Travelling Monks - Kalymnos

By Beth Monks

Travelling monks Kalymnos, finding serenity and adventure in Greece.

This must be paradise. We had even travelled through purgatory with a cramped flight next to the toilet queue and a cold night on the beach chairs in Masticharri, Kos. But we were here now and what a place. Blue skies in October and temperatures where you could climb in T shirts and shorts. Despite the slog (20 minute walk) the Grande Grotta provided a spectacular arena for onsighting routes. Every route worth more stars than any sport route ever attempted in Britain. To go with the vision of paradise the highest quality routes get a music symbol!

Highlights of the climbing included onsights by Beth of “DNA” the classic 7B putting in her own clips as she led and just to the right a flashed ascent of “Ivi” 7B+ . However, perhaps the most spectacular was the much easier Trella 6C+ which ascends outrageous territory on huge holds and bizarre rests between the forest of stalactites.

“Days off” meant tackling the technical vertical limestone pitches which gave the arms a rest from the overhanging tufas. Even Niki, Beth’s mum, donned a pair of boots and tackled her first route for 25 years since being put off by Alan in the “cold” Peak district. What also contributed to a memorable trip was the food, the wine and the friendliness of the residents and the company of the other climbers.

Flights have been booked already for next year.

Bouldering Mats

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alpkit thud bouldering mat taco style boulder pad in tequila sunrise alpkit thud bouldering mat taco style boulder pad in blue lagoon

Phud

Taco bouldering mat for your local circuit, 100 x 100 x 8cm
$169.99 $199.99
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Alpkit Origin taco bouldering mat in Sun orange alpkit origin bouldering mat boulder pad in merlot - closed

Origin

Large taco bouldering pad for frequent boulderers, 134 x 100 x 11cm
$209.99 $259.99
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Alpkit Mujo hinge style bouldering mat in ocean green Alpkit Mujo hinged bouldering mat boulder pad in blue lagoon - closed

Mujo

Hinge style pad ideal for frequent boulderers, 100 x 132 x 11cm
$259.99 $379.99
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alpkit wafer sit start bouldering mat boulder pad in blue lagoon alpkit wafer sit start bouldering mat boulder pad - action

Waffa

Small bouldering pad for sit starts and up-close impacts, 80 x 50 x 6cm
$59.99 $64.99
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alpkit boulder bucket chalk bag in pina colada alpkit boulder bucket chalk bag in merlot location

Boulder Bucket

Self-standing bucket with roll top, large pocket and webbing loops
$39.99 $49.99
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alpkit climbing chalk bag in blue lagoon alpkit climbing chalk bag belt location

Chalk Bag

Cordura® chalk bag with waist strap for sport, trad or bouldering
$29.99 $39.99
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ProBalm Fodder

Moisturising skin creme to keep active skin hydrated
$12.49 $14.99
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DMM Crushed Chalk Bag DMM Crushed Chalk Bag

DMM Crushed Chalk Bag

250g of loose climbing chalk for boulder buckets
$0.00

ProBalm Lips

Minty lip balm containing all natural ingredients
$4.99
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ACAKSLACK-RED-01-slack kit chilli ACAKSLACK_slackkit - action

Slack Kit

Complete slackline with everything you need to get you started
$59.99
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ProBalm Puck ProBalm Puck

ProBalm Puck

A 100% natural balm for repairing tired and damaged skin
$12.49 $14.99

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