A convoy of vans twists its way down 'The pass', windows wound down, heads craned up and eyes darting between outcrops like midgies round your head. With a couple of days to climb and prepare for an SPA assessment, these are the good days.
We started, as any good trip should, by generally messing around. Mid day got too warm so a swim across one of the lakes seemed to be the only real option for our lunch time recreation and then on. Different should be tried, so with slate virgins amongst us we had no choice but to head up to Bus Stop Quarry. The climbing was excellent, a local set a good tone leading a near vertical wall with sky hooks round a flake that felt like it was ready to pop off the rock and land you 25 foot below. Some sheep got out, they had to be herded back and then started the evening ritual, head in hands, running like children, pancaking like puppets being played with. The midges had found us!
The next day proved a good adventure, after starting up on the first pitch of our climb I stumbled upon an entire rack left in a couple of cracks (good placements), so I did what any self respecting climber would, clip in to it and carry on. When Lloyed joined me he filled me in, a chap below had dislocated his shoulder (it had popped itself back in) and thought that this was a good sign to ab off. We had now turned into the rescue crew and swiftly got up and back down. We managed a 4 pitch climb in 2 pitches which defiantly helped, but not quick enough, back to the bottom and coiling ropes while scurrying away.
The next couple of days consisted of the assessment with Andy Newton, we had a good laugh, got some climbing in and confirmed what we all thought, we could place gear. The second day confirmed we could deal with groups and then let us climb a bit more.
All in a fantastic trip that will be savored as most of my current time is taken by university applications, moving house, fixing my poor poor car and working. Still some climbing over the deep blue soon.
Campfour is a technical independent outdoor store based in Macclesfield, only about 15 minutes from the Roaches. Established in 2003, we specialise in climbing and mountaineering equipment as well as stocking a large range of hiking, walking, travel and camping gear. Our online store www.campfour.co.uk was launched in 2006. At Campfour we pride ourselves on service. We spend time with our customers, offering friendly and expert advice gained from personal experience.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Dreaming of White Horses
There comes a point in every climbers life when these words have to be spoken "lets go do A Dream of White Horses at Gogarth", and for a very good reason. The route takes you into such extreme territory with out exposing you to the extreme technical difficulties expected to get there. A big sea arch rising from the ocean floor pinches you below an overlap as you traverse around on monster every things to a delicate slab, now if that doesn't make you want to climb then nothing will.
I went with one new to the multi pitch experience (Terry Jade McCarthy) and one more seasoned (Rik Battye) as a three we moved well from pitch to pitch enjoying our time on the route and watching a spectacular display of confusion go on ahead of us in the shape of a party from London who (despite following another party who perfect displayed the route and its belays) fell once due to going the wrong way and built 2 incorrectly placed belays. fortunately their rope work was safe so just a lesson in route reading was given.
Now done I feel more complete as a climber, but I also feel I want to get back for the other delicacy Gogarth has to offer!
I went with one new to the multi pitch experience (Terry Jade McCarthy) and one more seasoned (Rik Battye) as a three we moved well from pitch to pitch enjoying our time on the route and watching a spectacular display of confusion go on ahead of us in the shape of a party from London who (despite following another party who perfect displayed the route and its belays) fell once due to going the wrong way and built 2 incorrectly placed belays. fortunately their rope work was safe so just a lesson in route reading was given.
Now done I feel more complete as a climber, but I also feel I want to get back for the other delicacy Gogarth has to offer!
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Vacancy at Campfour
Job Vacancy - Campfour store, Macclesfield - Store Assistant. Ideally, applicants should be interested in kit and have a passion for outdoor pursuits. Prior shop experience would be great but not essential.
We are a technical outdoor store and as a Store Assistant your job will involve serving customers on the shop floor. You'll be on the front line so must be able to converse comfortably with customers. We can't do enough to help our customers at Campfour and strive to ensure they are buying the right kit for their next adventure or outing. The quality of our service is very important and our standards are high.
Training is given in-store by ourselves and by most of our suppliers and brands. There are many benefits included in the job, especially if you like kit and testing it from time to time!
The position is for 3 days per week included Saturday. Week days may be negotiable. Pay on application.
Closing date for applications is Thursday 9th June.
Please contact David Golding at david@campfour.co.uk with a CV.
We are a technical outdoor store and as a Store Assistant your job will involve serving customers on the shop floor. You'll be on the front line so must be able to converse comfortably with customers. We can't do enough to help our customers at Campfour and strive to ensure they are buying the right kit for their next adventure or outing. The quality of our service is very important and our standards are high.
Training is given in-store by ourselves and by most of our suppliers and brands. There are many benefits included in the job, especially if you like kit and testing it from time to time!
The position is for 3 days per week included Saturday. Week days may be negotiable. Pay on application.
Closing date for applications is Thursday 9th June.
Please contact David Golding at david@campfour.co.uk with a CV.
Petzl Scorpio Via Ferrata Recall for Inspection
Our supplier of Petzl Scorpio Lanyards has brought to our attention their need to recall the following products for inspection.
