Great End which the dominates the head of the valley, ranks alongside Helvellyn as being one of the most popular venues for winter climbing in the Lakes. It is frequently in condition and offers some very reliable ice. Raven Crag Gully in Combe Ghyll is one of the classic Lakes ice routes and the corrie also offers some good mixed outings. In cold spells good ice can be found in the ghylls further down the Valley. Raven Crag Gully and Force crag are not to be missed. A prolonged cold snap is needed for these routes to come into condition , but Great End is always worth a look in.
Routes
|
35 winter routes (I...VI) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents |       | ||
| Buttress (click for routes) | No. of Routes | Route Type | Sunshine or shade |
Approach walk | Other |
| Ashness Gill NY 283193 500m NW Facing In a very cold spell the beck gives a nice little icy scramble with a... |
1 | Winter |
Afternoon sun |
Roadside 10 mins |
Windy |
| Eel Crag NY 193208 600m N facing The North Facing crag at the back left side of the Force Crag corrie.... |
2 | Winter |
No sun |
Uphill 60 mins |
Windy |
| Gillercombe GR.221124 460m N facing If you take a slightly more modern view on winter climbing conditions,... |
1 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 45 mins |
Windy |
| Great End (Sprinkling Tarn) GR 228086 670m. NE Facing. When it's in condition this is unquestionably the most popular crag... |
21 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 60 mins |
Windy |
| Little Stanger Gill NY 264131 300m NE Facing The obvious gill seen from the Langstrath Hotel. Approach: Leave... |
1 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 30 mins |
Windy |
| Righead Quarry NY 238153 500m NE Facing Seepage in the highest of the quarries forms various ice... |
1 | Winter |
No sun |
Uphill 45 mins |
Windy |
| Scott Crag NY 195204 770m NE Facing The North East face of Crag Hill. The Ice line of Arctic Spring can be... |
2 | Winter |
Lots of sun! |
Uphill 90 mins |
Windy |
| Sergeant Crag GR.274114 370m NW Facing A good little route that quite quickly comes into condition during a... |
1 | Winter |
No sun |
Uphill 45 mins |
Windy |
| Sourmilk Gill NY 233122 150m E Facing An easily accessible icy scramble if it is in condition, it serves as an... |
1 | Winter |
No sun |
Level 10 mins |
Windy |
| Force Crag NY 197215 300m NE Facing Force crag offers a brilliant open ice route. Funny conditions are... |
2 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 60 mins |
Windy |
| Taylor Ghyll Force NY 229109 300m N Facing Rarely in condition the gill gives a good steep ice pitch Approach:... |
1 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 20 mins |
Windy |
| Walla Crag GR.274212 300m NW Facing In an exceptional cold spell the Gill in the centre of the crag forms... |
1 | Winter |
Evening sun |
Uphill 20 mins |
Windy |
| Black Crag (Borrowdale) GR.263174 300m W facing It is hard to imagine Troutdale Pinnacle with a big cornice and clad in... |
1 | Winter |
Evening sun |
Uphill 25 mins |
Windy |
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