Questions
8 questions people ask at the gate.
Do I need permission to climb here?
No. The quarry is on open access land. Pay for parking, keep to the paths and follow the rules on the Access page.
Which rope should I bring?
A 70 m rope lowers off every bolted route. A 60 m rope is too short for four routes on Raven Buttress; the Rope page lists them. Tie a knot in the end.
Are the bolts safe?
Most routes have glue-in staples placed between 2012 and 2024. Gatehouse Slab still has some expansion bolts from 1995. Each wall page lists the date of the last rebolt.
When is the best time of year?
April to October for the south and west walls. Cold Corner is a summer evening crag. Raven Buttress is closed from 1 March to 31 July.
How long does the rock take to dry?
Gatehouse Slab dries in two to three hours after light rain. Cold Corner can seep for four days after heavy rain. The Conditions page has an estimate for each wall.
Can I bring a group?
Up to eight people without booking. Instructed groups email us so two groups do not share one wall.
Is there phone signal?
Weak on Long Wall, none in Cold Corner or Far Bay. The nearest landline is at the farm on Quarry Lane.
Who looks after the quarry?
A volunteer access group. They replace bolts, clear scree and count the nesting birds with the county bird group.