Category: Raven Crag Langdale - Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks

Rock climbing in Langdale - a happy day

1/4/2021

#climbing-days-ambleside

Airtime for Leo on 'Dawes rides a shovel head'

Typically in springtime, we arrive back in the Lakes after our winter in Spain. The first thing I would do is drive into Langdale and either scramble or climb, it is always a wonderful day.
Well, we were still in Spain this winter, very lucky for us we made it out there before the lockdowns came along. With the introduction of quarantine for anyone entering the UK, our first 10 days back in the UK were spent indoors and I became very irritable about not getting into Langdale to see it again. Today, at last, I climbed again on the gorgeous rocks in this valley, I know they are my favourite rocks in the world and this is my favourite valley.

Together with good friend and fellow outdoor instructor Iain, we set out from The Old Dungeon Ghyll for the short but steep walk up to Raven crag. It was busy at the crag, our eyes soon focused on the Trilogy area where some ropes were set up. A very well known Lakeland climber was having a blast on the Dave Birkett test piece 'Dawes rides a shovel head'. At E8 this doesn't see much attention so it was a treat to watch. Trilogy was getting some attention too and that's no pushover at about E5!!
Below all this was a lone Herdwick sheep that was somewhat crag-fast. Sadly this was likely not going to make it up there for much longer.

We climbed the 3 star 'Revelation' in one big pitch. A glorious route that is sustained at Hard Severe and gives wonderful climbing on quality rock. We then moved around to the front of the crag and climbed 'Original route' also a 3 star climb, we did this one in 3 pitches. We took the safe option back to base and used the nice shiny abseil station. So much better than the dodgy down climb.

Rock climbing in the Lake District is world class and offers something for everyone. With easy approaches and climbs from super easy to E9 pump-fests, whatever you're after it's here in the Lakes. Occasionally it rains, but thankfully most of the crags in Langdale face south so dry very rapidly meaning climbing can resume as soon as the clouds part.

We know these crags really very well and would love to show you around some of them. If you haven't tried climbing before and fancy trying something new or if you're a regular climber visiting the area and want to be shown some brilliant routes, we can plan days to suit you.

Thanks for reading. Stay safe and well, come visit soon.

Mark

#adventure-days-in-the-lake-district

Iain cruising up Revelation on Raven crag

#guided-rock-climbing-langdale

Me leading Revelation. Photo courtesy of Iain Gallagher

#how-to-start-rock-climbing

Me leading Original Route. Photo courtesy of Iain Gallagher

Guided rock climbing in the Lake District

23/4/2019

#climbing-course-lake-district

Mikka about to tackle the steep section of 'Slab Climb' at Castle Rock

The Lake District, like much of the UK has been enjoying some amazing early season sunshine and warmth over the Easter break. This has brought out lots of people, all enjoying the splendid scenery and environment of the Lake District, always great to see.

It's been a very busy time for us too, no doubt partly helped by the great weather.

For the last 4 days we've been showing Mikka (originally from Finland but now residing in London) some of the brilliant climbing the Lake District has to offer. Having already climbed in Snowdonia, the Southwest of England, and Southern Spain, oh and the Alps, the Lakes had it's work cut out.

Our brief was to give lots of mileage on rock.

We started at Raven crag in Langdale, climbing: Evening Wall; Original Route; and Revelation.
For day 2 Sam took Mikka to climb the Borrowdale classic 'Troutdale Pinnacle' and they finished with Brown Slabs Arete at Shepherds crag.
Day 3 we headed for the Duddon valley and Wallowbarrow crag. Climbing Wall & Corner; Trinity Slabs; and Thomas.
Day 4 and our final day with Mikka was to be shorter as a train needed to be met for the return journey to London. Castle Rock provided the easy access we needed. We climbed Gangway; Slab climb; Yew tree climb; and Via Media.

Somewhere around 32 pitches of climbing over 3 and a half days, mostly at 'Severe' grade. I think it's fair to say we gave Mikka the mileage he was looking for.

If you're looking for something similar, please get in touch and let's make a plan.

When the sun shines, there really isn't anywhere better to be than right here in the Lake District. And preferably on a crag.

