Northumbrian Climbing Guide

Feb 2008 The ownership of the isolated cottage mentioned in the guidebook has changed and the new owners would prefer if climbers did not walk past the front of the cottage. A new track/road has been built to improve safety and security and the following arrangements have been agreed with Mrs Johnson, the farmer at High Carriteth farm Drive up the farm track to High Carrieth farm. Just before reaching the farmhouse park on the grass verge on the right between the wood shed and the sheep pen. Let the farmer know that you have parked there to go climbing. Walk along the new road/track towards the isolated cottage. After about 250m where the track bends to the right strike out across the field on a vague path in a south westerly direction aiming for the gate on the horizon. Go through the gate and continue in a south westerly direction towards the small rocks/crag. Skirt round beneath these to the right and head across to the fence and then the crag. Close all gates and respect fences. The crag is on CROW Access land but much of the access route is not and is with the kind permission of Mrs Johnson of High Carrieth farm.

It is not known who first discovered, or climbed on, Howlerhirst Crag but Howlerhirst Crack, Overlapping Corner, Harris Tweed and Howlerhirst Chimney were mentioned in the 1970 guide. Most of these, if not all, were the work of Gordon Thompson in the late sixties. The next recorded developments came in 1979. Whilst brother Bob played April Fool, Tommy Smith climbed an impressive blank looking arête protected only by his Guardian Angel. Climbed in E.B.’s this superb route was well ahead of its time in boldness. Slightly later Paul Stewart and Bob Smith added Mad March Hare and Autumn respectively. Richard Davies led Devils Soulmate in September 1989. Dave Pegg added Where Angels Fear to Tread in October 1991. The latest additions were by Steve Crowe and Karin Magog whilst checking the text for this edition.