Another fabulous week it's been here in the Lake District.
After an 18 month gap, Mina came back to visit us and stayed the whole week. We walked on four days and each time from the door of her Chapel Stile cottage. We also made a visit to Hodge Close Quarry for Steph to have a go at Abseiling. Lots of flora and fauna spotted and amazing waterfalls on the Monday. A good week.

I also managed a quick visit to Gimmer crag in Langdale. 2 routes ticked, with a repeat of Asterisk and new route (for me) 'Detour' which is equally fine, giving thought provoking climbing up the steep wall. Over the years i've climbed many routes here and still haven't found any to be less than brilliant, such an amazing venue.

Yesterday I was out with Annabelle & Daniel from Berkshire for a day of Rock Scrambling, this too was in Langdale. We began in Stickle Ghyll, then branched off onto Tarn crag for an ascent of 'The Groove' (grade 3). Whilst walking over to Pavey Ark we spotted a Ring Ouzel and watched it for a while. After lunch it was up the classic 'Jacks Rake' on Pavey Ark, finishing off with some bouldering on the summit.
With plenty time left we dropped down to Stickle tarn and tackled the East ridge of Harrison Stickle (grade 1 - 2) for our final scramble of the day. The heavens opened about half way up so extra care needed on the now slippery rocks. By sticking to the cleanest rock we ascended without drama and soon topped out on the summit for brilliant views (as the above photo shows).

A fantastic mountain week, thanks to: Mina, Steph, Pete, Annabelle, and Daniel.

Mark

Today I was back out with Jane. We've now climbed quite a lot together, but until today haven't ventured to Dow.
With a good forecast we set off from Walna Scar with an easy 1 hour approach walk to the mighty Dow crag. There is an imposing air about this place, the height, the size, location, it's simply spectacular.

We chatted to some other climbers during the walk in and they planned to do 'Arete, chimney, and crack' - this was on our tick list too, so we decided to divert for now onto Murray's route (also on the tick list) and leave them to it.

Murray's route proved to be as brilliant as ever, with a mix of tricky and thrutchy moves along with a wonderful traverse pitch and a visit to Abraham's cave!

We had this done in time for another route and by now 'Arete, chimney, and crack' was as good as clear of traffic. This time we decided to climb with our rucksacks so we could top out and walk straight back to the Walna Scar. Jane set off leading the first pitch and had this dispatched in no time, I led the grassy 2nd pitch and we more or less alternate led the rest of the way. This proved to be another excellent line on Dow and worthy of its 3 star status. From the top of the crag we enjoyed views of the Scafells, Duddon valley, and over to the Isle of Man.

A grand 9 pitch mountain day out. Thanks Jane.

Mark

This week has been super busy and varied. The weather has mostly been kind too, which always helps.

On Wednesday we had a team day out on Gimmer crag in Langdale. This is one of my favourite crags, the climbs are simply outstanding and cover the grade range, so something for everyone. Shortly after we arrived though, the rain started, as we had quite hard routes in mind, we decided to wait a while in the hope it would clear up, it did, until the thunder started!! We packed up and started to head for home, feeling a bit unhappy about the weather and lack of climbing, but not wanting to be caught out by a storm.
Whilst walking away from the crag we noticed many climbers arriving and seemingly undeterred by the thunder. Certainly over 10, maybe 15 climbers arrived, very unusual for a midweek day on Gimmer. Anyway, we stopped a while and watched as they geared up. I realised i'd put my sunglasses back on and looking up noticed the blue sky overhead, happy days.
As it was quite a trek back to where our chosen routes were, we decided instead to climb on the Main Wall area of crag instead, this is an area of Gimmer we hadn't yet explored.
Starting with 'Main Wall Climb' a 2 star v'diff we found it to be very pleasant and typical of Gimmer climbing. I was keen for something a little more challenging so we also climbed 'Purple Edge' a 2 star VS route, managing all 49m of it in one pitch!
We would have climbed another route, but had a meeting planned in Ambleside that evening so had to dash. Thank you Gimmer for exceeding expectations yet again.

