More classic lakeland rock days

We've been fortunate enough to have already climbed on a few Lakeland mountain crags this week and this weekend was the second visit to the magnificent Dow crag in only a few days.
Helen was keen for lots of mileage on mountain routes whilst keeping to a comfortable grade. 3 big 'diffs' could be the answer.
On Sunday morning we meet early for the walk in to Dow crag. An early start in order to avoid potential queues, but we needn't have worried, we mostly had routes to ourselves. A link up of C Ordinary - Easy gully - Giants Crawl would provide plenty time on rock and lots of exposure as both routes punch above their weight on that score.
Whilst climbing Giants Crawl we watched a climber on 'Holocaust' E4, this looked fabulous and conditions were perfect for this level of climbing, with completely dry rock and warm conditions. Great to see climbers all over the crag by lunchtime.
Topping out on Giants Crawl and walking over towards the summit of Dow afforded us spectacular views into the Duddon valley and over to the Scafell range.

Monday was another early start for Raven crag, Combe Ghyll, Borrowdale. Our route of choice being the ever popular 'Corvus'. This is also graded 'diff', so comfortable climbing but in some amazing situations high above the valley floor. The route is continuously interesting, but the highlight by a long way is the 'hand traverse' of pitch 6. Whatever grade you climb, this is well worth adding to the tick list.

22 pitches of graded rock climbing over a couple of days, not bad at all!

Thanks Helen, maybe see you next weekend.

​Mark

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