The spectacular pinnacle of Napes Needle is Lakeland rock’s ultimate must-do. Arguably the most iconic symbol in the history of the sport, this short sharp exercise in rope management needs little introduction. But for the benefit of those who aren’t yet bored to stone by the fossilised old adage, the first ascent by Walter Parry Haskett-Smith in 1886 is (rather too) often said to mark the moment that rock climbing gained its independence from mountaineering.
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