Castle Naze

On Sunday Paul and me decided to renew our aquaintance with Castle Naze; not having climbed there for a good many years. The crag is in a quiet corner of the western peak and has a scenic outlook over meadows and moorland but was surprisingly popular with numerous parties on the routes when we arrived.

Crowd scene at Castle Naze

I started off by leading Keep Arete (VS 4b) which I found testing at the grade but good climbing. Paul followed up with a lead of Pilgrims Progress (S 4a) which again we found stiff for the grade. Both climbs succumbed to a determined approach.

I then led Scoop Face (HVS 5a) which had a tricky start leading to a runner at half way which consisted of a size 3 friend rattling about in a size 4 hole. This made for a nervy finish up a steep wall.

   

Clive on Scoop Face

Paul then led Nozag a 3 star VS 4c which again was hard for the grade but as usual Paul managed to get plenty of protection even on the so called bold face. I then led The Crack (VS 4b) before we called it a day.

Neither of us could quite remember our last visits in the distant past so unusually for the Peak the climbing seemed new and more interesting, definitely worth the ride out.