This month Big G drops the knowledge on the bouldering potential at the base of the celebrated cathedral of Welsh climbing – yes folks he’s talking about Cloggy!

Dear NWB.com readers,

With all the euphoria over recent winter climbing conditions we must not waver. We must not be deflected from our...more proper pursuits.

Yes - I know, it’s a touch iconoclastic, but at the year’s tipping point we must remind ourselves of the high pastures to which generations of boulderers have always returned as the warmer weather begins. As we wander about the valley bottom we can thus become inspired and excited by the prospect of such wonders as the Mr Blobby Boulder of Clogwyn Du’r Arddu.

Historically the vast majority of climbers visiting this place have all too easily become distracted by whatever roped climbing is to be had on the lichenous and largely overgrown cliffs above.

Yet below them, at the west end of the lake, are a collection of humble blocks. Here every move that might be experienced up above can be found in some less dramatic form among the myriad of short walls and slabs, the best feature being this particularly aesthetic rock.

No rack and rope to drag all the way up here - just a couple of enormous bouldering mats (careful, they're not good in the wind.)

Incidentally these arbitrary lumps do dry several months quicker than the parent cliff, and so quite soon a day out will be possible before the route climbing hordes arrive.

Power to the common people!

Big G

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