Winter Back in the Lakes

01 February 2012

It has been a case of keeping the faith that conditions would return to the Lakes this winter.  The snow came at the back end of last week falling on a strong westerly/ South Westerly wind which froze exposed ground down quickly. By the weekend a few of the usual high venues were in good condition. Helvellyn, Gable and Bowfell being popular. Ever keen Epicentre athlete Paddy Cave has been our eyes and ears on the fell this week. On Monday Paddy met up with Photographer Dave Willis and had a great day skiing on Blencathra. Yesterday Paddy returned to a crag that he has made his own with numerous first ascents and hard repeats. North Buttress Bowfell. North Buttress is very reliable for conditions and seems to hoar up just about as quick as anywhere, the turf was in good condition having not been burried by snow and Paddy finally climbed Sword of Damoclese, the classic summer E1 that received its first winter ascent around 10 years ago by Mark Thomas. A team also climbed the Gnomon and there was a party on Bowfell Buttress.

It's set to stay cold until Saturday afternoon when it looks like things might change. So make the most of it whilst the sun shines.

 

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