Cratcliffe Tor is one of the most picturesque gritstone crags in the Peak and home to a small, but magnificent set of climbs. Its location away from the main edges, and the lack of any real quality in the lower grades, means that it is seldom busy on the Tor itself, however it is well known as a great bouldering venue. The main area of interest for roped-climbing is the huge open walls that bound Owl Gully. Here the diagonal breaks offer some fine pumpy climbing often traversing out of the gully into impressive positions high on the faces to either side. The breaks offer plenty of protection but being fit enough to hang on and place it is the key. Around the corner from the gully is the dramatic Suicide Wall. The routes on this wall are almost impossible to view properly from below so you tend to begin your climb with some trepidation, however once you exit onto the wall above the trees the magnificence of the positions become apparent.
Routes
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33 trad routes (D...E6) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents |       | ||
| Buttress (click for routes) | No. of Routes | Route Type | Sunshine or shade |
Approach walk | Other | Page |
| Tom Thumb The first section of the crag is dominated by a huge yew tree, overshadowing a dark cave. The walls... |
11 | Trad |
Sun to mid-afternoon |
Uphill 10 mins |
357 | |
| Owl Gully To the right are the twin sheer walls that flank either side of the deep rift of Owl Gully. These... |
11 | Trad |
Sun to mid-afternoon |
Uphill 10 mins |
358 | |
| Suicide Wall A dramatic name for a thrilling wall, although perhaps it gives the wrong impression since, unlike... |
11 | Trad |
Sun to mid-afternoon |
Uphill 10 mins |
360 | |
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