Grand ont'Gower

Sherri taking in the ambiance at Watch House Slab

 So two weeks after getting our second jab - two and half weeks ahead of schedule we decide it was time to go somewhere - anywhere actually - the need to get away was driving us up the wall. A trip to Portugal, the only 'Green' destination in Europe had been pencilled in to use the last 17 days of our EU 90/180 allowance. Fortunately we didn't book anything as it turned back to Amber - had we gone we would had the choices of i) dash for home ii) quarantine at home or iii) stay put. 

Rhossili Beach - the best in the UK?

The stunning line of Scavenger VS 4c

So Plan B was a couple of weeks bolt clipping in South Wales using the recent Rockfax guide to sport climbing in the area. When we looked into it in more detail we decide we could cope with a couple of weeks on the Gower - where there is plenty of climbing, both sport and trad, great beaches and somewhere we could actually find some accommodation.

In the event is was a good call - not too much travelling, some excellent climbing, great weather and a nice pad just outside the 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

Downsides? Everywhere was pretty damn busy - (though climbers were noticeable by there absence) - the minor roads on the Gower are regularly log-jammed with buses, lorries, campers and queues of car which makes for slow going. Also almost all the climbing areas are approached downhill which leaves a knackering walk out at the end of the day!

Oh - and I almost forgot the BIG news - June 1st/2nd we went over to Doncaster with Graham and Helen for a night in the Hilton Hotel at the racecourse and to 'tie the knot'. Engaged for 30+ years, we decided as we had a bit of time on out hands....... :-) A grand do!