Careless Torque Ground-Upped Again

Andy Earl yesterday made the second ground-up ascent of Careless Torque, E7 7a. In an unusual break in otherwise crappy weather Andy took a trip out to the Stanage Plantation, home to Ron Fawcett´s ageless masterpiece, with Gaz Parry, Percy Bishton and one of the biggest bouldering pads ever seen outside of the USA!Having tried the problem from the floor a couple of times over the previous few weeks to work out the perplexing and powerful start sequence, Andy made short work of the upper arete. Previously all ascentionists other than Rich Simpson had top roped this upper section prior to the solo. Rich made the first ground-up ascent in March last year. For anybody who´s interested in other highball solo´s in the Peak District the large mat in question is available for hire from the Climbing Works! Photo courtesy of Percy Bishton. You can read more about the ascent on the Climbing Works Blog and Gaz and Andy´s Blogs.

QuellePlanetFear