Learning to climb!

Since my trip to the Alps last summer, I’ve been wondering how I can progress my skills with the aim of heading back again this summer to climb some more peaks! Alpine mountaineering requires traditional climbing skills, and given that I lack any climbing skills… this is my starting point!

Living on the outskirts of the Lakes and Dales, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get out climbing, when the weathers right… so as long as I put in the time and effort I should see some dramatic progress!

I’ve decided to map my journey through my blog, sharing my learning for anyone else who might want to follow in my footsteps steps up the mountains! Hopefully, somewhere, I will transition from a complete novice to some level of proficiency!

Over the winter I’ve attended my local bouldering wall to get a head start on my training by learning some skills and techniques indoors. I’ve also learned that I have very little upper body strength and almost no grip strength at all!

The more I learn, the more I’m finding there is to learn…

I’m a big fan of having a goal to work towards, but even more of a fan of having micro goals to keep me motivated along the way! So this spring/summer I’ll be starting my outdoor climbing journey with the goal of then completing the Lake District Classic Rock Challenge!

I’ll be heading out in the Lake District to learn the skills and techniques needed to take on the 15 climbs from the iconic book Classic Rock. These historical routes are some of the most iconic routes in the UK, and for me… will be a great focus for learning and developing rock climbing skills needed for my next summer trip to the Alps! There are 15 classic rock routes from Very Difficult (VD) to Very Severe (VS) in the Lake District mountains; these 15 climbs have been completed in a 24 hour challenge by some climbers, so I’m hoping I can tick them all off over the spring/summer!

Here’s the list - Classic Rock - Lake District routes!

· Bowfell Buttress (HS 4b) - Bowfell

· Ash Tree Slab (VD) – Gimmer Crag

· ‘C’ Route (S 4b) – Gimmer Crag

· Bracket and Slab Climb (VS 4b) – Gimmer Crag

· Little Chamonix (VD) – Shepherds Crag

· Troutdale Pinnacle (S) – Black Crag

· Gillercombe Buttress (S 4a) - Gillercombe

· New West Climb (VD) - Pillar

· Rib & Slab Climb (HS 4b) - Pillar

· The Wasdale Crack (HS 4c) – Napes Needle

· Needle Ridge (VD) – The Napes

· Tophet Wall (HS 4b) – The Napes

· Moss Ghyll Grooves (VS 4c) – Scafell Crag

· Jone’s Route Direct (HS 4b) – Scafell Crag

· Murray’s Route (S 4a) – Dow Crag

Before I get started on the above list, I’ll be heading out with ISM on a Level 1 Lake District ‘Try Outdoors Climbing’ course!

… new blog pending!