Back on the rock

Tony checking out routes on sea-cliffs of Earnsheugh, Aberdeenshire coast.

Steve on Necromancer, Earnsheugh. 
(Credit Tony Stone)

The week before I leave and it's time to wind down the preparation. So far I've spent long days in the hills, done some fitness, done some mixed climbing, climbed some ice. Only thing missing was some rock climbing. 2 days after ploughing through the snow on Creag Dubh, the Scottish weather has obliged by turning warm and sunny, so I headed north again, this time with rock shoes and chalk rather than crampons and axes.
The first few rock routes of the season can often feel a bit wobbly as your body and mind remember the intricacies of trad climbing, placing gear, finding rests and making moves above gear while pumped. I was with Tony Stone, a master at this sort of climbing, and great to watch learn from and admire his tenacity and fight as he hangs on to tiny holds, working out the gear and moves onsite on steep E5's.

It's also a sad time as I'm leaving Edinburgh, my home for the last 5 years. So it was great to get out last evening for a climb on Salisbury Crags above the city for a last time. A great place for a quick session after work. A couple of solos to focus the mind and some bouldering to work the fingers and forearms. Or just to watch the sun set over the city. It will be missed!

Steve solo on Salsbury Crags above Edinburgh. Photo credit: Viv Scott.

Viv on the crag classic, Black Wall Traverse.