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Easy Terrace, Dow Crag - Lake
District
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Grade: 4 (was 3S in old
grading)
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A classic climbers' descent/high grade
scramble, that traverses the biggest buttress on one of the
Lakes' best known climbers' crags.
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Equipment: Helmet crucial, rope,
slings not necessary.
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Online Map link
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Views: 4
Technicality: 3
Exposure: 4
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GIBBER FACTOR* 4
*out of
five.
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Overview A classic climbers' descent/high grade scramble, that
traverses the biggest buttresss on one of the Lakes' best known
climbers' crags.
Although used as a descent route for climbers, Easy Terrace
is no easy scramble. Particular care should be taken to wear a helmet
and to be careful not to knock stones down on people below.
The whole route, and the higher section in particular, are no place
for anyone who doesn't like exposure, but the rock is sound and
navigation simple.
Approach There are two traditional approaches to the base of
Dow Crag's famous buttresses, from Goats Hause or Goats Water.
From Goats Hause a traverse runs across the base of the buttresses
in turn to arrive at the foot of B Buttress - you can just see the
blue mountain rescue box in the picture above - while from Goats
Water a zig zag route leads directly to the same spot.
Route The blue Mountain Rescue box at its foot marks B
Buttress, and from here move left along the continuation of the Goats
Hause traverse to a gully.
From here a ramp leads diagonally up to the right with good holds
well marked by countless footsteps. After a slight steepening the
ramp emerges onto a terrace above the lower half of Dow Crag.
Looking up at Dow Crag from Goats Water
Marcus Crompton from his OM
Album
Move left here, avoiding the enticing righthand continuation that
leads to Intermediate Gully. A series of ledges and fine steps moves
diagonally left up the face, with a short steep section as you
approach the left-hand side of the buttress and the side of Great
Gully.
South Rake, an easier alternative - Marcus again
OM
Album
The route now twists right to join and follow the edge of the
buttress to the summit ridge. On a good day the views from here are
spectacular, benefitting from an unobstructed view to the west and of
the Coniston Fells to the south east.
Descent A short walk brings you to the top Of Dow Crag, with
descents via Goats Water to Coniston and Goats Hause for an ascent of
Coniston Old Man and a subsequent descent..
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.
