I've led several groups over and around Dow Crag in the Lake District and even walked past on a few of my own expeditions in the past, but until now, had never actually climbed a route on it. Things had changed since my last visit and in true Lakeland style, there is now a pay and display meter behind the drystone wall up on the hillside at the end of the long single track road where you can park! There was however, still space to leave the van, so feeling eight quid lighter, we set off up the Walner Scar Road to Goat Tarn.
The cliffs loom up above the lake and unlike most of the big mountain cliffs in Wales, Dow Crag catches a lot of sunshine. There was a bit of an Alpine feel as we walked up in t-shirts and sun hats.
I'd been told recently that this was 'the place to be' in the Lakes, so it was with a certain amount of surprise and delight that we found we had the entire cliff to ourselves!
Which was also kind of lucky as the route we chose - the classic of the crag - traverses and weaves its way across loads of other climbs, so we didn't get in a anyone else's way.
Nothing too hard, but plenty of exposure.
After returning to the base, for some food and a nap, we decided that we had the energy for another ascent. By now the wind was whipping across the crag and the sun had left us, so it felt like a very different place the second time up. For speed, we linked the seven pitches of climbing into three, as it was a bit too cold to be hanging around for long on the belays. At the top I came across a Ring Ouzel. Never seen one before, so that was a nice bonus.
We got down and back into the sunshine as fast as we could, pleased that we'd done a another classic route, but in only one hour and fifteen minutes, rather than taking all afternoon over it.
Once in the sun, we sorted the gear and lay like lizards on the warm rocks. I found an eye mask in the bottom of my pack - no idea where from, but Clare was happy with it!
Back at the van, the sun was fully out and despite the brisk breeze, we found some shelter and decided to stay for a while longer.
Being the well prepared types, from the back of the back of the van we produced coffee and Eccles cakes to enjoy along with the view. All that was left was to make it back to the pad in time to watch the Euro footy (a real treat to temporarily have an actual TV at our disposal!).
Dow Crag, Lake District Climbs:
- Murray's Route. Severe (4a)***
- Original Route C, V.Diff***
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