Happy Valentine's Day! We've noticed over the years, that rocks and relationships share something special. That's why they're often used in the same sentences, right? To celebrate, here's a very tongue-in-cheek article about how love and relationships are often mixed up with Rock.
Relationships can often end up ‘on the rocks’, which the dictionary defines as: “Ruined, spoiled, or likely to fail because of serious problems.” And the warning signs before reaching that critical mass will be that your relationship is going through a rough or ‘rocky’ patch.
But all is not lost, because that one last big romantic gesture could turn that frown upside down. So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t spend a load of money on expensive gifts (think of all those new, shiny cams you could buy with that saved cash!) and just take your partner climbing to one of these incredibly romantic places instead:
The Diamond crag, Wales
Show how much they mean to you with a diamond, right? But you don’t have to actually buy one, just take them to one! And if you’re looking to impress, or if you’re just desperate, then this is the place for you.
Hidden away on the northern coast of Wales, this incredibly steep bastion of limestone offers sport climbing that is described on UKC as ‘desperate’ – the perfect crag for that last ditch effort.
WATCH: The Green Bridge of Wales on BMC TV
Eskdale Fisherground, Lake District
If you still need another gem to impress, then search for ‘The Diamond, f5’ in the Lakes; a highball granite slab that can only be won through careful negotiation and a lot of trust.
No worries if that doesn’t work though, it’s the thought that counts! But if diamonds aren’t you’re thing, then you can still find a way to express how you feel if you head to:
Battleship Back Cliff, Portland, Dorset
Another crag that’s in a lovely setting by the sea, and, as this is west-facing, you can even finish the day with a romantic sunset.
Whilst you’re there, why not pull on to ‘Love on the Rocks, 5a’ which is described as having a grovelly top move, much like when you’re in a rocky relationship. But if all goes well, you might find you’re now in ‘A Groovy Kind of Love, 6c’ mood; just two hard moves to start, and some careful bridging to finish.
WATCH: Westway Climbing Centre trip to Portland on BMC TV
Once you’ve wooed your partner with the sea and sunset, made amends with that grovelly move, and carefully built some bridges, perhaps it’s time to head over to Wales for some bouldering, and what appears to be instructions for the bedroom:
Bala Boulders, Merionnydd, Wales
What’s the recipe for ‘L.O.V.E. f6a+’, well, if you’ve made it this far, then listen close. Grab a low left hand pinch, use the right hand on the lip, then head for the top. If that worked, then go directly to step two:
Bowles Rocks, East Sussex
Wrapping things up with ‘Love, 6a’ at Bowles Rocks, I think I’ll leave you with these wise words from our friends at UKC:
“Gird your loins for a brutal top-out via the shallow hanging crack. You’ll love it…”
Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you heard about the Show The Love campaign? Join us and show your support for this annual celebration of the outdoors and help raise awareness for climate change.
WATCH: Southern Sandstone: How to look after the rock on BMC TV
Autumn Rocks!
Get 15% off rock insurance. Bag a bargain this autumn with our fantastic deal on all single-trip BMC Rock Insurance policies. That works out at only £37 for ten days!
We've been insuring climbers like you for over 30 years. That's why all of our policies come with:
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24-hour emergency assistance helpline
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£2,500 baggage cover
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No age loading until you're 70
WATCH: BMC Insurance: Get out there
*Policy details: £37.38 for 10-day rock insurance. Discount is valid on all single-trip European Rock cover up to age 69. Offer ends 31 October 2017.
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