Gimmer crag - high above Langdale
This week has seen a dramatic turn in the weather, and so much for the better! Cool autumnal nights, clear mornings, and warm, sunny days. The mountains and valleys are changing colour, the autumn coat is going on, meaning much orange on the fells. September really is a fantastic time to be in the Lake District.
So what have we been up to? Lots of getting out in the mountains and by that I mean lots of rock climbing.
Back on Monday this was with Joe who was looking to get some mileage in on the rock and simply have a good day of climbing. Wallowbarrow certainly delivered that, with 3 routes and 8 pitches up to VS 4c. For most of the time we had the crag to ourselves, we just noticed another pair of climbers enjoying the classic Severe of 'Thomas'. With wonderful views, a serene ambience, easy access, and great rock, there's always good reason to pay this place a visit.
On Tuesday I was meeting my good friend Tony, who is always rather partial to an adventure of some kind! This time it would be involving the magnificent Gimmer crag, perched high above the Langdale valley. Our sights were set on a tougher than normal route (for me anyway) going by the name of 'Whit's End Direct' at E1+
Tony took the lead for this long single pitcher. Taking care to place plenty of protection and make use of all the small ledges for a little rest and shake out. He cruised the route in style, keeping cool and going forth with confidence and composure. I'd become pretty cold whilst belaying in the chilly wind, but still, the rock was warm so hands didn't suffer too much and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the climbing and the sublime situation.
Time had run away with us, so with a couple of abseils we made it back to the base of the crag and bid our farewells for this time.
Today was to be another climbing day, Joe was back for more. This time we headed for Castle Rock near the Thirlmere reservoir. A footpath diversion led us to an interesting approach walk via the North crag. Here we picked a way through the jumble of massive boulders that had fallen last year, these were quite a sight!
As promised, the South crag was warm and sunny, just how we like it. We climbed 5 routes from VD - HS and included some very long pitches, so got plenty of mileage in. Due to the descent route being so short and friendly we had rattled through all these and enjoyed a few rest stops all by mid-afternoon. Joe was pleasantly tired, as was I, so we called it a day. We had been the only people at the crag, the only others nearby were a couple of forestry workers cutting back the Larch woodland on the hillside below.
3 top class climbing days in the same week is pretty good going, it's been a lot of fun. Thanks to Joe and Tony :-)
Mark
So what have we been up to? Lots of getting out in the mountains and by that I mean lots of rock climbing.
Back on Monday this was with Joe who was looking to get some mileage in on the rock and simply have a good day of climbing. Wallowbarrow certainly delivered that, with 3 routes and 8 pitches up to VS 4c. For most of the time we had the crag to ourselves, we just noticed another pair of climbers enjoying the classic Severe of 'Thomas'. With wonderful views, a serene ambience, easy access, and great rock, there's always good reason to pay this place a visit.
On Tuesday I was meeting my good friend Tony, who is always rather partial to an adventure of some kind! This time it would be involving the magnificent Gimmer crag, perched high above the Langdale valley. Our sights were set on a tougher than normal route (for me anyway) going by the name of 'Whit's End Direct' at E1+
Tony took the lead for this long single pitcher. Taking care to place plenty of protection and make use of all the small ledges for a little rest and shake out. He cruised the route in style, keeping cool and going forth with confidence and composure. I'd become pretty cold whilst belaying in the chilly wind, but still, the rock was warm so hands didn't suffer too much and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the climbing and the sublime situation.
Time had run away with us, so with a couple of abseils we made it back to the base of the crag and bid our farewells for this time.
Today was to be another climbing day, Joe was back for more. This time we headed for Castle Rock near the Thirlmere reservoir. A footpath diversion led us to an interesting approach walk via the North crag. Here we picked a way through the jumble of massive boulders that had fallen last year, these were quite a sight!
As promised, the South crag was warm and sunny, just how we like it. We climbed 5 routes from VD - HS and included some very long pitches, so got plenty of mileage in. Due to the descent route being so short and friendly we had rattled through all these and enjoyed a few rest stops all by mid-afternoon. Joe was pleasantly tired, as was I, so we called it a day. We had been the only people at the crag, the only others nearby were a couple of forestry workers cutting back the Larch woodland on the hillside below.
3 top class climbing days in the same week is pretty good going, it's been a lot of fun. Thanks to Joe and Tony :-)
Mark
Enjoying the super grippy rock at Castle Rock
Cruising to the overlap on 'Whit's End Direct' at Gimmer
Anchor set up at the top of Castle Rock. 3 pieces of protection all equalised using a Dyneema sling so that 'guide mode' can be deployed with the belay device
End of a great day of climbing at Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon valley
