Category: Rock Climbing Langdale - Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks

Back out on the Langdale crags

18/9/2018

#langdalevalleyrockclimbing

Afternoon sun lighting Langdale

A last minute booking today saw us out enjoying afternoon sun whilst climbing at Scout crags in Langdale. After lots, and we do mean lots, of rain, the Ghylls were all in spate, we even had to boulder-hop over White Ghyll which is very unusual. This all added a nice sense of drama to the day. Strong winds were shifting the clouds over the valley and giving some stunning light conditions the whole time, such a privilege to be out on such a day.

To the climbing. Justin & Lisa enjoyed around 7 climbs this afternoon, some being repeats in order to spend time on developing technique. The crag was completely dry thanks to the strong winds. We rounded up with a bouldering session which saw to it that all muscles were completely spent. An easy meander back through the fields in the late afternoon sunshine brought the day to an end, lovely.

Thanks Justin & Lisa.

Mark

#rockclimbinglakedistrict

Enjoying dry rock and sun at Scout crags

#climbinginstructorlakedistrict

Bouldering in the sunshine - Langdale style :-)

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

Learning to lead - Rock climbing course, Lake District

1/9/2016

lead rock climbing course, Lake District

Lead climbing on Raven crag, Langdale

The date has just popped up as I started to write this blog, wow can't believe September is here already! Good news is, September usually turns out to be a great month for rock climbing here in the Lake District, let's hope this one is too.

Earlier this week I was running a climbing course on behalf of Highpoint Mountain Guides. Guy, who is a keen sport and indoor climbing, has been seconding trad climbing routes for a while now and was ready to begin the transition to lead climbing, a big step.

We began at Long Scar on Pike O'Blisco. This wonderful crag has loads of routes throughout the grade range and an emphasis on easier routes under 20m long, so an ideal place to start. Guy led 4 routes today, with Anna seconding, thanks Anna. We finished the day with a slightly more difficult route, then headed for home, making plans for tomorrow.

Tuesday morning brought with it light drizzle, we had been spoilt by yesterdays glorious sunshine! Undeterred, we headed into Langdale and to Raven crags. A light breeze was helping keep the rock dry-ish as we set off up Middlefell Buttress which Guy & Anna took alternate leads on throughout the 5 pitches. Once on the huge ledge at the top, we discussed our options for descent before setting up an abseil. As Guy hadn't done this before, we took time to go through the process so Guy could set this up himself. About 26m lower down we arrived in the bed of the gully, retrieved our ropes and continued down to the base of the climb. Lunch time had most definitely arrived!

To finish the day, Guy took the lead once more for an ascent of Original Route on the main crag. This is more difficult and certainly made Guy more cautious with his moves. Anna led us off the crag via an easy escape route and back to base once more. The day ended much brighter and drier, thankfully.

Over the 2 days we covered a lot, including:
Placing traditional climbing protection;
Anchor selection;
Equalising 2 & 3 anchors;
Belay stance management;
Setting up an abseil;
Guidebook interpretation;
The leaders rack;
And lots of rock climbing

Big thanks to Anna for helping us out with this. And to Joe at Highpoint for the work :-)

Mark

Lead climbing course, Lake District

Placing protection at Long Scar

Rock climbing anchors

3 equalised anchors

Equalising belay anchors at Raven crag, Langdale

Equalising 3 anchors

Lake District rock climbing course

Long scar, Pike O'Blisco

Setting up an abseil, Middlefell Buttress, Langdale

Setting up our abseil from Middlefell Buttress, Langdale

Rock climbing - Langdale

1/8/2016

Rock climbing in the Lake District - Raven crag, Langdale

Helen on the final pitch of Original Route, Raven crag

Guided rock climbing - Lake District

Climbers on Mendes, Raven crag

After a morning spent over in the lovely Yewdale valley, enjoying the Raven crag scramble, our afternoon has been spent on another Raven crag, the one in Langdale. So many Raven crags, so confusing!

I was climbing with Helen who was keen to sample more of the fine routes this Langdale crag has to offer. As it was mid-afternoon it seemed fitting to begin with 'Evening Wall' a brilliant route that can be done in 2 or 3 pitches, we chose 3 for ease of communication.
The rock was warm and dry, a delight to touch and climb on. For Helen, this would be the first time rock climbing on the main buttress of Raven crag, so the descent was new to her. On first acquaintance it looks a bit improbable, but the down-climb is okay, if a little exposed. We even found some 'crag swag' on our way off :-)

After a quick bite to eat and drink it was back on the rock, this time for the longer 'Original Route' which goes up the centre of the crag from the lowest point. We also climbed this in 3 pitches, but can easily be split into 5 or even 6, but by now we had the crag to ourselves so communication was much easier and the long pitches felt really good.

