Saturday was probably the first good day here in the Lakes as since then it's been pretty wild & windy. Still super cold up on the tops with a pretty severe wind chill, keeping the ground frozen solid & any moisture must certainly be hard ice.
Francis climbing the second pitch of Botterill's Slab, Scafell.
Francis said that there was a good few centimetres of ice on the slab which was enough to support the feet covering the moss which sometimes freezes up. The right hand crack was well plastered with firm snow in places, some good ice & hooks for the tools.
Botterill's can be a good early season route with the conditions we've had which hasn't been masses of snow but a lot of wind plastering the corner & creating ice in the slab with a recent freeze thaw cycle.
Great to report that the hills are starting to come into condition, as this time last year I'd already done a good number of routes.
I've been away down in Sheffield for the most part of last week but keeping fit bouldering & climbing down the indoor wall at the moment.
Still super windy here at the moment with more snow showers & freezing temperatures up on the hill.
Looking forward to getting out in the next good weather day.
Good climbing
Ade
