Monday 24 May 2010

Goat Crag, Borrowdale

Ab-ing off from Goat Crag, Borrowdale.

With the Lake District still basking in a heatwave John and I opted to head for the north facing Goat Crag in Borrowdale. As we arrived we spotted a couple of Peregrines playing in the thermals. First up was the classic HVS, D.D.T. which gave 2 good pitches. Apart from dropping a set of wires on the first pitch all went well and we abseiled back to our bags. The crag is still pretty dirty but the holds on the popular routes are clean and have seen some traffic.
John then made a very impressive ascent of the four star Tumbleweed Connection (E2+) which gave two stunning pitches of 5c and 5b. The baffling crux was the traverse right from the peg on the first pitch. Staying low seemed to give the best sequence.

John topping out on the first pitch of D.D.T.

John on the initial moves of the Tumbleweed Connection.

John eyeballing the moves on the Tumbleweed Connection E2 5c.

The view over Derwent Water from Goat Crag