Friday 9 December 2011

Lakeland Winter

Winter in the Lakes is always a bit hit and miss, but has been a bit more hit over the last few years.  I have done very little, so was keen to try and take advantage of the improved weather today.  Elliot has never winter climbed before, but had to be back for work at 6pm in Bolton, so a couple of route on Cambridge Crag, Bowfell were just the ticket.

We started off climbing with Left Hand Route IV,5 which was pretty average.  The layback crack at the start of pitch 1 was quite cool though.  The monsoon weather had not stripped as much snow as I thought it would have, and the extra that was put down today has left the crags looking pretty good.  The turf was not frozen everywhere, but hopefully it should firm up over the next couple of days.

Starting up Professor

Enjoying the up upper fault
We then climbed Professer V,5/6.  It felt quite nippy for 5, but I think it would be easier with a bit of ice.  The climbing was pretty good on the long first pitch.  Steep technical bulge followed by a good shallow chimney feature.  Worth doing if you want a quick route.

Lets hope that the conditions continue.

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