Thanks for reading, hope to see you soon

Mark

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Enjoying the minor classic of 'Thomas' at Wallowbarrow crag

#rock-climbing-langdale

Local climbers enjoying a sunny day at Raven crag, Langdale

Guided walks and Rock climbing here in the sunny Lake District

30/3/2019

#guided-walks-lake-district

Sunlight bathing the Langdale valley

As is often the case during springtime here in the Lakes, there's been a spell of magnificent weather. Cool, fairly calm, and sunny almost every day. When the skies are clear and the temps are just nudging into double figures there honestly is nowhere on the planet I'd rather be than here in the Lake District. It is truly magical. Yes we are lucky to live and work here and most definitely cherish this. Being able to share the best of the Lakes with our guests and fellow outdoor lovers is an absolute pleasure and privilege.

This week has been busy, a mix of refreshing venues after a winter spent abroad, and lots of folk to take out into the fells and onto the crags.
A visit to Raven crag in Langdale is also top of my list at this time of year. It's a valley crag, gets loads of sun, is quick drying, is easy to get to, and is packed with brilliant climbs. Me & Anna climbed Original route (S) which was great fun. There were plenty of climbers out enjoying the Stella conditions too. I hadn't had chance to check out the descent route post rockfall, so today was a good opportunity to do so. The amount of rock to have fallen was bigger than I had expected, truly massive in fact! But thankfully the descent route has not really been altered at all, not technically anyway.

Another day out on the rock with fellow instructor Si saw us in Borrowdale and that other fine all year valley crag, Shepherds. We cruised through 3 routes, starting with Chamonix (HS), then on to Little Chamonix (VD), and finishing off with Ant Highway (MVS). Whilst not a lot of climbing for an afternoon, the sun was starting to loose its power and chilly fingers were not too far away, so we called it a day, happy with the 3 good quality routes we'd climbed.

If looking for top quality climbing throughout the grade range and want easy access, great views, and great rock, either Raven crag or Shepherds crag fit the bill perfectly. As a bonus, they are in condition very regularly, even during the winter months, just pick a calm, dry day. During the summer they can be wonderfully oven like......sometimes :-)

Mixed in with all this rock action was a fab day of walking with Jason. It's been quite a few years now since getting out in the hills with Jason, so was really nice to catch up and show him an area of the Lakes that was new for him.
The plan was Bowfell, but after a further chat on the drive into Langdale, a Langdale Pikes day was sounding far more likely and that's what we opted for. Up to Stickle tarn then onto the summit of Harrison Stickle for magnificent views far and wide. We descended via Thorn crag and the Dungeon Ghyll. A chilly but clear day made for sublime walking conditions, how lucky were we, ace. No Lambs out on the Langdale fells yet, but not going to be long.

A fab week, thanks to Sarah, Jason, Anna, and Si

Mark

#guided-rock-climbing-lake-district

Enjoying the classic 'Original Route' on Raven crag, Langdale

#outdoor-climbing-course-lake-district

Perfect spring conditions for climbing at Raven Crag, Langdale

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Enjoying amazing early season conditions at Shepherds crag, Borrowdale

#guided-hikes-windermere

Another perfect day for walking. This is the summit of Harrison Stickle

Evening climbing - Langdale

7/8/2018

#rockclimbinglakedistrict

Traverse pitch of Pluto

The beauty of long summer evenings is being able to get out into the hills and onto the crags around sunset. This is certainly my favourite time of day, when the mountains cast their shadow and warm evening glow lights the valley.

After a lovely sunny day spent walking with a family in the Borrowdale valley, I later met up with my friend Kelly for a spot of evening cragging in Langdale.
All of the Lakeland valleys are beautiful and have lots going for them. But for me, Langdale is the stand out valley, the most dramatic, with lots of accessible walking, scrambling, and climbing suitable for a wide range of people. It's without doubt my favourite place.

