13 year old Jim Pope, has just returned from a short trip to the South-West which was very successful, visiting Anstey's Cove, Brean Down and Cheddar, and managing to climb a multitude of hard routes up to 8a.

Jim was climbing and staying with the very accomplished Gav Symonds, after arriving at Gav's on Tuesday evening, the pair set off from Bristol to head down to Anstey's Cove, Devon. Jim quickly warmed up and managed to flash the classic Empire of the Sun, 7b. Jim then set his sights on the other classic of the crag, The Cider Soak, 8a. Falling on the crux 3 times he managed it on his 4th go, commenting:

"It was my 3rd 8a so I was pretty pleases to get it done in 4 attempts!"

Jim then headed to Brean Down and on up to Cheddar, managing to climb his first outdoor 7c+ and number of other 7's also.

Jim was also impressed with some new kit he had recieved: "The new Petzl Spirits, they clipped so smoothly and were amazing for onsight attempts as they weigh nothing!

I was also using my Beal Diablo 10.2... it's so light and smooth it feels more like a 9.8 but with the durability of a thicker rope!"

"Thanks so much Gav and Lisa for looking after me, Gav for taking pictures and Pip for keeping my toes warm!" Jim added.