This has to be one of the finest climbing challenges in the Lakes. The Lakeland Classic Rock Challenge is a compilation of fifteen of the best routes in the region from the late, great Ken Wilson’s iconic book Classic Rock. The challenge was devised by fell runners and climbers who sought to climb all fifteen routes self-supported, and on foot from start to finish and all within 24 hours. Being over 50 kilometers in length and with over 4000 meters of ascent, this is a feat that is only achievable for the extremely fit.
With intimate knowledge of all of the climbs and the surrounding fells, we are able to guide you on this challenge at a more reasonable pace and would suggest allowing a minimum of five days to complete. Please note that it is also possible to arrange single days to climb specific routes off this list as well as many others.
Some previous multi-pitch climbing experience is essential as well as a good level of fitness and stamina. If you have the skills of a competent second and are happy climbing potentially wet rock and climbing and walking in the dark, so much the better! This challenge can be done entirely on foot with wild camps or with the use of transport and descending into the valleys after each day or a combination of the two. We recommend booking this challenge around midsummer to allow for more daylight and warmer temperatures.
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.
We offer a range of scheduled activities that are open to the public and that can be booked online via the red ‘Book Now’ button. Anything else (including this experience) can only be booked privately and enquiries can be made via the form on this page or via the contact form at the top of the page. We require a 30% deposit to secure private bookings and full payment prior to your course or activity commencing. If you would like any more information or have a specific question, please get in touch.
Once we have finalised the logistics of the challenge we will send you a kit list. We will provide all of the technical climbing equipment, including a helmet and harness if required. If you have any of your own equipment that you would like to use, we will encourage you to use it as long as it’s suitable.
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