Nowt But a Fleein' Thing

More about the book

In 1874, George Seatree and Stanley Martin achieved the first ascent of North Climb, marking a pivotal moment in Scafell's climbing history by ascending its main face outside the obvious gully lines. Their report astonished Will Ritson, landlord of the Huntsman's Inn, who skeptically remarked that "nowt but a fleein' thing could git up't crags on't Wasdale Head side." This book chronicles the 200-year history of climbing on Scafell's crags in summer and winter, documenting every route and detailing significant ascents. It features extensive illustrations from both archival and newly commissioned photographs. A notable portion of the source material includes unpublished recordings from the pioneers of these climbs. The text also provides a thorough exploration of the geological features of the crags, along with new maps, crag diagrams, and notes on climbing conditions. Biographies of past climbers and a comprehensive first ascent list encompassing both summer and winter climbs are included. Produced by members of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club, this work stands as one of the most detailed compilations of rock climbing history for a single mountain crag in Britain, reflecting the club's long-standing commitment to documenting the Lake District's climbing heritage since its founding in 1906-07.