Rydal Cave

Page: 405   Alt: 110m   GR: 355 058   Direction: North

Rydal Cave (Photo by Sean McMahon@ www.stridingedge.net)

Also known as Loughrigg Cave. This lies to the south of Rydal Water. A huge cave has been quarried out of a small outcrop of slate. Routes have been made on the headwall above the entrance to the cave. They gave sustained and very exposed climbing but are now very mossy.

Monster's Inc

 25m D

 

From the tree on the left-hand side at the bottom of the quarry, bound up following the rim of the quarry up to a flake jutting out. Pass this on the right to another flake which is also passed on its right. From here trend to the left and then around and up the easy slab to the stake belay. Very exposed due to the drop below which adds excitement.

First climbed in socks due to greasy slate.

First ascent: (19/04/2002) Martin Panton, Jude Onions

String of Burls

 30m E3

 

A left to right traverse of the lip of the cave. It is protected by bolts but one has been removed! Start at some blocks on the left of the cave, level with the lip of the roof.
(5c). Traverse diagonally down to the lip. Step down to some sloping footholds right on the edge (difficult to see). Traverse right and step down to a sloping ledge, again right on the lip. Move up and right to gain a resting ledge. Climb the rib on the right and short groove above. The finish is as for Scary Monsters.

Six bolts were placed. The fourth bolt was subsequently removed by C Dale as it was on his route Scary Monsters.

First ascent: (19/06/1989) J Metcalfe, I Williamson

Watch your Step

 E3

 

(6a). A scary, direct finish to String of Burls, starting from the second bolt, and climbing to the left of an overlap. Nut protection.

First ascent: (21/06/1989) J Metcalfe

Scary Monsters

 45m E3

 

The name says it all!
(5c). Climb the slab on the right-hand side of the cave. Make an awkward pull left round a bulge to a recess. Move across the left wall on underclings (crux) to a footledge. Climb up and left to a sapling under the overhang. Pull left and continue direct up the groove above.

First ascent: (24/04/1985) C Dale