[T_B]

I'm off to the Lakes next week en famile with 9 week old baby, staying just north in the Eden Valley.

I'm assuming Carrock Fell is not v child friendly?

We'll most likely go to the Bowderstone, and might venture south to Kentmere.

Anywhere else (don't say Armathwaite.. or maybe there's some amazing secret Eden valley bouldering venue somewhere - Tim?)

Thanks

[Probes]

Carrock should be ok for stuff close to road?

[SA Chris]

Langdale? Close to road, grassy, small area.

Would pebble beach south bit of St Bees be any good for nippers? Have thought about it as an option too, so be intrigued to know.

[Bonjoy]

Not exactly Lakes but both Goldborough Carr and Windmore (highball limestone micro routes)with very flat landing and topout are fairly close to your location.
Haven't been there but it sounds like Tilberthwaite might be suitable.

[Johnny Brown]

Hit The HOFF!!!

[tomtom]

Langdale and Kentmere both good (watch out for Bull in the badger rock field at Kentmere - well it was there last time I was...). Parking can be an issue at Kentmere at weekends and busy times..

[SA Chris]

Just seen where it is from JB's link, isn't there a lot of the Southern Lakes stuff on lakesbloc around there?

http://www.lakesbloc.com/crags-by-map.html

St Bees might be a bit of a haul!

[T_B]

Hit The HOFF!!!

You saw this photo right? http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.html?id=51932

[T_B]

Would pebble beach south bit of St Bees be any good for nippers? Have thought about it as an option too, so be intrigued to know.

Access is the issue at St Bees. Death approach.

[Big Dave]

Another vote for Langdale boulders.

[T_B]

Not exactly Lakes but both Goldborough Carr and Windmore (highball limestone micro routes)with very flat landing and topout are fairly close to your location.

A66 esoterica - nice. Good tips!

[T_B]

Another vote for Langdale boulders.

Yeah, perfect for kiddies but it would be a mission driving all that way from Eden Valley.

[Johnny Brown]

You saw this photo right? http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.html?id=51932

Actually no, I used to climb there when I lived in Cumbria. Nothing desperate, but few nicer spots for an evenings' soloing/ picnic scene. Should be handy if your based in the Eden valley. Jackdaw Scar is another nice little spot close by. Never went to Armathwaite but parts of that look pretty pleasant too.

Or if you're really jonesing for the grit head up Lops Wath.

[SA Chris]

Would pebble beach south bit of St Bees be any good for nippers? Have thought about it as an option too, so be intrigued to know.

Access is the issue at St Bees. Death approach.

I thought that was only for the North bit. Fleswick Bay is the bit I was thinking of, but I think S St Bees is a bit easier to get to too.

[tc]

Carrock's fine if you stick to the stuff close to the road and the three main boulders at the North end. Gimme a bell if you head there and I'll come and say hello.

or maybe there's some amazing secret Eden valley bouldering venue somewhere - Tim?)

That'll be Scratchmere Scar, The Hoff (nice) or Cumrew Crag then.

[Stabbsy]

There's a few other bits of St. Bees that are worth checking out. The old bit (St. Bees North) has a death descent, but there's all the new stuff at St. Bees South plus Fleswick Bay. Worth checking out Greg's topos to see how bad the approach is as I haven't made it there yet.

Some bits of Carrock would be OK (Boardman's Boulder and the roadside stuff). Goldsborough would be be really reachable from the Eden Valley, but it can get a bit wild up there if there's any wind. Trowbarrow and bits of Woodwell would be OK as well.

[T_B]

That'll be Scratchmere Scar, The Hoff (nice) or Cumrew Crag then.

Hmm, interesting. Are they in any guidebooks? I remember the Hoff was in that old North of England guide...

[Johnny Brown]

You won't need a guide for The Hoff, assuming you can find it with UKC and a road atlas. The bits between the cracks are harder than the cracks, but you'll struggle to find a 6a move.

[tc]

Just checked on the Hoff situation:
"Currently banned year round by the landowner. Negotiations are ongoing - any climbing that takes place whilst the ban is in force is likely to antagonise the access situation."

[Bonjoy]

Oops, I meant Trowbarrow rather than Tilberthwaite.

[mattrm]

Eskdale Fisherground?  I was there the other week and parts of it seemed like they'd be ok for kids.  Nice short walk as well.

[lemony]

Gelt Boulder, naturally!

[lemony]

p.s. I wouldn't call scratchmere scar bouldering or child friendly. Cumrew Crag is shite.

