“….which has the merit of being the first recorded route in the valley (Borrowdale). A once very popular route, it is rarely ascended now……a classic of its time”
Despite the above, from the F&RCC guide book of the Millenium, and what the first ascenscionist may have written, having taken advice from leading horticulturists, biologists and forestry experts, I and my climbing partner Ian are of the opinion that it hasnt been climbed since the Napoleonic wars. 1892, bollocks! The first “pitch” goes round, through and over trees of varying ages, and the second, which I strangely volunteered to lead, had no obvious rock holds or cracks for protection, due to the years of accumulated vegetation. Near the obvious abseil tree, a welcome sight, it steepens. Murmurs from below about the sun setting, pubs shutting etc, were somehow forgotten when he subsequently fell off here. Three to six inches of vegetation over a large area had to be pulled off, in desperation to find a pro crack, as the last few feet were steep and greasy.
There should be a few holds and cracks now visible, but we would only recommend it for those of a historical, biological or arboreal bent.
1st July 2021. Keswick not an easy place to grab a drink at present either.
Me, about to negotiate another obstacle. Ian about to abseil: at the spot he fell off.
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