AN inspirational 85-year-old has just completed his last epic rock climb on Scafell.

John Daffern, who has been climbing for more than 60 years, has decided to call it a day on the more strenuous ascents.

A member of the Grange Group of Climbers, who all enjoy climbing in their retirement, John chose 'Slingsby's Chimney Route' on Scafell Pinnacle as the site of his last big adventure.

"The one I chose was a reasonable one that I thought I could do," he said. "It's a route with a lot of history."

Despite John's modesty, the route he picked is shown in climbers' guides as grade VD**, for 'Very Difficult', with stars indicating a challenging and interesting route.

It was not until the descent that John, who just 18 months ago underwent triple bypass surgery, had any problems.

"It was a gruelling descent," he said. "My legs just gave way and I was struggling to get back on my legs. My friends had to help me."

Mick Mariani, who started the club in 2001 and has known John for the past eight years, said that it is his 'persistent' nature that makes him such an adept climber.

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"He's an inspiration," he said. "He gets up things that you think he should not be able to manage. He's always very determined."

Mick's group meet once a week to climb, both indoors and out, and he thinks that John is the 'ultimate' example of how age should not be a barrier to outdoor pursuits.

"It's really easy when you get older to stop doing things," he said. "But don't! Give it a go at the climbing wall. Anybody can do it."

And although John said that it is 'regrettable but inevitable' that he will be giving up the more challenging routes, he will still be out exploring the Lake District.

John started climbing in 1953, moving to Grange-over-Sands in 1991 when he took early retirement. He says that there are a number of reasons why he enjoys climbing so much.

"It's a mixture for me," he said. "Of the scenery and the adventure.

"I have been all over the Lake District," John said. "I think I will be looking at more views from the valleys than I have."

And for anybody who is a little older and is not sure they would be able to climb, John has just one piece of advice.

"Go for it," he said. "Just get out and do it. Do not hesitate."