Stanage Edge May 2019

A weekend stay at Hathersage's YHA (fortunately they had vacancies as on arrival when I looked for booking confirmation I found that I hadn't actually booked anywhere). Our first excursion of lead climbing outdoors and second visit to the awesome Stanage Edge.

Intermediate Buttress HVD 4a; Little Tower Chimney Right VD; Trinket VD; Narrowing Chimney Diff; Martello Buttress VC 4c; Leaning Buttress Crack VD; Flying Buttress HVD 4a.

We took aim at some of the top 50 climbs in the area. This ensured we were not disappointed with the day, lots of people out but with so many climbs to choose from there is no need to wait around for other climbers to finish their climbs, just go find another top route. Stanage is an amazing nursery for climbers making the transition to outdoor climbing with a seemingly endless ridge of top quality grit stone climbing in the lower ranges. If you are more accomplished there is plenty of higher grade climbing to choose from and all this is accesses a short distance from parking meaning no long walks in, and only a short walk back for forgotten gear (just my climbing shoes, nothing important). The Rockfax Eastern Grit climbing guide is essential for visiting the area to make sure you hit all the right climbs for your ability and can pick out the best routes in your range, I like that there is a space to log the date you completed a climb next to every one listed and the abundance of photos are excellent.