Regional Access Database

Advice Cathedral Quarry (Black Hole Quarry)

Impressive slate quarry with spectacular climbing in a sunny location.
BMC Area Lake District Rock Type Slate
Climbing Area Dow, Duddon & Slate Access Status Advice
County Cumbria CRoW Land No
Importance Local SSSI No
Ownership National Trust No. of Routes 26
Within National Park Yes Year Developed 1981



No restrictions for individual climbers.


Please do not park by the ford as this creates problems - the best place to park is at Hodge Close.


The crag is owned and managed by the National Trust which has gone to considerable lengths to keep the quarry open for climbers. All group leaders must attend a safety briefing session - contact the National Trust property manager Jim Loxham on (015394) 41197 or email - jim.loxham@nationaltrust.org.uk


With implimentation of the CRoW Act (2000), many Lakes fells and crags now have an Open Access designation. They also have many nationally important bird and plant species dependant on inaccessible crags/ledges and heather/mixed heath environments for survival.
During the bird nesting period, a number of species can be vulnerable to disturbance. The Lake District restrictions are monitored, variable (VR) and reviewed in April/May. If the birds do not nest, restrictions are lifted early. Check notice boards in shops, walls and cafés in early May for details and the BMC and FRCC websites.

New restrictions will be notified on the websites and with on-site notices.

See the BMC's 2010 poster for a full description of the nesting restrictions;
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=279

To view the BMC's Lake District Green Climbing Guide click this link;
http://www.thebmc.co.uk/bmcNews/media/u_content/File/access_conservation/access_publications/BMC%202009%20Lakes%20Green%20%20Climbing%20Guide.pdf

Last updated: 08/01/2007