Port a Doris Greencastle Donegal Climbing

Stroove (or Shroove) is a Blue Flag Beach (one of eleven in Donegal) and Port a Doris is just round the coast from Stroove.

Port án Doris - 6th July 1999 Alan had gone to the Pyrenees in France. The brave Pete decided, as it was wet, that we should, with due haste make much speed to Port-a-Doris (Shroove). It was dry rock he said, even when wet (amazing said I). Off went the bold band of warriors (Pete Smith, Bill LeClerc-Gigot, Rodney Moore, Alfredo Garcia (representing Spain), Chris Ryan, Joe Ferris, and Columba McLaughlin.

The cliff is in a sheltered cove and on first sight it was both daunting and impressive. Rodney immediately announced that he was going to do a Dawson Stelfox route called 'Dischord' (HS 4b) and opted for me as his partner. Pete selected 'Stormbringer' (HS 4b) and had the bold Alfredo as a partner. Thus Bill and Chris were matched for 'Crack-a-Toa' (S4a). However, things do not always work out they way they are planned. Pete led up 'Stormbringer' (HS) and Rodney started on 'Dischord' (HS). However, instead of traversing right, Pete went left (see photograph). Poor Rodney made a 1 metre left traverse and into the history books and proceeded up a new climb 'Nelson Drive Special' (HS 4b). This takes a direct line up the centre between 'Dischord' and 'Cup Final Alternative'. It is worth noting that Alfredo, with a little help from Joe Ferris translating, learned the difference between the calls 'Tight Rope' and 'Slack'. Bill was very much bemused with the strange dialect being used. A change of partners ensued (why or how I don't know) Rodders then led 'Stormbringer' (HS) and I followed. Meanwhile, Bill and Alfredo went up 'Dischord'. Pete and Chris climbed 'Crack-a-Toa'. Everbody then went to the wall above the opening into the cove. Rodders led up 'Pauline's Crack' (HS4b) and I followed. While, Bill and Chris went up an 'Ian & Moira Rea' route called 'Jack Straw' (VS 4b), our leader for the evening led up another 'Rea' route called 'Thrills' (HVS 5b). By this stage, Rodney had not had enough and decided to solo 'Cup Final Alternative' (V.Diff.) but an excellent climb. I was impressed and immediately followed him up it. Meanwhile, Pete managed to rescue a flexible friend of mine. The mad bastood Rodders then decided to solo up 'Crack-a-Toa'. It was getting dark at this stage and we decided to call it a night. What an evening.

Slán go fóill, Columba

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