The Plan

AS ISSUED TO THE ARMY MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION 03FEB0800Z

WARNING ORDER

HARD ROCK CHALLENGE

PRELIMS

When Hard Rock was published in 1974 it was immediately recognised as a must for every climber's bookshelf. Ken Wilson had assembled a distinguished group of climbers, including Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Hamish MacInnes, Ed Drummond, Pat Littlejohn and Royal Robbins, who, in an inspired series of essays, relived their experiences on some of the finest and hardest climbs in Britain.

The result was a feast of climbing literature, a celebration of 60 of the best routes in the land, illustrated with a superb collection of crag and action shots.

GROUND

60 of the finest rock climbs located across the length and breadth of Great Britain. They comprise over 22,000ft of climbing and require 180 miles of walk-ins, 3000 miles of driving and 4 ferry crossings to reach them.

SITUATION - Enemy Forces

The British weather is a worthy foe. Around 20 routes need several days of dry weather to render them climbable. Several routes require more than a week of dry weather. Even during July, the driest month of the year, Snowdonia, The Lake District and the Scottish Highlands average 11-16 days of wet weather during the month.

SITUATION - Friendly Forces

Commanders Intent:

Army Mountaineering Association President Brigadier JF Watson intends to celebrate the 50th anniversary by AMA members undertaking high profile challenges across the globe.

Friendly Forces Disposition:

Two of the AMA's top rock climbers Mark Stevenson (Serving REME) and Richard Mayfield (Ex RLC) are willing to spend part of the summer of 2007 climbing within the UK. Civilian Population:

Two climbers Stephen Reid and Peter Hardman have completed all the routes in Hard Rock previously, each taking 10 years to do so. The UK climbing population is expected to fully support any attempt to complete these routes non-stop in aid of charity.

MISSION

Climb every route in Hard Rock in 5 weeks in order to support the AMA 50th Anniversary & raise £30,000 for Mountain Rescue.

EXECUTION

Concept of Ops:

Mark Stevenson and Richard Mayfield will spend 5 weeks from 13th July 2007 attempting a non-stop ascent of 60 major rock climbs spread across the UK. They will have a dedicated support team bolstered with individual re-enforcements and be assisted by key allies identified within local climbing areas.

Intent:

The intent is to achieve maximum publicity leading up to July, throughout the challenge and afterwards, utilising the Internet (UKclimbing.com / hardrockchallenge.org.uk), specialist media (Climb & Gravity Magazines) as well as MoD and mainstream media. This should enable significant funds to be raised in support of volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams throughout the UK.

Scheme of Manoeuvre:

In the event of good weather preceding 13th July the team will proceed generally Northwards to those of the following high mountain crags that are dry:

Snowdonia:

Clogwyn D'ur Arddu, Cyrn Las & Llech Ddu

The Lakes:

Scafell Crag/East Buttress, Gable Crag, Engineers Slab

Scotland:

Creag an Dubh Loch, Buachaille Etive Mor, Aonach Dudh, Carn Dearg

After completing these routes or if thwarted by rain, the team will tackle the Scottish Island routes and those at Carnmore crag initially. Further planning will take place as required on the basis of progress and weather forecasts. The team aims to complete all 60 routes in time for a celebration (or commiseration) party on 18th August in central England (location to be confirmed).

Main Effort

Climbing high mountain routes as soon as they have dried out.

SERVICE SUPPORT

Fund Raising:

The fundraising effort will revolve around 4 main areas:

Direct sponsorship from companies and individuals.

Sales of 'Hard Rock' T-shirts.

Maximum publicity for team website with the ability to make donations online.

Posters and collection tins at Climbing Walls and Outdoor Shops.

Access:

Despite the 'July & August' climbing ban at Cheddar Gorge, the BMC Access Rep has confirmed access to climb on Friday 13th July will be possible. Bird bans apply to part of Gogarth and Berry Head until 31st July. No other access issues exist.

Transport:

The main vehicle will be the Mayfield motor-home codename "Cheryl" which will provide transport, accommodation and catering facilities to the team.

Equipment:

All climbing equipment will be supplied by DMM.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Internet:

Use of GPRS or G3 mobile phone coverage will enable the team to make daily updates to the team website.