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Loft Crag Buttress,
Langdale - Lakes
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Grade: 2
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A different way up the Langdales from
the usual tourist hordes, especially in summer. Middle grade
scrambling in classic surroundings with fine views over
Langdale.
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Equipment: Ropes and protection
strongly advised.
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Online Map link
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Views: 2
Technicality: 3
Exposure: 3
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GIBBER FACTOR* 2
*out of
five.
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Overview Langdale may be one of the most popular spots in the
Lakes thanks to a combination of accessibility, facilities and its
sheer loveliness, but it's still possible to avoid the crowds with
this classic middle-grade scramble on Loft Crag Buttress. Great views
looking back over Langdale and tea or a pint at the end of the day at
the ODG :-)
Approach Take the path from the Old Dungeon Ghyll that heads
diagonally across the hillside, aiming for
Gimmer Crag. Just
before the gap in the ridge move left across the steepening hillside
to reach Gimmer Crag. Beyond the right wall of the crag across a
grassy hollow lies Loft Crag Buttress.
Route An obvious rock finger marks the start of a shattered
looking buttress, but the rock is extremely good and grippy. Start
just right of the rock finger and climb straight up to the ledge
above. Easy scrambling up to the left leads to a flat grassy ledge
below a zig-zag series of ledges. The ledges start off moving left on
a steep wall, before moving back right to a large slab.
Take the slab to an obvious terrace and move right to ascend to a
large ledge. Easy slab scrambling follows, leading to a scree chute.
Cross the scree to a small rib which can be followed to the base of
Loft Crag's summit. A few easy moves up to the summit block bring you
to the top, and superb views over Langdale and Windermere.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and, particularly
at the higher grades, requires technical skills and equipment to
minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional instruction
or climb with an experienced partner.
