- Where we going ?
- Is Carmen coming ?
- Where we going ?
- Travel Fri or Early Sat am ?
- Where we going ?
- What will be heaving / empty ?
- — leaving Sat
- Going early or late
- Where we going ?
- Who's driving ?
- What time in the morning ?
- Is Carmen coming ?
- Where we going ?
- — pick up at 8am
- — Simon driving
- — no Carmen
- Where we going ?
- Just past Penrith … Where we going ?
- — Dove Crag
- Which way ?
- Whinlater or Newlands
- — Whinlater
- left or right in braithwaite
- oops – try again
- Park here or further on ?
- Lots of cars – will it be crowded?
- Upper path or lower path ?
- Where do we turn up hill ?
- Is it complete -looks thin ?
- You want 1st or 2nd pitch ?
- Is that Peri we can hear ?
Well thats roughly how it went, Simon led up the wet but thick but dripping first pitch making a bit of a meal of the first 5m or so, after which you can get a rest by bridging. Despite being in a tight chimney it's quite steep but well featured (ie hooks and footholds galore) and with the option of regular rests, not too bad, until the exit over a bulge. Luckily a bomber rock 9 protects this move (if you can fiddle it in – and out again), then it's all over.
The 2nd pitch is a short steep ice fall, nearly vertical about 15m long and even more featured. The line I took weaved from side to side making it interesting and fun climbing. Ice was fat and took good screws.
After that snow slopes lead to the summit and wonderful view of most of the lakes. A pleasant walk down and back at the car before dark – and home in plenty of time.
Another Cold Climbs classic for Simon in the bag.
More pictures … Simon Pix: and My Pix:
"making a bit of a meal of the first 5m or so"
I resent that, it wasn't a bit of a meal, it was a 3-course banquet 🙂