Lakeland Classic Rock Challenge.
To celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the Joe Brown Shops in Snowdonia, The International School of Mountaineering (ISM), The Climbers Shop, The Joe Brown Shops and UKC have teamed up to offer you a fantastic summer rock climbing challenge right here in the UK.
This rock-climbing challenge has been born out of thumbing through the late Ken Wilson’s iconic coffee table book ‘Classic Rock’ during Covid restrictions and lockdown! If you’re not familiar with the book; ‘Classic Rock’ has received iconic and legendary status over the years, detailing Ken’s collection of some of the best easy to moderate rock climbing routes here in the UK. You can read more HERE or buy your own copy HERE.
In 2021, we challenge you to focus a summers energy exploring these 15 classic rock climbs and enjoying some of the best climbing at the grade in the mountains of the Lake District.
Complete the ‘Lake District Classic Rock Summer Challenge’ by climbing all the ‘Classic Rock’ routes from this iconic book within the Lake District, and you’ll get not only the satisfaction of all those adventurous days out trad climbing and exploring the magnificent UK mountains, but a serious dose of FUN too! It’s what climbing is all about. On top of THAT you will also get a digital £20 voucher e-mailed to you to spend at either The Climbers Shop in the Lake District or either of The Joe Brown Shops in North Wales.
Click HERE to access a tick list of climbs where you can upload the dates you completed the routes and remember: Even if you only complete a few of these classic routes in either area, it’s a great way to plan your outdoor climbing and from these routes, other great routes may follow in what promises to be a great summer of British rock climbing.
The Routes Involved.
Bowfell Buttress (HS 4b) - Bowfell UKC Description
Ash Tree Slabs (VD) - Gimmer Crag UKC Description
‘C’ Route (S 4b) - Gimmer Crag UKC Description
Little Chamonix (VD) - Shepherd’s Crag UKC Description
Troutdale Pinnacle (S) - Black Crag (Borrowdale) UKC Description
Gillercombe Buttress (S 4a) - Gillercombe UKC Description
New West Climb (VD) - Pillar UKC Description
Rib & Slab Climb (HS 4b) - Pillar UKC Description
Wasdale Crack (HS 4c) - The Napes UKC Description
Needle Ridge (VD) - The Napes UKC Description
Tophet Wall (HS 4b) - The Napes UKC Description
Moss Ghyll Grooves (VS 4c) - Scafell Crag UKC Description
Jone’s Route (HS 4b) - Scafell Crag UKC Description
Bracket and Slab Climb (VS 4b) - Gimmer Crag UKC Description
Murray’s Route (S 4a) - Dow Crag UKC Description
How To Take Part.
Click HERE to access a tick list of climbs where you can upload the dates you completed the routes and remember: Even if you only complete a few of these classic routes in either area, it’s a great way to plan your outdoor climbing and from these routes, other great routes may follow in what promises to be a great summer of British rock climbing.
We want to promote this challenge as something to enjoy throughout the whole of this coming summer, with everyone focusing on spending more time outdoors and enjoying the experience and adventure rather than say a 24hr challenge. So from the 12th of April to 31st October spread out some dates and plan some great climbing across the year safely, and in line with any government restrictions.
The idea is that this challenge is open to all and to help new climbers or those venturing outside for the first time enjoy climbing safely, ISM is here to help……
If anyone needs any extra instruction to help kickstart their summer climbing, building skills and confidence to head off and enjoy some of these classic routes independently or maybe would like more of a guided experience either trying outdoor climbing for the first time which could include some of these routes or maybe being guided on the harder routes then please get in touch with ISM
They can talk through what maybe you’d like to get out of your climbing or maybe help you plan on giving outdoor climbing a go or maybe help you with the right skills to help with that transition from indoor climbing to climbing outdoors.
If you are going to start climbing outdoors – make sure you learn from the best!
If anyone needs to refresh their trad climbing rack, buy new ropes or help with anything equipment or clothing wise then The Climbers Shop & The Joe Brown Shops are here to help either in-store or on-line.
Enjoy a great summer of rock climbing ahead!
Essential Reading.
Summer Climbing Grade Comparisons - LINK
Guidance For New Outdoor Climbers - LINK
Climbing During COVID-19 - LINK
Crag Etiquette During COVID-19 - LINK
Looking for some expert help?
Our friends at the International School of Mountaineering have a selection of options for novice climbers all the way through to dedicated coaching sessions for those wishing to improve their technique.
