Shepherds Crag, Borrowdale

Pete on the unique crux of Little Chamonix (VD)

For the second day of Neil & Pete's Learning to Lead course we headed up to Shepherd's Crag in Borrowdale. We quickly jumped on the uber classic Little Chamonix (V Diff) which they dispatched in good style including the crux slide.
We then increased the challenge and moved around to Ardus (MVS). This blocky corner and exposed traverse gives a stunning climb which is in shade until later in the day, useful when the temperature is in the high twenties as today. Pete led the first ramp before Neil took the vertical corner for his hardest lead to date. From having never led to MVS in 2 days is pretty good progression! The three dimensional climbing on this pitch often confuses those with an indoor climbing background but Neil made it look easy. The final exposed traverse fell to Pete who arranged some good gear before committing to the moves.
We finished the day with a couple of clean top roped ascents of Creeping Jesus (HVS 5a). Today I was working for Adventure Peaks.

Pete on the traditional saddle stance of Little Chamonix.

Neil eyeing up the crux moves on little Chamonix (VD)

Neil pulling hard on Little Chamonix (VD)

Neil starting the final exposed pitch of Little Chamonix.

Neil topping out on Little Chamonix.

The stunning final pitch of Little Chamonix overlooking Derwent Water.

Neil leading the second pitch of Ardus (MVS)

Pete starting the precarious moves on the 3rd pitch of Ardus.

Pete committed on the 3rd pitch of Ardus (MVS)