My far too on-off relationship with rock climbing has been based entirely indoors for many years now.. until last weekend!

First off, an impromptu Sunday evening bouldering session at Haresfield.  I didn't actually do much, because I'm not hugely fussed on bouldering (I like ropes and harnesses!).  But any excuse to take photos and be a bit sociable.

Then an after work trip up Cleeve Hill on Monday, climbing as the sun set.  Absolutely beautiful - views across Cheltenham and warm limestone!

photo of me, taken by Hazel

Unsurprisingly I'd forgotten how different outdoor climbing is to the climbing wall, with its convenient and obvious holds.  I frequently found myself struggling to figure out where to put my hands.  More practise required!

I could definitely get used to this unseasonably warm weather - though as soon as the sun set it did get rather chilly, as a nice reminder that it's still only the middle of April, hah.

Shame my juicy looking apple went for an unplanned trip down a steep bit of hillside though.  Better than knocking something important off, I guess

tags: climbing local