Gravity defying climbing

Students from Years 9 to 12 travelled to the Wye Valley to take part in a weekend of gravity defying climbing.

Students from Years 9 to 12 travelled to the Wye Valley to take part in a weekend of gravity defying climbing.

The Year 9 contingent were new to the adventure sport but adjusted well, stretching themselves on climbs and abseils on the big pitches of Wintours Leap. The more experienced climbers challenged themselves to some higher grades with fancy footwork being the key to the day as they headed up to the ledge to have lunch. An atmospheric dinner at Tintern Abbey bought the first day to a close. 

For the following two days, students were situated at Woodcroft Quarry, a sport climbing mecca that has some towering cliffs and routes for all abilities. In glorious sunshine the climbers took on routes from a 4c to 7b. At the end, the climbers who have been taking part in climbing during their Games sessions at Embley were given the opportunity to dry lead a 6a and 6b route, taking them to the next level to becoming independent climbers.

After the trip Mr Williams, Assistant Head of Outdoor Adventure at Embley, commented: “It was a fabulous weekend and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part. Our students were a credit to the school and were praised by their instructors for their eagerness, ambition, determination and skill levels.”