Nestled in the rugged beauty of England's Lake District, Corvus is a classic multi-pitch trad climbing route on Raven Crag, Borrowdale. Dubbed one of the finest mountaineering Diffs in the UK and known for its historic significance and stunning views, this five-pitch route promised an adventure I couldn’t resist. As a climbing enthusiast with a few single-pitch lead climbs under my belt, tackling Corvus on lead was an exciting challenge and I’d heard great things about it!
The view of Raven Crag on the approach through Combe Gill
Preparation and Anticipation
Our preparation for this climb was meticulous. My climbing partner, Kelly, and I pored over route descriptions and RockFax** topo’s, pinging messages back and forth on WhatsApp as we prepared for our highly anticipated mountain day!
Corvus RockFax** route topo
We talked about gear, who will bring what, where we will meet and how much time we would need while carefully watching the weather forecast as the day approached; we double and triple checked our racks, ensuring we had enough nuts, cams, slings and extendable draws for our adventure!
The Ascent Begins
After van sharing to Borrowdale, we parked in a surprisingly busy ‘secret car park’ and started our hike to the base of Raven Crag. With signs of summer finally arriving the morning haze accentuated our joie de vivre as we enthusiastically followed the track winding through the valley before beginning the ascent up the fell side to the start of the route.
Kelly and I, excited about the adventure ahead!
A spot of lunch at the base of the crag before gearing up!
The base of the climb was a jumble of rocks and boulders, and as we stood there, harnesses and helmets in place, the magnitude of the task ahead hit us.
Checking the topo again we visually traced the line to the first belay.
I took the first lead, nerves and excitement battling within me!
Pitch 1: 28 meters
The first pitch was a straightforward climb up a well-used crack, I placed my first piece of protection, a solid nut, and continued upward, finding good holds and footholds. At the top of the crack a short move to the right led me to a gully to climb before I traversed left to the first belay. It was an ideal warm-up with lots of gear!
The rock was warm, but slightly damp in the gully and some imagination was needed to stay dry! Reaching the belay ledge, I set up an anchor and signalled to Kelly. In the shadow of the crag the temperatures soon dropped and I was pleased to have remembered extra layers!
Gaining some height and some confidence as we climb!
Pitch 2: 28 meters
Swinging leads meant Kelly took the lead on the second pitch, moving leftwards she took a ramp line to gain a vertical crack with a few tricky moves. I watched as she placed protection and navigated the rock face. Once she was secure, I followed, the valley below stretching out in a tapestry of greens and browns.
Heading up on second!
Pitch 3: 35 meters
A quick gear changeover on the belay ledge and I was soon moving out to the right heading towards the ridge line described on the route topo. I gained the ridge and followed the crest all the way up; with less options here for protection I took my time. The climbing on the crest was delicate on good holds and the exposure was exhilarating!
At the top of the crest, moving to the right, I climbed easy ground to a terrace where I built my belay, nervously studying the next pitch… a hand traverse! I signalled to Kelly to join me, while thanking my lucky stars I took the first lead!
Pitch 4 – 10 meters
We continued swinging leads which meant it landed on Kelly to lead the hand traverse. We were equally as apprehensive about this pitch… traverses really give you an appreciation of the exposure and a firm reminder of the ascent you have covered to reach that point! They have always been my biggest fear, so without any further time to worry, Kelly headed across, leaving a line of shiny Cams as she went... what a hero!
Kelly making the traverse look easy!
This was a short pitch which meant we stayed in close proximity and could cheer each other on as we shimmied across the hand traverse; with very little for our feet we were grateful for the jugs!
Standing on the belay ledge I was shaking from the traverse, we high fived and decided we were now, officially, bad ass trad climbers!
Spirits remained high!
Pitch 5 – 40 meters
The last and the longest! Taking the lead I climbed a steep crack above the belay to gain a ledge, as I wedged my hands and feet into the crack, inching upward, I felt a deep connection with the rock, a sense of being exactly where I was meant to be.
At the top of the crack I surveyed the remainder of the climb… two more walls separated by a ledge stood between me and the top! The final wall, providing good climbing on great rock, was a perfect finish to the route!
Pulling myself over the top, a wave of triumph washed over me and as I turned to survey the valley below I was rewarded with the most spectacular views.
I built my belay beside a drystone wall (who builds these walls all the way up here?!), kicked off my rock shoes and shouted for Kelly to join me!
Belay views down the valley
Sitting on the summit with the Lake District sprawled out before us, we reflected on the climb and our shared sense of achievement. We took a moment to absorb the view, the sheer cliffs and verdant valleys a testament to nature's grandeur.
The climb had been a test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude, but it had also been a journey of discovery and growth. Our first ‘unsupervised’ multi pitch trad route swinging leads… what an adventure!
Walking off, tired but elated, we started brainstorming for our next adventure!
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Good to see you back out climbing, keep the info coning. onwards and upwards
Very good post! You're really bad ass trad climbers!
You’ve made this sound so good I almost want to try it! (…almost Rose, don’t get excited!) love this though and you’re right, you are both badass trad climbers!!