[thekettle]

Since you're taking a little'un it's worth knowing that Badger Rock is surrounded by sheep and their squishy crud at the moment, little font is cleaner underfoot though. St Bees (South Head and Fleswick) are 1hr from Penrith and baby friendly, although I think South Head is bird banned at the moment. Windmore End (lime) and Goldsborough Carr (grit) are 45 min from Penrith but as mentioned are exposed to any weather. I'd vote Langdale boulders for best baby-friendliness with problem quality. Scratchmere is now un-banned again but the bouldering http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7063.msg102862.html#msg102862 is limited. Armathwaite is a midge-fest at this time of year. Northern Carrock Fell would suit as others have said. Enjoy!

[Pebblespanker]

Brant Fell is easy to get to, great view and given the relatively small height, child friendly - would that qualify?  - not loads of problems but enough for a day and the traverse is fun

[tc]

Completely forgot about the mighty Coudy Rocks, down by the river at Appleby. Not really bouldering, more like Pex with bolts, but a lovely la'al spot.

[SA Chris]

Embarassed to admit we are going to Centreparcs in Penrith for a few days end of March (the horror, the horror) and hoping to at least get a few hours in. From what I can see in the Grimer Guide and lakesbloc Carrock Fell is best bet for a quick hit? Is it child friendly enough?  And what section is best for concentration of high 5 to high 6 grades for first time visitor.

 Or can anyone suggest anything else nearby; short walk, grassy base, no big drop offs.

Thanks

[Fiend]

You'll be fine with the lower bits of Carrock Fell. There aren't so many pure picnic spots like The Hoff and Windmore End, but all the lower bits on the North Central Group are suitable (and good bouldering on Purple Slab, Arete's Boulder, Little Groove), as are the big two boulders on the Northern End (Low and Boardmans). Roadside, lots of good problems, and reasonable areas to anchor a small child.

[Johnny Brown]

Unless the access issues at the Hoff have been sorted, yes.

[Fiend]

I like The Hoff

[SA Chris]

You'll be fine with the lower bits of Carrock Fell. There aren't so many pure picnic spots like The Hoff and Windmore End, but all the lower bits on the North Central Group are suitable (and good bouldering on Purple Slab, Arete's Boulder, Little Groove), as are the big two boulders on the Northern End (Low and Boardmans). Roadside, lots of good problems, and reasonable areas to anchor a small child.

Sounds good. All landings / height OK for a single pad and no spotter?

Where exactly are The Hoff and Windmore end?

[Johnny Brown]

The Hoff is just south-west of Appleby. Its a perfect family evening spot, but is totally banned currently.

[Fiend]

I've always been to Carrock on my own with two shitty mats (= one good one) and yes they are fine. Northern Central group are quite low problems, Northern a bit higher but good landings.

Apparently The Hoff is banned. So I've heard.

Windmore End is just off the A66, errr, here: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=1637

It is a very nice picnic spot with great views, albeit very exposed to the WIND. Climbing is mostly highballs: http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.html?id=14081

[SA Chris]

Errrrr thanks.

Has anyone ever been to Cowraik Quarry? It doesn't look that great, but might have enough for a quick evening hit?

http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=1304

[Fiend]

Yes. Hardly climbed much there. It is how it looks in the photos. Go to Carrock instead

[SA Chris]

CF is the plan, but location wise it looked OK for a quick hit between the wee man being tucked up in bed and it getting dark.

[Mike Tyson]

Time and date dependant, I would be more than happy to meet up there to be a local guide and provide an extra mat and spotting.

I'm over in the North East for a wedding on the 31st, heading back to the Lakes on the Sunday though and could easily swing by.

[SA Chris]

Nice one Golt, be good to meet up. We are there 26, 27, 28 & 29 if you are about?

[tc]

Time and date dependant, I would be more than happy to meet up there to be a local guide and provide an extra mat and spotting.

Gimme a shout if you head for Carrock. If I'm around I'll wander across the fields and join you. Weather permeating, I'll definitely be there on 29th (with birthday cake).

[SA Chris]

Just resurrecting an old chestnut, which would be the best (if any) bit of Carrock Fell if you were going padless (+1 child - even less room); lowball, grass landing, easier grades. Should I manage to grab an hour or two! And esiest to get at, if that includes the above.

Ta.

[thekettle]

Head for the Northern group of Low, Mushroom and Boardmans boulders. Meets all of your needs pretty well.

[SA Chris]

Cheers. Forecast looks worryingly good.

[tc]

Sorry I couldn't join you. How did you get on?

[SA Chris]

My Friday window of opportunity was slammed firmly shut by drizzle as only the Lake District can produce. Went shopping in Keswick instead

[Mike Tyson]

Its a shame we didn't get chance to meet up for a climb, or a pint. Next time though! 

[SA Chris]

Not all bad; missus really liked Keswick as a town (shopping, eating, park, access to lake etc) and I casually suggested a cottage there for a week next time, which was greeted with interest. Worth the effort of keeping kids busy while she shopped for new approach shoes!

[Mike Tyson]

Good work!