TOWER RIDGE
Synonymous with The Ben, there is another Tower Ridge - one of Wainwright’s routes on Eel Crag, which, like many such lines, is overlooked by the majority. In common with all of Wainwright’s routes of this type, it is an impressive looking feature, well worthy of exploration, but proves to lack any real technical difficulty. In summer there are pockets of grade 1 scrambling (though harder variations are possible), and in winter, it offers an entertaining line to the summit which probably warrants Grade I.
After a week’s snow but little freeze/thaw action, the snow remained unconsolidated, just hard enough in places on steeper ground to warrant an axe, though the turf on the crag was well frozen. From a climber’s perspective, conditions were poor, but for the runner seeking a little variety on the Coledale Horsehoe, it was simply good fun on a spectacular day of dramatic skies and snow clad fells.
Once again I’d left the proper camera behind - there is little that freezes the fingers so quickly as fiddling with an SLR on days like these. I really must find a decent quality, lightweight and accessible alternative.