Around 5 years ago me & Kate climbed a route called Pluto on Raven crag. A HVS with a big traverse so not something to take lightly. I remember then it felt difficult, with a strenuous 1st pitch and an awkward (for the tall) traverse pitch with sometimes questionable protection! We ran out of time so didn't climbing the final pitch that evening. But pleased with the route all the same and always great to be out climbing with Kate whilst Don slept at the base of the crag :-)

This week I was back at the base of Pluto with Kelly, who thankfully had agreed to lead the harder pitches, so I could have a bumble along and simply enjoy the ride. Cruising up the first pitch, I looked up at Kelly thinking 'good effort for making it look easier than it is'! I took over the lead for the big traverse pitch. This follows a strong natural line under the overlap. Some delicate moves and often difficult to arrange protection eventually lead to a comfortable belay stance by a big block. The final pitch looked distinctly exciting and route finding proved to be problematic too. With some bold moves on the steep initial wall, some much needed protection was placed before a fine traverse into a groove and the final blast to the top. This was a fine lead with a bold feel. Lots of the moves are reachy, favouring a taller person (so not too bad for me), making it all the more exciting for sub 6 footers!

Twilight was upon us as we descended, so we sauntered on back to the Old Dungeon Ghyll and home for food.

If you're considering trying rock climbing and are visiting the area. Why not get in touch and we'll make a plan to suit you. We know most of the crags in most of the valleys, be it Langdale, Borrowdale, Eskdale, Duddon, or Patterdale.

Another grand day :-)

Mark

Transition to trad - Rock climbing in the Lake District

13/5/2018

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Enjoying the wonderful rock on Upper Scout crag, Langdale

This weekend we've had the pleasure of introducing Rachel & Naz to the amazing crags of the Langdale valley. When the sun shines this is by far my favourite place anywhere, simply gorgeous.
And the sun certainly shone this weekend :-)

We started at Upper Scout crags and climbed routes 1 & 2 - both being really fun, but Route 1 being particularly brilliant. If you're in the area we can highly recommend it. The crag was busy with folk making the most of the warm sunshine. But there was a distinct 'chilled out' feel to the place and people which was lovely. Everyone simply out to have fun, enjoy a few climbs and good company whilst drooling over the magnificence of the Langdale valley (or was that just me)!

Today we moved along the valley to Raven crag. Starting with the ultra classic 'Middlefell Buttress'. This was busy but very sociable. We even saw Lakes legend Dave Birkett 'run' up the route on his way to Gimmer! We took our time, enjoying the spacious belay ledges and going through belay and anchor skills whilst enjoying the climb.

Later we moved on to 'Original Route' and enjoyed 3 pitches of fine climbing, with more skills looked at along the way.

Back to London now for the girls, but we hope to see you both again soon :-)

Mark

#rockclimbingcourselakedistrict

Route 2 at Upper Scout crag

#rockclimbingcourseambleside

Smiles is always were it's at. The best climber is the one having the most fun :-)

Back to trad - Rock climbing course, Lakes

21/4/2018

#lakedistrictclimbingcourse

Enjoying a bluebird day and great rock on Raven crag, Langdale

Recent days in the Lake District (and many parts of the UK) have seen an early burst of summer. We hope this is a taste of things to come this year. Kerry joined us for a couple of days to make the most of this amazing weather and we spent two productive days together.

Day one at the super reliable Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon valley. Here after spending some time placing gear at the base of the crag and constructing belays, Kerry set off leading Trinity Slabs (VD). Placing lots of protection and building 'bomber' belays was time very well spent and began the process of cementing this good practice for Kerry. We discussed various ways to construct belays and the pros & cons of using either rope or slings for this.
After lunch we moved on to Wall & Corner (VD), another 4 pitch route. More of the same, with lots of gear placed and numerous 3 placement belays made, ace. Sitting at the top of this crag is always a wonderful experience, such an amazing view of patchwork walls and greenery over the long, wooded valley, beautiful.

Day two saw us stay a little closer to Ambleside. Raven crag lies behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and has very easy access. This was our objective today, and Kerry had unfinished business here so first port of call 'Original Route' (S) to get that in the bag. Before setting off we re-capped belay construction skills and discussed the route in detail. Kerry laced the first couple of pitches with gear and made some excellent belays (which is surprisingly difficult on this route). The upper pitches went well too, with yet more 3 placement belays, good effort.
After a lunch break in the warm sunshine, we moved on to Evening Wall (S) to maximise our tanning opportunities! Kerry led this in 3 pitches, running out the middle pitch a little more than she may have wanted, but a great lead all the same. This route has potential for some quite innovative protection, so is a really useful inclusion in any trad climbing course. Topping out in the late afternoon sun made it all the harder to think about wrapping up for the day. Raven crag during a sunny afternoon takes some beating.

