It's always an easy question for us. Because we are so passionate about the mountains, that's where we spend most of our time. Whether it be walking, scrambling, or rock climbing, we're likely to be doing something up in the mountains and usually in the Lake District.
Yesterday (Thursday) was one such day. The sun was shinning and a warm day predicted. Kate was wanting to climb more of the Classic Rock climbs on Gimmer crag in Langdale, so we made a bee-line for there.
It's about a 1 hour walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll and what a lovely walk it is too. Meandering steadily upwards below the Langdale Pikes until Thorn crag is reached, here the ascent finishes and an easy traverse path is taken until the crag is reached.
My previous visit to Gimmer with Kate had been to climb the Hard Rock route of 'The Crack' - which is excellent. Today there were easier climbs on the menu.
We began with Ash Tree Slabs - a Vdiff route that can be climbed in one long pitch. This is difficult for the grade and requires good route finding skills to weave around the large slab in the correct direction.
At the top of this climb is the large Ash Tree Ledge. We had a break here and chatted with some fellow climbers.
Then it was to 'C Route' - graded Severe so a bit tougher than our first climb today. 4 pitches of immaculate rock led us to the very top of the crag. Here not only did we enjoy magical views but also some top banter from more fellow climbers. They then kindly allowed us to use their ropes for the long Abseil back to Ash Tree Ledge (this saved us having to set our own ropes up for the same abseil). Thanks guys.
Another Abseil from Ash Tree Ledge took us into the big gully near North West Arete climb. We arrived back at the bags to find Don sound asleep in the sun, clearly enjoying himself but glad to see us too.
The walk back to the valley with the sun now lower in the sky, allows us to fully appreciate the splendour of the Langdale valley, wow what a place.
What a fantastic day off!
Thanks to Kate & Don
