Castle Rock Block Finally Falls

© Vicky Bowman, United Utilities

The large section of rock - estimated at 500 tonnes - that has been threatening to detach from Castle Rock of Triermain in Cumbria has finally tumbled. The area remains unstable and the BMC are warning climbers to refrain from visiting the site or climbing on the newly exposed face.

The block has detached from Castle Rock.  © Vicky Bowman, United Utilities
The block has detached from Castle Rock.
© Vicky Bowman, United Utilities

Rob Dyer, BMC access and conservation officer, commented in a BMC news piece: 'United Utilities reported today that the large block at the top of the North Buttress of Castle Rock of Triermain in the Lake District, which has been showing signs of slumping for several years, has finally fallen. Fortunately the falling rock hit the scree slope under the crag and came to rest before hitting any buildings below.'

The signs of a possible rockfall were first spotted in 2011 (UKC news report), when the significant fissure became apparent. The crack was closely studied by an automated monitoring system installed by Newcastle and Durham Universities this year, which showed acceleration in the widening of the crack in September.

Once the new face stabilises, the potential for new routes will no doubt attract some keen first ascensionists.


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I'll have to update the Lost Rock article now too!

27 Nov, 2018

"Once the new face stabilises, the potential for new routes will no doubt attract some keen first ascensionists."

Start thinking of new route names now, folks!

I'll start the ball rolling with 'Face off'

 

27 Nov, 2018

There's got to be an Underhanging Bastion, surely?

27 Nov, 2018

I was expecting the road to be blocked with debris etc, Keswick cut off for  a few weeks.

27 Nov, 2018

One of the problems on the boulders below must surely become 'Humpty dumpty'

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