Land’s End Long Climb

Recently, I had the opportunity to be guided up the Cornwall Classic Rock Climb “Land’s End Long Climb” by Charlie. It was a fabulous route and we had amazing conditions for it. Land’s End Long Climb is an 8-pitch, 3-star classic that should be on everyone’s ticklist!

Though graded at a VDiff, some of the pitches are quite serious for both leader and second, so I was very grateful for Charlie’s knowledge and expertise, as care was required with protection to keep us safe.

Rock Climbing in Cornwall

After a short scramble downhill, we approached the base of Hotel Buttress, where the climb begins. Above the clutches of the sea, we set off up the wide crack and pulled over to a large ledge, where the second pitch began. Much laughter ensued, as we each managed to pull over the large ledge in distinct and unique ways – some of us may even have needed to seal launch!

The second pitch, nicknamed ‘Elbow Crack’, provided some lovely climbing up a corner crack where we reached a slab which would begin the third pitch. Climbing the slab put us in a spectacular position for the grade, as we dropped down the slab and crossed a wide gap to bring us to the next belay.

After another short pitch, we had arrived at one of the iconic moments of the multi-pitch climb. The wide chimney with picturesque views of the ocean behind us, which we bridged up for a few metres before transferring to back to face climbing. The fun still didn’t end there, however, as the next pitch consisted of a few spooky moves across a wall that needed to be traversed before we reached the gully of the next belay. From there, there was some more traversing and a short-steep climb, before we reached the final pitch.

So close to the top now, only 7 meters to go, and one final hurdle to overcome: the lichen-covered wall, nicknamed “The Green Face”. This steep wall was quite tough for the grade, but made for a fantastic ending to such an amazing day out. Topping out after this last pitch gave us a great sense of achievement. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sitting at the top of a multi-pitch climb, appreciating the views and feeling triumphant from what you’ve just accomplished.

Guided Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing Courses in Devon, Dartmoor and Cornwall. We deliver bespoke climbing courses to suit your individual needs and aspirations. Develop your skills, learn to lead, multi pitch and guided climbing on some of the classic routes…For more information please get in touch to arrange a tailor-made course.