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
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
Enjoying the classic 'Original Route' on Raven crag, Langdale
Perfect spring conditions for climbing at Raven Crag, Langdale
Enjoying amazing early season conditions at Shepherds crag, Borrowdale
Another perfect day for walking. This is the summit of Harrison Stickle
