Mountain Climbing Lake District
Early season conditions have been pretty outstanding here in the Lake District, so we have been making the most of it and making the effort to visit some of the high mountain crags.
Wednesday was Grey Crags in Buttermere with Tony of IGuide 10 years to the day since my first visit to these wonderful rocks. It is every bit as good as I remembered.
Our plan was to recce a few routes and familiarise ourselves with this complex crag, and have a great day. Mission accomplished big time. There were two other teams already on routes by the time we arrived, this made for a nice social day. To finish the climbing day we chose the 5 star classic 'Oxford and Cambridge climb'. This is without doubt one of the best pitches of climbing in the Lake District and it tops out on a summit.
Thursday I was out with Roger who was keen for some quality mountain rock. Starting on Middlefell Buttress as a traditional way to the higher crags, we made our way to Gimmer crag where we climbed 'Ash Tree Slabs' and 'D Route' before following a scrambling line to the summit of Loft Crag. Whilst these are all great routes, D Route in particular is outstanding, being such a strong natural line with huge exposure as it tackles the Gimmer headwall. Simply stunning.
Friday and another mountain day with Roger, this time also joined by Stew and we headed for 'Gillercombe Buttress'. Another bluebird day, warm dry rock, and a top quality route of almost 200 metres.
So that's about 20 pitches of super rough, top class, Lakeland mountain rock, the worlds finest. Just can't beat this place.
Big thanks to Tony, Roger, and Stew.
If you're looking for a Lakeland rock fix, or some adventures in the mountains or in the gorges and canyons, please do get in touch and we'll do our best to exceed your expectations.
Mark
