In the weeks leading up to the Lakes meet it did not seem like it was destined to turn out so well. The original organiser, Ian, had to pull out due to a broken ankle and there were several other last minute cancellations due to the forecast predicting rain for the majority of the time. However, four members of the club braved the drive to Borrowdale and managed to get climbing on some classic Lakeland valley routes.

The meet was being run, in part, as a memorial to the late club member John Custance whose favourite route had been Little Chamonix at Shepherd’s Crag. We went with the intention of all climbing this route. On Saturday we tried to get on this route but with the queues looking like the summit of Everest we passed onto other climbs at the crag.

The next morning saw the predicted rain settle in which meant the sensible option was a trip into Keswick for a coffee stop and to look at gear shops for all the new equipment that we know we probably don’t need. On the way back to the campsite the rain had eased a little so we decided to head to Shepherd’s Crag for another attempt at Little Chamonix. This time there were no crowds on the climb.

We started the route in classic style with a bit of rain to keep it interesting although the rock stayed dry for most of it. I can definitely see why it was John’s favourite route. The holds and gear are all very good but with some really fun moves to get between the blocks in the groves on the final pitches. To top it all, it is also one of the easiest places to get some brilliant action shots. It should definitely be on everyone’s ticklist.

The route was also part of the Arc’teryx Lakeland revival. Route cards are available in the gear shops in Keswick. If you tick off a route and bring some photo evidence back of you doing it you get a free goodie (dmm phantom or arc’teryx t-shirt)!! So after completing the climb we ticked off the route cards and headed into Keswick on Monday for another coffee and to claim our prizes. We finished the long weekend  by heading back into the mountains for some final climbs before the long drive home.

Report and photos by Matthew Crawford