A picture of me climbing Starter For Ten at Cow's Mouth

Starter For Ten

24th December 2025 @ Cow’s Mouth, 6B+

No beta. Probably the 4th or 5th time I’d climbed this, and the second session I’d had success with it.

I’d had a go at this in 2024 and done the first half (and the easier lines round to the right), but not really figured out how to gain the top reliably. On returning this year in April, it turned out to be alright. I don’t remember having much trouble with it.

It’s a little similar to Muscle Tussle (cut at the last moment from the video), but probably a bit better overall – everything’s just a bit bigger, and the holds aren’t as uncomfortable. I also did Big Holds For Big Boys on the same day in April, a 6C, but this was more fun, and for me a little tougher, despite what the grades indicate.

A picture of me climbing Muscle Tussle at Stony Edge
A shot of Muscle Tussle, a climb cut from the final video. That arete will bite your hand off!

Unfortunately, the footage from April was a little overcast and dingy. The only saving grace was a bunch of God-rays shining down onto Rochdale. However, on Christmas Eve, my wife was working, so I had the day to myself, and I was surprised to wake up to a seriously dry and sunny day. Rather than head indoors as planned, I made my way back to Cow’s Mouth.

A picture of me climbing Starter For Ten at Cow's Mouth
Starter For Ten done in April 2025 in more overcast conditions.

This time the scenery was pretty stunning, so I worked on repeating the climb in the strong wind. I improved the beta used by matching the crimp before going for the lip. Previously, I had left my left hand lower down, and bumped the right to the lip, beta probably only available for reachy people like myself1. This felt a bit more controlled, and a bit of a better demonstration, although I could have used my left foot a bit better in the second half!

The same day I also managed Get Your Fingers Out, and that’s the only other climb included from Cow’s Mouth. Another climb there, The Don, was another favourite done this year. However, with it being on quarried grit, and with me only having the courage to go up to the “finishing” ledge, it didn’t really go with the other climbs, which all top out on natural grit. I’d like to go and top it out properly at some point. It’s worth checking out if you go.

The Don at Cow’s Mouth. 6B+ with a tricky sit start, or 6B from standing. I was told by a mate that it gets E2 as a trad line, but you’d of course top it out, something I’ve lacked the confidence to do so far.
  1. Again, when assessing how height affects moves, I’m shown to be full of it. I’ve since seen a much shorter person bump with the right hand and make it work for her! ↩︎