Lake District – Trad and sport Fest

Causeway Foot Farm, Keswick, CA12 4TF

Join us at the birth place of recreational climbing*

Everything is on an epic scale in the Lakes – there are huge multi-pitch routes, but also plenty of easy stuff to cut your teeth on; there are also some spectacular hikes and of course stunning scenery in every direction you look 🙂 The best bit is that we will be here for 3 days over the bank holiday weekend!

Accommodation

We will be staying at Causeway Foot Farm Camping Barn which is a small, family run sheep and dairy farm set in the magnificent scenery of the Naddle Valley, just outside Keswick. For those that came last year you may remember the internal / external stair ways with dining room hatch to the bedroom, as well as the scenic path to the external bathrooms. The barn sleeps 16, and provides mattresses and pillows, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. There are full kitchen facilities and we will be doing a communual meal on the Saturday night.

Environment

The lake district is a land of dramatic contrast, with rugged fells rising over lush green valleys, which bear the ancient scars of mining and the modern ones of tourism. It’s popularity wears paths on the fells, which need expensive and difficult maintenance. Access to the crags here will be taken for granted by the majority of climbers, however it is worth remembering that before a mass trespass on kinder 100 years ago, the common man was not even permitted to walk here. We can all help by parking thoughtfully (never block a gateway) picking up litter, minimising erosion, and ensuring that others do the same.  Like the many of sea cliffs we climb some of the lake district crags have bird restrictions, which the guidebooks and BMC website describe.

Cost

This meet will cost you a mere £20 per person for three night’s accommodation, breakfast each day and dinner on the Saturday night. Please indicate whether you are vegetarian or have other dietary needs when you book. Bring adequate food for lunch each day.

Booking

To sign up, use the booking form below as always. Numbers are limited in the barn, but camping may also be available onsite – more information will be added soon.

Climbing

This meet is open to beginners (with outside experience) and more seasoned climbers alike; if you have never climbed outdoors do not fear! You can second routes with more experienced climbers.

Many of the climbs are high with long walk ins, for beginners we do recommend talking to others the evening before each day, so that you can be sure to have others to climb with. 

Equipment

Essential:
Sleeping bag,
Harness, shoes, belay device
Waterproofs, good footwear

If you own the following please bring these too:
Trad rack
Quickdraws
Helmet Half ropes (for trad), single rope (Sport)
Guidebooks
BBQ (if you want one!) + utensils

Guidebooks:

Borrowdale, Climber’s Club Guide 

Lake District Rock, Wired Guide

BMC Participation Statement:

In order to be covered by BMC insurance, all meet attendees must read and understand the BMC Participation Statement:

“The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.”

* The first ever documented rock climb was Napes Needle in the late 1800’s by Walter Parry Hasket Smith. This heralded the sport of rock climbing in England!