Ten climbers headed to Lower Silvermine Crag on Sunday, 13 September, with backpacks bulging with ropes and plenty of optimism for an afternoon on the rock.
The group brought together a lovely mix of experience levels. Three experienced climbers swapped leads and shared skills, while a mother and her 11-year-old son impressed with their solid safety systems, knowledge and obvious enjoyment of being outdoors together.
For four newer climbers, the afternoon offered a full introduction to sport climbing. Climbers tied in for the first time and first ascents were ticked off, with plenty of earnest learning mixed with laughs, banter and encouragement from the rest of the group.
The weather played along for most of the afternoon before grey skies rolled in and rumbling thunder eventually chased everyone back to the cars.
Despite the slightly early finish, it was a great afternoon of climbing, learning and sharing skills across experience levels in an inclusive, safe and light-hearted atmosphere.
