WCS17: Bristol Beta #1

We know that many of you are coming a long way to attend this year's WCS, so wanted to give you some ideas on logistics and what not to miss should you choose to make a weekend of it in Bristol. Not only is it one of the UK's climbing hubs, but also has some amazing food, drink and activities, whatever the weather!

In order to help you plan your weekend better, we've sought help from women in the Bristol climbing community to give you the beta on where to stay, climb, get a brew...all the important stuff!

In the first of our series, WCS16 attendee Ashley Lait kicks us off with her recommendations.

ASHLEY LAIT

REDLAND,

BRISTOL

EVENTS MANAGER

& PART-TIME PHD STUDENT

LOGISTICS:

Eat:

Where to eat: Flour and Ash on Gloucester Road (pizza and ice cream) Biblos on Mina Road, close to Bloc (wraps and salads) or Thali Café on Picton Street (eat in, or tiffin takeaway.)

Stay:

The St Werburghs or Montpelier areas are both close to Bloc, so worth looking there. It is pricey, but you can stay in a vintage airstream in central Bristol at Brooks Guest House.

A post WCS drink:

The Canteen (slow food and live music) and/or The Gallimaufry (home cooking, unique drinks, music and art) – both on Gloucester Road are great, as is The Miner's Arms (near Bloc).

CLIMBING:

The closest is the New Quarry in the Avon Gorge, but not far away are Wyndcliff Quarry and Tirpentwys – I’m new to trad so have only been to Portishead Quarry locally, but it’s a good place to learn.

IN CASE OF WET WEATHER:

Gear shops:

Without a doubt…. Dick's Climbing on Midland Road.

Wall:

We are really spoilt for choice here in Bristol: For bouldering, Bloc & TCA and ropes Redpoint and UCR.

Place to get a brew:

• The Bristolian on Picton Street does amazing breakfasts.

• Brew on Whiteladies Road is a great local hangout.

DON'T MISS:

An obvious choice, but the suspension bridge is pretty amazing at night!

Decorating workshops (Sunday) at Stokes Croft China are really fun, and not your normal painting workshops - instead you use transfers/images so it’s quite unique).

Keep an eye out for future #BristolBeta articles every fortnight! If you are a climber and a Bristol local and might be able to help with future articles, contact us here.