LANCASHIRE ROCK

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

Tower of Babel Area

  • 8 - Gilmin Groove

    Grade: | First Ascent: (Pre-1975)
    Rating: 0

    Previously incorrectly named Gimlin Groove and Grimlin Groove. The obvious grassy left-slanting break from the tree.

  • 9 - Arête Finish

    Grade: | First Ascent: (Pre-1975)
    Rating: 0

    The pleasant rib above the tree.

  • 10 - Red Rock Gully

    Grade: 4a | First Ascent: (Pre-1975)
    Rating: 0

    From the tree move right into the main gully and ascend this over several bulges.

  • 11 - Cliff`s Route

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent: -1975
    Rating: 1

    Ascend the gully to a clean layback crack on the right, then climb this to reach a steep groove. Climb the right arête of the groove to gain an easy-angled slab, then cross this to the right to gain the top.

  • 12 - Brain Salad Surgery

    Grade: 4a | First Ascent: -1977
    Rating: 0

    Start just right of the gully and scramble to a tree stump below an obvious broken groove, then go up this to finish up the top wall.

  • 13 - Grass Roots

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent: -1985
    Rating: 0

    A little to the right a sideways-growing tree arches over the path. Climb to the right of a bolt to a ledge, then continue into the grassy groove above and finish up this. For climbers who are intimidated by the groove itself, it is possible to climb up and left to a bolt belay and an abseil descent at HVS, 5b.

  • 14 - Born Again

    Grade: F6a | First Ascent: -1992
    Rating: 0

    Start three metres farther right and climb directly through the centre of the obvious overlap, then climb rightwards until it is possible to finish up the centre of the wall above a bolt about two metres left of the crack, which is very reminiscent of The Tower of Babel` at Stoney. [E1 5b]

  • 15 - Born Free

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent: (1960-62/1975)
    Rating: 2

    The traditional classic of the crag. Remember to carry a rack. Start three metres to the right and climb past a flake at the right side of the overlap. Trend slightly left up a vague groove then traverse right to the prominent crack on the left of the tower and follow this to the top.

  • 16 - Born to Run

    Grade: 6a | First Ascent: -1985
    Rating: 1

    Retrobolted! A direct start to Born Again. Start one metre right and climb a blunt rib past several bolts, then finish up the top wall as for Born Again.

  • 16a - Variation

    Grade: 5c | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Start up Born Free to a tape thread, then step right into Born To Run.

  • 17 - A Fistful of Steroids

    Grade: 6a | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 2

    Retrobolted! The line of the crag – a central pillar that just begs to be climbed. Variety and interest of this order perhaps might even give sport climbing a good name! Start two metres right and climb directly over the roof (bolts) to bushes at the left side of a ledge. Finish up the front face of the pillar, past widely-spaced bolts.

  • 18 - Ropearse

    Grade: F6a | First Ascent: -1992
    Rating: 0

    Climb the right-hand side of a yellow flake to the right-hand side of a bushy ledge, then climb the wall above, trending slightly right. Abseil descent. [E2 5b]

  • 19 - Beers for Fears

    Grade: F7a | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 1

    An awkward, strenuous route that starts two metres farther right. Climb through bulges, then up the wall above towards a sapling and a bolt on the left and a bolt belay a little higher up. Abseil descent. [E4 6b]

  • 20 - Crimes of Passion

    Grade: F7a | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 2

    An excellent route up the centre of the wall. The explosive start is followed by intricate and sustained climbing. Start two metres to the right. Climb past a bolt to a jug, go up left past another bolt to gain a flat hold above (bolt), then ascend to the bolt belay on Beers for Fears. [E4 6a]

  • 21 - Grave New World

    Grade: F7a+ | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 1

    Start immediately to the right of a short vegetated groove and climb the wall to a bulge, then pull straight over this to the belay. Abseil descent. [E4 6b]

  • 22 - Kathleen`s Nightmare

    Grade: F7a | First Ascent: -1986
    Rating: 1

    Start two metres to the right and climb the arête direct past a bolt to finish up the loose groove above. [E4 6a]