In reply to NickJH:
> Totalitarian had at least one ascent about a month ago. Chalk was present on the second pitch of Empire but it looked as the climbers had bailed before the top pitch.
> No Holds Barred had ascents 3 years ago, not sure on current state of play but Great End Crag had some regular summer cleaning during that period.
> Vesper had an ascent a couple of weeks ago (and there was chalk on it) but the first pitch is very mossy and would be a lot harder/serious under humid or damp conditions.
> The Squawk had an ascent probably 6 years ago, but the top groove required some cleaning of lichen with a nut key then. The problem with the state of routes at eagle seems to be due to limited summer access and the nesting restrictions (can't remember quite what the current situation is).
> Cascade seems to get ascended reasonably regularly, cleaning wasn't required on an ascent 3 years ago.
> Guidebook work and checking has been undertaken on a number of Borrowdale crags recently - certainly including Steel Knotts, Castle Crag,Doves Nest, Lining crag and Perched Block Buttress. In particular, Steel Knotts and Castle crag have seen a significant number of routes ascended.
I did Cascade last week, it's a good route but you can hit the deck on the traverse on the first pitch quite easily. The first belay is poor due to the peg rusting away. Second pitch is a belter.
Regarding some of these other awful crags such as Raven at Thirlmere, Lining crag, Green crag, why bother.
The routes on high crag are popular and don't need cleaning.
Can I suggest whoever writes the Lake district guides removes the rose tinted specs, or goes to spec savers, as for those routes at Rannerdale Knotts do they even exist?