On the 4th July, a collection of enthusiastic climbers met up to clean and climb at Ousel’s Nest in Lancashire, as part of the ongoing clean-ups in the area.

Ousel’s cleaning and new routing was started many years ago, but due to the steepness I found it difficult to persuade other climbers to also appreciate this fantastic crag. But, eventually climbers could see the potential, and the likes of myself, Dave Mann and Robin Mueller (Lancashire Bouldering Guidebook), and many more, we eventually managed to move forward.

Last year (2014), we met in May, and even though some routes were cleaned, most of the work was done on the ground, with sections levelled and cleared. This time, I spent many a day up at Ousel’s, continuing clearing the bottoms so we could just focus on finishing the routes.  

Most climbers arrived early and by early afternoon, we had completed the tasks, so it was time for a well earned BBQ thoughtfully provided by the BMC, relax and catch up with friends not seen in a while. It was satisfying to see the likes of Hank and Geoff Hibbert mixing with young and old alike.

Then it was time to do what really enjoy, with many ascents of Larceny (S 4a), Chasing Rainbows (E2 5b), Pigeon Toad Orange Peel (E5 6b), Please Ring The Plumber (VS 4c), Wriggerly Worm (HVS 5a), Angel Delight (HVS 5b) and the future classics, Lace (HVS 5a) and That’s The Badger (E2 5c). Also, lots of bouldering problems were sampled with Stuart Jones completing Alison’s Route (f6c+), Mark Trickett and party, on the start of That’s The Badger (f5+) and Tim’s Traverse (f6a) and working the Even Longer Traverse (f6c).

A massive thank you goes out to all those who have helped over the years, too many to name, but give yourselves a well earned pat on the back. I should also thank Gaz Parry, even though he couldn’t make it due to his brum-brum breaking down (too many trips to Uncle Bulgaria), thanks for the gifts, which were given out at the end of the day.

For more information, check out the video of Ousel’s below and have a look at ‘Lancashire Rock Revival’ facebook page.

So...what next?  Wilton Fest on the 5^th September, for starters.

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