UKC

If you’ve ever been to Tintwistle Knarr then you probably didn’t get much done because it was wet and most of the routes had lots of plants growing out of them. Maybe you’ve never been because of its reputation for that. It’s a shame because there are loads of great routes there along with one of the nicest outlooks in the Peak.

Well as of right now it’s dried out for the year and I’ve spent the last week cleaning routes there-

Levi (E2 5b), Scimitar (HVS 5b), Poteen (E1 5b), Nil Carborundum Illigitimum (E3 5c), The Arête (E2 5c), The Little Spillikin (E3 6a), Kershaw's Krackers (E1 5c), Stiff Little Fingers (E1 5b) and Nosey Parker (E4 6a) are all spotless and most have had ascents today. 

 The Old Triangle (HVS 5a) isn’t exactly clean but I’ve pulled lots and lots of mud and grass out of it on two separate visits and it should be OK to lead, particularly after a few more sunny days. I didn’t finish cleaning Sinn Fein (E3 5c) so that still has some grass in the cracks at the bottom. I gave O'Grady's Incurable Itch (E6 7a) a quick brush while cleaning The Little Spillikin but you might want to have a look at it yourself.

If you haven’t been for a while bear in mind that the parking described in all the guides is blocked off nowadays but there’s a huge lay-by a little way down the road towards Tintwistle.

Have fun!

Good effort! Last time I went was 50 years ago - just got to find a partner interested in going back...

Sterling effort Mike.

Always interested in Tintwhistle.  Shout if you fancy the drive down.

You are doing a great job at Tintwistle, many thanks for all the hard work.

I've been meaning to go for years, I'm going to try and get up there soon.

Superb. At the risk of looking a clean route gift horse in the mouth, any comment on the state of the bouldering? 

I’ve no idea about the bouldering Steve.

Thanks, consider the gift horse examined and a nod of appreciation given.

Just back from a great evening there. Awesome effort cleaning all those routes. Thanks!

Guns and Drums (E4 6a) is also now clean.

Went yesterday and climbed Scimitar (HVS 5b), Kershaw's Krackers (E1 5c), The Old Triangle (HVS 5a) and The Arête (E2 5c).

Can confirm that a lot of effort has gone into getting the routes clean and 3 of them were great. I did not enjoy The Old Triangle; that one can get in the sea!

The Arete deserves its classic status and I thought Scimitar as good if not better than the much-lauded pair of HVSs at Shining Clough across the road. It should really be on the radar of anyone climbing that grade and it's a shame it's had such little traffic!

Approach was long and all very uphill but not too steep and not that bad.