“Would a Swiss guide attempt a thing like that?”

An awestruck John Wilson Robinson to Walter Parry Haskett Smith on his first sighting of Napes Needle (1885)

On this day you get the opportunity to climb two classic multi-pitch routes. The legendary Napes Needle holds great attraction for many climbers, and is sure to sit in many wish lists. Climbing Napes Needle is a unique experience, and one that you are sure to remember for a very long time! Couple this short but stiff climb with the longer easier route of Needle Ridge and you're all set for a great day in the mountains.

Due to the location of Great Gable, on which these routes lay the start of the climbs can be approached from either Seathwaite in the Borrowdale Valley, or from Wasdale Head in the Wasdale Valley. Both approaches take about 2 hours.

Napes Needle offers an abundance of routes, ranging from HS to E3. On the day we will climb either The Wasdale Crack (HS***) or The Arête (HS***).

“The mountains will always be there, the trick is to make sure you are too”

Hervey Voge

The Wasdale Crack

13m. Climb the awkward crack, facing left, then right to its finish; then ascend an easy slab to the Shoulder.
4m. Mantelshelf onto a narrow ledge (easier from right). Traverse left onto the face and climb directly to the top.

The Arête

16m. Traverse delicately horizontally right until a pull round onto the arête can be made. Climb the arête to the shoulder.
4m. Mantelshelf onto a narrow ledge (easier from right). Traverse left onto the face and climb directly to the top.

After a bit of ingenuity you will descend from Napes Needle, from where you will be at the start point of Needle Ridge.

Needle Ridge

1.12m. Climb the very polished slab above the Gap to a short shallow chimney that trends to a block belay on the edge of the ridge below a steep wall.
18m. The crack in the steep wall above, followed by easier rocks, leads to a blocky ledge. Scramble along the crest of the ridge for 7 metres to a stance.
15m. Climb the chimney above for 4 metres, then step left onto the edge and follow this to the ledge. Either climb the short corner on the right, or pull delicately direct to a large ledge.
34m. Climb the groove above which leads to the crest of the ridge, step around this and follow a straight crack in the wall overlooking the gully which leads back onto the crest.
35m. Easy scrambling along the gendarmed crest to the main ridge of The Napes.

With Needle Ridge under our belts we will descend down to the climbers traverse path via the red scree chute. From here we will retrace our walk in route back to our chosen start point.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for the walking in and walk out of this climb. Harnesses and helmets can be provided by The Lake District Walker if required.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.