LANCASHIRE ROCK

This site is a digital copy of the 1997 BMC guidebook to rock climbing in Lancashire

Red Prow

  • 74 - Specific Gravity

    Grade: 5c | First Ascent: -1993
    Rating: 0

    Climb the wall left of the corner stepping in from the right above the first overhang, (peg).

  • 75 - White Out

    Grade: 4b | First Ascent: -1975
    Rating: 2

    The wide crack on the left. Although a little loose at the top, the jamming crack is irresistible.

  • 76 - Ice Cool Acid Test

    Grade: 6a | First Ascent: -1982
    Rating: 3

    Superb wall climbing to the left of White Out. Climb the wall to a ledge at three metres, then step left from the left side of this ledge to gain a foothold above an overlap and climb straight up the exposed wall, passing a peg on the right at two-thirds-height. A large friend (or even a Friend) in White Out, might inspire confidence to tackle the initial overlap.

  • 77 - Nobody Wept for Alec Trench

    Grade: 6a | First Ascent: -1982
    Rating: 3

    Undoubtedly the centrepiece of the quarry, and one of the finest arêtes on gritstone. Ascend the striking arête starting on the right, past two pegs of dubious worth, to a thrilling finish on sloping holds.

  • 78 - Chalk Lightning Crack

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent: -1976
    Rating: 3

    A classic thrutch-and-grope up the off-width crack splitting the buttress. Good protection but it is still a thought-provoking lead.

  • 79 - Don`t Stop Believing

    Grade: 5c | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 1

    Start just left of Chalk Lightning and climb a short wall to a crack. Go up this to a sloping mantelshelf (crux) and a break above (Friends). Attack the wall above, trending right at the top.

  • 80 - Roadrunner Pinnacle

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 1

    Climb the crack/chimney just left on excellent jugs (finish here at VS, 4c), moving boldly right at the top of the chimney to finish in a superb position up the right-hand side of the overhanging arête. Photogenic.

  • 81 - Gnat Attack

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent: -1984
    Rating: 0

    Gain and climb the next groove/chimney to the left, either direct, or from easy rock on the left.

  • 82 - Falling off the Edge of the World

    Grade: 5c | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 2

    The outrageously leaning block succumbs to the fast, furious and bold approach. Climb direct up the overhanging tower from below. A 1/2 Friend protects the top move.

  • 83 - Omelette

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 0

    Climb Gnat Attack until it is possible to move left and finish up the deep crack bounding the tower on its left.

  • 84 - Rhythm of the Heat

    Grade: 5c | First Ascent: -1984
    Rating: 0

    Situated above the ledge on the end of the prow; climb easily up stepped rock just left of Gnat Attack on to The Diving Board, then spring up the dogleg crack in the wall above, continuing direct where the crack sneaks off left.

  • 85 - Acme Surplus Overhang

    Grade: 5a | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 0

    A route which completely encompasses the full spectrum of fear. Start from the upper ledge (the one above The Diving Board) and climb the roadrunner-pinnacle-type roof on the top of Red Prow. To second the route is not to have lived – but at least you won`t risk death!

  • 86 - The Field of Dreams

    Grade: 5a,4c,4c | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 2

    An enjoyable expedition with interesting and varied climbing on each pitch. The start is reached from a boulder when the pond is low, or by a short traverse at other times.

  • 86.1 - Pitch 1

    Grade: 5a | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb the right-hand arête on the end of Red Prow to a belay on The Diving Board, below a dogleg crack in the wall above.

  • 86.2 - Pitch 2

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb the dogleg crack, then traverse airily, but easily, rightwards round the arête into a corner. Climb this and belay below the formidable overhang.

  • 86.3 - Pitch 3

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb the right-hand arête on its left, then swing right to finish over the overhanging arête.

  • 87 - Stringbiff

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 0

    Climb the left arête on the end of the Red Prow, then the continuation arête and finish up the easy ramp left of the previous route.

  • 88 - Red Prow Original

    Grade: 4b | First Ascent: -1975
    Rating: 0

    Situated round the back of the Red Prow. When the pool is full the start can be reached by abseil. Start in the corner and climb a rib to a thin crack, then follow this to a ledge. Step right and go up the crack above to a ledge and large blocks, then finish easily up a ramp on the left.