17m, 2 pitches.

Rockfax Description
An ascent of the great icon of Lakeland climbing doesn't disappoint. Start below the wide right-trending crack.

1) 4a, 14m. Take the awkward wide crack to its end then move up left to a stance on the shoulder.
2) 4c, 6m. Gain the head-height ledge from the right, move left around the rib and make a thin move to the summit.
Descent - See opposite. © Rockfax

UKC Logbook Description
The most popular way to the top of the Needle, with contrasting pitches, both very polished. The climb starts from the ledge just right of the gap.
1.) 13m, climb the crack, left, then right to its finish; then ascend an easy slab to the shoulder.
2.) 4m, the highly polished and notorious top block (crux). Mantleshelf onto the ledge below the top block (it is easier from the right hand corner but it can be climbed from the right hand corner). Traverse left onto the face of the top block and up to the top. Belay round and under the overhanging nose of the top block.

WP Haskett-Smith (solo) Jun/1886.

Ticklists

Classic Rock , Kendal Wall's Best 100 climbs in Britain , My List , CUMC Ticklist , Lakeland's Best Multi-pitch Routes up to HVS , Lakeland's Greatest Pioneers , The Ridges of England, Wales and Ireland , The Ultimate SUMC Ticklist , The Original 'Classic Rock' List , EUMC - Must do climbs , Nuts of Legends , Steve Ashton's 100 Classic Climbs The Lake District , Lake District Classic Rock Challenge , Mountain Rock , ROCKFAX Lake District: Top 50 , 2020/21 Trips , STAUMC Ticklist , Lakes Classic and Hard Rock Selection , A Lakeland Apprenticeship , Lakeland VS Walking Tour , Snowdonia and The Lakes Classic Rock Summer Challenge , Turbo-Punter's Tradification , ROCKFAX TOP 50s upto e3 , Lakes ticklist , Lake District Ultimate Ticklist , British Rock Tour April '24

Feedback

User Date Notes
Jacktheclimber 7 Jun, 2022 Show βeta
βeta: abseil tat at pitch 1 is good
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: abseil tat at pitch 1 is good
Maoweee 10 Oct, 2021 Show βeta
βeta: Useful information on logistics of setting up the anchor and getting off: https://www.needlesports.com/Information/Need-Advice/How-to-Get-Down-off-Napes-Needle
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Useful information on logistics of setting up the anchor and getting off: https://www.needlesports.com/Information/Need-Advice/How-to-Get-Down-off-Napes-Needle
BStar 30 Jul, 2021 Show βeta
βeta: Abseil tat at the shoulder has core showing. Could do with replacing if it is going to be used.
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Abseil tat at the shoulder has core showing. Could do with replacing if it is going to be used.
JayW 28 Aug, 2020 Show βeta
βeta: Used a sling and the rope to lower down the second and then down climbed which was surprisingly easy. There's one thin move to get to the summit but it is a really positive right hand.
Show beta
βeta: Used a sling and the rope to lower down the second and then down climbed which was surprisingly easy. There's one thin move to get to the summit but it is a really positive right hand.
Lewis Johnstone 23 Apr, 2019 Show βeta
βeta: Amazing day out combining both Napes Needle and Needle Ridge
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Amazing day out combining both Napes Needle and Needle Ridge

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Voting
High VS
Mid VS
Low VS
High HS
Mid HS
Low HS
High S
Mid S
Low S
Votes cast 88
High 5a
Mid 5a
Low 5a
High 4c
Mid 4c
Low 4c
High 4b
Mid 4b
Low 4b
High 4a
Mid 4a
Low 4a
Votes cast 69
Votes cast 90
Style of Ascent
Lead
Alt Leads
Followed
Soloed
Toproped
Not Set
Onsighted
Repeated
DNF
Flashed (β)
Redpoint
Dogged
Not Set
Route of Interest
The Arete

Grade: HS 4c ***
(The Napes)

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