Murray's route, Dow crag
Today I was back out with Jane. We've now climbed quite a lot together, but until today haven't ventured to Dow.
With a good forecast we set off from Walna Scar with an easy 1 hour approach walk to the mighty Dow crag. There is an imposing air about this place, the height, the size, location, it's simply spectacular.
We chatted to some other climbers during the walk in and they planned to do 'Arete, chimney, and crack' - this was on our tick list too, so we decided to divert for now onto Murray's route (also on the tick list) and leave them to it.
Murray's route proved to be as brilliant as ever, with a mix of tricky and thrutchy moves along with a wonderful traverse pitch and a visit to Abraham's cave!
We had this done in time for another route and by now 'Arete, chimney, and crack' was as good as clear of traffic. This time we decided to climb with our rucksacks so we could top out and walk straight back to the Walna Scar. Jane set off leading the first pitch and had this dispatched in no time, I led the grassy 2nd pitch and we more or less alternate led the rest of the way. This proved to be another excellent line on Dow and worthy of its 3 star status. From the top of the crag we enjoyed views of the Scafells, Duddon valley, and over to the Isle of Man.
A grand 9 pitch mountain day out. Thanks Jane.
Mark
With a good forecast we set off from Walna Scar with an easy 1 hour approach walk to the mighty Dow crag. There is an imposing air about this place, the height, the size, location, it's simply spectacular.
We chatted to some other climbers during the walk in and they planned to do 'Arete, chimney, and crack' - this was on our tick list too, so we decided to divert for now onto Murray's route (also on the tick list) and leave them to it.
Murray's route proved to be as brilliant as ever, with a mix of tricky and thrutchy moves along with a wonderful traverse pitch and a visit to Abraham's cave!
We had this done in time for another route and by now 'Arete, chimney, and crack' was as good as clear of traffic. This time we decided to climb with our rucksacks so we could top out and walk straight back to the Walna Scar. Jane set off leading the first pitch and had this dispatched in no time, I led the grassy 2nd pitch and we more or less alternate led the rest of the way. This proved to be another excellent line on Dow and worthy of its 3 star status. From the top of the crag we enjoyed views of the Scafells, Duddon valley, and over to the Isle of Man.
A grand 9 pitch mountain day out. Thanks Jane.
Mark
Pitch 1 of Murray's route
Scafell range from Dow
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