Classic Rock Challenge
The original Lakes Classic Rock challenge was devised as a running and climbing adventure, with the aim of linking the fifteen Lake District rock climbs in Ken Wilson’s book, Classic Rock - on foot, unsupported, all in under 24 hours. The climbers carried all their climbing kit and food, and went without sleep. We’ve adapted this into an four- or five-day adventure for mere mortals, by adding in transport for some sections, support with camping kit, and most importantly, sleep. It is still a big undertaking, requiring a high level of fitness and determination, but it is achievable. The hardest climb is graded at MVS, so any fit, motivated person can undertake the challenge - previous climbing experience is not essential, although for non-climbers we would recommend a day immediately before the challenge to cover the basics of rock climbing.
Ratios and Routes
The maximum ratio for the Classic Rock Challenge is 1:3, and it can be undertaken in different ways to suit your level of fitness and time available:
- as a four-day trip - for the very fit and motivated
- as two weekends - the same itinerary as the four-day trip, but allowing for rest between the two modules
- as a six-day trip - still a great challenge but giving more time
- as three weekends
The Four-Day Challenge
Day 1
Little Chamonix (VD***) - Shepherd’s Crag, Borrowdale (4 pitches, 71m)
Troutdale Pinnacle (S***) - Black Crag, Borrowdale (6 pitches, 105m)
Gillercombe Buttress (S***) - Gillercombe, Borrowdale (7 pitches, 195m)
Overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 2
Rib & Slab (S***) - Pillar Rock, Ennerdale (5 pitches, 91m)
New West Climb (HD***) - Pillar Rock, Ennerdale (3 pitches, 88m)
The Needle (HVD**) - The Napes, Wasdale (2 pitches, 20m)
Needle Ridge (D**) - The Napes, Wasdale (3 pitches, 99m)
Tophet Wall (S***) - The Napes, Wasdale (7 pitches, 81m)
Overnight camp at Wasdale Head
Day 3
Jones Route Direct from Lords Rake (S***) - Scafell Crag, Scafell (4 pitches, 55m)
Moss Ghyll Grooves (MVS***) - Scafell Crag, Scafell (4 pitches, 80m)
Bowfell Buttress (VD***) - Bowfell Buttress, Langdale (7 pitches, 106m)
Overnight camp in Langdale
Day 4
Ash Tree Slabs (VD***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (2 pitches, 48m)
C Route (S***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (3 pitches, 62m)
Bracket & Slab (S***) - Gimmer Crag, Langdale (7 pitches, 97m)
Murray’s Route (S***) - Dow Crag, Coniston (3 pitches, 55m)
The Four-Day Challenge Over Two Weekends
Weekend 1: Days 1 and 2 of the Four-Day Challenge
Weekend 2: Days 3 and 4 of the Four-Day Challenge
The Six-Day Challenge
Day 1: Borrowdale - Little Chamonix, Troutdale Pinnacle, Gillercombe Buttress, overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 2: Pillar - Rib & Slab, New West Climb, overnight stay at Black Sail Youth Hostel
Day 3: Napes - The Needle, Needle Ridge, Tophet Wall, overnight camp at Wasdale Head
Day 4: Scafell - Jones Route Direct from Lords Rake, Moss Ghyll Grooves, descend to Wasdale Head and drive to Langdale campsite
Day 5: Langdale - Bowfell Buttress, Ash Tree Slabs, C Route, Bracket & Slab, overnight camp in Langdale
Day 6: Coniston - Dow Crag
The Six-Day Challenge Over Three Weekends
Weekend 1: Days 1 and 2 of the Six-Day Challenge
Weekend 2: Days 3 and 4 of the Six-Day Challenge
Weekend 3: Days 5 and 6 of the Six-Day Challenge
Dates
The long summer days of May and June are perfect for the Classic Rock Challenge. I am currently available as follows:
April 28th-30th
May 3rd-7th,10th-14th, 24th-26th
June 17th, 18th, 21st-30th
Guiding fees
Our fees for the Classic Rock Challenge are slightly higher than for other guiding in the Lakes, to reflect the level of extra support needed. The following charges are per instructor per day or half day:
1:1 - £200 per full day
1:2 - £220 per full day
1:3 - £240 per full day
Additional costs are camping and/or youth hostel costs.
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more likely you are to complete the Challenge - swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. Long days in the mountains carrying a big heavy rucksack will be an essential part of your preparation. Reading the Lake District chapter in Classic Rock by Ken Wilson will give a flavour of the routes you will be climbing.
Equipment
We provide all the specialist climbing equipment, although you are welcome to bring your own harness and helmet if you have them. We will advise you about personal clothing and other kit when you book.
Insurance
We recommend that you have adequate insurance cover - standard holiday insurance does not cover for adventurous activities. Try the British Mountaineering Council, tel 0161 445 6111.
Booking Conditions
Please send a non-refundable 50% deposit cheque with your booking form. The balance of the fee will be due 14 days before the date of the guiding. If the booking is made within 14 days of the guiding start date, please send the full fee with the booking form. If you cancel for any reason and we cannot fill your date, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged and claim from the insurance company as appropriate. If we fill your date, we will refund your fee less the deposit. If we cancel, we will refund any money paid in full.