Troutdale Pinnacle

I think I last climbed this route 23 years or so ago.
It rightly regarded as one of the absolute classics of the Lake District - but back then I was a competitive youth and its (comparably) lowly grade probably explains why I don't really recall it too well, if in fact at all.
Nowadays I'm all about the overall experience - I climb far more based on stars and reviews than grades - and what a treat Troutdale Pinnacle turned out to be.
For a start its a route on a chunk of rock that dominates its surroundings - the views from the crag itself are spectacular - and by climbing it mid week we had this 3 star classic all to ourselves. The route takes the obvious lines of weakness through some impressive ground - finding gentle slabs amongst steep walls - and then when it does get steep the holds are huge - sure there's the odd committing moment when you have to trust the next hold will appear - but they keep on coming all the way to the top. At each belay we had a quick check of the guidebook - not because we weren't sure - just the ground ahead always looks so improbable until you're across it.
As the leader it takes a bit of thought - you are travelling through some impressive territory and you need to make sure your second is protected - especially on pitch four's descending traverse - but these minor difficulties are more than made up for by the situations the route has to offer - sitting on the pinnacle itself must surely be one of the best vantage spots in Borrowdale - if not the whole of the Lakes.

I'm pretty sure it won't be another 23 years before I'm back on this route.