Category Archives: Commentary

The Aspirant Mountaineer. ‘Grooved Arête’on Tryfan, Snowdonia

Posted on August 2, 2010 by sarahrestflint

Listen: I want to climb a 13 pitch Spanish mountain in 5 months time and I don’t want to fumble, shake and whine. I want to climb it like a mountaineer. So far I’ve never shared a lead of more … Continue reading →

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Winter Playground

Posted on April 19, 2010 by sarahrestflint

This poem was inspired by my first encounter with winter climbing in Snowdonia in January 2010 and won second prize in the 2010 Scottish Mountaineering Council’s Poetry and Prose competition. The Celtic Weather God has Cracked his whip Over a … Continue reading →

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Zena,Petzl and I (or: how not to review gear)

Posted on April 19, 2010 by sarahrestflint

Zena and I have a friendship that goes beyond climbing, which is good because she’s crap at it. Her command of inventive expletives and cutting tongue make up for her lack of enthusiasm, and her bloodymindedness is generally comforting in … Continue reading →

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The Perfect Partner

Posted on March 16, 2010 by sarahrestflint

Female climber with own gear seeks: trustworthy person with good social skills to spend time with on a crag. Reasonable hygiene and slim build preferred. GSOH essential. Ownership of rope an advantage. Ever been to that desperate place where all … Continue reading →

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A Balanced Diet

Posted on January 29, 2010 by sarahrestflint

Do you like to grab a burger or are you the sort who prefers to wait for a slow-cooked casserole? A strange question perhaps for an article about climbing, but it’s relevant to a new understanding of that old battleground … Continue reading →

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A Beginner’s Guide to the Art of Seconding

Posted on January 29, 2010 by sarahrestflint

You’ve completed a top-roping course and the climbing bug has bitten. You’re dedicated and spend many evenings at the local indoor wall, tentatively starting to lead, and then you start to fantasise about the big wide world outside  – particularly … Continue reading →

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Gear Tarts and Belay Bunnies

Posted on January 28, 2010 by sarahrestflint

I am a climbing whore. I will admit this freely to all and sundry, without a qualm. Let’s not kid ourselves about this; no need for coyness. This climbing thing is all about sex – it provides the perfect opportunity … Continue reading →

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