Don't die, I have no signal!

Mark and I had been keen to try some night climbing for a while. We'd ventured out on Wedensday night, only to be beaten back by the weather, Friday night was a different story though. It was dry and pretty mild for November so after a short shift at tranny I picked Mark up and we made the journey north to Longhaven near Peterhead. I was confident Phaff would be dry as it's a face climb on the massive red wall at Longhaven quarries. A huge lump of granite that juts out to the North sea, Phaff is a rising traverse of the cliff on ramps and cracks. An easy but exposed severe that should be a good adventure in the dark.



We geared up at the Dais, before the climbing gets interesting. The swell was running and big waves were breaking on the wall below sending spy up to our height 20m up the cliff much to Marks excitement! I led off since we had no guide book and was sure of the way. Easy climbing on ramps and narrow ledges led to a small step and thus a good belay to take Mark over.




I was pretty sure we were on he right track now as the 'crux' lay ahead. An airy hand traverse during the day, we only had the waves to remind us of the void below. It was marks turn to lead, easy climbing again on jugs to a tricky step around some short corners proved a little thought provoking. After these were passed only a short wall was between us and the top. We topped out in a fit of giggles, a good adventure. Maybe well try something a bit harder next time.

Ryan Slater