Synonymous with climbing in the Lake District Borrowdale has an abundance of great crags of rough featured rock. The climbing here is hugely varied, yet always exquisite. The crags stand serenely on the valley sides overlooking bare fells, or are hidden amongst the trees and ferns. Borrowdale is arguably the most beautiful of the Lakeland valleys and this makes it popular, not just with climbers.Blessed with campsites and a regular bus service from nearby Keswick the valley makes a great base, with many crags accessible by bus and a walk.
Many of the routes here are iconic; Troutdale Pinnacle on Black Crag, Little Chamonix and Ardus on Shepherd's Crag. The valley also has it's share of harder climbs, some of the best in the Lakes; The Voyage, Tumbleweed Connection, Grand Alliance, the Cam Crag routes and the climbs of Hell's Wall rank highly.
This modern and authoritative guide offers over 800 routes on 50 crags and is a must for climbers looking to extend their experience of climbing in Borrowdale.
To climb in Borrowdale is an absolute joy. The rock is generally good quality, offering holds of all types and sizes, and on many crags extremely good friction. Some of the crags are extremely popular, and with good reason, but with a large assortment of climbs on offer there are plenty of options should it be busy. The low-level crags are of very easy access, but despite often being set in ancient woodland, the views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw are things one never tires of. For those wishing to escape the valley floor, there is a great variety of higher-level crags, some of which offer some of the finest slab climbing available. These higher crags are rarely busy, despite offering some highly enjoyable climbing.
It is true that the lush climate of Borrowdale has led to some crags becoming more vegetated. This guidebook does not include all of these, so it is not completely comprehensive. It does however include several crags of excellent rock that have been developed in more recent times, many offering excellent climbs high on secluded hillsides.
Arguably the most beautiful Lakeland valley, Borrowdale is understandably popular, not just with climbers. The valley is well endowed with quaint hamlets, country pubs, welcoming cafes and sylvan campsites all linked by a network of good paths. Most of the crags are reached by a lovely walk and, once there, the situations and views are stunning. The downside is the difficulty you may have parking your car, especially on fine summer days. Don’t be put off by this popularity, if you venture a little further there are many attractive sunny crags where you can find solitude, your only companions being the ewes, the ravens and the wind in your hair.
Below is the table of contents and some sample pages from the guide:
