Ash Tree Wall - Resent

Written by Greg Chapman Tuesday, 13 April 2010 15:40

I mangaed to resend Ash Tree Wall (retro named for reference purposes) at Fairy Steps, north Lancs. This is an old John Gaskins problem which climbs the centre of an immaculate limestone wall, around 100m right (as faced) of the Walk Away wall on the Upper Tier of the crag - it is a sit start to P24 on the LakesBloc topo. This line was originally climbed in the 90's from sitting, at around the 7b/V8 mark. However, over the subsequent years it has lost of number of holds, and is presumed unrepeated until now. I reckon 7c/V9 for the grade of the line in its current state, and think it is a superb proposition for those enjoying powerful wall climbing. Beta for prospective suitors: the line does not use the foot blocks/plinth on the ground, making for high feet and a stiff pull off the ground to start (via a side pull and undercut), before blasting direct for the break and on to an easier finish.