Granite Climbing at Brantrake

Well it's not often in the UK that rock climbing is only possible in the shade. Bonkers really, since one of the reasons that we're in the Lake District is because of the amount of south facing cliffs compared to the predominantly shady ones of North Wales! However, we're not complaining as to have sun settled weather has been a real treat and with a good scan of the guidebooks, we selected the excellent sweep of compact granite that is Brantrake Crag. I've a vague recollection that I climbed here in the late nineties on a trip with Andy Brown, but today the place felt like new. And more importantly, it was blissfully cool in the shade of the morning.

Clare was on lead first, with me belaying while John took some photos and offered words of encouragement as she followed the series of cracks up the otherwise blank looking wall.

The routes were brilliant. Top quality, hard enough to require us to be in the zone, but not too hard that we had to test any of the protection we were placing.

John and I both followed up, revelling in the shady temperatures as much as the climbing - it was already well over twenty degrees while we were having breakfast.

I was next up after a toss up between John and I. We had a funny moment, where I was precariously clinging on trying to place some protection, when we realised that John had the crucial piece of gear still on his harness. Clare somehow captured the moment, before drama was averted and it was tossed up to me.

The climbing was intense, brilliantly focusing and with just enough holds to keep it enjoyable!

John left Clare and I to do a couple more routes, until the sun came around and ended any thoughts of further climbing.

We packed up and scarpered down the hill, through the bracken and drove the very short distance to the nearest pub, where ice cold ginger beers in the shade reset our internal temperatures. As it happened, a chance exploration nearby, revealed another swimming hole right below the bridge by the pub! We got straight in, then dried off in the shade and relaxed with a book.

Our social agenda continued, even after saying bye to John, as our next stop was in Coniston, where another friend (Beth) had arrived and reserved us a camping spot with here at the local football ground. Possibly the flattest tent pitch in the Lake District and (even better), there was just us camping in tents (everyone else was in campervans in the car park), so we had a very comfy, quiet night.

Before sleeping, we had dinner together and caught up with a mutual friend who runs an Outdoor Adventure Centre nearby. It was encouraging to hear that some Outdoor work was booming at last for some as the tourist flocked in! Even tried a local brew.

Climbing at Brantrake Crag:

- Central Crack, VS (5a)***

- Right Hand Crack, HVS (5b)***

- Face Route, VS (4c)**

- Nail File, VS (4c)*