Me leading the aptly-named Slick,
a Severe grade climb in North Wales

I used to spend most summer weekends climbing. Motorcycling took over from climbing, and then the Ring took over from motorcycling, so I haven't been climbing for quite a few years now.

It is, however, something everyone should try. One of the pioneers of the sport said it best (as it was written around 100 years ago, you'll have to forgive the sexist language):

Rock climbing is a sport that demands complete concentration, and calls into play almost the whole of a man - his muscles, balance and nerve, his courage and his mental self-control.

It makes two basic challenges: the simple physical challenge presented by steep and difficult rock routes, and the subtler, subjective challenge of retaining the power to behave coolly and sensibly in hazardous situations.

Its rewards are a sense of fitness and well-being, the pleasures of companionship and achievement, and, above all, the feeling of being intensely alive.

I do plan to take up climbing again at some point. Too many hobbies, too little time ...

Another North Wales route, Outside Edge