On Thursday I was out with Howard & Simone from London. Visiting for just a few days and wanting to summit Helvellyn within that time frame, they called us for route advice and to make a plan. We ascended to Red Tarn from Glenridding. Unfortunately the cloud was at the level of Red Tarn, so views were limited, but it was very atmospheric. We continued to Swirral Edge and onto the summit of Helvellyn, still in the cloud!
Our return route via Lower Man & Whiteside brought us better fortune with increasingly good views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Overall the conditions were favourable, despite the low cloud.

Friday saw a return to rock climbing, this time with Roger from North Wales. We climbed on the Pike O'Blisco crags high above Langdale. Starting with a few routes on Long Scar, nice and easy to begin with, but soon moving onto steeper terrain. Then it was over to Black crag (only 5 mins walk away) and more fine routes up to E2.
We covered a range of skills including: gear removal, building anchors, abseiling, hoisting, all whilst climbing 7 fine routes.

On Saturday afternoon we introduced Rebecca & Matteo to Gorge Scrambling. We enjoyed amazing conditions in the gorge, with evening sun flooding down onto us and creating rainbows in the waterfalls. Swims, jumps, and climbs were enjoyed and finished off with a visit to the Sticklebarn pub for hot chocolate (not for me, I had to dash over to Wasdale for more Scafell Pike fun). This couple are quite extraordinary and I have to share their amazing feat here. Earlier in the year Matteo had competed in the Atlantic Challenge rowing race. That sounds pretty cool right. It gets ever more impressive. Not only did Matteo compete, he rowed solo for 50+ days, he won, and broke the solo record. I urge you to read more here: https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/the-teams/sogno-atlantico/

Thanks all for yet another fantastic week

Mark
​

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is no easy challenge – 24 miles and about 1600m of ascent in less than 12 hours.  Unlike the National 3 Peaks challenge, this is one continuous walk and of similar distance although less ascent. 

The three peaks that you ascend are Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) but there is also a fair amount of flat(ish!) terrain and some long but gentle ascents, which can make for some fast walking if the legs are up to it.

There is a fell race which does this route annually in April and the record time which was set in 1996 is an amazing 2 hours 46 mins!  However our focus is to get clients around this challenge in a realistic walking time, with an aim to do it under the 12 hour challenge time.  No matter whether it is 10 hours or 13 hours it is an awesome achievement and your legs will know about it the next day!

The group I guided around the route last week were a corporate group from Holland.  Some were  regular hill walkers and a few were first timers but  they were a fit and determined group and we walked most of the route at a cracking pace only slowing slightly on the last section when some had problems with sore feet and knees.

The tea van at Ribblehead was as ever a welcome sight for a cup of tea, and a few egg and bacon butties were happily consumed, supplementing the rather inadequate packed lunch the hotel had provided!

Although the day had started with some rain, the cloud was off the summits by the time we reached them.  Unfortunately, the midges were out in their hoards sending us off the summit rather quicker than we would have liked.

The descent from the last summit is long when your legs are tired but it goes over some beautiful interesting limestone countryside – lots of limestone pavement and wild flowers.  However the end was in sight and the thought of a well-earned pint in the Golden Lion spurred everyone on – a great finish to a long and satisfying day. 

Well done all and thanks for your great company!

Kate

The last few days have been crazy busy here, with a good mix of activities going on.
On Friday Kate was guiding a group of 8 guys on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. I won't write about that here as no doubt Kate will want to post about it.

Saturday was a restful day for Kate whilst I spent the day working for Kendal Mountaineering Services on a stag party activity. Abseiling at Hodge close in the morning followed by Gorge scrambling in Langdale during the afternoon. The forecast had been pretty poor, but actually turned out okay. And anyway, once in the gorge who cares if it's raining, waterfalls are wet and lots of fun!!

On Saturday night we were guiding a corporate group on Scafell Pike as part of a 3 Peaks Challenge event. Thanks to Tony McKenzie for helping on that and taking the fast team to the summit and back in under 4 hours, nice one.

Then during the early hours of Sunday morning Kate was over in Wasdale to guide on a Scafell Pike leg of the 3 Peaks Challenge. Again, Kate will be writing about this so i'll just say well done all for the 3h 30mins time, awesome.