Scorpio lanyards - L60, L60 CK, L60 2, L60 2CK, L60 WL, L60 H
Via Ferrata kids - K29VF 1, K29VF 2, L29VE 1, K29VE 2, K29V 1, K29V 2.
This is a precautionary measure that Petzl has voluntarily decided to undertake following a via ferrata incident in Grenoble, France.
If you have one of these items, please top using it immediately and return it for inspection. We are happy to send the item back for you whether you have bought them from Campfour or not.
If your item passes inspection, it will be returned to you. If it does not, it will be replaced or a credit issued for you to obtain something similar by way of a replacement. Should your item pass the inspection but fail general inspection due to excessive wear or damage, it will be returned to you but with advice that it should be retired and replaced.
As we write this, no items returned to date have been found to have a fault on inspection by our supplier and only a few have been found to have excessive wear and tear, but this is a precaution that should be acted upon, so if you do have one of these items, please don't delay.
Should you need to contact us about this for any reason, please either call the shop on 01625 619 204 or email us at info@campfour.co.uk.
Scorpio lanyards - L60, L60 CK, L60 2, L60 2CK, L60 WL, L60 H
Via Ferrata kids - K29VF 1, K29VF 2, L29VE 1, K29VE 2, K29V 1, K29V 2.
This is a precautionary measure that Petzl has voluntarily decided to undertake following a via ferrata incident in Grenoble, France.
If you have one of these items, please top using it immediately and return it for inspection. We are happy to send the item back for you whether you have bought them from Campfour or not.
If your item passes inspection, it will be returned to you. If it does not, it will be replaced or a credit issued for you to obtain something similar by way of a replacement. Should your item pass the inspection but fail general inspection due to excessive wear or damage, it will be returned to you but with advice that it should be retired and replaced.
As we write this, no items returned to date have been found to have a fault on inspection by our supplier and only a few have been found to have excessive wear and tear, but this is a precaution that should be acted upon, so if you do have one of these items, please don't delay.
Should you need to contact us about this for any reason, please either call the shop on 01625 619 204 or email us at info@campfour.co.uk.
Macclesfield Half Marathon Training Programme
If you are planning to enter the Macclesfield Half Marathon and haven't done anything like this before, fear not. The Macclesfield Harriers have kindly put together a comprehensive training programme that takes you from walking or running for 2 miles through to half marathon race fit in time for Sunday 25th September.
To download the programme, visit http://wwww.macc-half.k313.com/TrainingProg.pdf
To see some other handy hints and tips by the Macclesfield Harriers visit http://wwww.macc-half.k313.com/TrainingTips.pdf
Need some running shoes or gear? View our range of Ronhill running clothing, Inov-8 shoes or race packs. Our running range from Haglofs will be in-store and online soon. Further details of that to follow.
Good luck with the training!
Download Macclesfield Marathon Entry Form here.
To download the programme, visit http://wwww.macc-half.k313.com/TrainingProg.pdf
To see some other handy hints and tips by the Macclesfield Harriers visit http://wwww.macc-half.k313.com/TrainingTips.pdf
Need some running shoes or gear? View our range of Ronhill running clothing, Inov-8 shoes or race packs. Our running range from Haglofs will be in-store and online soon. Further details of that to follow.
Good luck with the training!
Download Macclesfield Marathon Entry Form here.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Summer Softshell Round Up Reviews by Outdoors Magic
As an independent outdoor store, we are able to pick and choose what we believe to be the best stock for each season. It is always good when others share our enthusiasm for those products. Below are some of the Summer Softshell reviews that Outdoors Magic have done this May.
Haglofs Boa Hood
An updated version of last year's excellent Viper 2 - we liked it so much we actually bought one in our size - the Boa is made from Haglöfs own brand, tough and stretchy Flexable, non-membrane fabric, which is 90% Nylon and 10% Elastane for four-way stretch.
For us it's a near perfect mix of breathability and wind and rain protection and gets worn a lot. More breathable than membrane fabrics, the close weave gives good wind resistance without getting uber-sweaty. Cut is lovely and fitted in a Haglöfs way, the hood adds versatility for stops and blowy days and there are two handwarmer pockets too. Weight is a reasonable 460g and like other non-membrane fabrics, it also works under a waterproof.
Good for - all-round mountain use outside of winter conditions.
Mountain Equipment Arrow Zip T
Another new soft shell from ME, this time it's made using EXOlite 1 which is a mix of Polyester with 5% Spandex for stretch. It's a simple, close-fitting pull-on with a single chest pocket for storage and no adjustment at hem, collar or cuffs.
Like Rab's Boreas and the Haglödfs Lizard, it's one of those soft shells that you find yourself wearing incessantly for its combination of weather protection, wicking/breathability and lightness, though it's a little more protective than the Boreas, we think though not as windproof as ME's other new soft shell, the Orbital.
