ABSTRACT
This really happened. ‘Doomwatch’ is a spectacular climb up a pillar of rock rising above the Horseshoe Bend section of Cheddar Gorge. Tony told me the top pitch was 5c, which I knew was at the limit of my technical climbing ability. I had a new partner who expected me to lead all the pitches. From a comfortable ledge below the final overhang I saw the line: it moved up and left to a wall which appeared to give access to the exposed rock above the overhang, and thereafter the top of the climb. Breathe, relax, move; slot in and clip the small wires for protection; right rope, clip, left rope clip; feel the stillness; caress the rock; feel the crenulations; feet move, hands move and I am in the moment. Then I am at the top (how did I get here?), aware of the sun and the gentle breeze – I had floated up the pitch.
