Nick & Jan 6th June 2010 . Location: Wintours leap, Chepstow.
'We had a great day with Phil for our first ever day on real rock. Phil had chosen The Lower Wye Valley which is a stunning location with much to offer in terms of wild life as well as a huge variety of climbs. The day started with a good warm up walk to our first climbing area where Phil outlined the itinerary for the day. Phil's experience was demonstrated in his great awareness of our current skill levels which he knew form our indoor climbing and his attention to detail and safety, which made us feel very comfortable on our first time on rock. We started with an easy grade to get used to the feel of rock and then as we and the day progressed we moved on to more difficult grades eventually matching the level we were used to indoors. We also got a do some abseiling. We learned lots of new skills which Phil puts over in a professional but relaxed style. We are already looking forward to the next time'. Jan & Nick Trew
Julie & Ian 11th &12th August 2011. Location: Tintern Quarry, Chepstow.
This is my 2nd outdoor course with Phil, and I have to say, having climbed with other instructors, he would always be my first choice, because of the way he manages to adapt the courses to meet different levels of ability and need, and put you at ease. I am a nervous climber whereas my partner is more confident and yet, Phil did not push me more than I was comfortable with ( well, he did...just a bit!) but at the same time challenged my partner, which is what he wanted. We have both progressed significantly using the techniques he has taught us....much to our surprise, as we didnt realise how much we were picking up. The meticulous attention to detail and safety was really reassuring and I always had utmost confidence in him. Phil was a comfortable and interesting person to spend a few days with put everyone at ease.We climbed in a quarry the first day and then along the River Wye, ending ended with an abseil. It was really peaceful and beautiful.The first time I went outdoors with Phil, I was captured forever to climb in spite of a severe height phobia. The second time, was even better. Even though I still have an awful height phobia, I always felt safe and able to overcome it to enjoy a fantastic few days out. I will definately do it again and again. Thanks. Julie and Ian
Nigel Ingledew and 9youngsters Birthday Party @ UCR 8th Sept 2012
Hello there,
We brought over a party of youngsters (8 girls, 1 boy) for a climbing session last Saturday.
I'd just like to say a big 'thank you' to everybody involved, but especially Phil, who gave them a really great time - building up their confidence, helping them when they mentally and physically wobbled, teaching them the importance of team work as well as individual endeavour, and letting them succeed each in their own way. I know it can be tiring doing the same thing again and again with a bunch of rookies, and this was a session back to back with another one, but Phil was cheerful and encouraging the whole way through - all the way to the boulder scramble at the end.
if anybody asks for an activity for youngsters, you'll be right up there at the top of the list.
Once again, thank you very much for an enjoyable session at a well run venue.
Yrs, Nigel Ingledew
We brought over a party of youngsters (8 girls, 1 boy) for a climbing session last Saturday.
I'd just like to say a big 'thank you' to everybody involved, but especially Phil, who gave them a really great time - building up their confidence, helping them when they mentally and physically wobbled, teaching them the importance of team work as well as individual endeavour, and letting them succeed each in their own way. I know it can be tiring doing the same thing again and again with a bunch of rookies, and this was a session back to back with another one, but Phil was cheerful and encouraging the whole way through - all the way to the boulder scramble at the end.
if anybody asks for an activity for youngsters, you'll be right up there at the top of the list.
Once again, thank you very much for an enjoyable session at a well run venue.
Yrs, Nigel Ingledew