Very close fitting, the sleeves aren't rollable, which is a shame as it would be nice to be able to expose those forearms for a bit of extra cooling when moving fast. On the plus side, the inside of the cuffs is seam free to improve climbing-related durability.
Good for - pretty much anything where you want a bit of close-fitting protection but not too much insulation. Wicks and breathes well. Also available in less febrile colour options...
Haglofs Lizard Top
When it first appeared last year, we did the now familiar, 'what's it for' thing, but as with some of the other lightweight soft shells here, it's one of those tops that you end up using all the time for walking, running, biking, cragging.
It uses 4-way stretch Flexable for a good balance of mobility, breathabilty and weather protection with a very good DWR. Cut is a little less fitted than ME's very snug Arrow Zip-T and you get just enough give in the elasticated cuffs for a partial fore-arm roll up. There's a single, neat, laminated pocket and adjustable hem. Slightly heavier than similar options at 330g.
Good for - another balanced all-rounder that you find yourself using more than you'd think you will.
Also available for women - Haglofs Lizard Q Top
We love to get product feedback from our customers and each product on our website allows you to do that. Please also feel free to email us at info@campfour.co.uk if you have any feedback you would like us to take into consideration or perhaps share with other customers.
To see the full review by Outdoors Magic, visit http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-features/summer-soft-shell-round-up/8302.html.
Haglofs Boa Hood
An updated version of last year's excellent Viper 2 - we liked it so much we actually bought one in our size - the Boa is made from Haglöfs own brand, tough and stretchy Flexable, non-membrane fabric, which is 90% Nylon and 10% Elastane for four-way stretch.
For us it's a near perfect mix of breathability and wind and rain protection and gets worn a lot. More breathable than membrane fabrics, the close weave gives good wind resistance without getting uber-sweaty. Cut is lovely and fitted in a Haglöfs way, the hood adds versatility for stops and blowy days and there are two handwarmer pockets too. Weight is a reasonable 460g and like other non-membrane fabrics, it also works under a waterproof.
Good for - all-round mountain use outside of winter conditions.
Mountain Equipment Arrow Zip T
Another new soft shell from ME, this time it's made using EXOlite 1 which is a mix of Polyester with 5% Spandex for stretch. It's a simple, close-fitting pull-on with a single chest pocket for storage and no adjustment at hem, collar or cuffs.
Like Rab's Boreas and the Haglödfs Lizard, it's one of those soft shells that you find yourself wearing incessantly for its combination of weather protection, wicking/breathability and lightness, though it's a little more protective than the Boreas, we think though not as windproof as ME's other new soft shell, the Orbital.
Very close fitting, the sleeves aren't rollable, which is a shame as it would be nice to be able to expose those forearms for a bit of extra cooling when moving fast. On the plus side, the inside of the cuffs is seam free to improve climbing-related durability.
Good for - pretty much anything where you want a bit of close-fitting protection but not too much insulation. Wicks and breathes well. Also available in less febrile colour options...
Haglofs Lizard Top
When it first appeared last year, we did the now familiar, 'what's it for' thing, but as with some of the other lightweight soft shells here, it's one of those tops that you end up using all the time for walking, running, biking, cragging.
It uses 4-way stretch Flexable for a good balance of mobility, breathabilty and weather protection with a very good DWR. Cut is a little less fitted than ME's very snug Arrow Zip-T and you get just enough give in the elasticated cuffs for a partial fore-arm roll up. There's a single, neat, laminated pocket and adjustable hem. Slightly heavier than similar options at 330g.
Good for - another balanced all-rounder that you find yourself using more than you'd think you will.
Also available for women - Haglofs Lizard Q Top
We love to get product feedback from our customers and each product on our website allows you to do that. Please also feel free to email us at info@campfour.co.uk if you have any feedback you would like us to take into consideration or perhaps share with other customers.
To see the full review by Outdoors Magic, visit http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-features/summer-soft-shell-round-up/8302.html.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Peak Plodders are on the March!
We at Campfour are very happy to be supporting some of our customers on their 2011 Three Peaks Challenge by providing Satmap GPS units and software for the event.
After the successful completion of The Yorkshire Three Peaks' Challenge in 2010, the Peak Plodders have decided to raise the bar, and their sights to the National Three Peaks for 2011! This challenge comprises of climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours – 10 hours of which will be spent driving between peaks. Quite a task for an eight-man team, with a combined age of 461 years! The team, comprising of: Andy Wright, Nigel Stanley, Tony Spencer, Pete Sayers, Kevin Hodgson, Peter Heath, Steve Hayes and Keith Duffield, will walk a total distance of just over 28 miles, ascending over 11,000 feet; and cover over 560 miles, driving between mountains.
All money raised goes to support East Cheshire Hospice - a very worthy cause.
If you would like to donate, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/PeakPlodders/.
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| The Peak Plodders Team 2011 |
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| Summit of Snowdon - Training |
All money raised goes to support East Cheshire Hospice - a very worthy cause.
If you would like to donate, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/PeakPlodders/.
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