There are so many historically important classics on the north crag of Castle Rock of Triermain, but I'd not climbed there before... For a long time, due to rock instability pre- and immediately post-2020 rock fall. I did go for a peek one time, but it was damp, forbidding and dirty looking.
I was climbing yesterday on Castle Rock south crag, and went with my mate for a look at the north crag. From below, it looked desperately overgrown and dirty, but we decided to give Overhanging Bastion a go, as it has had a few recent ascents. What a mega classic! It's got to be one of the best VS/HVS routes in the Lakes, especially the long ramp pitch. Brilliant... If you're an HVS leader in Cumbria and you haven't done it, then put it at the top of your wishlist!
I will possibly get slated for this ("don't wait for someone else to do it!", "you want someone else to do the hard work for you?", "the vegetation is part of the adventure!", "don't remove rare plants!", "it's not Stanage!"), but the crag really does need some TLC.
I'm tempted to go back myself with a stiff brush and some secateurs, but in my mind it's an enormous, daunting and skilled job. I'm not sure if others are similarly motivated... If someone has the enthusiasm and, importantly, the know how, feel free to message me and maybe we can work out a weekday this August (I've a bit of spare time at the mo).
Anyway... it's a shame to see it disappearing under mud, lichen and scrub. But, some of the routes are much cleaner than they look form below
Post edited at 18:30