New Mills Torrs, 24th May

A great crag that is strangely neglected. This is probably because people are took weak and scared to face the challenge of these steep, well protected and uncompromising lines. Where has all the adventure gone, eh? Everyone who came to the meet experienced the magnificence of Mather Crack and Electric Circus (E3, my arse!)

Blackshaw Quarry, 3rd May

The last time I visited this place was about ten years ago in my soloing phase, unemployed with no mates. I did "The Best Bit of Rock in Glossop" and then went to play "Marbles". After 20 feet I knew I'd bitten off more than I could chew and my soloing took a back seat from then on. This time round, in the fading light of a May evening, completely pumped, with my hands on the slopey top of the same route, I looked down to see that my last runner had fallen out. I made a huge effort to reverse and from that, took to the air and was next seen two feet off the ground, grinning: brilliant! If New Mills Torrs is great for the arms, Blackshaw is fabulous for the fingers. The routes get feisty from the moment you step off the ground. They were all graded by Glossop's Strongest Fireman (Al Barker) so add an E point to everything. The rest of the team for the evening (Nick Colton, Mike Battye & Son & Son's pierced mate, Reuben Brown and the delightful Claire) all had a great time. None of them fell as far as me.

Far Black Clough, 26th April

This crag always surprises me. The light was perfect for our meet, and I got some inspirational pictures. It was good to share the place with outhers and we got to grips with its challenges. Some of the heather needs cutting back at the top of a few routes, but that is an easy job, and hardly detracts from the experience. Stone Tree (*** & E2) is a genuine classic, and well worth the 15 minute walk from the car.

Thursday night esoterica

Come along to our evening crag meets. Help out with checking routes, get your picture taken for the new guide and, maybe, do a new route.

The meets go through to mid July, when we'll reasess and publish a new list. All the crags are easily accessible after a day at work.

Thurs 24th May New Mills Torrs
Thurs 14h June Lower Shelfstones
Thurs 21st June Tintwistle Knarr
Thurs 28th July Alderman Rocks
Thurs 12th July Upperwood Quarry
Thurs 19th July Wormstones


You will need: bright clothing, a stiff brush and a sense of adventure.

Welcome to Moorland Grit.

Your definitive guide to many strange things. Noone ever climbs on the moors, and they still have the cheek to call themselves 'grit climbers'. Stanage is OK if you like a bit of predictability and sterility, but the moors are where you will find challenges that leave a lasting impression.

It's not that the routes are harder than they are anywhere else at a given grade (although they may not be easier), but that there's a different atmosphere up there. Anyone who climbs on these 'unknown' crags will, in time, start to see climbing in a new light.