Rock Climbing Langdale
Typically in springtime, we arrive back in the Lakes after our winter in Spain. The first thing I would do is drive into Langdale and either scramble or climb, it is always a wonderful day.
Well, we were still in Spain this winter, very lucky for us we made it out there before the lockdowns came along. With the introduction of quarantine for anyone entering the UK, our first 10 days back in the UK were spent indoors and I became very irritable about not getting into Langdale to see it again. Today, at last, I climbed again on the gorgeous rocks in this valley, I know they are my favourite rocks in the world and this is my favourite valley.
Together with good friend and fellow outdoor instructor Iain, we set out from The Old Dungeon Ghyll for the short but steep walk up to Raven crag. It was busy at the crag, our eyes soon focused on the Trilogy area where some ropes were set up. A very well known Lakeland climber was having a blast on the Dave Birkett test piece 'Dawes rides a shovel head'. At E8 this doesn't see much attention so it was a treat to watch. Trilogy was getting some attention too and that's no pushover at about E5!
Below all this was a lone Herdwick sheep that was somewhat crag-fast. Sadly this was likely not going to make it up there for much longer.
We climbed the 3 star 'Revelation' in one big pitch. A glorious route that is sustained at Hard Severe and gives wonderful climbing on quality rock. We then moved around to the front of the crag and climbed 'Original route' also a 3 star climb, we did this one in 3 pitches. We took the safe option back to base and used the nice shiny abseil station. So much better than the dodgy down climb.
Rock climbing in the Lake District is world class and offers something for everyone. With easy approaches and climbs from super easy to E9 pump-fests, whatever you're after it's here in the Lakes. Occasionally it rains, but thankfully most of the crags in Langdale face south so dry very rapidly meaning climbing can resume as soon as the clouds part.
We know these crags really very well and would love to show you around some of them. If you haven't tried climbing before and fancy trying something new or if you're a regular climber visiting the area and want to be shown some brilliant routes, we can plan days to suit you.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe and well, come visit soon.
Mark
