Join us for a weekend of grit climbing in the western Peak District. We have booked Hazel Barrow Farm and Barn – nearest crag is the Roaches with many classic climbs in all grades to choose from.
IMPORTANT – Related training:
We have booked a day long coaching session with British climbing legend Johnny Dawes to take place on Saturday 30th July 2022, coinciding with this meet. This is a coaching session suitable to all levels so don’t be shy and head over to the sign-up page – there are only 12 spaces available!
Climbing in Western Peak:
The biggest area in western Peak District is most certainly the three tiered Roaches (Lower Tier, Upper Tier and the Skyline), continuing on to Hen cloud and Ramshaw rocks. Climbing ranges from super easy Mods through to highest E grades and with plenty of 3* climbs. Some of the most famous climbs in the area are The Sloth (HVS 5a, Top 50) and The Valkyrie (VS 4c), so head over and take a look. If you decide The Sloth is just too much, you can always scoot up the Pedestal route(HVD 4a, Top 50) under and around it, or Black and Tans (S 4a, Top 50) just around the corner. A bit further down the road, Hen cloud offers more multipitch options and some really hard climbing, but with a good mix of easier routes scattered among them too.
Have a browse on UKClimbing or flick through one of many guidebooks for western Peak District. If you don’t have one, remember to check the club library!
If you have never climed on grit before, here is an opportunity to experience this excellent rock in the finest setting. Some may tell you grit is an acquired taste, so let us help you acquire it!
Accommodation:
Hazel Barrow Farm is a lovely little campsite with 12 small pitches and a barn building for our use. There are two types of spaces available for this meet:
- Barn will sleep 4 people (£15 pppn), so get that sign-up finger ready if you want to grab an indoor place
- For the tents (£10 pppn), there is a small field but you can always nip into the barn for a warm cup of tea
You can’t bring the car onto the field. There is a small car park to leave your car and then cross the stream onto the camping field, so I’m afraid this site is not van compatible.
Food options:
If you fancy going out for food rather than cooking, the nearest pub, The Winking man, is only 15 minutes away. For breakfast/lunch you could nip into the Roaches Tea rooms on your way to the crag. There are also a couple of supermarkets further down the road, should you forget to bring supplies!
What to bring:
- Essential:
- Tent (unless you’re staying in the barn)
- Sleeping stuff – Sleeping mat, bag and pillow
- Climbing stuff – Harness, rock shoes, belay device, helmet, prussik, sling and carabiner
- Clothing – be prepared for all weathers – temperatures can be low in the Peak District even in July. Or it could get very hot.
- Weather gear – Waterproofs and a good pair of boots or shoes. Suncream!
- Personal – stuff for showering including a towel
- Food and cooking equipment – at least breakfast and lunch at the crag
- Water bottle or bladder – stay hydrated, make sure you have enough water to last you the whole day at the crag
- Desirable:
- Trad rack, half ropes or a single rope
- Boulder mat
- Guide books
- Maps of the area
- Walking poles
The Club has a stock of guidebooks which are kept at Bouldershack. This can be accessed by asking at the front desk for the key to the SCC library. Members are welcome to borrow guidebooks for the meet but please sign then out and return them promptly.
Members are also able to borrow gear from the club. This can be done by filling out an equipment request form. Details can be found here.
Travel:
There is not a lot of parking on site so please share lifts where possible. It helps the parking situation and helps the environment. There will be a Facebook event for this meet set up to help facilitate with the drive, so feel free to post a message in there if you are able to offer lifts, or are still looking for one.