Lake District Climbing Course
Recent days in the Lake District (and many parts of the UK) have seen an early burst of summer. We hope this is a taste of things to come this year. Kerry joined us for a couple of days to make the most of this amazing weather and we spent two productive days together.
Day one at the super reliable Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon valley. Here after spending some time placing gear at the base of the crag and constructing belays, Kerry set off leading Trinity Slabs (VD). Placing lots of protection and building 'bomber' belays was time very well spent and began the process of cementing this good practice for Kerry. We discussed various ways to construct belays and the pros & cons of using either rope or slings for this.
After lunch we moved on to Wall & Corner (VD), another 4 pitch route. More of the same, with lots of gear placed and numerous 3 placement belays made, ace. Sitting at the top of this crag is always a wonderful experience, such an amazing view of patchwork walls and greenery over the long, wooded valley, beautiful.
Day two saw us stay a little closer to Ambleside. Raven crag lies behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and has very easy access. This was our objective today, and Kerry had unfinished business here so first port of call 'Original Route' (S) to get that in the bag. Before setting off we re-capped belay construction skills and discussed the route in detail. Kerry laced the first couple of pitches with gear and made some excellent belays (which is surprisingly difficult on this route). The upper pitches went well too, with yet more 3 placement belays, good effort.
After a lunch break in the warm sunshine, we moved on to Evening Wall (S) to maximise our tanning opportunities! Kerry led this in 3 pitches, running out the middle pitch a little more than she may have wanted, but a great lead all the same. This route has potential for some quite innovative protection, so is a really useful inclusion in any trad climbing course. Topping out in the late afternoon sun made it all the harder to think about wrapping up for the day. Raven crag during a sunny afternoon takes some beating.
2 days and 16 pitches of leading for Kerry. A good kick-starter for the trad season ahead.
You may be considering visiting the Lake District and want to try out some rock climbing, or it may be you're keen to progress or refresh some skills. We can put together a intro' to climbing course or bespoke days to suit.
See here for more information about our Lake District Climbing courses
Mark
