Re: Please do not climb Copt Howe | Forum

Copt Howe 5

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Please do not climb Copt Howe

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FourWinds Sep 26, 2004 11:03:53

Replying to IronMan

I would think that using them as handholes isn't an issue, but that the problem is when the carvings are accidentally used as footholds. Modern climbing shoes have exceptional grips on them that are bound to take a little bit off each time. Even if this little bit is miniscule it all adds up over the years.

The laser scan would have found any that had been 'lost', so I don't think that has happened.

The vast majority of climbers are responsible and should be given credit for it. A sign should be adequate. Climbers will rarely stumble across places like this. Most will have got directions to it from books or the internet. If the books do mention the carvings and stress that they shouldn't be climbed on then that too is probably enough for most climbers.

IronMan Sep 26, 2004 11:59:28

Replying to FourWinds

I hear what you're saying Tom.

I've just noticed this shot, which is a bit more alarming than the ones I saw earlier:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/18056

There's what looks like chalk in the cup marks. This would mean that a horizontal traverse is being used with the crack near the floor, presumably being used for footholds. If that's the case, the constant rubbing of shoes against the rock surface as the climbers try to get a footing could do harm. The soles can often leave behind bits of rubber on the surface too.

Another thing I've just realised/remembered, and probably more of a threat, is climbers often carry round really tough, stubby little wire brushes to clean up finger holds and foot holds - gods forbid that they get one of those things near the carvings!

Definitely needs a sign putting up.

>If the books do mention the carvings and stress that they shouldn't be climbed on then that too is probably enough for most climbers.

Definitely - if there's no route detailed it won't get climbed (apart from by the odd idiot, but again, what can you do). The sport is about achieving set routes - that's where the competitive element lies. If it's no longer a recognised bit of bouldering, I don't reckon anyone would bother with it. Especially considering the stupendous amount of top class climbing available within 10-15 minutes!

baza Sep 26, 2004 12:04:32

Replying to FourWinds

I agree, there should be an informative sign describing the rock art and warning people to keep off; that should be adequate.

One thing I would like to ask, though, is: when rock art is found on a boulder, is it just the designs which are an ancient monument or the whole boulder? I would prefer to see the whole boulder regarded as the monument.

Baz