Organiser: Martin

Hi everyone

This year’s IMC outdoor beginners climbing weekend is on 13 -14 May.

This is an ideal opportunity for those who have so far only been climbing on indoor climbing walls to get your first taste of climbing on real rock. “Improvers” – those with a little experience – are also very welcome. This is an organised club meet where we will arrange beginners and improvers in groups with experienced leaders and assistants.

We will be heading to the Peak District and staying at Hardhurst Farm Campsite ( http://www.ukclimbing.com/listings/info.php?id=96&t=stay ). The site has both camping and campervan pitches and it costs around £6 per night for a tent. I have already reserved places for the IMC this weekend. There are also various B&Bs etc in the area if you would like to book your own accommodation.

If you would like to come, please let me know:

1. If you are a beginner, improver or more experienced.

2. If you need to borrow any equipment – the club has a few harnesses and helmets available (on a first come first served basis)

3. If you will be camping (tent or campervan) or if you will be booking your own accommodation.

4. Your likely travel arrangements – if you need a lift or can offer lifts etc.

The number of beginners we can accommodate does depend on the number of leaders we have, so we cannot guarantee to accommodate everyone. So please do let me know soon if you are hoping to come.

Climbing will be organised for beginners on Saturday and Sunday. Most people usually travel up sometime on Friday, although you could travel up (very) early Saturday morning (we usually meet up at around 8.30am Saturday on the campsite).

You will need to bring (or borrow – see above) a harness and helmet and your climbing shoes. A belay device is also useful to have, along with suitable footwear for walking to the crag. You will also need all the usual camping equipment. We hope the weather will be fine, but warm and waterproof clothing will also be important.

You’ll also need to provide your own food for the weekend. The campsite has a cafe which serves breakfast and there are two pubs within walking distance for evening meals. We usually head to the Rising Sun pub on the Saturday evening for a group meal.

Between now and 13 May we have beginners nights at Copleston climbing wall on Wednesdays 5 April and 3 May. If you are interested in coming on the beginners’ weekend but have not yet climbed indoors it will important for you to join us on one or (preferably) both of these evenings.

Young members under 18 are welcome on this meet but the club does not offer to look after unaccompanied children. So parents will need to come as well and be happy to accompany your children to the climbing venues. We can permit 16 and 17 year olds to come unaccompanied provided we have parents’ permission to include them “as if adults”. The meet is not really suitable for those under, say, 12, but please get in touch if you would like to discuss this.

Please let me know if you have any other queries.

Martin