Category: Rock Scrambling In Langdale - Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks

Mountain activities in the Lake District - A Medley

9/7/2019

#climbing-skills-course-lake-district

Rock scrambling workshop at the weekend

Since returning from our little break in Snowdonia, it's been really busy here in the Lakes and we've been out daily on a variety of activities and adventures.
A last minute call from some friends Dave & Sam saw me switching the work schedule around a little to fit in a Rock Scrambling Workshop for them. We did this mostly on Tarn crag in the Langdale valley. Looking at a variety of core rope skills and focusing on efficient movement and rope management whilst mountaineering in the UK mountains.

Straight after our scrambling workshop I was away out climbing at White Ghyll crag, also in Langdale. Sam joined me for this and we climbed a route called 'The Gordian Knot' a 3 star VS with some wonderful climbing on it. Evening is the best time to be at White Ghyll as it benefits from evening sunshine, perfect.

Sunday was a mix rock scrambling and canyoning, all based around the Coniston area. And back into Langdale on Monday and more wet activity with a fantastic session in Stickle Ghyll with brothers Isaac and Luke. The afternoon was somewhat more leisurely with a walk around Loughrigg with Mina.

Lots more happening this week, plenty of walks too

Thanks all

Mark

#guided-rock-climbing-lake-district

Enjoying some after work cragging with Sam

#gorge-scrambling-lake-district

Stickle Ghyll, Langdale

#guided-walks-near-ambleside

Looking over Loughrigg Tarn to the Langdale Pikes

Mountain running, sky running - Langdale

7/5/2019

#lake-district-outdoor-activities

The fun begins in Stickle Ghyll

With a mixed forecast and lots to do back at base, me & Kate decided on a run / scramble in nearby Langdale.

The idea of going scrambling in the mountains with minimal kit and moving quickly really appeals to me, less to carry, easier and less restricted movement without a big backpack on.
Over recent weeks I've been giving this a try and it's going well. So far all the run/scramble trips have been solo, but today Kate joined me.
With enough just kit between us we set off from the New Dungeon Ghyll and straight into Stickle Ghyll, a rapid and fun ascent began with loads of boulder hopping and easy scrambling by the side of waterfalls and around deep pools. We stayed in the Ghyll most of the way to Tarn crag, then a very short jog brought us to the spur leading up to this. Back with hands on rock but still moving swiftly, it's such a good feeling. A hail shower cooled us down and wet the rock, so we decided on the slightly easier scramble known as 'The Spur' which starts from the right hand side of the crag. Solid, rough, and clean rock awaits the scrambler willing to seek this route out, we urge you to do so, it's brilliant.
All the way to the mini summit we sought out the rocky way for maximum fun.

Then back into running mode as we descend to and around Stickle Tarn, a few walkers still by the dam. The scree path up to the start of Jack's Rake was quite a lung-buster, but good to get it over with quickly!!

A quick breather before the longest scramble of the afternoon, Jack's Rake, a Lakeland classic well deserving of its status.

We moved quickly but carefully as exposure builds very rapidly here, so all movement was considered and precise. We had to stop a couple of times to admire the views, but still were soon at the top and enjoying a well earned cereal bar.

Once again into running mode, we traversed towards Harrison Stickle before following the path down to Stickle Tarn and back to the Dungeon Ghyll.

Linking scrambles up in this way (not necessarily running, walking works fine too) can make for wonderful long days out in the Lakeland fells, enjoying hundreds of metres of rocky ascent interspersed with short walking sections.
This link-up is one of many and each of the valleys offers something similar.

What to know more or have a guided day in the mountains? Give us a call / e-mail and we'll put a plan together for you.

All the best

Mark & Kate

#family-days-out-lake-district

More scrambling on Tarn crag

#jacks-rake-pavey-ark

Moving rapidly over the technical terrain on Jack's Rake

#fun-activities-lake-district

High on Jack's Rake

A couple of days honing our technical and teaching skills

14/4/2019

#rock-climbing-course-ambleside

Considering when to get the rope out whilst scrambling whilst enjoying sublime conditions in Langdale

We spend a lot of time passing on new skills to our clients, this could be anything from how to read a map to leading a trad rock climbing route. This covers a lot of skills and information, so we need to also be keeping on top of this and always want to be learning new things so we can pass on new skills and latest developments to you.

