UKC

Yes I know there is already a thread about rockfall on Castle Rock N Crag. I have started a new thread as I have some new information that I didn't want to be hidden away in the middle or at the bottom of another thread.

There has recently been dramatic movement of the huge block on the upper LH side of the N Crag.

There was an "earthquake" at Grasmere on 6/3/18 and earth movement was felt at Thirlspot (which is a couple of hundred metres from the crag). There was an earlier event on 28/2/18 and these may have contributed to the movement.  At this time of the year there is normally very little movement so something seems to have changed.

As I can't post photos here please have a look at https://www.frcc.co.uk/castle-rock-north-crag-rock-instability/. You will see that the two glass plates that were measuring the mm of movement are now l separated by cms.

If you still want to climb there be in on your own head, it may well be!

This needs a few bumps. Here's one.

In light of the inevitable, is anyone thinking about taking matters in hand and giving geology some controlled assistance? 

Exciting, thanks for posting. But I reckon I'll struggle to find partners to come to North crag now, which is annoying. 

If there are people living in houses in the firing line then they should be given the option of moving out with compensation or even compulsory purchase could be used.  It would then be interesting to let nature take it’s course under close observation - we might learn a lot.

I don't think there's an awful lot under it.

More (older) info: https://www.frcc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Castle-Rock-Crack.-May-15...

Thought this might have been the case!

https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/rocktalk/cumbria_earthquake_is_castle_roc... 

There's a link to the BBC news report

The ultimate trundle!

surely a webcam / video cam would be in order now . should be pretty spectacular when it goes .

I understand that the Geological Survey are discussing placing monitoring equipment around the crack with the landowner (United Utilities). The rock movement is likely to be a once in a generation opportunity to study in detail a major natural rock collapse.

As for the idea of trundling the offending rock, the block is the size of a bungalow so might not respond to the odd push. United Utilities might not be too pleased if climbers accelerate natural process, who knows in which direction it will bounce. Look on the bright side, the houses below the crag might become very cheap!

 Look on the bright side, the houses below the crag might become very cheap!

After they have been turned into flats.

Correction

I misunderstood an email. BGS currently has no involvement, the interest is from a couple of University Academics. 

Going........going................"........................................