Shrewsbury outdoor sports shop to close after 35 years
A family-run extreme sports shop which has traded in Shrewsbury for more than 35 years is to close so the owners can go on adventures of their own.
High Sports, at the bottom of Wyle Cop, has attracted a loyal following of climbers and fell runners since it opened in the early 1980s.
But now the Cathcart family have decided it is time to close the doors for good and have a holiday adventure of their own.
The business was led by climber, outdoor adventurer and fundraiser Stuart Cathcart, who said: “It’s a big world out there and life is short, we are all our own inspiration, so time to crack on.
"I plan to follow an off-road bike track all the way down through America and then also travel from the Arctic Circle down to Gibraltar.
"Luckily my wife is very much an outdoors person so we will be experiencing these adventures together."
Although the closing down signs have only been up for a few days, trading has been very brisk with well wishers and those after a bargain.
Stuart added: "I really must say thanks to all our loyal customers for their support and dedicated ambassadors and staff who have crossed the threshold into our little shop.
"It has not been so much of a job as a passion and way of life. I can still remember the first guy who walked through the door 36 years ago."
As a focal point for the climbing and outdoor community, the shop has regularly been the scene for customers to relay heroic stories of adventures far and wide.
Stuart regularly organised talks from experts in the climbing world keen to tell their tales.
He hopes to close the shop by September before the couple set off on their journeys across the globe.
