The winter route takes a more direct line than the summer route, climbing the first pitch straight up the open corner to The Bower, avoiding the traverse out left and tricky 4c wall on the summer route. Not that should be considered a cop out and at a grade of VII 8 it weighs in as one of the hardest winter routes in the Lakes.
Birkett said “It was absolutely mega” and “the best route I have ever done”.
The previous day the pair also climbed what was probably the first winter ascent of Gwynne's Chimney on Pavey Ark. Graded VI 5.
Comments