Lake District Here We Come

Lynne, Harvey and John T

On a phone call from John "The weather forecast is great for the next few days fancy climbing, Wales or the Lake District?" (Now there's an offer a girl can't refuse) So 8am Friday morning found us loading up and heading for the m25. By the afternoon we were on Scout Crag doing some low-level single pitches. This was Harv's first climbing in seven long months and his leg held well so he was chuffed.

Saturday dawned with a beautiful mist in the valley and we were up and off to do Troutdale Pinnacle at Black Crag in Borrowdale 105m.S.

This is a tremendous location, across fields over a stream, then rising through woods where the buttress looms majestically. Troutdale pinnacle is a popular classic route so on arriving at the bottom of the crag we found that we'd been beaten by two young men. Never mind, time to sort out the gear. I popped round the corner for a pee to discover on my return that the lads had a debate in my absence and voted me to lead, all six pitches!!

By the time the other climbers had got under way another group had arrived and John was hurrying me to get started. I've never climbed in a queue before, what with my own nerves on leading and the pressure from having others waiting for me, I made a complete pigs ear of the first lead, getting myself in a right pickle with a holly tree!! Anyway brought the lads up and moved on to the second pitch. I had by now put everyone else out of my mind and was concentrating on getting gear in up some slabs. Pitch two done. Pitch three needed a bit more thought as this followed up a steep corner then on to a stance left. At this point I'd caught up the first two climbers and as the second was on the stance I had to make myself safe behind his legs. (Some women will do anything to grab a young mans attention!) I had time here to enjoy the scenery, a great view across the valley and over to the lake. Pitch four was a 21m traverse, carefully does it. After this you have to move down a bit to haul yourself up a steep wall in an exposed position, scary stuff, need a bit of protection here! I managed to put a sling over an accommodating bit of rock and went for it. The sling did me no good at all as it followed me up, but it made me feel better! On to pitch five, this was a comfortable bit of climbing. Below I could hear John kindly informing the following climber that all his gear had come out, like trailing Xmas decorations! This stance was on a very exposed pinnacle, sheer drops down one side, but the view, wow just breath taking and as I was in the sunshine I took my time setting up the belay. Pitch six, nearly finished, yes!! Another exposed bit, good stuff this, then on easily to the top. I struggled to find placements that I was happy with, so I was fluffing around for a bit. Eventually two pieces of gear were placed but I would have preferred three. Brought the lads up where we all enjoyed the view and sunshine. Then trundled back down to our kit to pass friendly abuse to yet more climbers waiting to ascend. I'd done my bit, whew. Thanks for the opportunity John, a really enjoyable classic climb.

Lynne

The Last Day

A mornings climbing in the Lakes and we are back on the M6 heading south. The sun is shining and this prompts a sudden right turn at junction 35 to Trowbarrow quarry. Sheltered, south facing, this place is heaven. "Jean's Jeanie" it is, have I spelt that right? I didn't see the guidebook that John was holding. In any event I am sure it was written in "olde" English. VS 4C of close to vertical rock with a crack like a lightening strike straight down the middle. John led followed by Lynne and I hopped on behind on my one good leg. A "thugish" route all hand jambs and foot jambs, hard work in the beating sun. Couldn't spit sixpence at the top, but boy were we pleased with ourselves. A great way to finish a great 4 days. To be recommended.

Harvey