#duddon-valley-climbing-venues

Me in search of some rock to climb - Duddon Valley Rock Climbing

Duddon Valley Rock Climbing

Today we’ve been out exploring some of the esoteric crags of the enchanting Duddon Valley. This seemingly hidden corner of The Lake District is always a joy to visit and always brings a smile to my face.

The crags we visited were supposedly almost roadside with sub-10 minute approach walks. However, this wasn’t quite the case. Browside, the first crag we went in search for, took us about 30 minutes of bog trotting to find. Thankfully, our surroundings more than compensated, with the waters of Tarn Beck gushing down the hillside to provide natures soundtrack and the surrounding crags giving an untamed feel.

When we arrived, the crag looked a little damp, but the rock gave me promise. So we sorted out climbing kit and kicked off with a ‘Severe’. A fine little route with just enough protection but needing a steady head, which I seemed to be in receipt of today. Belay options at the top of the crag were very limited, but just enough. The wind at the top was enough to have us considering an alternative crag for the rest of the day.

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Sofia climbing 'Global' VS - Duddon Valley Rock Climbing

So I had a quick solo up the ‘Mod’ to the right of the crag, then we headed off in search of Far How South Crag.

Again, this crag took some finding and we were close on giving up. Thankfully Sofia spotted it so we went for a look. With a large area of flat grassy land at the base and very fine looking rock, all was looking very positive again. So we worked out some potential routes and kicked off with another ‘Severe’. Well the rock felt even better than it looked. As grippy as velcro and super solid, with the route offering fine moves and plenty protection.

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The waterfalls of Tarn Beck - Duddon Valley Rock Climbing

The weather was starting to be a little against us again, with a chilly wind blowing and clouds now gathering. One more route might be on the cards but that would then be plenty. So I set off up ‘Global’ a VS with a bouldery start. The start spat me off at least 3 times and I was about to call it a day. But was encouraged to have another go and this did the trick. A very hard start led to more thin and delicate moves up an immaculate slab of rough Duddon rock. Good protection soon followed and the fine moves kept coming, what a cool route.

Sofia was soon cruising up this too and I could see her smiles. Reckon she was enjoying it too.

The wind was letting us know it was time to go, so we beat a hasty retreat to the roadside, managing to find a more direct line back that was probably only 15 minutes. Result.

Both of these crags provided us with fine climbing on superb rock. However, the stand out draw is the outlook over the Duddon. Such a gorgeously rugged place and seemingly empty save for sheep and cows.

It’s been really nice to be back out on Lakeland rock, first climbs of the season for me. Hopefully the warmer weather is on its way and of course longer days are already noticeable. So more fun adventures in the hills and on the crags await.

Thanks to Sofia for great company and banter today, oh and let’s not forget the amazing brownies. With these in our bellies there was less temptation to stop off at The Newfield Inn but if in the area I can highly recommend it.

And thanks to you for reading. If planning a visit to The Lake District and you’d like to try some fun and adventurous activities please do get in touch and let us put a plan together for you. This can be in the Duddon Valley or anywhere else in The Lake District.

Mark

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