This last couple of days we have attended two different courses, both focused on teaching mountain based skills.

Firstly a 'Teaching scrambling' day. For this we used White Ghyll Edge and Tarn crag in ascent and descent. As a group of 5 we talked through movement skills and coaching, when and where spotting can be appropriate, route choice and route finding skills. We later considered when would be appropriate to deploy a rope and how best to use it / show it's uses in an easy to remember format. This was an incredibly useful day, with lots of ideas shared. A real take-home improvement for me is the introduction of a clove hitch when taking coils. This brings a great improvement in stability when attached to anchors.

Day two was focused on 'Teaching self rescue skills'. Not something we are asked to do very often and an area many become rusty in, as thankfully these are skills we don't use much.
It was very useful to simply watch someone else explain all the basics, starting with tying off a belay device and attaching a prussic. Setting up an assisted and unassisted hoist, all whilst 'in the system'.
We then went climbing at Upper Scout crags in Langdale and worked through a number of 'scenarios' whilst climbing. Again, it was really useful to share ideas and look at how others approach problem avoidance and problem solving. An important theme that ran through the day was very much 'problem avoidance' as this is so much better than looking for solutions!
We managed a couple of multi-pitch routes before the icy wind chilled us all and we ran back to the valley floor.

Two brilliant days, very well delivered by Nick Canon Jones, thanks Nick.

Mark

#mountaineering-course-lake-district

Easier but still serious terrain near the top of Tarn crag, Langdale

#trad-climbing-course-lake-district

Exploring different methods of releasing a 'guide' style belay device

#self-rescue-for-climbers

A simple and effective assisted hoist set up

Great Mountain days in the Lake District

3/10/2018

#thingstodonearambleside

Pavey Ark from Stickle Tarn

Yesterday I had the pleasure of showing Jon & Sara some of the best Rock Scrambles in the Lake District. There's so much to choose from and we'd discussed a variety of options in advance of meeting. A day in Langdale became the plan, and what a great day we had.

We began scrambling within a couple of hundred metres of the car park. Following Stickle Ghyll we scrambled by the side of waterfalls, traversing over and around pools of deep water, and boulder hopped all the way up to Stickle Tarn. This in itself is already a few hundred metres of top notch scrambling. Today this merely got us to our lunch break, a warm up if you like.
The main event lay ahead, across the far side of Stickle Tarn, on the big brooding face of Pavey Ark. Jack's Rake is an absolute classic Lakeland scramble. For situation and character alone it's amongst the very best there is. Add to this the impeccable rock found on. the upper section of the route and for me it shoots up to numero uno.

We cruised up the rake, taking our time to enjoy the moves, the rock, the views, and stopping from time to time to savour the splendour of Langdale and the distant skyline of the Coniston Fells.

All too soon we arrive at the top and on to the summit of PAvey Ark. The wind on the summit was doing its best to ask us to leave, so we obliged!
A hasty retreat back towards the tarn and down to the valley via Pike Howe saw us comfortably out of the bitterly chilly wind.

Costa del Langdale welcomed our tired bodies with warm sunshine and autumnal colours all around.

A brilliant day in the mountains, thanks to Jon & Sara from the flatlands of Norfolk.

Mark

#lakedistrictactivities

The start of a classic mountaineering day in the Lake District

#thingstodointhelakedistrict

Traversing above waterfalls in Stickle Ghyll

#jacksrakescramble

At the top of Jack's Rake with Stickle tarn now far far below us

Jack's Rake, Pavey Ark

1/8/2018

#mountaineeringdaylakedistrict

Harrison Stickle

Another fantastic day out in the mountains of the Lake District. Got lucky with the weather and enjoyed great company all day.

The objective being Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark. We walked briskly to Stickle Tarn, took a quick breather and a few photos (which i managed to delete!) before cruising around to the base of Jake's Rake. This being the 'main event' and I think something Jane has been keen to complete for quite some time.