Six fantastic pitches of rock climbing in Langdale, undoubtedly the finest valley in the Lake District, for a climber, scrambler, or hill walker.

Thanks Helen

Mark

Rock climbing progression

17/7/2016

guided-rock-climbing-lake-district

Phil cruising up Revelation on Raven crag, Langdale

Really nice to welcome back Joe, Seth, Luke, Matt, and Hannan. And to meet Sarah, Betty, and Phil. A full day of rock on Saturday for everyone, with some managing 9 routes up to E2!!

We began at Long Scar, a fast drying mountain crag with loads of fine routes of rough Lakeland rock, Brecciated Andesite in case you're interested. It's a delight to climb here, with all routes being well worthwhile. For most of the time we had the place to ourselves, so set up plenty of routes for everyone to enjoy. Joe set up a top-rope but found the top of the crag to be massively colder (windy) than the warm base, sorry Joe!

After lunch we walked the short distance to Black crag, again we had the place to ourselves for virtually all the time. Ticking off another 6 routes here ensured everyone's muscles were tested to the max and that lovely tired feeling flowed over us all. A fantastic day in the mountains, thanks all.

Most of the team were going Mountain Biking today, but Phil & Betty were up for more rock climbing, so we headed into Langdale valley to Raven crag. It was much quieter than i'd expected and we had the pick of the routes. Original Route for starters then. With yesterday being their first ever time on 'real rock', jumping on a multi-pitch was always going to be a big step, seconding the route with all that implies. Both managed this brilliantly.
After lunch we stepped up the grade and moved over to 'Revelation' a 3 star Hard Severe, which if longer would deserve classic status. Doing this in a single pitch allowed both to enjoy a super long (almost 45m) pitch of rock climbing, really getting into it, enjoying the challenge, the exposure, the mental aspect, the physical.
Both now making their way back to London, but happier having being 'earthed' to the rock and experiencing new challenges all weekend.

Thanks all, we hope to see you again for more soon.

Mark

Rock-climbing-course-lake-district

Matt going for the dyno!

Abseiling-activities-Lake-District

Hannan abseiling at Black crag

Rock-climbing-Langdale

Don on kit watch duty at Raven crag!

More fine days in Langdale

28/6/2016

Langdale-pikes-guided-walk

Pike O'Stickle and Bowfell

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

Rock-climbing-Ambleside

Pete leading Asterisk, Gimmer-crag

Climbing-course-Ambleside

Below Gimmer crag

Jacks-rake-Pavey-ark

Pavey Ark

Now here's some photos!

3/7/2015

At the end of June I had a day out climbing with Tom & Simon from the Camping & Caravanning Club. This was for a feature in their magazine so they had a professional photographer, Alisdair, join us too.

Here's a glimpse of what he did:

Please note, all images on this blog post are copyright of: Alisdair Cusick

Trad-Climbing-Lake-District

Rock-climbing-instruction-Lake-District

SPA-refresher-rope-work-Lake-District

Multi-pitch-climbing-Langdale

Beginner-rock-climbing-Lake-District

All images are of Lower and Upper Scout Crags in the Langdale valley.

Rock climbing progression and a photo shoot

27/6/2015

Last night i'd been out to Staveley and the FRCC launch of their new Lake District Rock climbing guide. Pretty chuffed to have been involved in this excellent publication and even more chuffed a photo of Don managed to get included in the Eskdale section. For those interested in this guide, have a look in the climbing / outdoor shops around the UK, it's sure to prove a great resource for climbers.
Thanks for the invite and my signed copy.

And so to today. There were two aims to the day. Firstly was to help Tom progress with his climbing. We'd been out together a couple of years ago and since then Tom has kept on developing by visiting indoor climbing walls. So today it was about re-introducing and progressing with the outdoor rock. The second aim was to have a photo shoot for the Camping & Caravanning Club, for their magazine (Toms dad Simon is the Editor in Chief).

So whilst me & Tom got on with climbing, and I spent time showing Tom a range of skills to enable Tom to take his first steps as a competent 2nd climber, Ali took loads of photos and Simon asked us a fair few questions.

