UKC

Hi all, Just a quick one. Not to get into a big discussion re the merits of Double ropes but would you say double ropes are a necessary on Flying Buttress? Sometimes I just find it less faff using a single rope and long extenders where needed. Anyone here climbed it much? 

Would appreciate your advice, Thanks

I did it in 2018 using half ropes. From memory, I think you could manage on a single without too much bother but you would probably want to break the spike/col belays into two as per Rockfax rather than skipping the pinnacle.

Hi, thanks for your reply. That is pretty much what I was thinking, Loads o times I find myself on a route and think "a single rope would be fine here". Its often a little less Faff.

Done it a few times on a single, no drama as long as you’re sensible with extending gear appropriately.

In the near hundred years since the FA the number of people who have climbed it on a single rope must be uncountable!

Thanks.

Did it intermittently for decades from the 1960s until about 2010. Always on a single rope - no problems - good advice above on using extended runners.

As are the number who have shunned the use of a rope altogether!

Necessary, no.

Helpful, yes.

The first is true of all routes; the second of many.

Necessary, no.

Helpful, yes.

The first is true of all routes; the second of many.

Necessary, no.

Helpful, yes.

The first is true of all routes; the second of many.

Necessary, no.

Helpful, yes.

The first is true of all routes; the second of many.

Totally unnecessary. Likely to be more of an encumbrance than a help.

Did it a few years ago with a 60m single, including running the first pitches to the pinnacle together. Zero issues.

I've guided it many times with a single 50m. You have to be slightly careful with extenders on the penultimate two traversing pitches before the chimney to avoid rope drag or lifting a wire out, but otherwise it's straight forward. 

Thanks For everyone who replied. Very Helpful.