a clear sunny day in the mountains
We started off more or less on time but got caught out by the Harrogate commuter traffic on the A59 – note, it starts at 7.30 am and is already solid at 8.00 – and so were later than planned . But it was a brilliant sunny morning with a sharp frost, so we were looking forward to a good day in the lakes
With a spring thaw underway me and Rob decided to keep our options as open as poss, so headed up the Honister Pass with the idea that if Plan A (Green Gable) was out, we could head on to Great Gable (Plan B).
When we arrived at Green Gable there was loads of snow, and also signs of a recent cornice collapse, but disappointingly the crag itself was in the sun and almost bare of ice and snow, so it was time for Plan B.We were happy enough with this as both of us really fancied Pinnacle Ridge, a 3 star grade 3 mixed route on Gable.
Pinnacle Ridge
The ridge (number 2 in the route pic above) was excellent, although the snow was somewhat soft and collapsing – I managed to lead us astray on the first pitch as I was magneticaly drawn to the solid looking rock on the left in preference to the collapsing white stuff. Rob then diverted up a snow gully to save time and we made the next pitch a traverse back on route.In fact it wasnt a bad diversion – the traverse was good fun, ending in a delicate little step down and up into a chimney.
From there I had one of the best belays ever – sitting on top of a comfortable pinnacle watching the ravens. We had the whole crag to ourselves and the day was so clear and still I could hear the whoosh of the raven's wings and see the white mountain ridges radiating out to the sea. It was one of those magical moments that make you realise why you go climbing.
The rest of the route was short but full of interest, with a chockstone pitch (rob) and a short wall (me), all decently protected. We finished up on a narrow snow ridge
The chockstone pitch
(good consolidated stuff by now) to the summit and walked back under a magnificent sunset.
Tags: "Great Gable", Pinnacle Ridge, ravens, winter climbing