In reply to Offwidth:
> they are all scrittly and showing signs of wear that wasn't there before the Rockfax guide came out.
I think you're seeing what you want to see here, as opposed to what is likely the case in reality. Whilst I'm aware that not everyone logs their ascents on UKC, over 30,000+ people do, and the number registering ascents at the Woolpacks is minimal. In fact, I can't think of a single person I know that's been up there since the publication of the guide?!
It seems to me that your assertion is like those people that say how polished Malham is getting. Yes, it's polished, but if you speak to the first ascentionists it's always been polished. I'm pretty sure the same could be said for the Woolpacks, insofar as they've always, and will always be scrittly, and worn, but it's more likely from people messing about in trainers/walking boots, because it's walkers + families that are up there in droves - not climbers.
Either way, the Woolpacks will - irrespective of whichever guides they are/aren't in - unpopular because a) they're a long way from the road b) people don't like walking that much and c) despite the fact they look great, they're actually a bit crap. If someone does go, which it's unlikely they will, it's almost guaranteed they'll never go back.
I certainly can't see them dissolving before the next ice age...
Post edited at 09:49