Accessible, child friendly Lakeland Blocage (Read 14704 times)

tc · June 14, 2011, 02:00:36 pm

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 · March 12, 2012, 10:17:26 am

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 · March 12, 2012, 10:30:19 am

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 · March 12, 2012, 10:30:39 am

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

Fiend · March 12, 2012, 10:31:22 am

I like The Hoff

SA Chris · March 12, 2012, 10:43:21 am

Quote from: Fiend on March 12, 2012, 10:30:19 am

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 · March 12, 2012, 10:45:38 am

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

Fiend · March 12, 2012, 10:51:56 am

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 · March 12, 2012, 11:34:26 am

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 · March 12, 2012, 11:54:16 am

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

SA Chris · March 12, 2012, 02:14:18 pm

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 · March 12, 2012, 08:03:27 pm

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 · March 15, 2012, 09:25:20 am

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

tc · March 15, 2012, 03:14:56 pm

Quote from: Golt on March 12, 2012, 08:03:27 pm

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 · March 01, 2013, 02:08:46 pm

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 · March 01, 2013, 10:46:22 pm

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

SA Chris · March 03, 2013, 02:37:03 pm

Cheers. Forecast looks worryingly good.

tc · March 05, 2013, 07:12:52 pm

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

SA Chris · March 11, 2013, 12:39:30 pm

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 · March 11, 2013, 01:56:14 pm

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

SA Chris · March 11, 2013, 03:00:43 pm

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 · March 11, 2013, 04:16:55 pm

Good work!