Everything Awesome

Another “thing” i can offer.

The perfect day and a perfect professional weekend is not about relaxing; it’s about deep, purposeful immersion in the pursuit of excellence. My ideal two days began with the high-stakes, high-reward environment of coaching five fantastic candidates through their Mountain Instructor Award Scheme (MIAS) assessment. From the crisp Saturday morning until the fading light of Sunday evening, the focus was absolute, dedicated to transforming five keen enthusiasts into competent, confident, and, above all, safe mountain bike leaders

On Sunday the focus entirely to leadership, risk management, and decision-making under stress. We started early with an unforgiving micro-navigation exercise across featureless, fog-shrouded moorland. The challenge was not just finding the points, but leading the group with clarity and confidence, even when visibility dropped to mere meters. The afternoon was devoted to the high-pressure emergency simulations. This involved managing a mock casualty requiring swift first aid, establishing effective communications, and planning a safe, efficient evacuation.

The true reward arrived as the sun dipped below the distant peaks. Seeing their five faces light up as they collectively realized they had successfully navigated two days of intense scrutiny and pressure was profound. The satisfaction was not just in handing over the final sign-off sheets, but in the certainty that these five fantastic people had earned the right to lead others safely into the wild. The weekend concluded with the deep, intrinsic professional satisfaction of having anchored the future of mountain safety. This was not a physically exhausting undertaking, but one of complete mental and professional fulfillment.

Finishing up the weekend with a smile i headed to a shaded spot i know of, a few hours of quiet reflection, after a weekend of my focus being on others, it was relaxing to clear my head bouldering.

Our Ladies Rock sessions are designed for women who love to climb. If you’re looking for a supportive and fun environment, this is the place for you. We’ve created a space where a lovely group of ladies can learn new skills, challenge themselves, and connect with other climbers.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced climber, our sessions are tailored to all skill levels. We focus on building confidence, improving technique, and making climbing accessible for everyone. Our female-led sessions ensure that you’ll feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way.

We believe that climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a way to build strength, both physically and mentally. It’s about overcoming obstacles and celebrating your achievements, big and small. Our community is all about empowering one another and creating a positive and uplifting experience for every woman who walks through our doors.

If a ladies-only climbing session sounds like something you’d enjoy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you and welcome you into our community. Drop us a note to find out more and join us on the wall!

On our day off, we got to wear a different harness.

A visit to Go Ape.

lots of fun for all.

Such a truly awesome week! It’s fantastic that we got to experience so many different outdoor activities, from the rugged terrain of the Peak District to the bracing North Sea coast. Each of those moments on their own would be memorable, but together, they paint a picture of an incredible seven days.

Guiding mountain bikers down Cavedale was an adrenaline-fueled experience. That descent is notoriously steep and challenging, and to be the one leading the way takes some serious skill and confidence. The views from there are breathtaking, and sharing that with a group of people, seeing them conquer the trail, was a very rewarding feeling.

Then, to switch gears completely and get out on the water, paddleboarding at Skinningrove offers a totally different kind of thrill. The North East coast can be powerful and dramatic, and being on a board gives you a unique perspective of the cliffs and the waves. It’s a great way to find a sense of calm and freedom, contrasting with the high-octane excitement of the mountain biking.

My week also included a hike around Ladybower Reservoir up to Lady Cross, a classic Peak District walk. It’s an area known for its beautiful reservoirs and iconic dam walls. A hike there is a wonderful way to connect with nature, whether you were taking in the scenery or reflecting on your week’s adventures.

Finally, we ended the week by coaching rock climbing brought everything full circle. It’s was a perfect way to share your passion and expertise with others, helping them build confidence and skills. There’s a real satisfaction in seeing someone make progress and push past their own perceived limits.

If this sounds like a week was a perfect blend of high-energy activities, moments of coastal tranquility, and the joy of helping others learn and grow. That’s a week well spent, and one to remember.

In the world of climbing, both in the UK and globally, routes are graded by their difficulty. This grade isn’t determined by just one factor. It’s a complex equation involving the size and type of holds, the rock’s texture, the distance between holds, and how exposed the route is. This exposure also factors in the potential for injury if a fall were to occur.

Generally, taller climbers find most routes easier. Their longer reach can turn what’s a desperate lunge for a shorter climber into a simple stretch. While this isn’t always the case, it’s true for the vast majority of climbs.

As a climber who stands at just 5 feet 4 inches tall, I’ve had my fair share of these moments. I recently felt a pang of envy watching a taller climber effortlessly reach a hold that I had to stretch for on my tiptoes, with my fingers fully extended. However, that envy quickly faded. I realized that the challenge of finding a creative way to overcome a difficult reach is what makes climbing so much fun. The struggle and the problem-solving are what I enjoy most about the sport.

