ANGLEZARKE

One of the more popular venues in the Red Rose County is the extensive quarry of Anglezarke. It is home to a good set of routes across the grade range with some of Lancashire’s finest classics standing out from the pack. The easy-angled slabs near the approach are extremely popular with beginners and groups but in reality the better climbing lies deeper into the quarry. A bit of exploration will be rewarded with the dramatic Golden Tower or the steep and unusual routes on the Terror Cotta Wall. Unfortunately the rock is not best quality millstone grit, but a sandstone with some soft shale bands and other odd crumbly stuff. Only the relatively solid areas have been developed and most of the dangerous rock has gone, although the occasional snappy hold or loose block might still be encountered. Often sand washes down from above, especially on the popular climbs, where the grassy top of the cliff has been eroded. With this being the case, the harder climbs might need a quick brush before your ascent - get your mate to do it if you want to preserve the on-sight. In recent years much of the base of the quarry has become increasingly overgrown, and this has led to standing water and a more humid atmosphere. The could do with a bit of TLC, thinning of the vegetation would open up the walls to the sun and breeze.

Routes

66 trad routes (VD...E6) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents