The forecasts for last weekend's weather were getting worse by the day and it seemed like yet another weekend of dodging the showers was on the cards. But on Friday, the predictions changed suddenly, with the main area of rain moving south where it belongs. Carmen's enthusiasm overwhelmed my inertia, so on Saturday morning we drove to the Lakes. It rained for much of the journey, even as close as Dunmail Raise, but as we approached Langdale the clouds cleared and we were rewarded with blue sky and sunshine (remember that?).
The rest of the afternoon was spent at Raven Crag (Walthwaite), just 15 minutes walk from the campsite in Chapel Stile. I'd hoped to climb the classic offwidth VS of Walthwaite Crack, but found that it had fallen down 4 years ago, but there was plenty still standing and we climbed Enterprize (VS 4c **), Route 2 (HS 4b,4b ***), Walthwaite Gully (VS 4b 4c **) and Route 1 (S 4a **).
The next day dawned even brighter, with a cloudless sky, so we decided to make the most of it and start on the Picco Harrison Integrale – a long link-up suggested in the guidebook of VD/S routes on Lower Scout, Upper Scout, White Ghyll lower, White Ghyll upper, Pavey Ark, and finally Harrison Stickle.
Lower Scout – Cub's Groove (VD *) horribly polished.
Upper Scout – Route 2 (VD ** 4 pitches) very pleasant, not much gear.
White Ghyll lower – Slip Knot (VS 4b *** 2 pitches) harder than planned, but it was on the tick-list and there was nobody on it! A welcome escape from the heat of the sun.
White Ghyll upper – The Slabs Route 2 (S 4a ** 3 pitches) I ran all 3 pitches into 1 due to failing to find the belays described in the guidebook! Carmen then added on the last pitch of The Slabs Route 1 to make up for it.
Due to the earlier choice of a VS we were now running short of time, and Carmen's feet were suffering, so we decided on Rake End Chimney (Diff ***) on Pavey Ark – a very traditional route! and only 2 main pitches. This wasted a good half an hour as I started off and then retreated as it was (a) very wet, and (b) not the sort of route to climb with a rucksack on!
It was obvious now that we wouldn't have time for the route on Harrison Stickle without risking an epic, so we chose Cook's Tour (VD ** 5 pitches) to finish the day. A strange route, 50% walking, not sure of its classic status. Though our impartiality may have been impaired by having been eaten by midges for the last 3 pitches!
A glorious descent in the evening light finished a long 11 hour day.
The rain's due to return tomorrow…
More photos here.
In the days before Yorkclimbers.com I found myself in Langdale one Saturday morning with nobody to climb with, the weather was fine so I got away early and started on Cubs Groove (VD) Lower Scout, Route 2 (VD) Upper Scout, Junction Arete (S) White Ghyll, West buttress (D) Tarn Crag, Crescent climb (Mod) Pavey Ark then something based on Haristikorner (VD) Harrison Pike. On the summit early afternoon, I get a text, the the Gaffer wants me back in York by 18.30 to light the BBQ so off I went.
Sacre bleu!