UKC

Moss Ghyll Grooves Second AscentPhotos

© Ed Luke
photo
Steve Ashworth on Moss Ghyll Grooves © Ed Luke

25 years after its first winter ascent by Brian Davison, Moss Ghyll Grooves on Scafell has received its second ascent.

1985 Jan 19: Moss Ghyll Grooves, Scafell B Davison, R Jones, A Perkins
Several parties were vying for the first ascent. On the successful ascent the slab pitches were covered in unconsolidated snow with thin ribbons of ice in the corners.

from Lake District Winter Climbs, 2006.

Steve Ashworth reports:(click to enlarge topo photo)

Moss Ghyl Grooves, Scafell Crag  © Mick Ryan  UKClimbing.com
Moss Ghyl Grooves, Scafell Crag
© Mick Ryan UKClimbing.com

I finally managed to get to Scafell with a willing partner and without Brian Davison in the team. Putting a quest for new routes on the back burner for a day and deciding to enjoy the sunshine and head for what promised to be a classic mountain experience, myself and Paddy Cave headed up from Hollow Stones trying to decide what route we would do as our second route of the day.

photo
Paddy Cave and Steve Ashworth, second ascent of Moss Ghyll Grooves on Scafell
© Ed Luke

Initially Graded IV 4 by Brian who was first to claim the ascent amidst a bit of competition from the locals, Moss Ghyll Grooves was then upgraded to V 6 for the new guide book, this was Brian's best guess. Brian felt quite old when I broke the news to him that I was 5 and Paddy hadn't been born when he first put the route up. We had what sounded to be harder, more icy conditions than the first ascent, with gear and placements being hard won and at times a bit crafty, but felt the grade to be more like VII 6.

photo
Steve Ashworth on Moss Ghyll Grooves © Ed Luke
It goes without saying that Moss Ghyll Grooves put up a good fight and we certainly didn't have to worry about what was going to be our second route of the day. A slightly leisurely approach in the morning was payed for with a descent from the crag by head torch. Another great route and certainly a classic mountain experience. Thanks Brian.

An exceptionally keen Ed Luke came along and somewhat bravely rapped off the top and hung around to get some great photos. It's a good job he's got a warm jacket.

Steve Ashworth works at and is sponsored by the EpiCentre, Ambleside. Steve also blogs at mixedmaster.blogspot.com

photo
Steve Ashworth on Moss Ghyll Grooves © Ed Luke

photo
Steve Ashworth on Moss Ghyll Grooves © Ed Luke

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25 Feb, 2010
What helmet is that he has on...?
25 Feb, 2010
Simond
26 Feb, 2010
I thought Woody had done a winter ascent of this about 6 years ago with the Boy Kells in tow ? Before Steve Ashworth was even born !! Any how a good effort lads and hats off to Ed
26 Feb, 2010
They should have waited til the summer, much better nick then.
26 Feb, 2010
Yeah good work. Did you ab in Ed?
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