We geared up with helmets & harness, then set off into the Rake. Taking our time to consider movement over steep, rocky terrain and look at various safety issues that scrambling routes give rise to. Jane quickly got into a rhythm and was flying up the rocky groove. We paused occasionally for photos and of course to admire the spectacular scenery we were now amongst.

A solo scrambler passed us about half way up, other than that we had the route to ourselves, pretty lucky for summer holidays.

Lunch with a view at the top and a quick visit to the summit of Pavey Ark, then over to Harrison Stickle, well why not?!

It looked like some heavy rain was fast approaching, so we decided to call it a day and head for home. A grand day with far reaching views and overall lucky with the weather.

Thanks Jane, it's been a pleasure.

Mark

#jacksrakepaveyark

Jane tackling a short rock wall

#jacksrakescramblelakedistrict

Taking in the view at the top of Jack's Rake

#guidedwalkslakedistrict

Summit views from Pavey Ark

Pinnacle Ridge - St. Sunday Crag & other scrambles

22/5/2018

#pinnacleridgescramblelakedistrict

Enjoying the pinnacle traverse on Pinnacle ridge

Wow, what an amazing couple of days it's been here in the Lakes. We've had 2 big days out scrambling with Anna & Ed.
I've lost count of how many ace days i've had out in the hills with Anna, always so enthusiastic. First time i'd met Ed, who's mega enthusiastic too, such a great team.

Yesterday we enjoyed a Langdale link up including: Stickle Ghyll, The Groove on Tarn crag, Jacks Rake on Pavey Ark, and a long grade 1 scramble on Harrison Stickle. Quite a day.

Today we upped the pace and went for the much coveted Pinnacle Ridge on St. Sunday Crag. Simply the finest grade 3 'Alpinesque' ridge in the Lakes. The rock was completely dry (which is unusual), making for easy and quick progress. There were plenty of highlights, but traversing the pinnacles was probably the main event, it's so cool. We finished up a tricky variation to add even more spice to the day. Then it was rope and harness off, more food and an easy stroll back to base.

Whilst I adore rock climbing, I feel that Scrambling gives something more, overall a more fun activity. It's so fluid, so fast, with such freedom of movement, sublime. Must do more of it.

Big thanks to Anna & Ed

Mark

#pinnacleridgelakedistrict

The crux corner on Pinnacle Ridge

#lakedistrictwalks

Descending after the ridge, with Ullswater in the distance

Rock scrambling course - Lake District

25/7/2017

#Jacks rake scramble

Looking down to Stickle tarn from Jack's Rake

A perfectly timed weather window arrived on Monday and has given us 2 days of excellent conditions for a Rock Scrambling skills course for father and son team Paul and James.

Monday began on the fantastic Raven crag, Yewdale. We took a grade 2-3 route to include some steeper terrain where the rope could be used. This gave a good introduction to anchor selection and belay methods. When the rope wasn't being used we used route choice and spotting to keep each other safe and discussed the limitations of this and the pros and cons.
After lunch we moved on to Coniston and a scramble up the broad buttress of Long Crag. At about grade 1 this is a noticeably easier route, but still gives plenty of interest and we steered ourselves towards some of the steeper sections. The rock is at all times wonderfully grippy, providing excellent friction that quickly builds confidence in foot placements.
The descent from here involved a fair amount of bracken bashing and crawling under the Yew trees! Quite an adventure in itself!

A mountain day with plenty of scrambling was the request for today. So we headed for Langdale which can always provide a brilliant link up of top quality scrambles.
The Groove on Tarn crag provided the starter. En-route to this is a pleasant spur that allowed us to consolidate movement skills from yesterday and discuss spotting techniques further.
At grade 3, The Groove is best enjoyed with the safety of a rope. We climbed about 3 pitches before escaping leftwards onto grassy terraces. Here we could continue mostly unroped, occasionally dipping back in to roped sections to further consolidate skills.
After summiting we descended to Stickle tarn and made our way to Jack's Rake, stopping for some lunch at the base.

