First ascent: 20th July 2013
I had been up to Scafell many times, but I had never really ventured along to the left end of the East buttress. A thin seam ran straight up a prominent face, vertical to slightly overhanging, but with just enough gear and holds to make it climbable.
The first lead attempt went well, getting though the crux and up to the large detached flake. However, I ran out of steam at this point and spent about 30 minutes desperately scuttling back and forth across the traverse that runs left from the flake and up a thin hanging groove/corner to better holds. The pull into the groove is stiff with protection provided by a micro wire. You then have to make a few quick pulls to a ledge, but I just didn’t have the strength left in me. I took a slump, exhausted and utterly dejected, knowing I had to come all the way back next weekend to try again.
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