Massive kudos to Alistair for leading the 2nd pitch (the most crumbly) in the earlier, less than ideal, conditions. The horrendous first 2 pitches gave way to a fantastic 3rd but, as Jamie summarised, perhaps not worth climbing the first 2? Meanwhile Kyle used the ab to shunt a few E5s etc on the face as well as take a questionable dip in the Atlantic in search of his phone. With our fun complete for the day we headed to the pub to join the IMC and reunite with Alistair for a fantastic meal before heading to the campsite for beer and slumbers.
Kyle continuing his descent beyond the base of Sail Rock, hot on the trail of his phone
Another photo of Kyle, but to prove that other people also went on the trip - here’s Vicky as well
The next day Jamie woke Vicky and Kyle early with a meek clamouring, “I want to climb”. Without much delay Vicky, Kyle, Jamie and Alistair headed to Muckross and were there for 9 o’clock soon to be joined by about 10 from the IMC. The steep overhangs of Muckross were intimidating for most. However, Kyle still managed to lead Cois Farraige (VS), Elvis twice (E3) and Stormy Petrel (E4) with very little difficulty. Jamie and Vicky were also successful with Jamie leading Tricky Dicky (VS), Primula (VS), The Barb (E1) and Elvis (E3) and Vicky leading Froth (HS), Nuts and Berries (HVS) and Joy of Frogs (HVS). Meanwhile Alistair seconded the most routes of the day and made some much appreciated coffee. Much banter was had with the IMC with shared climbs, a drone and chit chat. However, they might be perturbed by how willingly members of the BCC take their tops off as 75% of our cohort exposed vast quantities of skin over the weekend while a more civilised 0% of Dublin skin was displayed.
Muckross
Poster boy Kyle, eyeing up Elvis (E3)
Overall a fantastic weekend was had and (hopefully) we shall have a joint meet with our new friends again soon!
Report by Eva
Carrauntoohill from near Cronin’s Yard (photo: Alistair)
Thursday the 11th of July, day 1.
The Belfast group consisting of Eva, Rónán and Lisa left Belfast with great anticipation and a car packed so well that only years of practising Tetris made it possible. After a long and uneventful journey with just a short stop at the infamous Obama Plaza in Moneygall, we arrived at our destination - Cronin’s Yard. We put up our tents just in time for the arrival of Vicky, Kyle and Alistair.
Friday the 12th of July, day 2.
Friday morning started with cloudy weather, perfect for climbing up the highest peak in Ireland – Carrauntoohil. We hiked up to the Heavenly Gates, where we started our climb up the Howling Ridge, stunning 450 m V-Diff grade route which, for some of us, was an introduction into ridge climbing. We completed the climb in two groups of three, using Alpine style techniques. All the efforts, sweat and Alistair’s tears were worth it once we reached the peak with these beautiful views (which disappeared as soon as we neared the top!). From there, we continued our ridge scrambling towards Beenkeeragh in the mist. After a few “Are we there yet?” moments, we reached Ireland’s second highest peak and were ready for our descent down the gully, with some beautiful views over the Hag’s Glen. While some of us decided to embrace the cold and freshen up in the river, Rónán and Lisa went ahead of the group to prepare some well-deserved barbeque.
Lisa and Vicky at the Start of Howling ridge (photo: Alistair)
Lisa halfway up Howling Ridge (Photo: Rónán)
Lisa and Vicky near the top of Howling Ridge (Photo: Rónán)
Can you spot Kyle, Eva and Alistair? (Photo: Rónán)
Great view at the top (Photo: Eva)
Lisa and Rónán at the top of Carrauntoohill (Photo: Vicky)
Vicky and Eva scrambling on The Bones Arete on way to Beenkeeragh (Photo: Rónán)
Saturday the 13th of July, day 3.
Saturday was a sunny day with perfect conditions for some rock climbing in the nearby Gap of Dunloe. We stopped at an incredibly easily accessible Brennan’s Leap, with short yet strenuous routes ranging from HS to E3. All of us had our go at leading and even got to try to top-rope the hardest climb here (Deadline, E3 6a), after Kyle’s impressive lead seconded by Rónán. As the weather more resembled the conditions in the south of Europe, some of us decided to cool down our burned bodies in the nearby lake.
While Vicky headed down toward Kerry airport to leave us dirty rock climbers for the white elegance of Wimbledon, Rónán did a quick run up Carrauntoohil to get some more presentable pictures of the view from the top.
Brennan’s Leap, the ultimate roadside crag. (Photo: Alistair)
The actual view from the Top of Carrauntoohill, towards Cnoc na Toinne and the Big Gun (photo: Rónán)
Towards Cronin’s, Killarney and a rainbow from Carrauntoohill summit (photo: Rónán)
Obligatory evidence of Rónán running up Carrauntoohill in a BARF vest, a different Belfast based club!!!
Sunday the 14th of July, day 4.
We continued our climbing in the Gap of Dunloe, this time at a crag called the Bothán. Another good day of climbing, with Lisa leading Agent Orange (HS 4b), Eva leading The Ego Has landed (VS 4b), Rónán and Eva leading Raven (HVS 5a), Kyle and Rónán leading Ljubljana (E1 5c), topped off with Kyle leading Disco Legs (E3 5c) and everyone else having a go at it on top rope. The day was once again finished by a jump in the lake.
Kyle on Disco Legs, Bothán, Gap of Dunloe. (Photo: Alistair)
Monday 15th of July, day 5.
The Gap from Bothán (Photo: Alistair)
Monday morning was a good reminder of the importance of checking oneself and one’s possessions before leaving climbing crags, but all was good once Eva’s wallet was found after a quick paced and refreshing walk on the top of Bothán. Afterwards we set off for the long journey home.
To conclude this report, the Kerry trip was a definite success, with a combination of beautiful weather, good company and some picture-postcard rock climbing.
A Kayak being taken for a walk at the Eagle’s Nest on Carrauntoohill. (Photo: Rónán)
Club times
This is a quiet time of year for indoor climbing but club times will go ahead as normal over the next few weeks, except for this Thursday (11 July) when the Ozone will be closed.
The weather is reasonably good, so keep an eye on the club facebook page to see who’s heading out.
Moorhill Quarry
Moorhill Quarry in Newry (UKC page here) is a recently developed roadside trad climbing venue. There have been rumblings of access issues but these appear to be resolved.
From Michéal Murphy:
Peter, the owner of the gun and airsoft club, has placed a pad lock on the upper gate and asked that the code be shared with other climbers so that we can use it as a car park.
The code is 3544..
He will have someone spray the weeds to make the parking area larger and to combat the giant hog weed. He is also happy if we use their shed at the top.
He stated that he was more than happy to share the area with climbers and is grand for climbing to take place while they are airsofting...
On the issue of health and safety he said they are using low pressure guns that are out of range of the rock faces and have consciously erected their shooting area away from the rock. There may be 5-6 routes on the far side of the quarry you may wish to be careful of if they are airsofting but the other ~45 should be ok.
The club will be decamping to Cronin’s Yard in the heart of the McGillicuddy’s Reeks in Kerry over the weekend of 12 July.
For members interested in coming please fill in this form by Thursday 4 July.
Cost will be €32 (for camping) plus fuel costs.
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