The finest of all the western gritstone cliffs (and some argue finest of all grit) is the superb tiered outcrop of the Roaches. Standing proud above the Cheshire plain, the crag has routes of all grades and of a length that is exceptional for grit. The rock is tinted a pale pinkish and tends to be rather less abrasive than that of the Eastern Edges, though that doesn't mean that the cliffs many superb jamming cracks won't leave their mark! The crag can get very busy on summer weekends and as the parking is limited you either need to arrive early or be prepared to use the (signed) Park and Ride near Tittesworth Reservoir.

Photo: Teck Crack Area © ROCKFAX

ROUTES

102 trad routes (M...E8) 7 boulder problems (V5...V12) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents

Buttress (click for routes)	No. of Routes	Route Type	Sunshine or shade	Approach walk	Other	Page
Teck Crack Area To the left of the steps is a series of short undercut walls with good (and popular) bouldering and...	28			5 mins		48
Raven Rock Gully Area To the right of the stone steps the Lower Tier thrusts forward. The big names are further right,...	18			5 mins		50
Valkyrie Area A huge Easter Island statue of a buttress, perhaps the single most imposing bit of grit in the...	7			5 mins		52
Elegy Area The next section has some classic crack climbs but is nowadays better known for its superb...	31			5 mins		54
Chalkstorm Area Sadly the very popular easy routes here have been rather battered to death by never-ending...	25			5 mins		56
		What do these symbols mean?

Valkyrie
"hardest way is to lead 1st pitch and 2nd the crux pitch , but alot more enjoyabl..." 24/May

Rhodren
"Too short by far. Interesting moves all the way. Good runnners." 21/May

The Roaches Ridge
"A fun solo, when not too busy." 31/Jul

Valkyrie
"No way the first pitch is worth HS 4b anymore. Second pitch is more scary but no..." 02/Jul

Kestrel Crack
"Nice moves on the left hand start, the middle is a bit nasty and the top thrutch..." 12/Jun

Flake Chimney
"great route the grade little protection and quite exposed be carefull on the fla..." 22/Apr

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