A new year and the familiar but intoxicating scent of fresh ground awakes boulder hungry folk across this fair and pleasant land. Arising from sofa bound slumber, top dog Big G (still it must be said, reeling from his massive Christmas dinner blow out) gives the signal and the pack heads out into the wilds once again…

Dear boulder people, this month we must pause to take stock of the explorative spirit which elevates our worthy sport beyond those of others. There are the endeavours of folk who travel further and further uphill in search of a sloper -worthwhile in themselves. But also there are, among us, "Shackleton's of the back yard" -people who find something of value right under our noses.

The most outstanding performer is of course James Lillie, unleashing bigger and bigger rocks from over-looked spots in Llanber’ and Bethesda alike. In his wake comes, among many others, Phil Targett, with his Ogwen roadside wonders.

Spurred on by this phenomenon of the over-looked gem, one might be tempted to investigate the rocks below Craig Pant Ifan at Tremadog. Though somewhat overshadowed by the roped climbing above, it is a mere 25m from the road and must therefore have been climbed on by everyone in history.....or...maybe not?.

From the approach to the crag a lengthy scramble leftwards is required (Just long enough to put off the average climber - their faffy ropes becoming unmanageable among the blocks and brambles). Once one is pretty much below "Curved Air" a couple of acres of weathered rock will be encountered. (gr 5699 4050).

Any perceived paucity of problems in this aesthetic heaven will be down to a lack of imagination, or searching skills. After all this is Tremadog. These discerning pieces of rock have, by some wilful act of freeze thaw, hurled themselves down hill, being unable to face life as part of some mundane route.

They wanted to be boulders!

So...boulder on them.

It was meant to be.

Love and Crimbo-tainted power to all,

Big G

Relevant links: