Carreg Alltrem climbing

Crag: Carreg Alltrem, Lledr Valley
Routes: Lightning Visit (VS 4b,4c:led p.1), Lavaredo (VS 4b,5a:led p.1)
A brief visit to this tranquil valley near Dolwyddelan. I led the two classic VS's 20 years ago, but, struggling with bruised ribs, they were the only real option today. The bruised ribs were one problem, another issue was the steady drizzle that failed to clear. The easy first pitch of Lightning Visit was more tricky than it might have been, as a result, with watery pockets and greasy rock. My ribs hurt a little as I followed Mick up the steepish final groove. After a nasty descent down the gully, I nipped up the first pitch of Lavaredo. This route was as good as I remembered, certainly one of the finest VS's in South Snowdonia. Nice intricate climbing up a groove leads to steep moves right to a spike, then a pull back left round an arete - tricky for the grade - leading to easy ground. Mick led the steep top pitch, which takes in some exposed and steep ground for the grade. Up to some flakes, lots of space below, then a hard pull up to more good holds and fine climbing to the top. Abbed down, in some pain, and reluctantly called it a day. Annoying, as the sun had come out, and I'd planned to do a fell race in the evening.