The Easter bank holiday weekend saw the MMC making the long trip down to Cornwall. Despite April being full of sunshine up until that point, the weather gods knew we were coming, and greeted us with showers all day on the Friday. Alix and David dodged these by heading to the Tate in St. Ives, whilst Mira, Charita and Mo embraced the damp with a walk along the coast towards Land’s End and Sennen Cove. Robin and Sarah also went for a walk into Sennen, and then made the best of the weather with fish and chips followed by a swim in the sea. Determined to get some climbing in, Chris, Sian and Andrew R played a game of cat-and-mouse with the showers at Sennen Cove, managing to squeeze in ticks of Demo Route (HS 4b), Left Banana Flake (Diff) and Main Face Climb (Diff) in between downpours. Friday night saw everyone (except Alix and David!) nervously hoping that their tents were fully waterproof!

Things were looking better on Saturday, with dry weather and an early start for Ali, Martin and Robin, who ran the Land’s End Park Run before being back at the campsite for breakfast.

A large contingent of climbers then headed down to Bosigran, with Mira leading Alison Rib (Diff), and In-Between (VDiff). Mo then set off up Andrew (S 4a), before inadvertently ending up on the second pitch of Anvil Chorus (VS 4c), which he took very much in his stride – and found much more enjoyable than the wet chimney encountered back en route for the top pitch of Andrew! Meanwhile, Chris, Andrew R and David combined for Little Brown Jug (VS 5a) and Anvil Chorus (intentionally!). Chris and Andrew went on to tackle the notorious Paragon (HVS 5a), with Andrew leading the thrilling second pitch. Chris was defeated by the dastardly wet being (safely) spat out of the top crack – a quick bit of aiding then saved the day. Meanwhile David, Ali and Andrew LH did Autumn Flakes (HS 4b), not without some rope faffing and head scratching on David’s part.

For the walkers, led by Alix and Sarah, Saturday involved setting out on to the SW Coast Path from the campsite, with Charita, Sian, Wendy and Tim (plus dogs) enjoying the dramatic scenery around Cape Cornwall before heading inland to St Just. A bit of a transport faff was eventually resolved with a taxi secured by Charita, combined with Robin’s willingness (after running the Porthgwara loop with Sandy) to swing by to collect people and extra dogs. 

On Sunday, the climbers dispersed somewhat in pursuit of their various goals. Mira and Mo spent four hours on Commando Ridge (VDiff), and found the large amount of down-climbing somewhat puzzling, although a thrilling learning experience. David and Steve decided to boldy go in search of new crags on the Lizard. A long time was spent deciphering and matching the descriptions from 2 different guidebooks, before Hollywood Walls was eventually located. This provided an unlikely-looking VS, starting through two overlaps with the sea boiling away below. A combination of nerve and some sharp horizontal holds saw Steve reach the top in great style. David then led Mascara (VS 4c) at Trewavas Head on the way back. 

Chris, Andrew R and Robin set out for a couple of early-morning routes at Sennen Cove, with ticks of Letterbox (HS 4b) and The Arete (VS 4b) before lunch. Chris then headed off down to Chair Ladder, for a rendezvous with Sian after her morning swim. They proceeded to tackle Rake’s Progress (VDiff), enjoying a stunning setting and some interest from a visiting boat of bird-watchers!

Meanwhile, Ian led the walkers along a route from Porthcurno to Mousehole in fabulous weather. Sarah, Ali, Martin, Charita, Wendy, Tim (and dogs!) and Alix made up the party, and all enjoyed spectacular views along the way. After the transport faff of the previous day, an intricate car-shuffle was planned and executed flawlessly, leaving plenty of time for tea, cake, scones and ice cream.

Monday was return day, although there was still time for some fun before the long drive back. Mira, Mo, Charita and Ian visited the Eden Project, marvelling at all the tropical plants and enjoying sniffing exotic spices way too much. Alix and David set off early for the beautiful Ochre Slab (S 4a) in glorious sunshine at Bosi. Steve and David then did Nameless (VS 4c) – a fantastic route between Paragon and Autumn Flakes – as well as the classic Ding (VS 4c), fun all the way!  Robin and Sandy made for the SWCP again, running between Perranothnoe & Praa Sands and back. They enjoyed a mid run dip at Prussia Cove and a delightful café in Perranothnoe, before heading back along the M5 with its dubious bank holiday pleasures.

Report written by Chris L, complied by Katherine T