BMC Report 30/08/2023 Penmaen Head (Conwy) Sport rock climbing

All

Date of Incident

30/08/2023

Country

Wales

Area

Penmaen Head (Conwy)

Route

£10 upper extension (above calling all wimps)

Incident

Large rock fall, on shelves above calling all wimps lower off, felt solid until pushed off shelf which caused it to fall. Belayer paying close attention managed to avoid rock fall.

Lessons

Don't think that just because its a popular venue will mean rocks are solid.
Maintain close attention when belaying - as well practiced by my partner.
Probably avoid the upper tier at penmeanhead (Not climbed much) - new limestone guidebook says shelves are 'suspect' - take into consideration.

Activity

Sport rock climbing

When

Ascending

Injury

No injury

Causes

Falling rock, snow, ice or object

Anonymous?

Yes

Reported By

Participant

Wearing Helmets?

Yes

Rescue Services Involved?

None involved - no injuries.

Here is an image associated with the rock fall incident at Penmaenhead on the 30th August. The clip stick (kindly replaced by beta) which took a hit provides scale

Author

12 September 2023 at 12:27:36

For more advice and guidance on good practices visit BMC skills

All reports are self-submitted and have not been edited by the BMC in any way, so please keep an open mind regarding the lessons and causes of each incident or near-miss.