Napes Needle Overview
Standing proud over Wasdale Head, this isolated rock pinnacle sits high on the south-west side of Great Gable . The original climb up Napes Needle was done in 1886 (W.P. Heskett Smith, via the Wasdale Crack). O ver a century later it’s still a unique and popular mountaineering challenge. Why not give it a go yourself and climb in his pioneering footsteps?
Guided Rock Climbing on Napes Needle
Although it is well within the grasp of many climbers, many opt for a guided ascent of Napes Needle because of the difficulties in getting back down safely. The easiest route up the Needle is via The Arete, which along with the Wasdale Crack are graded Hard Severe (HS) . Both routes join at the ‘shoulder’ and share the final mantle shelf onto the top. On a clear day, the views from here are stunning. Once back down, an ascent of Needle Ridge which lies just behind provides a fitting continuation.
From the top of Needle Ridge, the summit of Great Gable lies just above and can be reached either by walking or via another climb, such as Pinnacle Ridge on Westmoreland Crags. Equally, guided rock climbing on Napes Needle can be combined with an ascent of other routes in the vicinity such as the awesome Tophet Wall .
*Please note that the Napes Needle area is generally a multi-pitch climbing environment so some previous experience is required. If you have a good level of fitness and the skills of a competent second , then please contact us for more information and to organise a day climbing here.
How many can participate?
Guided Rock Climbing works well on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis (instructor to participant) and can be booked from one day to a week in duration.
How much will it cost?
Our standard rates are for private one-to-one guiding or instruction. Additional participants can join for £50 per person, per day, subject to suitable ratios for the activity.
For longer adventures, bookings of five or more consecutive guiding days receive a 10% reduction on our standard guiding fees.
How to book
Let us know which course you’d like to book, along with your preferred date/s a brief outline of your experience. We require a 30% deposit to secure all bookings with full payment due prior to the start date of your course.
Some previous multi-pitch climbing experience necessary
Reasonable level of fitness required
Safety equipment provided