The low-level, south-facing outcrop of Rivelin Edge is often ignored because of a rogue reputation for midges and greenery. Whilst this can be true on a hot summer\'s day, in autumn and winter the cliff comes into its own, getting all the sun that is going, drying rapidly and being sheltered enough to be climbable when the other edges are a frozen, wind-blasted wasteland. The simple approach and the fact that it is inside the Sheffield city boundary makes it a popular quick-hit-crag when time is short. There is the possibility to finish work and nip out for an ascent of the Needle before the sun sets; alternatively grab the opportunity of a beautiful winter\'s day to have a go at one of the big aretes or blank walls whilst the friction is good. The central area of the cliff, around the Rivelin Needle, has the highest quality concentration but hidden away in the trees are some real gems across the grade range. Overall the place is well worth a few trips and after each visit it is likely that you will have spotted another excellent route to aim for next time.

Photo: Blizzard Ridge, HVS 5a, Rivelin, Eastern Grit. © Chris Craggs

ROUTES

119 trad routes (D...E6) 8 boulder problems (V3...V8) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents

Buttress (click for routes)	No. of Routes	Route Type	Sunshine or shade	Approach walk	Other	Page
Birch Buttress Tucked away on the far left-hand side of the natural edge (and just before the Lost World of the...	10			12 mins		58
White House Buttress A secluded buttress with ten routes, a mixture of good old fashioned crack climbs and much more...	11			12 mins		59
Kremlin Krack The left-hand end of the main section of the cliff is a steep bay bounded on the right by some...	23			10 mins		60
Blizzard Ridge A fine arete gives one of the cliff's classic HVS routes, albeit a bit of a bold one. There are...	10			10 mins		62
The Rivelin Needle Standing proudly in front of the main cliff is the fine obelisk of the Rivelin Needle, one of...	8			10 mins		63
Face Climb The long low wall of once quarried rock behind The Needle has a few popular easier routes and some...	12			10 mins		64
The Brush Off Across the bay to the right of the clean, quarried wall behind the Rivelin Needle is the fine...	8			12 mins		65
Plague and Auto da Fe A couple of buttresses with a pair of highly technical outings both protected by one of the last...	24			12 mins		66
Roof Route The edge continues to an impressive buttress offering some great challenges which are rarely busy....	13			15 mins		68
Altar Crack Area Rivelin finishes off with a fine buttress, Altar Crack and Nonsuch are fine crack climbs, very...	8			15 mins		69
		What do these symbols mean?

Too Much
"...and it's very worth doing." 26/Oct

Nonsuch
"Technical 5b climbing in a nicely sustained way. Fine if you can use your feet ..." 12/Oct

Jonad Rib
"Quite serious for VS 4c, not sure where all the gear was that people are talking..." 02/Sep

Fumf
"VS 5a sounds like a well-protected crux, but the finishing move definitely needs..." 22/May

Fringe Benefit
"Agree with last comment, the first move is probably physically the hardest - not..." 15/Mar

Reprieve
"A good route - bold, but still mild at the grade." 03/Mar

Altar Crack
"Wear a helmet! Lack of concentration as i reached the break meant my feet popped..." 25/Feb

Angle Crack
"I was going to solo this but so glad I didn't when I got to the crux which is ha..." 19/Jan

Altered
"Sloping landing; mud and heather cornice; dirty holds; painful sharp crimps. I'm..." 10/Jan

Auto da Fe
"quite easy for e4 but it can be tricky and pumpy working out the crux. this howe..." 20/Nov

We're Only Here for the Smear
"Yes, bold to onsight solo. Probably spot on at E3 5b." 01/Nov

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