For most of the way up Jack's Rake we used spotting techniques to allow for fluid movement whilst keeping things safe. Once at the crux section the rope was back out so Paul could put some skills into practice. And for a finale we brought the rope out again to allow us a safe passage through a more difficult finishing line up the superb Tufa of Pavey Ark.

A quick boulder hop to the summit before heading for home.

A cracking could of days in the mountains. Thanks Paul & James for good company and loads of enthusiasm.

Mark

#jacks rake scramble lake district

Deploying the rope for the tricky step on Jack's Rake

#Jack's rake - Pavey Ark

Enjoying the final slabs on Jack's Rake

White Ghyll Edge rock scramble, Langdale

15/4/2017

Mountaineering days in the Lake District

Descending into the Langdale valley

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our skill set to ensure our clients experience 1st class days in the mountains. Today we were joined by fellow outdoor instructor Kelly who has similar goals. Our route followed the skyline of the imposing White Ghyll Crag.
White Ghyll Edge is a grade 2 rock scramble. It begins next to Upper Scout crags, a popular area for rock climbers. A gully marks the route, this is loose and care is required not to dislodge rocks. We were keen to enhance the fluidity of our scrambling rope-work so roped up here and discussed various belay options. Sometimes the 'strong-arming' technique is sufficient to protect the scramble, whilst on steeper terrain or continuously rocky sections, belays may be required to keep things safe. Decisions need to be quick, sound, and constantly monitored so as to best suit the terrain and people. For the first part of the scramble I took the lead and made the decisions, discussing choices with the others at every opportunity. Later on Kelly took the lead and safely navigated us to the top of White Ghyll Edge using a variety of mountaineering skills.
The sky was blue and Langdale looked stunning as it so often does, the wind kept things chilly for us though, with hat, gloves, and coats on throughout!

We de-kitted and enjoyed a leisurely stroll across the open fell to below Tarn crag, then alongside Stickle Ghyll back to the New Dungeon Ghyll. The valley being far warmer.

To finish the afternoon we ramped up the steepness of terrain by visiting Middlefell Buttress. This is low grade rock climbing terrain, so also possible to treat as a scramble, which is what we did. Again it was Kelly who took the lead here, taking us up 3 short, rocky pitches until we could scramble off into the descent gully.

Always good to share knowledge and discuss mountaineering skills and methods. Thanks to Kate & Kelly.

Mark

Mountain scrambles in the Lake District - Langdale

White Ghyll Edge - scrambling

Rock scrambling 'new routes' in Langdale - Lake District

5/10/2016

Rock-scrambling-in-the-Langdale-valley

Late afternoon light high above Mickleden

After a busy morning and early afternoon of admin, and with the sun shining brightly outside, I decided it was time to dash out for a quick scramble in nearby Langdale.
For a while now i've been keen to check out the gorge scramble of Stake Gill, and so today was the day. Low water levels and big blue skies should make for optimum conditions.

I raced along the easy track through Mickleden, and soon arrived at the base of Stake Gill. The initial sections were mostly boulder hopping, but definitely added interest to the ascent. Before too long this became proper scrambling and it was really pleasant. Occasionally it was necessary to retreat onto the bank in order to keep dry, but soon it would be back in for more scrambling fun. The mid and upper sections in particular were very good and are to be recommended. The rock being extremely grippy and solid, providing a wonderful scrambling experience.

From where the gorge levels out I took to the Western slopes of Mansey Pike and continued the rock scrambling fun for quite a long way. Whilst this hillside is quite broken and grassy in places, it's also very easy to pick a rocky route all the way to the top. Some of what I did was around grade 1, but some was bordering into rock climbing terrain. All the rock shared a common feature and that was the high quality, super grippy, untouched feeling it all had. Certainly i'd never ventured onto these rocks before, even though I have walked and run through them during fell races.

Once at the top of the rocky scramble, a pleasant walk takes in the summit of Rossett Pike. It was now getting late so I headed back into the valley and the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

Can't quite think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon :-)

Mark

Gorge-scrambling-near-Ambleside

The upper slab section of Stake Gill

Mountaineering and rock scrambling in the Lake District

Perfect rock on Mansey Pike, Langdale