UKC

Restricted Access

The BMC has owned part of this popular sport climbing venue since 2005 (routes from Mr Cellulite’s Arete rightwards on the lower tier and from In the Jailhouse rightwards on the upper tier) and BMC land is actively managed for the benefit of climbers, walkers and conservation. Horseshoe varies from good quality, solid rock to significant areas of loose, hollow and blast shattered rock. Visitors should pay close attention at all times in case of loose rock and helmets are highly recommended whilst climbing or belaying.

In 2017, a re-bolting project took place on routes located on BMC owned land at Horseshoe to replace the old bolts and scale loose rock. The project replaced old fixed equipment of various vintage with new stainless steel glue in bolts, rationalised the bolt spacing on sport routes to reduce long runouts and standardised lower offs to double ring lower offs. A new lower off simulator has also been added to the large boulder below The Dust Bunnies on Main Wall to allow new sport climbers to practice re-threading rings before getting on the sharp end

19 routes were unfortunately decommissioned due to unstable or fractured rock which could not be scaled back to a solid state to place new bolts with confidence in their quality and strength. These routes have had their bolts removed and will not be re-equipped – we hope climbers will respect this decision.

Whilst this work has undoubtedly made the crag saferit has not and cannot make it completely 'safe'. This is still a quarried venue with blast damaged rock, subject to ongoing weathering and undoubtedly loose rock will develop again over time, not to mention all the normal hazards associated with climbing outdoors. It should also be noted that the areas of the quarry not owned by the BMC have not been re-equipped and there will still be old bolts which could be widely varying in age and quality. Whether re-equipped or not, assessing the quality of the bolts and rock they are placed in before and as you climb is still an essential part of the climbing experience at Horseshoe, as it is at any other crag.

Seasonal Restrictions

Reason: Nesting Birds

House martins sometimes nest on various routes on Main Wall - please avoid any routes with nests on whilst the birds are in residence.

Rockfax Description
The cracked arete of the cave system gives juggy fun. © Rockfax

UKC Logbook Description
A steep but juggy route up the blunt arete. Starts a little way up the bank but is worthwhile and has some particulary good holds.

Feedback

User Date Notes
jevbrown 7 Jan Show βeta
βeta: Another user has mentioned a loose hold 2/3 of the way up - it is still there!
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Another user has mentioned a loose hold 2/3 of the way up - it is still there!
oaktree 25 Nov, 2023 Show βeta
βeta: Lead 3 or 4 times before, this time stayed on the arete direct (au cheval) apart from last moves. Much better this way with great hidden holds.Great cherty rock, 2 star route (for horseshoe)
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Lead 3 or 4 times before, this time stayed on the arete direct (au cheval) apart from last moves. Much better this way with great hidden holds.Great cherty rock, 2 star route (for horseshoe)
SuperLee1985 19 Apr, 2022 Show βeta
βeta: Large loose rock masquerading as a jug at ~2/3 height in the groove to the right, just after a bulge.
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Large loose rock masquerading as a jug at ~2/3 height in the groove to the right, just after a bulge.
Alan James - Rockfax 29 Aug, 2020 Show βeta
βeta: Great little route with interesting rock. Much better than it looks.
βeta?
Show beta
βeta: Great little route with interesting rock. Much better than it looks.

Logged Ascents

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Guidebooks for Horseshoe Quarry

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