Catherine 24m E2 5b
Posted by: Trevor Langhorne, 03.06.201802.09.2017, M March, K Roberts, P Rigby

This worthwhile climb ascends the corner and groove system on the left of the steep headwall (the centrepiece of the upper crag) between Gowbarrow Bastion (HVS) and the second pitch of Gowbarrow Buttress (VS ). The groove features some technical moves on rough rock.

Start from ledges below and right of the large oak at the right end of the grassy bay, these can be gained by a scramble (see Eastern Crags Guide page 209).

From the right end of the block covered ledge gain the short slab using a layaway. Move left into the corner and ascend its left wall steeply until a ledge is reached on the left. Fix runners and make a rising traverse rightwards to a shallow gear slot in the groove. Make moves back up and left (crux) until easier rock leads to the top.

Parts of this route seem to coincide with Gowbarrow Buttress Direct which gained the ledge where you should fix runners from the large oak on Gowbarrow Buttress (it was graded HVS 5a and is not in the current guide) and The Girdle Traverse (Eastern Crags p212).

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