Beautiful coastal bouldering in South West UK

On my birthday there was only one place I really wanted to go bouldering; Ladye Bay. Mostly I wanted to get on an epic line called the Darkest Hour (F7B+) and repeat one of my favourite problems down there named Highwayman (F7A+), but I also enjoyed the weather and amazing location to take a few photos on the day.

Ladye Bay near Clevedon in North Somerset has a brilliant mix of problems, from F5 to around F7C, but with a leaning towards the mid to high grades. The tidal bay has two main sectors which get sun and shade at different times of day so it can be ideal on a really hot day as you'll always find somewhere to climb. 

The tidal range and speed of change is remarkable here, and I've seen people barbecuing on the beach lose their entire dinner to the shifting tide. Luckily most of the bouldering stays dry expect at unusually high tides - although we were racing to all get Doughnut Frenzy finished before the tide swept into the little cave it starts in!

Pulling hard on the start of "Seaside Scare"

Working the moves on "Highwayman"

Getting started on the cave problem "Doughnut Frenzy"

Working the roof section of "Doughnut Frenzy"

"Doughnut Frenzy"


Hangin' in there
Sam setting to work on "Doughnut Frenzy" shortly before flashing the neighbouring F7A+

Putting the finishing touches to "Doughnut Frenzy"






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