Seathwaite Circuit 2011

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Seathwaite Circuit 2011

Written by Greg Chapman Sunday, 11 September 2011 14:15

Seathwaite Circuit Guide Cover Shot Not for the first time this year, I’ve had a few sessions over in the Duddon, this time adding a bunch of problems to what was a minor area on the east side of the valley, in the vicinity of Seathwaite Tarn. This was already (poorly) documented on LakesBloc, with the original topo only offering a few problems, predominantly centring on the Lingy Stone and an immaculate block/wall on the small hill of Horse How above. It also included a few scattered esoteric problems around Seathwaite Tarn and the ghyll of Foss How.

Image: The new Seathwaite Circuit guide cover, showing Andy Hebson on Once Upon a Time in the West (7b+).

Whilst I originally only climbed around four problems on the Horse How block I realised it had the potential for a number of other climbs, traverses and links, and until now I hadn’t been back to finish them off. Having now cleaned up the remaining projects, the block – now referred to as Thoroughbred Wall – offers a high density of good problems in a fantastic situation. As a bonus, there is also a small wall directly below featuring some really great easy problems, with good landings; ideal for kids and beginners. These new problems now make the area around the Lingy Stone and Horse How a viable ‘proper’ circuit, offering 30 to 35 decent problems. Anyway, if you want the full skinny on the area, I have written an up to date guide (in the modern format) that is packed with all the information you’ll need to know to make a decision on whether or not to visit. I’ve also knocked up a gallery featuring shots of some of the better problems. One word of caution, the rock can be quite rough. I’ve never had an issue with this, but I know some people aren’t so keen on the rough stuff.

The best of the new problems are: Fright Night (7c/V9), Man o’ War (7a+/V7), Thorougbred (7c/V9), Cookie Dough Dynamo (7a+/V7) and Beyond Thunderdome (6c/V4). Please treat the grades with a pinch of salt and as a best guest, any feedback would be appreciated. Finally, I’d like to offer some plaudits for Once Upon a Time in the West (7b+/V8), which despite being one of the best problems of its grade in the Lakes, and first being climbed in 2007, has seen little attention and remains possibly unrepeated (from sitting at least).