Traprain Law, East Lothian. 4th September 2012

Traprain Law is a popular crag with Edinburgh based climbers and has been climbed on for many years now. This crag has lots to offer the low to mid grade climber and is probably one of my favourite cragging destinations in the SMC Lowland Outcrops Guide.  Its popularity does mean that the climbs are polished and care should be taken after wet spells as the crag does suffer from seepage, although this can usually be avoided with careful route selection. The climbs themselves are very pleasant and generally well protected. On your 1st visit to the crag you may find locating your climbs difficult, step back away from the crag and all will become clear. Traprain Law also has a very pleasant out look over the farm lands of East Lothian, making this a very relaxing place to climb.

Traprain Law 04/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Getting to Traprain Law from Glasgow is straight forward, take the M8 towards Edinburgh then onto the Edinburgh bypass south. Turn off onto the A1 south until you reach Haddington (520 740). Drive through Haddington and cross the bridge over the river, just beyond the town centre. After about 2 kilometres turn right, signposted Garvald and Stenton. After another 3 kilometres turn left at the cross roads continue on this road and Traprain Law (581 746) will come into sight on your left. Park just beyond a sharp bend in the road and follow the field edge path to a wooden stile. There has been many issues with access to this crag please park considerately and be polite if asked to move your vehicle. For further information on access to this crag contact the MCofS.

Overhang Wall, Traprain Law 04/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

On this occasion there was a fierce wind blowing so we approached the climbs with care, starting with Deception VD*. In the lower half the wind was not catching it but in the upper reaches the wind was so strong it was blowing me off balance. We quickly descended and went for Fake Route S* my favourite climb at this crag at this grade. The crux involves pulling through an overhang quite high up, it does feel exposed but the hand holds are huge and very positive. Again we descended quickly the wind blowing across the top of the crag was horrendous. The next climb was to be the last the wind was getting too much. We went for Great Corner S**, the crux again involves pulling through an over hang but it is exposed to the weather and on this visit proved to be a lot more difficult than usual. Once over this the climbing in the upper section is easier and was also protected from the wind. Again we descended quickly to get out of the wind and quickly changed into our trainers. We stuffed everything into our packs, had a quick look around and then dashed backed to the car. It may have been short day but it was enjoyable and worth the effort.

Lammer Wall, Traprain Law 04/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)