Today the weather forecast was looking dry and still... but a little chilly! So instead of heading to the EICA, I wanted to make the most of the weather and get out on some real rock. I suggested that we head to Benny Beg - mainly because I had never been before and wanted to check it out. I had heard folk say that it was very accessible, had loads of easy routes, was a great place to take groups... and it was right next to a cafe. Sounds perfect!
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| Gearing up for the first easy climb of the day, Benny Beg |
By the time we had set off, it was almost lunchtime - but only an hour and a half later, we were standing at the bottom of the crag. At first, we pulled into the main car park at the Benny Beg Plant Centre but we noticed the sign that directed climbers to an alternative car park about 100 yards further along the main road towards Crieff. After no more than a 30 second walk we were at the foot of the first bolts and spotting the numerous lines.
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| Trying to warm up my feet, Benny Beg |
We spent our time ticking off most of the routes on the first sector; I lead and threaded the rope at the top and then Emily bottom roped. There was a little water trickling down the main crack lines but most of the rock was surprisingly dry and didn't feel too cold to the touch. The quality of the rock, the lines and the bolts are highly recommended and very worthwhile, even at the easy grades.
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| Emily trying to get some feeling back into her feet, Benny Beg |
Before the first sector, the height of the crag is much lower and looked like the perfect spot for a group warm up with some 'hang on' or some 'follow the leader' traversing. It also looked like there were more lines possible between the bolted ones and plenty of good anchors at the top of the outcrop that would enable the use of further bottom-ropes. An excellent group venue for sure.
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| The view from the crag in the fading afternoon light, Benny Beg |
Soon, the afternoon sun vanished and the temperature dropped. As the light started to fade, the cafe and a hot chocolate were calling. A great afternoon climbing and I can't wait to go back and tick off the remaining routes.
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| The excellent DMM Alpha Sport Quickdraw, Benny Beg |
