A Bit on the Side

Wednesday April 10th

A frost in the village signalled the start of another cold bright day, with a solid forecast over the other side.  Dreamed up a plan to meet all requirements including an adventurous variation on a much travelled route on;
Black Crag, Borrowdale

Despite the school holiday and fine weather, no problems parking in the layby near Troutdale Cottages.  A half hour walk in saw us at the foot of the crag with a party of three well established on Troutdale Pinnacle Direct P2.

Climbers on TP Direct

Maybe there will be time to get that one done as well?

Immediate plan is TP P1-3 plus Holly Tree Corner P4.

NB sets the tone by opting for the awkward crescent crack in the middle of P2 at about  4a.

AT inspired to tackle the impressive off width at the start of the route.
Finger locks not required.





AT arrives at the belay below P3

From the next belay the fourth pitch of Holly Tree Corner is the bit on the side that heads up and right under the big overhang.  Tricky moves gain a gangway round the corner that opens up interesting(!) climbing on clean rock then a short gorse-fest to an oak tree belay.

© Wesley Orvis (UKC) 
Photo with kind permission

Our chosen route follows three pitches of Troutdale Pinnacle, to where the belay is shared below the fourth pitch of Holly Tree Corner.

Descent by abseil (40m) from tree fitted with brand new static and mallion (in situ).

NB abbing off down the bit on the side

AT next

Phew!



The original plan was conceited enough to assume that we could follow on to Troutdale Pinnacle Direct.

That idea came from the unicorns in fantasy land.

So at 15.50 reality said it seemed wise to call it a draw.