Tim Dobson
Thinker, Blogger, Hacker, Hiker.
Warm summer wild swimming in Llyn Ogwen
9 December 2019
Throwback to warm summer wild swimming in Llyn Ogwen with Jess. Right now it's hard to imagine a warm Welsh lake, but back in July, it was much more manageable than expected! ''Where do you swim in summer? Originally posted on Instagram
South Wales has so many of my favourite things
8 December 2019
South Wales has some of my favourite things. © Llangorse Climbing Centre Cardiff Whitewater Centre South Wales Caving Club These three places and the people I know who I'd go to these places with make South Wales have a very special place for me. Originally posted on Instagram
Making the best of rainy weather on a Sunday walk
6 December 2019
When the weather gives you water, you have to make the best of it. Memories of a Sunday walk on the August Climbing Clan weekend trip. Splish Splosh. Originally posted on this post on Instagram
When it poured on the Climbing Clan weekend trip
6 December 2019
On the August Climbing Clan weekend trip. It didn't just rain. It poured. The big bois went off to Malham to clip 7a's in the dry, whilst we considered plan b, c, d, e, f and g. After just about discarding plan d (drinking), we decided on plan c (caving) and specifically plan g (Gaping […]
An 11 person attempt at Lockwoods Chimney
3 December 2019
In July, we tried an 11 person ascent of Lockwood's Chimney. What is Lockwood's Chimney? Some people would call it a barrel of laughs. Some would say it is worse than drinking a pint of Carling. I would say it's memorable and unusual, and fun. All these photos are of the top of the second […]
Kayakers are like the Borg – we are river family
3 December 2019
River Family.• Kayakers are like the Borg. In real life people may come from different parts of the country, different backgrounds, different walks of life. But when we're on the water, we are one family. We look out for each other. We support each other. We are one. Since I joined SWWK (Slightly), my river […]
Watching people apply their skills on Climbing Clan trips
29 November 2019
One of my favourite things about Climbing Clan weekend trips is watching people apply their skills in completely new different situations. .–. None of these climbers had ever climbed on slate before. For some, it was their first outdoor climbs. .–. But everyone pushed themselves, supported each other and encouraged the group onwards. .–. Some […]
A fantastic day kayaking the Upper Glaslyn
28 November 2019
Throwback to a fantastic day kayaking the Upper Glaslyn with Dom and Jess.© I was first supposed to run this river earlier this year with Andy. But when I came to inspect it in the morning, I realised it had gone from high to huge, and from huge to mega. Andy couldn't get to the […]
Introducing Climbing Clan friends to kayaking
28 November 2019
One of the most satisfying parts of my summer was introducing Andy and Sam from the Climbing Clan to leading trad. Lead climbing Trad has so much learning around it. It's easy to assume that it's a simple step up from seconding outdoor trad climbs, but in reality there's a whole lot more to it. […]
Bouldering is not something I find easy
27 November 2019
Bouldering is not something I find easy.¯ My biggest fear in climbing is not heights, it's not falling, it's hitting the ground.'µ Bouldering (lower height, unroped climbing above crashmats) triggers this fear and so I find myself climbing very cautiously – almost the same as my trad climbing headspace.¬ This isn't what "you're supposed" to […]
Helping my kayaking friend Jess try outdoor climbing
26 November 2019
My kayaking friend Jess was eager to try outdoor climbing but was concerned she was felt afraid of heights and worried she might find it too tough.¬ So we set off up the easiest route on the crag. Me happy to be out in the sun on rock, Jess seconding her first ever route outside.¯ […]
Exploring an abandoned military fort near the pass
4 October 2019
Near the top of the pass, I discovered I was near an abandoned military fort. Should I go in? It was June and the main entrance was blocked with snow. A huge draft blowing around it. The curiosity got too much. I took the snow shovel from my van, put on my wellies, helmet and […]