The Night of Hot Pies

Ali Renton

I was recently reading through old Climber and Hillwalker Magazines
in the college library when I came across an article ‘Classic Climbs in
the Lake District’ by Bill Bricket.

The route was located in Black Hole Quarry and followed the line
above the large cave entrance.  It was graded at El, Se, very strenuous
but well protected.

With Low Hall Garth being so close I just had to go and do it.  I
showed the article to a fellow student and climbing partner, Ian, and we
decided on a date.

The next Monday evening saw us driving up the A6S towards the
Lakes.  I was really looking forward to just seeing the route.  This
was going to be the first slate and hardest route I had attempted.

Tuesday, we were up and ready to go. We entered the quarry and
looked up at the route.  Wow -it was a long way.  We geared up and set
off.  There are two bolts on the route and then a long thin crack which
was ideal for placing rocks in.

The route was very trying and sweat was pouring out of me; many times
I had to reach for my chalk bag.  The article said there were plenty of
tree belays at the top and this was in fact the case.

On arrival at the top we congratulated each other then as the day was
still young and everything else in the quarry looked more difficult we
opted for Lower Scout Crag in Langdale before driving home.  A
memorable day.