After we'd climbed 3 or 4 routes at Lower Scout crag we moved up to Upper Scout crag to try a longer climb. Tom clearly enjoyed the feeling of being high up, and appreciated the roughness of the rock and its pocketed nature.

We finished the day with a short interview and group photo session. Looking forward to seeing the results of both.

Thanks to Tom, Simon, and Ali.

Mark

Multi-pitch rock climbing, White Ghyll, Langdale

10/6/2015

Lake District rock climbing

White ghyll, Langdale

Today was time for some personal rock climbing, and one of the routes I had in mind was very personal for me.

We were in the Langdale valley at White Ghyll crag. Whilst being not too far from the road, the approach is quite fierce, and I suppose that's in-keeping with the climbing on this crag, fierce!

We started with 'White Ghyll Wall' a 3 pitch VS route offering top quality climbing and amazing positions. The second photo shows Sam leading the 2nd pitch of this.

Having felt very comfortable on this first route, we decided to do a bit more, and 'Haste Not' was the route of choice.
This route has much significance for me. Some years ago now I was climbing this with a good friend, the 2nd pitch, the traverse, got the better of me and I had a bit of a 'wobble'!
At the time, we decided to retreat via abseil and leave it for another time.

So today was time to sort out this unfinished business with 'Haste Not'. Sam led the 1st pitch in fine style, cruising through the steep terrain, making it look effortless. I too felt very comfortable on this 1st pitch and was ready to face my demons on the traverse pitch. Bring it on!
Stepping tentatively beneath the monstrous overhangs the memories for past failure came flooding back, I worked hard to eliminate these negative thoughts from my head and focused 100% on the task in hand, to get though this traverse, reach the belay, and breath!

The difficult moves didn't relent and placing gear proved awkward whilst hanging on on such steep terrain. Arms were beginning to feel strained, I knew a fall was a very really possibility and was ready for it. Thankfully, whilst the climbing remained difficult all the way, the good gear placements also kept coming thick and fast, settling the mind and enabling me to focus completely. Soon I was on a big ledge with the belay close by, phew it's over. What a pitch, the terrain is unlikely on a VS graded rock climb, and the climbing is unlikely on a VS too, this felt more like HVS at least.
Soon it was Sam's turn. Unable to see him from the belay i've no idea how he climbed it, but suspect he cruised it effortlessly as he so often does. He then led us up the final pitch to the top of the crag.

A cracking day, so glad to have this route in the bag.

Cheers Sam

Climb, Climb, Climb!

2/5/2015

SPA-refresher course

A couple of contrasting days out in Langdale this week.

Yesterday I was out at Lower Scout Crag with Tracy and her colleagues for a morning of Rock Climbing. The sun was out and the weather perfect.
The crag was a little busier than usual, but this time it worked to our advantage as the other instructors were happy to share ropes meaning less time spent setting things up all round. Thanks to Morecambe college for that.

We rattled through a few routes until muscles began to tire. Then a retreat made to the coffee shops of Ambleside.
A lovely morning out and with no less than 5 hounds in tow too!

Me & Kate had another trip into Langdale in the evening for a CPD session of our own. Always good to keep fresh, practice skills and develop new ideas.

Today was into Langdale again, this time with Danielle & Nathaniel - 2 instructors from Scotland come to get some Lakeland sunshine!
This was work for our friends at Lakeland Ascents, thanks to Si, much appreciated.

The theme for the day was to refresh the skills required of a Climbing Instructor and gain a few new tricks along the way.

Starting at Scout Crags we looked at:
Anchor selection; personal safety at the crag; equalising 2 and 3 anchors; setting up a group Abseil; problem avoidance; problem solving.

The weather deteriorated faster than had been forecast, so we headed back to the cars for lunch before spending the afternoon at Copt Howe, which was thankfully much more sheltered.
During the afternoon we looked:
Top & bottom rope systems; problem avoidance; advanced problem solving; hoisting techniques; auto-blocking belay devices.
Lots of skills consolidated and a few new rope tricks introduced.

Thanks everyone for more great days at the crag.

Mark

Photos:
Equalising 3 anchors at Scout crag;
Rescue helicopter coming in to land at the New Dungeon Ghyll;
Unassisted hoist - Copt Howe;
Counter-balance abseil rescue - Copt Howe

Rescue-in-Langdale

Unassisted-hoist

Counterbalance-abseil-rescue