Cam Crag, Langstrath, Borrowdale

[Pensioner]

Great day out on this Grade 1/2 scramble route. The Lakes had bathed in unbroken sunshine for almost 3 weeks and the rivers and bogs were very dry although there were signs that thunderstorms were imminent. Paid for parking at the Stonethwaite Primary School. Followed trail through village and campsite and up Langstrath. Tricky finding start on faint path to crag up from Blackmoss Pot then up right through bracken and then found the gate through the fence by the large boulder Woof Stone (there is a stile to the left). There was no-one else in sight and I had the route to myself. The start of the route is obvious above a lower frontal outcrop over a chaotic boulder field and up a broken corner. There are several grassy terraces that break up the route and would allow an escape on the left but there are plenty of good holds and the crest is best. There are plenty of variations to make the disjointed scramble harder or easier as desired. The next section direct above a jumbled rocky hollow looked more Diff than Grade 2 and since I had no gear I traversed in above this from the left. This led to an exposed pitch up some clearly worn steps and several pull-ups over wider rocks. Good fun. Another grass terrace led to a steeper broken face with a narrow slanting L-> R crack. This looked intimidating but is easier than it appeared with a good projection hold halfway up. Bit exposed though! Another grass terrace led to a 5m stepped wall with a series of rock terraces on the left and a steeper right section with out-cut polished steps that was definitely rock climbing territory. I opted for the rising series of R -> L terraces which proved good sport. And that was it with just a stiff pull to the top of Rosthwaite Fell. From here I had an impressive view of the sheer Honister Crag. I briefly entertained going for Glaramara but there were now threatening dark skies to the north and rumbles of thunder so with some problematic route-finding I headed back down to Stonethwaite. No sooner did I reach my car and the heavens opened with avengeance. A great low grade route in a quieter part of the Lakes.

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