Smugglers Terrace

Cleveland

A number of buttresses forming a cliff below the coastal path in the vicinity of Ravenscar. The climbing is well above the tideline and there is a series of vegetated terraces below the crags. Difficulties in accessing, vegetation and questionable stability in places, contribute to a "lost world" atmosphere and probable adventurous experience. This venue is not recommended for novice parties.

Crag information
Climbing Area: North East Rock Type: Sandstone
Importance: National CRoW Land: Yes
Ownership: Unknown No. of Routes:
Within National Park: Yes Year Developed: 2010
Grid Reference: NZ985015

First time visitors are advised to initially walk towards the cliff top from the parking near the old Ravenscar Station and head right for a couple of hundred metres to a small headland at NZ987014. From this point, a view to the left will show the line of buttresses and give an idea of what is in store. The recently rediscovered venue is in a process of development and reports suggest there is considerable scope for those wishing to establish new routes. Currently (2015) there are few easy routes with the majority of the claimed lines in the low to mid E grades. A miniguide is available which will be necessary to identify buttresses and routes. A cautious approach is recommended with challenging top outs and the need to contrive belays, in places from trees some way above the routes.

Parking and Approach

There is public parking at the old Ravenscar Station NZ985013. From here walk towards the cliff top and a variety of steep approaches. There are reports of a "fisherman's rope" directly ahead which can be descended with care. Other descents may be found as vague paths descending from the coastal path, dispersed over several hundred metres to the left. Bracken and TICKS are additional hazards.

CRoW Information

Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.

Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website.  

Group Advice

Not suitable for groups.

Area information

Weather Information

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