Tim Dobson
Thinker, Blogger, Hacker, Hiker.
Photos of a day that never happened
15 May 2020
These photos are of a day that never happened. This day won't be talked about. No-one will tell stories about it. In mountaineering, we often only share stories of the epics. The epic successes or the epic epics. These photos show the moments shortly after backing off a loose and avalanchy-feeling winter route. After these […]
Getting to know the person who holds your rope
14 May 2020
It can be quite tricky to get to know the person who's been holding the end of your rope. Usually you're separated by 10m vertically, and you're swearing at life, the route setter and everything and trying not to fall off. This doesn't leave loads of opportunity to get to know each other. Except occasionally […]
Before Scotland, people asked why
13 May 2020
Before we went to Scotland, people would ask me, "you know ski goggles are on kit list, are they really needed?" When you've not been out in the big mountains in high winds, cold and snow it maybe isn't obvious why you'd want them. If you're out for a pleasant valley walk and it starts […]
Why we brave the terrible weather for caves
11 May 2020
When the weather is terrible in winter, it's tempting to make two sorts of mistakes: 1) to stay at home 2) to go up high mountaineering There is a third way. This is the time for scenic sheltered walks in the forest. If that doesn't sound dangerous or hardcore enough, just hear this – when […]
The welcoming depths of Bagshawe Cavern
10 May 2020
Bagshawe Cavern is often one of the extra welcoming caving trips we run. When you're a bit nervous and find the idea a bit scary, but are determined to give it a try – this place is ideal. It's varied, it's roomy, it's real – and the obstacles are mainly avoidable. You're never that far […]
The day we escaped to a Scottish bothy
9 May 2020
It's hard to believe that just 3 months ago, we decided the weather looked so unpleasant, I suggested we spend a day in a Bothy. Carrying a wood from Glen More, we arrived at the Bothy and piled wood on the fire, creating a haven of warmth from the swirling snowstorm outside. Things started to […]
My first caving trip with the Crew
7 May 2020
"My First Caving Trip" The Caving Crew were just about to take Bobby and Anna down a well known, Matlock area lead mine, when Anna's mum showed up. "Did she want to come? So as we sent Bobby and Anna exploring the most challenging books and crannies, we gently introduced the experienced walker to the […]
In caves, ropes become roads
6 May 2020
In caves, ropes become roads. When you're exploring a vertical drop, SRT (single rope technique) allows you to travel safely up and down a rope – bypassing overhanging rock faces that would be impossible to climb. The skills that make up SRT have more in common with commercial rope access than climbing and often are […]
The stories behind these photos
5 May 2020
Don't admire these photos. Admire these stories. When you're progressing at Climbing, one thing you need is nudges and opportunities to push yourself gently towards the next level. In the one photo, a 71yro newbie climber is leading a 15metre overhang – something that would have been impossible to imagine 5 years ago. In another, […]
Tales from the Underground
4 May 2020
After last night's Tales of the Underground talk night, this is The Caving Crew in action: For one person, it was their first trip, for another, their second, for another their third. Someone else was coming back to caving after years of time away. Our regular beginner friendly trips visit large, spacious walking passages and […]
Throwback Friday with Darren
3 May 2020
February Friday throwback to when Darren Clarkson-King showed me and Stewart down the Dee at 0.95m. We learnt * how to harness our rear rails to smash into high water eddys * how high I can high brace from * how fantastic Stewart's roll is * how less-fantastic my roll is * how fantastic Daz […]
Living in a campervan for 18 months
2 May 2020
Til lockdown, I'd lived the past 18 months in my van without heating. This sounds extreme, and a little out there, and I guess it is, but somehow it mostly hasn't really felt that way. In the spring/summer/early autumn, it really isn't noticeable, and usually my vanlife sort of lifestyle doesn't include lots of time […]