ADVENTURE GENERATOR: THE TWITCHHIKER CHALLENGE!

North East write Paul Simth aka Twitchhiker (Twitter) has been exploring activities in the North East this week visting us for a spot of bouldering yesterday.

Paul has over 11,300 global Twitter followers who have been voting for activities for him to try using the new 'Adventure Generator' interactive online tool at www.visitnortheastengland.com/adventure.

Direct from Pauls Twitter blog is his schedule for this week, as voted for by Twitterers!

Monday: I have to climb to the peak of Roseberry Topping

Tuesday: I’m bouldering in Durham

Wednesday: I’m conquering my fear of heights in a hot air balloon above Durham

Thursday: I’m going to walk on water in Hartlepool…

Friday: I have to Go Ape at Matfen Hall - that means swinging through the trees like a big monkey. Which I sort of am already.

Paul arrived at the centre around 1pm and met up with owners Hayley & Kevin. Paul confessed he had little experience of bouldering and was encouraged to give it a go.

The full article can be read on twitter:

http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/site/what-to-see-and-do/activities/durham-climbing-centre-p340361

Durham Climbing Centre on Visit North East England
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/site/what-to-see-and-do/activities/durham-climbing-centre-p340361

BRAND NEW ROUTES ADDED!

During the Summer months the centre has benefited from a wide range of new routes added every week.

The Junior Wall has been completely reset with a range of easy problems V0 – V4. All grades have been catered for so far the feedback has been incredible. At least one new circuit will be added each week as well as our complete changes every 8 -10 weeks.

New “Easy” Spotty Circuit V1 – V3 added 7th August 2009

• A mix of yellow and black spotted holds; nice and easy made up of large classic holds, small crimps, large slopers and large jugs.
• A mix of black and green spotted holds including Limestone Edges and Thai Mondo jugs.
• The tunnel section has a range of black and green spotted holds on less overhanging problems. Great for promoting balance and technical movement.
• The main advanced area has a range of yellow and black spotted holds. Includes larger holds on more overhanging parts of the wall. Volume work included on some of the problems.
• This circuit is suitable for beginners and includes two technical problems on the slab to work with!
  

New “Hard” Black Circuit V5-V7 added 14th August 2009

• A wide range of Fontainebleau creations from Bleaustone.
• Includes: mini jugs, crimps, mondo jugs, edges, pinches, pockets, slopers, specials and screw-ons.
• Very interesting problem on the slab. Big footholds and no handholds traversing across to a big boss. Big rock over move to finish. Great Jonny Dawes style problem.
• Powerful arête slapping on big slopers and crimps.
• Interesting problem in the cave might be a test for those shy on body tension. Requires good control to get to the second stage of the boulder problem. Then gets a little easier if you have any power left to finish.
• In the tunnel area there is a good problem working in with two volumes. Challenging start to this problem with the awkward foot placements.
  
  
  
  

DCC DOES BIKEWISE!

The 15th annual BikeWise show took place on the 16th August 2009. We were invited to support the M.A.D. Mountain Bike Trials/ Stunt Dispaly Team who reguarly train at the Climbing Centre.



As well as the M.A.D. display team, there was a whole host of activities including Dave Coates stunt rider a fantastic supporter of BikeWise, the police dog displays and of course the ever popular skid pan and 4 X 4 experience.



Overall a great day out, we were able to speak to lots of people about the Climbing Centre and generate interest in rock climbing in the local area.

MP VISITS DURHAM CLIMBING CENTRE!

On 11th July Local MP and Assistant Regional Minister for the North East, Roberta Blackman - Woods visited the climbing centre as part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families Open Weekend.

Roberta did some climbing with Kevin and talked to many of the young people who use the centre.


Speaking after the event Roberta said:

'I was delighted to be able to come and see this fantastic centre for myself. Just talking with the young people, I could tell their enthusiasm and energy and I want to congratulate Kevin and Hayley and all involved for establishing and developing this great facility for Durham.'

The full article can be read on Roberta's news page: http://www.roberta.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=622