Rock climbing in the Peak District

Climbing areas of England

Rock climbing is a popular activity in the Peak District; particularly on edges such as Stanage or Froggatt. Generally the climbing style is free climbing (as opposed to aid climbing) [citation needed] and the rock is either gritstone or limestone. Climbing has been practised in the Peak District since the late 19th century; James W. Puttrell is generally credited with starting the sport.[citation needed] The first climbing guidebook to the area was Some Gritstone Climbs, by John Laycock, published in 1913. There are over 10,000 routes in the Peak District.[1] One of the most famous Peak District climbers, and a pioneer of many new routes, is Ron Fawcett. The climb known as "Master's Edge", on Millstone Edge, near Hathersage, is a testament to his skill and strength. The climb is graded E7 6c and rises 19m up the near vertical edge.[2]

Gritstone

The gritstone crags include:

Western Grit (Staffordshire, Kinder, Bleaklow, and the Chew Valley)

  • The Roaches
  • Hen Cloud
  • Ramshaw
  • Windgather
  • Castle Naze
  • Kinder Scout
  • Shining Clough
  • Dovestones Edge
  • Ravenstones
  • Rob's Rocks
  • Wimberry

Eastern Grit (Derwent Valley, Sheffield, Derbyshire)

Limestone

In-situ bolts and pitons are more acceptable on limestone and some crags are almost exclusively bolted.

References

  1. ^ On Peak Rock, foreword
  2. ^ On Peak Rock, published by the British Mountaineering Council, first edition 1993, ISBN 0-903908-91-3

External links

  • The British Mountaineering Council web site
  • The Association of Mountaineering Instructors web site
  • v
  • t
  • e
Climbing areas of the Peak District
Eastern Grit (north to south)Western Grit