If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, we at www.everthingawesome.co.uk believe our beginner climbing sessions are an awesome introduction to this sport. You don’t need to worry about being tall or short, strong or weak—climbing is for everyone. It’s about getting out there, moving your body, and having a blast.

Ready to give it a try? You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or this website. We’re also happy to chat over the phone if you prefer the old-fashioned way

It was a busy week The gritstone edges of the Peak District are a promise whispered on the wind, and for one glorious week, that promise was kept. Leaving behind the hum of city life, the journey into England’s first national park felt like a pilgrimage. The rolling green hills, segmented by drystone walls, gave way to dramatic, wind-swept moorland, signaling a world defined by its raw, natural beauty. This week was a deliberate pursuit of three elemental joys: the vertical challenge of rock, the placid glide of water, and the rugged endurance of the trail.

The first days were dedicated to the high-stakes game of gritstone climbing. Stanage Edge, a legendary gritstone escarpment, became our playground. The coarse, sandpaper-like rock offered a firm grip, a constant tactile dialogue between our hands and the ancient stone. With each pull and precise foot placement, the world below shrank, revealing a patchwork of fields and distant reservoirs. The adrenaline was a constant companion, but it was a quiet, focused energy—a pure connection to the moment and the rock face. Reaching the top of a route, with the wind whipping past and a panoramic view of the moorlands, was a triumph of both body and spirit.

To balance the intensity of the climbing, we sought the calming expanse of water. A day was spent paddleboarding on Combs Reservoir, a beautiful stretch of water nestled near Chapel-en-le-Frith. The contrast was immediate and profound. Instead of pulling ourselves upwards, we glided effortlessly across the glassy surface, our paddles making soft, rhythmic splashes. The pace slowed to a contemplative drift, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding hills as they were reflected, perfectly symmetrical, on the water’s surface. It was a moment of absolute tranquility, a chance to absorb the vastness of the landscape from a place of stillness.

The final leg of our adventure was an immersion in the landscape on foot. We set out to hike the iconic Great Ridge, a breathtaking trail that connects Mam Tor and Lose Hill. The walk was a journey through time, following a spine of land with sheer drops and expansive views on either side. Each step was a testament to the week’s adventures—the strength gained from climbing and the sense of peace from the water. We navigated rocky paths, traversed gentle slopes, and paused at the summit of Mam Tor to watch the Hope Valley unfold below. The hike was a fitting capstone to the week, a synthesis of effort and reward, adrenaline and awe.

The week in the Peak District wasn’t just a series of activities; it was a symphony of experiences. The grit and focus of climbing, the serenity of paddleboarding, and the enduring rhythm of hiking all wove together to create a deep and lasting appreciation for this remarkable landscape. It was a week that proved the greatest adventures are not found on a map, but in the moments of challenge, peace, and discovery they inspire within us.

The idea of a “personal car park” usually conjures images of concrete slabs and reserved spaces, but for me, it’s something far more magnificent: the entire expanse of the Peak District National Park. It’s where I escape the hum of daily life, trading traffic jams for winding lanes and the claustrophobia of the urban grind for the endless horizon. This isn’t just a place to park my vehicle; it’s where I park my worries, my stresses, and my digital distractions, allowing my mind to breathe freely amidst nature’s grandeur.

Stepping out into the Peaks is an immediate sensory feast. The air, crisp and clean, carries the scent of damp earth and heather, often with a hint of sheep on the breeze. My eyes drink in the undulating landscape – the soft, rounded hills of the White Peak giving way to the dramatic, rugged gritstone edges of the Dark Peak. Each turn of the road, each ascent up a well-worn path, unveils a new vista, a fresh masterpiece painted by ancient geological forces and centuries of human interaction. Sunlight dapples through ancient woodlands, illuminating moss-covered stones, while the calls of curlews echo across vast moorlands.

This “car park” offers more than just stunning views; it offers solace and rejuvenation. I find myself drawn to the quiet valleys where crystal-clear streams tumble over rocks, or to the exhilarating heights of Mam Tor, where the wind whips through my hair, carrying away every last shred of tension. Whether I’m tackling a challenging ascent up Kinder Scout, enjoying a gentle stroll through a charming Dales village like Castleton, or simply sitting by a drystone wall, watching the clouds scud across the sky, I feel an profound sense of connection and belonging.

It’s a place of contrasts, of raw beauty and gentle serenity. The wild, untamed expanses remind me of nature’s power, while the cosy pubs and quaint tearooms offer warmth and respite. Every visit feels like hitting a reset button, a chance to recalibrate and reconnect with what truly matters. My personal car park is far more than a parking spot; it’s a sanctuary, an adventure playground, and a constant source of wonder that always leaves me refreshed and ready to face the world, until my next return.