One advantage of checking routes for guidebooks is that you often spot opportunities for new development. I abseiled into Dutchman's Zawn at Llandudno a couple of weeks ago to check the grades of some classic sports routes that have been languishing until recently re-bolted. On that occasion I climbed the excellent "Zawn Creature" and spotted a natural line with plenty of protection straight up the back of the zawn. Shortly afterwards a mother and baby dolphin swam by. So the chance arose for a closer look and I abseiled in with my son Sion. The result was a remarkably worthwhile "trad" climb which we named after one of my climbing heroes, Arthur Dolphin.
