UKC

The classic Cheddar 7a Shakin' Like a Leaf is currently in a dangerous state in my view.

A large block has come off at the crux recently (look up and see the scar)and the jug most people use to hang on to rest and to pull the crux now tops a loose undercut football-sized rock. It has a crack round three sides and sounds hollow if thumped.

If it broke off it might chop a leader's rope or of course flatten the second. The block could last a while, but I suspect freeze-thaw will widen the cracks. I aided past and tried to kick it off, but failed.

Personally I feel that it would be public-spirited to prize it off with a chizel.I did top-rope the moves without using the loose block and the climb is still do-able with only a small increase in grade.

I am not sure if Martin is still acting as "crag guardian" or whether if people approve I should just get on with it.

In reply to John Alcock:

Hi John, I agree with you. I think it would be better to remove it safely than let it break off (which by the look of it is not likely to be long) and seriously injure someone. Not fussed about who does it as long as it's done properly.

Have no comment on who's allowed/supposed to remove the block but thanks very much for posting the warning, I was thinking of getting on that soonish!

In reply to Lhod: I agree, thanks for the warning it's a popular route.

In reply to John Alcock:


Just do it.

Mick

In reply to John Alcock:

As a frequent Cheddarite, I say go ahead.

In reply to John Alcock:

Appreciate the warning and sounds very sensible to remove.

In reply to DrGav:

Gordon Jenkin has now prized the block off. It took less than 5 seconds. The route is now safe again, though the crux may be a bit harder.
Have fun everyone.

In reply to John Alcock:

Nice one..