Bosigran, Cornwall

15/09/22 – 19/09/22

Bingo! The weather was forecast to be sunny. Mike was picked up sitting outside the Gurnards Head Inn by the red Robmobile on the Thursday afternoon, after his epic train journey from Austria. A couple of quick routes were ascended at Bosigran, before we headed back to the Count House as the two leaders had arrived. And then, with six in the van, we headed over to the Tinners Inn at Zennor, arriving at 7.26 – and dinners were stopped serving at 7.30. No matter. In the absence of Lionel (arriving Friday) David was commandeered to inquire and we were consequently lucky to sit down for a pub meal.

The party of 10 consisted of all climbers of different abilities and ages, (apart from Lionel who gallantly joined us and patiently listened to ‘derring do’ conversations at pub time and was a little perplexed on hearing about ‘hand jambs’ and other masochistic means of climbing), and of course the obvious choice of climbing crag for the Friday was Bosigran, a mere 10 minute walk from the hut. Many classics were obviously climbed. The two pensioners (80 year old Syd and 75 old Geoff ) and a much younger David, climbed together on Alison Rib and Black Slab, before in late afternoon, they let the euphoria of the wonderful day and situation override the impetuous decision to head over to the Commando Ridge. The older party members had climbed it several times before, but it was a first for David, (who confessed on the ridge that he had always wanted to climb it after reading about the Commandos), but perhaps started having second thoughts on seeing Syd drenched by a particular big wave. However, we climbed on, left the sea and got onto the ridge, before we realised (1) we were underdressed and chilled in the cold wind (2) it was getting dark (3) we had no torches. By 8pm we had progressed within a pitch of the rucksacks, but the sun had well gone, albeit rather dramatically. But then a figure appeared soloing along the ridge towards us. It was Rob, wearing his tatty but very envious duvet jacket. Some may say he rescued us, we would say he assisted us, but one thing is certain, he certainly speeded up the completion of the last pitch, and it was totally dark by the time I touched terra firma to find Mike also assisting, clutching his can of beer and wearing flip flops!

After their heroics on the Ridge, the Commandos decided on a day off and to keep Lionel company on a walk. John joined us as he found out yesterday that his rock boots were several sizes smaller than his shoes and consequently suffered! The Commandos decided unanimously on catching a bus to St Ives and yomping the 10 miles back. Very fortunately the bus did not turn up, so Plan B was put into motion, which was half the distance and included two pubs. We all agreed as we staggered back that that was quite enough! Eddie March S and Andy walked to St Gurnards Head and climbed Right Angle, which Ed enthused about. Rob and Sampo climbed a route or two near Chair Ladder, and were lucky to meet up with Mike who, after his marathons in Austria, ran from the hut to Lands End, turned sharp left and carried on running. The Logans Rock Inn was visited. A good meal was cooked by the Leaders and plans hatched for the morrow.

Rob, Mike, and Sampo headed to the tip of England, and climbed Long Climb on Lands End, then back to Sennen where Sampo took the other two up Demo Route. Ed M and Andy continued with their tick list of Classics on Bosigran. John’s artistic skills took over, and he spent the day preparing his commission of a painting of the aged Commandos on the Ridge. Once again the Commando party was too ambitious with their choice of a walk, and Lionel was distinctly unhappy about walking back from Lands End. Fortunately, they realised the major flaw in their plan – it was too far, so changed it to St Just. Lionel was so euphoric he promised to buy the Commandos cream teas on return, but of course didn’t materialise as even this shortened route was just about long enough. Another close escape! Everybody congregated for pre dinner drinks at the pub in St Just and on leaving all were amused to find Lionel had parked his car on double yellow lines directly outside, presumably assuming legal immunity.

On Monday morning the bulk of the party went home, whilst the red Robmobile squeezed out further climbing classics on Bosigran, and after a stop at Marazion for a swim eventually left at 3.30. An excellent few days; fantastic spot for climbing and coastal walking; fantastic weather; good catering from the leaders (thank you!) and good company.

Geoff P