UKC

The Passing of a Great Lakeland Pioneer

One of the great characters of Lakeland climbing has died. Ray McHaffie was probably the most prolific new router ever, in Borrowdale. Living in Keswick and not having a driving licence obviously contributed to his dedication for the valley.

One of his greatest early contributions was 'The Niche' on Falcon Crag, climbed with Adrian Liddell in 1962. By the early seventies the routes were coming thick and fast with a least one a week! There was hardly any let up through the 80s and the early 90s as he climbed with just about every aspiring new router that wandered onto his patch. He had an uncanny knack of turning up at the crag just as you were about to launch off on a first ascent and tell you everything about the line you had just spent the last 3 days cleaning.

By they late 90s he was still climbing but now with his very talented son, James. They teamed up for several new routes.

Most people will remember Mac as someone who would always talk to you and never seemed to get caught up with the petty politics of climbing. He was a product of his era and his passing marks the end of that great period of development in Borrowdale which will never be seen again.


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17 Dec, 2005
Very sad news Spent many happy hours listening to Macs crack at sheperds cafe RIP
17 Dec, 2005
Coming in from climbing and reading this... I am so sorry. Although I never met Mac, so many of my mates did, in Borrowdale. They all said he was a real character, full of life. Little Cham in boxing gloves & roller skates - classic! His spirit will live on in Borrowdale - yes, always. My condolences to his family. Mick
17 Dec, 2005
Just got back from a run over the Lakeland tops under moonlight and early morning sun. Crisp and clear with empty fells - one of those days that lifts your heart. Borrowdale was bathed in golden sunlight but it won't quite be the same. Sincere condolences to all those close to him. Bob
17 Dec, 2005
Sad - top bloke, never ending enthusiasm. Condolences to all.
17 Dec, 2005
Met Ray at the summit of Helvellyn a few years ago after completing my first winter route with my brother. He took the time to chat to us and told us a few stories about recent escapades and generally enthused us to keep on climbing. We didn't really know who he was at that point, but a leaf through the guides, and seeing the article about the rollerskates up on the wall in the pub in Keswick inspired us even more.
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