Botterill's Slab is "one of the best winter routes in the Lakes" and is given a modern grade of V,6.

More historical information on the route is below, including an excellent video from Alison Stockwell.

A Winter Ascent of Botterill's Slab

By Dave Birkett

I first did Botterill's Slab in winter with Andy Hyslop in January 2003. Conditions were thought to be good that year, but they weren't really; they were lean and mean and the top pitch wasn't in condition. Good conditions on Scafell are rare and fickle even in a good winter - even though it is high. But there again conditions are always fickle in the Lakes. Most know you have to grab what you can, when you can.

Fast forward to early 2009 and it was freezing at Hollow Stones, but not below. The crag was completely covered white, covered like you have never seen it before.

We got 20m below the crag and it was out of this world. As soon as we saw Botterill's Slab we knew we had to do it. It's one of the best winter routes in the Lakes. During the summer it takes the slab, in the winter you stick to the corner and chimney.

The first part of the second pitch is the crux. The chimney pitch, the third pitch is horrific. I did it leashless which helps, as you put an axe on your shoulder if need be, rather than letting it hang from your wrist - in the way. It's a narrow tight squeeze and there is no room to swing axes and no gear. It's a squirm, full body tension. Mary said there was lots of groaning and moaning as I got some gear around the chockstone. I hope you enjoy the video below.

VIDEO: Botterill's Slab in 2009 with Dave Birkett, Mary Jenner and Andy Mitchell.

PHOTO GALLERY: Dave Birkett on Botterill's Slab in 2009

"In June 1903 Fred Botterill did the first ascent of the climb now known as Botterill's Slab.

This climb, on Scafell in the English Lake District was one of the first to be graded Very Severe, and unusually for a climb of that era it still maintains that grade today. It was climbed with an ice axe which Botterill used to clear moss and grass from the holds. He famously carried this implement in his teeth until he inadvertently left it behind, and in an attempt to hook it with his foot, sent it tumbling to the base of the climb. Botterill also reported that during the ascent he raised his hat to a passing lady, as was the custom of the day."

The first winter ascent of Botterill's slab also utilised an ice axe of course, but by all accounts there was no passing lady. The first claim was by Al Phizacklea and D Kay on February 14th 1984, however in the FRCC's Lake District Winter Climbs guidebook evidence is documented that the first winter ascent may have occurred in 1907 by Geoffrey Winthrop Young and, as the route is now given a modern grade of V,6 "it would have been a remarkable achievement by England's finest Edwardian alpinist."

VIDEO: Botterill's Slab by Alison Stockwell

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