Lakeland Classic Rock Challenge Overview
The Lakeland Classic Rock Challenge brings together 15 outstanding climbs featured in Ken Wilson’s iconic Classic Rock—a collection of routes that captures some of the very best and relatively easy traditional climbing in the Lake District.
The original challenge was conceived as a continuous, self-supported journey, linking all 15 climbs on foot and completing them within 24 hours. Covering more than 50 km with over 4,000 metres of ascent, it represents a formidable undertaking for even the strongest climbers and fell runners.
Fortunately, there’s no need to do it quite that quickly! With extensive knowledge of the routes and the surrounding fells, we can guide the challenge over a more enjoyable four or five days, allowing time to appreciate both the climbing and the remarkable mountain landscapes connecting each route.
Alternatively, choose individual classics from the challenge for a single day, or let us put together a bespoke itinerary taking in some of the finest mountain rock climbing the Lake District has to offer.
Which routes are involved?
- Little Chamonix (VD)
- Troutdale Pinnacle (S)
- Gillercombe Buttress (S 4a)
- New West Climb (VD)
- Rib & Slab Climb (HS 4b)
- Wasdale Crack (HS 4c)
- Needle Ridge (VD)
- Tophet Wall (HS 4b)
- Moss Ghyll Grooves (VS 4c)
- Jone’s Route (HS 4b)
- Bowfell Buttress (HS 4b)
- Ash Tree Slab (VD)
- ‘C’ Route (S 4b)
- Bracket and Slab Climb (VS 4b)
- Murray’s Direct (VS 4c)
Experience and Logistics
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.
How many can participate and 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.