Undoubtedly one of the finest routes of its standard in the Lake District. This climb takes its name from the crag ‘Tophet Wall’ which sits high on the side of Great Gable above Great Hell Gate screes. The crag has a sombre atmosphere which is accentuated by its overhanging walls, as well as the names of the many of the climbs here, which fire up the imagination. It is described in the Fell and Rock Climbing Club Guidebook (2000) as: ‘A magnificent mountain outing winding its way through very impressive rock architecture’.
One of the features that make this climb so special is that it weaves its way through some very steep terrain at a fairly amenable angle and generally on big positive holds. The climbing has an exposed feel and is continuously interesting throughout. It also features in Ken Wilson’s iconic book ‘Classic Rock’.
The route itself was first climbed in 1923 by H.M. Kelly and R.E.W Pritchard. It’s graded Hard Severe (HS) and is usually done in three or four pitches. If you have done some other classic multi-pitch climbs in the Lake District this could be for you. It requires a confident approach and would suit a climber who has some experience.
The area is steeped in Mountaineering history and the traverse near the top of the climb passes underneath one of the Lake District’s hardest climbs: ‘Breathless’ (E9 6c), which was first climbed by John Dunne in 2000. It’s a real treat to have a really close look! Tophet Wall could also be combined with an ascent of Napes Needle or other routes in the vicinity.
Please note that Tophet Wall is a multi-pitch climb 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.
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.
Our pricing structure is based on a sliding scale with a reduced daily fee for every additional day booked. If you would like to reserve a contingency day around your preferred date/s in order to pick the best weather and conditions for your course or activity we may be able to arrange this for an additional fee. For more details, please see our pricing structure.
Please get in touch using the enquiry form on this page and we’ll get back to you with all of the details and a booking form for you to complete. We require a 30% deposit to secure bookings and full payment prior to your course or activity commencing. If you would like any more information or have a specific question, please use the contact form in the menu at the top of the page.
If you have your own harness, helmet, and rock shoes we will be happy for you to use them as long as they are suitable. You will also need a belay device and a couple of screw gate carabiners. If you don’t have anything, we can provide it. However, you will need to bring a rucksack, waterproofs, suitable footwear and a packed lunch.