The route Marble Slab was first climbed by Colin Kirkus in 1935. The nomenclature refers not to the nature of the rock, but to the fact that during its first ascent, Colin Kirkus was heard singing loudly en route: ‘Around the Marble Arch, Around the Marble Arch'. ♫ ♫
Kirkus commented about the climb:
A delightful climb of great delicacy and beauty of technique on perfect rock. If done in rubbers, a concession hardly to be grudged on such a climb, its standard might be reduced to merely severe. Standard: Very Severe.
Illustration: Colin Kirkus at Helsby