Pembroke Midsummer Meet 2025

With the heat wave in full swing, a group of hardy AMCers headed to Pembroke for a weekend in the sun; or more accurately, a weekend of trying to hide from the sun.

A couple of us managed to get some climbing in on Friday. Simon and Chris headed to Mother Carey’s, while I convinced Adam to belay me on a route at St Govan’s Head. Pretty sure he had his heart set on going to the beach, rather than having to belay me while I slithered into a horizontal break. The laydown rest was needed though.

After this we headed back to Bosherston Campsite just as the others started arriving. A few of us made use of the cold water showers, which in 30°C heat, were quite pleasant for a change.

The following morning plans were made to optimise climbing, without sunburn and heat stroke. Routes in the shade seemed to be the line-up for the weekend. Matt and James headed to Mother Carey’s to climb Alien World, but their plan was soon scuppered by the tides. Instead Joyous Guard was climbed. However, even this was an unpleasant experience with Matt sweating like a pig (his description), and James baking in the sun. A retreat to the ice cream van was in order, followed by a 6A+ S0 DWS.

Maciej and I didn’t do a great job at avoiding the sun at all, with most of our routes in direct sunshine. We did however get 6 routes climbed, including The Arrow and Cupid’s Bow. Afterwards we were recommended New Quay as a good swimming spot, so headed there to cool off. If you’re climbing at St Govan’s, it’s well worth the 5 minute walk.

Wendy, Conor, and Adam climbed as a three. Their main objective was to avoid the sun and they succeeded. The morning was spent climbing at Stennis Head, followed by an afternoon at St Govan’s East. The only stop to proceedings was when Conor forgot to abseil down with the rope. Luckily another climber was kind enough to bring it down for him.

Simon and Chris headed to Space Buttress, and to Climb Rising Damp and Space, and then headed back to Mother Carey’s to climb Inner Space.

After all this everyone regrouped back at the campsite for a well-deserved BBQ, before calling it a night.

The following morning there was a much needed breeze, and everyone headed to Range East. James had a go at an E5 on-sight in Huntsman’s Leap, but was unsuccessful, so Matt took over and climbed Beast from the Undergrowth instead. Afterwards, James had another attempt at the E5, but it was not the day for it. He then made a valiant effort climbing the ab robe with all the gear and ropes.

Maciej and I headed to Stennis Head. Maciej did a great job leading Hercules and Cool for Cats. I however whipped off of Manzoku, and after that didn’t fancy leading anything notable that day. Maciej had a go on World War 3 Blues, but ended up dogging it. Even on second that route felt brutal. We headed to the ice cream van to lick our wounds, where we found James and Matt.

Wendy, Adam and Matt headed to Rusty walls. Wendy belayed Adam on Solidarity, while Conor freaked himself out abseiling in, so was staring out to sea contemplating his life choices. Once all his ducks were in a line he jumped on Strike Lucky and smashed it.

Chris and Simon started the day by climbing at Bosherston Head. Simon did a good job leading Chakademus and Pliers. After this they headed down to The Leap to do Beast from the Undergrowth.

Even with the challenging temperatures everyone had a blast. Pembroke is always a special place to climb. Everyone came away wondering when they could return next; although September’s cooler days were mentioned a few times. I think most had had their fill of heat wave conditions by Sunday evening.