Approach Broad Stand from Scafell Pike
A bit behind on the blog at the moment as it's so busy here.
So this is from a few weeks ago, but a very significant day. I was out on Scafell providing technical support for Neil on his Bob Graham round. Early news that navigational errors had cost precious minutes, there was some thought about whether the attempt was still on. Thankfully Neil stormed on through and made up the lost time in fine style. By the time Neil arrived at Scafell there was much tiredness about him. but spirits were high and he climbed the route we had set up in no time at all.
The day for me started at the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale. I'd walked up to Esk Hause then dropped into upper Eskdale to find Thor's Buttress. A fine grade 3 scramble to the right of Esk Buttress. The rock was rough and dry, so perfect. Progress was quick and easy. After some steep walking I was able to link this scramble with more of the same on Pen. Had time allowed more scrambling could have been enjoyed on Broad Buttress to the top of Scafell Pike. However, I was keen to be very early and get ropes set up in good time for Neil arriving.
I met Ros (Neil's partner) and Mickledore and together we climbed the notorious Broad Stand route. It was then decided better to give Neil a rope on a nearby shorter and less polished route. Los climbed it to check out the moves and all was well. So Ros continued on to the summit of Scafell ready to meet Neil up there. Soon after Neil arrived and it was game on.
Lots more miles for Neil, an easy walk back to Langdale for me. Job done.
Neils final time came in at around 23 hours and 30 minutes. Absolutely staggering effort. Well done that man.
Thanks for reading
Mark
So this is from a few weeks ago, but a very significant day. I was out on Scafell providing technical support for Neil on his Bob Graham round. Early news that navigational errors had cost precious minutes, there was some thought about whether the attempt was still on. Thankfully Neil stormed on through and made up the lost time in fine style. By the time Neil arrived at Scafell there was much tiredness about him. but spirits were high and he climbed the route we had set up in no time at all.
The day for me started at the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale. I'd walked up to Esk Hause then dropped into upper Eskdale to find Thor's Buttress. A fine grade 3 scramble to the right of Esk Buttress. The rock was rough and dry, so perfect. Progress was quick and easy. After some steep walking I was able to link this scramble with more of the same on Pen. Had time allowed more scrambling could have been enjoyed on Broad Buttress to the top of Scafell Pike. However, I was keen to be very early and get ropes set up in good time for Neil arriving.
I met Ros (Neil's partner) and Mickledore and together we climbed the notorious Broad Stand route. It was then decided better to give Neil a rope on a nearby shorter and less polished route. Los climbed it to check out the moves and all was well. So Ros continued on to the summit of Scafell ready to meet Neil up there. Soon after Neil arrived and it was game on.
Lots more miles for Neil, an easy walk back to Langdale for me. Job done.
Neils final time came in at around 23 hours and 30 minutes. Absolutely staggering effort. Well done that man.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Me checking out the route in advance of Neil's arrival. Photo courtesy of Ros Blackmore
Thor's cave and buttress
The East buttress of Scafell
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