After a quick recharge I spent Sunday on Pike O'Blisco with the Gibbons family from Northampton. Our Family Adventure Days are designed to engage and enthuse youngsters through continuous activity including climbing, scrambling, and abseiling. There were plenty of smiles during the day and I reckon 2 tired out children by the end of it, so a good day had by all. The sun came out and the cloud stayed high for much of the day too :-)

Yesterday we had the pleasure of taking a visiting Indian couple Gorge Scrambling. Their first time in the Lakes and being from Bombay were used to significantly warmer conditions so I think mentioning to them that the water would be pleasant may have been stretching things a little!!! Still, a brilliant time was had and thankfully the water levels are much higher again now after recent rains.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make these days a big success.

Mark
​ 

Last week was half term and with the sun shining every day, we had a very busy and enjoyable week.  One popular activity we do is our Family Adventure Day.  There are various options depending on the ages of the children, the weather and what our clients want out of the day.   

Families who prefer less walking to the day can enjoy the valley option.  We spend the morning in Langdale where you are spoilt with views of this popular and beautiful valley; the dramatic skyline of the Langdale Pikes always drawing your eyes to it.  We do some fun rock-climbing, starting with easy climbs and testing yourselves on harder ones if you wish.  We then head over to Cathedral quarry for a picnic lunch at a place which never ceases to amaze people – you walk through a dark tunnel and appear in a huge cavern, lit up with rays of sun pouring through the ‘window’.  This man-made quarry gets its name ‘Cathedral’ from the huge pillar inside the cavern.  As well as the caverns there are long, dark tunnels to explore, always good fun - one is 120m long so we take a torch!  There is an abseil here too, just long enough for children but long enough to give a challenge.

Last week the weather was perfect for an adventurous day out in the mountains. So with two families – 3 adults and 5 children from 8 to 17 years old we drove up to the top of the Wrynose Pass and headed up Pike O’Blisco.  We stayed off path for most of the day, scrambling over small rocky outcrops – for anyone not familiar with scrambling, in this case it is very easy rock-climbing on low level rocks, for which you don’t need a rope.  Children of all ages love this and the joy of it is that you can choose your route, so it can be easy or a little harder, or you can simply walk around it.

We scrambled our way up the mountain until we reached the crag of Long Scar, seeing lots of interest on route - sheep and lambs (Herdwicks and Swaledales), plants including Sundew, one of only two insectivorous plants in the UK, and some fascinating rock formations. 

Long Scar is a lovely climbing crag about 12m tall and here everyone enjoyed some rock-climbing on the end of a rope on either the ‘easy’ climb or the ‘hard’ climb for those who wanted to challenge themselves, or both!   Here we enjoyed a well-earned picnic lunch whilst being treated to stunning of the Lake District fells including Wetherlam, Swirl How, Cold Pike and Crinkle Crags.

Everyone then fancied the idea of abseiling; some were worried because of previous experiences, however the slabs we use on Black Crag are not at all intimidating and perfect for ‘first timers’ and especially good for youngsters too. Everyone did it at least once and the children all came back for another turn.  You also get to do some more easy climbing as it is quicker and far more enjoyable to climb back up to the top than to walk around.

Time enjoyed always passes quickly and before we knew it was time to return to the cars.  Here I left them as the adults were keen to finish their day by testing their driving skills over the famous Hardknott Pass, a single track, twisty road with a gradient of 1 in 3, the steepest road in England (along with Rosedale Chimney in North Yorkshire). 

Thanks for a great day out Eric, Johnny, Sarah, Matt, Georgie, Tristan, Theo and Thomas!

An all round very busy few days here in the Lakes, rock climbing with the Tolchard family, the Walton family, and the Slater family. That's a lot of climbing! Kate has been busy with Scafell Pike walks and Family Adventure Days too.

I also enjoyed a full day of multi-pitch climbing at Wallowbarrow crag with Kirsty. We climbed 5 multi-pitch routes which adds up to many pitches of climbing, all under big blue skies and warm sunshine. Wallowbarrow is a gem of a crag, probably my favourite valley crag. Easy access, sheltered and sunny, rough and sound rock, and the Duddon valley as backdrop, it's a lot to beat.

The following day a quick blast at Raven crag in Lansdale with Joe. Elevation & Savernake were our routes. Hadn't done Elevation before and am so glad we did it this time, it's excellent.

If you're planning a visit to this beautiful part of the world, why not try something fun and adventurous. Give us a call and we'll make a plan :-)

Thanks everyone

Mark