Part of the crag falls within the fall of shot zone for the rifle rage below the crag run by Lydgate Rifle & Pistol Club and frequently used by Police firearms units, so it is very important that all visiting climbers understand the access agreement for their own safety:
From The Rostrum rightwards inclusive, falls outside of the fall of shot zone and is on Open Access land, meaning there is free and open access to this part of the crag at all times.
Left of The Rostrum is the fall of shot zone from the rifle range below where large calibre firearms are frequently used. For safety reasons, access is only allowed to this part of the crag (and Deer Hill Moss behind) on Friday after 6pm year round when shooting should not be happening.
With that said, if red flags are flying on a Friday evening, don't chance it and stray into the fall of shot zone. Likewise, shooting can take place at any time during the day, so just because shooting isn't happening when you turn up, don't be tempted to use the left side of the crag on other days.
Parking and Approach
The best parking spot which has no issues associated with it is on the A6107 Marsden to Meltham road where a public right of way intersects it and runs up to the crag (a 30 minute walk).
Locals do park on the private road (owned by the water board) which runs up to Deer Hill Reservoir, but this is not formally allowed.
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 .