SHEPHERDS Crag

The day dawned bright and early in Keswick yesterday. Given that I was in Keswick I found myself wandering round Booths at 9 in the morning waiting for Emma to turn up, which she eventually did. 

So what to do? We didn't have a guidebook for anywhere in the Lakes, so had to nip out to the shops and pick one up. Unfortunately, as it was a bank holiday, the local branch of Emma's work was shut and didn't open till later that day. However we managed to pick up a guidebook at another well known outdoor shop. We quickly decided on a visit to Shepherds Crag and set off to have a play. 

A slightly disturbing photo of me at the belay of Brown Slabs Direct.

Shepherds Crag is home to some classic Lakes lines. Unsurprisingly when we reached the foot of our first climb, Little Chamonix, a queue had already formed. So we went off in search of a different route to kill some time. 

We settled on Brown Slabs Direct (VD). It proved an nice reintroduction to climbing and a pleasant welcome to the Lake District. This was both Emma and my first time climbing in the Lakes.

After this we went back to Little Chamonix to find the queue had dispersed. So we headed up the route. It really was rather good climbing. Just the right mix of exposure and excitement, but with good holds and good gear. 

Emma Leading up the last pitch of Little Chamonix, just below the classic flake.

By the time we had got back to the foot of the crag it was getting late. That said after a bit of lazing in the afternoon sun we summoned the energy to explore another climb. This time Donkey's Ears. Another fine climb. It had one heart in mouth move as I hauled myself onto a narrow spike of rock before a gripping hand traverse left along the crag and a pull up onto more slaby rock. Emma decided agains the final airy left hand traverse and finished the final direct pitch. Still a thoroughly interesting climb though!

By now it was time to head back to the ranch and plan for the next days adventures.