New Routes, Bowfell 02-02-12

Still some great, well frozen conditions on Bowfell and around the Lakes.  Due to 2 sunny days the crags aren't frosted up as they were on Tuesday, many routes are still really good though.  Some of the steep mixed routes may be looking a bit stripped in places.

Bowfell Buttress

Today Brian Davison and myself went up to make the first winter ascent of the summer route Gibli on North Buttress.  The route made a great winter route with some great positions and despite a worrying guide book description wasn't as hard as we expected.  We thought VII/7 or maybe 8.  We also had time to do a new route on Bowfell Buttress at about IV/5, this gave a good pitch up a crack and steep corner for about 35m followed by a series of turfy groove lines.

 The Crux pitch 2 of Gibli

 Brian leading pitch 3, the key pitch that gains the ledge on the arete.

Just a couple of moves to turf...

Keep an eye on the Epicentre Blog to see how Steve Ashworth is doing on his winter BG round...