2 days and 16 pitches of leading for Kerry. A good kick-starter for the trad season ahead.

Mark

#leadclimbingcourselakedistrict

The crux pitch of Original Route, Raven crag

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Gorgeous Langdale

Guided climbing - dry rock through the showers

4/8/2017

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Shafts of sunlight in Langdale

The grey skies of this week have not dampened our spirits, we've been out enjoying some fine days with lovely people. Firstly with the Kimber family from Dorset on a Family Adventure Day in the Langdale and Little Langdale valleys. Despite it being a pretty damp afternoon, we enjoyed plenty rock climbing in the morning before retreating into the Cathedral caverns of Little Langdale, this is such a fun place to explore, yes we still love walking through the tunnels too.

And today with returning client Stig from Norway, here to sample the historic climbing of the Lake District. On Raven crag we climbed: Middlefell Buttress; Evening Wall; Original Route; and Revelation. The morning was showery but the rock dried quickly in the wind, during the afternoon we enjoyed increasing amounts of blue sky and sunshine, Langdale showing off again ;-)

Thanks everyone for a fab week, we hope to see you all again soon.

Mark

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Climber on Revelation

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Stig on Evening Wall (Severe)

Early season rock climbing, Lake District

3/4/2017

Rock-climbing-course-near-Ambleside

Nick leading the crux pitch of Holly Tree Direct, Raven crag

Glorious sunshine has been warming the rock here in the Lake District. I even heard myself mutter 'This could be Hot Rock' it's so warm! The Andesite, Rhyolite, and Tufa rock of the Langdale valley is a delight to climb on, even more so when it's been warmed by the sun.

We have been lucky enough to spend some time on the crags recently. Yesterday morning being at Raven crag (Old Dungeon Ghyll), Langdale. Climbing 'Holly Tree Direct'. This is an intimidating HVS with a distinct crux move across the slab. Nick climbed this gracefully and went on to dispatch the steep groove with finesse, but was a true gent letting me finish the pitch off and take some of the glory.
It was T-shirt weather all morning, and some climbers were even opting to go shirt-less, yes it really was that warm!

An easier afternoon followed, with Kate, Anna, and Stew. We walked up the Stickle Ghyll path to Tarn crag.
Tarn crag offers a selection of easier multi-pitch climbs and rock scrambles. We climbed a couple of routes, again with the sun beating down on us, it was a delight. Whilst this crag may not be a major venue, the rock is sound and of top quality, giving excellent climbing with exceptional views, especially during late afternoon.

Early season rock climbing can be fantastic here in the Lake District. Crags are easier to access due to the lack of bracken, days are now light for longer, so evening cragging and mountain venues are all possible too.

Whether you're a visiting climber looking to be shown around the finest crags and routes in the Lake District, or you're wanting to have a go at climbing for the first time. We can tailor days to suit your requirements, making sure you get the most out of your stay in this beautiful part of the world.

Give us a call and let's make it happen.

Mark & Kate

Introduction-to-rock-climbing-course-Lake-District

Kate enjoying being back on Lakeland rock. Tarn crag

Activities-in-the-Lake-District. Rock-climbing

Anna leading on Tarn crag, Langdale

Guided rock climbing - Lake District

7/8/2016

Lake District rock climbs

Roger eyeing up the next move on Original Route, Raven crag, Langdale

On Friday we had a return to wonderful sunshine here in the Lake District. I was out Rock climbing with Roger. We began the day at Upper Scout crag, climbing routes 1 & 2 and a total of 5 pitches.

After lunch we moved along the Langdale valley to Raven crag. Here we started with Original Route and progressed up the crag mixing in with nearby routes along the way. This allowed us to climb the full height of the crag and take in some steeper, harder terrain along the way.

10 pitches in total, pleasantly warmed all day by the sun, smiles all round.

Thanks Roger.

Mark