Draft of Glendalough chapter of the bouldering guide
Over the last few years I’ve got a good number of enquiries about the long overdue 3rd edition of the bouldering guide. My reply has always been the same – I’m working on it slowly, but don’t hold your breath.
The reality is that the bouldering guide is my lowest priority project as it involves a huge amount of work and is unlikely to sell in a large volume. That said, I desperately want to get it done, so over the last few years I have been doing a little whenever I have the time and inclination.
The second edition, which wasn’t a major update on the original guide, was published in November 2013. That’s a long time ago, and while the rocks haven’t changed, a lot of other things have and I think the climbing community deserves and would be well served by a new guidebook.
Glendo Draft
So, in an effort to move things along, I have decided to release a draft of the Glendo chapter. It is pretty rough and there is still plenty to be done, but it’s probably at about 80%. Hopefully, I can get some feedback that will help me fill the gaps and allow me to move on to other areas.
The format of the guide has changed from landscape A5 to 210x170mm.
The approach I have taken is much more exhaustive – I have included all worthwhile problems that I’m aware of and really made an effort to ensure that they can be found. As a result the Glendo chapter is currently 64 pages as opposed to the 26 (smaller) pages of the 2nd edition.
Dublin and Wicklow Guide
The current plan is to complete all the areas in Dublin and Wicklow and potentially publish this as a stand-alone print guide. There is more than enough to fill a book. If that goes well and I’m inclined, then I will go on to tackle the rest of the island.
Feedback
The main reason I’m putting the guide out there is to get feedback both on the general approach and the specific content. All comments – positive and negative are welcome, but I’m specifically interested in the following topics:
- Grades. I have gone with the consensus on 27crags when there has been one.
- Worthwhile problems. I have tried to be objective about what I have included and want to encourage people to venture off the beaten track, but maybe I haven’t got the balance right?
- Layout etc. Is it clear and logical?
- Problems to be climbed. I have highlighted unclimbed problems, most are relatively easy, less than 7a, and think it would be better if the gaps are filled before the guide is printed rather than after.
- First Ascentist details. I’m not sure if I will include them beside the descriptions?
You can ring or message me on 085 1544155, message me on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at flanagandavid@hotmail.com.
Actions Photos
I desperately need action shots, I think the guide will look a lot better if they aren’t all of my friends and I. So please get in touch if you have anything that you think might be suitable.